Cannabis: What Young People and Parents Need to Know

Cannabis is one of the most commonly used substances among young people, and in recent years we have seen changes in how it is used, how strong it is, and how easy it is to access.

At Youth Unity, young people regularly talk to us about cannabis — sometimes seeing it as “normal”, “natural”, or less risky than other drugs. However, cannabis can have serious short- and long-term impacts, particularly on young people whose brains are still developing.

This page explains what cannabis is, why young people may use it, the risks involved, and what parents and carers should look out for.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a drug made from the cannabis plant and is most often:

• Smoked in joints

• Used in vapes

• Mixed into food or sweets (edibles)

The main psychoactive ingredient is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which affects mood, thinking, memory and coordination.

Today’s cannabis is often much stronger than in previous years, meaning the effects can be more intense and the risks higher.

Why Do Young People Use Cannabis?

Young people tell us they may use cannabis because:

• Friends are using it

• They believe it helps with stress or anxiety

• It feels socially normalised

• It is easier to access than many adults realise

• They think it is safer than other drugs

Unfortunately, this can lead to regular use without fully understanding the consequences.

Health Risks for Young People

🧠 Brain Development and Mental Health

The teenage brain continues developing into the mid-20s. THC can interfere with this development and has been linked to:

• Problems with memory and concentration

• Reduced motivation

• Increased anxiety and low mood

• Higher risk of mental health difficulties, including paranoia and psychosis for some individuals

Regular use can make school, college and training more difficult.

🔁 Addiction and Dependence

While not everyone becomes addicted, young people are more vulnerable to cannabis dependence. This can involve:

• Feeling unable to relax or sleep without it

• Using more often than intended

• Irritability and mood changes when not using

• Losing interest in hobbies or activities

Dependence can develop gradually and often goes unnoticed at first.

❤️ Physical Health Risks

Smoking cannabis can also affect physical health, including:

• Lung irritation and breathing problems

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

• Poor sleep patterns

• Reduced physical fitness

When mixed with tobacco, the risks increase further.

What Should Parents and Carers Look Out For?

Cannabis use is not always obvious, especially when vaping or edibles are involved.

Possible signs include:

• Smell of cannabis or sweet, fruity scents

• Bloodshot or tired-looking eyes

• Changes in mood, motivation or behaviour

• Declining school attendance or performance

• Finding rolling papers, vapes, grinders, or small plastic bags

None of these signs alone confirm use, but patterns can be important.

Talking to Young People About Cannabis

If you are concerned:

• Try to stay calm and open

• Ask what they know about cannabis

• Share accurate information rather than scare tactics

• Let them know support is available if they want to cut down or stop

Many young people use cannabis to cope with stress, anxiety or difficult experiences, so understanding why is just as important as addressing the behaviour.

How Youth Unity Supports Young People

Youth Unity works with young people across London and surrounding areas through:

• Mentoring

• Wellbeing programmes

• Outreach and detached youth work

• Creative and sports-based interventions

We create safe spaces where young people can:

• Talk honestly about substance use

• Learn about risks and consequences

• Access trusted adults

• Be supported to make healthier choices

Where needed, we also help young people access specialist services.

Final Message

Cannabis is often seen as harmless, but for young people it can have real impacts on mental health, education, motivation and long-term wellbeing.

Early conversations, accurate information and supportive relationships are key to reducing harm and helping young people stay safe.

If you are worried about a young person, you do not have to manage it alone — support is available.

➡️ For advice or support, contact Youth Unity or speak to your school, GP or local youth service.

Tobacco Pouches (Snus): What Young People and Parents Need to Know

Over recent months, we’ve seen a growing number of young people using tobacco and nicotine pouches, often referred to as “snus”. These products are becoming more visible in local shops, frequently displayed in bright, colourful tins on shop counters, which can make them look harmless — or even similar to sweets.

However, despite how they are marketed and perceived, snus and nicotine pouches are not risk-free, especially for young people.

This blog explains what they are, why young people are using them, the health risks, and what parents and carers should look out for.

What Are Snus and Tobacco / Nicotine Pouches?

Snus and similar products are small pouches placed between the upper lip and the gum. They release nicotine directly into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth.

Some pouches contain tobacco, while others contain synthetic nicotine — but both are designed to deliver high levels of nicotine quickly.

They are often:

• Mint or fruit flavoured

• Sold in bright packaging

• Small and easy to hide

• Used without producing smoke or vapour

This can make them appear less harmful than smoking or vaping, but this is misleading.

Why Are Young People Using Them?

Young people tell us that tobacco and nicotine pouches are:

• Easy to buy in local shops

• Highly visible at checkout counters

• Seen as “not as bad as vaping or smoking”

• Easy to use discreetly in school or at home

Because they don’t produce smoke or vapour, they are sometimes viewed as low-risk, when in reality they still expose young people to addictive levels of nicotine.

