This training package has been developed to assist workers in the field to gain up-to-date information on cannabis the drug, how it is used by young people and to help workers to gain confidence and competence in dealing with the young people they come into contact with who want to change their cannabis use.

Much of the learning in this training package can provide a useful background for those who choose to undertake formal courses for which they may wish to claim recognition of prior learning at a future time. In any interaction with a young person, the way that a worker responds to their needs at that time can greatly facilitate positive change. By assisting workers to better understand the complete picture of young people and cannabis use as well as consider the most positive methods of interaction with the young person at any particular time in their journey towards change, it is believed positive outcomes can be achieved.

The overall aim of this training resource is to assist those practitioners working with young people to feel more competent and confident in their dealings with young people who are wishing to make a change in their cannabis use. This training resource seeks to:

1. enhance participants’ understanding of why young people do and do not use drugs;
2. enhance participants’ knowledge of cannabis;
3. describe who uses cannabis;
4. determine the effects of cannabis;
5. examine the particular issues for young people who use cannabis;
6. investigate the particular needs of young people who may use cannabis;
7. investigate issues surrounding change from cannabis use;
8. encourage good practice procedures for workers in the field.

Click on the link below to download a PDF of the self-directed package:

• Young people and cannabis use: a self-directed learning package for youth sector workers to assist young people experiencing cannabis-related difficulties.

Click on the video below to view a youth worker demonstrating a Motivational Enhancement approach.

Click on the links below to download associated resources:

• What’s the deal? Cannabis facts for young people
• What’s the deal? Talking with a young person about cannabis
• What’s the deal on quitting? A do-it-yourself guide to quitting
• Fast facts on cannabis
• Fast facts on mental health and cannabis
• Cannabis and mental health: Put into context. National Drug Strategy Monograph Series No. 68
• Helping someone with problem cannabis use: Mental health first aid guidelines
• Clear Your Vision booklet and Facilitator's Manual