Cannabis Use Prevention

Cannabis use can affect health, learning, relationships, workplace safety, and overall well-being. Prevention starts with education, awareness, and creating environments that support healthy choices. At Communicare Regional Prevention Center, we work with schools, families, workplaces, and communities to reduce cannabis-related harm through evidence-based strategies and community partnerships.

Our prevention efforts focus on delaying youth cannabis use, increasing awareness of risks, promoting protective factors, and connecting individuals to helpful resources. Whether you are a parent, educator, youth leader, or community member, prevention starts with informed conversations and shared responsibility.

Know the Risks

Cannabis can affect people differently, especially depending on age, frequency of use, product strength, and method of use.

Short-Term Risks

Impaired judgment and decision-making
Slower reaction time
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Anxiety or panic reactions
Increased risk of injury or impaired driving

Long-Term Risks

Dependence or problematic use
Trouble with learning and memory
Lower motivation or performance
Mental health concerns in some individuals
Respiratory irritation when smoked

Youth Risks

Youth and young adults are more vulnerable because the brain is still developing. Early use may affect attention, memory, learning, and long-term health outcomes.

Prevention Tips

Talk With Youth About:

How cannabis affects the developing brain
Myths vs. facts
Peer pressure and social influence
Risks of driving impaired
Healthy ways to cope with stress
Expectations for staying substance-free

Build Protective Factors:

Positive friendships
Family connection
School engagement
Hobbies and leadership opportunities
Trusted adults and mentors
Healthy coping skills

Cannabis Products

Cannabis products come in many forms, including dried flower, pre-rolls, vape cartridges, disposable devices, edibles, beverages, tinctures, oils, concentrates, wax, shatter, and capsules. Different products can vary in THC content, how quickly effects begin, and how long impairment may last. Higher-potency products may increase the risk of anxiety, overconsumption, confusion, or stronger intoxication.

It is also important to be aware that some unregulated or illegally produced products may be contaminated, mislabeled, or mixed with other substances. Reports have included products sold as cannabis that contained synthetic cannabinoids or other unknown substances, and some communities have raised concerns about products being laced with opioids such as fentanyl. Because illicit products are not subject to consistent quality control, the contents may be unpredictable and risks can be higher. Using products from unknown sources can increase the chance of poisoning, unexpected reactions, severe impairment, or overdose.

Prevention starts with education, awareness, and understanding that not all cannabis products are the same. If someone experiences unusual symptoms after use—such as extreme sedation, trouble breathing, chest pain, severe agitation, or loss of consciousness—seek emergency medical help immediately.

Safe Storage of Cannabis Products

Cannabis products should be stored safely to help prevent accidental ingestion, especially by children, teens, and pets. Many products—such as gummies, candies, chocolates, baked goods, beverages, and vape items—may look appealing or be mistaken for everyday products. Safe storage helps reduce the risk of poisoning and emergency medical visits

Need Help or Support?

If cannabis use is causing problems, support is available. Early help matters.

Talk with a healthcare provider
Behavioral health services
School or employee wellness supports
Community prevention resources
Crisis support: Call or Text 988

Cannabis Potency: What Has Changed Over Time?

Cannabis products today can be much stronger than products from past decades. Potency usually refers to the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive ingredient that can affect mood, thinking, memory, coordination, and perception.

Historical Potency Trends

Research has found that average THC levels in cannabis products have increased significantly over time.

In past decades, cannabis flower often contained much lower THC levels than many products sold today.
Modern cannabis flower may contain several times more THC than products commonly available years ago.
Concentrates, oils, dabs, and some vape products can contain very high THC levels.
Edibles may contain high doses and can be harder to judge because effects are delayed.

Why Potency Matters

Higher-potency products may increase the risk of:

Impaired judgment
Anxiety or panic reactions
Confusion
Stronger intoxication
Accidental overconsumption
Greater risk of problematic use
Increased risks for youth and inexperienced users

Youth & Young Adult Concerns

Because the brain continues developing into young adulthood, higher-potency cannabis may have a greater impact on learning, memory, attention, and mental wellness.

Cannabis Use Prevention Resources

Trusted resources for youth, parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and community members seeking cannabis prevention information, education, or support. These tools can help with prevention planning, family conversations, understanding risks, and finding help when needed.

SAMHSA – Talk. They Hear You.

A national prevention campaign that helps parents and caregivers talk with youth about alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. Offers conversation tools, tips, and age-appropriate guidance.

Website: samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Trusted science-based information about cannabis, youth brain development, mental health effects, addiction, and current research trends. Includes resources for teens, parents, and educators.

Website: nida.nih.gov

CDC Cannabis Information

Public health information on cannabis use, health effects, driving impairment, pregnancy risks, and youth concerns.

Website: cdc.gov/cannabis

Stanford REACH Lab / Cannabis Toolkit

Evidence-informed lessons and prevention resources for schools, educators, and communities related to cannabis and youth substance use.

Website: med.stanford.edu

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