Sumner County cannabis prevention
Know the Risks
Clear facts for the choices ahead.
Cannabis can affect a still-developing brain, reaction time, focus, driving and mental health. Choose the information that fits you.
No lecture. No scare tactics. Just practical information from trusted public-health sources.
Important facts
Explore the campaign
Start where you are.
Select an audience, then open any topic for the facts and a practical next step.
For young adults ages 18 to 21
Your choices belong to you.
Knowing how cannabis can affect your brain, reaction time, focus, driving and mental health can help you make a safer plan for what comes next.
01Brain developmentStill building. Still worth protecting.
The brain continues developing until around age 25. Cannabis can affect memory, learning, attention and decision-making.
Your next move: Know the risks before you decide.
02Reaction timeA split second still counts.
Cannabis can slow reaction time, coordination and decision-making—even when someone feels in control.
Your next move: Pause. Plan. Choose the safer option.
03Memory and focusYour plans need your focus.
Cannabis can interfere with memory, learning and attention—skills that matter at work, school and every day.
Your next move: Keep what matters in focus.
04Driving riskHigh driving is impaired driving.
Cannabis can slow reaction time, impair coordination and distort perception behind the wheel.
Your next move: Make the ride plan before the night starts.
05Mental healthYour mind can react differently.
Cannabis use has been linked to anxiety, paranoia and other mental-health effects. High-THC products can make reactions harder to predict.
Your next move: If something feels wrong, step back and get help.
06Stronger productsToday’s THC can hit harder.
Between 1995 and 2022, average delta-9 THC potency in illegal cannabis products seized by law enforcement quadrupled from 3.96% to 16.14%.
Your next move: Know the strength. Know the risks.
For parents and caregivers
A calm conversation can matter.
Start with facts, ask an open question and listen. The goal is to keep the door open—not turn one conversation into a lecture.
01Brain developmentTheir brain is still developing.
Cannabis can affect a brain that continues developing into the mid-20s.
Try asking: “I read that the brain keeps developing until around 25. What have you heard about cannabis and the brain?”
02Reaction timeReaction time matters.
Slower responses can affect driving, work and unexpected situations.
Try asking: “Has anything caught you off guard lately when you needed to react fast?”
03Memory and focusAsk about focus, not just use.
Memory and attention changes can show up at school, work and home.
Try asking: “How is it going staying on top of school, work and everything else?”
04Driving riskMake the ride plan before it is needed.
Feeling in control does not mean driving skills are unimpaired.
Try asking: “What is your plan for getting home if people are using cannabis?”
05Mental healthNotice changes. Start calmly.
Cannabis may worsen anxiety, paranoia or low mood for some people.
Try asking: “Have you noticed anything affecting your mood or sleep lately?”
06Stronger productsToday’s products can be stronger.
Higher THC can increase the chance of confusion, panic and poor judgment.
Try asking: “Have you seen how much product strength can vary now?”
A safer plan
Decide before the moment.
Planning ahead makes it easier to choose the safer move when circumstances change.
- 1Protect the ride
Do not drive high or ride with an impaired driver.
- 2Know the backup
Choose a sober driver, rideshare, trusted adult or safe place to stay.
- 3Talk sooner
Reach out to someone you trust if cannabis is affecting school, work, mood or relationships.
Support and resources
You do not have to figure it out alone.
SCCDAT provides prevention information and connections to community resources throughout Sumner County.
Immediate danger? Call 911. This page provides prevention education and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
