Resources
Resources for You
Looking to further your cannabis or mental health & psychosis knowledge? Several other organizations have put together incredibly helpful tools and resources to help you navigate these complex topics.
If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your local emergency department. Our Distress/Crisis support section also provides options if you’re having a hard time and want to talk to someone. Even if you’re not sure if your situation is “bad enough” to call or chat with someone, we suggest you give it a try.
Mental Health Resources
The Canada Suicide Prevention Service
1-800-SUICIDE (SUICIDE CRISIS LINE) Available 24/7
If you are considering suicide or concerned about someone who may be, call 1-800-784-2433.
The new Canada Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS), by Crisis Services Canada, enables callers anywhere in Canada to access crisis support by phone, in French or English. You can also visit their website to find a crisis line closer to you. Toll-free: 1-833-456-4566
Kids Help Phone
24/7 counselling help from trained professionals on the phone for youth up to age 20. Live chat on the computer is available on weekend evenings. Call 1-800-668-6868
211 Distress line
Just dial 2-1-1 (available in NS, QC, ON, SK, AB, B.C.)
24-hour information and referral line connecting you to social, health, and government services. Call now and get connected.
Wellness Together Canada
Wellness Together Canada was created in response to an unprecedented rise in mental distress, and is funded by the Government of Canada. Whatever you’re going through, we’re here to provide mental health and substance use support.
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, Mental Health First Aid is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), in collaboration with the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, the Centre for Suicide Prevention, and the Public Health Agency of Canada has developed two toolkits to support people who have been impacted by suicide. One toolkit is tailored for people who have attempted suicide, and the other is focused on resources for people who have lost someone to suicide. The MHCC wishes to thank the Advisory Committee comprised of people with lived experience related to suicide for their assistance in making these toolkits possible.
Wellnest
We recognize that seeking therapy can at times feel uncomfortable. It takes courage to explore and address difficult experiences and emotions, and we strive to ensure that you always feel comfortable. Our purpose is to provide you with a safe and compassionate environment as we work to help you explore your challenges, understand yourself and your mental health, and to help manage your life more effectively.
Be There
BeThere is a site designed to help young people learn the basics about reaching out and supporting friends who may be experiencing mental health difficulties. An amazing resource full of practical ideas and stories to help you be present and informed.
Jack.org
Jack.org is a movement that trains and empowers youth to become mental health leaders and advocates, promoting open dialogue about mental health and reducing stigma in communities and on campuses across Canada
Ementalhealth.ca
An online portal to find mental health services, support and help in your community.
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention
A database of services including hotlines you can call for crisis support.
If you or someone you know is in crisis right now, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
BounceBack
A free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
Wise Practices
Wise Practices for Life Promotion – Indiginenous Leadership for Living Life Well
Strengthening Our Connections to Promote Life: A Life Promotion Toolkit by Indigenous Youth
Schizophrenia Society of Canada
Build a Canada where people living with early psychosis and schizophrenia achieve their potential.
Native Women’s Association of Canada
Cannabis Education for and by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
The goal of these resources are that they are culturally safe, gender based, trauma informed and will help to develop increased literacy needed to make informed decisions about cannabis use that best suit their circumstances.
Cannabis Resources
Health Canada
Health Canada has some key points about the most recent medical cannabis regulation and has an extensive repository of resources related to cannabis, 10 Ways to Reduce Risks when Using, information on Cannabis & Mental Health, and more.
Santé Cannabis
Santé Cannabis, a medical cannabis clinic and contract research centre, has a helpful FAQ section.
The Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids (CCIC)
The Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids can lead you to a variety of educational resources.
The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine
The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine recently published “The therapeutic effects of Cannabis and cannabinoids: An update” which reviews the evidence on medical cannabis for different health issues.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) publishes several primary research and review pieces on cannabis.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) frequently deals with the intersection of mental health and substance use, as evidenced by their cannabis legalization and mental health brief.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) ‘s basic facts about cannabis.
The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA)
The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) authors documents such as the Cannabasics and houses references to a number of other non-stigmatizing cannabis education resources, as well as a variety of tools to screen for problematic cannabis.
The Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR)
The Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) can connect you with several peer-reviewed journal articles and reports.
Child Mind Institute
A quick read on the link between cannabis and psychosis:
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
A database of all the research on cannabis that’s going on in Canada.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has an interactive, extensive map of the different regulatory frameworks across all the provinces and territories.
YMCA’s Youth Cannabis Knowledge Hub
The Youth Cannabis Awareness Program (YCAP) offers free programming to youth aged 12 to 24, as well as adults (parents/guardians and professionals) involved in the lives of youth.
Canadian Public Health Association’s (CPHA)
A 14-page information package that provides an introduction to the plant and its derived products, methods of consumption, understanding consumption (i.e. why people choose to use), and harm reduction.
Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy
Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy’s Cannabis Education Toolkit
Get Sensible
The Sensible Cannabis Education Toolkit aims to support adults in having informed and non-judgmental conversations with young people about cannabis.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine
If you’re looking for a robust resource that examines the research around cannabis and health, a large review document of 10,000 research articles on cannabis and its health effects is available. The entire report is long and needs to be purchased at the link below.
The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research Some key highlights of the report can be found in this PDF (No purchase required).
Mental Health Literacy
This infographic can help sum up some of the general questions about cannabis use.
The Centre on Mental Health and Addiction (CAMH)
The Centre on Mental Health and Addiction’s (CAMH) Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines.
First Nations Health Authority
The First Nations Health Authority has developed a series of fantastic resources including a completely anonymous questionnaire to help you assess where you’re at with your use.
The Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research & Vancouver Coastal Health
The Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (formerly The Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia) & Vancouver Coastal Health “Take Care with Cannabis” Handout.
CBC Radio
CBC Radio’s White Coat, Black Art: Everything you wanted to know about pot: Your questions answered
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction<
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction’s “Talking Pot with Youth” Kit and 7 Things You Need to Know About Edible Cannabis.
Thehighwayhome.ca
Make your mistakes here, not on the road.
Statistics Canada
Looking back from 2020, how cannabis use and related behaviours changed in Canada.
And How cannabis use changed in Canada, 2018 to 2020.
Bridge the Gapp
Bridge the gApp Youth is an online resource designed to support your mental wellness.
The National Institute for Cannabis Health and Education- Niche Canada
What’s with weed? is a great resource for learning basic information about cannabis.
Mental Health Resources
The Early Psychosis Intervention Ontario Network (EPION)
EPION is a network of people who work in early psychosis intervention (EPI) services in Ontario, individuals who have received EPI services, and their family members and caregivers. EPION’s site includes an interactive map showing early intervention services across Ontario and has a page of external links for those living outside Ontario.
Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child & Youth Mental Health
A nine-part video learning series called Pillars of Youth Support. This collection was created to introduce young people to key elements of peer support and build their confidence in providing support to peers, while ensuring that they are also able to take good care of themselves in the process.
Canadian Mental Health Association-Ontario
The provincial branch of the CMHA, includes provincial programs.
ConnexOntario provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling by connecting them with services in their area.
Cannabis Resources
The Early Psychosis Intervention Ontario Network (EPION)
The Early Psychosis Intervention Ontario Network (EPION)’s My Cannabis IQ page contains information for youth, families, and clinicians.
YouthRex – Youth Research and Evaluation eXchange
A resource for Ontario where shared knowledge is transformed into a positive impact for all youth! Includes resources for cannabis use and free certificate training for youth workers around cannabis, legalization and how it affects young people.
Mental Health Resources
Crisis Line – 403-266-HELP (4357)
Hearing Impaired – 403-543-1967
A collection of resources based in Alberta (24/7 hotline, chat, or face to face in Calgary) to support whichever immediate crisis you’re going through.
403-264-TEEN (403-264-8336) – 24 hours
A collection of resources specifically for teens based in Alberta (24/7 hotline, chat, email, text) to support anything you might be going through and need to talk about.
Canadian Mental Health Association-Alberta
The provincial branch of the CMHA, includes provincial programs.
