Substance Use Prevention

Cannabis prevention focuses on reducing youth access, promoting safe and informed choices, and supporting community education. Polk County Public Health works with community partners to support prevention efforts that protect youth and promote healthy decision-making.

Cannabis And Substance Use Prevention (CSUP) Grant

Polk County Public Health participates in the Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention (CSUP) grant to strengthen prevention efforts related to cannabis, alcohol, commercial tobacco, and other substances.

CSUP prevention efforts may include:

• Community prevention and education
• Youth prevention strategies
• Collaboration with schools and community partners
• Resource sharing and referrals

Minnesota Cannabis Laws

In Minnesota, adults age 21 and older may legally possess, use, and transport amounts of cannabis and cannabis products. Legal limits vary by product type and whether use or possession occurs in public or private settings.

The current laws regarding cannabis in Minnesota can be found at the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.

Safe And Responsible Use

Cannabis should always be used responsibly. Driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence of cannabis is illegal. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have mental health concerns, or take prescription medications should talk with a health care provider before using cannabis.

Cannabis products should be stored safely in child-resistant, clearly labeled packaging and kept locked away. If cannabis use begins to interfere with daily life, relationships, work, or school, consider speaking with a health care provider or substance use counselor.

Talking With Youth About Cannabis

Open, honest conversations with youth help prevent underage use and support healthy choices. Parents, caregivers, and trusted adults play an important role by setting clear expectations and creating a safe space for questions.

For practical tips and conversation starters for talking with youth about cannabis, visit the Speaking of Cannabis website

Why Using Cannabis at a Young Age Can Be Problematic

Using cannabis before the brain is fully developed can increase health, safety, and legal risks for youth.

Brain Development
Using cannabis at a young age can cause physical changes in the developing brain, which may affect memory, learning, attention, and decision-making.

Lung Health
Inhaling cannabis smoke exposes the lungs to toxins and chemicals, including ammonia and components of tar, which can increase the risk of lung and breathing problems.

Mental Health
Youth who use cannabis may be more likely to experience anxiety, depression, or thoughts of suicide, especially if they have a family history of mental health conditions.

Legal Consequences
If a person under the age of 21 is found with any amount of cannabis, both the youth and the person who supplied it may face legal consequences.

Protective Factors That Help Prevent Youth Substance Use

Certain protective factors can help youth make healthy choices and reduce the likelihood of substance use. These include:

• Strong interpersonal skills that help youth achieve social and personal goals
• The ability to adapt to change and manage stress in healthy ways
• Developmentally appropriate opportunities to be involved with family, school, and community
• Community, family, and peer attitudes that discourage substance use
• Economic stability and access to positive opportunities within their community

Supporting these protective factors helps create environments, both at home and in the community, where youth can thrive and make healthy decisions.

Opioid misuse and overdose continue to impact communities across Minnesota. Polk County Public Health works to reduce opioid-related harm through prevention, education, and community partnerships.

Opioid Settlement Advisory Council

Polk County is committed to reducing the negative impacts associated with opioid use disorders by partnering with key sectors through the Opioid Settlement Advisory Council. The council guides the use of National Opioid Settlement funds to save lives and prevent further harm.

For more information, visit the Opioid Settlement Advisory Council

Safe Prescription Drug Disposal

Unused or expired prescription medications can contribute to misuse if not disposed of properly. Safely disposing of medications helps prevent accidental poisoning, misuse, and diversion.

• Resource: Safe Prescription Drug Disposal (PDF)

Commercial tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. It causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and other serious health conditions for people who use tobacco and those exposed to secondhand smoke.

Minnesota Resources 

Quit Partner (1-800-QUIT-NOW)
Quit Partner is Minnesota’s free quit-tobacco program for people who want to stop smoking, vaping, chewing, or using other commercial tobacco products.

Support options include coaching, text and email support, online tools, and quit medications (when eligible).

• Phone: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
• Website: Quit Partner

My Life, My Quit (Youth ages 13–17)
A free and confidential quit program designed specifically for teens who vape or use tobacco. Youth can text, call, or chat with trained coaches.

• Website: My Life, My Quit
• Text: “START” to 34191

American Indian Quitline
Culturally tailored quit support for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, including access to coaching and nicotine replacement therapy.

• Phone: 1-888-7AI-QUIT (1-888-724-7848)
• Website: American Indian Quitline

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. These can include violence, abuse, and growing up in households with mental health or substance use challenges.

Toxic stress from ACEs can affect brain development and increase the risk of chronic disease, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. ACEs can be prevented through education, support, and protective factors.

Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Community Health Services has certified trainers within our Community Health Board who offer outreach, education, and resources related to ACEs.

Additional information: https://familywiseservices.org/