Dope Advice

“In Dope Advice, Dr. Gail Beck – a renowned physician, compassionate mother, and gifted storyteller – guides us through the new terrain of legalized cannabis with clarity, warmth, and wisdom. Drawing from real-life encounters with teenage patients and their families, as well as deeply personal conversations with her own son, Dr. Beck offers more than just science – she offers connection. She helps us replace fear with understanding, silence with dialogue, and doubt with practical knowledge. This book doesn’t just inform – it reassures. It reminds us that we are not alone, and that with the right tools, we can face tough questions with confidence and care. If you’re looking to feel more prepared, more hopeful, and more connected to the young people in your life, this book is a vital companion on that journey.” -- Alykhan Abdulla, Medical Director, The Kingsway Health Centre, and Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of Leadership, Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa “Open dialogue around substance use is critical to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes. Dope Advice blends science and storytelling to help guide parents and allies of young people in an accessible and actionable way. The book is unique in the field – and we need books like this.” -- Dr. Kim Corace, Vice President, Innovation & Senior Scientist, Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction “From the first line on the first page, this book drew me in. As a health journalist, I know the dangers posed by cannabis use for our children and teens. Dr. Beck’s work gives these a face and context, and most importantly it offers tips for parents, teachers, and caregivers. I was moved by the patient stories shared by Dr. Beck, because they helped me understand the suffering and struggle that come with problematic cannabis use. This book goes beyond the growing use of cannabis among young people in Canada – it puts a face on their burden and the struggles of their parents, and it is a call for more mental health supports for young users.” -- Avis Favaro, Former Health Reporter, CTV National News “Dr. Beck equips us with a better understanding of the pathophysiology, mental health and psychosocial impacts, serious health risks, and medical benefits of cannabis. Dope Advice is the much-needed, evidence-based, non-judgmental resource that I wish I had as a parent. I highly recommend it to my patients, medical students, and colleagues.” -- Nili Kaplan-Myrth, MD, CCFP, FCFP, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, and author of <em>Breaking Canadians: Health Care, Advocacy, and the Toll of COVID-19</em> “I found this book really enlightening. I’m a parent of five and an educator, and it made me realize how much I didn’t know. Dr. Beck has broken down the complex topic of marijuana use/abuse and ways to support teens and young adults into layman’s terms, so it is easy to understand. Dr. Beck is an expert in this area who also shows vulnerability and courage in sharing the story of what happened in her own family and the impact marijuana had on her son and herself. In addition to being a good reference book for parents, this book would benefit educators and other professionals.” -- Marianne Kayed, Parent