Pubdate: Sat, 01 Jun 2013
Source: Monroe Evening News (MI)
Copyright: 2013, The Monroe Evening News
Contact:  http://www.monroenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2302
Author: Dean Cousino

MARIJUANA EDUCATION FOR MONROE COUNTY STUDENTS, EDUCATORS

In more than 90 percent of overdose deaths in southeastern Michigan, 
the individuals also tested positive for THC - the active ingredient 
in marijuana.

This was not the cause of death, but is just something more to think 
about when you hear someone say that marijuana isn't dangerous, said 
April Demers of the Monroe County Substance Abuse Coalition.

"There are a lot of misconceptions going around. That's why we're 
focused on this problem. It may suggest that using marijuana may 
increase the likelihood that someone who uses marijuana may be more 
prone to make other choices that are life threatening," she said.

Ms. Demers and John Basile of the Monroe County Intermediate School 
District have paired up to give more than 30 Power Point 
presentations in middle schools and high schools around the county 
since December.

The talks, "Marijuana in the New Millenium," focus on the latest 
research and trends on marijuana, considered the No. 1 drug abused in 
the region.

"It's become the new drug of choice in the community and always has 
been," Mr. Basile said.

The coalition held a similar talk today for professional and staff 
workers in the community at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center. 
Ms. Demers, community and youth developer for the coalition, said 
problems with marijuana are getting worse based on conversations with 
school officials attending the sessions.

"This needs to be addressed," she told the coalition earlier this 
month. "They're sharing their frustrations (about) the attitudes of 
kids who feel it's not a big deal. We have to help them understand 
that marijuana is not medicine and is very much illegal."

There's some confusion, too, due to recent changes in the Michigan 
Medical Marijuana Program that took effect April 1. One of the more 
significant changes is that patients must carry marijuana in a case 
in their trunk when traveling.

Consumers know that medical marijuana was legalized by a popular 
vote. However, marijuana's use continues to be illegal on the federal 
level and is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, she said.

"Is it a gateway drug to other drugs?" Ms. Demers asked. "Not for 
everyone, but people who use crack cocaine or heroin almost always 
started with marijuana."

A criminal charge of minor in possession (MIP) stays on an 
individual's record until the age of 30, not 18 which is a common 
misbelief, she said.

"This will affect things like college admissions, scholarships, job 
applications and enlisting in the military, she said.

Joseph Costello, chief assistant prosecutor for the county, said he 
recently spoke with a female staff member at Monroe Public Schools 
who told him that some students are coming to school with the smell 
of marijuana on them.

"She said they are reeking with marijuana. What can we do about that?" he said.

He added that law enforcement should be contacted to educate the 
public that people are "not supposed to have it in their homes."

Both Mr. Basile and Ms. Demers bring a marijuana plant into the 
classrooms when they speak.

"It really engages them," she said.

Some of the candy and food products that push marijuana use include 
Pot Tarts, Munchy Way, PuffA-Mint and Keef Kat.

"A lot of manufacturing and advertising trends target young people," 
she said. "It is significant. If you get caught, it can stay on your 
record" a lot longer than people think.

Mr. Basile said he would check into scheduling a presentation this 
fall for teachers and school staff as part of a countywide in-service day.

For more information about the coalition and its activities, go to 
www.monroedrugfree.org .
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom