The Changing Discussion on Marijuana Use

As of late, marijuana legalization and use has been in the news. Many states are changing the laws on using this drug for recreational purposes, but it is important to realize the consequences of using this drug and that it isn’t for everyone.

Many different arguments have developed since marijuana legalization has occurred, including how safe it is. Michael Connolly, Director of the Valley Partnership for Drug Prevention in Colorado, gives some insight. “Certainly marijuana is a hot button issue right now because of Amendment 64” He says. “We’re talking about alcohol, tobacco and all substances. ... It will be talked about in terms of how it can potentially cause problems for kids, because it’s becoming more readily available, and because young kids may think, ‘Well, it’s legal, it must be safe.’ Of course, alcohol is legal, but we know it’s not safe, either.”

Also, proponents of legalization think that legalizing pot will eliminate the need of a black market for marijuana. Connelly says that this doesn’t hold up, as alcohol is still given to people underage despite the 21-year age limit.

Helping Teens Understand the Consequences

The Valley Partnership and the Freedom from Chemical Dependency Group (FCD) want teens to understand the importance of delaying use of drugs and alcohol, if they choose to use them. When teens use drugs and alcohol at a younger age and their brains are still developing, studies show that there is a much higher addiction rate later in life. Also, teens need to be aware of the damages binging can have.

Teens seem to be getting the message, as the numbers show that 91% of students don’t think that getting drunk is cool, up 51% from 2008. 90% said they don’t need to drink to be cool, and 87% say that they respect those who don’t drink. Despite this positive trend, parents still worry that their teens will think that because weed is legal, it’s safe. Connolly says that “these mixed messages are more dangerous with kids because they don’t have the critical thinking ability they might have 10 or 15 years later.”

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