Cannabis Common Messages

Transcription

1 Cannabis Common Messages April 2012 Halton Cannabis Awareness Strategy Group

2 Developed by Halton Cannabis Awareness Strategy Group: Jim Black Angus Coll-Smith Cheryl Deszpoth Kim Gibson-Chalmers Deanna Fialho Mike Gorman Miguel Guayasamin Adam Higeli John Langill Claire Langridge John MacKinnon Jacki Oxley Ellen Pezzetta Michelle Schwarz Jennifer Speers Judy Tyson Town of Oakville, Youth Services Department POSSE (Peer Outreach Support Services and Education) Halton Region Health Department John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area POSSE (Peer Outreach Support Services and Education) DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Halton Halton Catholic District School Board Halton Region Health Department Consultant ADAPT (Halton Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention and Treatment Services) Halton Regional Police Service Halton District School Board Halton Region Health Department Halton Region Health Department ADAPT (Halton Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention and Treatment Services) Parent representative Acknowledgements: Thank-you to the following individuals who contributed to this document: Nancy Boose Jackie Gordon Kim McDonald Nicholle Russell Colleen Sigmundson Kaitlyn Walsh Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services Halton Regional Police Service Town of Oakville, Youth Services Department Halton Region Health Department Halton Region Health Department ANEW Clinic Thank-you to Justin Cargill and Carly Anne Hammond who facilitated the focus testing of these messages with youth. Thank-you to the youth from the Bronte Youth Centre who participated in focus groups: Summer, Lisa, Jordan, Melissa, Justus, Krzystof, Mike, Dakoda, Devon Thank-you to Cheryl Vrkljan, Program Consultant with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, who reviewed this document. 1

3 Cannabis Common Messages Background Cannabis is the most common illicit drug used among youth in Halton and across Ontario. The drug is derived from the cannabis sativa plant, and can be produced into three forms: marijuana, hashish, and hash oil. All of these forms contain the chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is the THC in cannabis that produces the drug s psychotropic effect on the brain, temporarily affecting the way a person thinks, acts and feels. Halton Cannabis Awareness Strategy Group The Halton Cannabis Awareness Strategy group is comprised of professionals from 12 agencies in Halton, along with youth and parent representatives, who began collaborating in September 2010 after a request for action from Halton Regional Council to develop a wide-scale program to discourage cannabis use among youth. As partner agencies with an interest in youth health and wellbeing, our purpose is to increase awareness, dispel myths and reduce the harms associated with youth cannabis use by reaching parents and youth with evidence-based messages that reflect the four pillars of prevention, harm reduction, enforcement and treatment. The Purpose of Common Messages This document is a compilation of messages that the group agreed is important for parents and youth to know about cannabis. Each message is stated as a fact, and the scientific evidence to back up the message is included in the reference number beside each statement which corresponds to the reference list at the end of the document. These messages are not necessarily written in the words that will resonate with youth or parents. However, the purpose of this list is to provide the information that can then be crafted into the words and phrases that will best communicate this important information to the target audience. The intent is for professionals from any agency in Halton to communicate this information in their own corporate identity and brand, in a way that will be meaningful to, and resonate with the intended audience. This communication may be through websites, social media, community presentations, print resources, multimedia presentations or press releases. 2

4 This document uses the word parent throughout to describe the role of the main caregiver to children and youth. It is recognized that there can be many caring adults in the lives of our young people that have the role of main caregiver or guardian. The use of the term parent in this document is intended to be inclusive of main caregivers and guardians who are not necessarily parents. 3

