THE PROJECT
Since most youth don’t feel comfortable asking their parents or teachers about using cannabis, they rely heavily on (often false) information shared amongst peer groups or online. By developing a campaign aimed specifically at debunking incorrect or outdated information, we can educate SF youth about how marijuana affects their minds and bodies, legal ramifications of cannabis use, and how healthy adults manage their cannabis consumption responsibly.
THE PROCESS
The youth of San Francisco have the right to make informed decisions about cannabis based on factual information. We want to make sure that all San Francisco youth have safe, accurate resources for answering their questions about cannabis consumption.
Myths about weed passed around in schools and online can make getting real, honest answers difficult for teens. The information included here is shared with the intent to reduce the negative consequences associated with cannabis consumption for young people.
THE RESULTS
Youth Cannabis — Truth or Nah Campaign has reached thousands of youth throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The campaign revealed that individuals exposed to advertisements were less likely to start smoking than those with fewer advertisements. This provides positive feedback that the campaign is successful at helping youth make better decisions about smoking. Future studies should also assess whether the campaign effects youth use around e-cigarettes.
THE RECEPTION
The campaign was received as fresh and contemporary. Seeking to give youth agency over fear based communications and a model for other cities and states to follow as cannabis becomes illegal and more normalized around the united states.
““The Truth or Nah campaign is a step in the right direction, through the simple fact that it acknowledges that teenagers use weed. Ten years ago, it was hard to believe that there would ever be a government-funded health campaign that discusses pot brownies with kids.””
“An educational campaign aimed at youth, to dispel myths about cannabis use and warn of risks, was announced today by the San Francisco Department of Public Health.””
““Truth or Nah?” is the brainchild of San Francisco’s Department of Public Health and reflects its desire to ensure San Francisco’s youth have the facts about cannabis.”