In the field of Prevention, we are especially concerned about the developing adolescent brain. We want to protect it as much as possible while also encouraging our students to seek positive experiences that create lasting positive infrastructural change. The introduction and passing of the Cannabis legislation did complicate the discourse on how we...
On February 22, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills into law that addressed the legalization of cannabis (the legal word for marijuana). With this, the legalization of cannabis pushed forward a discourse for all New Jersey citizens to take part in. With questions and concerns so large about the impact on youth, the justice system, and the...
Hello Community Members! While New Jersey has become one of the pioneers in underage marijuana usage and law enforcement reform, the new marijuana legislation has led to frustration and confusion with parents, business owners, and law enforcement alike. While there have been news outlets and educational resources mitigating some of that confusion, the Prevention Coalition of Mercer County an...
Hello everyone! On January 28th, I did another Let’s Have A Conversation, I talked about helping children with the Anger and Coping Skills through some Life Skills Training and added research to help. While it introduced new concepts, the practical advice could be very useful for those looking at doable practices. Here is the link to the January 28th meeting: We are featuring two of Mercer Council...
TALKING POINTS FOR TEENS Now That Marijuana Is Legal, What Does It Mean For Teens? Is marijuana safe now that it is legal? Is it legal for everyone? Are there dangers to using marijuana? These are some of the questions teens might be having when it comes to the legalization of marijuana. My name is Amy Argiriou, I am the facilitator for the Botvins LifeSkills Training program for middle school stu...
(Graphic from Cannibisinvestor) Although not completely unexpected, the marijuana amendment to the New Jersey Constitution passed by 67% of voters in favor. While many feel this will ameliorate the travesty of racial injustice, and be a boon to all economies, those in prevention remain cautiously skeptical. Injustices with racial biases need to be addressed, but a sweeping amendment like this may ...
If you ask anyone in prevention about how they feel about the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, and 80% of them will answer with the same phrase- I am worried about the mixed messages being sent to youth. And they aren’t wrong. Legalization of marijuana is a mix of emotions no matter where it is discussed- it is touted as the savior of economies and social/racial injustice, a r...
This November, and earlier, considering mail-in ballots, voters are casting votes to amend the New Jersey Constitution to allow recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 or older, or as many refer to it, cannabis. Here are some general facts about marijuana and the legalization process that may require more consideration. Marijuana has been a Schedule 1 drug that has been outlawed for any...
This November, and earlier considering mail-in ballots, voters are casting votes to amend the New Jersey Constitution to allow recreational use of marijuana, or as many refer to it, cannabis. “ The interpretive statement is as follows: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”? O...
Today Is April 20th- 4/20, Do you know what this might mean? Often it is referred to as "Weed Day". Many myths exist about 4/20- No, it isn't the police code for Marijuana Use! While it IS a date, historically it is linked to the time of day that youth use- after school and club responsibilities, and usually when parents are at work and there is little supervision.&nb...
Mercer Council on Alcoholism & Drug Addiction
1931 Brunswick Avenue
Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
Tel - (609) 396-5874
Email - mcada@mercercouncil.org
Hours - Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm
