Ohio Department of Commerce, OneOhio Recovery Foundation announce $20M statewide public education campaign on marijuana risks
The Ohio Department of Commerce and the OneOhio Recovery Foundation have announced a new statewide public education campaign to help Ohioans better understand the health and safety risks of marijuana use.
The launch comes as new statewide polling shows marijuana use is increasing across Ohio while perceptions of risk are declining for certain behaviors, including use during pregnancy and among youth.
The initiative includes multiple statewide campaigns designed to support targeted prevention and education efforts for key populations, including expectant and prospective mothers, youth and Ohio’s workforce. The first phase, set to launch this summer, will focus on maternal health, followed by expanded efforts centered on youth prevention and employer partnerships to educate Ohio’s workforce. The largest investment will be dedicated to preventing youth marijuana use.
“Since my first day in office, combating addiction and protecting the health of Ohio families has been a top priority for our administration,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “With non-medical marijuana now legal in Ohio, it’s more important than ever that Ohioans — especially young people and mothers—have access to accurate information and understand the real consequences of use.”
Supported by $20 million appropriated in the state’s current operating budget, the campaign will be overseen by the Ohio Department of Commerce and developed with guidance from national prevention experts, including Truth Initiative.
Recent polling commissioned by OneOhio builds on research completed shortly after sales of non-medical marijuana commenced in 2024 and underscores the need for a statewide public education effort. Key findings include:
• Marijuana use among Ohio adults continues to rise. Forty-one percent of Ohioans report currently using marijuana, up from 35% in 2024, and nearly half of current users, 48%, say they use it daily.
• Legalization is changing public attitudes. Over two-thirds of Ohioans (67%) say marijuana has become more socially acceptable since legalization.
• Use is reported among many women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Fifty-one percent of women who are pregnant or hope to become pregnant say they use marijuana.
• Acceptance of marijuana use during pregnancy is increasing, particularly among groups most likely to be affected. Nineteen percent of Ohioans now say marijuana use during pregnancy is acceptable, up from 14% in 2024. That figure rises to 26% among women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy and 37% among younger women who currently use marijuana.
The campaign will execute a coordinated, multi-channel outreach effort to deliver clear, evidence-based information to Ohioans. Leveraging medical experts and informed by polling and focus group data, the initiative will actively address misinformation grounded in focus group and polling data, correct common misconceptions, and equip individuals with accurate, accessible information to make informed decisions. The effort will include targeted paid media, strategic community partnerships, and on-the-ground outreach coordinated by the Foundation.
“We’re seeing growing misconceptions about the risks associated with marijuana, and this campaign responds directly to what the research is telling us,” said OneOhio Recovery Foundation Executive Director Alisha Nelson. “Too many people underestimate those risks, especially for young people and during pregnancy. This effort is about ensuring Ohioans have clear, accurate information to protect their health and make informed decisions to safeguard their futures.”
The rapid growth of the non-medical marijuana market further reinforces the need for public education. Ohioans spent more than $836 million on non-medical marijuana products in 2025, the first full year of legal non-medical sales. Following the launch of non-medical marijuana sales in August 2024 through the end of that year, there was approximately $242 million in sales.
Underscoring the need for the first campaign, research shows many expectant mothers receive mixed messages about marijuana use during pregnancy. The campaign’s first phase is designed to cut through that confusion by providing clear, evidence-based guidance and to encourage conversations between patients and healthcare providers about risks, questions and safer alternatives.
“As we recognize Maternal Health Awareness Month in May, we are preparing to launch a campaign that meets moms-to-be with information they can trust,” Nelson added. “Our goal is to help expectant mothers understand the risks of marijuana use during pregnancy, encourage open conversations with healthcare providers and connect families with resources to support healthy decisions.”
Recent polling shows Ohioans strongly support public education on marijuana risks, and they trust community voices and healthcare experts most to deliver it. With strong statewide partnerships, OneOhio is well positioned to lead and deliver clear, credible information.
Additional details about the public education campaign will be announced soon. To learn more and sign up to receive campaign updates, visit www.oneohiofoundation.com/public-education.