Laws about the use of marijuana can be confusing, change over time, differ by type of use -- such as medical or adult-use, and vary by state. While many states allow for medical use of marijuana and an increasing number of states also have legalized marijuana for adult use, marijuana use remains illegal at the federal level, and adult-use marijuana is illegal for individuals who are under the age of 21. Parents, or those in a parenting role, and teens are often unclear about the laws and have misconceptions about the consequences of breaking the laws.

As a parent or someone in a parenting role, you make a lot of decisions about what is acceptable or not acceptable for your child/teen regarding marijuana use. Knowing the laws and ordinances in your community and state can help you make informed decisions about what is best for your child/teen. But, even if something is legal, it may not be safe for your child/teen. As a parent, you are key to helping your child prevent harm associated with marijuana and other substances.

This podcast, as part of ParentingMontana.org, explores the marijuana laws specific to Montana and discusses scenarios that you, as a parent or someone in a parenting role, might encounter. The Montana Department of Health and Human Services partnered with the Center for Health and Safety Culture at Montana State University to create tools and resources for the parents in Montana. Most of the content on ParentingMontana.org is relevant to parents everywhere, but this podcast is specific to marijuana laws in Montana. So, if you are a parent in Montana, listen now to learn about the current laws around marijuana use for youth and adults.