Pubdate: Sat, 24 Nov 2012
Source: Danvers Herald (MA)
Copyright: 2012 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wickedlocal.com/danvers/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3608
Author: Peg Sallade

A LOT TO CONSIDER ABOUT NEW POT RULES

Danvers - To the editor: On Election Day, Massachusetts residents went
to the polls and voted by an almost 3 to 2 margin to approve the use
of "medical" marijuana. This vote, however, did not change the science
behind the health risks of smoking marijuana and its status as an
addictive drug. DanversCARES' role as a prevention coalition is to
educate the community about preventing drug use, particularly among
teens, so we will continue to provide information on this topic.

When we look at the research and the medical information regarding the
risks of marijuana use, we know that the following is true:

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug.

Medical marijuana in states that have such laws has been diverted to
teens.

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 percent to more than 11 percent, making today's
drug highly addictive.

Developing teens brains are negatively affected by marijuana use.
Teens that smoke marijuana demonstrate up to an 8-point IQ drop in
early adulthood, compared to teens that do not smoke.

As this new law unfolds, and efforts to establish guidelines around
implementation get underway, it is important to guard against
potential abuse and prevent "medical" marijuana from getting into the
wrong hands - the hands of our bright, healthy, young kids. Will a
marijuana store open in Danvers? Will it be close to our parks, our
schools, or our youth recreation areas? Will young people be allowed
to browse on-site? Will marijuana candy-look a-likes (Cheeba Chews,
BuddaFingers, etc.) and marijuana-based products be marketed to teens?
While we wait to see how this unfolds, it is in the best interest of
all parents and adult community members to be informed on this issue,
and to discuss with teens the difference between medical use and
recreational use of this illegal drug. There are simply much healthier
choices for kids to make than sending their futures up in smoke.

- - Peg Sallade, Project director, DanversCARES
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MAP posted-by: Matt