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July 2024

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Cannabis 101

On June 21st, Project Alliance hosted the Director of the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP), Dr. John Hudak, Ph.D., at our monthly coalition meeting. Dr. Hudak oversees the agency responsible for all aspects of licensing, regulation, and oversight of Maine’s medical and adult-use cannabis programs. During the meeting, he discussed the history of cannabis policy nationally and in Maine and discussed ways we work to prevent underage access in the regulated market.

Here are some highlights:

  • There are 40 Medical States and 23 Adult-Use States currently regulating cannabis. Click here to learn the difference between the two uses.
  • Maine legalized the medical use of cannabis in 1999 and adult use in 2016, with the first adult-use retail store opening in October 2020. 
  • Cannabis is being bought, sold, and consumed in every town in Maine. As of October 2023, nearly 10,000 individuals are employed in Maine’s cannabis industry (see full timeline).
  • Cannabis means the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds of the plant, including concentrates, vapes, and edibles. In order to possess or use non-medical cannabis in Maine, you must be 21 years of age or older.
  • Cannabis has over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids, with the most common being Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive effects, and CBD may counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC.
  • All adult-use cannabis products must pass mandatory testing to ensure they are free of harmful contaminants and include product labels listing the potency for all cannabinoids. 
  • At this time, there are no mandatory testing requirements for medical-use cannabis to protect the 106,000+ registered medical patients. In fact, a recent voluntary audit test showed 42% of all samples contained at least one contaminant (yeast, mold, pesticides, heavy metals, or filth and foreign materials) that would have failed testing in Maine’s adult use program.
Click Here to Learn More About Maine’s Cannabis Programs

Join the Project Alliance Coalition

Project Alliance is a Coalition of community members throughout northern York County who work together to create a healthier and thriving community. We are currently seeking more individuals to get involved and seeking the voices of teachers, parents, and other community leaders. 


If you would like to join or get more information, contact Project Alliance Coordinator Ethan Pollard at projectalliance@une.edu

July is Herbal-Prescription

Interaction Awareness Month

July is designated as Herbal-Prescription Interaction Awareness Month to educate consumers about the risks associated with taking herbal supplements before consulting your doctor. The slogan “All Natural” is often used as a marketing tool to highlight products as healthy dietary supplements. However, while some dietary and herbal supplements come from natural sources and offer health benefits, the term “natural” does not always mean something is safe for you to consume.


Read the full article by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Click Here to Check Potential Drug/Supplement Interactions

STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER

Lead Paint Awareness for

Summer Painting Projects

As summer begins, property owners are preparing for home improvement projects, including painting. While enhancing your property’s appearance, it's essential to be aware of the dangers of lead paint, especially in homes built before 1978. Lead paint poses significant health risks, particularly to young children and pregnant women.


Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition (CHCC), in partnership with the City of Biddeford’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program, urges residents to take precautions to prevent lead exposure:



  • Testing for Lead: Before starting any painting project in older homes, use home testing kits available at local hardware stores.
  • Lead-Safe Work Practices: If lead paint is present, contain dust, use wet methods, and wear PPE like gloves and masks.
  • Safe Cleanup: After the project, clean thoroughly with wet methods and dispose of materials properly.


"Lead poisoning is entirely preventable," said Cheri Anderson, Director of CHCC. "By following safety guidelines, residents can protect themselves and their families." 


For more information about free services to assess for lead and create remediation plans, with potential funding for eligible properties, contact the City of Biddeford’s Lead Program at (207) 571-0637, visit www.chccme.org, or email chcc@une.edu.

Click Here for A Free Lead Test Kit & Other Resources

NOW HIRING: PT Project Coordinator

This part-time Project Coordinator will develop, execute, and assess childhood lead poisoning prevention strategies and oversee their implementation. The position will be responsible for forming a stakeholder coalition, conducting community education and awareness campaigns through training sessions, participating in community events and speaking engagements, and utilizing multimedia channels (e.g., social media, PSAs, etc.).


This role requires reliable transportation to attend activities and flexibility for occasional evening and weekend commitments. Funded entirely through grants, this position provides an opportunity to engage a diverse community in efforts to promote healthier outcomes for children and their families. To learn more, email Director Cheri Anderson directly at csullivan29@une.edu.

SNAP-ED & HEALTHY NUTRITION

Our SNAP educators wrapped up their in-school programming around York County and are beginning summer classes with both youth and adults.


At the beginning of June, both our educators and CHCC's Director attended a SNAP-Ed Retreat at Sugarloaf. Our staff was able to network, share teaching ideas, and hone some of their education skills.

The Power of Produce (PoP) Club is a FREE kids program at Farmers' Markets. Each week, children can receive a $2 voucher to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. Plus, keep an eye out for special PoP club activities throughout the summer! Visit PoP Clubs at Kittery Community Market, Saco Farmers' Market and Sanford Farmers' Market.

York County Summer Farmers' Markets

DAYTON

Saturdays 8am-12pm

Sundays 9am-1pm

24 Jessica May Road

KENNEBUNK

Saturdays 8am-12:30pm

3 Wells Court

Garden Street Lot

KITTERY

Sundays 10am-2pm

10 Shapleigh Road

Post Office Parking Lot

NORTH BERWICK

Thursdays 3pm-6pm

Mill Field

SACO

Saturdays 8am-12pm

Saco Valley Shopping Ctr.

Corner Spring & Scammon St.

SANFORD

Saturdays 8am-12pm

Central Park

SOUTH BERWICK

Mondays 3pm-6pm

Central Elementary School, 197 Main Street

WELLS

Wednesdays

1:30pm-5pm

Wells Library

Post Road

YORK

Saturdays 9am-1pm

1 Stonewall Lane

Back Lot of Greater York Region Chamber Visitor Center, off Rt 1 & I-95, Exit 7

Click Here to Find a Farmers' Market Near You

Kids Eat FREE this Summer

Many children face hunger during the summer when they lose access to school meals. This year, there are several ways to combat summer hunger, including Summer EBT SUN Bucks ($120 per school-aged child), open meal sites for those 18 and younger, free food distributions through YouthFull Maine, and delivery meal service for those in rural areas.  

You can learn all about different varieties of summer produce and find exciting new recipes that use them in the USDA Summer Produce Guide. Click here for the guide.

Be Responsible with Medications

Safe storage is the easiest way to prevent drug misuse. Lock them up away from others, especially children. Click the image below for storage tips.

Every Monday from 6:00 - 7:30 PM

St. David's Episcopal Church

138 York Street, Kennebunk



Are you or a loved one thinking about making a healthy change and stopping your tobacco use? TAG can provide accurate information, encouragement, and resources to assist you in becoming tobacco-free.


Addiction Therapist Edward J. Perka, Jr. leads this free, confidential, supportive group for people on their journey to live tobacco-free lives. He has over 30 years of experience in the field and currently holds the National Certification in Nicotine and Tobacco Treatment (NCNTT). For more information, contact Ed at edward.perka@yahoo.com.

Maine Youth Connect

Maine Youth Action Network is Hiring

Bookmark CHCC's Website for All Upcoming Events

Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition

207-602-3551

chcc@une.edu

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