New York State's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has launched a public awareness campaign, "Cannabis Honestly," which is drawing criticism for allegedly targeting minors and normalizing marijuana use. Launched in July, the campaign's advertisements and website content have been described as deceptive and potentially in violation of state law prohibiting marijuana advertising to individuals under 21.
One advertisement, spotted on the R train, features a young-looking individual with the tagline "MIXING WEED AND ALCOHOL IS RISKIER." Critics argue this implies that marijuana use alone is acceptable for young people. Another subway ad states, "CANNABIS IS LEGAL FOR ADULTS 21+ IN NEW YORK STATE," which some interpret as encouraging teens to ask adults to purchase cannabis for them.
The "Cannabis Honestly" website, intended as the campaign's central hub, contains information for parents and young people. For parents, it advises storing cannabis "like you would other medications" and engaging in "risk reduction coaching," such as asking, "I’d like to start with understanding what you enjoy about using weed." The site also suggests avoiding mixing cannabis with alcohol and being aware of product potency.
Critics contend that framing cannabis as a "medication" is misleading, citing studies that question its efficacy for treating conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. A systematic review published in The Lancet Psychiatry in April found no evidence of cannabis effectiveness for these conditions. Similarly, research in the Journal of the American Medical Association in November concluded that evidence from randomized clinical trials does not support cannabis use for most promoted conditions.
Furthermore, the campaign's messaging to teens is described as downplaying risks associated with adolescent marijuana use. The website states, "Weed can change how you think and feel in the moment. It can make you feel anxious, panicked, or paranoid. It can even make anxiety or depression feel worse." This approach is contrasted with research linking adolescent cannabis use to an increased risk of psychotic and bipolar disorders, as well as depression and anxiety. A February study in the JAMA Health Forum indicated a more than doubled risk of later-in-life psychotic disorders following adolescent use.
The OCM website does mention risks such as psychosis, depression, and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition causing severe vomiting. However, a disclaimer about CHS states, "Not everyone who uses cannabis regularly will develop" the condition. Critics argue this minimizes the potential dangers.
The campaign's overall content is described by critics as presenting a "soft soap" on the risks, failing to convey the urgency needed for effective drug abuse prevention. Instead, it is characterized as taxpayer-funded advertising for the marijuana industry, implying that cannabis can be used safely, particularly by young adults once they reach legal age.