The Battle Against Youth Marijuana Use in Berrien County

by Kay Lee

The legalization of marijuana in Michigan was a celebrated milestone for many, yet it also brought unexpected challenges for the younger generation. The Berrien County Health Department, alongside the Voice, Change, Hope, Alliance, aims to tackle underage marijuana use by debunking myths and educating the community.

Lisa Peeples-Hurst, a prevention supervisor, highlights a critical concern: the youth’s misperception of marijuana’s safety due to its legal status. According to WSJM, this legal shift has led teenagers to underestimate the risks, resulting in an uptick in monthly usage among those under 21.

The Science Behind Developing Minds

An essential message from health officials is the impact of marijuana on the developing brain, particularly in teens. Peeples-Hurst emphasizes that the brain’s maturation continues into the twenties, making marijuana use a risky endeavor for adolescents, potentially affecting academic and athletic performance.

On the Frontlines in Schools

The department’s proactive approach includes using social media to disseminate information and engaging directly with students across 30 schools in the past academic year. Understanding that education must start early, initiatives are targeting fifth graders, reflecting the alarming average age of first substance use being just 11 years old.

Resources at Your Fingertips

The “Get the Dirt on Weed” webpage offers parents and guardians a repository of information and strategies to guide their children away from marijuana use’s allure. The initiative reinforces that informed communities can significantly influence youth behavior by addressing misconceptions early on.

In Berrien County, the efforts to build a safer, more informed community continue as the department persists in its educational outreach, focusing on the wellbeing and safety of its young citizens.