Cannabis has evolved over the years. Its THC level (the active principle in cannabis) has increased significantly and there are now many ways of consuming cannabis. Portage wants to emphasize that cannabis use, especially at a young age, is not benign and can cause significant harm to the lives of individuals and their loved ones. Testimonials by former residents of our rehabilitation centres underline the extent of the damage done by cannabis.
Cannabis is an Insidious Herb
I started using cannabis around the age of 12, to deal with all the anger and the feelings of injustice I felt about what was happening in my home country, Morocco. Smoking weed helped me make new friends.
I started off by smoking once a week with older friends, and gradually got to do it more often. As I grew aware of my homosexuality and my community’s homophobia, cannabis became the only thing that would make me « happy ». It was my escape route and my tranquilizer.d look cool.
How Marijuana Destroyed Me
I took my first puff of marijuana in October 2014. I did that to get back at my ex and prove him something (to this day, I remain uncertain as to what I was trying to prove). I took my next hit during Christmas break of that same year. My consumption really only progressed the final week of my senior year, and it escalated faster than I even realized.
When I began College, I became very close to the smoking crew and started smoking cigarettes and weed everyday. Three years went by; I dropped out of College, lost three jobs, and what hopes I had of living a happy and healthy life. Marijuana destroyed me.
The Evolution of Drugs: Higher Concentrations, Greater Potency
Drug use has undergone many changes over the last few years. A growing drug supply, younger drug users and highly concentrated active principles are some of the factors that need to be brought to the forefront.
With the upcoming legalization of cannabis in Canada on October 17, 2018, one question has been raised repeatedly throughout the course of debates: what should be the highest allowable level of THC (the active principle in cannabis)? This is a vital question given the changes in drug composition and concentration. THC is the molecule responsible for the psychotropic properties of cannabis. THC temporarily alters brain function; the higher a cannabis plant’s THC level, the more aggressive its effects on the brain. Increasing concentration levels are accordingly one of the main issues surrounding drug use, especially for youth, who are particularly vulnerable to their effects.
Portage Blog
Self-Medication: When Young People Try to Alleviate their Suffering
Could substance use be hiding an attempt to survive? Adolescence and the transition to adulthood are often synonymous with instability and challenges. For many adolescents, hormonal changes, a desire for autonomy and the will to define oneself are intertwined with mental health issues. An increasing number of youth struggle with anxiety, depression or ADHD. Self-medication… Read more »
Social Media and Illicit Drug Sales: One Click Away From Addiction (continued)
Insights from youth and counsellors In January of this year, we published an article uncovering an unsettling truth: social media has become the main gateway to substance use among youth. The problem has continued to grow since then and Portage has continued to delve further into the subject. This fall, we launched a series… Read more »
Concurrent Disorders: Better Support Through Better Understanding
Concurrent disorders are among the most challenging issues in our health care system. Individuals who have both significant mental health problems and substance use disorders are often caught up in a maze of disjointed services that can, paradoxically, make things worse rather than better. What is a concurrent disorder? A concurrent disorder is when… Read more »
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