Pubdate: Fri, 12 Oct 2012
Source: Tri-Town Transcript (MA)
Copyright: 2012, Tri-Town Transcript
Contact:  http://www.townonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2643
Author: Lisa Teichner

'MARIJUANA: BAD NEWS FOR OUR KIDS'

To the editor,

This fall the Tri-Town Council Youth Substance Abuse Prevention 
Coalition, a community partnership committed to reducing youth drug 
and alcohol use and dedicated to supporting and empowering youth and 
families in making healthy decisions, is focusing on providing 
information to Tri-Town citizens on marijuana. In view of pending 
legislation in Massachusetts, I would like to put forth some facts 
about the dangers of marijuana and its ill-effects on our kids.

It is well known that marijuana is the most widely abused illegal 
drug among teens, and that more teens now smoke marijuana than 
tobacco. In addition, our most recent Masconomet High School youth 
survey indicates that marijuana is perceived as having the least risk 
or harm of use compared to both alcohol and tobacco. This survey also 
reflects that Masconomet High School youth believe that their parents 
disapprove of their use of alcohol and tobacco more than their use of 
marijuana. Recent decriminalization laws have only contributed to the 
increased perception of marijuana as being safe and 'normal' among 
our youth. Marijuana has many adverse health and safety risks - more 
than people are aware. Here are the facts:

. In Massachusetts more kids are admitted to treatment for marijuana 
use than all illegal drugs combined.

. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug.

. Rates of teen marijuana use in Massachusetts are 30% higher than 
the average for the nation.

. Marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug detected in impaired 
drivers, fatally injured drivers, and motor vehicle crash victims. 
Just like drinking and driving, drugged driving is a very serious 
issue that can have tragic outcomes.

. Marijuana smoke contains 50-70 percent more carcinogens than 
tobacco smoke, contributing to the risk of cancer of the lungs, mouth 
and tongue.

. In the past 15 years, the potency of Marijuana (THC content) has 
more than tripled from 3% to more than 11%.

. Approximately 9% (1 in 11) marijuana users become dependent. The 
earlier young people start using marijuana the more likely they are 
to be dependent later in life.

. A study published this August by the University of Colorado, a 
state with legalized medical marijuana, demonstrates that nearly 
three-quarters of teens in the treatment programs studied, said they 
have used medical marijuana bought or grown for someone else, meaning 
"medical" marijuana is indeed being diverted to youth.

. Teens that smoke marijuana regularly demonstrate up to an 8-point 
IQ drop in early adulthood, compared to teens that do not smoke.

Invested, caring adults are our best strategy in preventing youth 
drug use. Help prevent youth marijuana use by talking to your tweens 
and teens often and discourage marijuana use. Together we can make a 
difference.

Lisa Teichner, Executive Director of Tri-Town Council, a community 
agency dedicated to supporting the social, emotional wellness and 
safety of Tri-Town youth and families
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom