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

HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS FACTSHEET:

Stigma refers to the negative attitudes, judgments, and beliefs that motivate people to fear, reject, avoid, and discriminate against others for any physical or social attribute they possess. Cannabis-related stigmatization can cause discrimination and mistreatment toward people who use cannabis, resulting in diminished feelings of self-worth and shame. Stigma can also cause people to avoid seeking help or learning how to support themselves or others if they are experiencing harm related to substance use. Learn how to reduce cannabis-related stigma, promote non-judgmental discussion, and why proper language matters when discussing cannabis use.