California wants to educate people about cannabis before legalization

Californians of legal age still have 3 months to wait before they have legal access to cannabis. And to prepare them for this new market, California has launched an information and education campaign on cannabis, including the potential risks for minors and pregnant women.

The first licenses for the sale of recreational cannabis will be issued on January 2, 2018, The new law will extend current authorizations, which are limited to the medical use of cannabis.

In anticipation, the California Office of Public Health created an educational site  about cannabis and its impact, how to buy it, how to store it safely...

«We are committed to providing Californians with scientific information to ensure that their future choices are safe and informed,» said Dr. Karen Smith, the state Office of Public Health representative.

The site's program includes reminders of the law (cannabis is forbidden to people under 21) and the effects of cannabis on young people, how to talk to them about it, warnings about ingesting cannabis-infused food, best practices for pregnant or breast-feeding women...

The site has been rather well received by associations campaigning for cannabis law reform, including Ellen Komp, deputy director of NORML California. For her, the site is «pretty accurate», even if she finds that «the pregnancy risks are slightly exaggerated, [as is] telling women they shouldn't use cannabis for nausea or if they're considering getting pregnant.»

Overall, 43% of Californians have used cannabis recreationally. Among those who have never used it, only 2% admit to wanting to try it after legalization, according to an LA Times survey published last November.

Other advice reminds us that it is forbidden to drive under the influence of cannabis, and that cannabis should be stored in a place out of reach of children or pets.