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  The fact sheet was developed to provide information and resources to prevention professionals, providers, and community members on the topic of Marijuana Prevention among Hispanic and Latino Youth, why is this an issue, how does marijuana use impact our communities, several factors that can impact our communities in relation to substance use such as COVID-19, the Social Determinants of Health, risk factors, mental health. We are also bringing the prevention perspective on how to enhance the protective factors to create healthier communities? We hope this resource is useful for you, and we hope you can share the information with your family, friends, and colleagues. Español La hoja informativa fue desarrollada para brindar información y recursos a profesionales de la prevención, proveedores y miembros de la comunidad sobre el tema de la Prevención de la Marihuana entre los jóvenes Hispanos y Latinos, ¿por qué es un problema?, cómo afecta el uso de la marihuana a nuestras comunidades, varios factores que pueden afectar nuestras comunidades con relación al uso de sustancias como el COVID-19, los Determinantes Sociales de la Salud, factores de riesgo y salud mental. También estamos trayendo la perspectiva de la prevención sobre cómo mejorar los factores de protección para crear comunidades más saludables. Esperamos que este recurso le sea útil y esperamos que pueda compartir la información con su familia, amigos y colegas. Portuguese Este folheto educativo foi desenvolvido para fornecer informações e recursos para profissionais de prevenção, provedores e membros da comunidade sobre a prevenção do uso da Maconha entre a Juventude Hispânica, os motivos pelos quais este é um problema, como o uso de cannabis afeta nossas comunidades, diversos fatores que podem impactar as comunidades Latinas em relação a uso de substâncias como COVID-19, os determinantes sociais da saúde, fatores de risco, saúde mental. Esperamos que este recurso seja útil para você e que você possa compartilhar as informações com sua família, amigos e colegas. Esperamos que este recurso le sea útil y esperamos que pueda compartir la información con su familia, amigos y colegas.

  The fact sheet was developed to provide information and resources to prevention professionals, providers, and community members on the topic of Marijuana Prevention among Hispanic and Latino Adults, why is this an issue, how does marijuana use impact our communities overall. We hope this resource is useful for you, and we hope you can share the information with your family, friends, and colleagues. Español La hoja informativa fue desarrollada para brindar información y recursos a profesionales de la prevención, proveedores y miembros de la comunidad sobre el tema de la Prevención de la Marihuana entre adultos Hispanos y Latinos, ¿por qué es un problema?, y cómo afecta el consumo de marihuana a nuestras comunidades en general. Esperamos que este recurso le sea útil y esperamos que pueda compartir la información con su familia, amigos y colegas. Portuguese Este folheto educativo foi desenvolvido para fornecer informações e recursos para profissionais de prevenção, provedores e membros da comunidade sobre a prevenção do uso da Maconha entre Adultos Hispânicos e Latinos, os motivos pelos quais este é um problema, como o uso de cannabis afeta nossas comunidades no geral. Esperamos que este recurso seja útil para você e que você possa compartilhar as informações com sua família, amigos e colegas.  

Three-Part Cannabis Webinar Series Prevention Professionals located in HHS Region 8 - Mountain Plains PTTC (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY), are invited to attend this no-cost, three-part training series on cannabis. Hear from experts about lessons learned with regards to cannabis legalization in their states; Gain a better understanding of the changing marketing messages created by the cannabis industry and what to do about it; As well as learn about various strategies to prevent cannabis use among youth. Part 3: Recent Science on Cannabis and a Changing Legal Climate: Opportunities for Prevention and Public Health Messaging June 14, 2022  Presented by: Dr. Jason Kilmer, Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington (UW) As states consider medical cannabis or outright legalization of cannabis for non-medical purposes, it is important to also consider prevention and public health needs. In this web-based presentation, we will consider changes in potency/concentration seen in states with medical or non-medical cannabis, what the science says about these products, and what this means (particularly for prevention with youth). We will consider environmental, public health, and prevention efforts that can be part of a mix of strategies to prevent cannabis use among youth. Participants will: Identify a screening measure for Cannabis Use Disorder. Describe at least two (2) risks/outcome associated with cannabis use. Identify at least one prevention or public health approach/opportunity for use in their community.   Webinar Recording & Resources: Recording Presentation Slides Resources  

The latest edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month’s edition features growing prevention careers together, a focus on cannabis prevention, stories of substance misuse prevention and resilience, the application is open for the next Project ECHO, awareness campaigns for the month of June, and regionally and nationally developed events and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. View the newsletter.

