If you are in an emergency, in crisis or need someone to talk to, there is help.

View Crisis Resources
Skip to content
  • Contact Us
  • No One Left Behind
  • Join our team
  • Referral Form
  • Virtual Urgent Care
  • Accessibility
CAMH logo
  • No One Left Behind
  • Your impact
  • Campaign cabinet
  • Help and resources

    • Contact Us
    • No One Left Behind
    • Join our team
    • Referral Form
    • Virtual Urgent Care
    • Accessibility
    • No One Left Behind

Conversations matter: cannabis

Providing you with information to support youth in making informed decisions

Talking to a young person in your life about cannabis can be awkward.

But to keep young people safe, it is important to make sure they have as much information as possible. Here is some information about cannabis that you can use to start a conversation with youth and help guide them to make informed choices about cannabis. 

What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant that has psychoactive effects. Psychoactive means that it can change the way a person thinks, acts or feels. Cannabis comes in many forms, including:

  • dried flowers or leaves
  • hash
  • oils
  • capsules or pills
  • edibles (e.g., baked goods, butter and candy).

Each of these forms can affect a person differently.

Conversations matter: cannabis

Risks of cannabis for youth

Young people under 16 who use cannabis regularly can develop health and social problems that may be long-lasting. They include:

  • harm to brain development, causing problems with memory, concentration and decision making
  • increased risk of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or psychosis
  • difficulties with friends or family
  • breathing problems
  • physical dependence

Delaying cannabis use until after adolescence will reduce the risks. The brain is not fully developed until the age of 25.

Conversations matter: cannabis

Cannabis is a drug that has particular risks for young people. Being a trusted and approachable adult can help keep them safe.

Be supportive.

Young people may choose to use cannabis for many reasons, including to fit in. Help them develop ways to feel comfortable saying “no” if they want to.  

Encourage safe use.

Help them understand when cannabis should be avoided, such as at school or work, and when driving.  

Stay informed

about cannabis, and let the young people in your life know you are ready and open to answer any questions they may have.

Be available

and welcoming if a young person approaches you to talk about cannabis. Try to consider and respect the different ways they may feel about approaching you.  

Encourage

young people to set a limit when using cannabis, and stick to it.  

Can we count on your support?

Donate to help us improve mental health care for everyone.

Follow us
  • Patient and Family Care
  • Health Info
  • Science and Research
  • Education
  • Professionals
  • Get Involved
  • Driving Change
  • About CAMH
  • Job Openings
  • Purchase Publications
  • Referral Form
  • For Reporters
  • Donor Services
  • Events

CAMH Switchboard

From the GTA: 416 535-8501


Toll-free: 1 800 463-2338

To Access CAMH Clinical Services

416 535-8501, press 2

We have multiple locations. Find directions.

 Map of CAMH's Queen Street Site
  • Staff Tools

Copyright 2025 CAMH

  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • Site Map

Keep in touch with CAMH

Keep your finger on our pulse – latest CAMH news, discoveries and ways to get involved delivered to your inbox.

Please select a newsletter

Please complete the following:

    Required Fields

    Please select a newsletter option

    Please input a first name

    Please input a last name

    Please input an email address

    By clicking Sign Up below, I consent to receive electronic communications (as selected above) from CAMH and CAMH Foundation. To unsubscribe at any time click the link in our mailing or email: unsubscribe@camh.ca

    Please agree to the Terms of Use

     

    Thanks for Subscribing.

    We look forward to keeping you informed, inspired and involved in all things CAMH.

    Help us change mental health care forever.

    Every donation moves us closer to a future where no one is left behind.

    $
    Other Ways to Give
    Join our team