Preventing Marijuana Use Among Youth

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based on material published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association and is available as an open-access article. A priority topic for SAMHSA is preventing marijuana use among youth. This guide reviews the related literature and science, examines emerging and best practices, identifies gaps in knowledge, and discusses challenges and strategies for implementation. Expert panels of federal, state, and non-governmental participants provided input for each guide in this series. The panels included accomplished scientists, researchers, service providers, community administrators, federal and state policy makers, and people with lived experience. Members provided input based on their knowledge of healthcare systems, implementation strategies, evidence- based practices, provision of services, and policies that foster change. Research shows that implementing new programs or policies requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. This guide is one piece of an overall approach to implement and sustain change. This course on strategies for preventing marijuana use among youth is designed for clinical social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, nurses, and substance abuse counselors who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their expertise with strategies for preventing marijuana use among youth. The course material includes a literature review of interventions. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. The course is based on a journal article that includes research. It contains statistical analysis and data that some clinicians enjoy reading and others do not. A significant benefit of reading peer reviewed research-based articles for continuing education is that they provide practitioners with the latest findings in their field. Authors: SAMHSA Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding strategies for preventing marijuana use among youth. Specifically, a professional will: Recognize current data about marijuana use among youth. Describe current evidence on effectiveness of prevention strategies to address youth marijuana use. Recognize practical information to consider when selecting and implementing programs to address marijuana use among youth. Identify examples of interventions for prevention of marijuana use among youth/ Citation: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Preventing Marijuana Use Among Youth. Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://store.samhsa.gov.