Official Site of The State of New Jersey
In this episode of CRC High Points, Toni-Anne Blake, communications director at the NJ-CRC, sits down with Diane Litterer, CEO and executive director of the New Jersey Prevention Network (NJPN). With more than 35 years of experience in addiction prevention, Diane shares research-backed strategies for keeping young people informed and empowered to make healthy choices, The conversation covers how to talk to kids and teens about cannabis, why age-specific messaging matters, and how NJPN’s prevention tools are helping families and communities discourage underage use through education, communication, and access to resources.
Previous Blog Posts
Cannabis and PTSD
09/23/2025
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can happen after someone has lived through distressing or life-threatening events. People with PTSD may have disturbing flashbacks, nightmares, or be overly guarded. It can cause trouble sleeping, mood swings, or disruptions to daily life. This mental health condition is the third most common condition participants in New Jersey’s Medicinal Cannabis Program are treating with cannabis Many patients, including veterans, turn to cannabis when other treatments are not enough or don't work.
Safe use, smart storage: Preventing cannabis poisoning with NJ Poison Control
09/5/2025
In this episode of High Points, Danielle Bartsche, MPH, BS, CHES, who focuses on epidemiology and community outreach for the New Jersey Poison Control Center, discusses how cannabis poisoning can affect adults, children, and pets, what symptoms to look out for, and what steps to take if an overdose is suspected. Danielle also highlights how New Jersey’s packaging requirements, consumer education, and the availability of Poison Control support are helping to reduce risks and promote responsible cannabis use.
New Jersey now has cannabis lounges
08/5/2025
New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act makes it clear where you shouldn’t light up and risk being a nuisance or health hazard for others. No smoking in indoor public spaces like restaurants, bars, or offices. No smoking in public parks, or on beaches. With all the spaces where you cannot smoke, cannabis users now have legal spaces to smoke cannabis socially outside their homes—cannabis consumption areas. Imagine meeting friends for happy hour, but at a dispensary’s cannabis lounge instead of your local bar, and without alcohol.
