Photo by LittleIvan
On September 9, New York’s Cannabis Control Board approved the creation of the Cannabis Education Advisory Panel (CEAP). It is a first-in-the-nation statewide body dedicated to developing resources for youth and families on cannabis use, health, and safety. The announcement coincides with NYC Health’s publication of a nearly decade-long study on cannabis use among youth and adults.
The study found that the proportion of high schoolers who reported recently using cannabis decreased from 16% in 2015 to 13% in 2023. However, the number of emergency room visits by 13-17 year-olds for cannabis-induced conditions doubled the year after legalization. As the legal market grows and youth exposure to cannabis continues to rise, the CEAP’s role in providing clear, science-driven guidance will facilitate responsible usage and sustainable market growth.
When Lyla Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health and Education at The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) introduced CEAP, she explained that, “The establishment of the CEAP builds on the ongoing Listen and Learn series… [Communities] need credible, accessible resources on cannabis.”
The CEAP is designed to serve as a bridge between regulators and communities, ensuring that youth, parents, and educators have the tools they need to navigate an evolving marketplace.
The CEAP will be a 15-member team made up of a group of experts that have a diverse background of experience. The OCM wants to recruit community activists, educators, health professionals, and those who can connect with the lived experiences of New Yorkers.
The OCM aims to seat the panel this fall and begin work promptly to create the necessary educational tools. Those who are interested can apply before the application window closes on October 9.
With a Growing Market Comes Growing Responsibility
Cannabis seems to be everywhere in New York these days. This year, the legal cannabis program crossed $2 billion in total sales since opening in 2022. Illegal cannabis operators continue to pose a problem, even with state officials intensifying crackdowns.
At the most basic level, education is necessary to ensure consumers are accessing tested products of the legal market. As more dispensaries open and consumer access expands, policymakers and educators face mounting pressure to ensure that accurate and reliable information keeps pace with the increasing availability and complexity. The CEAP will:
- Engage with the community regarding cannabis
- Examine and summarize relevant youth trends and community perspectives, using discussion and data
- Identify areas of concern that would benefit from education
- Recommend strategies to effectively engage diverse youth populations
Youth Focused Education Matters
The legal cannabis market is tightly regulated. Strict age restrictions prohibit the sale and marketing of cannabis products to those under the age of 21. Despite this, many minors are aware of ongoing legalization and interested in cannabis and its effects.
While it is generally known that cannabis gets consumers “high,” much about the plant is unknown because of its Schedule I status. This scheduling, which holds that cannabis has no accepted medical use, precludes study of the plant on American soil, except in very limited cases. So while more research is necessary to definitively determine the effects of cannabis on the adolescent brain, it is important to note that:
1: Existing research shows that early cannabis use can impact an adolescent’s brain development, making it essential that prevention messaging is clear and accessible to everyone involved.
2: With legalization, more parents are seeking guidance on how to talk to their children about cannabis use, risks, and legal boundaries without being heavy handed or “lame.”
3: Online and peer-to-peer sources often provide incomplete or inaccurate information. A state backed panel can offer fact-based, culturally relevant resources that make a difference.
By grounding education in credible voices and community engagement, the CEAP aims to counter stigma without glamorizing cannabis by giving families the tools they need to make informed decisions. This first in the nation type of advisory panel also hopes to be a model for other states.
Building on “Listen and Learn”
The CEAP will expand the Listen and Learn model, where OCM staff have engaged directly with communities through public sessions. These conversations highlighted a consistent demand: residents want credible, accessible resources on cannabis, especially for parents, teachers, and youth leaders.
A National Model in the Making
By creating the CEAP, New York positions the regulatory body as a potential national model for youth-centered cannabis education. While other states have launched public awareness campaigns, few have formalized a permanent advisory body with an explicit youth-and-family mandate.
With billions of dollars in legal cannabis sales already flowing, the stakes are high. Families need clarity on what legalization means for young people. Schools need resources to address student questions, and communities want consistent messaging rooted in science and public health. If successful, officials believe the CEAP will further the legal cannabis economy in New York.
Looking Ahead
With the launch of the CEAP, New York is investing in knowledge, prevention, and family empowerment. By focusing on youth and parents, New York acknowledges that legalization requires more than licenses and enforcement. It requires a cultural shift built on informed, healthy choices. This continues to signal that New York’s commitment to the long term health and future of cannabis in the state.
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