Marijuana Prevention

Our Work to Protect the Health of Youth

Northeast Tri County Health District leads a regional effort to prevent youth ages 12-20 from using marijuana. Marijuana use is illegal for people under the age of 21 years old. We work with community partners to create a unified approach to prevent youth marijuana use.

Why is this work important? Marijuana can be an addictive substance, particularly for youth. Marijuana use during childhood or adolescence is dangerous because the human brain does not fully develop until around age 26, and drugs like marijuana can have negative effects for young, developing brains. Marijuana use puts teens at greater risk for addiction and failing in school.

The good news is:

• Kids say their parents are the most influential people in their lives.
• Youth are less likely to use marijuana if they believe their community thinks it's wrong for them to use.

It's important that parents, schools, and communities all work together to keep youth healthy and safe.