Mental health literacy information, research, education and resources.
Mental Health resources available to Albertans.
Cannabis Resources
Information regarding recreational cannabis for students, parents/caregivers, teachers, and school-based clinicians.
Mental Health Resources
24/7 crisis line or online chat noon to 1 am
Call 1-866-3311
Canadian Mental Health Association
BC Provincial branch of the CMHA.
Information on mental health, alcohol, and other drugs.
Youth Mental Health Resources.
Cannabis Resources
A project designed to make finding reliable information on substance use and mental health easier, including a quick brief on cannabis and psychosis and how to cut back.
The McCreary Centre Society has just launched its second full-length report about cannabis use among youth in BC: Blunt talk.
Mental Health Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association-Manitoba/Winnipeg
Provincial branch of the CMHA.
Mental Health Education Resource Centre
A provincial resource promoting knowledge exchange operated by the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society.
Cannabis Resources
Addictions Foundations of Manitoba
Cannabis toolkit and resources to provide information to Manitobans on cannabis including public health and safety, risks and the legal framework.
Mental Health Resources
Mental health help-line, available 5 pm-12 pm daily
Call 1-800-667-5005
Peers Engaged in Education and Recovery, is a community-based, addiction and mental health service that focuses on a positive future for young adults
Canadian Mental Health Association
Provincial branch of the CMHA.
New Brunswick Addiction and Mental Health Services
The Provincial Government site gives information about mental health and addictions services in New Brunswick and contact information for Community Mental Health Centres.
Cannabis Resources
Mental Health Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association
Provincial branch of the CMHA.
Mental Health and Addictions Systems Navigator
Call 1-877-999-7589 or (709) 752-3916
CHANNAL Peer Support Warm Line
The Warm Line offers non-emergency, non-crisis telephone support for people in the province who are living with mental health issues. Call 1-855-753-2560 or (709) 753-2560
Phone: 1-888-737-4668 (toll free)
Cannabis Resources
Mental Health Resources
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority
List of mental health resources and crisis lines.
NWT Community Counselling Program (CCP)
This program provides phone support and in-person counselling.
Cannabis Resources
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority
Provides a list of resources describing the health effect of cannabis on different groups, as well as resources for parents and teachers.
Mental Health Resources
HealthyMindsNS is a suite of online mental health resources, available free to post-secondary students, to complement the mental health supports and services available on campuses.
Canadian Mental Health Association
Provincial branch of the CMHA.
A project on psychosis education “Because Your Mind Matters”
Cannabis Resources
Mental Health Resources
Local Nunavut Phone Number: 867.979.3333
Toll-Free Outside of Iqaluit and residents of Nunavumiut: 1.800.265.3333
Call 1-866-684-5056
Mental Health Resources
The Island Helpline provides free, confidential emotional support and crisis intervention to Islanders of all ages, 24/7. Call: 1-800-218-2885
The Coping and Support Training (CAST) Program is an evidence-based group skills program that helps at-risk youth with: substance misuse (drinking or using drugs), mental well-being, and school performance.
Canadian Mental Health Association
Provincial branch of the CMHA.
Cannabis Resources
Information on cannabis use, the law, talking to youth, cannabis and driving, etc.
Mental Health Resources
Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. in English and French.
Phone: 1-800-630-0907
Support groups for people, young people and adults who suffer from anxiety disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder. These services are also aimed at family and relatives.
Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in French
Phone: 1-866-922-0002
It’s completely normal to encounter ups and downs in our lives.
They shape who we are, and make us all unique. But for people living with anxiety, depression or bipolarity, and their loved ones, the hills can turn into mountains.
Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in English and French
Phone: 1-866-738-4873
Canadian Mental Health Association/ L’Association canadienne pour la santé mentale
Provincial branch of the CMHA/ACSM.
Learn more about mental health and mental illness.
Tools, resources, and information about mental health
Cannabis Resources
The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC)
Learn about the science behind cannabis, the effects of cannabis, and some terminology.
Mental Health Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association
Provincial branch of the CMHA.
