Los Angeles County DA Launches PSA Campaign Warning Teens of Cannabis Use

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has initiated a public service campaign aimed at educating teenagers about the potential risks associated with cannabis use. This comprehensive campaign features multi-language billboards and bus stop advertisements strategically placed near high schools and areas frequented by youth.

Campaign Overview: Raising Awareness Through Strategic Placements

The campaign is designed to reach a diverse teenage population across Los Angeles County by utilizing more than 150 advertisements in various languages, including English, Armenian, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. These advertisements are strategically located in high-traffic areas to maximize visibility and impact among young audiences.

• Multi-Language Ads: Ensuring accessibility and understanding across the county’s diverse communities.
• Strategic Locations: Placing ads near high schools and popular teenage hangouts to effectively target the youth demographic.
• Diverse Messaging: Featuring a range of messages that highlight the increased risks associated with modern cannabis products.

Highlighting the Risks: Expert Insights from DA George Gascón

In a press release, District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the serious mental health risks posed by contemporary cannabis products, particularly among young users. He stated, “Today’s cannabis products such as edibles can carry serious short-and long-term mental health risks for our youth, including anxiety, depression, and potentially psychotic disorders, leading to negative outcomes with a far-reaching impact on communities.”

Alarming Statistics Presented:

• Psychotic Disorders: Teens who consume cannabis are at 11 times higher risk of developing psychotic disorders.
• Increased Potency Risks: Cannabis products are “up to 23 times riskier than 50 years ago,” highlighting the heightened dangers of modern formulations.

Educational Outreach: Engaging Teens and Parents

The campaign aims to bridge the knowledge gap by informing both teenagers and their parents about the potency and potential harms of new cannabis products. Gascón noted, “Teenagers and parents might not be aware of the potency and potential harms of these new products,” underscoring the need for increased education and awareness.

Campaign Components:

• Eye-Catching Visuals: Utilizing bright and attention-grabbing designs to capture the interest of young viewers.
• Social Media Integration: Extending the campaign’s reach through official social media channels to engage a broader audience online.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging conversations within communities to foster a supportive environment for youth making informed decisions.

Impact and Goals: Fostering Safer Communities

The Los Angeles County DA’s PSA campaign seeks to mitigate the negative effects of cannabis use among teenagers by providing clear and compelling information about the associated risks. By increasing awareness, the campaign aims to reduce the incidence of cannabis-related mental health issues and promote healthier lifestyle choices among youth.

Long-Term Objectives:

• Reduction in Cannabis Use: Lowering the number of teenagers experimenting with or regularly using cannabis.
• Enhanced Mental Health: Decreasing the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders linked to cannabis use.
• Community Well-Being: Strengthening the overall well-being of communities by addressing substance use proactively.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is taking a proactive stance in combating the rise of cannabis use among teenagers through this targeted PSA campaign. By leveraging strategic advertising and diverse messaging, the campaign aims to empower young individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about cannabis use. As the campaign unfolds, it is expected to play a crucial role in fostering safer and healthier communities across Los Angeles County.