Marijuana/THC Discussion Guide

1. Overview Voices for Preven�on (V4P) began in 2015. We work with over 58 partner coali�ons and agencies

across Georgia to prevent marijuana abuse and addic�on. Numerous people are saying their medical condi�on or their child’s has been helped by taking THC. But there is also another side of the story that involves the suffering of many more tens of

thousands of Georgians . . . children, teenagers, young adults, and adults who are addicted to the THC in marijuana.

Marijuana can act as a poison in a child’s, teen’s, and young adult’s nervous system, affec�ng their brain development.

2. Data Points Marijuana is the most commonly used mind-altering drug in the United States, a�er alcohol. In

2018, more than 11.8 million young adults reported marijuana use in the past year.1 Recent data suggest that 30 percent of those who use marijuana may have some degree of

marijuana use disorder,2 meaning they have a very serious marijuana problem. Using marijuana while pregnant can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and

s�llbirth.3 People are dying on Georgia’s highways as a result of THC intoxica�on, but we don’t hear about it

because THC levels are very rarely measured in an impaired or deceased driver’s blood. In 2016 only 15 out of 460,000 crashes were officially related to marijuana. 4

For every $1.00 the state of Colorado collected by taxing marijuana sales, the state of Colorado had to pay out $4.50 to deal with the health and social effects of legalizing marijuana.5

3. Frequently Asked Questions: Q. What is THC? A. THC is an active ingredient in marijuana that can get people high and many persons

addicted. Q. Has anyone ever died as a result of swallowing, smoking or vaping THC? A. Yes, for example, the CO Dept. of Transportation reports a marijuana-traffic related fatality occurring every 2½ days.6

See footnotes on other side.

Footnotes

1. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-scope-marijuana-use-in-united-states (updated, Dec. 2019)

2. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive (updated, 2019) 3. Maternal Substance Abuse & Child Development, Emory University/ 4. Communica�on from the Georgia Department of Transporta�on, 2019. 5. Economic and Social Costs of Legalized Marijuana, Centennial Ins�tute, Nov., 2018 6. Colorado Department of Transporta�on, 2017

Marijuana – Fact Sheet for Legislators

Many people state their or their child’s medical condi�on has been helped by taking THC.

But another side of the story involves the suffering of tens of thousands of Georgians . . . children, teenagers, young adults, and adults who are addicted to marijuana.

Marijuana can act as a poison in a child’s, teen’s, and young adult’s nervous system, affec�ng their brain development.

Data Points Marijuana is the most commonly used mind-altering drug in the United States, a�er alcohol. In 2018,

more than 11.8 million young adults reported marijuana use in the past year.1 Recent data suggest that 30 percent of those who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use

disorder,2 meaning they have a very serious marijuana problem. Using marijuana while pregnant can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and s�llbirth.3 People are dying on Georgia’s highways as a result of THC intoxica�on, but we don’t hear about it

because THC levels are very rarely measured in an impaired or deceased driver’s blood. In 2016 only 15 out of 460,000 crashes were officially related to marijuana. 4

For every $1.00 the state of Colorado collected by taxing marijuana sales, the state of Colorado had to pay out $4.50 to deal with the health and social effects of legalizing marijuana.5

Someone dies every 2½ days from a marijuana-related traffic fatality in Colorado.6

Sources 1. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-scope-marijuana-use-in-united-

states (updated, Dec. 2019) 2. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive (updated, 2019) 3. Maternal Substance Abuse & Child Development, Emory University/ 4. Communica�on from the Georgia Department of Transporta�on, 2019. 5. Economic and Social Costs of Legalized Marijuana, Centennial Ins�tute, Nov., 2018

6. Colorado Department of Transportation, 2017

TIPS ON TALKING WITH YOUR SENATOR AND REPRESENTATIVE IN PERSON

Talking to an elected official may seem intimidating at first, but it is important to remember that it is a normal part of their job. Especially if you live in their district they want to know what you think and if they can help. Below are some tips on how you can increase your effectiveness in communicating with your senator and representative with the goal of establishing a long-term relationship.

In Person

Prior to the Meeting • Do Some Homework • Try to know the basics about the topic you are going to address. Be able to articulate what

you are concerned about and why. Practice your “elevator speech” before you meet with your senator and representative or the staff member who works for them. Begin by thanking them for what they do. An “elevator speech” is a 1-2 minute speech that explains what you want and why you want it. It is called this because it needs to be very short. You may have more time to make your points, but you always need to be prepared to make your pitch quickly, especially if you are meeting them “at the ropes”.

• Call your senator’s and representative’s offices and ask to speak to your legislator. Be sure to tell them you live in the legislator’s district. If they are not available than speak with their staff member who schedules the legislator’s time. Ask them to schedule an appointment for you with the legislator on February 20th between 11:15a.m. and 12:45pm.

