Parents That Vape

[Radio]

Me and my partner just smoke aromatic/remedial herbs together, and we aren't too concerned about the little one looking at it as if it is something 'bad'.
As far as I'm concerned it's just a less watery version of making a tea with your favourite herbs and flavours, and even if we were smoking weed it would be responsibly. In fact I hope when she is a bit older (she is only 3 months at the moment) that she will be able to try different herbs such as rose petals and lavender and actually 'taste' and feel all of the beautiful flowers that she will no doubt be visually amazed by also. My little botanist in the making!

Then when she is 16 she can smoke whatever she wants with my hand-me-down as long as it is responsibly and in an educated environment (as long as it isn't meth)

Also as a side note: a lot of people I know who had smoker parents can still recognise the smell of weed from their childhood, and it relaxes and comforts them

 

[TeeJay1952]

My kids had to peel roaches for offences against the crown. (it was the early 70s)

 

[lwien]

Me and my partner just smoke aromatic/remedial herbs together, and we aren't too concerned about the little one looking at it as if it is something 'bad'.
As far as I'm concerned it's just a less watery version of making a tea with your favourite herbs and flavours, and even if we were smoking weed it would be responsibly.

How can smoking ANYTHING be considered a responsible act when done around an infant. What the fuck?? Why in the hell would you consciously want to expose your baby to carcinogens?

 

[Radio]

How can smoking ANYTHING be considered a responsible act when done around an infant. What the fuck?? Why in the hell would you consciously want to expose your baby to carcinogens?

I meant VAPING. We don't smoke/burn anything around her. My mistake. I'm still in that transitional phase in regards to my lingo when it comes to that stuff. I used to be a heavy bong smoker when I was younger and only recently (after a 2 year drug-free detox) got into vaporising non-psychoactive herbs.
I'm guessing vapers don't use the term 'smoke up' or 'smoke a bowl'

 

[Crumpet]

I'm guessing vapers don't use the term 'smoke up' or 'smoke a bowl'

My husband and I use these terms with each other, and we've only ever vaped (I blame mass media for the lingo! ). But when I'm talking with other people about it (which isn't often), I'm careful to use the "proper" terminology - because most anyone I talk to is still on the combustion train.

As for the subject of the thread, I don't have kids myself. Should such a thing ever happen though, I'm glad I read this thread - it's got some great advice in it.

 

[ren.dnb]

I have 3 kids. I used to have a little area out in my garage where I would rip bong hits. Since I started vaping I never go out there anymore. Now I just sit at my desk and vape off my MFLB or Firewood 2.1, and keep everything hidden in my hutch. When the kids are up and say its a Saturday, I'll only vape at my desk if they're outside playing or upstairs.

Other times when I need to be discrete, I'll vape outside on the porch.

 

[4tokin]

It has been an interesting read.
My kids are 16 and 20 and have no idea about my extra curricular activities. Where I am from it is still illegal so with that alone I am not prepared to burden them with my crimes. The day is fast approaching for the talk.
To those who vape in the presence of minors is I feel is fraught with danger. 2nd hand vapor can easily be breathed in by said minors or residual THC on furnishings has the potential for absorption through the skin. Now it would not take a lot of 2nd hand contact for an minor to have a small background THC reading in the blood. I know it sounds far fetched but one of my concerns was if I got raided community services would likely become involved and kids are found in a drug house den they will test the minors and we all know where a +ve thc swab in a minor will lead to.

 

[Radio]

It has been an interesting read.
My kids are 16 and 20 and have no idea about my extra curricular activities. Where I am from it is still illegal so with that alone I am not prepared to burden them with my crimes. The day is fast approaching for the talk.
To those who vape in the presence of minors is I feel is fraught with danger. 2nd hand vapor can easily be breathed in by said minors or residual THC on furnishings has the potential for absorption through the skin. Now it would not take a lot of 2nd hand contact for an minor to have a small background THC reading in the blood. I know it sounds far fetched but one of my concerns was if I got raided community services would likely become involved and kids are found in a drug house den they will test the minors and we all know where a +ve thc swab in a minor will lead to.

