As legal cannabis sales continue to expand across New York, state officials have launched a new public education initiative aimed at helping residents separate fact from fiction when it comes to marijuana use.

The campaign, called "Cannabis Honestly," was created by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management to provide information about cannabis and answer common questions about its use.

The launch comes as New York's adult-use cannabis industry continues to generate significant revenue for municipalities that allow legal sales.

According to state figures, local governments on Long Island that permit cannabis dispensaries — all currently located in Suffolk County — collected approximately $13 million in cannabis sales tax revenue from products sold between April 2023 and April 2025.

While supporters point to the tax revenue as a benefit for local communities, some addiction treatment professionals say the growth of the industry raises concerns about public health.

"Just because it's legal doesn't mean it's healthy for you," said Steve Chassman of Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research in Calverton.

Chassman, a licensed clinical social worker, says he and his colleagues have seen an increase in cannabis-related treatment cases since legalization.

"Here at Wellbridge, and as a licensed clinical social worker for 32 years, we've been seeing the increase of THC and cannabis use disorder since legalization that has gone up exponentially," Chassman said.

He says public health considerations should remain a priority as cannabis sales and tax revenue continue to increase.

"I think New York State, with all the billions of dollars, when you pit monetary gain and public health, we don't want public health to lose," Chassman said.

State officials say the Cannabis Honestly campaign is designed to provide science-based information about cannabis, including potential risks, safer-use practices and resources for those seeking help.