Description

This episode of “Mind the Kids” offers a deeply nuanced discussion on cannabis use and abuse within family contexts and among adolescents. Hosted by Dr. Jane Gilmour and Professor Umar Toseeb, it features expert guests Professor Shelby Steuart and Victoria Bethel, who unpack the complexities of medical versus recreational cannabis, the evolving legal landscape in the US, and associated risks—especially for young people. The conversation explores how legalization affects availability and accidental exposures, the potency of cannabis products, and the challenges of regulation and safety. Listeners hear about the social and environmental factors influencing adolescent behavior, the balance of risks and potential benefits, and practical insights into harm reduction. Importantly, the episode emphasizes the need for data-led, non-judgmental approaches to understanding and responding to cannabis use among youth in a changing policy environment. It provides valuable takeaways for academics, clinicians, parents, and policymakers interested in child and adolescent mental health within the context of evolving cannabis laws.

Learning Objectives

1. Improve your understanding that high-dose THC products are becoming more common, with edibles often containing dangerously high levels of THC.

2. Explore how children are at risk due to unintentional consumption and why some children may require intubation after consumption.

3. Recognise how awareness of product strength is crucial for safety and why the cannabis industry must consider child safety.

4. Examine the importance of parents and caregivers being informed and why education on cannabis risks should be prioritized, including health complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias.

Paper Link

https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.70058