The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has launched Cannabis Honestly, a statewide public education campaign designed to provide young people, families and other trusted adults with practical, evidence-informed information about cannabis.

The campaign was developed following a yearlong “Listen and Learn” initiative involving more than 450 young people, parents, educators and community members. OCM held 23 facilitated conversations across New York to examine how cannabis is affecting young people, what questions families have and what educational resources communities need.

OCM’s previously released report on the initiative included feedback from 308 young people and 144 trusted adults.

According to the agency, young participants described encountering a steady stream of cannabis-related information while struggling to identify sources they could trust. Parents and caregivers requested practical guidance for discussing cannabis at home, while educators and community organizations called for accessible resources reflecting the state’s changing cannabis landscape.

“As New York’s regulated cannabis market continues to mature, public education becomes even more important,” said OCM Executive Director John Kagia. “Cannabis Honestly reflects OCM’s commitment to making trusted, evidence-informed information available to every community across the state.”

Available in English and Spanish, the campaign includes interactive educational tools, conversation guides, videos and downloadable materials. The resources are intended for young people, parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, healthcare providers, youth organizations and other trusted adults.

Among the materials are a Cannabis Convo Starter Tool and a playbook titled “How to Talk to Young People About Weed.” Schools, libraries, healthcare providers, faith leaders and community organizations can also access a Community Engagement Toolkit and order free printed materials.

The campaign was developed in collaboration with the Cannabis Education Advisory Panel, which includes experts in youth development, public health, education and clinical care, as well as representatives from state agencies.

“Before we created a single resource, we spent a year learning from young people, parents, educators, and community leaders across New York,” said Lyla Hunt, OCM’s director of public health and education. “They shaped this campaign from the ground up—what questions it answers, how it speaks to people, and the tools it provides.”

Campaign resources are available at CannabisHonestly.org and through OCM’s Cannabis Education Library.