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Talk Early And Often About Alcohol, Tobacco And Other Drugs. Even When It Gets Tough |
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Know! Today’s Pot Is Not Your Mama’s Marijuana |
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| Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world. For our nation’s teens, it ranks third in popularity for their “drug of choice,” just behind alcohol and tobacco. And the ease at which our children are getting their hands on this drug is frightening. In a national study, 37 % of 12 to 17-year-olds said if they wanted to buy marijuana, they could do so within a day. Another 17% said they could get a hold of the drug within an hour. Easy access plays a key role in why one in seven eighth graders has tried marijuana, and why almost one in three 10th graders have experimented with it. While there has actually been a slight decline overall in the number of youth using marijuana, the rate of daily use among high school seniors has tripled over the past 20 years. And users are getting younger, with a 27% increase in the number of eighth graders having tried marijuana, compared to the early ‘90’s. But the biggest change is the drug’s potency. The pot of the 60’s, your “mama’s marijuana,” would now be considered “low quality,” with THC levels (the active ingredient in marijuana that causes the “high”) usually less than one percent. Today’s marijuana averages THC levels closer to nine percent. And as potency has increased, so has the number of teens being diagnosed with and treated for marijuana addiction. Increased Access + Increased Rate of Daily Use + Increased Potency = Increased Danger! Marijuana negatively affects memory, concentration, coordination and reaction time, while increasing blood pressure, heart rate and risk for additional drug use. Marijuana use is linked to depression and anxiety, and is associated with increased accidents and crime. Know! to talk to your child about this dangerous drug. Know! that it’s not “just” marijuana. Source: The
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Talking regularly with kids reduces their risk of using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Know! urges you to encourage other parents to joining Know! by taking the Parent and Caregiver Pledge. For more information log on to www.HelpThemKnow.com or call 1-866-999-KNOW. Know! is a program of: |
