As we enter the holiday season, our mission to protect young people from marijuana’s harms takes on additional focus. New research findings and concerning industry updates underscore the critical importance of our work. We wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Science Corner
Groundbreaking Mental Health Research
A comprehensive new study in JAMA Psychiatry reveals troubling connections between adolescent cannabis use and psychosis symptoms: “adolescents who used cannabis at any time during the study development period reported a greater number of psychosis spectrum symptoms…and more distress from psychosis spectrum symptoms…vs. those who never used cannabis.” While the research suggests some youth may be attempting to self-medicate for existing mental health challenges, it emphasizes that this practice could exacerbate long-term risks. The study’s findings reinforce our longstanding concerns about the dangerous interplay between marijuana use and adolescent mental health. Read the article here.
Alarming Trends in Quebec
New data from Quebec’s Statistics Institute reveals a disturbing shift in youth substance use patterns. While overall cannabis use has declined since 2010-2011, females are now showing higher rates of risky behaviors, including increased cannabis consumption. “This is the first time we’ve seen this difference between the two genders,” said ISQ spokesperson and researcher Florence Conus. This gender reversal demands targeted intervention strategies to protect young women from the harms of early marijuana use. Read the article here.
Some Key Wins
Shifting Public Opinion
Recent election results show growing public awareness of marijuana’s risks, with voters in multiple states rejecting expansion efforts. “In Florida, legalization was defeated by 4 points despite pro-marijuana groups investing over $150 million in the race. North Dakotans refused legalization by 5 points…. South Dakotans, too, rejected marijuana for the second time, and by 11 points. In Massachusetts, despite being outspent by more than 10-to-1, voters shot down psychedelic drug legalization, the new frontier for addiction-for-profit schemes, by 14 points.” This suggests our message about protecting youth is resonating, though industry forces continue to push for broader access. This shift in public response is evidence of a hunger for more careful approaches to legalization and regulation, particularly where our kids are concerned. Read the article here.
Michigan Takes Bold Action
In a victory for youth protection, Detroit’s City Council has banned marijuana advertisements near schools, parks, and other youth-centered locations. This decisive action recognizes that normalization through advertising poses a serious threat to our children. While marijuana tax revenues may be projected to grow significantly, we remain concerned that only a small portion is allocated to youth substance abuse prevention. Read the article here.
Ohio Confronts Delta-8 Threat
State lawmakers are finally addressing the dangerous proliferation of unregulated delta-8 THC products, which exploit legal loopholes to market intoxicating substances to youth. Governor DeWine and health officials emphasize that these products, often packaged like candy, pose an immediate threat to children. “There are onions or lettuce being recalled from fast food restaurants and they have a tracking system. And this wild, wild west … is unregulated, untraced, untested,” said Brian Wingfield, who owns dispensaries chain Ohio Cannabis Co. The proposed regulations could serve as a model for other states grappling with this emerging danger. Read the article here.
Texas Stands Firm
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s challenge to Dallas’s marijuana decriminalization measure represents a crucial stand for maintaining protective guardrails against youth access. Attorney General Paxton said, “Cities cannot pick and choose which State laws they follow. The City of Dallas has no authority to override Texas drug laws or prohibit the police from enforcing them. This is a backdoor attempt to violate the Texas Constitution, and any city that tries to constrain police in this fashion will be met swiftly with a lawsuit by my office.” This action demonstrates how state-level oversight remains vital in preventing local policies from inadvertently increasing youth exposure to marijuana. Read the article here.
What We’re Up Against
Industry Marketing That Seems Directed at Young People
Arizona’s cannabis industry continues to push boundaries with dessert-themed vape products that appeal to young people. These marketing tactics mirror Big Tobacco’s historical strategies, using flavors like “Bavarian Crème Pie” that could attract youth interest. This development highlights the urgent need for marketing restrictions to protect our children. Read the article here.
Parent to Parent
Critical Holiday Safety Guidance
The holiday season brings increased risks of accidental youth exposure to cannabis products at family gatherings. “Stupid Dope,” the millennial focused lifestyle e-zine, published new safety guidelines this week to emphasize secure storage, proper disposal, and immediate action plans if exposure occurs. One Chance agrees that parents must always remain vigilant and model positive behavior and care as social occasions can create unexpected access points for curious children. Read the article here.
Emergency Response Protocol
As a reminder, if you ever suspect child exposure to THC:
1. Immediately contact Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
2. Seek emergency medical care
3. Document product details from the packaging
4. Report to local health authorities
5. Follow up with your pediatrician
Your engagement to protect kids is more crucial than ever. Together, we can protect the next generation from the devastating impacts of early marijuana exposure.
