”Medical” Marijuana in Massachusetts

So, Medical Marijuana is coming to Massachusetts.  OASIS wants you to know that this does not change any of the following facts:

• Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in Massachusetts and the nation.
• Youth in states that have “medical” marijuana programs, believe that marijuana is much less harmful than youth in other parts of the country.
• In states with Medical Marijuana laws, marijuana is being diverted to teens for recreational use.
• One in six kids who try marijuana will become addicted. In the past 15 years, the potency of Marijuana (THC content) has more than tripled from 3% to more than 11%, making today’s drug highly addictive and very different from the marijuana from the 1970s and 1980s.
• Developing teens brains are negatively affected by marijuana use. A recent study demonstrated that teens that smoke marijuana have up to an 8-point IQ drop in early adulthood, compared to teens that do not smoke.

It is likely that this law will lead to increased youth use of marijuana in Stoughton and across Massachusetts.  States with Medical Marijuana have marijuana abuse rates that are almost double the rate of states without such laws.  In Stoughton, when marijuana was decriminalized by popular vote in 2008, the amount of Stoughton youth using marijuana jumped from 19% (2008) to 28%(2011). The closer we get to legalizing marijuana, the less kids think it is harmful and the more they use it.

As this new law goes into effect we need to be vigilant and guard against potential abuses and medical marijuana getting into the hands of our children. Will a pot shop open in Stoughton? Will it be close to our parks, our schools, or the Square? Who can go in the pot shops? Will marijuana candy-look a-likes (Cheeba Chews, BuddaFingers, etc.) and marijuana-based products be marketed to teens?

Just because this law passed, it does not change the facts.  However, youth who receive clear messages from their parents about the dangers of drug use are less likely to use drugs.  Kids who are connected in some way to the community / school are less at risk.  Your best defense against this law negatively impacting your kids is YOU.  So, talk to your kids.  If you need help visit our parent page for helpful resources and information.

Knowledge is power! Know the facts! Keep talking!

Lots more info coming soon……