Troy Shantz
An information session is planned to clear the air on what cannabis means to teens in Sarnia-Lambton.
Anna McKiernan, a policy analyst with the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, will discuss the health effects of marijuana use in adolescence at the May 4 event.
She will cite a recent study on Canadian youth perceptions about cannabis and its implications for prevention and practice.
“We aimed to provide a clear picture of what Canadian youth think about cannabis, what common misconceptions are held, where gaps in evidence-based information exist, and how best to move forward with prevention efforts,” she said.
Cannabis is the most common illicit substance used by young people in Canada, according to Statistics Canada. In 2014, Canadian youth were the second-highest users of marijuana in the world.
“Early and frequent marijuana use can affect brain development,” McKiernan said. “Youth hold misconceptions regarding cannabis use which puts them at risk.”
The event is aimed at parents and caregivers and sponsored by Lambton Public Health and the Lambton Drug Awareness Action Committee.
“Basically, it’s about the teens’ perception of marijuana, an insight into what they’re really thinking,” said Terry Easterby, a health promoter at Lambton Public Health.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Marijuana: What teens think, what does it mean?
WHERE: Lambton Public Health, 160 Exmouth St. Sarnia
WHEN: May 4, 7 p.m.
NOTES: Event is free. To register, call 1-800-667-1839 or visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca