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
Portage showed me how to be the best version of myself
I started drinking when I was only nine years old, under pressure from my own mother. As I got older, I learned to self-harm for the numbness I craved. At just 14, I started using drugs. Some might say my consumption wasn’t severe, and my close family and friends never realized I had a problem…. Read more »
Women and Addiction: Offering Understanding and Support
On March 8, Portage marked International Women’s Rights Day, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the issues women face in various aspects of their lives. The issue of women and addiction is often misunderstood, not to mention taboo. Women often struggle with addiction on their own for fear of being stigmatized and judged and because… Read more »
Portage Transforms Young People’s Lives Through Education and Therapy
The Portage Lac Écho Centre provides a space where young people can learn to rebuild their lives and lead a substance-free life. This article explores the positive impact of a rehabilitation program that blends education and therapy, based on the testimonial of a young resident and by Maura, a teacher at Portage. A Young Resident’s… Read more »
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