The 2024 election marks another potential turning point in America’s approach to marijuana policy. Voters across multiple states rejected aggressive industry expansion, showing increasing awareness of commercialization’s risks to young people. As high-potency THC products flood both regulated and unregulated markets, communities are choosing more cautious approaches based on mounting scientific evidence of harm to developing brains. These election results create crucial opportunities to strengthen youth protections while also highlighting new challenges that demand our attention and continued action.
🟥 State Initiatives
Florida voters rejected recreational marijuana commercialization despite a $150 million campaign push by industry giants like Trulieve. The initiative failed to reach the required 60% threshold for a constitutional amendment, suggesting that informed voters will prioritize community well-being over industry profits. This victory protects young people from the risks of widespread marijuana access in the Sunshine State. Governor DeSantis highlighted the initiative’s troubling liability shields that would have prevented industry accountability. Such immunity would have especially threatened young people vulnerable to high-potency THC products and aggressive marketing.
North and South Dakota voters also rejected recreational marijuana legalization.
Unfortunately, Nebraska overwhelmingly approved medical marijuana in their state ballot. Our team will work hard to make sure regulations and guidelines are in place to protect the unintended consequences of legalization.
In Colorado Springs, two competing initiatives created legal uncertainty: one to permanently ban recreational sales, another to allow them. The vote has not become official, but Colorado Springs city council revised their zoning ordinance to prohibit recreational sales within 1 mile of a school or childcare facility. We will update the final results in the coming days.
💬 Monitoring the Debate
As those of you following recent developments know, a critical new threat has emerged: hemp-derived THC products in convenience stores and other retail outlets nationwide. Unlike dispensary products, these items bypass crucial regulations. High school students can order them online and can be shipped via USPS with minimal oversight. While California, Colorado and other states restrict some products, federal action is needed to close these dangerous loopholes.The science is clear: high-potency THC threatens developing brains. Commercial products now contain unprecedented THC levels as manufacturers compete in a “potency arms race”. When products become state-sanctioned, youth mistakenly perceive them as safe. This perception, combined with aggressive marketing and easy access, creates unprecedented risks.
🗳️ Election Impact & Policy Shifts
South Dakota voters said “no” to recreational marijuana for the second time (55.5% against). Learn more: www.dakotanewsnow.com/2024/11/06/south-dakotans-vote-no-recreational-marijuana-again/
Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota’s ballot failures signal a shift toward more careful consideration of public health impacts. Read the analysis: https://www.local10.com/news/politics/2024/11/06/trio-of-ballot-failures-leads-marijuana-backers-to-refocus-their-efforts-for-recreational-weed/
How We’re Helping: Our organization provided crucial education to community groups about youth protection concerns, contributing to these informed decisions.
🔬 Latest Research & Developments
Alarming Trends:
New Studies:
While early pregnancy cannabis use shows no direct ADHD link, researchers emphasize other significant health risks remain. Read the research: –https://www.psypost.org/cannabis-use-in-early-pregnancy-not-linked-to-adhd-or-behavioral-disorders-in-kids/
https://www.healthday.com/healthday-tv/child-health/more-evidence-marijuana-use-during-pregnancy-can-harm-kids-thinking-skills
How We’re Helping: We’re translating complex research into actionable information for parents and policymakers, advocating for enhanced product safety measures and warning labels.
⚠️ Emerging Threats
1. Industry Innovation:
New child-resistant packaging patents show the industry’s expansion while attempting to address safety concerns. Details: https://azmarijuana.com/arizona-medical-marijuana-news/arizona-cannabis-company-patents-groundbreaking-child-resistant-paper-tube/
2. Policy Changes:
President-elect Trump signals potential support for regulated legalization, emphasizing youth protection. Analysis: https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/2024-11-11/trump-plans-to-revoke-many-biden-policies-where-does-that-leave-marijuana
3. Tragic Reminders:
Recent incidents highlight ongoing risks:
-Los Angeles teacher arrested for providing marijuana to a minor: https://nypost.com/2024/11/08/us-news/teacher-accused-of-having-sex-with-13-year-old-student-and-giving-him-pot/
-Pennsylvania investigation of minor corruption involving marijuana: explorejeffersonpa.com/state-police-investigate-corruption-of-minors-dui-child-abuse-in-jefferson-county
👥 Parent Resources
We strongly encourage families to discuss marijuana risks with their children. The Newport Daily News’s latest guide includes research-backed talking points and strategies: https://www.newportri.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2024/11/08/guest-view-families-need-to-talk-about-the-harms-of-marijuana-use/76108109007/
💪 What’s Working
– Voter rejection of aggressive commercialization shows public health messaging is effective
– Industry adoption of safety measures demonstrates the impact of our advocacy
– Growing awareness of youth risks is leading to more thoughtful policy approaches
📢 Call to Action
The 2024 election results validate our mission while highlighting urgent new challenges. As the marijuana industry evolves and targets younger consumers with increasingly potent products, your engagement matters more than ever. Every prevented teen marijuana use, every protective policy enacted, and every parent educated represents a young life protected. The rise of unregulated hemp-derived THC products and the continuing push for commercialization demand renewed vigilance. Our youth have just one chance to grow up with healthy, fully developed brains. Together, we can ensure they get that chance.
Here are a few ways you can make a difference today:
Forward this newsletter to three other parents that you think might be equally concerned about protecting our youth and ask that the subscribe here: https://onechancetogrowup.org/take-action/
Download our Education Toolkit here: http://onechancetogrowup.org/resources/education-toolkit/
Contact us directly about developments in your state or to find out more about volunteering your time or talents to One Chance to Grow Up: https://onechancetogrowup.org/contact/
Consider supporting our work through a generous donation: https://onechancetogrowup.org/donate/
One Chance is the go-to trusted THC and youth harm expert and a reliable resource for educators, parents, policymakers, and media. We are here to assist you and your community. We’ll let you know of upcoming opportunities to make your voice heard on critical legislation. As always, we encourage you to follow One Chance on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for THC news, research, and resources. Share widely with your networks!
Stand with us. Act now. Protect tomorrow.
Best regards,
The One Chance to Grow Up Team
