Pubdate: Wed, 18 Jun 2014
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Doug Rogers
Note: Doug Rogers is substance abuse counsellor with the Vernon 
School District.

DECRIMINALIZATION DEBATE CONFUSING FOR YOUTH

As a youth substance abuse counsellor, I see many kids every week and 
I will limit my comment to this demographic.

Marijuana is a drug of illusion for young people. They believe that 
it does not affect them. Recent research has revealed some very 
important information about marijuana which all families should 
consider. Scientific literature shows that cannabis affects young 
people in many negative ways. It is linked to lowering attention 
span, reduced reaction time and co-ordination.

Further, the American Medical Association (AMA) has come out strongly 
against the legalization and sale of marijuana.

Its research has shown that marijuana contributes to psychosis and 
schizophrenia, leads to addiction in one of six children who ever try 
the drug and reduces the IQ among those who used marijuana regularly 
before the age of 18 (Addiction professional, 2014).

A study at Arizona State University (2014) found that individuals who 
started using cannabis once a week or more in adolescence and used it 
for years thereafter showed an average eight-point IQ decline. 
Furthermore, quitting or reducing cannabis use did not appear to 
fully restore intellectual function among those who persistently used 
cannabis as adolescents (ecollegetimes.com, 2014).

Another fallacy regarding cannabis use is it is a drug used to relax 
or chill. Although this may be true for some, the Center for 
Substance Abuse Research (2014) has shown that among juvenile 
arrestees, marijuana is the most detected drug in the bodies of young 
offenders (39 per cent compared to cocaine at 0.2 per cent and PCP 
0.2 per cent)

I have closely watched the decriminalization/legalization debate in 
North American society and it concerns me. It causes great confusion 
for young adults. Our kids believe that if something is legal, then 
it must be safe. Remember, alcohol and tobacco are legal and 
responsible adults would never give children these drugs.

Parents, insist upon a no-use rule for your kids. Marijuana is not a 
safe drug for children.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom