The Mercer Island Communities That Care Coalition (CTC) has produced a short film to educate youth about marijuana legalization and what it means for them.

The film made its debut in June and has been viewed nearly 500 times.

The movie stars many local youth actors as well as the Youth and Family Services (YFS) high school-based drug and alcohol counselor, Chris Harnish.

The 15-minute film features interviews with many local experts, including the Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Seattle Children’s Hospital, drug interdiction and treatment professionals, and the author of Initiative 502, which legalized recreational marijuana and marijuana-infused edibles for adults over 21.

Along with Colorado, Washington is the first place in the world where recreational marijuana will be both legal and commercialized.

“As this social experiment unfolds, CTC will work hard to ensure Islanders are well-informed and underage use stays in check,” says Derek Franklin, CTC project director.

Marijuana can be particularly damaging to youth who use the drug early and often. CTC encourages all residents to watch the film and click here for additional science-based information on marijuana.

“We hope parents and kids understand the risk of using today’s stronger marijuana and how it can permanently damage developing brains,” says YFS Director Cynthia Goodwin.

For additional information about drug prevention efforts on Mercer Island, email or call Derek Franklin, CTC project director, at (206) 275-7745.

Watch the film on YouTube or go to www.mercergov.org.