Helping to prevent the use of Marijuana amongst our Latinx youth and young adults.
The Youth Marijuana Prevention and Education program (YMPEP) works towards educating communities, stakeholders, and policymakers on the development and implementation of local policies that address the prevention of Marijuana use amongst our Latinx youth and young adults. We work with youth engagement throughout Washington State: Training on youth skills, Youth 2 Youth outreach and Youth representatives to advisory on marijuana prevention (MVAPE).
The teen years are a time of rapid growth, exploration, and most definitely the onset of risk taking, especially with peer pressure. Taking risks with new behaviors provides kids and teens the opportunity to test their skills and abilities and learn about who they are. However, some risky behaviors—such as using marijuana—can have harmful and long-lasting effects on a teen’s health and well-being.
Unlike adults, the teen brain is actively developing and often will not be fully developed until the mid 20s. Marijuana use during this period may harm the developing teen brain which in turn results in decline in school performance, negative social life, potential for addiction, potential Impaired driving and an Increased risk of developing mental health issues. Marijuana use in adolescence or early adulthood can have a serious impact on a teen’s life.
MARIJUANA QUICK FACTS:
According to the CDC 38% of High School Students report having used marijuana in their life.
According to research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana use can have permanent effects on the developing brain when use begins in adolescence, especially with regular or heavy use.
Frequent or long-term marijuana use is linked to school dropout and lower educational achievement. Negative effects include:
*Difficulty thinking and problem solving.
*Problems with memory and learning.
*Impaired coordination.
*Difficulty maintaining attention.
MARIJUANA EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES:
Not A Moment Wasted For College-Aged MJ Vaping
Start Talking Now
Take Control Flyers
Teen Marijuana Prevention & Education | Washington Department of Health (youcanwa.org)
Cannabis Laws, Safety & Health | Know This About Cannabis
WA DOH Herramientas Para Padres – Tips Para Conversar
WA DOH Herramientas Para Padres – Marihuana Efectos En La Salud
WA DOH Herramientas Para Padres – Marihuana Métodos De Uso
Los Adolescentes Están Bajo Su Influencia
WA DOH Parent Toolkit – Talking Tips For Parents
WA DOH Parent Toolkit – Marijuana Health Effects
WA DOH Parent Toolkit – Marijuana Methods of Use
La Realidad Sobre La Marihuana y Los Adolescentes