Last Wednesday, The Community Partnership With Youth and Families released recently collected poll data on youth and drugs in the county. The presentation took place at Chisago Lakes town hall. Surveyed were sixth, ninth, and 12th graders from the Rush City, Chisago Lakes, and North Branch school districts, on the subjects of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Overall, 1,704 students were surveyed during the months of October and November of last year. By far the most commonly used substance by students is alcohol. Over 52 percent of 12th graders, according to the study, admit to using alcohol in the last 30 days. Ninth graders also reported using alcohol to the tune of 30 percent in the last month. Only six percent of sixth graders reported using alcohol. [continues 478 words]
A medical marijuana bill carried by a DFL gubernatorial candidate failed in a Senate committee on Thursday (March 2) and perhaps failed for the session. Sen. Steve Kelley, DFL-Hopkins, has had success earlier with his bill but negative votes in the Senate Judiciary Committee left the senator contemplating Senate rules for other options. Kelley's bill attempts to establish a framework under which people suffering from medical ailments and conditions could obtain marijuana. Marijuana use is illegal in Minnesota. Darrell Paulsen, of St. Paul, testified that he has used marijuana for 15 years to lessen the rigidity and other symptoms of his cerebral palsy. "I live my life from a power wheelchair," said Paulsen. [continues 201 words]
Earnest (not his real name) grew up an average kid in an average family in Chisago County. He played sports like hockey, soccer, football and baseball. He hung out with friends as a young teen. He went through the DARE program at school to learn about the dangers of doing drugs. Yet the program just made Earnest more curious about drugs. Not soon after, he was invited over to a friend's house to hang out. The friend's brother offered him something he called "wacky tobbacy." [continues 2592 words]
