Important decisions are happening throughout the state around marijuana legalization. As county and city agencies explore how legalized cannabis impacts their residents, opportunities exist to engage the community in these conversations.

Recently, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors acted to develop a process for community engagement to listen to concerns and needs around tax revenue generated from marijuana sales. Each Supervisor is taking a responsive approach to bring residents together for discussion. Community conversations will help provide a clearer understanding of marijuana's potential impacts on communities.

It is widely expected that cannabis legalization will lead to greater use, acceptance, and normalization of recreational marijuana—this may especially have unintended health consequences for pregnant women and children. Research in other states with legalized marijuana shows an increase in accidental marijuana exposures in young children and increased use among adolescents, especially those of color, after legalization.

We know that strong family connections built during early childhood help create resilience and protect against substance misuse. While communities examine public health concerns around cannabis, upstream efforts should be considered in support of early childhood development. Information on health and equity impacts and the importance of prevention can be found here.

We would like to thank the Board of Supervisors and local leaders for their responsive approach to engage the community in conversations around marijuana tax revenue. Below, please find the dates, times, and locations of upcoming meetings. These are subject to change, so please check here for updates.      

• Friday, March 16: Supervisor Mary Adams
  • 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. ' CHOMP Outpatient Campus, Ranch Poppy & Lupine Conference Room ' 2 Upper Ragsdale Drive, Suite D230 Monterey
• Tuesday, March 20: Supervisor Luis Alejo
  • 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. ' Martin Luther King Jr. Academy Multi-Purpose Room/Cafeteria ' 925 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas
• Wednesday, March 21: Supervisor Jane Parker
  • 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. ' Oldemeyer Center, Laguna Grande Hall ' 986 Hilby Ave, Seaside
• Tuesday, March 27: Supervisor John Phillips
  • 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. ' Castroville Library ' 11160 Speegle St, Castroville
• Wednesday, March 28: Supervisor Simón Salinas
  • 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. ' King City Recreation Center ' 401 Division Street, King City
• Meetings Flyer in English and Spanish

Besides county meetings, CASP is also hosting a conversation about cannabis tax revenue spending policy in local jurisdictions.

• Monday, March 12 ' 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ' City of Salinas Rotunda ' 200 Lincoln Avenue, Salinas ' Learn More

More information, resources, and early childhood talking points for local champions can be foundhere.