FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Speaking of Cannabis: Public health partners want to empower adults to talk to teens about not using [Duluth, MN, September 2025] – Recently you may have noticed messages about Speaking of Cannabis online, in stores, and around your community. Launched by the Calton-Cook-Lake-St. Louis Community Health Board (CHB), this campaign seeks to empower parents, caregivers, mentors and other trusted adults to understand and talk to youth in their lives about the risks of cannabis use. Much like alcohol, cannabis is now legal for adults, but that doesn’t mean it’s always safe. Using during a time when the brain is actively developing can have harmful and long-term effects on things like memory, coordination, concentration, and mental health. And cannabis products today—like vapes, gummies, and drinks—have, on average, more than three times the potency of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol—the mind-altering compound found in cannabis) than cannabis did 30 years ago. This can mean greater risk for addiction and mental health impacts, especially when use starts before the brain is fully developed. “But it’s more than raising awareness—it’s about giving adults tools and confidence to start conversations that we know can make a real difference,” said Lareesa Sandretsky, Community Health Educator with Lake County Public Health. Messages focus on three simple actions adults can take: 1. Understand how cannabis can affect the developing brain. 2. Talk with teens in your life about not using cannabis. 3. Store cannabis products safely locked up and out of reach of children. Supported by a Minnesota Department of Health Infrastructure Grant and created with public health staff from Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s Human Services Division, the campaign draws on local insights and knowledge from people whose work centers on preventing the harmful effects of substance misuse in their communities. “This was a group effort by public health staff who live and work across Northeast Minnesota, which helped us understand local needs and complement the great work already happening in places like schools, coalitions, and peer education programs,” said Jenna Olson, Public Health Communications Coordinator with the CHB.The campaign’s website and outreach materials were created by Duluth-based Sek Design Studio, who helped develop a look and tone for the campaign that is friendly, informative, and non-judgmental. Look for messages online and in community spaces throughout the region. For more information, visit www.speakingofcannabis.org. Media Contact: Jenna Olson Public Health Communications Coordinator Carlton-Cook-Lake-St. Louis Community Health Board 651-380-2434 olsonj1@communityhealthboard.org Lareesa Sandretsky Community Health Educator Lake County Public Health 218-834-8378 lareesa.sandretsky@co.lake.mn.us