The Vermont Health Department launched a new website earlier this week to educate its citizens about how cannabis – including marijuana, hashish, weed and pot – could impact their overall health.

The "Let's Talk Cannabis" site includes science-based information on cannabis, ranging from its effects on youth and people who are pregnant and breastfeeding to responsible use among adults to information for health care providers. Adults ages 21 and older may possess up to 1 ounce and consume marijuana in the Green Mountain State, but only patients who have a medical marijuana prescription may purchase cannabis, according to the health department.

"With changes in the legal landscape surrounding possession and use, it's important that people understand how it can affect their health," Dr. Mark Levine, Vermont's health commissioner, said in a press release. "As with all substance use, consumption of cannabis can be unhealthy. Let's Talk Cannabis gives Vermonters the information they need to make safe and informed choices."

In particular, the department is hoping to reach certain groups, such as people who breastfeed, may become pregnant or are pregnant as well as young people. Nearly one quarter – 24% – of Vermont high school students reported using marijuana in the past 30 days in 2017, according to the state's Youth Risk Behavior Survey, while 37% reported having ever tried marijuana. And marijuana past-month and past-year use in Vermont was higher across all ages than the national average, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.