Far out. Is there any conceivable reason why you would be raided? If you haven't told your kids then I guess you are pretty discreet about your vaping. I'd like to hope the odds of being spontaneously raided are very small

 

[max]

2nd hand vapor can easily be breathed in by said minors or residual THC on furnishings has the potential for absorption through the skin. Now it would not take a lot of 2nd hand contact for an minor to have a small background THC reading in the blood.

That's really not the case. Any decent drug testing company sets a high enough limit to screen out 2nd hand/incidental absorption, and even a heavy dose of 2nd hand THC (which still wouldn't trip the meter) is gone in a day or two.

 

[4tokin]

Far out. Is there any conceivable reason why you would be raided? If you haven't told your kids then I guess you are pretty discreet about your vaping. I'd like to hope the odds of being spontaneously raided are very small

I know it sounds harsh but that is just part of my risk management. In this day and age the law does not need much of a reason to stick there noses into your affairs.
Seeing the daughter and her friends have the hip 420 thing happening I plan to sit them down on 420 next year for the talk so I can come out of the closet. My son manages the local chicken joint while at uni and he lets the cook out from time to time to blaze up as he cooks the chicken so well it looks like the pics and even tastes good.

Max you may be right but it is some where I am not prepared to go.

 

[TeeJay1952]

I had a friend (hard to believe) who was a hustler. Always slinging and middlemanning. He was hidden while I have always been out of the 4:20 closet. We ride together for years and I told him "Man, I can't believe that you believe that the kids don't know. Dad comes home, snarls at everyone, goes into garage, green cloud ensues and then Dad returns and wants to play Candyland!" Eventually he broke down and had the talk. His 13 daughter said" Is that why we are poor?" These folks were middle class. (Suburban Life). He was so mad at me. I said it was the years of lying and no preparation that caused misinformation.

 

[4tokin]

I had a friend (hard to believe) who was a hustler. Always slinging and middlemanning. He was hidden while I have always been out of the 4:20 closet. We ride together for years and I told him "Man, I can't believe that you believe that the kids don't know. Dad comes home, snarls at everyone, goes into garage, green cloud ensues and then Dad returns and wants to play Candyland!" Eventually he broke down and had the talk. His 13 daughter said" Is that why we are poor?" These folks were middle class. (Suburban Life). He was so mad at me. I said it was the years of lying and no preparation that caused misinformation.

My wife and I are stumped as how they have no idea. If they new she would have heard about it. As to our financial appearance I run a frugal ship and they know it.

 

[crawdad]

the years of lying and no preparation that caused misinformation.

im commenting on a situation i know little about (specific person) but i would not classify keeping certain things from your children as lying, sounds real judgmental of a parenting decision. im sure not being prepared enough for the convo will no doubt lead to issues, but its not like the logic of a 13 year old ("so is that why we are poor") is hard to respond to and clear up. little girl wants her pony daddy wants his rocket ship, now eat your veggies.

 

[max]

Max you may be right but it is some where I am not prepared to go.

Nothing wrong with playing it safe.

 

[t-dub]

My spouse gets random drug tested all the time, its aggressive, 3 times this year that I can remember. She sits in the same room I vape in, complains about the smell, and has never tested positive. You simply can't get the required DOSE to even register. Skin contact or oral administration with a tincture or edible obviously should be avoided.

 

[Adobewan]

Our laws and programs like D.A.R.E. create a scenario where many parents who use must lie to their children to provide them with plausible deniability.
Many value the truth but are coerced into withholding it, or worse, lying to their kids.
Hopefully change is near!

 

[Ital meditation]

Hey, hopefully it's cool to bring up an old thread. But this is a topic that really interests me. Always cool to hear from fellow parents who vape, especially those that live in more conservative societies than the U.S. Have two young kids and live in a very prohibitionist country in Northern Europe that frowns upon the herb. I try to keep my vaporizing to myself, with the exception of fellow expats who also partake. Keep everything under lock and key and try to be as stealthy as possible. Though lately I've vaping a bit outside. Been struggling with wanting to normalize the cannabis culture but at the same time conscious about being a responsible parent. How do you all deal with this dilemma?

