Understanding The Experiences of Young People And Cannabis Use Treatment In Alberta: An Exploratory Qualitative Case Study
Haines-Saah, R., & Mudry, T.
Although youth are considered a priority population for cannabis prevention and education efforts in the context of legal cannabis in Canada, there is very limited research addressing young people’s access to cannabis-specific treatment. Currently, very little is known about cannabis treatment in the context of polysubstance use, concurrent mental health diagnoses, and cannabis treatment outcomes. This exploratory, qualitative project investigates the experiences and needs of young people aged 16-25 when seeking treatment for cannabis use in Alberta. Our methodology entails a single embedded case study design, with data collected from multiple sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of a complex phenomenon. Interviews and focus groups will be carried out with youth, parents and caregivers, treatment providers, and system stakeholders. Additionally, health administrative data on youth treatment occurrences post-legalization will be triangulated with the qualitative findings, and we will provide a comprehensive systems mapping of available services across the province. Data collection is currently taking place, with a target sample of 25 to 30 interviews and two focus groups. Interviews with youth and service providers carried out to date a suggest a range of views on the accessibility and effectiveness of current treatment services, as well as perceived connections between health and social inequities and patterns of problematic cannabis use.