Marijuana Prevention
It's a plant, so it's natural, and natural is always good-right? Think again, because both natural and synthetic versions of marijuana can cause a long-lasting, negative impact on your developing brain.
Marijuana (aka: blunt, dope, ganja, grass, herb, joint, bud, Mary Jane, pot, reefer, green, trees, smoke, sinsemilla, skunk, weed, hash, tea, chronic, 420) is a green and brown mix of dried flowers, stems, seeds and leaves from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. The main active chemical is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which moves quickly through the bloodstream to the brain and other organs throughout the body. Marijuana is a mild hallucinogen that can also act as a depressant or a stimulant.
Protecting Our Youth From Marijuana
Marijuana IS addictive! Let’s consider the facts. Those who begin using marijuana in their teens have about a 1 in 6 chance of developing marijuana addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Addiction, children and teens are 6 times more likely to be in treatment for marijuana than for all other illegal drugs combined.
Learn about how you can start having conversations with your children today on the dangers associated with marijuana use.
Did You Know?
Marijuana use is a major public health problem in the United States. In the past 20 years, its use has increased 30-fold; it is estimated that more than a quarter of the American population has used it.
Barry County Perception of Marijuana Use is Varied
According to our Barry County Substance Abuse Adult Community Survey, people's perception of marijuana is varied regarding safety and use. No matter how you feel about it, marijuana is still harmful for youth — it impacts their brain development and emotional control.
In addition, feedback presented stated that "almost all high schoolers have used marijuana and many residents living in Barry County are also users." In Reality, 72% of high school students HAVE NEVER used marijuana. Let's make that 100%!
