Dr. Christopher Lynch with Atlantic Health. He presented on ‘Social Media and Mental Health: Guidance to Help Young People Avoid Pitfalls and Find Balance ’

Dr. Voth presented on Rescheduling Cannabis (Marijuana) Truth and Consequences

Tina George presented on The Impact of Substance Use on Athletic Performance

Spring Teen Summit

The presenters covered the benefits of yoga for mental and behavioral health, including its role in stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. They discussed yoga as a complementary approach in mental health treatment and substance use recovery, reviewed current research—particularly for adolescents and young adults—and demonstrated basic breathing and mindfulness techniques used in trauma-informed and substance prevention programs. The session also highlighted the connection between chronic stress, trauma, and substance use, and how yoga-based practices support healing and prevention.

Mr. Dale Quigley provided an overview of evidence-based scientific research on modern high-potency cannabis products. The presentation addressed the public health and public safety implications of legalization, including associations with violence and international cannabis trafficking, and examined historical and current data to identify emerging trends in the United States.

This session offered a deeper understanding of substance use disorders, outlined Operation RISE’s comprehensive support and recovery pathways, and explained how the NJSP Drug Monitoring Analysis Unit (DMAU) uses available data to support public safety and public health partners by identifying individuals, populations, and hotspot areas. Presented by Michele Schreffer-Perez.