Cannabis: Reducing HarmCannabis: Reducing Harm

Paul Jacob, substance misuse worker, Brighton and Hove Youth Offending TeamPaul Jacob, substance misuse worker, Brighton and Hove Youth Offending Team

Smoking amongst young Smoking amongst young peoplepeople

Smoking tobacco is declining amongst young people Smoking tobacco is declining amongst young people

6% 11-15 smoke at least once a week6% 11-15 smoke at least once a week

22% 16-19 years olds smoke at least once a week22% 16-19 years olds smoke at least once a week

30% 20-24 year olds smoke at least once a week30% 20-24 year olds smoke at least once a week

Girls are more likely to smoke tobacco than boys Girls are more likely to smoke tobacco than boys

Cannabis use amongst Cannabis use amongst young peopleyoung people

Cannabis is by far the most commonly used illegal drug Cannabis is by far the most commonly used illegal drug amongst young peopleamongst young people

Use peaks between ages 16-24Use peaks between ages 16-24

10% boys and 9% girls aged 11 – 15 used it in the last year10% boys and 9% girls aged 11 – 15 used it in the last year

25% young men and 15% young women aged 16 - 24 used it 25% young men and 15% young women aged 16 - 24 used it in the last yearin the last year

Boys are more likely to smoke cannabis than girlsBoys are more likely to smoke cannabis than girls

(Dept of Health 2009 Focal Point: UK Drug Situation)(Dept of Health 2009 Focal Point: UK Drug Situation)

Substance use amongst Substance use amongst young people who offendyoung people who offend

Cannabis use (86%) exceeds tobacco use (85%)Cannabis use (86%) exceeds tobacco use (85%)

64% say cannabis is their ‘favourite’ drug64% say cannabis is their ‘favourite’ drug

Substance use more likely to occur at an earlier ageSubstance use more likely to occur at an earlier age

Cannabis use more frequently precedes or occurs alongside initial tobacco Cannabis use more frequently precedes or occurs alongside initial tobacco useuse

Use is more likely to be more frequent and intenseUse is more likely to be more frequent and intense

Almost all always smoke skunk, some occasionally smoke resin Almost all always smoke skunk, some occasionally smoke resin

Almost all smoke in joints with tobacco, some also smoke a cannabis and Almost all smoke in joints with tobacco, some also smoke a cannabis and tobacco mix in a bongtobacco mix in a bong

(Hammersley, R. et al (2003) Substance Use by Young Offenders: The Impact of The Normalisation of Drug Use in the 21st Century, London: Home Office)(Hammersley, R. et al (2003) Substance Use by Young Offenders: The Impact of The Normalisation of Drug Use in the 21st Century, London: Home Office)

Cannabis and Nicotine – Cannabis and Nicotine – Hypotheses and ObservationsHypotheses and Observations

Nicotine addiction may exacerbate cannabis dependencyNicotine addiction may exacerbate cannabis dependency

Tobacco use may increase the frequency and intensity of Tobacco use may increase the frequency and intensity of cannabis usecannabis use

Early tobacco use seems to increase likelihood of later Early tobacco use seems to increase likelihood of later substance misusesubstance misuse

Cannabis may relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms and vice Cannabis may relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms and vice versa versa

Nicotine replacement therapy and stopping smoking appear Nicotine replacement therapy and stopping smoking appear to support cannabis reduction or cessationto support cannabis reduction or cessation

Harm Reduction Harm Reduction InterventionsInterventions

Separate tobacco and cannabis useSeparate tobacco and cannabis use

Switch from joint to blunt, bong, pipe, vaporiser or oralSwitch from joint to blunt, bong, pipe, vaporiser or oral

Alternate ingestion methodAlternate ingestion method Reduce impact on sleepReduce impact on sleep

Tracing TriggersTracing Triggers

Switching from skunk toSwitching from skunk to standard weed or cannabis resinstandard weed or cannabis resin

Harm Reduction Harm Reduction InterventionsInterventions

Identify and work towards ‘optimum minimum dose’Identify and work towards ‘optimum minimum dose’

NRT reduces cravings for cannabis and frequency of useNRT reduces cravings for cannabis and frequency of use

Scaling each smokeScaling each smoke

Increase gaps between smokesIncrease gaps between smokes

Use less cannabis in each smokeUse less cannabis in each smoke

Take regular breaks – to avoid ‘tolerance’Take regular breaks – to avoid ‘tolerance’

ru-ok?ru-ok?

ru-ok?ru-ok?

Young Persons Substance Misuse ServiceYoung Persons Substance Misuse ServiceOvest HouseOvest House58 West Street58 West StreetBrightonBrightonBN1 2RABN1 2RA

01273 293966 01273 293966 ru-ok@brighton-hove.gov.ukru-ok@brighton-hove.gov.uk