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 Marijuana: What's the Big Deal?!

The RI State Legislature is considering bills to legalize marijuana. Members of the BAY Team's Marijuana Subcommittee have been working to educate legislators and the public about the risks of this drug and the possible consequences of decriminalization or legalization.

This IS a big deal!

THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA

The facts about marijuana use are compelling and effective tools for prevention.

• Marijuana is Addictive
• Research has now established that marijuana is addictive. In fact, more youth enter treatment with a primary diagnosis for marijuana dependency each year than for all other illicit drugs combined.
• 60% of teens currently in drug treatment have a primary marijuana diagnosis.
• Today's marijuana is more potent and its effects can be more intense. Marijuana Hurts Young Bodies and Minds
• The brain. Smoking marijuana leads to changes in the brain similar to those caused by cocaine, heroin and alcohol.
• Lung damage. Regular marijuana users often develop breathing problems, including chronic coughing and wheezing. Smoking marijuana makes lung conditions such as asthma worse.
• Mental health. For young users, marijuana can lead to increased anxiety, panic attacks, depression and other mental health problems.
• Risky behavior. According to the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, adolescents age 12 to 17 who use marijuana weekly are nine times more likely than non-users to experiment with other illegal drugs or alcohol, five times more likely to steal and nearly four times more likely to engage in violence. Marijuana Affects Learning and Academic Achievement
• Researchers have found that heavy marijuana use impairs the ability of young people to concentrate and retain information. Marijuana Impairs Driving
• Marijuana affects alertness, concentration, perception, coordination and reaction time, many of the skills required for driving and other tasks. These effects can last up to four hours after smoking marijuana. Marijuana Today is Stronger Than Ever
• Marijuana is much stronger and more addictive than it was 30 years ago. The average THC level rose from less than 1 percent in the late 1970s to more than 7 percent in 2001.
• Potency has increased, rising from 6% to 13%. THC levels of 20 percent and up to 33 percent have been found in samples of sinsemilla. Marijuana Users Are Younger Than Ever Before
• The number of 8th graders who have used marijuana doubled between 1991 and 2001, from one in 10 to one in five.
• Scientists now know that humans undergo a second major spurt of brain development in their early teens: Marijuana use at this age could pose great risks for the health and development of young people.
• Research reported by NIDA shows marijuana's effects on the brain can cause cumulative deterioration of critical life skills.

TAKE ACTION:Use the following letter template and send to your local legislator. Let your voice be heard on this issue. 

For More Information please contact:Kathleen Sullivan

KSullivan@barrington.ri.gov