Current Issues
Marijuana
The second and third most commonly used substances by youth in Jones County are THC from marijuana and nicotine. See below the statistics from the Jones County Iowa Youth Survey (IYS) taken by 11th grade students in November of 2021.
11% reported using e-cigs/vapes (decreased after increasing sharply between the 2016 and 2018 Jones County IYS, from 10% to 22%.)
5% reported using marijuana (decreased after increasing sharply between 2014 and 2016 IYS, from 7% to 11%, and stayed the same from 2018 to 2021 IYS.)
Marijuana is not the same drug it was between the 70’s and 90’s. The potency level has increased greatly even in the raw plant material from 1-3% to 30%+ THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol- the psychoactive part of the plant). The methods of consuming THC have gone beyond smoking to include vaping, dabbing and edibles with extremely high THC potency levels, up to 99% THC. Sometimes parents or even youth, do not know what is in a vape or an edible. Edibles are often in candy shapes and flavors with several servings in just one gummy bear or cookie. Damage to the teen brain and chances of addiction to marijuana and other illegal drugs have also increased greatly.
To find more information and resources to address marijuana use prevention visit these resources.
SAM’s
SAM’s primary focus is educating the public about the harms of marijuana legalization—a policy which has consistently placed corporate profits and addiction ahead of public health. We provide information on the harms of such policies to interested parties for use in...
Johnny’s Ambassadors
Johnny’s Ambassadors is a non-partisan, non-profit, grass-roots alliance of individuals and organizations around the globe concerned about the harms of youth marijuana use. We are an army of educated advocates, who are going out into the world and starting tough...
Partnership To End Addiction
At Partnership to End Addiction we strive to address racial inequality and injustice, both within our organization and through our work. We adopt practices that promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the services we provide, the families we seek to...
To find more information about nicotine use and vaping prevention visit these websites:
Quitline
The Quitline is here to help you be successful in your quit journey! Our free tobacco cessation program is based on proven strategies that have helped more than 1.5 million people quit tobacco. Our professional quit coaches and online community provide the support you...
My Life, My Quit
My Life, My Quit™ is the free and confidential way to quit smoking or vaping. Text "Start My Quit" to 36072 or click to chat with a Coach. We are here for you every step of the way. It's YOUR LIFE and we're here to help you live it YOUR WAY.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is the leading advocacy organization working to reduce tobacco use and its deadly consequences in the United States and around the world. Through strategic communications and policy advocacy campaigns, we promote the adoption of...
Truth Initiative
Truth Initiative is America's largest nonprofit public health organization committed to making tobacco use and nicotine addiction a thing of the past.