Here’s what they are saying in the press release
Facilitated by Healing Urban Barrios (HUB) – an LA-based nonprofit specializing in drug prevention and intervention – and supported by leading cannabis brand STIIIZY, the program is a comprehensive, evidence-based course designed to educate and empower teens about the potential risks and consequences of underage cannabis use.
The Cannabis Youth Prevention Program consists of a one day, two-hour course with a six-module series that outlines the following topics: What is Cannabis? What is THC? Short and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis, Healthier Ways to Cope and Manage Stress and How to Protect Yourself From Cannabis.
Over 300 teens (ages 11-17) will complete this program; classes are currently underway and will continue until the end of the year. To ensure all youth have access to this valuable education, the program is now offered free of charge at various YMCA locations.
According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavioral Survey – the percentage of high schoolers nationally who identify as current consumers of cannabis fell by 26 percent between 2013 and 2023. While cannabis use continues to decrease among the teenage demographic, HUB and STIIIZY recognize that there is still a lot of work and education to be done.
The program is informed by the Stanford Medicine Cannabis Awareness and Prevention Toolkit– a theory-based and evidence-informed educational resource created by researchers dedicated to prevention services for middle and high school students. STIIIZY worked in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA and HUB to create the program.
