Cannabis Awareness Resources

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Legalization of Cannabis in Canada: Successes & Challenges

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This fact sheet will inform you about the outcomes of legalizing recreational cannabis in Canada since October 2018. By looking at both the pros and cons of cannabis legalization you will learn how it has influenced the Canadian economy, criminal & accidentality rates, youth consumption and other trends.

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Understanding Legal vs. Illegal Cannabis

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Although cannabis is legal, there are still sources of illegal cannabis that pose greater risks to our health. This fact sheet highlights the risks of illegal cannabis products, the standards set for legal products and how to identify the differences between the two.

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Legal vs Illegal Markets in Canada: Statistics Since Legalization

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One of the goals of the Cannabis Act was to disrupt the illicit cannabis market. This fact sheet explores consumer habits of purchasing legal vs illegal cannabis, as well as where Canadians are buying their products. You can also learn about the risks of purchasing illegal cannabis.

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Cannabis Products, Consumption & Reasons For Use

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Cannabis Products And Their Characteristics

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This fact sheet will inform viewers about the different types of cannabis products and their properties. Information includes CBD and THC levels, methods of administration, and onset/duration of effects.

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Cannabis Strengths And Potencies

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This fact sheet details the ways in which cannabis potency can be expressed on legal products. Highlighting harm reduction principles, this fact sheet will teach youth about the factors that influence cannabis reaction, and how to minimize risk if consuming.

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Oil, Wax, Shatter & More

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Cannabis products are more than just flowers and leaves. Extracts made from cannabis plants are a developing and growing industry in Canada. Learn about these concentrated forms of cannabis products, how they are made, as well as the unique risks these products present to youth and adults.

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Why Youth Use Cannabis & Other Alternatives

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There are various different reasons that youth may consider using cannabis. Learn about some of the more commonly reported reasons that teens give about why they may consider using cannabis, as well as suggestions for healthy alternate coping strategies for youth in Canada.

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Coping Using Cannabis

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When faced with difficult situations, stress or tragedy, people use different strategies, including using substances like cannabis, to help manage their well-being and avoid feeling overwhelmed. These strategies are also known as ‘coping.’ Using cannabis to cope can lead to regular use, which may have adverse effects on teenage brain development & mental health. Cannabis research is ongoing; here’s what we know based on existing evidence.

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Medical Uses of Cannabis

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Discover the medical uses of cannabis in Canada. Learn more about CBD, if CBD is considered safe for youth, current and proposed therapeutic uses of medical marijuana, who should not be treated with medical cannabis and additional considerations around medical cannabis use.

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Mixing Cannabis and Alcohol

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Did you know that Canadian cannabis users are more likely to mix cannabis use with alcohol than any other substance? Learn about the possible risks of using these two substances together, as well as what can happen based on the order in which someone uses cannabis and alcohol.

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Secondhand Cannabis Smoke (SHCS)

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Similar to tobacco, secondhand cannabis smoke can pose certain health risks for anyone, even if they are not using cannabis themselves. Learn the effects, including the possibility of a 'contact high' and how to protect yourself and those around you if you are using cannabis or spending time with people who do.

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What To Know About Vaping Cannabis

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Vaping is a newer method of cannabis use than smoking dried leaf. While research is still ongoing, learn what has been shared so far about the possible risks of vaping, myths vs facts and how to reduce harms if a person chooses to vape.

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Why Does THC Affect Everyone Differently?

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For some people, using cannabis can be a pleasant and euphoric experience. For others, it can be stressful and lead to unwanted negative effects. Why is this? Learn about the factors that can determine why THC found in cannabis can have different effects from one person to the next.

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More About Cannabis

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Impact of COVID-19 On Youth Cannabis Use In Canada

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Explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Canadian youth's use of cannabis. This fact sheet looks at contributing factors, changes in youth cannabis use, how teen cannabis use compares to other age groups, risks of cannabis use, and strategies to improve mental health and stay healthy during the pandemic.

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All About Cannabis Use Disorder

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Learn how cannabis use disorder is identified, as well as the spectrum of cannabis use. This fact sheet will explore signs of a disorder, as well as strategies to reduce the risk of cannabis use becoming problematic.

