Youth substance use is a critical and evolving health issue. Evidence shows that people aged 15 to 24 years old use substances more often and experience more harms than other age groups. Understanding youth substance use trends is essential. This information helps policy makers, youth allies and health professionals to minimize risks and harms.

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Research
After alcohol, cannabis is one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances among Canadian students aged 15 to 19. Successful prevention and harm reduction strategies for youth using cannabis need to provide a clear understanding of use and harms.
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Partners and Collaboration
In 2003, CCSA formed an expert group to support the collection of student drug use data across Canada. Since its creation, the group has developed strategies to support a coordinated approach to student drug use surveys in Canada, and identified and addressed gaps in knowledge to help inform tailored prevention initiatives for students.