Important Alert: Berrien County Health Department Urges Minors to Stay Informed About the Risks of Marijuana Use

The Berrien County Health Department is highlighting an important issue: keeping marijuana away from minors. With dispensaries popping up all over Berrien County, officials are concerned about young people’s understanding of the risks associated with marijuana use. In Michigan, marijuana is legal only for adults aged 21 and up.

Lisa Peeples-Hurst, a health promotion supervisor, points out a troubling trend. She says that when substances like marijuana are legalized, young people often think they’re less harmful. “The perception of risks decreases,” she explains. Moreover, the marijuana available today is stronger and potentially more addictive than what teens might have encountered in the past. Teens who vape marijuana can absorb it faster than through traditional smoking, which could lead to quicker addiction.

Recent statistics show that nearly 30% of high school seniors have tried marijuana, with 17% of underage users experiencing addiction. The aim of the current campaign by the health department is to educate youth and prevent early use.

“The effects of being high can’t be ignored,” warns Peeples-Hurst. In Michigan, it’s illegal for anyone under 21 to possess, deliver, or receive marijuana. Minors caught in violation may face fines and even lawsuits.

To prevent underage purchases, dispensaries in Berrien County are taking steps to check IDs rigorously. Joshua Christie from Dr. A’s Re-Leaf Center Dispensary explains that they use special scanners to verify IDs, helping to catch fake ones and ensure customers are of legal age.

Additionally, Berrien County has teamed up with local organizations like Voice, Hope, and Alliance to raise awareness about the dangers of underage marijuana use. This collaboration aims to spread important information and help protect the youth in the community.

For more details on marijuana use among minors, you can visit the Berrien County Health Department.

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