This factsheet was developed by the YMCA Youth Cannabis Awareness Program.

HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS FACTSHEET:

When faced with difficult situations, stress or tragedy, people use different strategies, including using substances like cannabis, to help manage their well-being and avoid feeling overwhelmed. These strategies are also known as ‘coping.’ Using cannabis to cope can lead to regular use, which may have adverse effects on teenage brain development and mental health. Cannabis research is ongoing; here’s what we know based on existing evidence.