On the heels of April 20 (4/20), a date commonly associated with cannabis, Prevent Coalition is reminding adults in Southwest Washington who have cannabis in the home to keep it secure to prevent small children and teens from accidental ingestion.

To help drive that message home, the Coalition has partnered with local cannabis retailers, community organizations and other prevention coalitions to develop a social media and point of purchase campaign called Secure Your Cannabis.

Any time customers purchase cannabis products from participating retailers, they will receive a reminder card encouraging them to secure their products and talk with youth about substances.

“The brain is still developing through adolescence, and cannabis use during this stage can alter its chemistry,” explained Jesse Jimenez, Community Prevention Project Coordinator for Prevention Coalition and ESD 112. “So not only is it important to keep cannabis secure and away from children and teens, it’s also equally important to have nonjudgmental conversations with young people about how cannabis impacts their brains differently than adults.”

Retailers participating in the Secure Your Cannabis campaign include:

  • Cannabis Country Store (1910 W Main St., Battle Ground)
  • The Herbery (four Vancouver locations: NE Fourth Plain; St. Johns Rd.; Chkalov; NE 78th)
  • High End Marketplace (1924 Broadway St., Vancouver)
  • Margies Pot Shop (405 E Steuben St., Cook)

In addition to the point of purchase cards, Prevent Coalition and ESD 112 will promote Secure Your Cannabis graphics on their social media channels over the coming days and weeks.

You can learn more and download campaign materials at bit.ly/secureyourcannabis. The website outlines the campaign, offers tools for talking to youth about Cannabis, describes laws in Washington and provides materials you can download to implement point of purchase projects.

About Prevent Coalition:

Supported by the fiscal agent ESD 112, Prevent Coalition is a community coalition formed in 2003 to increase collaboration, awareness, and reduce youth substance use in Southwest Washington. Prevent also implements initiatives for rural communities across Washington state. As a community mobilizer, we’re creating a culture promoting healthy choices; advocating for policies and regulations that protect, empower and nurture youth; and facilitating positive opportunities for youth to be involved and thrive. For more info, visit www.preventcoalition.org.