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Clarity on Cannabis
Creating an interactive exhibit for cannabis awareness
RDN; Project Management, Design Strategy
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Seeing the project
from 10k feet.
What do you do when a global pandemic turns your grant project over its head?
Health Canada - Substance Use Awareness Program (SUAP)
Grant Writer, Project Manager, and Design Strategist
Pen and Paper; Google Slides/Forms/Sheets; Illustrator; Indesign
Health, Education, Rural
Where it started
In 2019, while working for the Rural Development Network, I embarked on a mission. Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program granted us an opportunity to educate Canadians about cannabis, focusing on lower-risk use. Initially, our vision centered on community presentations, but a spark of innovation was ignited during the exploration phase.
The Process
Our journey led to the birth of "Clarity on Cannabis." Initially a physical exhibit, we aimed to balance what youth really wanted to know, with parental concerns, seeking a nuanced approach to cannabis education. Diverse voices were heard through focus groups, and the youth's wisdom guided our path. Alongside the team and a talented design contractor, we crafted an exhibit that combined relatable and credible information. As 2019 came to a close, we completed our research and design phase, ready to bring our creation to life.
Where it ended
In 2020, the unexpected arrived (hello, pandemic!). Our plans for in-person events were disrupted. However, this challenge eventually led to a digital transformation, becoming an interactive marvel, both online and mobile, rooted in storytelling and empathy. Collaborating with Pulp Studios and Amplomedia, the digital exhibit, ready to empower rural youth, marked the climax of our remarkable journey.
Today, both the digital and physical versions of our exhibit continue to serve as beacons of knowledge, ensuring that the journey of Clarity on Cannabis remains an enduring legacy.
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Young people are keen to be heard- they told use they wanted to hear from real people's experiences. We listened and incorporated their thoughts into the exhibit.
We talked to folks with a wide range of experience with cannabis (non-user to users with 10+ years). We believe that including a range of perspectives is key to reaching more people.
Balancing the concerns of parents and guardians with the needs and preferences of youth was crucial. We wanted to make sure our project speaks to both sides.
We wanted to build an interactive exhibit that doesn't preach "just say no" but instead offers a judgment-free zone where youth can learn about cannabis risks and practical coping tools.
Short videos are more exciting than reading long posters - having a mix is even better
With heated topics, it's best stick to the talking stick/cow rule. It keeps the conversation focused and ensures everyone gets a say.
Unbiased facts and practical harm reduction strategies they can use to care for themselves and friends.
Youth use cannabis as a form of self-care – for pain relief, managing mental health, stress relief, relaxation, and having fun. But they also told us it's a temporary fix.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Most projects take 3–6 weeks. Branding-only is faster. Web builds depend on page count and complexity.
Yes. Most communication is async anyway. We'll find overlap for calls.
Yes. I can design a site using your current logo and guidelines, or refresh your brand if needed.
If it's under 2 hours, I bill hourly. Anything bigger becomes a project.
Occasionally, as add-ons to branding projects. I don't offer them standalone.