Olmsted County joins regional campaign to educate youth on cannabis risks
“Speaking of Cannabis” promotes youth risk awareness and safe storage
Olmsted County is one of 11 counties participating in the Speaking of Cannabis campaign. This initiative aims to empower adults in Southeast Minnesota to share information with youth about the risks of cannabis use.
Cannabis use during the critical years of brain development can lead to harmful, long-lasting effects. Today’s products often contain more than three times the THC potency compared to 30 years ago. This significantly increases risk, especially for those who start using before their brain is fully developed.
“The marijuana adults were familiar with when they were their kids’ age is not the same potency as today,” said Olmsted County Public Health Services Community Health Specialist Abby Tricker. “We’re hoping this campaign can provide the facts and some tips for how to talk to kids about cannabis.”
The campaign focuses on three actions:
- Understand how cannabis can affect the developing brain.
- Talk with teens in your life about not using cannabis.
- Store cannabis products safely, locked up, and out of reach of children.
In addition to Olmsted County, counties participating in the Speaking of Cannabis campaign include Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona.
This campaign first launched in the summer of 2025 by public health agencies in Northeast Minnesota.
The Speaking of Cannabis campaign in Southeast Minnesota has launched with online ads and displays in community locations. Funding for this campaign comes from a Cannabis & Substance Use Prevention grant through the Minnesota Department of Health’s Health Improvement Bureau.