Pubdate: Sun, 12 Dec 2010 Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ) Copyright: 2010 The Arizona Republic Contact: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/sendaletter.html Website: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24 Author: Hayley Ringle Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?273 (Proposition 203) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?253 (Cannabis - Medicinal - U.S.) MEDICAL MARIJUANA A NEW CHALLENGE FOR SCHOOLS Now that Arizona has become the 15th state to approve the use of medical marijuana, Valley school leaders say it will likely fall in the prescription-drug category, and any abuses will be handled the same as other prescription medications. Some districts are talking with California schools to see how they have handled the issue. It was the first state to approve a medical-marijuana law, in 1996. Medical marijuana will be yet another challenge to schools as they urge students to stay away from drugs, especially since prescription-drug abuse is most common among young people. "We will continue to work with students to understand it's not healthy and not a good lifestyle choice and here's why," said Lorah Neville, director of curriculum for the Chandler Unified School District. "Just because you can get a prescription for something doesn't mean it's safe." In the Phoenix Union High School District, spokesman Craig Pletenik doesn't foresee any changes in curriculum because medical marijuana is still a drug, prescription or not. Proposition 203, approved by voters last month, prohibits possession and use of medical marijuana on a school bus or school grounds. "We will treat it as if we've always done," Pletenik said. "If they have it, it shouldn't be at school. Will there be a greater incident? I don't know. We'll have to wait and see." School resource officers at each of the 16 high schools in the district will help with "law-related education," he added. Some districts are now handling these drug-abuse talks in house, with health teachers and counselors having those conversations with students. Programs such as DARE were cut this school year in Chandler and other school districts because of budget woes. In Mesa Public Schools, counselors visit classrooms to talk about drug abuse, and medical marijuana will be included in those talks, officials said. In Scottsdale, the district plans to use the same preventative policies through the Scottsdale Police Department. School resource officers at the middle and high schools, counselors, social workers, nurses and community specialists will continue to help promote "healthy choices and health awareness," said Milissa Sackos, executive director of student and community services for the district. "We continue to be concerned about the misuse of prescription medication, and this (medical marijuana) is one we would be concerned about," Sackos said. "We just have to be very consistent in our prevention methods and message." The law will allow patients with chronic diseases to buy 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana every two weeks, or grow their own marijuana plants in some cases. The state health department will devise formal regulations to determine who can get medical marijuana and who can sell it. "We're still unsure of what age limit will be allowed. There are more questions than answers right now with regards to medical marijuana," said David Shuff, director of student support services in Mesa Public Schools. Paul Penzone, the preventative-programs director of notMYkid, a Valley organization that talks to teens about drug abuse, said the new law will require more aggressive training specific to marijuana. "It's one of the most prevalent and influential gateways in substance abuse," said Penzone, a retired Phoenix police sergeant. "We recognize that there truly are medical needs for some substances if distributed or managed under a doctor's care. "My concern is just that we are rolling out the availability of a substance without truly having a comprehensive program to manage the distribution and educate young adults. Prescription drugs become one of the biggest threats. Now you've added marijuana to that list, not realizing how accessible it may become." Alcohol and marijuana are the main concerns of Mesa Prevention Alliance, formed to curb youth substance use. "Now that (medical marijuana) is legalized, youth are going to think it is the safer drug. We are going to have to work to try and change that perception," said Joronda Montano, the project director. Why legal doesn't always mean safe Paul Penzone, director of prevention programs for notMYkid, answers questions about medical marijuana. Parents can use the information when talking to their children. [sidebar] Question: Is marijuana considered safe now that it's legal for medical use? Answer: Despite marijuana having a medicinal benefit, it still poses the dangers that all mind-altering substances pose. As a substance that is now legal when properly prescribed by a physician, it must be treated in the same manner as any other prescribed drug that is only used in extreme circumstances. It is only intended to be prescribed for extreme and unique medicinal needs and not as a first option. Q: Talk about medical marijuana. A: All prescription drugs offer as much of a negative and dangerous impact on the body as the benefits they provide. Oxycontin, morphine, Xanax, Adderall and many other prescribed drugs serve a specific purpose when properly prescribed. The abuse or misuse of these same drugs has the potential for detrimental effects on the body and mind. Marijuana is no different. As this process progresses, the medical world will learn more about the effects, benefits and detriments as this is really a new legally prescribed drug with minimal research to the overall effect and long-term impacts. Q: How should the public be educated on medical marijuana? A: The message and learning curve needs considerable thought as to how we educate our public, medical professionals and, most importantly, our young adults. If not handled properly, the legal use of this drug can quickly become a highly abused and dangerous practice. Q: How should parents talk to their kids about it? A: Parents need to take the message of "legal marijuana" seriously and educate their children that "legal" does not mean safe. Substances that alter our minds and the health of our bodies can never be taken for granted just because they are "legal." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake