Many people think opioids are the main drugs plaguing communities around Central New York.

"In the city of Syracuse, heroin is not the major issue, especially among youth,” said Charles Jackson, the Syracuse Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition coordinator or Y-SAP.

Jackson says it's alcohol and cannabis affecting Syracuse teenagers.

"Underage drinking was typically happening at home or at a friend's house,” said Jackson. “For cannabis use, that's widespread."

Y-SAP focuses on reducing substance use among sixth to 12th graders, including cannabis, prescription drugs, and alcohol.

"Up until the age of 25 your brain continues to develop and cannabis slows that process down,” said Jackson. “The other part to it, there is a socioeconomic effect to it. They graduate, but they're a chronic marijuana smoker. What kind of job will they be able to get?"

Jackson says in a survey of about 3,000 students, 16 percent used substances.

"Our view is two young people or three young people too many,” said Jackson. “In a community like Syracuse that has its challenges, the last thing we need is an extra challenge."

Jackson says the best prevention methods include education and community engagement.

"All they need is that positive reinforcement that there are adults out there who believe in them,” said Jackson.

Cayuga and Oswego counties also received the federal grant. YSAP is holding a Cannabis Town Hall on Tuesday at the Bevard Studio at 6 p.m. where they will discuss the impacts of cannabis use on youth and the community.