Saskatchewan Mobile Crisis Helpline
Free, 24/7, confidential crisis support. Call: 306.757.0127
Free, 24/7, confidential suicide-related support. Phone: 306.525.5333
The Saskatchewan Alliance for Youth and Community Well-Being (SAYCW)
Resources/toolkits for mental health and a variety of other related topics.
Cannabis Resources
Mental Health Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association
Provincial branch of the CMHA.
Online chat noon to 1 am
Cannabis Resources
On Cannabis and Psychosis Zine
A collaboration with Get Sensible, this zine explores the relationship between cannabis and psychosis and distills the information in a way that is easily accessible and understood.
PDF LINK
On Cannabis and Psychosis Zine.pdf
Supporting Someone in Psychosis Brochure
An accompanying resource to the collaborative ‘On Cannabis and Psychosis’ zine, this brochure examines how to support someone experiencing psychosis. Informed by voices of lived and living experience, as well as scientific advisors, we explore topics of harm reduction, crisis management, self care, and practical tips on how to best support someone who may be experiencing psychosis.
PDF LINK
Cannabis & Psychosis Caregiver Tips Tri-Fold Pamphlet.pdf
Glossary
Anxiety disorders are mental illnesses that can make daily life very challenging. Some examples include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
BIPOC is the acronym for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour.
Bipolar affective disorder is a type of mood disorder that involves experiencing significant highs and lows, known as mania and depression.
Cannabis is a plant that has been used for thousands of years for medical, social and spiritual reasons. Cannabis contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabis has a range of effects, depending on the type, amount, and person using the drug.
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with our endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating and balancing many processes in the body. The two most common cannabinoids are THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). THC is the cannabinoid commonly known for the “high” that it produces, while CBD is known for its therapeutic benefits.
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid known to moderate processes in the body. It does not produce a “high” feeling.
Central nervous system refers to the brain and spinal cord. The brain controls most of our bodily functions, such as awareness, movement, sensations, thoughts, speech and memory.
Cultivar refers to a cultivated variety of the cannabis plant. Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa are cultivars.
Depressant drugs slow down the central nervous system. Alcohol and opioids, such as morphine and oxycodone, are depressants.
Depression is a mood disorder that can make daily life difficult. It is characterised by low mood, lack of enjoyment, and limited energy. Depression is more than just feeling sad. Chronic pain and other illnesses can induce depression.
There are different types and degrees of severity and symptoms. Symptoms include:
- Poor performance at work or school
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt and low self-esteem
- Irritability and fatigue
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling the need to cry or crying easily
- Thought of suicide
- Loss of touch with reality, including experiencing hallucination or delusions.
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, around 5% of male youth and 12% of female youth aged 12 to 19 have experienced a major depressive episode in their life. There are many ways to treat depression. Treatment is successful in 80% of people.
Dissociation is a mental process in which a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories or sense of identity. Dissociative disorders include dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, depersonalisation disorder and dissociative identity disorder.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter known as the reward chemical. It plays a role in how we feel pleasure. It helps us focus, complete tasks and strive for our goals.
Drug Prohibition refers to policies that restrict access to and criminalize the sale and possession of certain mood‐altering substances, such as cannabis, cocaine, and heroin. Intoxicants have been used in most societies throughout history, and for most of history, such use has been governed by social custom, rather than legal penalty. In the 20th century, however, Western nations adopted a series of increasingly restrictive policies on the use and sale of certain drugs. For more information on the history and impact of Canada’s Drug policies, please visit Canadian Drug Policy Coalition.
Endocannabinoid refers to naturally occurring chemicals that keep our internal functions running smoothly. The two key endocannabinoids in our body are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG). “Endo” means inner, and “cannabinoid” refers to chemicals in the cannabis plant. “Ananda” is the Sanskrit word for bliss.
Endocannabinoid system (ECS) refers to regulation of our sleep, mood, appetite and memory, among other things that help us feel balanced. The ECS was identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC, the main psychoactive substance in the cannabis plant. Some activities that boost the ECS include:
- practicing yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises
- hanging out and have fun with friends
- getting a massage or acupuncture
Endorphins are painkillers produced in the body when we are dancing, exercising, laughing and using essential oils (because some terpenes in essential oils are therapeutic).
