Established in 2012 as the Community Alcohol Coalition (CAC), the CACs purpose was to address underage and binge drinking in St. Mary’s County. With the use of recreational marijuana passing in the 2022 state election, the CAC deemed it necessary to include the issues of cannabis use as it relates to young people in St. Mary’s County. The CAC, now known as the Cannabis & Alcohol Coalition, addresses the negative impacts of the use of cannabis among young people as well as underage and binge drinking. The CAC is a volunteer, community-based organization that provides community outreach, public awareness campaigns, and guidance for implementing change in the community. The CAC relies heavily on community members’ and organizations’ commitment and involvement to implement its designated strategies successfully.
Outreach, Training, and Public Awareness
The active group of community-minded people who lead the CAC continues their efforts to address the impact of cannabis and alcohol use on St. Mary’s County youth and young adults. Activities of the CAC include:
- Host and participate in community events to raise awareness and provide information.
- Promote continuous training and education to assist and update alcohol and cannabis retailers in the prevention of underage sales.
- Develop and implement comprehensive communication campaigns utilizing social media, print ads, online ads, digital ads, printed materials, promotional items, billboards, PSAs, and posters that highlight the risks associated with underage cannabis use, drinking, and binge drinking.
- Develop and implement policy change and serve as advocates for issues related to underage cannabis use, drinking, and binge drinking.