Three-Part Cannabis Webinar Series Prevention Professionals located in HHS Region 8 - Mountain Plains PTTC (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY), are invited to attend this no-cost, three-part training series on cannabis. Hear from experts about lessons learned with regards to cannabis legalization in their states; Gain a better understanding of the changing marketing messages created by the cannabis industry and what to do about it; As well as learn about various strategies to prevent cannabis use among youth.   Part 2: Cannabis: New Conversations for Changing Times June 7, 2022 Presented by Jamie Comstock & Robin Carr, Info Inspired, LLC During this training, preventionists will be called to shift their approach in response to the changing cannabis policy and industry landscape. The times have changed, and so must our conversations in the community. An overview of marketing trends will be provided, which have moved far beyond selling a “high”, to selling a lifestyle, a path to natural health and wellness, and any mood/experience/delivery method of the consumer’s choosing. Further, the importance of staying informed about marketing trends and some strategies for doing so, will be highlighted. Additionally, a framework for selecting messages/materials available for the prevention field will be offered. Preventionists have moved from the need to be content creators, and now must be expert curators. Lastly, an emphasis will be placed on audience analysis and editing, too! The goal is for participants to build confidence and skills for more effective conversations about cannabis. Participants will: Describe the current cannabis landscape and industry marketing trends. Identify prevention strategies for a variety of cannabis regulatory frameworks. Formulate messages that resonate with a range of audiences. Formulate content from available tools and resources for the prevention field.     Webinar Recording & Resources: Recording Presentation Slides Resources  

Three-Part Cannabis Webinar Series Prevention Professionals located in HHS Region 8 - Mountain Plains PTTC (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY), are invited to attend this no-cost, three-part training series on cannabis. Hear from experts about lessons learned with regards to cannabis legalization in their states; Gain a better understanding of the changing marketing messages created by the cannabis industry and what to do about it; As well as learn about various strategies to prevent cannabis use among youth. Part 1: Considerations for Cannabis Legalization in Your State May 31, 2022  Presented by: Ali Maffey, MSW, Colorado Retail Marijuana Education Program, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Ali Maffey, MSW, has led the Retail Marijuana Education Program in Colorado since its founding in 2014 in which she leads the public health response to youth prevention and adult education for adult use of cannabis. As the first state in the nation to open adult-use cannabis retail stores, Colorado was on the forefront of creating a public health response to this emerging market. The state had numerous successes along with many challenges in navigating this response, and this session will provide an opportunity to discuss what other states can learn from Colorado's response to formulate their own prevention and education programs. Participants will: Identify the type of cannabis legalization and current cannabis prevalence rates in Region 8 states (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY). Describe how to identify leading public health considerations, with legalization, based on data. Identify lessons learned from Colorado shifting from a medical marijuana state to legalized adult use. Describe Colorado's successes and challenges through those lessons learned.   Webinar Recording & Resources: Recording Presentation Slides Resources  

Using Adolescent Development to Inform Prevention Practice: Brain and Behavior April 27, 2022  Presented by: Dr. Jason Burrow-Sánchez Participants will review major social and biological factors of adolescent development and implications for ways to approach substance use prevention/intervention. Objectives Include: Describe prevalence rates for adolescent substance use in Region 8 including the most frequently used substances. Explain social and biological (brain development) factors of adolescent development in relation to substance use. Analyze the relation between developmental factors and prevention/intervention of substance use.   Webinar Recording & Resources: Recording Presentation Slides Effects of Substances on the Teen Brain (2 Minute Video Resource)  

Women and Weed   April 14, 2022   Description The Pacific Southwest Addiction and Prevention Technology Transfer Centers are pleased to present a 60-minute webinar entitled Women and Weed. This webinar will outline the rapidly changing culture of cannabis use highlighting potency and routes of administration, perception of risk, and common exchanges regarding substance use and women’s issues. It will share popular products marketed to women and campaigns targeted to individuals who identify as female. It will review public health concerns including child protective services, health concerns of use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as the influence on self and family and how to have an intelligent “cannabis conversation.”   Objectives By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: Identify at least three (3) new trends in use, potency, products and marketing practices that make women vulnerable to use. Specify at least two (2) components of the relationship between cannabis and women’s health. Recall at least two (2) ways that the legalization of recreational cannabis has influenced public health, perception of use, and consumption specifically targeting women. Explain at least two (2) current research findings pertaining to addiction, intelligence/academic success, and parenting, and specify two (2) effective ways to communicate use deterrence.   Presenter Dr. Latisha Bader has worked in the field of mental health and addiction for more than 18 years. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2007 with a PhD in counseling psychology and specialization in sport psychology, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Chemical Dependency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Addiction Counselor, in addition she is also a Certified Mental Performance Consultant working with elite athletes and teams. Dr. Bader has worked in a variety of treatment settings including residential, outpatient, private practice, and Native American health care. She spends time in the sport environment in collegiate athletic departments, working with professional teams, and Olympic athletes. She currently compliments the multi-disciplinary team at Women’s Recovery by serving as the Chief Clinical Officer, advancing treatment for women. In addition, she maintains a private practice offering counseling, consultation, educational presentations, and sport psychology services. She authored a chapter in the evidenced based book, Cannabis in Medicine. She serves on the Speakers Bureau for the National Marijuana Initiative as a subject matter expert on emerging research, addiction and treatment.   Webinar Recording  Webinar Recording   Additional Resources If you're looking for more information on how substance misuse impacts the brain check out this self-paced online course on  HealtheKnowledge.org Substance Use and the Developing Brain   Questions? Contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

The latest edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month’s edition features our re-formatted vaping prevention courses into a microlearning toolkit, upcoming national public education campaigns, the summer internship application deadline is May 1st, the PTTC Network's NEW Map: Compilation of Prevention Specialist Certification Requirements, SAMHSA Marijuana infographic, and regionally and nationally developed events and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. View the newsletter.

