Pubdate: Sat, 01 Nov 2014
Source: Pueblo Chieftain (CO)
Copyright: 2014 The Pueblo Chieftain
Contact:  http://www.chieftain.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1613
Author: Richard Kinnischtzke

IMPACT ON YOUNGSTERS FAR-REACHING

As a resident of Pueblo West, I am extremely concerned about the 
impact that the marijuana industry is having on our community. I am 
concerned about how it will affect the young people of Pueblo County.

The 2013 study, "Healthy Kids Colorado," which was released in 
August, showed that one in five Colorado high school students used 
marijuana in the past 30 days, and 33 percent had used it at some 
point in their lives.

The June issue of Current Addiction Reports showed that young people 
25 years and under showed cognitive decline, poor attention span and 
memory. It also showed a decreased IQ among those who smoked 
marijuana at least once a week.

Psychologist Alan Budney of Dartmouth College - who works in 
treatment - says marijuana is now more likely to be a dangerous 
product and has a greater chance of addiction because of the higher 
levels of THC.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinal) is a psychoactive, mind-altering 
ingredient that produces a high. It affects all aspects of brain 
function, including learning disabilities, emotional issues and 
appetite, among others. THC can remain in the body for 30 days after smoking.

As a concerned citizen of Pueblo County, I believe it is my right to 
educate and inform the residents of Pueblo County, and to challenge 
our county commissioners to research the detrimental consequences of 
their decisions to continue licensing marijuana establishments and 
growing enterprises in our community.

Richard Kinnischtzke

Pueblo West
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom