While cannabis is legalized in Canada, there are mental health risks associated with its use among youth aged 15-24. Youth in this age group are especially vulnerable to developing cannabis use disorders, and early initiation of cannabis use during adolescence is significantly associated with developing mental health conditions such as psychosis and schizophrenia. Public health strategies can be improved by complementing the current abstinence approach for non-users with a harm reduction approach for already-users to destigmatize help-seeking behaviour for those who require support. This narrative review highlights cannabis epidemiology, evaluates current public health strategies, and emphasizes cross-sectoral collaboration as a systemic mechanism for achieving health promotion among youth in Canada. Finally, the author provides commentary on the potential role of the COVID-19 pandemic in influencing trends and patterns related to cannabis use and health promotion campaigns.
Edris Formuli (Tue,) studied this question.