Pubdate: Sun, 03 Nov 2013
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO)
Copyright: 2013 St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/qFJNhZNm
Website: http://www.stltoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/418
Author: Sabrina Fendrick
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n529/a06.html

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IS THE BEST WAY TO KEEP OUR CHILDREN HEALTHY

Renee Heney uses predictable scare tactics to defend her opposition 
to marijuana legalization ("Legalizing marijuana jeopardizes the 
health of our children," Oct. 31). We can all agree that teens should 
not smoke pot, or be using any mind-altering substances, as those are 
important developmental years. Yet, data continue to show that 
general education and regulation, not outright criminalization of 
legal, age-restricted substances, effectively decrease youth access and use.

In fact, teen consumption of tobacco and alcohol, two legal, 
age-restricted products, have reached historically low levels, 
according to the Monitoring the Future Survey, conducted by the 
University of Michigan. This was achieved through a concerted effort 
by the government, industry businesses and educational institutions 
to restrict advertising, promote responsible behavior and keep 
students informed on the effects and potential harms these products 
may have on their growing bodies. What's more, recent studies have 
shown that in states with an established regulatory regime for 
certain individuals to gain legal access to marijuana, adolescent use 
rates have either stayed the same, or even gone down.

In conclusion, the most effective way to keep kids away from 
marijuana is through government regulation, honest public education 
on the risks of abuse, and a strong message on moderation for adult users.

Sabrina Fendrick   Washington, D.C.

Director of women's outreach, National Organization for the Reform of 
Marijuana Laws
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom