A new cannabis education campaign is happening in Connecticut, just over a year after the state legalized adult-use.
On Tuesday, Governor Ned Lamont announced an educational campaign focused on responsible cannabis use by adults.
Connecticut legalized cannabis on July 1, 2021 when Lamont signed Senate Bill 1201.
According to a press release from the governor’s office, the new campaign covers safe storage and disposal of cannabis and cannabis waste and what to do if a pet or child ingests cannabis.
Free campaign-related videos, brochures, flyers, and social media graphics are available on Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis website.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) created the resources with the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (CDMHA).
“Protecting public health and safety includes providing people with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions to keep their families safe,” says Governor Lamont. “We’re working to educate the public about the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families from accidental ingestion and over-consumption. We encourage adults who choose to use these products to do so responsibly.”
Practicing Safe Cannabis
The state urges business owners, medical facilities, community health organizations, and other safety-minded people to use the materials to promote safe cannabis practices in their communities.
Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull stresses the importance of educating the public on safety measures while working toward the new marketplace’s launch.
Seagull says her department and its partners believe a properly-run cannabis market needs to have educated and empowered consumers, especially if they have children in their homes.
“The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shares the Department of Consumer Protection’s commitment to providing information to Connecticut residents to ensure safe and informed choices regarding adult cannabis use,” says Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Nancy Navarretta. “Our agency has a long-standing history of partnering with state and community stakeholders to prevent substance misuse and promote healthy choices and communities.”
Continuing Education
Building on current materials, the DCP says it plans to add content to the campaign concerning cannabis health and safety topics.
Topics include responsible use, permitted consumption spaces, and understanding cannabis labels.
Within the next couple of months, the CDMHA plans to launch a multimedia campaign to educate the public about Connecticut’s cannabis laws.
According to the governor’s office, the campaign will inform the public about the potential impacts of cannabis.
CDMHA will distribute DCP cannabis education campaign material via television, radio, social media, billboards, and print media.
“The health and safety of those in the state of Connecticut is our top priority,” says Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “With the start of this new educational campaign, those who use cannabis can be properly informed and will be able to make the best decisions for their health and wellbeing, without concern of inadvertently putting themselves at risk.”
The governor’s office says Connecticut anticipates the start of retail cannabis sales in the coming months.