Concerns over youth cannabis use took center stage at the Redondo Beach Youth Commission meeting on January 6, 2024, as a public speaker presented alarming data linking storefront cannabis dispensaries to increased usage among young people. The speaker, an event-trained immunologist, emphasized that recent findings from the California Department of Public Health indicate a minimum 26% rise in cannabis use among youth in areas with dispensaries.

The speaker urged the commission to consider the implications of this data, highlighting that the presence of dispensaries normalizes cannabis use for younger demographics. "We can do better for our city," they stated, advocating for a proactive approach to public health and youth safety.

In a notable move, the speaker submitted three documents for public record, including a public health report and a resolution addressing cannabis concerns. The commission quickly moved to accept these documents, with a unanimous vote to include them in the public record.

The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in addressing public health issues, with the speaker encouraging youth to reach out to their council members and advocate for informed policies. As the discussion concluded, the commission reaffirmed its commitment to considering the implications of cannabis legislation on the youth of Redondo Beach.