Pubdate: Mon, 18 Jun 2012
Source: Times-Tribune, The (Scranton PA)
Copyright: 2012 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.thetimes-tribune.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4440
Authors: David Crary and Kristen Wyatt
Page: 8

EASING POT LAWS POSES CHALLENGE

DENVER - Michael Jolton was a young father with a 5-year-old son when 
Colorado legalized medical marijuana in 2000. Now he's got three 
boys, the oldest near adulthood, and finds himself repeatedly 
explaining greenleafed marijuana ads and "free joint" promotions 
endemic in his suburban hometown.

"I did not talk to my oldest son about marijuana when he was 8 years 
old. We got to talk about fun stuff. Now with my youngest who's 8, we 
have to talk about this," said Mr. Jolton, a consultant from Lakewood.

A marijuana opponent with a just-say-no philosophy, Mr. Jolton, 48, 
is among legions of American parents finding the "drug talk" 
increasingly problematic as more states allow medical marijuana or 
decriminalize its use. Colorado and Washington state have measures on 
their Nov. 6 ballot that would go a further step and legalize 
recreational use of marijuana for adults.

Parent-child conversations about pot "have become extraordinarily 
complicated," said Stephen Pasierb, president of the Partnership at 
Drugfree.org, which provides resources for parents concerned about 
youth drug use.

Legalization and medical use of marijuana have "created a perception 
among kids that this is no big deal," Mr. Pasierb said.
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