There are bigger choices than smoking cannabis.

In 2023, there were an estimated 43.6 million people aged 12+ in the US that had used cannabis in the past month based on data from National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Reach your full potential without cannabis.

Your brain is still developing until the age of 25. Regular use of weed at a young age can lead to addiction and a higher risk for depression.

Learning & Memory
Using weed when you are young causes changes in your still growing brain. If you use weed regularly, you are more likely to have difficulty paying attention, learning, and remembering things. This could lead to lower test scores and lower grades.

Keep Your Brain Healthy
Using weed regularly when you are young can damage your brain and hurt your best chance to reach your full potential.

Is Marijuana Addictive?
Marijuana use can lead to developing an addiction. Those who use marijuana before the age of 18 are 4-7 times more likely to develop marijuana use disorder. Marijuana use disorders are often associated with dependence—in which a person feels withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug. Marijuana use disorder becomes an addiction when the person cannot stop using the drug even though it interferes with many aspects of his or her life. ^20,21

What opportunities are available for teens?

There are many opportunities for teens besides smoking weed such as staying physically active, meditate or doing a hobby. Understanding what the reason of why a teen is choosing to smoke cannabis is important. Getting involved in your community such as attending events at LA County parks or libraries.

Opportunities for internships/volunteer

• Youth Employment for Los Angeles County
• Internships throughout LA County
• Volunteer for the LA County Department of Public Health
• Volunteer/ Intern at LA Superior Court

Youth Council - leadership opportunities
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Youth Advisory Council is a group comprised of youth, brought together to increase youth involvement within the Department. The Council is part of the Department’s new Positive Youth Development Initiative that aims to promote positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities that build on strengths and empower next-generation change makers to reach their full potential.