Safeguarding Our Future: Why the UK Government's Push for Cannabis Awareness is a Vital Step Forward

In an era where recreational drug use is increasingly normalised through social media and pop culture, the quiet but resolute voice of public health policy reminds us of the hidden costs. Just last week, on November 21, 2025, DUP MP Jim Shannon raised a timely question in the House of Commons:

"What steps is the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care taking to raise awareness of the health impacts of long-term marijuana use?"

In her response, Parliamentary Under-Secretary Ashley Dalton offered more than a routine update. Her remarks were a clear signal that the government remains focused on the growing risks associated with cannabis, particularly for young people.

At its core, the government's stance is refreshingly straightforward: cannabis, like any illicit drug, carries real and often devastating harms. This isn't fearmongering; it's evidence-based caution rooted in decades of medical research. Immediate side-effects such as impaired coordination, anxiety, and paranoia are well-documented, but it's the long-term toll that demands our urgent attention. Chronic use has been linked to respiratory issues from smoking, cognitive impairments that hinder learning and memory, and - most alarmingly - a heightened risk of mental health disorders.

As Dalton aptly noted, cannabis doesn't just coexist with predisposed conditions like schizophrenia or depression; it can accelerate their onset or exacerbate symptoms, turning a potential vulnerability into a full-blown crisis.

Consider the evolving landscape of cannabis consumption. No longer confined to traditional joints, it's now vaped in forms marketed as "THC" products - deceptively accessible and potent. Yet, as the government highlights, this shift introduces new perils. Vaping synthetic cannabinoids disguised as THC has led to severe hospitalisations, with users unwittingly exposed to far more dangerous substances. The Department of Health and Social Care's proactive response here is commendable: they're tracking incidents nationally, empowering local authorities and police to issue targeted warnings, and providing on-the-ground support. This isn't reactive bureaucracy; it's a coordinated shield for communities, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks.

But awareness isn't just about sounding alarms - it's about building resilience from the ground up. The government’s recent media campaign is a strong example of modern public health communication, highlighting emerging drug trends such as adulterated vapes and reaching people across the platforms they use every day - online, on billboards, and through established channels. This initiative builds on a strong educational foundation. Statutory guidance mandates that every primary and secondary school in England teaches the "key facts and risks" of drug use as part of relationships, sex, and health education (RSHE). It's not optional - it's embedded in the curriculum, equipping children with the tools to resist peer pressure and make informed choices.

Further bolstering this is the collaboration with the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education Association. Updated lesson plans on alcohol and drugs, set for release later this year, will bring fresh, relatable resources into classrooms - think interactive scenarios that mirror real-life dilemmas faced by teens scrolling TikTok or navigating house parties. These aren't dry lectures; they're lifelines, fostering critical thinking and self-advocacy from an early age.

And for those seeking deeper guidance, the government's Talk to FRANK service stands as a beacon. This free, confidential helpline and website demystifies drug harms with straightforward, jargon-free info tailored for young people and parents alike. The dedicated cannabis page - available at www.talktofrank.com/drug/cannabis - lays out the facts: from dependency risks to safer-use tips (though, crucially, it emphasises abstinence as the healthiest path). In a world flooded with misinformation, FRANK cuts through the noise, empowering families to have those tough conversations.

Critics might argue that such efforts stigmatise users or ignore potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis. Fair point - medical cannabis has its place under strict NHS oversight for conditions like chronic pain or epilepsy. But the government's focus here is on recreational, illicit use, where safeguards are absent and harms multiply.

By prioritising prevention over punishment, this approach aligns with a harm-reduction philosophy that's both compassionate and pragmatic. It's about saving lives, not scoring political points.

As we approach the holiday season, a time when social pressures peak, the UK government's strategy feels more relevant than ever. Continued partnerships with educators, law enforcement, and community leaders will amplify its impact, ensuring that the message resonates far and wide: knowledge is our strongest defense. Jim Shannon's question has sparked a necessary dialogue, and Ashley Dalton's response has lit the way forward. We should support this approach - not out of alarm, but out of a practical concern for public health and future wellbeing.