5 List of Common Messages for Parents and Youth 1.0 Brain Development Messages: 1.1 Cannabis use in adolescence has a negative effect on the developing brain. The brain goes through a period of important development in the adolescent years and this continues up to age 24. During this phase, the brain is especially sensitive to the effects of cannabis and its active ingredient, THC. During this period, the regular use of cannabis can lead to long-term brain changes that affect attention span and memory. This can affect student achievement in school and in the workplace. 1, 6 The way cannabis affects the adolescent brain is distinct from the effect of use on an adult brain. Cannabis use when the adolescent brain is still developing can cause long-term changes. In comparison, cannabis use in adulthood when the brain is fully developed can cause short-term, reversible changes. 1 The part of the brain that controls emotions develops faster in an adolescent than the part of the brain that controls rational thought. The emotional brain is excited by taking risks and thrill-seeking, while the rational brain is responsible for planning and impulse control. This means young people are likely to take risks, such as experimenting with substance use, and less likely to think about the potential outcomes. This means youth will benefit from parental guidance and discussion about the risks of cannabis use Delta -9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 2.1 The cannabis available today has a higher range of THC content than the cannabis available years ago. Higher THC content means there is a stronger effect on the brain. Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient in cannabis that produces the drug s psychotropic effects on the brain, temporarily affecting the way a person thinks, acts and feels. THC occurs naturally in the cannabis plant in ranges of 0.5 3%. 3 Cannabis today is often produced using sophisticated growing techniques such as hydroponics. Changes in production have led to the increase in the THC level of today s cannabis to range between 6-30%. 3 Cannabis with THC in stronger concentrations produces stronger effects on the brain. 4

6 THC is fat soluable. This means that it takes longer for the substance to leave the body because it has to first dissolve in fat. Smoking cannabis more than 3 days per week is defined as heavy use because at this rate the THC is not able to be dissolved and leave the body entirely. It then begins to build up on the fatty tissue of cell walls in places like the brain and white blood cells Health Impacts: 3.1 Cannabis use in adolescence has a negative effect on a youth s mental health. Cannabis use during the period when the adolescent brain is still developing puts users at a higher risk for developing anxiety and mood disorders. 3 Cannabis use, especially before age 16, has shown possible links to the onset of developing a psychotic disorder and/or psychosis symptoms. The risk is highest for individuals with a family history of psychosis. 3 Among young children and adolescents studied in Canada, the prevalence of mental health problem ranges from 18-22%. Any type of substance use, including cannabis, can mask, create, mimic, trigger and exacerbate a mental health concern Inhaling cannabis smoke damages the lungs in a way that is similar to smoking cigarettes. Cannabis smoke contains a mixture of toxins similar to tobacco smoke. However, smoking cannabis may be even more harmful to the lungs than tobacco because the smoke is often unfiltered, and the user tends to take larger puffs, inhale more deeply and hold the breath longer. All of these increase the exposure of the toxins to the lungs. 1 Smoking cannabis can lead to a chronic cough or bronchitis. It can also worsen the symptoms of asthma 3 There are over 400 chemicals in cannabis smoke Cannabis use in pregnancy is harmful to a developing fetus. Maternal use of cannabis in pregnancy affects a child s development and learning skills starting at the age of 3 years and continuing through the teenage years. This has an effect on a child s cognitive functioning, behaviour, substance use and mental health. 1 5

7 4.0 Potential for injuries: 4.1 Driving a motor vehicle after using cannabis is impaired driving and increases the risk for a crash causing injury or death. Among youth, driving within one hour after using cannabis is more common than driving within one hour of using alcohol (17% for cannabis vs. 12% for alcohol). 3 Using cannabis before driving a motor vehicle increases the risk of a collision. 3 Cannabis impairs the ability to drive a motor vehicle by compromising a driver s reaction time and visual ability, which increases the risk for a crash causing injury or death. 1 Do not drive for at least 3-4 hours after using cannabis. 11 Don t get into a car with someone who has been using cannabis. Injuries are the number one cause of death for individuals between 15 and 24 years of age in Canada. 7 Driving after using cannabis is against the law. About 17% of drivers in Gr report driving a vehicle within one hour of using cannabis. This represents about 48,500 drivers The likelihood of using cannabis and driving significantly increases with grade and is most likely among drivers in Gr.12 (higher proportion who has G2) 18% of students in grades 7 to 12 report riding in a vehicle driven by someone who has just taken drugs. 4.2 Cannabis can affect a young person s judgment and emotions, which can increase the likelihood of injury or violence. Cannabis affects co-ordination and makes it harder to concentrate and react. This can increase the risk of injury if cannabis is used before skate boarding, biking or other sporting/recreational activities. 3 Cannabis use impairs the ability for complex thinking. 4.3 Mixing cannabis with alcohol or other drugs can be dangerous. If other drugs, including alcohol, are used at the same time as cannabis, the results can be difficult to predict and potentially very dangerous. 3 6

