Easing of pot laws poses challenge for parents

Posted: Jun 18, 2012 11:40 AM by AP

DENVER - The easing of state marijuana laws is posing challenges for some parents.

Michael Jolton was a young father with a 5-year-old son when Colorado legalized medical marijuana in 2000. Now he's got three boys, the oldest near adulthood, and he finds himself repeatedly explaining green-leaf marijuana ads and "free joint" promotions endemic in his suburban hometown.

Jolten is among legions of American parents who are finding the "drug talk" increasingly problematic as more states allow medical marijuana or decriminalize its use.

Colorado and Washington state have measures on their Nov. 6 ballot that would go a step further and legalize recreational use of marijuana for adults.

The president of the Partnership at Drugfree.org. says legalization and medical use of marijuana have created a perception among kids that this is no big deal.

The executive director of the pro-legalization Drug Policy Alliance says family conversations are becoming a lot more real because most of today's parents likely tried marijuana themselves.