Vaping/Cannabis Use Prevention, Support, Resources for Youth/Families

Published on May 20, 2025

Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH), in collaboration with community partners, encourages parents and caregivers to talk with their children about the risks and harms associated with smoking, vaping, and ingesting THC-containing cannabis products, such as edibles and gummies, all of which are appealing to youth due to their candy-like appearance and flavoring.

Adults who use tobacco, cannabis, or other substances and have children and youth in the household are advised to keep these products locked away, out of sight and out of reach. Children and youth who use THC-containing products can become very ill and are at increased risk of unintentional poisoning.  

The legal age for purchasing cannabis, tobacco, vape products, and smoking paraphernalia is 21. Sale of flavored tobacco products is illegal. TCWH recommends adults purchase cannabis products only from licensed dispensaries that are required to adhere to strict product quality and safety standards. TCWH strongly advises against using products of unknown source, quality, and content due to the risk of contamination. Synthetic substances, such as fentanyl, may often be added into unregulated drug products to increase consumption and are highly associated with risk of unintentional overdose death. 

Poisoning and overdose prevention awareness is strongly encouraged. Signs of an opioid overdose include stupor, changes in pupillary size (pinpoint size pupils), cold and clammy skin, cyanosis (blue discoloration of the skin), coma and respiratory failure leading to death.

Be prepared to respond to life-threatening emergencies:

• For a known poisoning emergency, call the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222, 24/7.
• For a suspected or known opioid overdose emergency, dial 911 and administer Narcan (naloxone). Carry Narcan at all times to be prepared for emergency situations.

• Free Narcan kits are available at many locations in Tompkins County:

• TC Whole Health (201 E. Green Street, downtown Ithaca and 55 Brown Road, Northeast Ithaca) - ask for at our front desks during business hours
• Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (CARS) (334 W. MLK/State Street, Ithaca) – indoors, during business hours
• REACH Medical (1001 W. Seneca Street, Ithaca) - indoors, during business hours
• Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP) (314 W. MLK/State Street, Ithaca) - outdoors, 24/7 access. STAP also offers free drug-checking services during business hours.
• Public Libraries:
  • Tompkins County Public Library (101 E Green Street, Ithaca) - indoor vending machine, available during business hours
  • Ulysses Philomathic Library (74 E Main Street, Trumansburg) - available indoors in the lobby, during business hours
  • Southworth Public Library (24 W Main Street, Dryden); Groton Public Library (112 E Cortland Street, Groton); and Lansing Community Library (27 Auburn Road, Lansing) all have outdoor, 24/7 accessible boxes.
• Get free Narcan in the mail: Individual Request for Supplies (MATTERS Network)
• For additional options, dial 211 (1-877-211-8667) 24/7. Or text your Zip code to TXT211 (898211). Available Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

Additional information on the harmful effects of cannabis on teens:

• CDC: Cannabis and Teens
• NYS Office of Addiction Services & Supports: Cannabis Toolkit for Parents and Mentors

Additional information about youth and vaping:

• Talking with Your Teen About Vaping (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - SAMHSA)
• Keep Your Focus, Not Your Fix Youth Anti-Vaping Campaign (T-Free Zone: Cortland, Tompkins & Chenango)
• Why are youth attracted to vaping? Student testimonial (American Heart Association)
• For more information, resources, and local support, visit: Tobacco-Free Zone: Cortland, Tompkins, Chenango
• Free, confidential support for teens and young adults:
  • Text DropTheVape to 88709, ages 13-24

Free, confidential support for individuals and family members facing mental health and/or substance use disorders:

• Call SAMHSA’s National Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.

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