Pubdate: Thu, 19 Sep 2013
Source: Oakland Press, The (MI)
Copyright: 2013 The Oakland Press
Contact:  http://www.theoaklandpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2114
Author: Diana Dillaber Murray
Page: A-1

TEEN MARIJUANA USE IN COUNTY HIGHER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE

Local Campaign Hopes to Curb Drug Use; Conference Planned for Oct. 10

Marijuana use among older teens in Oakland County is higher than the
nationwide average, according to data provided by the Alliance of
Coalitions for Healthy Communities.

Twenty-seven percent of Oakland County high school seniors reported
using marijuana over the 30-day period before they took the alliance's
most recent survey.

That compares to 22.6 percent of seniors nationwide, said Margaret
Farenger, executive director of the alliance.

Significantly, the survey was conducted in 2011 - two years after
legalization of marijuana became an issue and society's attitude
toward marijuana use began to change, Farenger said. The alliance does
an Oakland County survey every other year.

In reaction, the coalition of 14 local organizations that advocate for
the welfare of Oakland County's teens have initiated the "Clear the
Smoke; Protecting our kids from marijuana," campaign to curb the
increasing use of marijuana by teens.

"Any time we see a number higher than the national average, it puts up
a red flag," Farenger said in an interview this week.

Kevin Saber, an internationally known speaker and drug policy expert,
will be the keynote speaker at the conference planned for Oct. 10. He
will cover marijuana legislation and its impact on youth in Oakland
County.

"Just getting some accurate information out there is really important
for adults and kids," Farenger said.

Marijuana easier to get

It appears that since the legalization of medical marijuana, "There is
more accessibility to teens because more adults are using," she said.

"It is easier to get and there is a change in norms because teens view
it as a more normal thing to do, and there has been a change in
perception of risk. When teens have a sense that the risk isn't as
high, then use goes up."

While nationally 59.4 percent of seniors said it is risky to smoke
marijuana, the percent of county seniors that saw it as risky was
lower at 55.7 percent.

More of the county's 12th graders said it is OK to smoke marijuana and
drive than 11th graders; 23.7 percent of seniors compared to 15.8
percent of juniors.

The alliance hasn't taken a stand on the medical marijuana issue, but
Farenger points out that like any other drug with some benefits, "just
like with any other drug, there are also risk factors that go with
it."

Developing brains more vulnerable

"The effects on a developing teenage brain is much more significant
than on adults," Farenger said.

Teen years are a time when young people are learning to deal with such
things as stress, relationships and broken hearts, she said, and if a
teen uses marijuana to deal with those things, they are at a
disadvantage as an adult.

Some signs teens might be using marijuana are: "Things that seem out
of the ordinary: Not acting like themselves, increasing moodiness,
stories that don't check out.

"Spend time with your kids and pay attention," Farenger suggests.
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