• Don’t feel slighted if you don’t get to speak to the legislator. Legislative staff members work very closely with the legislator and they are good allies to have.

What to Take with You

• Business Cards • The Fact Sheet for Legislators handout on your topic provided by Voices for Prevention. This

document provides the key information you want them to learn about. Give a copy to your legislator.

How to Address your Legislator: When addressing a member of the state legislature use the following protocols:

• Senator: “Senator (last name)” • Member of the House of Representatives: “Representative (last name)” • Governor: “Governor (last name)” • Lt. Governor: “Lt. Governor (last name)” • Speaker of the House: “Mr. Speaker” • Committee Chairman or Chairwoman “Chairman (last name), or Madam Chair “(last name)”

Be Personal

• Tell them a little about yourself—where you live, what you do for a living, if you are representing yourself or an organization

• Be sure to tell them that you live and/or work in their district

Refer to Fact Sheet for Legislators handout • If possible refer to at least one piece of data that will support your perspective. Select one

key piece of data that helps sell your perspective. Don’t drown them in data; your handout can provide them with additional data.

Be Focused

• Remember they have only a few minutes to spend with you so stay on topic. Also, don’t let the legislator change the subject either. Be polite, but be firm.

Be Positive

• Don’t be argumentative. You may not agree with the stand your legislator is taking on this particular issue, but it is important not to burn any bridges. Little is gained by arguing with your legislator. Mention how this issue affects children and families in their district.

• Don’t be defensive. They may ask tough questions. They are probably asking the questions that will be asked of them. Give them solid information that will help them justify why they should support your issue. Always remember that you have the right to participate in the education of your legislators.

• Remember your goal is to have a long-term relationship. You won’t always agree with your legislator. You are looking for common ground on the issues in which you are interested.

Make the Ask

• Don’t leave without asking them to support your topic. • Let them know you are always willing to help them with information any time. Ask them if they

have any questions for you. End the Meeting

• Don’t stay too long • Thank them for their time and attention

Follow-up

• Send a thank you note and anything else you promised them. • Consider inviting them to your facility or to gather with children and/or parents and/or

families you serve to let them see and hear first-hand what is needed for the community.

Do You Know About Marijuana? Talk With Your Kids About the Facts.

Marijuana: Did You Know?Talk With Your Kids About the Facts.

Marijuana use may have a wide range of effects, both physical and mental.

Marijuana can cause cognitive and physical issues such as breathing problems; increased heart rate; poor judgment and decision making; and difficulty with attention, concentration, coordination, problem solving, learning, and memory.1,2

Young kids are using marijuana.

Approximately 1.2 million kids ages 12 to 17 used marijuana for the first time in the past year. That is about 3,300 kids a day.3

Marijuana can be addictive.

Nearly one in three people who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder.4 Nearly one in 10 people who try marijuana also become addicted to it.5

Nearly one in three people who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder.6Teens have a higher risk than adults of

becoming addicted to marijuana. One in six

people who start using marijuana as teenagers will become addicted.7

1 Crane N. A., Schuster R. M., Mermelstein R. J., Gonzalez R. (2015). Neuropsychological sex differences associated with age of initiated use among young adult Cannabis users. J. Clin. Exp. Neuropsychol. 2 Meier, M. H., Caspi, A., Ambler, A., Harrington, H., Houts, R., Keefe, R. S. E., McDonald, K., Ward, A., Poulton, R., & Moffitt, T. E. (2012). Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife. PNAS, 109(40): E2657–E2664. 3 Crane, N. A., Schuster R. M., Mermelstein R. J., Gonzalez R. (2015). Neuropsychological sex differences associated with age of initiated use among young adult Cannabis users. J. Clin. Exp. Neuropsychol.4 Hasin, D. S., Saha, T. D., Kerridge, B. T., et al. (2015). Prevalence of Marijuana Use Disorders in the United States Between 2001–2002 and 2012–2013. JAMA Psychiatry, 72(12):1,235–1,242. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.1858.5 Crane, N. A., Schuster, R. M., Mermelstein, R. J., Gonzalez R. (2015). Neuropsychological sex differences associated with age of initiated use among young adult Cannabis users. J. Clin. Exp. Neuropsychol. 6 Hasin, D. S., Saha, T. D., Kerridge, B. T., et al. (2015). Prevalence of Marijuana Use Disorders in the United States Between 2001–2002 and 2012–2013. JAMA Psychiatry, 72(12):1,235–1,242. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.1858.7 Hall W, Degenhardt L. Adverse health effects of non-medical cannabis use. Lancet 2009;374:1383-91.

