Our approach
We are committed to responsible, risk-aware use of cannabis. Our trained prevention officers provide information, give personal advice and help when things get difficult. Whatever you tell them stays confidential.
We accept members as they live and meet them without reproach. Each member decides for themselves what role cannabis plays in their life. We help them make that decision on an informed basis.
What we cover
In conversations and in our knowledge section, we provide factual information based on current studies on:
- How it works: effects of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids
- Acute side effects: anxiety, nausea, circulatory problems
- Long-term consequences: dependence, problems with concentration and memory
- Safer use: ways to reduce the risks of use
- Interactions: dangers of combined use, for example with alcohol or medication
- Legal matters: legal rules on possessing and using cannabis
Information evenings, discussion groups and talks with guests from addiction prevention are in preparation.
Mindful use
We help members keep their use under control:
- Assessing your use and its risks realistically
- Following safer use rules
- Noticing changes in your own well-being
- Setting limits and being able to say “no”
- Using alternatives to cannabis to relax
- Knowing about offers of help and accepting them
Recognising warning signs early
Signs of risky use or developing dependence include, for example:
- using much more often or in larger amounts
- daily responsibilities and social contacts being neglected because of use
- continuing to use despite negative consequences such as problems concentrating
- withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings during breaks from use
If you notice signs like these in yourself or others, you can quickly have a conversation with us in which we look for solutions together. The aim is to recognise problems early, before dependence develops. Group meetings and moderated discussion groups are also planned.
Cooperation with specialist services
We work with Suchthilfe im Kreis Unna, the addiction support service for the Unna district, with the DROBS drug counselling service and with Diakonie Dortmund. Our prevention officers completed their training under § 23 para. 4 KCanG with Suchthilfe im Kreis Unna. Through these services, self-help groups and therapists, members quickly find their way into the support system, as provided for in § 23 para. 5 KCanG. The experience of these specialist services feeds into what we offer; we use tried and tested prevention approaches and take part in further training regularly.
Research
We take part in the statutory evaluation of the Consumer Cannabis Act (EKOCAN) and in a study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). In addition, there is our own surveyDE and the voluntary data donation in the self-test.