It depends on how you personally feel about marijuana. If you have strong opinions against it because of your experience with it, then yes, proceed with a tender lecture. If you do decide to tell him not to do it, be sure to be honest with him about your experience - he'll appreciate the honesty - especially if that's why you don't care for it now.

However, if you still think about smoking, but don't simply because you have a family to care for now, then simply talk to him on a very real level (prepare yourself to most likely hear things you don't want to hear if you can get him to open up and be honest with you). Get him alone, just you and him (take him on a "boys day out" kind of thing), and casually work your way into talking about it. It very well may help to still be honest with him about your past experience with the drug as an opener. Even try explaining why you don't do it anymore. If you can get him to admit to being curious about it or to wanting to try it, don't fault him for his curiosity. Encourage him to say no, but to also be responsible with his use if he does decide to try it.

By responsible, I mean, tell him not to bring it anywhere near school, your house or anywhere public and tell him not to do it all the time. It is a drug and can be addictive. Warn him that you know what it smells like, you know what it does to people and you will be able to tell when he is high. Make sure he knows that if he does use and you notice it adversely affecting his studies, grades or attitude that you will intervene.

Make sure he knows exactly how you feel and precisely where you stand on it - whether against it or tolerant of it or anywhere in between and why you feel the way you do.

Whatever you decide to do, be honest with him. Do NOT tell him it's bad just because you said so. Kids don't react to that - they rebel against it. (Remember???) They are like mini-adults who want a proper, informative explanation about everything.

Good luck! I wish you the best! :)

I think you should tell him not to do it. Just because you did it doesn't mean it's not wrong (illegal). I am assuming you are in the US and it is illegal. My children know that the standard I hold for them is what is right--not what I am or what I have done, because heaven knows I'm not perfect. Sometimes I am rude, or disrespectful, or not 100% honest--but just because I do those things doesn't mean they're right, and doesn't mean I don't expect my kids (and myself) to be respectful, honest, etc.

If he asks, I would be honest and tell him that you have used it, but if you had a bad experience or you regret it, I would definitely tell him that too.

Good luck, I know it is a very delicate topic!

Have you been honest with him and told him that you did?

I told both of my children that I tried it when I was a kid, and that looking back, I wish I hadn't. I was honest with them, but I also discussed the dangers. It helped that I was actually working at the council on alcohol and drug abuse when my children were at an age they started asking questions like that.

I think you should be honest. Tell him you tried it. Tell him you don't want him to try it. Kids really relate to the honesty.

I also feel you should be honest if he asks you. Be upfront and honest about it. Let him know the dangers of this activity. Too many young kids today this it’s not so bad, peer pressure is worse today than it was years ago.

If possible show him someone who has smoked pot for a number of years and that will show them positive prove the dangers of smoking pot. Tell him you are glad you only tried it once, after pointing out the other person.