Concerns over cannabis sales took center stage at the Redondo Beach Youth Commission meeting on January 6, 2024, as community members voiced apprehensions about the potential impact on local youth. With six shops selling smoking products along Artesia Boulevard, the conversation highlighted the dangers of habit-forming substances in neighborhoods frequented by families and young people.

A speaker emphasized the need for awareness and education regarding the health risks associated with smoking and cannabis use. Drawing parallels to the historical struggles against tobacco, they urged youth commissioners to conduct thorough research on the effects of cannabis on brain development and to share their findings with peers. The speaker pointed out that while cannabis is now legal and marketed as a remedy for various ailments, it remains a substance that can lead to addiction.

The meeting underscored the importance of informed discussions among youth about the implications of cannabis legalization and the presence of smoke shops in their community. As Redondo Beach moves forward with licensing cannabis sales, the call for vigilance and education among young residents has never been more critical. The Youth Commission is poised to play a vital role in shaping the conversation around substance use and its effects on their generation.