LA County DA Launches Campaign to Educate Teens on Cannabis Risks

LOS ANGELES- Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has initiated a public service campaign to educate youth and caregivers about the risks associated with modern cannabis products, which are significantly more potent than those available five decades ago. This initiative, launched on October 31, 2024, aims to promote healthier communities by raising awareness of the potential mental health risks linked to cannabis consumption among adolescents.

District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the serious short- and long-term mental health risks that today’s cannabis products, such as edibles, can pose to young individuals. These risks include anxiety, depression, and potentially psychotic disorders, which can lead to negative outcomes with far-reaching impacts on communities. Gascón noted that teenagers and parents might not be aware of the increased potency and potential harms of these new products.

The campaign features multilingual billboards and bus stop advertisements strategically placed near high schools and areas frequented by teenagers throughout Los Angeles County. These visuals are also being shared on social media platforms to broaden their reach. The advertisements are available in Armenian, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese, ensuring accessibility to diverse communities within the county.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the District Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and the Office of Education. Dr. Brian Hurley, Medical Director of the Department of Public Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control program, expressed support for the campaign, highlighting the importance of community awareness regarding the risks of cannabis use to enable informed health decisions.

The campaign underscores the necessity for increased education on the evolving landscape of cannabis products and their potential health implications for youth. By informing both teenagers and their caregivers, the initiative seeks to foster healthier choices and mitigate the adverse effects associated with cannabis use among young individuals.