WASTED

PROGRAMME 2: CANNABIS

WARNING: This programme contains strong language

This programme follows a day in the lives of Harry, his father Paul and younger sister Lottie. Harry works in the family business, but smokes cannabis on a daily basis and is often unwilling to join his father at work. All three talk frankly about Harry's cannabis use, which is increasingly problematic for his family, though not, it appears, for Harry himself. While he does recognise that he is prone to mood swings and violent outbursts, Harry blames this largely on his father and, by the end of the programme, seems no closer to taking responsibility for his behaviour.

Heavy cannabis use among some young people can exacerbate existing social problems, such as low educational achievement, homelessness and unemployment (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2007).

PROGRAMME AIMS

• To challenge some of the myths around cannabis use
• To illustrate the problems that come with cannabis use
• To show the impact on those living with a cannabis user
• To allow for discussion around the need for personal and parental responsibility.