During a trial against British newspaper The Sun, Johnny Depp revealed in court that he was “involved” in the decision to allow his daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, to use cannabis when she was thirteen years old. After his daughter was offered weed at a party, Depp gave her some of his own marijuana to ensure she wasn’t accepting drugs from strangers. He emphasized the importance of trust and honesty between them, wanting her to come to him when she felt ready to try marijuana in a safe environment.
“I said ‘listen sweetheart, if you are at a party and someone hands you the joint, take the joint from the person and pass it to the next person. Please don’t experiment with drugs with people you don’t know’,”
Depp believed he was being a responsible parent by creating a safe space for his daughter to try marijuana. However, research shows that adolescent marijuana use can have serious consequences, impacting brain development and mental health. Health experts advise parents to talk to their kids about the risks of marijuana to delay the age of first use.
As a parent, it’s essential to have open conversations about drugs and alcohol with your children. Starting these discussions early can help establish clear expectations and keep the lines of communication open as kids grow and gain independence.
Listening to your child’s perspective and setting safety expectations around substance use are crucial steps in guiding them through these challenging topics.
