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
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.
Local Control, Big Impact: Supporting Municipal Leaders in Cannabis Market Success
08/1/2025
Matthew Craig, director of government affairs at NJ-CRC, talks about his role in supporting municipal decision makers as they establish and facilitate safe and profitable local cannabis markets. He also explains the kind of control municipalities have over cannabis businesses in their towns and the benefits of municipalities opting in.
