WASTED

PROGRAMME 2: CANNABIS

ACTIVITIES

Guidance

Please see general Guidance and Introductory / Closing activities before proceeding with programme-related activities.

Key points for discussion after viewing

• Do you think Harry is an addict?
• What are the signs and symptoms he displays?
• What do you think about Paul giving the money to Harry?
• Is there anything Paul has not tried yet to get Harry off drugs?
• Are there any similarities between Harry's situation and those of Ian and April?
• What are the impacts on Lottie and Paul of Harry's behaviour?
• What would you do in Lottie's or Paul's situations?

Suggested activities

Activity 1

Some people argue that the recent reclassification of cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug has led to confusion about its status as an illegal drug; that people may think it is not as 'serious' a drug as heroin. Ask students to think about some of the myths they think might exist around cannabis, for example, that it is not addictive, or that it does not have serious health impacts. Use the myths to develop a list of questions, which students can research. They may be able to produce a 'myth-busting' quiz for other young people to use.

Activity 2

Investigate the law relating to illegal drugs. The Drugsline website (see Find out more) may be useful. Students could list drugs according to the severity of sentences imposed for possession and intent to supply. Is the law consistent on drugs? Would students suggest any changes to the law, and why? Their arguments could be set out in a letter to a local MP, for example.

Activity 3

You could set up a debate around the reclassification of cannabis. Some groups advocate that it may have benefits for people with certain illnesses; in other countries, the law around cannabis is quite different to the UK. Some young people you work with may use cannabis, or see it as less of a problem than 'harder' drugs. Can the others persuade them otherwise?