          Brush up on your knowledge with this series of short lessons on vaping and prevention! Each lesson consists of a 5-10 minute video followed by a brief quiz. Topics include: effects of nicotine on the adolescent brain, public health implications of youth ENDS use and why vaping/e-cigarette use appeals to youth.   How to use: Complete the lessons yourself to increase your knowledge or share these lessons with your coalition members, for parent or youth education programs, or with others in your community. Lessons can be viewed in the online quiz format through the links below, or can be taught along with the discussion guide available for download to use with a group.   Option 1: Online Quiz Format To complete the lessons using the online quiz format, follow the link to each lesson below.   Nicotine and the Adolescent Brain How does nicotine use affect the adolescent brain and development? What are potential short and long-term effects of nicotine use during adolescence?   Neurobiology of Nicotine and Cannabis What happens in the brain when nicotine or cannabis are used in vapes or e-cigarettes?   Appeal of JUUL among Adolescents What motivates young people to vape and why do some products appeal more than others?   Public Health Concerns of Youth E-Cigarette Use What are the public health considerations of youth e-cigarette use? How might that differ from adult use?   Option 2: Discussion Guide To use the lessons with a group in a discussion format, follow the discussion guide below. Each lesson includes a link to the video, followed by a set of discussion questions and answers.     Lesson 1: Nicotine and the Adolescent Brain How does nicotine affect the adolescent brain? How does it affect development and does it have any long-term impacts?   Watch the video   Discussion Questions How does nicotine use at a young age relate to substance use later in life? What are the effects of nicotine on the adolescent brain? Can nicotine use lead to feelings of withdrawal? Answers Use of any substance, including nicotine found in e-cigarettes/vaping devices, as an adolescent increases risk of substance use disorder later in life. According to one study, 17% of people who first used marijuana at age 13 went on to develop a substance use disorder, compared to only 4% of people who first used marijuana after age 21, meaning those who used earlier were 4 times more likely to develop a substance use disorder. Research from both human and animal studies shows that early exposure to nicotine while the brain is still developing is associated with impairments in attention and working memory as well as risk for mood disorders and impulse control problems, along with increased risk for development of a substance use disorder. Stopping the use of nicotine can lead to withdrawal symptoms as quickly as 4 hours after cessation, and gradually taper off over 3-4 weeks of cessation.   Learn more New England PTTC Vaping Prevention Resources and Information In the Air is a graphic medicine built to foster conversations with and among young people around vaping, choices about substance use, and social factors. Available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. A New England PTTC product. Tips for Teens: E-Cigarettes - Resource from SAMHSA Reducing Vaping Among Youth and Young Adults - Resource from SAMHSA     Lesson 2: Neurobiology of Nicotine and Cannabis What happens in the brain when cannabis is used in vapes or e-cigarettes? Language note: In this guide, we have used the term cannabis to refer to cannabis/marijuana. If you are using this guide with an audience who may be more familiar with another term, either marijuana or a different term, please substitute that word as needed.   Watch the video Discussion Questions What are some of the chemicals that make up a cannabis product? What are some of the short-term effects of cannabis use? Is it possible to become addicted to cannabis? Which vaping products contain higher potency chemicals? Answers THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two most common of the 500 chemicals found within the cannabis plant. THC is the psychoactive component that causes the “high” feeling and can impair cognitive and motor function. THC is illegal on the federal level but legal for medical or adult-use in many states. Short term effects of cannabis use may include a heightened sense of perception, poor attention and judgement, increased anxiety or paranoia, or decreased pain, among other effects. Yes, Cannabis Use Disorder is the term for a disorder in which a person is reliant on cannabis use. Just as a person may become dependent on alcohol or nicotine, especially with frequent use, a person can also become dependent on cannabis. A person with cannabis use disorder may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and hot flashes Both nicotine and cannabis vaping products can contain very high potency chemicals. For example, a typical vaping pod or cartridge may contain the equivalent of 1 pack of cigarettes and can be consumed very rapidly. Likewise, the typical concentration of THC in a vaping cartridge can be 6-8 times higher than the concentration of a typical smoked product.   Learn more Cannabis/Marijuana Use Disorder Prevention and Youth Cannabis Use Toolkit (PTTC Network) Marijuana & Vaping - The Triangulum: The Future is Now     Lesson 3: Appeal of JUUL among Adolescents How does cannabis use impact driving and road safety? This lesson reviews the impacts of cannabis use on road safety and policy and enforcement considerations in states with and without legalized cannabis.   Watch the video   Discussion Questions What did adolescents report as the top reasons for liking JUUL or vaping products? What reasons did adolescents provide for not liking JUUL or vaping products? What regulatory policies would these findings support to address vape use among adolescents? Answers In the study discussed in this video, which surveyed high school students in Connecticut about their views on vaping, students reported that they liked JUUL primarily because they like the “buzz,” their friends use it, and they like the flavors. Students who reported that they liked the “buzz” also reported more frequent use of vaping products. On the other hand, the most common reasons students reported disliking JUUL or vaping products were because they are too expensive, they have too much nicotine, or it gives them headaches. This study provides some useful insight into policy and environmental strategies to reduce adolescent vaping. For example, it suggests limiting nicotine content and flavor options may help reduce adolescent use. Increasing taxes or the price of vaping products may also help reduce adolescent use. Learn more Kong, G., Bold, K. W., Morean, M. E., Bhatti, H., Camenga, D. R., Jackson, A., & Krishnan-Sarin, S. (2019). Appeal of JUUL among adolescents. Drug and alcohol dependence, 205, 107691. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107691. Abstract accessible at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31706249/     Lesson 4: Public Health Concerns of Youth E-Cigarette Use What are the public health considerations of youth e-cigarette use? How might that differ from adult use?   Watch the video   Discussion Questions What are some of the major public health concerns of youth vaping/e-cigarette use? Are e-cigarettes an FDA-approved tobacco cessation product? How does exposure to nicotine and other chemicals differ between e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes? Answers exposure at an early age can be detrimental to brain development and lead to nicotine dependence. There is also an increased risk that adolescents who start using vaping products will transition to combustible tobacco products (cigarettes, etc.). Another major risk is exposure to toxicants within the e-cigarette products. The FDA has not currently approved e-cigarette/vaping products as a tobacco cessation product for adults or adolescents. Some other countries, such as the United Kingdom, have approved certain vaping devices for tobacco cessation for adults, although typically with lower limits on the allowable nicotine content. Compared to combustible cigarettes, e-cigarettes contain fewer and lower levels of toxicants. However, people tend to use e-cigarettes more frequently throughout the day, so their exposure to chemicals contained in e-cigarette products can be high.   Learn more New England PTTC Vaping Prevention Resources and Information The Stanford Vaping Prevention Toolkit   Interested in learning more about cannabis prevention? Check out our Microlearning Toolkit: Cannabis Prevention 101.

