Children’s book opens door to talking about pot

Photo Courtesy of Goodreads.com 

As advancements are made almost daily in medical marijuana, the age-old myth of pot being a terrible drug is being picked apart as medical specialists find more information about the plant.

Society is beginning to look at marijuana differently as laws are being slowly put into place that could allow the once unspeakable plant to become recreational for people over the age of 21.

Even though marijuana is being seen in a more positive light, some people believe children should have knowledge of the plant beyond its negative gangster stigma; some have portrayed the plant as having and giving kids the understanding of its medical and financial benefits.

“Just a Plant” is an illustrated children's book about marijuana. It follows the journey of a young girl as she learns about the plant from a diverse cast of characters including her parents, a local farmer, a doctor and a police officer.

Marijuana can be hard to talk about. Many parents have tried it, millions still use it, and most feel awkward about disclosing such histories, while many duck the questions, for fear that telling kids the truth might encourage them to experiment too. Meanwhile, the "drug facts" children learn in school can be more frightening than educational, blaming pot for everything from teenage pregnancy to terrorism.

A child's first awareness of drugs should come from a better source. With interest in medical marijuana growing, are parents opposed to teaching their kids about medical marijuana?

Emma Rainey believes a children’s book on marijuana is a great way to educate children at home, when school teaches that all drugs (even the legal ones) are wrong. Instead, this book explains that marijuana is better left to adults. It explains where it comes from, the history, and why it is illegal today. The book doesn't sell pot; it merely sells an open mind.

Ryan Sparks is 20 years old and a product of the DARE program. A book like this would have been a thousand times more helpful than the ever failed scare tactic, he said.

Don't close the door on your child when they ask you the important questions, otherwise they'll have to find it out on their own eventually and there is no chance it will be to taught to them the way you wanted them to know it. Make sure they have all the facts.

We live in a forever evolving society. Ultimately, children will be exposed to marijuana with the growing expectancy. A children’s book is a fantastic tool to help parents talk to their children and gives an option other than teaching "it's wrong."