Parents' Guide to Marijuana (Paperback)

~ Dr. Mitch Earleywine (Author), Steven Wacksman (Illustrator) "I don't know how I get myself into these things, but there I was, standing before at least a dozen parents..." (more)
Key Phrases: soft emotions, high brain, Phineas Gage

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Responsible parents know that marijuana isn't appropriate for teens, but they also shouldn't lie when they explain why. After hours of drug education that contradicts what they've seen with their own eyes, teens are understandably wary of negative opinions about the plant. Parents who rely on similar disinformation often find it costs them credibility and respect. With this guide, parents learn how to have healthy, honest discussions with their teen while forging a stronger relationship. It shows parents how to dispute widespread propaganda about pot and establish themselves as reliable authorities so they can fit relevant, casual chats into everyday interactions and never have to lecture or plead. Then, with their reputations and integrity intact, they can explain how frequent use of marijuana causes problems. Even parents who experimented, or who continue to experiment, can use these innovative strategies to explain their rational objections to teenage marijuana use.

Product Details

• Paperback: 106 pages
• Publisher: High Times Books (February 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893010244
• ISBN-13: 978-1893010246
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,033,341 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, balanced, and easy to read, March 30, 2008

By	Gill Bedi (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have to say, when I saw the publisher (High Times) of A Parent's Guide to Marijuana by Mitch Earleywine PhD, I thought it would be pro-drugs. It isn't. It isn't anti-drugs either; it's that rare beast, a balanced and sensible book about an illegal drug. This book, a guide for parents who want to engage with their children about cannabis without lying, bluffing or lecturing, has a lot to recommend it. It is presented as a dialogue between Dr Earleywine and a group of parents he is working with; while remaining conversational and easy to read, it covers the breadth of scientific literature related to risks (and benefits) of pot. Most impressive is Dr Earleywine's knack for presenting fairly complex scientific ideas in ways that are easy for pretty much anyone to grasp. In doing so, the book invites readers to understand and make their own decisions about the science and what it means for them and their kids. By endorsing the middle ground, Dr Earleywine arms parents to talk about marijuana with their children in a more knowledgeable (and hence more credible) way. He offers general suggestions for talking to children about tricky issues, as well as specific information about pot. The book is short, and, importantly for parents, easy to read in small grabs. I would recommend this book as an excellent resource for those who wish to help their children make safe decisions about marijuana and drug use in general.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Goods on Ganja, March 23, 2008

By	K. I. Kellison "Kit" (Clayton, MO, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Earleywine's new book on the dangers of marijuana for adolescents is accessible in its conversational style, and informative enough to make this reader satisfied she's gotten her money's worth.

Earleywine's studies on marijuana make him one of the country's foremost authorities on the subject. There is no speculation in this work that isn't backed up with hard facts. Although he questions and dispels some popular myths, make no mistake: he is not a marijuana apologist.

Marijuana is dangerous to use during the formative years of adolescence, and Earleywine gives parents the tools to offer this information in a way kids will accept it as viable. Decades of misinformation in drug "education" has left kids suspicious and dismissive of what the experts have to say. It's high time (pardon the pun) there was solid info to impart to our children to help them make the best decision when the time comes to make it.

Not every kid is going to do the smart, reasonable thing, but if I had known this stuff when I was thirteen, I, for one, would not have used.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Parents -- Put My Mind at Eease, May 2, 2008

By	John P. Forsyth "University at Albany" (Albany, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have three kids under the age of 12. One of my biggest fears is facing the challenge of my kids dealing with peer pressure about drugs as they grow up, and worse going down the dark path of addiction. I don't think I am alone. The challenge is to know how to address the issue with compassion, resolve, and with a sobered understanding of the issues, uncontaminated by media hype. This book helped put my mind at ease and gave me some sensible strategies that I think will be of enormous help for me as a parent and for my kids. This book is a must read for parents and caregivers. It will help you and your child face the challenges of smoking pot in a way that upholds your values as a parent and your love for your children. You will be better for it and so will they.

John Forsyth
Author of The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety: A Guide to Breaking Free From Anxiety, Phobias, and Worry Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and ACT on life, Not on Anger.