The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana Laura Stack, MBA, CSP, CPAE March 10, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Laura Stack’s 19-year-old son, Johnny, died by suicide on November 20, 2019, after becoming delusional from dabbing high-THC marijuana concentrates. Soon afterward, Laura started a 501c3, Johnny’s Ambassadors, to educate parents and teens about the dangers of today’s high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide. In this session, Laura will share the story of Johnny’s marijuana addiction from a parent’s point of view, a poignant chronicle of the shocking descent from innocence to eventual suicide. Before marijuana, Johnny was a computer whiz with a 4.0 GPA and a perfect math score on the SAT. After marijuana, he stole his family dog from the home and threatened to kill it without payment from his mother. With moving candor, Laura traces the first warning signs, their attempts at rehabilitation, her desperation, and his eventual demise. Three days before his death, Johnny issued his own warning about marijuana usage. Through this tragic tale, Stack hopes to use her pain to help parents talk to their children about the dangers of today’s marijuana. Participants will hear a first-hand account of the death of a teen from marijuana use and be educated on the harms of marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide. Laura’s real-life story is backed by recent scientific-based research on how today’s potent THC products lead to mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, psychosis, and sadly, suicidal ideation. This presentation is a clarion call for parents across America to educate themselves about the risks of today’s high-THC marijuana products and to better understand the potentially devastating effects on youth mental health. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Learn About the High-Potency Marijuana Products Used by Today’s Youth See the Results of Legalizing Medical Marijuana for 18-Year-Old’s in Colorado Understand How Adolescent Marijuana Use Can Lead to Mental Illness and Psychosis Understand the Connection Between Marijuana and Suicide in Youth PRESENTERS Laura Stack, MBA, CSP, CPAE is the Founder & CEO of Johnny’s Ambassadors, Inc., educates parents and teens about the dangers of today’s high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide. Prior to her advocacy work, Laura was a 30-year award-winning professional speaker, spokesperson, and author with eight bestselling productivity books. The devastating loss of her child gives Laura a powerful voice and a platform for change. Laura sees it as her responsibility to share Johnny's warning to prevent other families from having to go through what she did and save other young lives. Laura’s platform now brings marijuana education, awareness, and prevention curriculum around the globe to raise awareness of THC use, mental illness, and suicide. She presents live and virtual keynotes, breakout sessions, and training for parents, teens, schools, coalitions, and drug prevention conferences. By sharing Johnny’s own warning about marijuana, Laura helps parents understand and talk to their children about the potential harms of today’s marijuana. She is determined to start a movement to bring teen marijuana use, mental illness, and suicide into the spotlight and get adolescents to #StopDabbing.  

