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The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH), in collaboration with Initium Health, has launched an awareness campaign to educate Colorado youth and parents about the dangers of potent cannabis products. Titled "The Tea on THC," the campaign focuses on the health risks associated with high-concentration cannabis, which has become a growing concern due to the increased potency of today’s marijuana products.
The Denver Gazette noted that the initiative was born from House Bill 21-1317, passed in 2021, which tasked ColoradoSPH with studying the impact of high-THC products and creating a public awareness campaign based on its findings. Dr. Jonathan Samet, a professor at ColoradoSPH and an expert in epidemiology, explains that the cannabis products available today contain significantly more THC than those in the past, which heightens the risks associated with their use.
As part of the campaign, ColoradoSPH has created a range of resources, including educational curricula, podcasts, personal stories from local youth and parents, and state and national resource links. These materials aim to provide information on the mental and physical health risks of using high-concentration cannabis. Former Denver Bronco Brandon Lloyd, known for his mental health advocacy, is among those featured in the campaign, discussing how THC use impacted his own well-being.
The campaign targets youth, young adults, parents, and pregnant or parenting individuals who may be particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of THC. By raising awareness, the campaign hopes to spark conversations around these risks, offering alternative coping strategies and emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making.
While the campaign has received support from many public health professionals, it has also drawn some criticism. Truman Bradley, the Executive Director of the Marijuana Industry Group (MIG), questioned the decision to focus exclusively on high-concentration cannabis, suggesting that it could be more effective to promote general cannabis education. Nevertheless, Bradley acknowledged the importance of educating parents and addressing the potential risks for youth and pregnant individuals. He also pointed out that cannabis use among minors in Colorado is at an all-time low, thanks in part to strict age restrictions on sales.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, 12.8% of high school students reported using cannabis in the 30 days prior to the 2023 survey, a slight decrease from previous years. Despite this, marijuana use among all age groups appears to be declining, with sales and tax revenue from cannabis dropping in recent years. In 2023, marijuana tax revenue fell to $274 million, down from $423 million in 2021. This decline has been attributed to factors such as unlicensed hemp products, outdated tax models, and increased regulations.
While sales figures and usage rates are declining, the ColoradoSPH campaign is focused on ensuring that education about the potential dangers of high-THC products remains a priority. Dr. Cathy Bradley, Dean of ColoradoSPH, expressed hope that "The Tea on THC" will serve as a catalyst for ongoing discussions around cannabis use and its health implications. She emphasized that open dialogue with trusted individuals is key to improving health outcomes and fostering a safer, more informed community.
The campaign reflects the ongoing evolution of cannabis education in Colorado, where the focus is shifting from normalization and legalization to informed, responsible use. With the increasing availability of potent cannabis products, it is clear that continued efforts are needed to protect vulnerable populations from the risks of misuse and addiction.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to Avenues Recovery. Our staff are experts in addiction, and will guide and support you every step of the way to recovery. Join our vibrant recovery community, where you will be treated with the highest levels of professionalism and respect. Contact us today to begin the journey to the sober future of your dreams.