Generalised anxiety disorder refers to a mental illness characterized by excessive worrying that interferes with daily life. Symptoms may include overthinking plans and solutions to worst-case scenarios, perceiving situations as threatening even when they aren’t, difficulties making decisions, and inability to relax. Some people with this disorder may experience fatigue, nervousness, sweating, nausea and many other symptoms. Treatment options include anti-anxiety medications and cognitive behaviour therapy (talk therapy).
Hallucinogens are drugs that make us see, hear and feel things differently than we normally would, and sometimes see things that aren’t real. Some examples are LSD and psilocybin.
Harm reduction is a spectrum. On one end is the idea that the only way to avoid harm is to not use cannabis or other drugs. On the other end is the idea that drug use is complex and the right thing to do is help people use as safely as possible no matter their age, gender, nationality, economic status, etc. Many people fit somewhere in between these two extremes. A growing number of people are seeing that reducing harm from substance use starts with addressing underlying issues in our society that make health difficult to achieve and maintain. These include poverty, racism and other forms of inequality and injustice.
Homeostasis literally means balance. It comes from the Greek words “same” and “steady.” The human body maintains steady levels of temperature and blood content (e.g., water, salt, sugar, protein, fat, calcium, oxygen).
LGBTQ2S+ is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Two-Spirit and additional sexual orientations and gender identities.
Mental health means balance. It’s a state of being that involves feeling like you have a purpose and the ability to manage life’s ups and downs while enjoying the ride. Our mental health can change over time, depending on our physical health and other factors. These include where we live and who we spend time with, opportunities and disappointments at school or work, exciting or traumatic events in our community, and so on.
Mental illness is a general term for conditions with symptoms that affect our thinking, perceptions, mood or behaviour. Mental illness can make it difficult for a person to function at home, school or work. Many people manage their mental illnesses with medication, counselling and self-care practices.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that involves navigating unwanted thoughts or impulses and repetitive, time-consuming rituals. OCD is treatable with medications and therapies aimed at examining our stress responses.
Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter nicknamed the “love drug.” Our bodies release oxytocin when we cuddle with a pet or hug a loved one. Giving and receiving compliments also releases that warm “love” feeling.
Panic attack refers to intense fear or discomfort lasting up to 10 minutes. Symptoms can include an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, nausea, inability to move, and fears of dying.
Paranoia is the irrational feeling that people are ‘out to get you.’ Paranoia may be a symptom of other conditions. These include paranoid personality disorder, delusional (paranoid) disorder and schizophrenia. Medications and support are available.
Peer mentoring is a way of helping another person by giving them a chance to talk. It could be about something they are struggling with at home, school, work, or with a partner. Or it might be something that is in their way, such as a drug use problem, food issues or money challenges. Peer mentoring means ‘being there’ and listening to the person as they work through their problems and find solutions. It doesn’t mean knowing the answers or giving advice. The goal is to make the person feel acknowledged, understood and less alone.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a response to a traumatic event, such as a serious accident or illness, abuse, assault, war, torture, or natural disaster.
Psychoactive substances are mind-altering drugs that affect our central nervous system. Stimulant drugs, such as coffee and cocaine, speed up our breathing and heart rate so we feel alert. Depressant drugs, such as alcohol and opioids, slow down our breathing and heart rate so we feel relaxed. Hallucinogens make us see, hear or feel things that aren’t real. Some drugs, such as cannabis, don’t fit neatly into a category. They have a range of effects, depending on the person and the type and amount of the drug they’re using.
