Colorado launches marijuana education and prevention campaign

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has launched a new campaign trying to convince teens to stay away from marijuana.

The $2 million project is called “What’s Next.” The campaign, which includes a series of PSA’s, encourages adults to begin open, honest conversations with the young people in their lives.

“With retail marijuana legal for adults in Colorado, preventing youth use becomes even more important,” said Dr. Larry Wolk, health department executive director and chief medical officer.

According to the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, one in five high school students have used marijuana during the past 30 days. Health department public officials say this is a problem. Parents KRDO NewsChannel 13 spoke to, including marijuana users, agreed.

“I think that as their brains are developing, they need that. I don’t think that they will reach their full potential when they are using marijuana,” said Jennifer Mannion. “I think it distracts from the things that they need to be focused on, preparing for their future”

“I think teens should do as much as they can in life to improve their growth, to improve their mental capacity. Their brains aren’t even developed until they’re 25,” Cynthia Tompson said.

Parents say they’re hopeful the campaign will be a success, and stress that open communication is crucial.

“Talking to young people about underage marijuana use can be challenging,” Wolk said. “These resources can help adults understand marijuana and prepare them for those important conversations.”

The health department’s Retail Marijuana Education Program is funded with marijuana tax revenue this year to continue the Good to Know education campaign, youth prevention efforts and “Marihuana En Colorado, Lo Que Debes Entender,” the recently launched Spanish-language campaign.