Pubdate: Wed, 08 Jun 2016 Source: El Dorado News-Times (AR) Copyright: 2016, El Dorado News-Times Contact: http://www.eldoradonews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2280 Author: Jessica Stevens RUSSELL: MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IMPACTS COMMUNITIES Tremendous Opportunities for Union County Health EL DORADO - Benton Police Capt. Kevin Russell told the audience at Tuesday's TOUCH Coalition meeting that the hazards of legalized marijuana outweigh the pro-ported benefits. "I became involved in this issue about five years ago and have studied it extensively," said Russell, a 17-year veteran of Arkansas law enforcement. A recent FBI Academy graduate and member of the Benton Police Department, Russell has made it his mission to inform and educate Arkansans on the effects seen in states following the legalization of marijuana on their youth and communities. During the TOUCH Coalition's June meeting at College Avenue Church of Christ, Russell worked to dispel common myths that are currently being promoted by supporters of marijuana legalization. These myths ranged from the drug being harmless and its ability to cure over 700 ailments to its legalization causing a decrease in crime and usage as well as the increased tax revenue that the economy will see from legal sales. Extensive research in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon have given Russell an in-depth look at both sides of the ongoing debate. In regards to the medical benefits of marijuana, Russell said that the myth that the drug has the ability to cure over 700 ailments is false. He did confirm that there are certain medical conditions that it has been proven to prove beneficial such as for cancer patients and childhood epilepsy. "But so do other drugs, like opiods, but you don't have to smoke it to get the effects," he said. "The CBD [Cannabidiol] oil has been used with a lot of success for the treatment of childhood epilepsy more so than artisan oil. Artisan oils have been found to be contaminated with fertilizers and pesticides, some of which have been banned in the United States." He also clarified the common misconception of medical marijuana users receiving prescriptions for the drug. "It's actually just a note they receive that they take to the dispensaries," said Russell. There are currently more dispensaries or marijuana pharmacies in Colorado than Starbucks or McDonald's, Russell said, in an attempt to drive home the vast availability of the drug in the state. The note needed for an individual to obtain medical marijuana can be for something as simple as severe, unknown pain. "Some are for tennis elbow or skateboarder's knee," he said. Russell described the average user according to the studies are white males under the age of 35. Another common belief is that marijuana is beneficial to those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. According to Russell, current ongoing studies have shown to the contrary that it might actually make the symptoms of PTSD worse. The DEA has recently authorized 300 research grants to test this and other treatments said Russell. Honey oil, or what is more commonly referred to as "dabs" is growing in popularity while also causing increasing concern due to its very high concentration of THC and the severe effects its use can have on the user. Honey oil is created by using a butane torch to extract the oil from the plant which results in a concentrated liquid that can be anywhere from 80 to 90 percent THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. According to Russell, the problem is only becoming worse due to the cross breeding of plants in order to obtain plants with higher content making it more potent. Another trending problem with this form is the explosion of the labs used to make the oil. In 2014, 32 butane labs reportedly exploded in Colorado said Russell. He continued to say that homes found with these labs often have to be gutted and remodeled in order to make them livable again, similar to what happens with homes that contained meth labs. Possibly one of the gravest concerns with the legalization of marijuana is its negative effects on youth. Russell said that emergency room admissions for children have doubled in the states with legal marijuana due to the ingestion of THC-infused edibles that bear similar packaging to common candy and snacks children frequently eat. He said that Kellogg's had to file a cease and desist order for the spin on their popular product, Pop Tarts, which was called "Pot Tarts." To reinforce just how similar these products can be, Russell displayed a Power Point slide displaying two groups of gummy bears- one regular and the other THC infused. When no one in the audience could tell the difference he said, "Well, neither can the kids." Russell touched on various other issues including the newest fad of "co-mingling" tobacco and marijuana which is said to cause a more intense high and frequently causes seizures when used. Another concerning point is that employers in Colorado have stated that they are being forced to find workers from surrounding states due to the lack of qualified employees who are able to pass a drug screening. In more drastic cases, employers have had to relocate out of state due to this issue, according to Russell. He played a candid video of Michael Lynch, a high school principal in Colorado, who spoke on the effects the legalization of marijuana has had on the youth in his school. "What is concerning for us as a school not only have we seen an increase in the students coming to school under the influence but we've also seen an increase in repeat offenders," said Lynch. Drug violations and suspensions of children in school have skyrocketed since legalization said Russell. Recent studies on toxicology screening results in adolescent suicides, ages 10-19, in Colorado have shown that marijuana is outpacing both alcohol and opiates. Crime rates, hospitalizations related to marijuana, and adolescents using opiates have all increased in Colorado and other states with legal marijuana, according to Russell. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom