Webinar: What do we know about adolescent cannabis use? Prevalence, harms and interventions

Mr Jack Wilson (The University of Sydney) and Associate Professor Tom Freeman (University of Bath, UK).

1 hour webinar recording and handout, available on demand.

This webinar is for teachers, parents and others who are seeking information about adolescent cannabis use and reducing cannabis-related harm. Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug among young people worldwide. In Australia, around 1 in 10 high school students (12-17 years-old) have ever used cannabis, a rate that has remained relatively stable for over 10 years.

Unfortunately, cannabis potency (THC content) has since increased remarkably, which has been found to be associated with higher rates of cannabis dependence, psychosis, anxiety and depression. This relationship between cannabis potency and harms is especially concerning considering that young people can be particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of cannabis. 

This webinar will provide: 

• An understanding of the prevalence and characteristics of young people using cannabis.
• Information on cannabis potency (THC content), and the different types of cannabis products. 
• Information on the evidence of how cannabis impacts adolescent health.
• An evaluation of the evidence around cannabis prevention, treatment and harm reduction.

This webinar was developed by Mr Jack Wilson at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney and Associate Professor Tom Freeman at the Addiction and Mental Health Group, University of Bath, UK. It was informed by a review of the research evidence on this topic.

(Webinar conducted on 25/6/2020)