I can talk to my kids on just about any subject except with The Pirate and my death. Even sex!
I grew up in an era of when talking about birth control (in this state) could send you to prison. Even after the pill became available to women. The doctor could only prescribe it for menses problems. Not birth control.
I was determined that my kids would not grow up with this attitude. I could read my kids pretty good. And when something was bothering them, I would make the time to take them aside and just the two of us were all alone. Knowing that kids were hesitant to say certain words to their parents, I would be the one who would say the word or words first. As a result today I can bring up the subject of illegal drugs any time I need information. My kids probably know more than any professional. And I get a straight answer. Any of you know what a Chinese Popcorn Party is? Neither did I until I asked my kids. It is when kids take a handful of mixed pills they find in a medicine cabinet and take them all at once. Everybody raids their home medicine cabinet and dump the pills in a big bowl. Stir them all up and everyone reaches in for a handful. Six numbers on plastic? It is how high up you fill the syringe with the drug of your choice. And the term of "cooking" is not the same as we would use it. The world of illegal drugs has it own Rosetta Stone.
If and when I ever decide to turn to marijuana, I will ask my kids first. Then I know I am armed with the needed knowledge.