Tobacco Prevention & Cannabis Education, a program of County Public Health, is starting its My Best Life Youth Cannabis Education campaign to help educate youth on the dangers and impact of using cannabis.

“My Best Life involves local youth sharing their stories and aspirations in hopes of inspiring others to reach their highest potential by not using cannabis products while their brain and body are still developing,” said Renata Valladares, health educator with Tobacco Prevention & Cannabis Education.

“Our goal is to educate local youth on the negative and harmful effects of underage cannabis use, while showing them that their best life now is drug-free,” Valladares said.

Filmed in Santa Barbara County, the My Best Life campaign features youth ages 14-21 describing how they are living their best life by staying active and healthy doing the things they love, cannabis free.

The harmful effects of cannabis on the brain may impact educational and professional goals. Research shows that individuals who start using cannabis before they are 18 or use cannabis regularly, may be at higher risk for:  

• Skipping classes  
• Getting lower grades  
• Dropping out of school  
• Unemployment or not getting the job they’d like to have

“Right now, I am prioritizing my mental and physical health for my future self by staying cannabis free,” said Cara J, a local youth. “My life experiences as a high school student have been incredible cannabis free, I can’t wait to achieve my goals, grow with my friends, and accomplish my dreams without weed getting in the way.”

Underage marijuana use can:

• Slow brain development
• Decrease motivation, drive and ambition 
• Harm a developing body and brain
• Put one at risk for impaired learning and memory loss
• Affect mental health 
• Increase anxiety disorders and depression among teens
• Damage one’s lungs

The campaign correlates with the state of California’s Let’s Talk Cannabis program, and aims to show teens and young adults how living a cannabis-free life during their crucial developmental years is an important choice for their future selves.

For campaign videos, visit https://www.facebook.com/letstalkSBCounty/.