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THE LB FRAMEWORK
A practice-based framework for supporting thoughtful, compassionate and non-judgemental conversations about cannabis consumption in AOD and mental health settings.
Explore the Framework
WHY IT EXISTS
Conversations about cannabis are shaped not only by what is said, but by how it is said.
The LB Framework was developed in response to a gap in existing practice. While approaches to care are increasingly person-centred, cannabis can still be discussed through language and models that unintentionally reinforce stigma or limit understanding.
The framework provides a cannabis-specific conversational structure that supports awareness, reflection and intentional decision-making. It is designed to complement existing models of care, not replace them.
The LB Framework is a structured conversational framework designed primarily for AOD and mental health practice. It supports workers to engage in reflective, non-judgemental conversations about cannabis consumption while remaining flexible enough to fit within existing practice.
THE CENTRE OF THE FRAMEWORK
The LB Model is made up of five connected stages designed to support ongoing reflection and adjustment. It begins with awareness. From there it is not a fixed sequence, and a person can move between stages in any direction as their awareness, circumstances and needs evolve.
There is no failure within the process.
Movement through the model is not linear. After awareness, there is no required order, and people may move between any of the stages, in any direction, as their awareness and needs evolve. All experiences contribute to learning. The goal is not to complete the framework. The goal is to support more intentional conversations and decisions.
POSITIONING
The LB Framework is
A structured conversational framework for AOD and mental health practice
A brief intervention and engagement tool
A guide for reflective, non-judgemental conversations about cannabis consumption
Designed to be used flexibly within existing practice
The LB Framework is not
A standalone treatment or clinical intervention
A diagnostic tool
A replacement for clinical judgement or existing AOD frameworks
A rigid step-by-step program
CORE PRINCIPLES
01
Awareness before reduction
Meaningful change begins with awareness. Understanding patterns, motivations and context allows individuals to make more informed and intentional decisions regarding their cannabis consumption.
02
Care, not correction
Cannabis consumers are the experts in their own experience. The role of the worker is not to impose direction, but to create space for agency and self-determined change.
03
Intentional choices over automatic patterns
Consumption patterns can become habitual over time. Supporting awareness of these patterns allows individuals to pause, reflect and consider whether their current relationship with cannabis aligns with their needs and goals.
01
Explore context / Start by understanding the person’s current situation and relationship with cannabis. Allow cannabis to emerge naturally within conversation where possible.
02
Build awareness / Explore patterns of consumption, context and meaning. Focus on curiosity and understanding rather than change or reduction.
03
Explore intention / If appropriate, support reflection on whether the person wishes to maintain, reduce, pause or change their cannabis consumption. Keep this natural, self-directed and non-directive.
04
Optional tracking / Invite tracking or observation where it may be helpful. This should always be optional and adapted to individual preference.
05
Reflection / Invite reflection on what they are noticing, what feels supportive and what feels unhelpful or misaligned.
06
Adjustment / If the person identifies a desire for change, support them to explore small, realistic adjustments that feel achievable and self-directed.
Designed to fit existing practice.
Intake & assessment
Brief interventions
Ongoing case management
Therapeutic sessions
Outreach & community engagement
Family & carer conversations
The LB Framework complements existing models of care rather than replacing them.
MINIMUM EFFECTIVE USE
The LB Framework is designed to be flexible depending on time, context and level of engagement. It does not need to be used in full to be effective.
One awareness-based question
A simple question can open a more intentional conversation.
A brief exploration of intention
Explore what matters to the person and how they would like to proceed.
A single reflective prompt
Use one question within a broader conversation.
Even partial use of the framework can support more intentional and reflective conversations.
WHAT GOOD APPLICATION FEELS LIKE
When applied well, the LB Framework should feel like:
Language plays a critical role in shaping how cannabis consumption is understood within support settings. Even subtle wording choices can influence whether conversations feel safe, respectful and collaborative.
Person-centred language
Focus on the person rather than defining them by their behaviour. Use language such as “cannabis consumer” rather than reducing someone to their consumption.
✓ “A cannabis consumer”
✕ “A cannabis user”
Non-judgemental language
Avoid assumptions about what someone should do or what outcomes are expected. Neutral, respectful language creates space for honest and open dialogue.
✓ “How does that sit with you?”
✕ “How much are you cutting down?”
Language that supports agency
Use language that encourages reflection rather than direction. Open-ended questions and exploratory phrasing support individuals to make their own informed decisions.
✓ “Does anything feel worth trying, or does it feel okay as it is?”
✕ “What will you change this week?”
QUICK REFERENCE
Remember
The framework is not a checklist. It is a guide for shaping conversation.
The LB Framework
Full practice guide. Free to download and share.
Explore The Cutback Pack
The LB Framework is intended as a living resource that continues to evolve alongside emerging evidence, practice, and
lived and living experience.