Tips for Approaching the Topic of Cannabis

Cannabis can be a scary topic to bring up. On one level, we want to shout from the rooftops how this could help our suffering loved ones — but on another, deeper level, we fear being judged, ridiculed, and rejected by our family, friends, coworkers, and communities.

We get it. Growing up in prohibition Missouri, adamantly opposed to all drugs and alcohol — cannabis included — we have experienced these very real fears first hand. Over the past 5 years, we have been practicing the art of approaching the topic of cannabis in a way that minimizes the opportunity to be labeled a “stoner.” This article compiles what we’ve learned to help you confidently and respectfully navigate these conversations.

Getting Started

We’ve found that the best way to approach the topic of cannabis is to wait for the right moment. I never enter a conversation with someone thinking “I’m going to teach them about cannabis.” I simply start chatting, and eventually — inevitably — they’ll say something that makes me think they could benefit from cannabis.

Perhaps they mention their excruciating back pain, a grandmother with Alzheimer’s, or a niece with seizures — I then use that as an entry point to bring up cannabis.

Think of a way cannabis could help them
1. It's hard for someone to get mad at you when you come from a place of genuinely wanting to help them or a loved one
Think of a specific product they can safely access
- I’m never going to recommend that someone try to find marijuana in a prohibition state nor buy it from the black market — it is unsafe and irresponsible to put someone into a situation where they could be arrested or use product that has not been tested
- Even if you do live in a legal state, we've found that it is best to suggest CBD-only or high-CBD products to someone who is unsure of cannabis — they are typically more comfortable taking the “high” out of the equation. Helping them get comfortable with CBD increases the likelihood that they'll consider trying cannabis down the road.
Ask if they’ve heard of CBD while offering a testimony about someone with a similar condition
- By telling a success story about CBD, you are more likely to keep their attention
- Emit an energy of excitement when sharing this testimony — excitement is contagious!
Explain the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
- Cannabis has compounds that support our ECS
  - “The system in our bodies that is responsible for keeping all of our other systems in balance with each other.”
- A healthy ECS is vital to wellbeing
- You don’t have to get high to use it
  - “Unlike the cannabinoid THC that produces a high, CBD is completely non-intoxicating and is available nationwide.”
- Then STOP and evaluate their interest & comfort level with the topic
  - If they seem curious & are asking questions, continue chatting! If you can tell they're a bit taken aback, simply and quickly move on to step 5.
  - Stay warm, confident & enthusiastic; remember, you are just providing the facts
Encourage them to learn more by directing them to more resources such as www.hempsley.com
- You've planted the seed; now let them water it at their own pace
- Hempsley was designed as a resource specifically for a conservative audience who is new to the concept of cannabis being medicine