The latest edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month’s edition features updates on our teams recent travel, training, and networking experience, a toolkit for Parks & Recreation Departments, a guide to Restorative Prevention, honoring and embracing Black history month in February, Awareness + Action: March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, announcing the most recent Leadership Development Program, and regionally and nationally developed events and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. View the newsletter.

The latest edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month’s edition features the announcement of the In the Air, Graphic Novel translated into Portuguese and Spanish, congrats to the 2021 Prevention Mentorship Participants for completion of the program, our new Virtual Booth, resources supporting December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, and regionally and nationally developed events and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. View the newsletter.

  The Great Lakes PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders. This is the second of a two-part  webinar series on community response to cannabis legalization.   To view Part 1 of this series use this link: Community Responses to Cannabis Legalization    The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act went into effect on January 1, 2020, making retail cannabis sales legal in Illinois. In this webinar, we will describe the main features of the legislation, provide a snapshot of the current cannabis landscape in Illinois, and highlight some of the ways the state’s prevention system and local communities are responding.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   Upon completion of the webinar, participants will be able to: Summarize basic information about the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act that went into effect on January 1, 2020. Understand how the State of Illinois uses prevention funds that come back into communities from cannabis taxes. Describe Illinois prevention strategies addressing cannabis.   Presenters:  Jake Levinson joined Prevention First in 2019. Jake’s areas of expertise include planning and implementing youth prevention education; school-based communication campaigns; coordinating community coalitions; engaging stakeholders in community assessment and data analysis; and grants management. Jake earned his B.A. from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Education. Brandi Young is the Program Administrator for Prevention First’s Cannabis Policy Resource Center.  Brandi has over a decade of experience in social services and project management.  Brandi’s areas of specialization include, substance use prevention planning and implementation, suicide prevention and awareness education and training, and facilitating community action.  Brandi is a United States Marine Corps Veteran, a wife, and a mom to four amazing young adults.  She enjoys reading, music, and spending time with her family, including a small zoo of foster fails turned pets.“ Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali  

