Advertising cannabis in legal markets with Caitlin McClure-Thomas

Advertising cannabis in legal markets with Caitlin McClure-Thomas

What makes cannabis advertising so influential? In this eye-opening episode of Addiction Audio, Dr Tsen Vei Lim chats with Caitlin McClure-Thomas, a PhD candidate at the National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research. Caitlin dives into her systematic review and meta-analysis on how exposure to cannabis advertising affects use and intentions. You'll learn about the various forms of cannabis ads, from billboards to social media, and the legal frameworks that surround them.

Caitlin highlights the potential hidden risks and harms these ads pose, especially to young people. The conversation touches on how these advertisements can paint an overly positive picture of cannabis, sometimes making unsubstantiated health claims. The discussion delves into the key findings of Caitlin's study, which reveals a consistent link between ad exposure and increased cannabis use and intentions. The episode also raises important questions about current advertising regulations and whether they are sufficient.

With cannabis policy rapidly evolving, there's a pressing need for more research and stronger regulatory measures, particularly in digital spaces. If you're curious about how advertising can shape attitudes towards cannabis or interested in public health implications, this episode is a must-listen. Are we doing enough to protect vulnerable populations from the influence of these ads?