8 5.0 Dependency: 5.1 Regular cannabis use can lead to dependency. Regular use of cannabis can develop into psychological and/or mild physical dependence characterized by increased tolerance, craving the high, discomfort when use stops, and feeling anxious when unable to obtain the drug. 3 Cannabis is the most common drug that youth seek treatment for in Halton. Cannabis use assessment, treatment and counselling services are available in Halton If you become aware of your child s cannabis use, it is important to get information early on to avoid larger dependency problems in the future. 6.0 Legal Messages: 6.1 Cannabis is an illegal substance and has never been decriminalized in Canada. Possession of any amount of cannabis is illegal in Canada. 4 Youth in possession of cannabis can get a criminal record. A criminal record can affect a youth s education acceptance, work opportunities and travel opportunities and also impact financial lending. 3 Currently the maximum fine for first time possession is a 6 month jail term or a $1000 fine or both. Dealing/trafficking cannabis or possession for the purpose of dealing/trafficking (up to 3kg) has a maximum penalty of 5 years less a day jail term. Dealing or trafficking larger amounts of cannabis can lead to life imprisonment. In 2010, Halton police report there were 301 cannabis-related incidents (youth who were charged or not charged) among youth in Halton. The medical use of cannabis is permitted in Canada under restricted circumstances only. A permit is required in order to possess or use cannabis for medical purposes. 5 7

9 7.0 Positive Parenting Messages: 7.1 Parents are the most important influence on a young person s decisions. Tell your kids you disapprove of using cannabis. Research shows strong parent disapproval of cannabis use is one of the strongest influences on a youth s decision whether or not to try cannabis. 9 Be a positive role model, don t use cannabis yourself. 7.2 Build developmental assets in your kids. The more assets young people have, the less likely they are to use cannabis. Anyone can build developmental assets by looking to build the strengths of youth. Assets are about positive relationships. Nurture your kids. Tell them what is good about them and what they do well. 8,10 Monitor what your kids are doing. Get to know their friends. Know where they are going and tell them what time they need to be home. 8, 10 Encourage your kids to be involved in activities they enjoy. 120 Increase your child s feeling of connectedness at school by encouraging them to be involved on a team, club or committee at school. 120 Increase your child s feeling of connectedness to their community by encouraging them to be involved through volunteering Be aware that your young person is likely to be confronted with cannabis in social situations. Educate yourself about today s cannabis so you can talk about it with your kids. Help your kids to plan ahead for situations where they may be offered cannabis and practice what to say, and how to avoid use. 10 Ask your kids if they are using cannabis. Educate yourself about the signs of cannabis use and get information right away if you suspect use. 8

10 8.0 Harm Reduction Messages: 8.1 Using cannabis has risks. The safest choice is not to use cannabis. However, if you do decide to use cannabis, there are ways to reduce the harms associated with it. 11 Do not use cannabis before or during school. Know where your cannabis is coming from. Sometimes cannabis can have traces of other harmful drugs or chemicals. Find safe places to smoke (ie: not at school). 8.2 The risks of cannabis use are highest for those who start using the drug in adolescence. 11 Choose not to use cannabis, or wait until you are older to try it. 8.3 Frequent use (ie: daily or near-daily use) is associated with the most severe problems and should be avoided. 11 Smoke less, less often. 8.4 Frequent users who experience difficulty controlling the use of cannabis should attempt to stop using. If you are unable to do it on your own, seek professional help. 11 Get help if you think your cannabis use is out of control. 8.5 There are ways to reduce the respiratory risks from smoking cannabis. 11 Avoid smoking cannabis with tobacco. Avoid inhaling too deeply and holding the breath for too long in order to reduce the harm to the lungs. Use vaporizers rather than smoking. 9

