Cannabis Control Commission Launches Social Media Campaign Urging Consumer Responsibility Ahead of April 20

WORCESTER—The Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) is launching a public health- and safety-focused social media campaign that encourages adults to use responsible home manufacturing practices, youth prevention strategies, and consumer safety if they choose to recognize April 20, a day of recognition for cannabis enthusiasts, this month. The campaign starts today and runs through April 20 on the Commission’s social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Using the hashtag “#420Safety,” the Commission aims to remind consumers of messaging that originated with its state-mandated public education campaign that first launched in 2018. Over several years, “More About Marijuana” has addressed responsible-use topics such as youth prevention strategies, including conversation starters that parents and guardians can use to discuss the risks of cannabis use with youth, as well as safe home manufacturing and cultivation tips, the risks and unknowns of using unregulated vaping products, and how to consume responsibly in Massachusetts—whether you call the Bay State home or are visiting as a tourist. Licensees and consumers may share campaign messaging via social media, download free rack cards through the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse, and learn more at MoreAboutMJ.org.

“The Commission has always prioritized educating the public around best practices to ensure responsible consumption and prevent accidental youth access,” said Commission Executive Director Shawn Collins. “This campaign will refocus that conversation during a month when adult-use cannabis is often celebrated. I hope our licensees and the community take advantage of these resources to help keep Massachusetts residents safe at all times.”

Any day of the year that adults consume cannabis, they are encouraged to heed the following laws and safety tips:

• It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, or consume adult-use cannabis in the Commonwealth.
• Giving or selling adult-use cannabis to minors may be treated as a crime.
• Consuming cannabis in a public place is prohibited, as is smoking it any place where smoking tobacco is prohibited.
• If you have marijuana or marijuana products in a household with children or pets, lock them away and keep them out of reach.
• It is unlawful to carry cannabis across state lines or federal borders.
• It is illegal to operate a vehicle while using cannabis or while impaired by cannabis. And, like alcohol, you may not have an open container of adult-use cannabis in the passenger area of your car while on the road or at a place where the public has access.
• Especially on April 20, but any time you are at risk of becoming impaired, leave your car at home. Use public transportation or a rideshare service instead of risking your life and others’ lives by driving.
• The impairment effects of edible marijuana may be delayed by two hours or more. Start low, go slow.

“More About Marijuana” has been recognized for several industry awards, including a Telly award in the campaign (local TV) category and Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) MarCom Awards in the website category and Excellence in Digital Video Creation – Animation. In 2020, the Commission published a report summarizing and measuring the effectiveness of More About Marijuana. The agency continues to advocate for funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget, which would ensure the Commission can further develop its public education campaign and fulfill additional mandates under state law.

For more information about the Commission’s public awareness campaign, visit MoreAboutMJ.org, or contact the Commission by emailing Commission@CCCMass.com or calling 774-415-0200.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance-use disorder, the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline is available online at https://helplinema.org/ and by phone at 800-327-5050.

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