New York officials are strengthening prevention efforts as more young people encounter cannabis through homes, unregulated sellers and online content, according to Spectrum News.
The Office of Cannabis Management and state Department of Health are studying how to reduce underage use as legal sales grow and cannabis-related emergency visits reveal new patterns.
Licensed dispensaries must check identification, secure products and use child-resistant packaging and labels that do not appeal to people younger than 21.
State officials said many children become aware of cannabis by age 9 or 10 through social media, music videos and other digital content, years before formal health education often begins.
Regulators are urging adults to lock cannabis away, discuss its risks with children and avoid sharing products with anyone underage.
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