Elaine Hyshka, Ph.D. is professor and researcher focused on reducing health and social harms from legal and illegal drug use. Her work focuses on advancing a public health approach working with healthcare providers, people using substances and all levels of government. With this collaborative approach, Elaine helps identify and evaluate strategies that promote health and safety across the population.
Elaine helps us explore harm reduction, stigma and informed decision-making, including:
- Ways people can reduce potential risks associated with cannabis use
- How self-reflection and informed decision-making can support safer cannabis use
- Why education, open conversations and reducing stigma matter
- And more!
Beyond the video: Harm reduction, stigma and informed decision-making
Learn about harm reduction strategies, how cannabis use patterns can change over time, and the role that education, self-reflection, and open conversations can play in supporting informed decisions and reducing potential risks.
Harm reduction recognizes that people have different relationships with cannabis and encourages practical, informed choices to help lower potential harms. This approach can benefit both occasional and frequent consumers.
Examples of harm reduction strategies may include choosing lower-potency THC products, reducing the amount consumed in a single session, using cannabis less often, avoiding cannabis before driving or other responsibilities, or taking intentional breaks from use. Some people may also choose products with only CBD. Because cannabis-related risk is influenced by factors such as dose, potency, frequency of use and the situation in which it is used, harm reduction strategies can be adapted to meet individual needs, goals and circumstances.
Harm reduction recognizes that people have different relationships with cannabis and different reasons for using it. Rather than focusing solely on stopping use, it encourages informed decision-making and practical strategies that may help reduce risks. This could include adjusting dose, choosing lower-potency products, taking breaks, changing consumption methods or being more mindful of when and why cannabis is used. Harm reduction can be useful for anyone who uses cannabis, not only for people experiencing cannabis-related problems.
Cannabis use can evolve over time, sometimes gradually and without a person noticing significant changes. Taking time to reflect on patterns of use can help people understand whether cannabis still fits with their current needs, priorities and responsibilities. Looking honestly at frequency, amount used, reasons for use and changing tolerance can help people make informed decisions and identify opportunities to reduce potential risks before concerns develop.
Stigma can make people feel uncomfortable discussing cannabis use or asking questions about it. As a result, some individuals may avoid seeking information, support or health advice, even when doing so could help them make safer choices. Reducing stigma can help create an environment where people feel more comfortable accessing accurate information and support when they need it
Respectful conversations focus on listening, sharing information and understanding experiences without judgment. Whether speaking with a health-care provider, family member, educator or friend, creating space for honest discussion may help people ask questions, explore their own curiosity and guide the conversation based on what matters most to them. Allowing people to ask questions and seek information at their own pace can help build trust and encourage meaningful dialogue.
Cannabis conversations have evolved significantly since legalization focusing on education, health, product information, responsible use and harm reduction. There are more opportunities for people to ask questions, share experiences and have open conversations about cannabis without the same level of stigma that often existed in the past.
At the same time, research on cannabis continues to grow that helps to improve our understanding of topics such as potency, youth use, impairment, dependence and long-term health effects. As new evidence emerges, ongoing conversations and continued research play an important role in supporting balanced, evidence-informed education and helping people make informed decisions about cannabis use.
Good cannabis education presents balanced information that neither exaggerates nor dismisses potential risks. It can help people better understand topics such as potency, dependence, product differences and safer-use strategies while encouraging informed and respectful discussions. When people have access to accurate information and feel comfortable asking questions without fear of judgment, they may be more willing to talk openly with health-care providers, family members, employers or support services.