While the legal age for cannabis consumption in Ontario is 19, many 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.
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. Learn how to start the discussion — and keep it going.
How to Talk to Youth About Your Cannabis Consumption
Discussing your own cannabis consumption with youth may have benefits. Here’s how to keep your biases in check and the lines of communication open.
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. Here’s how to get it right.
Is Cannabis a Gateway Drug?
Does cannabis lead to consuming other substances? This idea — known as the gateway theory or gateway hypothesis — has been around since the 1970s. But does it hold any merit given what we know today?
