Recent research highlights major divides between MPs and the British public on drug policies, particularly concerning cannabis legalisation. A YouGov survey reveals that half of MPs oppose legalising cannabis, while only 39% are in favour. Among the public, opinion is slightly more supportive, with 45% backing legalisation and 42% opposing it. On the more nuanced...
Category: Youth Prevention
UK Government Strengthens Measures to Prevent Addiction in Under-18s
The UK Government has pledged a series of robust measures to combat addiction among children and young people, prioritising education, prevention, and safeguarding initiatives. Responding to concerns about addiction in under-18s, these steps aim to create a healthier, safer future generation. Statutory education in schools now focuses on equipping young people with the knowledge to...
Understanding Factors Influencing Adolescent Substance Use
The teenage years are a time of growth and change, but they can also be a time of risk. During this stage, young people are heavily influenced by the people around them, especially their friends. When peers use drugs or drink alcohol, it can have a big impact on whether a teenager decides to do...
The Impact of Secondhand Cannabis Smoke on Children
The widespread normalisation of cannabis use has brought with it an unintended consequence—exposing children residing in homes where cannabis is smoked to toxic and harmful chemicals. Recent research sheds light on just how damaging this exposure can be. The cross-sectional study, which examined 275 children living in homes in San Diego County, reveals compelling evidence...
The Dangers of Secondhand Cannabis Smoke for Children
Cannabis use is often presented as a harmless or even beneficial activity. Yet, an increasing body of evidence sheds light on its dangers—particularly for children living in households where cannabis is smoked. Recent findings show that secondhand cannabis smoke poses significant risks to children’s health, exposing them to toxic chemicals and harming their development. Understanding...
Recreational Use of Xanax Among Young People: A Growing Danger
Recreational misuse of prescription drugs, particularly benzodiazepines like Xanax, is becoming alarmingly common among young people. While originally developed for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders, Xanax is now being misused in ways that pose serious threats to health and safety. From the dangers of combining it with alcohol to the risks of counterfeit...
Protecting Children from the Dangers of Opioids
The opioid crisis continues to affect countless families, with children and adolescents among the most vulnerable. Recent data reveals that, in 2023, more than 40,000 children under the age of 15 were rushed to emergency rooms for non-fatal drug overdoses. Alarmingly, every week, an average of 22 adolescents lose their lives to drug overdoses, with...
U.S: Oklahoma Proposes Stricter Cannabis Laws with Purchase Limits and Advertising Ban
Oklahoma legislators are considering new laws that could reshape the state’s medical marijuana landscape. A proposed cap on cannabis purchases, outlined in Senate Bill 320 by state Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, would limit licensed patients to 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams) of marijuana per week. Currently, state law restricts possession to 3 ounces but does not...
Study Uncovers How Cannabis Triggers Psychosis in At-Risk Young Adults
A groundbreaking study from McGill University has provided new insights into how cannabis use can trigger psychosis in young adults already at risk. Published in JAMA Psychiatry, the research highlights how cannabis worsens a decrease in synaptic density—nerve cell connections in the brain—among individuals vulnerable to psychosis, significantly impacting brain connectivity. Using advanced brain imaging technology,...
US Vape Sellers Flout Regulations, Raising Alarms Over Youth Access
A recent study has uncovered alarming non-compliance among online vape retailers with regulations designed to prevent underage sales. Researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, tested how effectively sellers adhere to laws like the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act. This federal...