New York Cannabis Office Releases Listen and Learn Report on Community Cannabis Education Feedback

New York marijuana regulators have released a new report highlighting what young people, parents and other trusted adults say they need when it comes to marijuana education, with findings based on more than 450 participants across 23 listening sessions.

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management announced the release of its Listen and Learn Report on Wednesday, saying the findings will help shape future public health campaigns, youth engagement strategies and educational resources.

The report was developed through listening sessions held in partnership with 19 community-based organizations across 11 counties. Participants included 300 youth ages 11 to 17, along with 144 trusted adults such as parents, guardians, family members, teachers and mentors.

According to OCM, the sessions found that young people are actively looking for information about marijuana, but many face barriers to having open, judgment-free conversations with adults. Mental health was one of the most common topics raised, appearing in 85% of youth discussions.

The report also found that nearly 60% of youth identified parents or caregivers as their most trusted source of information. At the same time, many adults said they feel unprepared or lack confidence when discussing marijuana, health effects and legal guidelines.

“This report reflects exactly what we set out to do—listen,” said John Kagia, acting executive director of OCM. “What we heard is clear: young people want honest, fact-based information, and trusted adults want the tools to have those conversations. This work helps ensure our policies and public education efforts are grounded in real experiences and real needs.”

Dr. June Chin, OCM’s chief medical officer, said education is essential as New York continues building its regulated marijuana market, particularly when it comes to protecting young people.

“This report reinforces the need for clear, science-based information that helps families understand cannabis, reduces misinformation, and supports safer decision-making,” Chin said.

OCM said the report will guide how the agency approaches marijuana education statewide, with a focus on culturally relevant messaging, public health and community input.

New York legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with the state’s first licensed adult-use dispensary opening in December 2022. Adults 21 and older may possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana and up to 24 grams of concentrated marijuana. The state taxes adult-use marijuana through a 9% state excise tax, with an additional 4% local excise tax split between counties and municipalities.