While the legal age for cannabis consumption in Ontario is 19, many teens and young people are curious about it much earlier in life. That’s why it’s so important to speak with youth openly and honestly about cannabis consumption and how to reduce the associated risks, as well as their — and potentially your own — experiences with cannabis. Use these resources to guide your conversations with youth about cannabis.
How to Talk to Youth About Cannabis
Having honest and open conversations about cannabis with youth is important, given the potential harms of early consumption. Help teens and young adults understand the risks of early cannabis use by creating a supportive environment for dialogue. Learn how to start a cannabis talk — and keep the discussion going.
How to Talk to Youth About Your Cannabis Consumption
Discussing your own cannabis consumption with youth may have benefits. Learn how to keep your biases in check and the lines of communication open and find helpful tips on how to approach this conversation in an open and honest way.
Tackling Objections: 10 Responses to Try When Speaking with Youth
Talking about cannabis can be awkward. Youth might try to cut the conversation short or avoid it completely. Knowing how to respond is key to keeping the conversation going — here are some prompts to try.
A Guide to Non-Judgmental Harm Reduction Messaging
When talking to youth about the risks associated with cannabis consumption, instilling fear or preaching abstinence is not an effective approach. What does work is balanced, judgment-free messaging that encourages informed decision-making. Here’s how to get it right.
Is Cannabis a Gateway Drug?
Does cannabis use lead to the consumption of more harmful substances? This idea — known as the gateway theory or gateway hypothesis — has been around since the 1970s. But does this theory hold any merit given what we know today?
How Does Age Affect Your Cannabis Experience?
Not every age group reacts to cannabis the same way — in fact, youth and seniors have unique needs for safe consumption and may even feel the effects differently than other age groups. As with all cannabis consumption, safety and understanding how different products work is essential to having a positive experience.
Video: How Can I Speak to My Child About Cannabis Use?
Being honest and self-aware when talking about cannabis with your child can lead to an open and sometimes surprising conversation. Kira London-Nadeau, PhD candidate, explains how to start talking about it.