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Stigma & Cannabis Use

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Stigma refers to the negative attitudes, judgments and beliefs that motivate people to fear, reject, avoid and discriminate against others for any physical or social attribute they possess. Cannabis-related stigmatization can cause discrimination and mistreatment toward people that use cannabis, resulting in diminished feelings of self-worth and shame. Stigma can also cause people to avoid seeking help or learning how to support themselves or others if they are experiencing harm related to substance use. Learn how to reduce cannabis-related stigma, promote non-judgmental discussion and why proper language matters when discussing cannabis use.

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Looking Beyond "Just Say No"

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Focusing on abstinence alone when exploring substance use amongst youth, known as the "just say no" approach, may not work for everyone. This approach may contribute to increasing stigma, shame and fear about the topic of substance use, instead of focusing on safety and well-being. Learn more about harm reduction, the practice of enabling youth to make healthy and informed choices, and the harm reduction messages related to cannabis use that promote awareness.

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Youth & Cannabis Use: Landscape in Canada

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Are you curious to know how many students are using cannabis in Canada? What are the most common methods of cannabis consumption among them? At what age are teenagers beginning to experiment with cannabis? Why do teenagers choose to consume cannabis? Learn about the Canadian landscape of recreational cannabis use among youth.

PDF Fact Sheet

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Cannabis & Creativity

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This resource takes a look at studies designed to explore the impact of cannabis on creative thinking process.

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Visit the page

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Cannabis & Driving

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Driving impaired by cannabis or other substances can lead to serious, life-changing consequences. Evidence shows that younger, less experienced drivers are most at risk. Learn how cannabis affects driving, as well as signs of impairment, risks and consequences of impaired driving as well as strategies to ensure people can get where they need to be safe.

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Cannabis: The Path To Equity In Canada

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Equity in the cannabis market is one step toward a culturally unified country. This fact sheet explores the issues currently plaguing the Canadian market and preventing an equitable cannabis economy. Learn what we can do as Canadians to support equal opportunity, diversity and a fair market for cannabis retailers.

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Cannabis Awareness Handout

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Review important terms and information about cannabis through fun exercises and activities. The Cannabis Awareness Handout includes a word search, crossword puzzle, word jumble, coloring page and cryptograms to keep youth engaged in an educational and entertaining way.

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Greening Out

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Learn about the risks of overconsumption of cannabis products (known as 'greening out) as well as how to prevent this from happening to you or someone you know. Finally, learn how we can support others if they have begun to experience risky effects of consuming 'too much' cannabis.

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Cannabis Use & The Workplace

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Cannabis use can cause issues with safety and awareness during work. Learn about the responsibilities of the employer and employee in a workplace regarding cannabis, as well as regulations surrounding accommodations and potential drug testing in the workplace.

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Supporting a Friend If You Are Concerned About Their Cannabis Use

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If you are concerned about a friend, relative or peer who is using cannabis, there are ways you can still encourage their overall well-being. Learn the signs of problematic cannabis use, as well as strategies to help offer support if someone else's cannabis use is beginning to affect their life in a negative way.

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How Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers Can Support a Youth Using Cannabis

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Research suggests that lecturing and use of scare tactics is less effective at preventing youth from using substances, and can increase stigma surrounding these subjects. This fact sheet identifies reasons youth may choose to use, as well as signs of risky cannabis use and ideas on how to frame more open, youth-friendly and honest conversations with a focus on positive youth development.

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What Are The Common Risks Shared by Cannabis & Alcohol?

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Both cannabis and alcohol can affect similar parts of our lives. Learn the similarities and differences between the risks of cannabis versus alcohol consumption through this fact sheet.

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Cannabis & Lung Health

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The most common way to consume cannabis is through inhalation (pipes, bongs, joints, vaping, etc.). Learn about what happens when cannabis products are heated and consumed, as well as common concerns, short & long term risks and ways to reduce the harm of inhaling cannabis products.

