As you may be aware, Lt. Governor Fetterman is going on a “Listening Tour” regarding legalization of recreational marijuana in PA and we would like to provide you with up to date scientific research on the effects of marijuana on our youth.Your children are our priority and we want them to be safe, healthy and to reach their fullest potential.We encourage you to review and share this information with your children and to have a conversation with them about the effects of marijuana on the developing brain.The National Institute of Drug Abuse has a link to help parents discuss this important topic:

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-parents-need-to-know/talking-to-your-kids-communicating-risks

It is worth noting that the marijuana of today is VERY different than years ago.Here is what is going on in some other states that have legalized recreational marijuana as well as other relevant information:

• Colorado holds the top ranking for first time marijuana use among youth in the country – 65% increase since legalization.(Dept. of Health and Human Services)
• Calls to the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center have risen 210% since legalization.
• Marijuana food and candy are being marketed to children and is responsible for a growing number of Marijuana-related ER visits (which have doubled since legalization).Edibles with names inspired by favorite candies of children and dessert products are now being marketed and sold as Ring Pots and Pot Tarts. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/laxer-marijuana-laws-linked-to-increase-in-kids-accidental-poisonings/ & University of Colorado study
• Heavy marijuana use in teen years that continues through adulthood has shown a permanent drop in IQ of 8 points. M.H.Meier.Avshalom Caspi.et al. 2012 “Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife”Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
• With average intelligence at 100, a drop in 8 points puts a person in the lowest third of intelligence, making them potentially unable to complete high school, stay in college or even possibly unable to fulfill the demands of a full-time career position.
• 1 in 6 users who start using marijuana as an adolescent become addicted.National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse 2011. Topics in Brief Marijuana Availablehttp://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/topices-in-brief/marijuana
• Regular marijuana use by adolescents and young adults is strongly associated with developing psychotic symptoms and disorders such as schizophrenia.Volkow, Nora D. Baler, Ruben D. Compton, Wilson M. 2014 June 5. Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use. The New England Journal of Medicine

Please let Governor Wolf know what you think about legalizing RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA by going on either of these websites:

https://www.governor.pa.gov/recreational-marijuana-feedback/

https://www.governor.pa.gov/recreational-marijuana-feedback/#Dates

If you have any questions regarding this or any other drug related issues we recommend you contact Wayne County D & A Commission at 253-6022.