Like alcohol units, but for cannabis – experts define safer limits
January 13, 2026A new way to help people understand how strong their cannabis is and how much they are using.
Read moreWe’re learning about drug use in young people, and the support available across the region. We’ll develop new ways to help people reduce harms related to their drug use.
Many young people use drugs such as tobacco, alcohol, or cannabis. Drug use and mental health problems often begin when people are young and are strongly connected. Supporting young people early, increasing access to services, helping to prevent drug use and reducing the chances of it increasing over time, could have major benefits on the health outcomes for young people.
Drug treatment services typically become involved only when someone’s drug use is already serious, and there is limited help available earlier on, before problems such as addiction have developed and when it could make the greatest difference. As some drug use is illegal, and vaping is illegal for those under 18, young people will obtain these through unregulated sources. Harm reduction options, such as checking what the drug or vape has in it, are difficult for young people to access but could make a huge difference to reducing harms.
We will work closely with young people and regional partners to ensure the research addresses real needs and experiences.
1. Mapping needs and services
We are surveying young people and service providers to map risk factors, patters of drug use and mental health and available support.
2. Developing Interventions
Based on the needs we identify in our region, we are co-producing interventions to help young people in relation to their drug use, including understanding young peoples’ experiences of vaping varied drugs and piloting new services to help them.
A new way to help people understand how strong their cannabis is and how much they are using.
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Updates on the Network launch event, research work, partnerships, public involvement activities and resources.
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