Pubdate: Mon, 19 Nov 2012
Source: Salem News (MA)
Copyright: 2012 Eagle Tribune Publishing Company
Contact: http://www.salemnews.com/contactus/local_story_015132129.html
Website: http://www.salemnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3466
Author: Peg Sallade

'MEDICAL' MARIJUANA COULD POSE THREAT TO TEENAGERS

To the editor:

On Election Day, Massachusetts residents went to the polls and voted 
by an almost 3- 2 margin to approve the use of "medical" marijuana. 
This vote, however, did not change the science behind the health 
risks of smoking marijuana and its status as an addictive drug. 
DanversCares' role as a prevention coalition is to educate the 
community about preventing drug use, particularly among teens, so we 
will continue to provide information on this topic.

When we look at the research and the medical information regarding 
the risks of marijuana use, we know that the following is true:

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug.

Medical marijuana in states that have such laws has been diverted to teens.

Marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogens than 
tobacco smoke, contributing to the risk of cancer of the lungs, mouth 
and tongue.

In the past 15 years, the potency of marijuana ( THC content) has 
more than tripled from 3 percent to more than 11 percent, making 
today's drug highly addictive.

Developing teens' brains are negatively affected by marijuana use. 
Teens who smoke marijuana demonstrate up to an 8- point IQ drop in 
early adulthood, compared to teens who do not smoke.

As this new law unfolds, and efforts to establish guidelines around 
implementation get under way, it is important to guard against 
potential abuse and prevent medical marijuana from getting into the 
wrong hands - the hands of our bright, healthy, young kids.

Will a marijuana store open in Danvers?

Will it be close to our parks, our schools or our youth recreation areas?

Will young people be allowed to browse on-site? Will marijuana 
candy-look-alikes (Cheeba Chews, BuddaFingers, etc.) and marijuana 
based products be marketed to teens?

While we wait to see how this unfolds, it is in the best interest of 
all parents and adult community members to be informed on this issue, 
and to discuss with teens the difference between medical use and 
recreational use of this illegal drug. There are simply much 
healthier choices for kids to make than sending their futures up in smoke.

PEG SALLADE Project director

DanversCares
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom