Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday announced Launch of a new state-sponsored educational campaign designed to “promote responsible cannabis use by adults.”
The state legalized adult recreational marijuana use last year when Lamont signed into law. Adults over the age of 21 can now legally possess small amounts of marijuana, and Connecticut officials say legal cannabis sales could begin by the end of this year.
In the meantime, states want potential customers to get to know the ropes before we enter the legalization era.
Lamont’s office said Tuesday that the education campaign includes “a set of materials covering how to safely store and dispose of cannabis and cannabis waste, and what to do if someone, such as a child or pet, accidentally ingests cannabis. contains,” he said.
The materials include “videos, brochures, flyers and social media graphics,” which are “available for everyone to use and download for free from the state’s adult cannabis website at ct.gov/cannabis,” the governor’s office said. said. ”
“Protecting public health and safety includes giving people the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions to keep their families safe,” said Democrat Lamont. . Said In a press release announcing the campaign. “We are committed to educating the public about the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families from accidental or overdose. Adults are advised to use it responsibly.”
The campaign is similar to efforts by other states to legalize cannabis for adults. In New York, which legalized cannabis last year and is now preparing to launch its own regulated marijuana market, subway ads and billboards appeared in the spring as part of the state’s “Cannabis Conversations” campaign. .
Similar to programs launched Tuesday in neighboring Connecticut, New York Gov. It provides parents and caregivers with tools to protect adolescents, reminds New Yorkers of the risks of driving while marijuana-injured, and helps New Yorkers as new industries develop. Provides additional messages to help you stay safe and healthy. ”
“With the ‘Cannabis Conversations’ campaign, we are fulfilling our commitment to providing New Yorkers with the information they need to safely navigate the new cannabis laws,” Ho-Chol said in a statement at the time. “Education is the best tool for keeping New Yorkers healthy. We continue to strengthen this safe, inclusive and equitable industry.”
Lamont’s office said the materials for the Connecticut education campaign were “prepared by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services,” adding, “Cannabis and Drugs It is encouraged for use by Cannabis-free business owners, medical facilities, community health agencies, and others who want to promote safe and responsible cannabis practices in their communities. ”
The launch of the campaign on Tuesday is also clearly only the first step.
Lamont’s office said, “The Consumer Protection Agency publishes content on other cannabis-related health and safety topics, such as responsible use, where consumption is permitted, and how to read and understand cannabis product labels. We plan to add it to the campaign.” In the fall, “the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will launch a multimedia campaign to educate the public about state laws related to cannabis.”