ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is working to educate parents, caregivers, and community leaders on cannabis use as the state’s legal cannabis market grows. This initiative aims to help adults have informed conversations with young people about cannabis.
Kendra Smallwood, a parent of teenagers who consumes cannabis, attended a recent event to learn more about the drug. “I just found out today that they have fentanyl testers,” Smallwood said. She emphasized the importance of having access to resources for meaningful conversations with her children.
“More information about cannabis, the access that they have to it and how to resist pressures and stuff from social media,” Smallwood said.
The event provided a platform for participants to ask questions, share perspectives, and gather information. Lila Hunt, deputy director of public health and education for the OCM, highlighted the need for community engagement. “We have a new law that’s here that’s different. A lot of people have to learn what that law means to New Yorkers what that means to them. So we are starting our journey by hearing from community members- what do they need to know, where can they access information and how can we meet them where they are,” Hunt said.
Chad Anderson, vice president of Bloom Roc, spoke about the organization’s role in educating the public about cannabis. “They are continuing to develop our market based off what they are hearing, building curriculum around it, destigmatizing weed, more education and actually creating an informed market,” Anderson said. He noted that events like this help destigmatize cannabis and provide valuable data for educational efforts.
The OCM is committed to creating resources that support these conversations, starting with those who can guide young people through the complexities of cannabis use.
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