Caring for Children and Adolescents in Cannabis Liberalization Situations: Community Health Nurses' Roles

Abstract

         Nowadays, Thailand has brought cannabis to treat illnesses among adults and the elderly. However, using cannabis among children and adolescents is still being researched. The policy to unlock cannabis from drugs that the government enacted in 2022 causes changes in the free access and sale of cannabis, which can be done legally among people aged twenty years and over. Children and adolescents easily access cannabis without control. However, if cannabis is used by infants, toddlers, children, or adolescents, there are health consequences for all ages. Currently, the number of children and adolescents with cannabis-related illnesses is increasing by obtaining cannabis from family members, friends, or shops in the community. This article aims to present the roles of community health nurses in providing family nursing care by using a five-step nursing process consisting of family assessment, nursing diagnosis, family nursing plan, family nursing practice, and evaluation of family care. Nurses' roles are to prevent and resolve the problem of cannabis use in children and adolescents at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, strengthen family involvement, and draw on the potential of families to enhance their health.