Pubdate: Sat, 24 Nov 2012
Source: Cortez Journal, The (CO)
Copyright: 2012 The Cortez Journal
Contact:  http://www.cortezjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3602
Author: Rachel Segura

GROWING MARIJUANA CONCERNS

Training looks at possible impacts of the drug in the home

Whether you voted for or against Amendment 64, curiosity on how the
issue will be handled within the community is on everyone's mind.

Coincidentally, the NEST Child Advocacy Center held training for
community leaders on Thursday, Nov. 15. The training, which was
scheduled prior to the passage of Amendment 64, focused on the effects
marijuana has on children in the home environment.

Amendment 64, which passed rather easily in Colorado, allows those 21
and older to purchase up to one ounce of the drug at specially
regulated retail stores. Possession would be legal but not public use.

Rose Jergens, director of the NEST said the training was held to
provide information to adults to create a safe environment for
children who are in homes where marijuana is present, whether it be
for medicinal or recreational reasons.

"We are not trying to say every situation is good or bad," Jergens
said. "We are trying to determine safety. It is difficult to know what
is safe and unsafe in these environments when children are exposed to
marijuana."

The presentation was given by Jade Woodard, the executive director for
Colorado Drug Endangered Children in Denver. She offered statistical
information on marijuana and its effects on adolescent brain
development, environmental hazards due to cultivation in the home,
impacts on family functioning and neglect, violence and other types of
abuse that come with drug use.

"This was educational for us," said Polly Sikora, an employee at the
NEST. "It alerts us to the dangers for children in those environments
and prepares us for coming changes in the community."

Participants in the training included; Cortez social services
employees, law enforcement, school counselors, probation officers,
health department officials, Ute Mountain Ute Social Services, judges
and lawyers.

Ginger Cunliffe, NEST employee, was surprised at the information given
to them and found what she learned to be helpful and shocking.

"There needs to be more education surrounding what is perceived to be
a non-addictive and socially accepted substance," Cunliffe said. "This
was a huge step in the planning process of discussing risks and what
protective factors are needed for families. Children's health and
safety are our number one priority."

The community will wait to see what will become of Amendment 64 and
what our community members will do to mitigate the risks it could
bring. Currently, even though the amendment passed, it sets up a
direct challenge to federal drug law.

In the meantime, visit the drug endangered children website at
www.coloradodec.org and see a few of the topics covered at the
training. For more information on the presentation or the NEST, call
565-8155.
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MAP posted-by: Matt