How Berrien County is Educating Youth on Marijuana Risks

A Collaborative Mission

In response to the growing challenge of underage marijuana use in Michigan, the Berrien County Health Department has joined forces with the Voice, Change, Hope, Alliance. Their mission? To arm parents and educators with the knowledge and tools needed to guide young people away from early marijuana use. According to WSJM, involving the community has proven to be an impactful strategy.

Understanding the Legality Perception

Lisa Peeples-Hurst, prevention supervisor at the Berrien County Health Department, emphasizes a key concern: the legalization of recreational marijuana for adults over 21 has inadvertently led to a diminished perception of harm among teens. This altered perception makes it seem less harmful, fueling its uptake among the youth.

The Impact on Young Minds

The partnership has been proactive, identifying a slight increase in monthly marijuana usage among those under 21 in the past year. Peeples-Hurst elucidates the risk, explaining how marijuana consumption can impede the natural development of the teenage brain, affecting educational and occupational outcomes adversely.

Taking It to the Schools

In a bid to counter these trends, the department has reached out directly to the youth. By visiting 30 schools last year, they’ve been able to engage students in grades as early as the fifth, addressing the fact that the average age of beginning substance use is alarmingly young at 11.

Spreading Awareness

Social media campaigns and school visits form the crux of spreading the message about the perils of teen marijuana use. By starting conversations early, they hope to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness among the youth.

Get the Dirt on Weed

For those seeking more information, the public is encouraged to visit the department’s comprehensive online resource—”Get the Dirt on Weed”—dedicated to educating young people and their guardians on the multifaceted impacts of marijuana.

With efforts like these, Berrien County continues to champion a cause that could shape the future of its youth towards healthier choices.