Health Risks and Consequences

⚠️ Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine is highly addictive, particularly for developing teenage brains. Regular use can lead to:

• Strong cravings

• Difficulty concentrating without nicotine

• Mood changes and irritability

• Increased risk of progressing to other nicotine products

Once dependency develops, stopping can be extremely difficult.

🦷 Gum and Dental Damage

Because the pouch sits directly against the gum, long-term use can cause:

• Gum irritation and inflammation

• Gum recession (where the gum pulls away from the teeth)

• Increased tooth sensitivity

• Mouth sores and ulcers

• Tooth staining and decay

In some cases, damage can become permanent and require dental treatment.

❤️ Longer-Term Health Concerns

While research is still developing, smokeless tobacco and nicotine products have been linked to:

• Increased risk of oral health conditions

• Higher blood pressure and heart strain

• Potential links to oral cancers with long-term tobacco exposure

No nicotine product is completely safe — especially for young people whose bodies and brains are still developing.

What Should Parents and Carers Look Out For?

Because these products are small and discreet, they can be easy to miss.

Signs may include:

• Small round tins or sachets in pockets or bags

• Young people frequently placing something under their lip

• Complaints of sore gums, mouth pain, or ulcers

• Increased irritability or mood swings

• Strong mint smells on breath

It’s also worth being aware that many young people don’t realise these products contain nicotine, or how addictive they can be.

Talking to Young People About Snus and Nicotine Pouches

If you’re concerned, try to:

• Stay calm and non-judgemental

• Ask what they know about the product

• Explain the health and addiction risks clearly

• Offer support rather than punishment

Many young people start using these products due to peer pressure or misinformation, not because they fully understand the consequences.

How Youth Unity Supports Young People

At Youth Unity, we regularly talk with young people about:

• Nicotine addiction

• Peer pressure

• Making informed choices about health

• Where to access help if they want to stop

Our wellbeing, mentoring and outreach programmes provide safe spaces for young people to ask questions, share concerns, and get reliable information without judgement.

If you are worried about a young person or would like support, please get in touch with us through our website.

Final Message

Snus and tobacco or nicotine pouches are not harmless alternatives to smoking or vaping. They are designed to deliver nicotine efficiently and can lead to addiction and long-term dental and health problems, particularly for young people.

Raising awareness early — among both young people and parents — is key to preventing long-term harm.

➡️ If you’d like support or advice, contact Youth Unity or speak to your school or GP for further guidance.

Operation Makesafe: Raising Awareness of Child Exploitation in Our Community

At Youth Unity, we are committed to protecting young people and educating the community about the risks they face. One of the growing concerns across the UK is child exploitation a serious issue that often goes unseen. That’s why we’re supporting Operation Makesafe, an initiative focused on helping everyone recognise the signs of exploitation and take action.

What is Operation Makesafe?

Operation Makesafe is a national campaign led by the police in partnership with local authorities and safeguarding teams. Its aim is to raise awareness of child sexual and criminal exploitation, especially in settings where children may be at risk—such as hotels, taxis, takeaways, shopping centres, and public transport.

The key message of Operation Makesafe is simple: child exploitation is everyone’s business.

Why It Matters

Exploitation doesn’t always look like what people expect. It can involve grooming, manipulation, or coercion, and it can happen to any young person, regardless of their background. Offenders often target places where young people spend time or where staff may not be trained to spot the warning signs.

By raising awareness, Operation Makesafe empowers individuals and businesses to become part of the solution identifying potential abuse early and helping to protect vulnerable young people.

What to Look Out For

There are often subtle signs that a young person may be at risk, including:

• Being with older individuals who seem controlling
• Appearing anxious, withdrawn, or afraid
• Arriving at hotels or venues with little luggage or ID
• Regularly being picked up or dropped off in private vehicles
• Talking about money, gifts, or situations that seem inappropriate for their age

If something doesn’t feel right report it. Trust your instincts.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or member of the public, you have a role to play.

• Learn the signs of exploitation
• Talk openly with young people about safety and healthy relationships
• Report any concerns to the police or safeguarding services

If you’re a business owner or frontline worker, training is available to help you identify risks and respond appropriately. Youth Unity also offers educational sessions and resources for schools, youth groups, and community spaces.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Operation Makesafe reminds us that protecting young people takes a whole-community approach. By staying informed, looking out for warning signs, and acting when something feels wrong, we can all help to prevent exploitation and keep young people safe.

If you’d like more information or to arrange awareness training through Youth Unity, please get in touch. Let’s work together to build a safer community.