Pubdate: Tue, 21 Nov 2000 Source: Kentucky Post (KY) Copyright: 2000 Kentucky Post Contact: 421 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011 Website: http://www.kypost.com/ Author: Shelly Micham Note: Shelly Micham is an information specialist at NorthKey Regional Prevention Center in Florence. NorthKey is dedicated to substance use and abuse education and prevention in Northern Kentucky. PARENTAL CONCERN: WEAPON IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS The United States is in the middle of a drug problem of national proportions, especially among our young people. Of the many illegal drugs available, marijuana is nearly always the first drug used by children and teen-agers. Since 1991, lifetime marijuana use has doubled among eighth and tenth grade students, and has increased by a third among high school seniors. No parent can afford to underestimate the incredible peer influence to use marijuana. Studies show that along with the increase in marijuana use, there has been a significant decline in anti-drug perceptions and lack of drug knowledge among young people today. Furthermore, the number of young people who view marijuana as harmful also has decreased. These changes in perception and knowledge may be due to a decrease in anti-drug messages in the media, an increase in pro-drug messages through the popular culture, and a lack of awareness among parents about the resurgence in marijuana use. Marijuana is not a single substance; it contains over 400 different chemicals and compounds. Among these is a unique group called cannabinoids. All forms of cannabinoids are mind-altering (psychoactive) drugs. The best known compound in this group is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly called delta-9-THC-or THC. It is the THC compound that is the primary mind-altering compound in marijuana. Marijuana's effect on the user depends on the strength or potency of the THC it contains. What most parents do not know is that THC potency has increased since the 1970s. Most street marijuana contains, on average, 3 percent THC. Marijuana has negative physical and mental effects. Use of marijuana may impair or reduce short-term memory, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Children and teen-agers start using marijuana for many reasons. Curiosity and the desire to fit into a social group are among the most common. Children and teen-agers who already have begun to smoke cigarettes and/or use alcohol are at high risk for marijuana use. There is no magic bullet for preventing children and teen-agers from using marijuana. However, parents can be influential by remaining actively engaged in their children's lives and talking to their children about the dangers of using marijuana. Even after children enter high school, par ents should stay involved with their children's social activities. Research shows that appropriate parental monitoring can reduce future drug use. Remember that parents, grandparents and older siblings in the home are all role models for children. To find out more about marijuana, please call the NorthKey Regional Prevention Center at 1-800-432-9337 or 859-283-0952. We are dedicated to alcohol, tobacco and other drug education and prevention in Northern Kentucky. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry F