Policymakers need to understand the facts and make the right moves to protect kids and their futures. They hear a lot from marijuana industry lobbyists. They also need to hear from advocates for kids.
At One Chance to Grow Up, we’ve prioritized policy goals that are essential to protect kids.
Educate government officials about the differences between legalization and decriminalization so they know they can stop prosecuting those who possess small amounts of marijuana without opening the floodgates to mass commercialization that threatens kids.
Cap THC potency.
Require childproof packaging and labeling, including potency information.
Strictly limit marketing and prohibit products that appeal to kids.
Fund evidence-based education and prevention for youth and pregnant/breastfeeding women.
Require data collection and research on impacts.
Colorado has had to learn the hard way, as the first state to commercialize marijuana. Colorado kids have paid the price as they’re bombarded with marketing. Here are some sobering consequences that make our mission even more important.
>
2016 Colorado ranks first in the nation on monthly usage by 12-17 year olds according to National Surveys on Drug Use and Health data released in December 2016 by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
>
Over 1,000 marijuana stores operate in Colorado. That’s more than the number of Starbucks and McDonald’s combined.
>
The financial interests behind this multi-billion dollar industry are more powerful than anyone anticipated, with more than 50 lobbyists advancing policies to increase profits just in Colorado.
Want to know the policy for your state?
Who better to give us the data on underage marijuana use than kids themselves.
Surveys show that kids are using marijuana at alarming rates (sometimes daily) and at young and younger ages.
Even among the army of industry lobbyists, our voice stands out.
The stronger our collective voice,
the more change we can make.
Here’s how you can get involved in policy in your community.
Lead community actions to let policymakers, educators, and community members know that the impact of today’s marijuana on kids should matter to all of us.
Stay up to date on your local, state and congressional elected officials, so you know who they are and how to communicate with them.
