Now that Michigan voters have decided to decriminalize marijuana for those over 21, the Berrien County Health Department is expecting to step up its educational activities. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the health department likely won’t have to inspect marijuana food facilities, but it will have to make sure everyone knows the rules. First of all, it will still be illegal for those under 21, and Conrad says that’s for a good reason.
“It’s associated with impaired learning, impaired memory, failure to graduate from high school, dropping out of activities that we know are good for adolescents and young adults,” Conrad said.
That’s why the health department will work in schools to tell kids about the dangers of marijuana. Conrad asks parents to talk to them as well.
“Teens talk,” Conrad said. “They’re on social media. You know that there’s lots of myths and misconceptions that are likely floating around in the teenage circles, and we’re really encouraging parents to get the facts.”
Conrad notes it will still be illegal to transport marijuana across state lines. The Berrien County Health Department has an informational portal on its website. That’s BCHDMI.org.