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Videos, Training & Courses

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Youth & Cannabis Use: Landscape in Canada

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This webinar recording extracts findings from recent Canadian national surveys and addresses FAQ's such as: Do youth use cannabis in Canada? How does youths' cannabis use differ from adults' demographics? How does cannabis use compare with the use of other substances (i.e alcohol, tobacco) amongst youth in Canada? How has the legalization of cannabis impacted youth in Canada? Does initiating use at a younger age increase the likelihood of developing problem cannabis use? What are the potential harms of cannabis use during adolescence? Providing balanced and evidence-based information about the new cannabis landscape for youth, this webinar provides parents, adults, and professionals involved in young people’s lives with resources supporting an open dialogue with youth, helping youth with their informed decision-making process about cannabis use.

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Watch the Video 2021 LTAC Presentation

Watch the Video 2022 LTAC Presentation

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Let's Talk About Cannabis (August, 2021)

Let's Talk About Cannabis (May, 2022)

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There is a wider variety of cannabis products available than ever before. Different methods of use are growing in popularity among youth in Canada. Each method of cannabis use can result in different levels of psychoactive compounds is not only available, but processed and absorbed in the body. Why does this happen, and why does cannabis produce so many different effects for different people?
Join YCAP as we explore why youth cannabis use increases by grade and the factors that influence a young person’s decision to use or not use cannabis. Learn why cannabis affects everyone differently through a discussion of THC dosages, bioavailability and methods of cannabis consumption for youth. Examine additional risks specific to youth and cannabis use, (impact on academic performance, legal and health-related risks) as well as strategies to reduce the harms related to these risks. Learn where you can find more information and supports related to cannabis use.

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Cannabis & The Adolescent Brain

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The human brain continues to develop until the age of 25. During adolescence, youth learn about the world and discover who they are as their brains mature. Risky behaviors such as using cannabis can have harmful effects on a developing brain when use (regular and heavy use) begins in adolescence.
Join us as we explore:
- How the human brain develops as we grow up
- How compounds in cannabis interact with the human body
- How cannabis affects different regions of the brain
- Health risks of cannabis use on a developing brain
- A discussion on cannabis use disorder
- Harm reduction strategies and support resources

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Watch the Video 2022 Brain development video

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Talking With Youth About Cannabis

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Designed specifically for adults involved in youths’ lives, “Talking With Youth About Cannabis” offers suggestions for parents, guardians, teachers or care providers in order to help guide discussions with youth in their lives about cannabis use, while sharing of resources available for the support of youth. Research suggests that lecturing and use of scare tactics is less effective at preventing youth from using substances and instead increases stigma surrounding the conversation. Instead, this presentation will provide participants with ideas on how to frame more open, youth-friendly and honest conversations with a focus on positive youth development.

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Cannabis Conversations - Cannabis Retail & Communities

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Alongside a panel of experts, Youth Cannabis Awareness Program explores considerations taken into account for presence of cannabis retail in communities, standards put in place for operations, and measures protecting youth. The panel questions expand on topics such as, What is the public health approach for cannabis retail outlets? Is smoking and vaping cannabis permitted in public places across Ontario and who sets the restrictions? How does cannabis legalization in Ontario measure against goals outlined in the Cannabis Act? What does education and consumer awareness look like for legal-aged youth?
The panel features experts Jeremy Locke from the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Jean-Francois Crépault from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Daniel Bear Ph.D., Professor, Humber College, and Daffyd Roderick from the Ontario Cannabis Store.

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Cannabis Conversations - Cannabis & Youth

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Alongside a panel of experts, Youth Cannabis Awareness Program explores data and trends in youth cannabis use in Canada, how cannabis use affects the health of teens, risks of vaping and other common methods of consumption for youth, youth’s expectations of cannabis education and awareness initiatives across Canada, recommendations for adults engaging in conversation with youth about cannabis, health outcomes around cannabis after legalization, and a reflection on the current cannabis regulatory framework.
The panel features experts Anna Goodman from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), Shankari Ratnanesan from the Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP), Alle Butler from the COMPASS Study.

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Cannabis and Mental Health Course (Created By Cannabis & Psychosis, YouthREX and the Mental Health Commission of Canada)

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Created by youth, for youth, this free 90-minute, online course consists of 4 modules, providing evidence-based, experiential and engaging knowledge addressing the relationship between cannabis use and mental health. The course explores a range of key issues, from understanding why people choose to use, demystifying the endocannabinoid system, the impact of cannabis legislation on communities, harm reduction basics and more.

