Central MetroWest Substance Awareness & Prevention Collaborative
Uniting communities through connection and collaboration to prevent youth substance use and misuse, foster a culture of wellness, and ensure every young person has the support they need to thrive.
%
of youth haven’t vaped or used alcohol in the last 30 days
%
of youth haven’t used cannabis in the last 30 days.
%
of students report having a supportive adult in their lives.
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Uniting Communities through Connection & Collaboration
Whether you’re a parent or caregiver, or youth looking for guidance, an educator seeking resources, or a community member eager to create change, CMSAPC brings seven communities together to build a healthier, united region.
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Support for parents, caregivers, and youth
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Educational resources for educators
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Community health and prevention programs
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Opportunities to lead local change
Explore Our Local Coalitions
Ashland
Hudson
Marlborough
Natick
Northborough
Southborough
Westborough
View All Communities
Youth Substance Use Prevention Resources
Community Events
View our Events Calendar to stay informed about workshops, training sessions, and wellness activities happening across Central MetroWest.
Follow Us & Join the CMSAPC Online Community
You are not alone if you’ve been unsure about talking to your child about cannabis. It’s normal to worry, hesitate, or even second-guess yourself. But silence doesn’t protect young people, information and support do.
The most powerful message you can send isn’t about cannabis is about your relationship: “I’m here for you, no matter what. You can always talk to me.”
You don’t need a one-time chat, you need ongoing conversations. Replace pressure with consistency.
Keep these goals in mind:
💬 Talk early
💬 Talk calmly
💬 Talk honestly
💬 Talk often
Don’t wait for a perfect moment, create simple ones. Use car rides, walks, TV time, or meal times. These small windows add up to big impact!
Here is a simple conversation framework you can use right away: The “Listen–Learn–Share” Method
When in doubt, follow this simple 3-step structure:
Listen 👂 “What have you heard about cannabis at school?”
Learn ✍️ “Why do you think some people your age might try it?”
Share 💬 “My main concern is your health and safety. I hope you’ll choose to delay use because your brain is still developing.”
Short. Calm. Relatable. Effective. Try it out and let us know how it goes!
Barrier #8: “I don’t think it’s a big deal if they try it, it’s legal now.”
Legal does not mean safe, especially for growing brains. Cannabis can affect memory, attention, mood regulation, and motivation during adolescence. Starting early increases risk of harm, including dependency.
What you can say: “Cannabis may be legal for adults, but your brain is still developing. That means the risks are higher for you than for someone over 21.”
EN 
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PT