THE LATEST UPDATES FROM ONEOHIO RECOVERY FOUNDATION: AUGUST 2026
A LETTER FROM ALISHA NELSON
The op-ed below ran in The Columbus Dispatch on August 21.
Ohioans Deserve an Education on How Marijuana Impacts Health
With cannabis now legal in Ohio, ensuring people have accurate information about its impacts is more important than ever. Access is no longer the central issue. Education is.
As cannabis becomes more widely used and socially accepted, Ohioans deserve clear, science-based information that helps them make informed decisions and understand the risks that can accompany its use.
A May polling suggests that need is becoming more urgent, as cannabis use rises while perceptions of risk continue to decline, especially around youth use and use during pregnancy.
Forty-one percent of Ohioans report currently using cannabis, up from 35% in 2024. More than two-thirds say cannabis has become more socially acceptable since legalization.
Those who are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant may hear claims that cannabis can help with nausea, stress or sleep, without also hearing clear information about possible risks. Young people may hear that it is harmless simply because it is legal for adults.
That is why our state leaders had the wisdom in the most recent state budget to set aside funding for a statewide public education campaign focused on cannabis risks. The goal is straightforward. We must provide clear, science-based information that helps Ohioans make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
The first phase will focus on pregnancy and maternal health. That focus is urgent. Among surveyed women who are pregnant or hope to become pregnant, 51% report using cannabis.
Nineteen percent of Ohioans now say cannabis use during pregnancy is acceptable, up from 14% in 2024. Among women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, that figure rises to 26%.
These numbers tell us where education, support and honest conversations are needed most.
Women deserve clear information from trusted voices and support that is practical and compassionate. They deserve to feel comfortable asking health care providers questions about cannabis use, pregnancy, nausea, anxiety, sleep and safer alternatives.
Youth prevention is just as essential.
A teenager's brain is still developing, especially in areas tied to judgment, memory, focus and emotions. When young people are exposed to THC during those years, the risks are different than they are for adults. We cannot wait until a young person is already struggling before we decide that prevention matters.
This campaign is exactly the kind of work the OneOhio Recovery Foundation was created to support. The Foundation's mission is to prevent substance misuse, promote recovery and build resilient communities. Across all 88 counties, we work with the people and organizations fighting addiction on the front lines of this battle, including prevention coalitions, treatment providers, recovery leaders, public health professionals, faith communities, families and advocates.
Our partners know prevention cannot be an afterthought. It must begin early, be rooted in facts and be delivered by trusted voices in the communities where people live, work, worship and raise their families.
This campaign is not about relitigating legalization.
Adult-use cannabis is legal in Ohio. But that does not mean we should ignore the risks for young people or for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. It does not mean we should allow misinformation or casual assumptions to fill the space where public education belongs.
As cannabis becomes more available and socially accepted, public education becomes more essential.
Ohio families deserve clear information from trusted voices. Young people deserve protection. Women deserve support. And every Ohioan deserves the chance to make informed decisions that safeguard their health, their future and their community.
Warm regards,
Alisha Nelson
Executive Director
OneOhio Recovery Foundation
PREGNANCY-FOCUSED PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF
OneOhio and the Ohio Department of Commerce first announced their partnership on a statewide public education campaign this spring to help Ohioans better understand the health and safety risks associated with cannabis. On July 23, the first phase of the cannabis education campaign — focused on pregnant women and women who may become pregnant — kicked off with a press conference in Columbus.
This phase is built around a simple and compassionate message that cannabis use during pregnancy isn’t worth the risk. There is no known safe amount of cannabis use during pregnancy, and families deserve clear information as they make decisions. The campaign encourages pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, their support systems, and health care providers to ask questions early and seek support from trusted medical professionals.
The campaign is not about casting blame. It is about prevention, informed decision-making, and helping Ohioans cut through mixed messages with practical resources that support healthier pregnancies and stronger families.
We've created a partner toolkit so you can help us create healthier Ohio communities by generating real conversations about cannabis use health risks. Go here to find pre-packaged resources across critical marketing channels like social media, email, posters, newsletters, and more.
To stay informed about the campaign, you can sign up for emails here.
REGIONAL GRANT CYCLE 2 UPDATE
At its August meeting, the OneOhio Board of Directors approved the first slate of Regional Grant Cycle 2 awards, investing more than $40.5 million in 206 projects that will strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery services in communities across Ohio.
The awards are the result of a rigorous, community-driven review process. Following an initial compliance review of 1,270 Funding Inquiries, OneOhio staff identified 1,096 eligible applications for regional review. Over the past three months, regional volunteers evaluated those applications and submitted funding recommendations, which were reviewed by the Expert Panel before Board approval.
Additional details about individual grant awards will be announced in the coming weeks, with announcements continuing on a rolling basis.
The Board of Directors are expected to vote on additional Grant Cycle 2 recommendations next month. Once grant awards are approved, applicants will need to sign a grant agreement before receiving funds. Because the review process remains active, Region recommendations must remain confidential.
All applicant questions should go to apply@oneohiofoundation.com, and media inquiries should be directed to press@oneohiofoundation.com.
ONEOHIO IN THE NEWS
Ohio launches first phase of marijuana education campaign focused on pregnant women– Cleveland.com
New campaign urges pregnant Ohioans to avoid cannabis– Toledo Blade
State, OneOhio urges pregnant Ohioans to avoid cannabis products– Statehouse News Bureau
Ohio health officials aim to explain risks of cannabis use while pregnant– NBC4
SPOTLIGHTING KEY OBSERVANCES
July saw some important observances, including National Deflection Week and the anniversary of Ohio’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. As we look ahead, upcoming observances remind us of the continued work needed to build healthier, stronger communities:
Celebrating the Impact of Nonprofits: National Nonprofit Day, observed on Aug. 17, recognizes the essential role nonprofit organizations play in strengthening communities.
Honoring Lives Lost to Overdose: International Overdose Awareness Day, observed on Aug. 31, is the world's largest campaign to end overdose, reduce stigma, remember those who have died, and support grieving families and communities.
Celebrating Recovery: National Recovery Month, observed each September, celebrates the millions of people living in recovery and reinforces that prevention, treatment, and recovery services help individuals lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
The next OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 23 at 10:00 AM and the County Commissioners Association of Ohio offices in Columbus. All meetings are open to the public, both in-person and virtually. Go to OneOhioFoundation.com/Meetings to learn more.
STAY INFORMED
Follow OneOhio on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn and help us share the latest Foundation news with others across the state.
Tune into the Foundation’s Board of Directors and committee meetings, which are always open to the public and posted on our website.