 

[TeeJay1952]

I tried to raise my kids to have critical thinking. I drummed into them the idea that everyone has a perspective and it is our job as a person to dig though the lies (real or imagined), misinformation and advertizing to find the kernel of truth within. Life is a shared experience but we decide what is relevant. I was (and remain) a big pothead. I relished showing regular folks that we are not that bad, not that different and maybe just maybe are ok people. However, (there is always a however) I have spent the majority of my life doing what I want and finding the path of least resistance is "Keep It Quiet!" So there you have it. Two diametrically opposed answers from the same person. That my friend is life in a nutshell.

 

[invisiblefriend]

well ... I'm not too great on how Peepz JUDGE especially in my area (living in NYC suburb) fake peeps and they seem 2 talk about this n that .... behind your back -- n kids talk too of course

aside that --- n many other reasons ---

I felt the need to be honest with my now 11 year old son very young ! very very young -- he is aware - understands

a side note was my father was murdered in a drunk driving hit n run and going through that put an interesting perspective on prohibition within my family -- especially since I used as medicine for years -- as opposed to the bottles of opiates i could be handed when I want from dr.'s ???? which is ok -- and i guess it is ok since thc still illegal ?? crazy!

I wanted him to be aware and understand as best as he can --- especially as his friends and he come home talking about beer and drinking like its nothing yet -- and the kids -- from school n tv shows they are so anti -Marijuana I'm usually surprised --- n i don't wanna be the pied piper !!!!!!! of the hood -- lol

but it amazes me of peeps' feelings here and after losing my dad that way with alcohol jeeez--- and also having to hide and be scared of my vape meds is crazy as well ?? so honesty to my son was only way to me ! It is just my son and I against the world so he needs to be on same page as me n have honesty -- kids r soooo very smart n know more than we can imagine ! and know when they lied to --

But I honestly try and be as open and honest with my son and actually I have told him the deal ever since he smelt that first strange smell at the concert or park as a lil boy ????? i see how too many cannot be this open .... our society does it to us--

(a crazy side note -- i visited my brother this wknd -- he has daughter same age --- ) the parents still will not talk to them about this subject at all and will not admit to medicating --- they will not even discuss -- its horrible --- yet I just see her walking hand n hand with her first boyfriend at 11 ??? I can only wonder OUTloud if anyone discussed some other issues with the young girl ?????? I cannot imagine a true discussion has happened if they are not comfy enough to talk about medicine ????

im gong back this week to have a talk about some important issues ( she is like my own daughter ! )


but back to ? at hand -- sorry to go off subject --

I would not combust around my son especially due to smell and stigma in my area -- i wouldn't want it to make his clothes smell-- or worse !

but I stopped combusting 4 years ago now at least and now only concentrates for a year now so the "smell" is all but gone -- and it makes huge change inn the hut ! i cannot believe the difference in (smell factor)

i used to have to care so much regardless of what my son is educated in -- the lingering smell was a bad deal -

but now ---- I do not do it -- in front of him anyways==== not in front of his face -- ( I've never smoked tobacco once ever at all !!!- ) so it is a weird way to take meds for me -- and i don't like the comparison to smoking --so 4 that reason i keep away a lil bit --


I keep vaporizing to my music and video studio rooms (needs a knock by kids)---- and my bedroom of course (since i can hear footsteps

and its honestly because i don't want anyone seeing something touching my lips except a sexy pair of other lips ??? no need to see me smoking -- i don't like "smoking" -- nothing else seems right -- but necessary for my meds 4 now

so i just hide the look of smoking from eyes ............ aside that --- all ok --- in my family ---

respect to each n everyones family situation and business !!!!

