Coloradans know more now than when marijuana was legalized
Recent evaluation results show that Colorado’s marijuana public education efforts have ensured more adults know the laws covering retail marijuana, more parents are planning to talk to their children about the risks of marijuana use, most young women know the danger of marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and more young people know that using marijuana makes it harder to complete the tasks that help them reach their goals.
“We’re encouraged by the early success of Colorado’s marijuana education efforts,” said Dr. Larry Wolk, executive director and chief medical officer of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “We will continue to work with other state agencies, local public health, the marijuana industry and community groups to ensure the safe, legal and responsible use of marijuana.”
When voters approved the legalization of retail marijuana, the Legislature charged the department with developing prevention programs for youth use and educating Coloradans on the health effects of marijuana. Since 2014, the department’s Retail Marijuana Education Program has developed statewide media campaigns, online public education, community resources and events, training for health care providers and local public health support.
A new report published by the department highlights ongoing evaluation of these efforts and shows the changes in attitudes, knowledge and perceptions about marijuana laws and health effects.
After the initial launch of the health department’s Good to Know campaign, Colorado adults familiar with the campaign were 2.5 times more likely to know key marijuana laws, with marijuana users more knowledgeable than nonusers. Adult perceptions of the risks and health effects of marijuana use also increased significantly after the campaign. The number of those who knew the risks of driving after using marijuana increased 23 percent and those who realized daily use could impair memory increased 26 percent.
Health department education campaigns are available in English and Spanish. “Marihuana en Colorado: Lo Que Debes Entender” launched shortly after Good to Know to provide Spanish-speaking Coloradans with the information they need about retail marijuana laws and health effects. Today, three of four Spanish-speaking adults perceive high risk on all known health effects associated with marijuana use.
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