POT STIRS UP CONTROVERSY

The topic of marijuana use stirs strong emotions in our society. Our
kids are very confused about marijuana because parents, media, and
other adolescents have presented a very mixed message.

The message from some adults is that marijuana is dangerous and should
not be used. While some other parents argue it's no big deal and
should be legalized or decriminalized. The purpose of this article is
to provide some facts about marijuana and to encourage parents to talk
to their kids about drugs on an ongoing basis.

This ain't your grandma's dope: The average potency of marijuana has
risen steadily for three decades and has exceeded 10 per cent for the
first time. At the University of Mississippi's Potency Monitoring
Project, where thousands of samples of seized marijuana are tested
every year, some samples have THC levels exceeding 30 per cent.
Experts argue that stronger marijuana is of particular concern because
high concentrations of THC have the opposite effect of low
concentrations. In addition, while experienced marijuana users may
limit their intake of potent marijuana, young and inexperienced users
may not moderate their intake and possibly suffer from dysphoria,
paranoia, irritability and other negative effects.

The average THC for tested marijuana during 2008 was 10.1 per cent,
compared to 1983 when it was under four per cent (www.cnn.com).

Reality check: Most problematic drug use starts in adolescents and it
is our youth that is driving the substance abuse market today.
Consequently, we need to keep kids away from drugs or alcohol or at
least delay first use and we need to talk to our kids at a younger
age.

Legalize/decriminalize: A recent trend in British Columbia is the
belief that marijuana should be legalized or decriminalized. This
augment states that the government will make the money from drug sales
through taxes and the gangs will lose their income. This will not
work. The assumption is that marijuana will be a controlled substance,
like alcohol (legal age of use 19 years old). Again, the markets for
most drugs are the youth (under 19). Therefore, gangs will continue to
sell to our kids and will keep the profits. Further, if we were to
legalize marijuana sales the United States will not and we will have
the problems of prohibition all over again.

The potency in marijuana has increased significantly over the last 20
years. Medical problems associated with its use have also greatly
increased. Getting kids to adulthood without drug or alcohol abuse
needs to be our goal.

Please help keep your kids safe by establishing a no-use drug/alcohol
policy.