11 8.6 Use of cannabis with higher THC content may lead to more intense impairment or psychotic symptoms. 11 Use caution when using an unfamiliar cannabis product. Limit your intake of cannabis to the minimum amount needed to achieve the desired high. 8.7 Using cannabis has a cost. A cannabis habit costs money. Relationships can change when you use cannabis. Cannabis possession or use can get you arrested. 8.7 There are people for which the risk of cannabis use is greatest and should avoid cannabis use entirely: 11 Pregnant women. Middle-aged or older men with cardiovascular problems. Individuals with a history of psychosis, or a first-degree relative with a history of psychosis. 10

12 References: 1. Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (March 2010). Clearing the Smoke on Cannabis Series: Cannabis Use and Driving. Retrieved July 6, Available at: Chronic Use and Cognitive Functioning and Mental Health. Retrieved July 6, Available at: Highlights. Retrieved July 6, Available at: Maternal Cannabis Use During Pregnancy. Retrieved July 6, Available at: Respiratory Effects of Cannabis Use. Retrieved July 6, 2011 Available at: 2. Canadian Institute for Health Information (2005). Improving the Health of Young Canadians. Retrieved July 6, Available at: 3. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Do you know Cannabis (2009). Retrieved July 6, Available at: ation/cannabis_dyk.html Early cannabis use may increase risk of psychosis. Research Update (Summer 2010). 13(4). Retrieved July 6, Available at: Fact Sheet Effects of Cannabis (2010). Retrieved July 6, Available at: urces/cannabisfactsheet4effects.pdf Pagila-Boak, A., Mann, R.E., Adlaf, E.M., & Rehm, J. (2009). Drug use among Ontario students, : OSDUHS highlights. (CAMH Research Document Series No. 28). Toronto, ON: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Study shows new link between cannabis use and mental health. Retrieved August 4, Available at: backgrounders/cannabis_links_mood_anxiety.html 4. Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (1996). Retrieved July 6, Available at: 11

13 5. Health Canada (2009). Cannabis/Marijuana. Retrieved July 6, Available at: 6. Offord Centre for Child Studies (2010). The teen brain under construction. Powerpoint by Dr. Jean Clinton. Retrieved July 6, Available at: 7. Public Health Agency of Canada (2008). Leading Causes of Death and Injury in Canada. Retrieved July 6, Available at: 8. Search Institute (2008). What Kids Need: The building blocks for children and youth. Retrieved July 6, Available at: 9. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2010). Results from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Volume I. Summary of National Findings. Retrieved July 6, Available at: Triple P Positive Parenting Program. University of Queensland. Available through accredited Triple P Practitioners. a. Friends and Peer Relationships. (2001). b. Positive Parenting for Parents with Teenagers (2005). c. Raising Competent Teenagers (2004). 11. Fishcer, B; Jeffries, V; Hall, W; Room, R; Goldner, E., and Rehm, J. (2011). Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines for Canada (LRCUG): A Narrative Review of Evidence and Recommendations. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2011;102(5)

14 Who We Are The Halton Cannabis Awareness Strategy Group is made up of professionals from local agencies as well as parents and youth partners. Our goal is to increase awareness, dispel myths and reduce the harms from youth marijuana use. ADAPT (Halton Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention and Treatment Services) DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Halton Halton Catholic District School Board Halton District School Board Halton Regional Police Service John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area POSSE (Peer Outreach Support Services and Education) Town of Oakville, Youth Services Department Halton Region Health Department For more information, please visit our website at Halton Region Dial 311 or Toll free HALTON ( ) TTY HE-12025