Start talking with your kids about the facts. For tips on how—and when—to begin the conversation, visit www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.

SMA-18-5077

CDC’S NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION

Marijuana Fact Sheet

NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION

@CDCChronic | www.cdc.gov/chronicdiseaseCS279682S

What You Need to Know About Marijuana Use in Teens

The teen years are a time of rapid growth, exploration, and onset of risk taking. Taking risks with new behaviors provides kids and teens the opportunity to test their skills and abilities and discover who they are. But, some risk behaviors—such as using marijuana—can have harmful and long-lasting effects on a teen’s health and well-being.

Marijuana and the teen brainUnlike adults, the teen brain is actively developing and often will not be fully developed until the mid 20s. Marijuana use during this period may harm the developing teen brain.

Negative effects include:• Difficulty thinking and problem solving.

• Problems with memory and learning.

• Impaired coordination.

• Difficulty maintaining attention.3

Negative effects on school and social lifeMarijuana use in adolescence or early adulthood can have a serious impact on a teen’s life.

• Decline in school performance. Students who smoke marijuana may get lower grades and may more likely to drop out of high school than their peers who do not use.4

• Increased risk of mental health issues. Marijuana use has been linked to a range of mental health problems in teens such as depression or anxiety.5 Psychosis has also been seen in teens at higher risk like those with a family history.6

• Impaired driving. Driving while impaired by any substance, including marijuana, is dangerous. Marijuana negatively affects a number of skills required for safe driving, such as reaction time, coordination, and concentration.7, 8

Fast Facts

38% OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

report having used marijuana in their life.1

• Research shows that marijuana use can have permanent effects on the developing brain when use begins in adolescence, especially with regular or heavy use.2

• Frequent or long-term marijuana use is linked to school dropout and lower educational achievement.3

2 Marijuana Fact Sheet 2018

• Potential for addiction.a Research shows that about 1 in 6 teens who repeatedly use marijuana can become addicted, which means that they may make unsuccessful efforts to quit using marijuana or may give up important activities with friends and family in favor of using marijuana.

For more information, visit:• YRBSS Results, Slides, and MMWR Publications: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm

• Parent Engagement Tips: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/parent_engagement.htm

• School Connectedness: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/school_connectedness.htm

• NIDA Drug Facts: Marijuana: https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/marijuanaExternal

• NIDA Marijuana: Facts for Teens: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-teens/letter-to-teensExternal

• Adolescents and Marijuana: http://learnaboutmarijuanawa.org/factsheets/adolescents.htmExternal

References

a: The term “addiction” is used to describe compulsive drug seeking despite negative consequences. However, we recognize that “addiction” is not considered a specific diagnosis in the fifth edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)—a diagnostic manual used by clinicians that contains descriptions and symptoms of all mental disorders classified by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Rather the DSM-5 uses the term substance use disorder. However, throughout this document addiction is used synonymously with having a substance use disorder for ease of language recognition and understanding.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data. 2016 [cited 2016 November 16, 2016]; Available from: http://nccd.cdc.gov/youthonline/.

2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. What are marijuana’s long-term effects on the brain? 2016 [cited 2016 November 16, 2016]; Available from: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-long-term-effects-brainExternal.

3. Fergusson, D.M. and J.M. Boden, Cannabis use and later life outcomes. Addiction, 2008. 103(6): p. 969-76; discussion 977-8.

4. Broyd, S.J., et al., Acute and Chronic Effects of Cannabinoids on Human Cognition-A Systematic Review. Biol Psychiatry, 2016. 79(7): p. 557-67.

5. Copeland, J., S. Rooke, and W. Swift, Changes in cannabis use among young people: impact on mental health. Curr Opin Psychiatry, 2013. 26(4): p. 325-9.

6. Arseneault, L., et al., Cannabis use in adolescence and risk for adult psychosis: longitudinal prospective study. BMJ, 2002. 325(7374): p. 1212-3.

7. Bondallaz, P., et al., Cannabis and its effects on driving skills. Forensic Sci Int, 2016. 268: p.92-102.

8. Hartman, R.L. and M.A. Huestis, Cannabis effects on driving skills. Clin Chem, 2013. 59(3): p. 478-92.

9. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction 2014 [cited 2016 December 29].

MARIJUANATHE TRUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA

SLANG: WEED/POT/GRASS/ REEFER/GANJA/MARY JANE/BLUNT/JOINT/TREES

MARIJUANA AFFECTS YOUR BRAIN. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects, affects brain cells throughout the brain, including cells in circuits related to learning and memory, coordination, and addiction.1

MARIJUANA AFFECTS YOUR SELF-CONTROL. Marijuana can seriously affect your sense of time and your coordination, impacting things like driving.

