Pubdate: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2009 The Morning Star Contact: http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352 POT STIRS UP CONTROVERSY The topic of marijuana use stirs strong emotions in our society. Our kids are very confused about marijuana because parents, media, and other adolescents have presented a very mixed message. The message from some adults is that marijuana is dangerous and should not be used. While some other parents argue it's no big deal and should be legalized or decriminalized. The purpose of this article is to provide some facts about marijuana and to encourage parents to talk to their kids about drugs on an ongoing basis. This ain't your grandma's dope: The average potency of marijuana has risen steadily for three decades and has exceeded 10 per cent for the first time. At the University of Mississippi's Potency Monitoring Project, where thousands of samples of seized marijuana are tested every year, some samples have THC levels exceeding 30 per cent. Experts argue that stronger marijuana is of particular concern because high concentrations of THC have the opposite effect of low concentrations. In addition, while experienced marijuana users may limit their intake of potent marijuana, young and inexperienced users may not moderate their intake and possibly suffer from dysphoria, paranoia, irritability and other negative effects. The average THC for tested marijuana during 2008 was 10.1 per cent, compared to 1983 when it was under four per cent (www.cnn.com). Reality check: Most problematic drug use starts in adolescents and it is our youth that is driving the substance abuse market today. Consequently, we need to keep kids away from drugs or alcohol or at least delay first use and we need to talk to our kids at a younger age. Legalize/decriminalize: A recent trend in British Columbia is the belief that marijuana should be legalized or decriminalized. This augment states that the government will make the money from drug sales through taxes and the gangs will lose their income. This will not work. The assumption is that marijuana will be a controlled substance, like alcohol (legal age of use 19 years old). Again, the markets for most drugs are the youth (under 19). Therefore, gangs will continue to sell to our kids and will keep the profits. Further, if we were to legalize marijuana sales the United States will not and we will have the problems of prohibition all over again. The potency in marijuana has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Medical problems associated with its use have also greatly increased. Getting kids to adulthood without drug or alcohol abuse needs to be our goal. Please help keep your kids safe by establishing a no-use drug/alcohol policy. - --- MAP posted-by: dan