05/28/2026
Each year, the Sonora Police Department receives $7,000 through Cannabis Dispensary development agreements to support drug awareness and education focused on ma*****na use. Previous projects include the “Know the Risks” campaign in partnership with the Tuolumne County Health Department and, more recently, the “Safe Summer Sonora” campaign.
This year, we are pleased to announce that Sonora Elementary 5th and 6th-graders received a presentation by Laura Stack, CEO and founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors. Johnny’s Ambassadors educates teens, parents, and communities about the risks of today’s potent THC products, including ma*****na, dabs, vapes, and edibles, and their impact on adolescent brain development, psychosis, and su***de. Their program emphasizes data-driven facts and clear messaging to promote youth awareness, prevention, and education about THC.
The event took place on Wednesday, May 20th, at 9:00 am at Sonora Elementary School. While the event was not open to the general public, local media was welcome to attend and report on the educational benefits provided to our students. Parents were notified of the event through the school’s standard protocols.
Sonora PD Project Manager, Steve Hart, identified middle school students as the ideal audience for this training based on research and local input. In collaboration with Lora Hunter, Principal of Sonora Elementary School, Steve arranged for this renowned speaker to visit Sonora.
Down below is the link to Johnny’s Ambassadors:
https://johnnysambassadors.org/