Annmarie Shafer, CPS

Marijuana is indeed, Addictive

Adults

Source: Anthony, J.C., Warner, L.A., & Kessler, R.C. (1994); Giedd. J. N., 2004

1 in 10 adults who try marijuana

become addicted.

Adolescents

1 in 6 adolescents who try marijuana become addicted.

Rates go up to 25-50% for daily users.

The Brain is like a

computer!

Marijuana use affects parts of the brain responsible for: •  Memory •  Learning & attention •  Reaction time

Marijuana use increases risk of mental illness: •  Schizophrenia (6 fold) •  Psychosis •  Depression •  Anxiety

Source: Giedd. J.N., 2004

Risk Factors of Drug Use • Early First Use • Low Perception of Risk (Health Risks &

Consequences) • Availability • Social Norm • Favorable Attitudes Regarding Use

(Parental/Peer Use)

Gateway Drug

  Not all marijuana users go on to use other drugs, but many other drug users started with marijuana.

  The adolescent brain (12 – 25 yr olds) is especially susceptible to marijuana use.

NJ Adolescent Treatment Admissions (2009-2012)

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

Alcohol Cocaine Marijuana Heroin Other Opiates

Sedatives Other

# o

f Ad

miss

ion

s

NJ Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions by Primary Drug Ages 18 and under

2009 2010 2011 2012

Data source: NJSAMS download, February 2013

  Brownies, carrot cake, cookies, peanut butter, granola bars, ice cream, caramels…

  Marketed with cartoons and characters appealing to children.

OIL/710 Wax, ear Wax

Concentrates Dabs Butter Shatter Oils JuJu Joints BHO

Heavily promoted as

cessation devices,

but…

The aggressive e-cigarette advertising strategies combined with pro-legalization of marijuana messages is creating an entirely new generation of youth unknowingly becoming completely desensitized to the dangers of tobacco & marijuana use.

Alcohol and Tobacco:

Are these really models to follow?

  Both industries promote addiction and target kids

  Youth alcohol use is much higher than marijuana (more available = increased use)

  Since medical marijuana and legalization discussions, marijuana is starting to exceed tobacco use among youth.

Source: Schiller JS, Lucas JW, Peregoy JA. Summary health statistics for U.S. adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2011. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(256). 2012. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vital Signs: Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults Aged ≥ 18 Years—United States, 2005–2010. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2011;60(33):1207–12

Increased Use Among Teens

If pot is medicine and allowed by the state,

then it must be safe to use.

Source: Wall, M., et al., 2011; Johnston, L.D., et al., 2011.

 In states with medical marijuana laws, youth (age12-17) marijuana use rates are higher compared to states without such laws.

 In states with medical marijuana laws, adolescents’ perception of the harmful effects of marijuana have significantly decreased.

15

We can agree?   People should not be put in jail for simple possession nor should

youth have permanent criminal records for small amounts.

  We don’t want to create another Big Tobacco Industry that will promote marijuana to our youth and disparate communities.

  We don’t want our youth to have greater access to marijuana and/or marijuana products made more available to them.

  Research is showing that there are some medicinal benefits to certain chemical components of marijuana but, more research is needed along with FDA Regulations to create safe products.

  We can learn from our experiences with alcohol & tobacco and go about this much smarter.

  THERE IS ANOTHER WAY THAN TO LEGALIZE ACROSS THE BOARD!

Adults, Teachers, Physicians, Nurses, Caregivers, Parents…

  Talk to youth about the reality & dangers of marijuana use

  Provide a clear message that marijuana use is unacceptable

  Talk about the industry’s manipulation of messages- just like tobacco

  Educate and update your knowledge   Give youth all the advantages to succeed-

that includes no alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or any other drug use

www.learnaboutsam.com

Parents Opposed to Pot www.poppot.org

The Marijuana Report www.themarijuanareport.org