Across the country, laws around cannabis are changing quickly—but not all communities are experiencing those changes the same way. At Informed Families, we’re closely watching how local cannabis policies—like dispensary zoning and delivery permissions—are affecting teenagers.

Emerging research reveals a clear trend: teens are far more likely to use cannabis when they live in areas that allow retail sales or cannabis delivery services. That includes more frequent and heavier use, not just experimentation.

We’re speaking directly to families, caregivers, and communities: the choices we make at the local level can have a direct impact on our kids.

Why Local Policies Matter for Teen Behavior

Even in states where cannabis is legal, local governments decide whether dispensaries can open, where they’re located, whether delivery is allowed, and how cannabis is advertised. And those choices shape what teens see—and how they think.

When cannabis is sold just down the street or delivered within minutes, teens begin to perceive it as normal or harmless. This is called reduced perceived risk—a key factor in youth substance use.

In fact, teens in areas with more visible cannabis access are:

• More likely to believe “everyone is doing it.”
• Less likely to understand the risks of high-potency THC products.
• More likely to try it themselves—especially through edibles or vaping.

Read our President's most recent message: THE BIG LIE: Marijuana isn't as safe as many believe

The Real Risks of Today’s Cannabis for Teens

Cannabis today is very different from the marijuana of decades past. THC concentrations have skyrocketed, especially in vape cartridges and edible products, making the effects more intense and the potential for dependency greater.

Research shows that cannabis can:

• Affect memory and learning, especially in still-developing brains.
• Increase anxiety or depression symptoms in some adolescents.
• Lead to addiction, particularly with early or frequent use.
• Impair driving and reaction times, even hours after use.

As cannabis becomes more accessible in a community, so does early and frequent teen exposure to these risks.

How Your Family and Community Can Make a Difference

While legalization decisions often happen at the state level, local communities hold the power to protect youth. Here’s how we recommend taking action:

1. Start the Conversation at Home

Talking to your teen about cannabis can feel intimidating—but it’s one of the most powerful tools you have.

Use honest, open-ended questions. Ask what they’re seeing at school or on social media. Explain how cannabis impacts the teen brain. Most importantly, listen more than you talk.

➡️ What to Do If Your Child Smokes Marijuana

2. Stay Engaged in Local Policy Decisions

Zoning laws, retail permit approvals, and marketing regulations are often decided in city council or county board meetings. Your voice matters. Ask questions like:

• Are dispensaries allowed near schools or parks?
• Is cannabis delivery permitted in your area?
• Are there restrictions on advertising near youth spaces?

3. Advocate for Protective Policies

Support local efforts that:

• Limit the number and location of dispensaries.
• Restrict advertising in public spaces or near schools.
• Ban cannabis delivery to residential addresses without strong age verification.

4. Get Involved in Prevention Programs

Join a coalition or connect with your child’s school counselor to support prevention education. At Informed Families, we offer campaigns like:

➡️ Safe Homes Smart Parties
➡️ Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children

Explore more in our Parent & Community Resource Hub.

Prevention Works Best When It’s Local and Personal

What makes local policy so powerful is its ability to reflect the values, goals, and needs of a specific community. When families, schools, and leaders work together to promote youth well-being, we build stronger neighborhoods—and protect our kids from the subtle pressures of normalization.

Let’s shape a future where smart policy and strong parenting go hand in hand.

Helpful Tools and Resources

✅ Guide: What to Say to Teens About Marijuana
✅ Parent & Community Resources – Informed Families
✅ Know the Effects, Risks and Side Effects of Marijuana

We know parenting comes with challenges—especially in today’s fast-changing world. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Informed Families, we’re here to support you, inform you, and stand beside you as you raise kids to make healthy, informed choices.

Together, we can create communities where teens thrive, choices are clear, and risks are reduced.

Thank you for everything you do.