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Go to the Online Course

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Cannabis & Youth: A Certificate For Health Workers (Created by YouthREX)

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Get the facts on the legal and health implications of cannabis use for youth, and learn practice strategies to support youth in making informed decisions about cannabis. Successful participation and completion of the five modules of the certificate entitles participants to a digital certificate and LinkedIn Badge from Youth Research and Evaluation eXchange, York University.

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Go to the Online Course

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COVID-19 and Cannabis Use in Young Canadians (Created by Niyati Patel & Felicia Patch, Fleming College Practicum Students)

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This presentation explores the impact of COVID-19 on cannabis use by young Canadians. The research includes reviewing trends in cannabis use during the ongoing pandemic, factors contributing to the changes in use and compared self-reported data from 2020 to 2021 to highlight potential trends and patterns that have emerged over time during the pandemic. In addition, the research also compares self-reported changes in cannabis consumption vs alcohol consumption before and during the pandemic to provide insight into how cannabis use has changed. Finally, recommendations are offered to promote wellness moving forward throughout and after the pandemic.

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Canna-Facts: Myths, Facts & Misconceptions about Cannabis

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Research about cannabis continues to evolve in Canada. As new information emerges, it is important to be able to differentiate between facts, myths and misconceptions to avoid risks of cannabis-related harm, particularly for youth and new or first-time cannabis consumers.
“Canna-Facts” explores evidence and research through a series of trivia questions to confirm facts, dispel myths and clarify misunderstandings about cannabis in order to promote informed understanding and safe decision-making for youth in Canada.

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Click here to register for the module

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Talking With Youth About Cannabis- Self Guided Content

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Talking with youth about cannabis can be difficult and as a result, many adults may avoid having these conversations altogether. With the legalization of cannabis by the Canadian Government in 2018 and the rising popularity of cannabis use among Canadian youth, it is now pertinent for adults, including parents/guardians, to learn effective strategies to enable better conversations with youth about cannabis. This resource, developed by YMCA Youth Cannabis Awareness Program is designed for adults (parents, guardians, care providers, teachers and other professionals) who are involved in the lives of youth. "Talking with Youth about Cannabis" is a resource that provides suggestions and tips to assist adults and help guide open, honest and non-judgmental discussions about cannabis use with youth, while promoting positive youth development.

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Weed Out The Risk (Created by Springboard Services)

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With the legalization of cannabis, education remains critical. This module uses a frank and open approach to educate youth on the dangers of cannabis-impaired driving. Note: To complete the self-guided module, you must register with the Community Learning Hub. To do so, please click here.

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Visit the website

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Talking To Youth About Cannabis (TVO)

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14 is the age most Canadians try cannabis. In an interview with Steve Paikin from TVO's "The Agenda," experts from McMaster University and the YMCA's Youth Cannabis Awareness Program discuss cannabis and its effect on the developing brain, as well as how to navigate challenging conversations about its use with youth.

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Click here to register for the module

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Canna-Facts: Myth, Facts and Misunderstandings about Cannabis.

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The spread of misconceptions and myths increase the risk of people experiencing harms or issues related to cannabis use. “Canna-Facts” explores evidence-based facts to dispel myths and clarify misunderstandings about cannabis in order to promote informed understanding and safe decision-making.

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Why Choose Legal Cannabis?

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In January 2023, Cannabis NB launched a "Why Choose Legal Cannabis?" education course on the safe purchase and consumption of cannabis. This 10-minute interactive course walks participants through realistic scenarios where they can learn how to ensure they are purchasing legal cannabis, the benefits of purchasing legal versus illegal, and the risks associated with the use of illegal cannabis products.

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Go To The Online Course

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Cannabis in Media and its Impact on Youth

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Media exposure to cannabis use is widespread, from social media to film and music. Celebrities, athletes and influencers speak about cannabis and youth see cannabis ads on different types of media including storefronts, billboards or online. In this workshop, participants explore the impact of cannabis advertising on youth’s cannabis use by applying critical thinking, understanding how media exposure impacts perceptions, learning about media persuasion techniques and identifying common themes used in cannabis ads. In addition by reviewing multiple public education campaigns, participants will have an increased awareness of cannabis risks and harms as well as harm reduction strategies.

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External Resources

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Clarity on Cannabis (Created by the Rural Development Network)

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Learn about cannabis harm reduction through this virtual exhibit brought to you by the Rural Cannabis Outreach. This exhibit features various interactive booths that allow youth and adults alike to learn about: Cannabis as a substance, ways that cannabis can be used, how cannabis interacts with the human body, the consequences of driving under the influence, and more!

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Be Wise (Created By Active Aging Canada)

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Be Wise, Cannabis and Older Adults is factual information about cannabis for older adults. Easy to understand, written in clear language, the Be Wise booklet is meant to help older adults make wise decisions about cannabis use. Research has been gathered from across Canada and around the world about older adults and cannabis. The result of that work is presented in this comprehensive booklet. Bright, easy to read, the facts about all forms of cannabis are discussed openly, and the information about cannabis is presented in an objective manner.

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Cannabis & Psychosis: Exploring The Link (A Project By The Schizophrenia Society of Canada)

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Highlighting voices of youth, people with lived experience and researchers, this website aims to raise awareness and understanding of the link between cannabis use, psychosis, and mental health for youth and youth allies by promoting a balanced and youth-friendly dialogue. The site’s goal is to equip individuals with relevant education, prevention, and harm reduction strategies, and to support positive mental health and informed decision making.

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Cannabis Edibles (A Project by The Canadian Automobile Association)

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One-fifth of 18-24-year-olds – equivalent to over half a million Canadians – say they have driven high or been in a vehicle with a high driver. These findings led to CAA’s national video campaign Do Anything But Drive, which carries a simple message for Gen Z: if you’re going to do edibles, do anything but drive. In our campaign CAA takes a light-hearted approach to the reality that some people will take cannabis edibles. CAA stresses that whatever else you choose to do, please make sure you don’t get behind the wheel. Plan ahead. Make arrangements for a safe way home, be it a designated driver, a taxi or rideshare, or staying over, just like you would after drinking.

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Let's Talk About Ujarak (Created by Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada)

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Let’s Talk About Ujarak is a cannabis resource toolkit, guided by Inuit values and created to help Inuit increase their knowledge about cannabis use and how to reduce possible harms. The resources in this toolkit include factsheets, posters, a discussion guide, an assessment tool, and more – all developed from a trauma-informed and strength-based Inuit perspective.

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Sex, Gender & Cannabis Hub (Created by the Center of Excellence for Women's Health)

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The Sex, Gender & Cannabis Hub provides Canadians with reliable and up-to-date information on the intersections of sex, gender, and cannabis. The Hub is a virtual space of curated information derived from research, community partnerships and expertise knowledge. It is designed to support empowered health decisions for ourselves, and to guide service provision, research, and policy. It includes reports, infographics, webinars, journal articles, and more.

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Cannapix (Created by Qollab)

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Cannapix explores the perspectives and experiences of 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth at the intersection of mental health and cannabis use. Forty-six 2S/LGBTQIA+ individuals aged 15 to 24 and residing in Quebec took photographs related to their cannabis use, mental health and sexual and gender identities. Guided by these photographs, interviews were conducted to highlight several themes: the positive and negative effects of cannabis on mental health, the difficulty of 2S/LGBTIA+ youth in accessing mental health resources, and the marginalization of 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth in health services.

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Facts & Findings: Marijuana & Impaired driving (Created by Young Drivers of Canada)

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Created by Young Drivers of Canada, the resources on this page examine the risks, myths and facts of impaired driving based on research from the past 20 years in Canada.

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The Blunt Truth: Useful Tips About Safer Ways To Use Cannabis (Created by CAMH)

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You have the choice whether you want to use cannabis* (weed, pot), but you should know that there are different ways of using and some are safer than others. This resource gets down to the blunt truth about cannabis, and lets you know what science recommends to help reduce some of the risks to your health and well-being if you do choose to use cannabis.

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What's With Weed? (Created by YouthREX)

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Developed by YouthREX, this site offers information regarding youth and cannabis use, including health risks, legalization, history and social impacts of cannabis.

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