Cannabis Page: Draft

• Harm Reduction: Focuses on minimizing the negative consequences of substance use through practical, evidence-based strategies. In a school setting, this involves equipping staff and students with factual safety information, reducing stigma, and implementing supportive interventions rather than strictly punitive measures.
• Cessation: Teachers can support cessation efforts by creating a supportive environment, recognizing signs that a student may need help, and connecting youth with school-based or community resources that promote recovery and healthy coping skills. Learn more at the CDC Free Your Mind Initiative.
• How to talk to youth regarding using: Teachers can support cannabis prevention by providing factual, age-appropriate information and encouraging thoughtful discussions about health, decision-making, and peer influences. Creating a respectful learning environment helps students ask questions, evaluate information, and better understand the potential risks of cannabis use. Get conversation tips at Speaking of Cannabis.

Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Community Health Services has been assigned to create prevention, education, and recovery programs focusing on substance misuse prevention and treatment options by the Minnesota Department of Health. In Schools MMS CHS are working with teachers, school counselors, school administration, and licensed chemical dependency counselors to provide:

Suspension alternatives such as school-based interventions related to substance use harm reduction, recovery support that include:

• Quit Kits: Quit Kits provide practical tools and resources for individuals who are ready to reduce or stop cannabis use. Items such as stress-relief tools, healthy snacks, water bottles, journals, mindfulness resources, and information about support services can help manage cravings, build healthy coping skills, and support positive behavior change.
• Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT): SBIRT programming with a licensed chemical dependency counselor.
• Chemical Dependency Support Groups
• And additional educational opportunities, support and resources

• Harm reduction Learn how evidence-based harm reduction strategies help reduce the risks of substance use, save lives, and connect people to treatment and support without judgment through the Public Health Communications Collaborative.
• Cessation Info: Adults seeking to overcome or support a recovery from nicotine, cannabis, or other substances can benefit by encouraging open dialogue, focusing on nonjudgmental support, and connecting with trusted recovery networks. Explore evidence-based mental health tools at the CDC Free Your Mind Initiative, access peer-led 12-step support through Marijuana Anonymous, or utilize structured treatment programs via Hazelden Betty Ford
  and Adult Teen Challenge.
• How to talk to youth regarding using: Parents can help youth make informed decisions about cannabis by creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment for conversation. Open discussions about the effects of cannabis on the developing brain, mental health, and decision-making can build trust and encourage healthy choices. Learn more at Be Cannabis Aware.
• Adult-Use & What You Need to Know: Minnesota law, effective August 1, 2023, allows adults age 21 and older to legally possess, use, and grow cannabis at home, with a complete and easy-to-read overview.
• Medical Cannabis information and assistance for patients, caregivers, and health care practitioners.
• Visit FAQs
• Learn about local regulations, health impacts, and adult-use laws at mn.gov.

Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Community Health Services has been assigned to create prevention, education, and recovery programs focusing on substance misuse prevention and treatment options by the Minnesota Department of Health.
MMS CHS are working to provide:

• Lockboxes to families to assist in safe storage of cannabis and other substances
• Education and resources to parents, caregivers and community members on substance use and prevention.