 

[Hashassin]

i've got an 11 month old and she does see me vape often. i had been gradually moving towards a vape only lifestyle but her arrival was the boot to the arse that has me taking it seriously. since my use includes ecigs (almost down to zero nic!) i have a variety of vape devices around and can easily explain away most questions. plus i am in california and my paperwork is in order so no one really cares about the pot thing.

i think i would be considerably more cautious if i was in a non medical state.

as far as her seeing me vaping in general my daughter thinks it is the coolest thing ever. her mum calls all my vapes my "wizard stick" and she gets excited and claps if i blow a large cloud or show her a trick.
am i worried she might vape when she gets older? nope. i'm actually proud to think my daughter is in the first generation that later in life can say she watched her father vape growing up. certainly as opposed to smoking and at my worst i went through four packs of nonfilters a day and god knows how many bowls of combusted hashish.

she's not allowed nicotine while she lives with me but i'd be fine with her vaping zero nice ejuice or any of the herbals available.
i'm honestly not sure exactly when and how i'll approach the cannabis issue but i'd like to hope i have at least a few years to figure it out. honestly i expect she will have gotten to know live plants and to respect them just like anything else in a garden long before the toking thing comes up.

i feel strongly that any time i have to hide my activities from someone i should take a long hard look at my actions and my relationship with the person or people i'm hiding it from. doesn't mean i don't occasionally choose to conceal things but i always ask myself why and what my other choices are.

i don't vape enough to fog out any given space that she is in anywhere near enough to have any effect in terms of so called "contact high". if i'm doing large hits or an extended session i go elsewhere. if i'm just sitting with the girls watching cartoons i take the occasional puff on my persei and blow it out the window all afternoon long, that's why i bought the thing. no torch dabs around the kiddo! and no smoking in the house at all.
i'm totally fine with moderate vaping in her presence.

 

[Ital meditation]

Thanks for sharing. Yea, I def think I would be more open about it if I didn't live in such a prohibitive country. Lived in Cali before but that was before I had kids. Never gave my consumption a second thought. Though now if the wrong person sees or even hears about me consuming cannabis then I have to deal with the authorities or worse, social services could get involved. Around these parts, police have been known to do warrantless house searches (even just for a couple of plants). I believe in fighting for legalization and the healing properties of the plant but have to be conscious about doing my best to protect my kids. I try to be as stealthy and underground as possible (kids have gone to bed, never at social gatherings, etc)-shout out to MFLB:-). I would like to continue vaping (no combustion at all) but sometimes question my indulgence. I sometimes take monthly breaks from ganja but then decide to partake though never overdo it(twice a week at the most). Rarely drink alcohol and truly believe I should have every right to possess cannabis. Fighting for my right vs not being labeled a bad parent by the authorities. Quite the fucking dilemma...

 

[invisiblefriend]

@Ital meditation much respect -- i feel all u said!

n even down to warrentless searches !!!! un real and un fair n too true ---- after learning the hard way so many years ago -
everyone -- know and use your rights ! ''

 

[His_Highness]

I've got daughters...a 23 year old and 29 year old. It wasn't until about 2 years ago that I stopped hiding my use. Turned out my oldest had known for a few years before I fessed up and my youngest said she had suspicions. We were having a huge party and about 10 of us came out of my master bedroom and we were cumbusting the crap out of the master bathroom so the smell followed us out. My oldest, who no longer lived with us, had arrived with my youngest while we were in the master bath. My oldest said 'What's going on in there'? with this shit eating grin on her face. I said 'Just showing off the remodel in the master bath'. She said 'Really, lets have a look' and brushed by me with her little sister right behind her and they went straight to the master bathroom. It flippin reeked in there and my oldest said...'Smoke em if you got em' laughing at her own joke. My youngest on the other hand had this really confused look on her face. I pulled out the bong and my oldest said 'Set me up'! I could tell she was half-kidding. Before I was willing to go there I asked her what she knew about it. She explained that she knew I got high the day I ran a marathon a couple years prior because she dropped me off for the race and could smell it. She also mentioned walking into the garage after a buddy and I had been in there hours earlier getting some fishing gear together and it still reeked. I asked her if she got high and she said a few times but it's not really her thing. So...I filled up the bong and we did-er-up. My youngest, the goody two shoes in the family (and I mean this in a really good way), had this deer in the headlight look as she watched me and my oldest. Things were changing really quickly for her that day. I asked my youngest if she ever tried it and she 'no, and she wasn't interested in trying it'. I wasn't surprised since she wouldn't even take a sip of alcohol before she was legal and doesn't bother with it now. Kiddingly I said 'I don't remember offering'.

