Another holiday season has arrived\u2014and, with it, another round of public service announcements from regulators in states that have legalized marijuana that are aimed at advising people about how to comply with the law and stay safe amid the merriment.<\/p>\n
This has become something of a trend over recent years, with states increasingly using the annual occasion to promote messaging focused on education over stigma to help cannabis consumers better understand the laws\u2014particularly around impaired driving\u2014while also offering advice to prevent overindulgence.<\/p>\n
This year, cannabis regulators in New Jersey and Virginia have put out holiday-themed social media and blog posts about safe consumption practices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe holidays are a time for food, fun, laughter, and connecting with the people who make life sweeter,\u201d the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) said. \u201cAnd as more adults in New Jersey choose to enjoy, or gift legal cannabis during the season, the NJ-CRC has launched its second safe-use campaign, S.M.A.R.T., to help keep celebrations (relatively) stress-free.\u201d<\/p>\n
The acronym stands for \u201cSafe, Mindful, Aware, Responsible and Thoughtful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cS.M.A.R.T. is an easy way to remember the basics of responsible cannabis use, especially when travel is constant, roads are chaotic, homes are busy, and curious little ones are wandering,\u201d the officials said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether you\u2019re a host, a guest, a first-time weed shopper, someone who already knows their way around a dispensary, or can roll up with one hand, being S.M.A.R.T. helps everyone to relax and enjoy the season,\u201d the state blog post says<\/a>. \u201cBe Safe. Be Mindful. Be Aware. Be Responsible. Be Thoughtful. Be S.M.A.R.T. this holiday season.\u201d<\/p>\n