Bill would force state to inform parents on dangers of weed, tobacco, vaping

Senate Bill 433 would require the state to develop guidance about tobacco, vaping and marijuana products
Several speakers said they were concerned about young people using these products
Marijuana use is legal in Michigan but not for those under 21

Some lawmakers in Lansing want Michigan to better educate students on the dangers of using marijuana, tobacco and vapes. One idea: Educate the parents too, and enlist them in the fight.

Lawmakers discussed Tuesday a proposal to require the state health department to provide guidance on the dangers of tobacco, vaping and marijuana products yearly. Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, public and private schools would be required to distribute this resource to parents of students.

State Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, said the measure will “reach families where they are and help them have honest conversations with their kids about the real dangers of these products.”

A substitute version of the bill discussed Tuesday would also require guidance on how to recognize signs of THC poisoning and how to respond, Polehanki said.

Polehanki said this bill is similar to a recent law passed that requires the state to provide guidance about safely storing guns. School districts are required to distribute this information.

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“Just as unsecured firearms pose a serious risk to children, so too does THC, cannabis and vaping,” said Olivia Ponte, legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of Education.

Several speakers at Tuesday’s Senate Education Committee meeting said they were concerned about children and teens having access to tobacco, nicotine or marijuana products.

Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, said he supports the legislative effort. He said his friend’s teenage son struggled with vaping.

“What starts as fun is, ‘oh, well, I’ll try, I’ll try it.’ And then they’re hooked, and it’s a real problem.”

The bill comes as recent studies show the popularity of marijuana.

The University of Michigan’s annual Monitoring the Future Panel study found that 22% of adults between the ages of 19 and 30 used either cannabis, alcohol or both to sleep.

Vaping marijuana has also increased in popularity among young people.

National survey data published last month shows that among eighth graders who reported using marijuana in 2024, 57% said they vaped the drug, up from 48% in 2021.

Marijuana vaping also increased from 60% to 66% for 10th graders and 58% to 67% for 12th graders.

Several groups submitted cards in support of the legislation including the Michigan Association of School Boards, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association.

The committee has not yet voted on the bill.