The Dreaded Question: Mom, Did You Ever Smoke Pot?

By GalTime Teen Experts Barbara Greenberg, Ph.D. and Jennifer Powell-Lunder, Psy,D.

"Mom/dad did you ever smoke pot?"

Maybe you never smoked it and you can honestly answer that you did not partake. You may, however, be part of the group that did try or even smoked marijuana occasionally or even on a regular basis.

So, what's a parent to do when their teen gets curious? Is it beneficial to answer honestly, deny it, or to tell them that it's not important information for them to have?

Related: Parents Delusional About Teen Drinking/Drugs

We have some ideas on this very tricky and "high"ly important topic (a little levity never hurts).

First, think about why the teen wants to know. We believe that they are probably more interested in addressing the topic than in learning about their parents' past behavior. Ask them their thoughts about drug use and share your concerns. With their question, they may be providing you with an excellent talking/teaching moment.

Related: What to Do When Your Kids Give You the Silent Treatment

Second, if after discussing the topic they continue to ask if you have smoked pot then keep in mind that there is no right answer. Before you answer though, ask yourself what you hope to accomplish. If you want to say yes so that your teen will see you as cool, think again. They are unlikely to see you as cool. They are more likely to interpret a lighthearted YES as permission for them to smoke marijuana. If you decide to say yes because you want your teens to learn from your experience, that may be an entirely different matter.

Finally, there are parents who will say no even if they do have a marijuana history. We can't tell you what to do. We do suggest, however, that you consider saying that it's unnecessary for them to know rather than risk being viewed as dishonest. Kids always seem to learn the truth eventually.

This is one tough topic.

We would love to get your input.

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