January 2019
January 2019
Marijuana: What You Need To Know NOW
Now that recreational marijuana has become legal in Michigan, it’s important for parents and youth to be educated about the dangers of marijuana and how it impacts our health, both mental and physical. Marijuana, like tobacco can cause lung damage when smoked or inhaled through second hand smoke. Click here to learn more about how marijuana impacts lung health.

No matter how you feel about marijuana,
it’s still bad for kids.

This has been one of our mottos for a few years now, and especially with the legalization of recreational marijuana, it's even more relevant. Studies have repeatedly shown the detrimental effect that marijuana has on the developing teen brain; it has been linked to problems with memory and learning, with attention and problem solving, and even a drop in IQ. Youth use before the age of 21 has shown to have a much greater risk of addiction, as high as 90% more. Youth use has also been associated with a higher risk of mental health issues. Make sure you have the facts so you can answer any questions your youth may have. We have some great links here .
We also have TWO opportunities to come and learn more about the consequences of marijuana legalization for youth and how to talk to your kids about marijuana. Speakers will include representatives from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department and other local experts discussing the changes in the law, how it impacts school policy and how to prevent youth use.
The dates and places for the workshops are : Wednesday, 2/13 at Allendale High School and Thursday, 2/21 at Coopersville High School. Register for the Allendale event here:
Register for the Coopersville event here:
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Teens and Vapes:
A Parent Town Hall
Vaping and the use of e-cigarettes is the fastest growing trend among teens.
In Ottawa County, 1 out of every 4 teens has used a "vape" in the past month. In 2018, an estimated 3.6 MILLION youth in the US used a vape product.
What is in these devices? Are they really just flavor? How do they compare to traditional cigarettes? How do I know if my youth is using them or if my teen is addicted? Come and learn the facts so you can do your part to fight this epidemic in your home, school, and state.
Plan to attend this important event on Wednesday, 2/9 at Hudsonville High School-register here
Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Contact Stephanie Williams at [email protected]

https://arborcircle.org/services/advocacy-and-prevention/

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OSAPCoalition
Talk Early. Talk Often. Learn How.  www.talksooner.org