Now that the gloves were off they asked how long I had been using and whether Mom did, etc. I told them the truth about me and lied about my wife because I knew she wasn't ever going to admit anything and I'm glad I did.....because the wife made it clear that had I spilled her beans she would have removed mine They always view my wife as the 'good girl' and I'm the 'bad boy' who she straightened out' My oldest was telling the truth when she said it's not her thing. My youngest wasn't upset but she did say I had lied to her when she asked me if I ever used drugs. I told her 'I never lied. I always said the same thing the few times she asked...I would say 'I use drugs everyday...I have coffee/caffeine first thing in the morning and usually have a cranberry and vodka before dinner'. For some reason she never said that's not what she meant. I'm not proud of

Anyhoo.... Getting caught by my youngest was one of the best things that happened to us relationship wise. I became human to her that day and not just super Dad and we relate on more of a adult to adult way. I still vape in the master bath but I don't hide it and they both take great joy in fucking with me when they 'think' I'm high. Sometimes I to tell them you can quit messing with me because I haven't been to the master bathroom yet today.

When they were growing up I hid it with a vengeance because our family was always involved with things like the PTA, their schools in general, we lived one block from the school, and programs like DARE were heavily promoted and my kids had drank the cool-aid.

If I had it to do over again ..... I don't live in a legal state and I doubt I would tell the truth to them before they were at least 18. I've seen my reason mentioned already in the thread - I have been preaching to them since they were tadpoles that the law is the law and you don't break the law...you work within the system to change them if they are unfair AND ignorance of the law is no excuse. I'm not proud of being a hypocrite but I really was 'the bad boy' and I would do whatever I had to so that my kids didn't walk some of the same roads I did.

 

[WeedyGirl1979]

I'm not a parent but I have kids in my house. Both of 'em are young (under 10) and insanely curious. I keep my stuff out in plain sight but don't ever refer to it with them. I just tell them 'that's my stuff' when they ask without elaboration, and I've promised that I'll tell them when they're old enough. No clue what I'll actually say except 'probably don't be like me'- in the sense of being afraid of pot but drinking at 14, etc.
I really want to get across the idea that you should know yourself first before exploring altered states, and being an adult, once the storm of puberty passes, is usually when that happens. One of the best things I ever did was not smoke weed until I was in my late 20s. If I'd discovered this in high school I'd never have made it through- my obsessive personality has it's pros and cons.

 

[Chill Dude]

I do not feel children should be exposed to the use of cannabis or any substance for that matter.

I agree, I keep my cannabis use hidden from my pre-teen daughters. If I ever did decide to talk to them about my responsible use of cannabis while they are still under 18; I would still not openly use while they are around. To do so would be poor judgement in my view.

There are many reasons I haven't had that conversation with them. Here are my primary concerns:

1) they may get the wrong idea and think because their dad uses weed then it must be 100% benign and is perfectly safe for them to use.This is not the case. All drugs have at least some risks which need to be weighed accordingly. Cannabis used by adolescents is known to be especially harmful.

2) if I told them, they would in turn tell their friends and their friends would tell their parents( some very conservative) and the next thing you know some of their friends would not be allowed to come over for play dates and sleepovers. If that were to happen, my kids would certainly blame me.

Therefore, for me, I feel the risks out way the benefits of coming clean about my use.

When my daughters are college aged, I would have no problem being open and having a detailed discussion about cannabis.