According to a recent analysis, “The number of Americans who smoke cannabis on a daily or near-daily basis now exceeds those who drink alcohol as often.” Even a Gallup study found that 70 percent of U.S. adults favor cannabis legalization.
Yet, the ongoing stigma surrounding cannabis use still makes some consumers feel as though they need to hide their consumption from friends and family.
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The question is, why are 30 percent of U.S. citizens not in favor of legalizing cannabis? And how can you navigate sharing the fact with your family that you do indulge in cannabis? Should you tell them? Or is it a private matter in your personal life that’s none of their business? In this article, I’ll be offering advice on how to best inform your family and friends who may not be a fan of cannabis that you smoke, vape, eat, or drink cannabis products.
But first, let’s get into some common misconceptions surrounding cannabis use.
Misconceptions of Cannabis Use
Cannabis is just another vice
In recent years, I’ve swapped alcohol with cannabis to lead a healthier lifestyle. And since then, I’ve heard a lot of folks say, “You’re just trading in one addiction for another.” Here’s the thing: we all have vices. Yours might be gambling. Your friend’s might be eating or running. The question isn’t what’s your vice, the question is what’s causing it? What’s bothering you? We’re all using something to escape, right?
The only difference is using a vice as an escape keeps you from being your best self and often alters how well you can live your life—this is what happened with me and alcohol. But cannabis is something that I use mindfully in conjunction with therapy; I’m doing the work to learn what it is I’m trying to escape from. And I’m using cannabis strategically when I want to either be more creative or if something physically hurts. I’m using it to enhance my life instead of escape and hide from my stressors.
Cannabis makes you a stereotypical “stoner”
Another misconception around cannabis use is that if you consume cannabis, you’re automatically a “stoner.” Some people will wrongfully assume you’re unproductive, irresponsible, or unsafe around children if you consume cannabis to any degree. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
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The misconception that cannabis users are constantly high and non-functional is outdated propaganda meant to scare people. For me and for many consumers, cannabis is used methodically for things like relaxation, anxiety support, muscle recovery, mental health benefits, and even to create a focused, productive experience.
Starting a conversation about cannabis use with loved ones
If you do want to inform your friends and family of your cannabis use, more power to you! Through my own experience, I would recommend you have an honest and transparent conversation with them. Below are tips for how to get the conversation started, how to respond to criticism, and how to balance being honest while keeping your well-deserved privacy.
Own your cannabis use
It’s important to realize you’re not going to convince everybody that cannabis is good. This is where owning your choice comes in. Identify what specifically bothers your loved one and assess whether it’s something you can address or not. Sometimes, no amount of education will change a person’s mind because it’s not about the facts; it’s about their personal beliefs—and that’s okay! You need to gauge whether it’s worth the effort and be okay with walking away from the conversation if it’s a lost cause.
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Address their concerns
As for addressing concerns, I’d advise you to be upfront and honest. Explain how you use cannabis responsibly, and emphasize that it doesn’t interfere with your daily life. For example, if they’re worried you won’t be able to drive your children to soccer practice, you can explain when and how you consume and that you (obviously) don’t drive during or after consuming cannabis.
While no one should have to defend their choices, providing clear information and addressing their concerns directly can help ease misunderstandings. Confidence in your choices can often put others at ease, and addressing concerns calmly and factually can help reduce stigma. Ultimately, if you believe in what you’re doing and present it confidently, most people won’t engage in a confrontation.
Overcome their objections
To overcome their objections to cannabis, you have to know what it is exactly that’s bothering that family member. Everyone has different reasons for their judgments, so open communication is key. Ask them, “I see you’re concerned about my cannabis use. Could you tell me specifically what worries you?” This then opens the door for a productive conversation.
Overall, you have to know what’s bothering them. Is it the old propaganda? Is it the old DARE program? Is it that they just don’t know enough about the plant?
Prepare for resistance
You can quietly consume cannabis without drawing attention or start introducing it around your family gradually. But you have to be prepared to accept some pushback. When that happens, focus on listening to the other person’s concerns instead of bombarding them with “why” questions or facts. They may have spent years with a certain mindset, and a few pieces of information won’t change their opinion overnight. Start by understanding their concerns and, over time, address them bit by bit.
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Balancing honesty with privacy
You have to ask yourself: Is it worth disrupting a comfortable, familial dynamic over my occasional cannabis use? What do I gain from it? For me, the answer is usually nothing. It would just cause unnecessary tension.
For instance, on a recent family vacation, I brought small edibles, kept them discreet, and used them mindfully without getting high. It helped me stay calm without rocking the boat. In situations like that, I don’t mind staying quiet to make family interactions smoother. If they ever asked, I wouldn’t lie—I’d be honest about my use. In the end, it’s about deciding what’s worth it to you.
Final thoughts
It blows my mind how many people use cannabis but keep it private out of fear of judgment. The stigma is starting to fade, but people are still nervous. I think if more of us just start talking about it openly, that stigma will continue to diminish. You’d be surprised who uses cannabis—it’s not always who you expect. The key is open communication—talking about it helps normalize it.
*This article was submitted by a guest contributor. The author is solely responsible for the contents.