Prevention group tells Vernon board nicotine, potent cannabis remain risks despite lower overall youth use

Tina Awey, director of prevention at the Center for Prevention and Counseling, told the Vernon Township Board of Education on March 20 that youth use of substances in Sussex County has “trended downward” overall but that the products being used now are “more dangerous than they've ever been.”

Awey said prevention work aims to delay the first use of alcohol, nicotine and marijuana because early use raises the risk of later problems. “Our job as prevention specialists is to delay the onset of use for as long as possible,” she said.

Awey and agency colleagues warned about counterfeit pills and high‑potency cannabis: they said law enforcement has found fentanyl in many pills seized nationally and that THC levels in some vaping cartridges can reach 60–80 percent or higher. Awey cited federal seizure data discussed in the presentation, saying about “5 out of the 10 pills” confiscated had lethal doses of fentanyl at peak points.

Elise, the agency’s Northern New Jersey coordinator, described local policy options and enforcement gaps for retailers and online sales. Ashley, the agency’s prevention supervisor, summarized school‑based programming run in Vernon for grades 2–8 and said the group is seeking grant funding to extend a ninth‑grade program next year.

Presenters described school‑based alternatives to suspension for students caught with vape devices. Aspen‑style online programs and a peer program called Incorruptible.us were cited as local options; Awey highlighted Aspire — an online, MD Anderson–linked module used as an in‑school alternative for first offenses. “If they're suspended outside of school, they're most likely still vaping,” a presenter said in explaining why in‑school alternatives are preferred.

The presenters urged parents and educators to watch for flavored, concealable vapes and devices that mimic USBs, and to treat vape devices as potential delivery systems for either nicotine or THC because they are difficult to distinguish visually.

Board members and residents asked how students obtain devices. Presenters said the main channels are vape shops, online retailers and social networks. On enforcement, presenters noted state and federal actions — including an attorney general letter and FDA civil penalties — but said inspections and enforcement capacity are limited, and that municipalities can use local licensing and fines to restrict sales.

The presentation also listed local funding partners and programs that support prevention work in Vernon, including New Jersey Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, opioid settlement funds from the county, and grants from Newton Medical Center. Attendees were given printed materials and contact information for follow‑up.

The presentation was followed by a short question‑and‑answer period with board members and residents about program access and enforcement.