Examines how gender differences in cannabis perceptions and behaviours can increase the risk of cannabis-related harm among adolescent boys and girls. It also outlines how adults can provide support. Anyone working with youth, including educators, counsellors and public health professionals, will find this report helpful. 

Key findings:

• There are gender-specific harms and risks associated with cannabis use that have implications for prevention and public education.
• Boys and young men reportedly use cannabis more frequently and heavily than girls and young women.
• Girls and young women are less likely to purchase cannabis openly or publicly than boys and young men.
• Girls and young women are concerned about social disapproval of their cannabis use and may attempt to hide their use.
• Both young men and women are aware of the evidence-based harms of cannabis use.
• Young men and women are not comfortable going to parents or school counsellors about their concerns with cannabis use.
• Legalization has been a catalyst for cannabis conversations in the home