Opinion: Protecting CT’s youth in the era of legal cannabis

The opening of adult-use cannabis dispensaries in Connecticut marks a significant change in our state. This is the first time that cannabis is being sold legally to adults in Connecticut, and with this change comes a responsibility for all of us to ensure that it is used responsibly. Now more than ever, we must consider the potential harms that cannabis use can have on young people. No matter where you stood on the issue of legalization, we must all take responsibility for protecting our youth. The Governor’s Prevention Partnership has been working to prevent youth substance use for more than 30 years. We understand the importance of education and awareness around cannabis use for young people. Cannabis use can significantly impact healthy development, and it is crucial for parents, caregivers, educators and community members to have accurate information about the effects of cannabis use on young people. As a parent, I know that protecting our children from the potential any harm is a top priority — and I know that may get harder now that cannabis is legal, the perception of harm is reduced, or you may feel it’s harder to tell your child not to do marijuana if you use. At the most basic of levels, it’s important to talk about substance use with your kids and the dangers of substance use to their health. Teens are less likely to use, in general, if their parents have consistent and clear boundaries around substance use. As adults, we have a responsibility to secure cannabis from unintended users. This means preventing access, keeping it out of reach, properly disposing of any cannabis waste, and being mindful of the potential consequences of using cannabis in front of young people. It is not just the responsibility of parents but also of cannabis dispensaries to ensure that cannabis is not sold to minors. Dispensaries have a legal and moral obligation to comply with state laws and regulations and not sell to anyone under 21. They also have a responsibility to educate customers about the safe storage and disposal of cannabis products to ensure that it does not end up in the hands of young people. The legalization and sale of adult use cannabis in Connecticut highlights the public’s need for accurate information and training. In response, we are announcing a free virtual training event, “Cannabis in CT.” This informative webinar will take place on Feb. 2. It will provide participants with facts about cannabis use, the cannabis laws in Connecticut, and the potential impact on healthy development in young people. It will also provide helpful tips on how to talk to the young people in your life about cannabis usage. You can register for “Cannabis in CT” at https://bit.ly/CannabisInCT As an organization passionate about preventing substance misuse, we recognize the importance of providing accurate and unbiased information to the public. We believe that through education and awareness, we can work together to mitigate the potential harms of cannabis use on young people. We urge all those who are interested in learning more about cannabis use to join us for this informative event. This is not a time to be complacent but more vigilant than ever in protecting our youth. We are all responsible for ensuring that our young people are safe and healthy. As an organization, we are committed to continuing our work in preventing youth substance use. By working together, we can help ensure that Connecticut’s youth are well-informed of the very real harms of cannabis use, and the potential impacts it could have on their future. We hope you will join us in this critical effort. Kelly Juleson is co-president and chief external affairs officer of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership. The Governor’s Prevention Partnership builds statewide capacity to prevent underage drinking and substance use.

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