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Youth health and marijuana
The King County Youth Marijuana Prevention and Education Program (KC-YMPEP) is a regional effort led by Public Health—Seattle & King County and the King County Department of Community and Human Services, with funding support from the Washington State Department of Health's Dedicated Marijuana Account.
We work with communities, partners, and priority populations to reduce marijuana initiation among King County youth by ensuring that all youth have the information and tools they need to make healthy decisions about marijuana. This page is designed to strengthen efforts by providing best practices, resources, and locally relevant information for youth marijuana prevention and education.
Store drugs and alcohol safely at home
Many youth report that home is where they find and try out substances. If you share a home with young people, you can prevent accidental or intentional access.
Resources for parents and caregivers
Research shows that parents and caregivers are the most powerful influence a youth's life. You can prevent and reduce youth marijuana use by: Educating yourself, talking early and talking often about making safe and healthy choices, modeling healthy and safe behaviors and more.
Resources for teachers and community organizations
Download the Youth Marijuana Prevention Toolkit: A Guide for Parents, Teachers and Adults as well as other key resources and videos.
Resources for youth
The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) is a coordinated group of youth leaders and adult facilitators who work to change favorable youth attitudes toward underage marijuana use.
Resources for healthcare providers
Explore the evidence and explore youth marijuana use data.
Training library
Access past presentation slides and videos on a variety of topics related to youth marijuana use, navigating the data, strategies for community change and more.
Key resources
- Youth Marijuana Prevention Toolkit: A Guide for Parents, Teachers and Adults (5.9 Mb)
A simple, comprehensive resource for parents and other influential adults on the health and safety effects of youth marijuana use, Washington state's marijuana laws, and popular marijuana products. - Marijuana and health blogs, Public Health Insider
- Explore King County data on youth marijuana use:
- Health effects of marijuana, CDC
- Learn About Marijuana, UW Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute
- Marijuana business licenses for King County, King County Permitting Division
- Washington Recovery Help Line
This anonymous, confidential 24-hour help line is for those experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge.