PRESS RELEASE

Today, the City of Long Beach launched GreenlightLB, an informational campaign, through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Cannabis Education Program, to educate the public about safe cannabis use, the risk of cannabis use to developing minds, and the risks and legal ramifications of driving under the influence of cannabis. The campaign was established in light of survey results revealing the need for widespread cannabis health and injury prevention education in Long Beach.

In 2017, the Cannabis Education Program, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAP-C), conducted a survey to better understand behaviors and perceptions surrounding cannabis and prescription drugs in the community. The survey finds that 46% of 18 to 25-year-olds in Long Beach who have used cannabis have driven while high.

Additional findings include:

• 72% of 18 to 25-year-olds agree or strongly agree that cannabis is harmful to the brain development of youth.
• 61.5% of adults over 18 years of age have used cannabis. This figure is similar among 18 to 25-year-olds (61.0%).
• Of the 61% of 18 to 25-year-olds who have used cannabis;
• 83% use for fun.
• 67% to relax.
• 45% to get high.
• 44% to help sleep.

• 52% of 18 to 25-year-olds are getting cannabis from a friend, and 26% from a dispensary.
• 40% of 18 to 25-year-olds are using at home, followed by 22% at a friend’s, and 13% at a party or kickback other than a friend’s.
• 19% of 18 to 25-year-olds report cannabis caused them harm in the form of driving under the influence, and 17% say it affected their personal motivation to succeed. 60% report that it caused them no harm.
• 41% of 18 to 25-year-olds report having been in a car with someone driving under the influence.
• 43.5% of youth 12 to 17 years of age disapprove or strongly disapprove of someone their age using cannabis; 43.5% neither approve nor disapprove.

In total, 649 surveys were completed and analyzed. Respondents are divided into three age groups, in which;

• 17% of respondents were 12 to 17 years of age (108).
• 31% were 18 to 25 years of age (200).
• Over half (53%) were 25 and older (341).

The survey was circulated in Long Beach digitally across city-wide social media channels, and via paper surveys distributed at various community events and recreation centers. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) partners at Long Beach State University, also distributed paper surveys to students at the University. Surveys were available in English, Spanish, and Khmer.

The Cannabis Education Program serves those who live, work and play in Long Beach by being an unbiased and trusted resource for health and safety information related to cannabis, and by ensuring that everyone can make informed decisions about cannabis use.

For more information about survey results and the Cannabis Education Program, please visit www.longbeach.gov/cannabisedu or email marijuanaeducationprogram@longbeach.gov. To keep up to date with the GreenlightLB campaign, follow the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department’s official Facebook page.

Funding for the Cannabis Education Program is made possible by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

About Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services

The mission of the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is to improve quality of life by promoting a safe and healthy community in which to live, work and play. Long Beach Health is one of only three city-run health departments in California, which allows for better engagement with residents, neighborhoods, businesses and community partners, and fosters a greater understanding of the City's strengths. For more information, visit us at www.longbeach.gov/health, "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.