More youth voices, balanced dialogue needed in marijuana discussion

Olin is 17 years-old. He lives with his parents and younger brother. He has a part-time job. He loves mountain biking, music, and spending time with his friends. He’s been smoking marijuana for two years and thinks it’s the best part of hanging out with his buddies. Olin and his friends are confident that they know when it’s OK to smoke marijuana, and when it’s not. They’re definitely not influenced by messages from traditional school resources that warn them of the drug’s effects. However, when Olin’s drug use starts to affect other areas of his life and his relationships, he starts to question his choices.

This is the premise of CYCLES, a new film produced by Eyecue Creative for researchers in the School of Nursing, in partnership with SACY (School Age Children and Youth) at the Vancouver School Board. The fictional drama is based on research projects conducted by Professor Joy Johnson and Project Director Barbara Moffat since 2005.

The film focuses on decision making and marijuana use, highlighting different reasons for use, its personal impact, and its potential influence on others. In addition to the film, educators can get resource materials to facilitate meaningful dialogue with students about decision making and marijuana after viewing the film.

Early indications suggest that CYCLES and its accompanying resources will help fill a need. One BC teacher had this feedback after watching the film with students: “I was happy to hear the kids state that the film was non-judgmental and that they are more likely to engage in a discussion if they are not being ‘preached’ at.”

According to Johnson, rather than preaching about the harms of marijuana, CYCLES focuses on helping young people reflect on the choices that they make.

“Over five years ago, I was conducting research on tobacco use among young people in B.C. high schools and we often received feedback like, ‘Why are you asking about tobacco? Marijuana is much easier to get a hold of and used more often. No one asks us about marijuana.’”

Moffat and Johnson hosted a screening of the film and panel discussion with the filmmakers, school board representatives, health authority staff, and educators.

“Resource materials in public health, including those on marijuana, are largely dominated by the adult voice,” says Moffat. “The inclusion of the youth voice, as occurs in CYCLES, is essential for balanced dialogue about marijuana to occur.”

You can find information about the film, including photos and a trailer for CYCLES at http://www.cyclesfilm.com/