D.A.R.E. STARTS TOO LATE

Marijuana use among teens is a growing concern. Recent studies
indicate marijuana use among teens is growing nationwide, and teen
consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is decreasing.

Teenagers see marijuana as the "safe drug." Experts feel this is a
main reason for the increase.

I read the article in the Feb. 27 Leader-Telegram titled, "Experts:
Marijuana now more potent, addictive." I have seen the consequences of kids
who become addicted to marijuana. At the young age of 13, most children don't
understand the drug enough to stay away from it. If kids are taught at a
younger age about the chemicals and poisons marijuana contains, many
addictions would be prevented.

Drug abuse resistance education can't be started too young, nor can it
be taught enough. I am a senior at New Auburn High School, and I went
through the D.A.R.E. program in sixth grade. In a small school like
New Auburn, this seems like the right age to participate in this
program. Yet, at age 11 or 12, some kids already have used marijuana.

Drug education needs to start at a much younger age and continue
through the teen years. If kids hear often about the effects and
dangers of marijuana, they will be less likely to try it. Recent
studies say that 23 percent of eighth-graders have tried marijuana,
and by 10th grade 21 percent are current users. The studies also
report that 50 percent of high school seniors have tried marijuana at
least once, and 24 percent are current users. Researchers have found
marijuana use usually peaks in the late teens and early 20s.

People seem to not worry about marijuana as much as they should. More
drug resistance education would help this huge problem from growing.

Jennifer Farrell,

New Auburn