MEDICAL MARIJUANA A NEW CHALLENGE FOR SCHOOLS

Now that Arizona has become the 15th state to approve the use of
medical marijuana, Valley school leaders say it will likely fall in
the prescription-drug category, and any abuses will be handled the
same as other prescription medications.

Some districts are talking with California schools to see how they
have handled the issue. It was the first state to approve a
medical-marijuana law, in 1996.

Medical marijuana will be yet another challenge to schools as they
urge students to stay away from drugs, especially since
prescription-drug abuse is most common among young people.

"We will continue to work with students to understand it's not healthy
and not a good lifestyle choice and here's why," said Lorah Neville,
director of curriculum for the Chandler Unified School District. "Just
because you can get a prescription for something doesn't mean it's
safe."

In the Phoenix Union High School District, spokesman Craig Pletenik
doesn't foresee any changes in curriculum because medical marijuana is
still a drug, prescription or not. Proposition 203, approved by voters
last month, prohibits possession and use of medical marijuana on a
school bus or school grounds.

"We will treat it as if we've always done," Pletenik said. "If they
have it, it shouldn't be at school. Will there be a greater incident?
I don't know. We'll have to wait and see."

School resource officers at each of the 16 high schools in the
district will help with "law-related education," he added.

Some districts are now handling these drug-abuse talks in house, with
health teachers and counselors having those conversations with
students. Programs such as DARE were cut this school year in Chandler
and other school districts because of budget woes.

In Mesa Public Schools, counselors visit classrooms to talk about drug
abuse, and medical marijuana will be included in those talks,
officials said.

In Scottsdale, the district plans to use the same preventative
policies through the Scottsdale Police Department. School resource
officers at the middle and high schools, counselors, social workers,
nurses and community specialists will continue to help promote
"healthy choices and health awareness," said Milissa Sackos, executive
director of student and community services for the district.

"We continue to be concerned about the misuse of prescription
medication, and this (medical marijuana) is one we would be concerned
about," Sackos said. "We just have to be very consistent in our
prevention methods and message."

The law will allow patients with chronic diseases to buy 2 1/2 ounces
of marijuana every two weeks, or grow their own marijuana plants in
some cases.

The state health department will devise formal regulations to
determine who can get medical marijuana and who can sell it.

"We're still unsure of what age limit will be allowed. There are more
questions than answers right now with regards to medical marijuana,"
said David Shuff, director of student support services in Mesa Public
Schools.

Paul Penzone, the preventative-programs director of notMYkid, a Valley
organization that talks to teens about drug abuse, said the new law
will require more aggressive training specific to marijuana.

"It's one of the most prevalent and influential gateways in substance
abuse," said Penzone, a retired Phoenix police sergeant. "We recognize
that there truly are medical needs for some substances if distributed
or managed under a doctor's care.

"My concern is just that we are rolling out the availability of a
substance without truly having a comprehensive program to manage the
distribution and educate young adults. Prescription drugs become one
of the biggest threats. Now you've added marijuana to that list, not
realizing how accessible it may become."

Alcohol and marijuana are the main concerns of Mesa Prevention
Alliance, formed to curb youth substance use. "Now that (medical
marijuana) is legalized, youth are going to think it is the safer
drug. We are going to have to work to try and change that perception,"
said Joronda Montano, the project director.

Why legal doesn't always mean safe

Paul Penzone, director of prevention programs for notMYkid, answers
questions about medical marijuana. Parents can use the information
when talking to their children.

[sidebar]

Question: Is marijuana considered safe now that it's legal for medical use?

Answer: Despite marijuana having a medicinal benefit, it still poses
the dangers that all mind-altering substances pose. As a substance
that is now legal when properly prescribed by a physician, it must be
treated in the same manner as any other prescribed drug that is only
used in extreme circumstances. It is only intended to be prescribed
for extreme and unique medicinal needs and not as a first option.

Q: Talk about medical marijuana.

A: All prescription drugs offer as much of a negative and dangerous
impact on the body as the benefits they provide. Oxycontin, morphine,
Xanax, Adderall and many other prescribed drugs serve a specific
purpose when properly prescribed. The abuse or misuse of these same
drugs has the potential for detrimental effects on the body and mind.
Marijuana is no different. As this process progresses, the medical
world will learn more about the effects, benefits and detriments as
this is really a new legally prescribed drug with minimal research to
the overall effect and long-term impacts.

Q: How should the public be educated on medical marijuana?

A: The message and learning curve needs considerable thought as to how
we educate our public, medical professionals and, most importantly,
our young adults. If not handled properly, the legal use of this drug
can quickly become a highly abused and dangerous practice.

Q: How should parents talk to their kids about it?

A: Parents need to take the message of "legal marijuana" seriously and
educate their children that "legal" does not mean safe. Substances
that alter our minds and the health of our bodies can never be taken
for granted just because they are "legal."