Brush up on your cannabis knowledge with this series of short lessons on cannabis and prevention! Each lesson consists of a 5-10 minute video followed by a brief quiz. Topics include the basic differences between THC, CBD and hemp, how drug screening and confirmation for cannabis works, the effects of cannabis consumption on road safety, and the role of prevention in cannabis policy decisions.   How to use: Complete the lessons yourself to increase your knowledge or share these lessons with your coalition members, for parent or youth education programs, or with others in your community. Lessons can be viewed in the online quiz format through the links below or can be taught along with the discussion guide available for download to use with a group.   Option 1: Online Quiz Format To complete the lessons using the online quiz format, follow the link to each lesson below.   Cannabis, THC and CBD – What are they? Cannabis, hemp, THC, CBD, what’s the difference? This lesson briefly reviews each of these substances and where they come from.   Cannabis and Drug Screening and Testing How does drug screening for cannabis work and what does it detect? This lesson reviews what drug screening and confirmation testing are, what they can (and can’t) detect and other considerations of urine drug screening.   Cannabis and Driving Safety How does cannabis use impact driving and road safety? This lesson reviews the impacts of cannabis use on road safety and policy and enforcement considerations in states with and without legalized cannabis.   Cannabis Policy - Where Prevention Fits What is the role of prevention in cannabis policy at the municipal/local or organization level? This lesson reviews the various types of policy that preventionists can be aware of and how to strategize for effective policy change.   Option 2: Discussion Guide To use the lessons with a group in a discussion format, follow the discussion guide below. Each lesson includes a link to the video, followed by a set of discussion questions and answers.     Lesson 1: Cannabis, THC and CBD – What are they? Cannabis, hemp, THC, CBD, what’s the difference? This lesson briefly reviews each of these substances and where they come from.   Watch the video   Discussion Questions What does the term cannabis refer to? What are THC and CBD? Are they related? Is hemp the same as cannabis? Why is it important that we understand the terminology of cannabis?   Answers Cannabis refers to the plant (typically Cannabis Sativa or Cannabis Indica) that THC, CBD, and other cannabis products are derived from. Cannabis is the scientific name for the plant that may be referred to as a marijuana plant in some settings.   THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two most common of the 500 chemicals found within the cannabis plant. THC is the psychoactive component that causes the “high” feeling and can impair cognitive and motor function. THC is illegal on the federal level but legal for medical or adult-use in many states.   CBD is not psychoactive and is thought to balance some of the negative effects of THC. It has potential medical applications in large doses as an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy. The FDA currently allows CBD products such as lotions and topical products, but not CBD for consumption in food or beverages.   Hemp is a variant of the cannabis plant without THC. Hemp plants can be farmed and harvested for fibers often used to make rope, fabric and other applications. Hemp agriculture is governed by the USDA and cannot contain more than 0.03% THC in dry weight.   Learn more The Marijuana Education Toolkit (PTTC Network) Marijuana DrugFacts (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Research, Policies, and Practices: Federal and Community-level Perspectives on Vaping (PTTC Network) Preventing Marijuana Use Among Youth - Resource from SAMHSA       Lesson 2: Cannabis and Drug Screening and Testing How does drug screening and confirmation testing for cannabis work and what does it detect (or not)?   Watch the video   Discussion Questions What are the key differences between a urine drug screen and a confirmation test? Can secondhand exposure to THC result in a positive drug screen? Can CBD-use result in a positive drug screen? Does your state have policies limiting use of drug screening tests in the workplace or other settings?   Answers Urine screens are commonly used to provide quick results. They are often used at point-of-care testing and typically identify "positive" or "negative" results for the presence of certain drug classes in the urine. Screens can lead to false positive or negative results. Confirmations are more accurate laboratory tests that take longer but provide more accurate and detailed results. A confirmation can identify specific substances and the amount of substance present in the test.   If a screening test uses the standard cutoff of 50ng/mL, it extremely unlikely for someone to test positive having only been exposed secondhand given the amount of smoke they would have to be exposed to at that level. For screening tests that use a lower cutoff like 20ng/mL, it is possible because the results can be more variable, but still not likely.   CBD does not cross well with most urine drug screens, meaning it is unlikely that it would lead to a positive result, but it is possible that large amounts of CBD combined with other factors like trace amounts of THC in the products could result in a positive test. However, follow up confirmation testing can distinguish THC from CBD. One related issue is that studies have shown that CBD products are not always accurately tested and labeled regarding their CBD and THC content, so it is possible for someone who uses CBD products regularly to have inadvertent THC exposure if products are not accurately labeled.   State policies regarding the use of urine drug screening in different settings may vary, especially for use in the workplace. Some states have policies limiting use of drug screening for cannabis while others may not.   Learn More Moeller, Karen E., Julie C. Kissack, Rabia S. Atayee, and Kelly C. Lee. “Clinical Interpretation of Urine Drug Tests: What Clinicians Need to Know About Urine Drug Screens.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings (2017)       Lesson 3: Cannabis and Road Safety: How does cannabis use impact driving and road safety? This lesson reviews the impacts of cannabis use on road safety and policy and enforcement considerations in states with and without legalized cannabis.   Watch the video   Discussion Questions What are the possible effects of cannabis that can impair driving ability? What are some examples of negative effects of cannabis use on driving? For how long after cannabis use could driving ability be impaired? What are some of the enforcement challenges related to cannabis-impaired driving?   Answers Cannabis use can impact several areas related to driving. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, can impair motor coordination and impair perception. It can also slow reaction time and impair ability to make decisions, all of which can influence driving. Under the influence of cannabis, some common driving safety effects are delayed braking, not maintaining a consistent speed or driving too slow (which can be dangerous) and not maintaining a safe distance between cars.   While THC levels begin to drop within a few minutes of stopping use (while smoking), performance can be impaired for another 1-2 hours after use, which may be longer than a person feels the subjective high. For edible products, the peak effects occur anywhere from 2-4 hours after use and may last as long as 4-12 hours.   A major challenge for enforcement of cannabis-impaired driving is that there is no accurate roadside test currently available, especially since cannabis can remain in a person’s system for several days or longer. A standardized field sobriety test may be used but is not always effective. Combined use of alcohol and cannabis is becoming more common, and alcohol can be detected through roadside testing. Use of primary enforcement seatbelt laws may help prevent cannabis-impaired driving.   Learn More Does marijuana use affect driving? (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Marijuana Use and Driving. (Teen Driver Source)  Brands B, Di Ciano P, Mann RE. Cannabis, Impaired Driving, and Road Safety: An Overview of Key Questions and Issues. (Front Psychiatry. 2021)       Lesson 4: Cannabis Policy - Where Prevention Fits What is the role of prevention in cannabis policy at the municipal/local or organization level? This lesson reviews the various types of policy that preventionists can be aware of and how to strategize for effective policy change.   Watch the video   Discussion Questions Besides the federal and state level, what are other policy levels where cannabis policy should be considered? Zoning, limits on number of dispensaries, and school buffer zones are some examples of cannabis policies that can be enacted at what level? What elements are important to making effective policy change?   Answers In addition to federal and state laws on cannabis, many other policy levels should consider cannabis. Some examples include municipalities, K-12 and college/university school systems, healthcare organizations, housing/residential programs, and employers.   While some state laws on cannabis may include stipulations on zoning, density limits or buffer zones, these policies are often enacted at the local/municipal level. A community that is deciding to opt-in or opt-out of a state cannabis policy should consider these factors.   Training, communication, monitoring and evaluation, and strategy for periodic policy review/revision are key elements of the policy change cycle. These elements align with the Strategic Prevention Framework in many ways.   Learn More Prevention and Youth Cannabis Use Toolkit (PTTC Network) Cannabis: People before Profits. The Evolution of Cannabis Policies and Where Prevention Fits In (Recorded Webinar – PTTC Network) A Prevention Practitioners' Toolkit to Understanding HHS Region 10 State Cannabis Policies and Regulations (PTTC Network)   Interested in learning more about vaping prevention? Check out our Microlearning Toolkit: Vaping Prevention 101. 

  2021 RESEARCH & DESIGN (RAD)PRODUCTS: New research-based substance misuse prevention tools supporting Diversity & Intentional Inclusion in Prevention, in New England.   CANNABIS IN THE UNITED STATES A TOOLKIT FOR NON-CITIZENS IN MAINE The toolkit provides education for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and green card holders about cannabis, which some states have legalized but remains federally illicit. The toolkit (including a fact sheet) is translated into eight languages identified as priorities by community partners in Maine. The toolkit aims to support non-citizens in making informed decisions about working in the cannabis industry or how using cannabis may impact legal standing as a non-citizen. Read more and download.                RESTORATIVE PREVENTION: HOW CENTERING EQUITY IN PRIMARY PREVENTION CAN BUILD HEALTHY COMMUNITIES AND PREVENT SUBSTANCE MISUSE  A guide for local and regional substance misuse prevention efforts seeks to improve community health by building relationships and a sense of connectedness while paying close attention to those that are often excluded. Read more and download.         SUBSTANCE MISUSE PREVENTION WITH LGBTQIA+ YOUTH: A HEALTH EDUCATOR'S GUIDE A self-guided and reflective tool that is inclusive of evidence-based practices, risk, and protective factors, and coping skills specific to LGBTQ+ youth for educators to utilize when developing and evaluating their own curriculum and informational products, to ensure they are being intentional with their inclusion and support of LGBTQIA+ youth. Read more and download.                  QUEER-INCLUSIVE PROGRAMMING: AN ALLY’S GUIDE TO PREVENTION A resource for prevention providers that showcases the importance of working with the LGBTQ+ community, how to launch queer-inclusive programming in a meaningful way, and collect inclusive data around sexual orientation and gender identity. The guidance document includes state-specific infographics for all of New England. Read more and download.         AMERICAN INDIAN: SUBSTANCE MISUSE PREVENTION WITH NEW ENGLAND NATIVE POPULATIONS A toolkit to provide Prevention Specialists who work with Native American communities the ability to better understand the culture, use data for future funding specific to Native communities, and carry out the implementation of evidence-based programs that are inclusive of their culture. It addresses and provides guidance on health disparities within the Native American Tribes. Read more and download.                    TRENDING DATA NOW: A GUIDE TO CONDUCTING YOUR OWN VIRTUAL RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY This guide is designed to help schools administer a shortened youth risk behavior survey more frequently. This shortened survey focuses on mental health, substance use, perceptions, and assets. Many of the questions are identical to those from the full survey, which allows schools and health officials to draw comparisons between already existing longitudinal data. This shortened survey is also available through SurveyMonkey, a user-friendly digital format that allows students to complete the survey using school-provided computers or tablets. Read more and download.       View the 2022 products.

The eleventh edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month’s edition features the National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, Information Sheet – Overview of Connecticut Cannabis Legalization Law PA 21-1, Podcast talking about the roles and focus of the prevention field in today's environment, upcoming events including the Fellowship Symposium and Learning Labs, and regionally and nationally developed events and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. View the newsletter.

A downloadable four-page (PDF document) that provides an overview of Connecticut Cannabis Legalization Law PA 21-1. The document highlights the following topics: Public Safety Placement & Access Product & Potency Promotion & Advertising Pricing

