We are joined by Lisa, a trainer within the Gwent N-Gage young person's service, to discuss all things cannabis. Lisa talks us through whether people can become dependent upon cannabis, the use of cali packs, the role of terpenes, and concentrated extracts such as shatter.

We also break down the difference between THC and CBD, and look at the unique traits of indica and sativa cannabis plants, and how each influences the effects a person might experience. There’s also a look at the good and not-so-good effects cannabis can have, along with some insight into people’s experiences of Amsterdam.

If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066.

Contents of the video:

00:00 Highlights of the episode

00:36 Introduction

03:08 Why is cannabis popular?

05:16 What is cannabis?

08:30 Is CBD any good?

11:10 Role of terpenes

15:23 Access to medical cannabis

17:00 THC and different cannabis plants

25:24 People seeking support for cannabis

30:28 Can you become dependent on cannabis?

39:05 Cali packs

48:16 Concentrated extracts

52:28 THC Vapes

56:27 Harm reduction

*This was originally recorded as a webinar on Monday 8th December 2025*

Our 7th webinar within our Manifesto Sessions webinar series focused on the specific alcohol exclusion clause within the Equality Act (2010). As part of our ‘Setting the blueprint for a more equal and prosperous Wales for people who use substances’, we want an alcohol-related exclusion clause removed within the Equality Act 2010. The Equality Act 2010 is legislation that legally protects people from discrimination, both in the workplace and in wider society.

However, it does not protect people with alcohol dependency. Within the Act it specifically excludes alcohol, noting ‘addiction to alcohol, nicotine or any other substance is to be treated as not amounting to an impairment for the purposes of the Act.’ Compared to international counterparts including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, the UK stands alone with its alcohol dependence exclusion stance within discrimination law.

Our speakers were:

Ailar Hashemzadeh (Director of Research and Public Affairs, Alcohol Change)

Dr. Sarah Wadd (Senior Researcher, University of Bedfordshire)

Contents of the video:

00:00 Introduction

02:01 Ailar Hashemzadeh

20:40 Dr. Sarah Wadd

42:40 Q&A

When should we start talking to kids about drugs? Why are drugs often a tricky subject for parents and caregivers to talk about with their children? We are joined by Angharad, team leader for the young persons service in Swansea, Choices, and Cath, an engagement worker for the young person's service, Gwent N-Gage, to dissect these questions and more about drugs, education and young people.

We also discuss what drug education looks like and how it differs across age groups, as well as what tricks of the trade are utilised to maximise engagement with young people when raising awareness of substance use. Additionally, we explore what the risks are of not talking to children and young people about substance use, as well as who else can play a critical role in the drug education journey. If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234.