Young people are growing up in a world where cannabis laws, products, and public attitudes differ significantly from those of previous generations. They may encounter cannabis through family members using it medically, adult-use markets, social media, or their own health-related questions. Although youth cannabis use has declined over the past decade, concerns about accidental ingestion, impaired driving, early or frequent use, intoxicating products, self-medication, and misinformation remain important. Protecting young people requires education that reflects these realities rather than relying exclusively on fear-based warnings or punishment.

The Next Generation Award celebrates age-appropriate education that helps young people, parents, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, and communities understand cannabis and make responsible decisions. It recognizes initiatives that provide credible information, encourage communication, address risks without exaggeration, and distinguish between recreational experimentation, unsupervised self-medication, accidental exposure, and legitimate pediatric medical use. Effective education should help young people recognize risks, ask questions, seek assistance, and understand the consequences of their choices while giving trusted adults better tools to support them.

The 2026 nominees, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management and Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy, demonstrate approaches built around realistic, evidence-informed communication. New York's Cannabis Honestly campaign incorporates perspectives from young people and adults, while CSSDP's Get Sensible resources emphasize nonjudgmental education and youth participation. Their work reflects a shift from simply telling young people what not to do toward giving them the knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions and navigate cannabis-related issues safely as they grow into adulthood.

Learn more about the Next Generation Award and the nominees' role in Cannabis Safety.