The Mercer Island Communities That Care Coalition (CTC) is continuing its efforts to educate Islanders about the new marijuana laws and health risks to youth in two new public service announcements, which will air on the MIHS radio station, Hot Jamz 88.9FM and 94.5FM, beginning Aug. 11.

The radio spots feature the talent of Island drama students and talk about risks of underage marijuana use and the dangers of marijuana-impaired driving. This campaign aims to help educate the community about the new marijuana laws and the real risks of today’s marijuana and marijuana-infused edibles.

Since legalization went into effect in January 2013, the Washington State Patrol finds a 40 percent increase in total driving cases testing positive for carboxy-THC. On Aug. 5, the first marijuana-infused edibles were approved for sale and include products that may appeal to youth including “Tart Cherry Premium Cannabis Infused Single Shots” and “Legal Rainier Cherry Soda.” Highlighting the importance of keeping marijuana edibles out of the hands of kids, the July 17 Cannabis Report from the Washington Poison Center reports an increase in pediatric marijuana exposures.

For additional information on the science behind marijuana risks and for tips for parents, visit the University of Washington website www.learnaboutmarijuanawa.com. To learn more about preventing underage marijuana use on Mercer Island, contact Derek Franklin, CTC Project Director at derek.franklin@mercergov.org.