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Speaking to youth about cannabis use

Podcast

Season 6: Episode 1 - February 9 2026

Runtime: 35:40

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SHOW NOTES
Summary

In this episode, host David P. Ball speaks with guests Apollo Collin-Gray and Dr. Anees Bahji about how clinicians can engage youth in meaningful, non-judgmental conversations about cannabis in a post-legalization context. They explore why youth use cannabis, how stigma and barriers to health care shape youth choices, and what clinicians can do to create safer, more supportive environments to help youth achieve their health goals. Listeners will hear Apollo share personal experiences of navigating the health system and cannabis use as a young person, followed by Dr. Bahji offering clinical insight on how care providers can engage with young patients who use cannabis with curiosity and compassion. This episode highlights practical strategies for initiating conversations, discussing risks in age-appropriate and non-stigmatizing ways, and how to identify when additional services or treatment may be needed.

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe approaches to initiating non-judgmental conversations with youth about cannabis use.
  2. Explain risks of harm associated with cannabis use among youth, including impacts on brain development and mental health.
  3. Identify harm reduction strategies for youth who are using or considering using cannabis.
  4. Recognize when to refer youth to other supports such as counselling or specialized substance use services.

Lineup

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • [1:39] – Apollo Collin-Gray, Guest – Youth researcher, At Risk Youth Study; Youth Advisor, Broadway Youth Resource Centre
  • [14:22] – Dr. Anees Bahji, Guest – Psychiatrist, clinician-scientist, PhD candidate (University of Calgary)

Clinical Pearls

Here’s what listeners can take away from this episode:

  1. Start with curiosity, not judgment. Asking open-ended questions to understand the function of cannabis in someone’s life can help youth feel safe and heard.
  2. Validate youth autonomy and lived experience. Acknowledging experiences and emotions can ensure youth do not feel dismissed in the health care system.
  3. Educate using age-appropriate resources and empowering approaches. Framing the effects of cannabis use in collaborative ways can help youth make informed choices without feeling pressured.
  4. Integrate strategies for harm reduction, such as reducing frequency of use, keeping equipment clean, and avoiding high-potency THC products.
  5. Address underlying health or psychosocial issues, as this may be more impactful than focusing solely on cannabis use.

Resources

Videos

Reports, statistics, and guidance

Articles and books

  • Bishop LD, Drakes DH, Donnan JR, Rowe EC, Najafizada M. Exploring youths’ cannabis health literacy post legalization: a qualitative study. J Adolesc Res. 2025;40(1):130-160. doi:10.1177/07435584221118380  
  • Braedon P, Thulien M, Knight R, Milloy MJ, Howard B, Nelson S, Fast D. “Something that actually works”: Cannabis use among young people in the context of street entrenchment. PLoS One. 2020;15(7):e0236243. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0236243  
  • Goodyear T, Ferlatte O, Fast D, Salway T, Jenkins E, Robinson S, Knight R. Using photovoice to understand experiences of opioid use among sexual and gender minority youth in Vancouver, Canada. Culture, Health & Sexuality. 2023;25(5):599–616. doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2022.2079153
  • Goodyear T, Jenkins E, Oliffe JL, Fast D, Kia H, Knight R. 2S/LGBTQ+ youth substance use and pathways to homelessness: A photovoice study. International Journal of Drug Policy. 2024;133:104621. doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104621
  • Goodyear T, Barborini C, Gilmore R, Collin-Gray A, Jensen M, Young L, Hossain A, He E; Other Members of the Substance Use Beyond the Binary Youth Action Committee. Harm reduction in photovoice knowledge mobilization with 2S/LGBTQ+ youth who use(d) drugs: A community showcase. Harm Reduction Journal. 2025;22(1):109. doi:10.1186/s12954-025-01263-3
  • Kourgiantakis T, Hamilton A, Tait C, Tekirdag Kosar A, Lau CKY, McNeil S, Goldstein AL. Reducing the harms of cannabis use in youth post‑legalization: insights from Ontario youth, parents, and service providers. Harm Reduction Journal. 2024;21:1‑21. doi:10.1186/s12954‑024‑01112‑9
  • Kourgiantakis T, Vicknarajah R, Logan J, Edwards T, Lee E, Craig S, Kaura A, Williams CC, Marshall S. Understanding youth and young adult cannabis use in Canada post‑legalization: a scoping review on a public health issue. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy. 2024;19(1):30. doi:10.1186/s13011-024-00615-9