Psychosis is a disconnection from our shared reality. People in psychosis may experience hallucinations, delusions or confused thinking and speech. Common symptoms include hearing voices or believing others are trying to harm you. Psychosis can be a one-time experience or linked to mental conditions, such as substance-induced psychosis or schizophrenia. Medication and other support can help to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Factors that contribute to psychosis are
- Genetics (having certain genes can predispose you to psychotic disorders)
- Sleep (prolonged lack of sleep can trigger psychosis),
- Substance use (some substances such as cannabis can trigger psychosis, particularly at high doses)
- Brain changes (trauma can affect the developing brain)
- Stress
Psychotic disorders are mental illnesses involving repeated episodes of psychosis. These include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, and brief psychotic disorder. Using cannabis or other drugs can trigger psychotic disorders in some people with a genetic disposition toward psychosis.
Recovery is a deeply personal, unique process of changing one’s attitudes, values, feelings, goals, skills and/or roles. It is a way of living a satisfying, hopeful and contributing life, even with the limitations caused by illness. Recovery involves the development of new meaning and purpose in one’s life as one grows beyond the catastrophic effect of mental illness.
Resilience is the ability to survive tough times and thrive on the other side. For example, some people who survived racism, abuse and injustice during the War of Drugs are now running legal cannabis businesses that offer jobs and support to poor communities who suffered the most.
Schizoaffective disorder is a rare mental illness that involves symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder.
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects the way we understand and interact with the world. Symptoms vary but may include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorder, social withdrawal, lack of motivation and impaired thinking and memory. People with schizophrenia have a high risk of suicide. Schizophrenia affects 1% of the Canadian population. It usually appears in men in their late teens or early 20s, and in women in their late 20s or early thirties. Schizophrenia is not a split personality. There are many treatments available to help people with schizophrenia.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter known for stabilizing our mood. We produce it naturally when we’re meditating, walking in nature, socializing and spending time in the sun.
Social determinants of health are non-medical factors that influence our health. These include our living conditions, the learning and work opportunities available to us, and social norms. People who live in poorer areas tend to have poorer health. The key factors that influence our health are:
- Income and social protection
- Education
- Unemployment and job insecurity
- Working life conditions
- Food insecurity
- Housing, basic amenities and the environment
- Early childhood development
- Social inclusion and non-discrimination
- Structural conflict
- Access to affordable health services of decent quality
Stimulant drugs speed us up and make us feel more alert. Caffeine, nicotine and cocaine are stimulant drugs.
Strain is used to describe a genetic variant of a bacteria, fungus, or virus. Many people use it to talk about cannabis. But since cannabis is a plant or product, it’s better to use the term cultivar, meaning cultivated variety.
Stress is our body’s response to a threat or worry. About 14% of Canadian youth report experiencing stress on most days. Common stressors involve school, work, relationships, media overload, lack of sleep and the physical space around such as a messy bedroom or loud traffic. Stress can manifest into physical symptoms: sweating, a racing heart, or tense muscles. Over time these symptoms can turn into long-term issues, such as difficulties sleeping or eating, severe headaches, impaired memory and concentration. and depression.
Stress responses are the different ways we cope with danger, worry and discomfort. Common responses are ‘flight,’ ‘fight,’ ‘freeze’ and ‘fawn.’ In flight mode, we may feel anxious and escape into our work or hobbies. In fight mode we may become explosive or controlling. In freeze mode we may have a hard time making decisions and feel stuck or numb. In fawn mode we may lose our identity and boundaries.
Substance-induced psychosis is when cannabis or other drugs cause psychotic symptoms. Once the drug wears off, the symptoms go away, though some people may require medical treatment. A diagnosis of substance-induced psychosis is based on how long symptoms last and the intensity of the symptoms.
Substance use disorder refers to a serious mental illness based on heavy drug use. People who use too much of a drug for too long may develop dependence. This means they need to use the drug in order to function. We know we have a drug problem when we continue to use a drug even though it’s harming our health and relationships. Sometimes people with drug problems need help to make changes and prevent problems from getting worse.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. THC was discovered in 1969 by a team of scientists led by Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli organic chemist and professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. In the 1990’s, Mechoulam and his team discovered the system in the body that produces inner cannabinoids and processes the THC we ingest. The team called it the endocannabinoid system.
Terpenes are chemical compounds found in cannabis and other plants. Terpenes are responsible for the way cannabis smells and tastes. They may even be partially responsible for its effects.