         Pacific Southwest PTTC's Webinar: Advocating for Advocacy in Prevention   Webinar Date: August 31, 2021   Webinar Slides Webinar Slides for Advocating for Advocacy in Prevention   Webinar Support Materials: San Diego County Marijuana Prevention Initiative 2020 Report 2020 MPI Report Highlights   Overview Advocacy is an important component of substance misuse prevention. Advocacy is a powerful tool that helps to educate and inform policymakers yet is often viewed with some apprehension due to fears of lobbying. This webinar will address advocacy vs. lobbying and define tangible examples of prevention advocacy to support public health and prevention efforts. Specific strategies will be discussed as examples of what prevention practitioners can and should do to advocate for substance misuse prevention in their communities and states.   Objectives By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Be able to identify the differences between lobbying and advocacy as it pertains to substance misuse prevention. Be able to identify data sources that can support advocacy efforts in public health.  Be able to identify their own priority areas for prevention advocacy.   Audience Community, tribal, jurisdiction, and state-level prevention practitioners and allied health partners and community members located in the Pacific Southwest states and jurisdictions of American Samoa, Arizona, California, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.   Presenter Joe Eberstein works for the Center for Community Research Inc., in San Diego, CA, where he is the Program Manager for the San Diego County (MPI) Marijuana Prevention Initiative. He is also a featured speaker and subject matter expert regarding youth marijuana use and vaping.  His role includes advocating for and raising awareness about the public health effects of substance misuse, marijuana and vaping and coordinating regional prevention campaigns to reduce youth use. He also serves as an advisory board member of SAMSHA’s Region 9 Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) and is a CA certified prevention specialist.       Webinar Recording View Webinar Recording: Advocating for Advocacy in Prevention

The tenth edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month’s edition features the Leadership Development Program, research by RAND on Protective Behavioral Strategies for Marijuana Scale, the (NCSACW) recently developed Working with Adolescents: Practice Tips and Resource Guide, August is National Wellness Month, regionally and nationally developed events and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. View the newsletter.

Since the onset of COVID-19, many states and communities have loosened restrictions on alcohol and marijuana use and access, including restrictions on delivery, internet sales, takeout, and outdoor consumption. Justification for these changes includes economic relief for small businesses, COVID safety, and the accepted norm that substance use is a reasonable coping strategy. This document provides of overview of the resources presented in the accompanying webinar. 

  The Great Lakes PTTC offers this training to prevention practitioners in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI. This training is offered in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders. Since the onset of COVID-19, many states and communities have dramatically loosened restrictions on alcohol and marijuana use and access, including restrictions on delivery, internet sales, takeout, and outdoor consumption. Justification for these changes includes economic relief for small businesses, COVID safety, and the accepted norm that substance use is a reasonable coping strategy.  The nature of alcohol and marijuana use has also changed since the start of COVID. More people are drinking or using marijuana in isolation or as a means of coping for depression, anxiety, or boredom.  This webinar will offer strategies for monitoring and mitigating the effects of these changes to ensure that they are temporary.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Understand what policies have changed during the pandemic Identify the implications of lessened restrictions on risk factors for alcohol and marijuana use List strategies for monitoring and mitigating the potential negative impact of policy change on community norms   Speaker:  Chuck Klevgaard delivers training and technical assistance to support substance misuse prevention throughout the Midwest. He has supported communities and health agencies as they adopt evidence-based alcohol, opioid, and other substance misuse programs or policies. Chuck also serves as a prevention manager to the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center.

The purpose of this worksheet is to help entities to identify where current and proposed regulations and policies are strong and where more specific prevention-informed approaches may be needed. This worksheet can be used as a supplemental tool in conjunction with the Northwest PTTC report, Alcohol Regulatory Systems: Integrating Support for Public Health and Safety and A Prevention Practitioners' Toolkit to Understanding HHS Region 10 State Cannabis Policies and Regulations. Directions: Check the areas impacted by the law/rule and note strengths and areas for improvement. The final section provides a look at broader impact areas.   The Policy Analysis Worksheet is a part of two Toolkits: View other resources available in the Alcohol Awareness Toolkit: #ProofIsInTheNumbers. View HHS R10, Cannabis Toolkit Resources

  Pain and Pot: The Facts about Opioids and Marijuana   Webinar Date: March 10, 2021   Webinar Description and Objectives The opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the Pacific Southwest region. Many communities are receiving misleading and confusing information about prevention strategies to address it, such as using marijuana for pain management instead of prescription opioids. This webinar will discuss the opioid epidemic and the controversies surrounding the substitution of marijuana for pain management and whether or not it is helpful or harmful in this epidemic. The science and most recent data will be presented along with real, front-line stories from the emergency department.  By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: 1. Explain the latest trends in the opioid epidemic 2. Describe the basic chemistry of opioids and marijuana 3. Identify five key reasons why marijuana should not be used to treat pain   Presenter Roneet Lev, MD, FACEP was the first Chief Medical Officer of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, ONDCP. She brought refreshing frontline medical experience to national health policy. She is a nationally acclaimed medical expert and speaker who continues to treat patients in the emergency department. As a mother of four, she relates to families who struggle. Dr. Lev uses data to drive change and is frequently quoted in print and television media. Dr. Lev is dually board certified in emergency and addiction medicine, bringing over 25 years of experience treating the frontline cases of addiction. She came to the White House as chief of the emergency department at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego.          Webinar Recording View Webinar   Webinar Slides Webinar Slides   Other Resources High Truths Podcast hosted by Dr. Roneet Lev San Diego Prescription Drug Task Force Fentanyl Testing Toolkit