MARIJUANA AFFECTS YOUR LUNGS. Marijuana smoke deposits four times more tar in the lungs and contains 50 percent to 70 percent more cancer-causing substances than tobacco smoke does.2

MARIJUANA USE IS NEGATIVELY LINKED WITH OTHER ASPECTS OF YOUR HEALTH. Chronic marijuana use has been linked with depression, anxiety, and an increased risk of schizophrenia in some cases.3

MARIJUANA IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT IT SEEMS. Marijuana can be laced with substances without your knowledge.

GET THE FACTS

4 “Blunts”—hollowed-out cigars filled with marijuana—sometimes contain crack cocaine.

MARIJUANA CAN BE ADDICTIVE. Not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted, but some users develop signs of dependence.

? Q&AQ. ISN’T SMOKING MARIJUANA LESS

DANGEROUS THAN SMOKING CIGARETTES?

A. NO. Both marijuana and cigarette smoke can be harmful. More research is needed to fully understand the connection between marijuana and long-term effects such as cancer.5

Q. CAN PEOPLE BECOME ADDICTED TO MARIJUANA?

A. YES. Marijuana use can lead to a marijuana use disorder, which takes the form of addiction in severe cases.6

Q. WHAT ARE THE OTHER RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MARIJUANA USE?

A. In addition to the physical and mental risks associated with marijuana use, people who use marijuana have also reported less academic and career success, as well as lower life satisfaction and more relationship problems.7

THE BOTTOM LINE:Marijuana affects the development of teen brains. Talk to your parents, a doctor, a counselor, a teacher, or another adult you trust if you have questions.

LEARN MORE:Get the latest information on how drugs affect the brain and body at teens.drugabuse.gov.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MARIJUANA, CONTACT:SAMHSA 1–877–SAMHSA–7 (1–877–726–4727)(English and Español)

TTY 1–800–487–4889

www.samhsa.gov store.samhsa.gov

1 KNOW THE LAW. Marijuana is a Schedule I drug.8 According to federal law, it is illegal to buy or sell marijuana.

2 GET THE FACTS. Using marijuana can cause memory problems and mood changes, and long-term use may lower intelligence.9,10

3 STAY INFORMED. Research suggest that teens usually try alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana before other drugs, though most people who use marijuana do not use other drugs.11

4 KNOW THE RISKS. Marijuana affects your coordination and reaction time, raising your risk of injury or death from car crashes and other accidents. Co-use of alcohol or other drugs heightens crash risks.12

5 LOOK AROUND YOU. Most teens aren’t smoking marijuana. In fact, only 6.5 percent of youth ages 12 to 17 said that they had smoked marijuana in the past month.13

How can you tell if a friend is using marijuana? Symptoms of marijuana use may include:14

• Poor physical coordination• Red eyes• Unusual smell on clothing• Problems with short-term memory• Anxiety

BE A FRIEND. SAVE A LIFE. Encourage your friend to stop using or seek help from a parent, teacher, or other caring adult.

For 24/7 free and confidential information and treatment referrals in English and Español, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at:

1–800–662–HELP (1–800–662–4357)or visit the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator at: findtreatment.samhsa.gov

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP SOMEONE WHO IS USING MARIJUANA?

1, 2, 3, 5, 12 National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Research Reports: Marijuana. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/letter-director4 Gilbert, C. R., Baram, M., & Cavarocchi, N. C. (2013). Smoking wet: Respiratory failure related to smoking tainted marijuana cigarettes. Texas Heart Institute Journal, 40(1): 64–67.6 Medical News Today. (2017). Marijuana ‘may be worse than cigarettes for cardiovascular health.’ Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318854.php7 National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Marijuana. Drug Facts. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana8 Drug Enforcement Administration. (2018). Drug Scheduling. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml9 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Marijuana and Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects.html10 Meier, M. H., Caspi, A., Ambler, A., Harrington, H., Houts, R., Keefe, R. S. E., McDonald, K., Ward, A., Poulton, R., & Moffitt, T. E. (2012). Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 109(40), E2657–E2664. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3479587/11 National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2015). Marijuana: Facts for Teens. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-teens/want-to-know-more-some-faqs-about-marijuana 13 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. SMA 18-5068, NSDUH Series H-53). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/NSDUHFFR2017/NSDUHFFR2017.pdf14 American Addiction Centers. (2018). What Are the Signs That Someone Is High? Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/how-to-tell-if-someone-is-high/

MORE INFORMATION

SAMHSA complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

SAMHSA cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR RESOURCES USED IN THIS

“TIPS for TEENS,”visit store.samhsa.gov or call

1–877–SAMHSA–7 (1–877–726–4727)(English and Español).

PEP NO. 19-05 REVISED 2019