The debate on the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes continues to rage on. California was the first state to establish a medical marijuana program.
Over the past two days, Maricopa County in Arizona and Essex County in New Jersey opened their first medicinal marijuana dispensaries. Furthermore, after
the most recent November elections, Colorado and Washington have become the first two states to legalize the possession of an ounce or less by individuals
21 or older. All of these changes will no doubt contribute to the ease of getting a hold of this drug.
Marijuana usage is no light matter. More than 29 million Americans ages 12 and older reported using marijuana in 2010. There are both short and long-term
effects to partaking in this hallucinogen. They include:
1) Altering your mood.
Some people experience euphoria or calmness while others experience anxiety and paranoia.
2) Altering decision-making abilities.
This drug can cause individuals to become more relaxed. Some research shows it contributes to high-risk sexual behavior and an increase in making dangerous
decisions.
3) Slows your motor coordination.
Everything happens at a more relaxed pace which impairs driving skills, athletic skills and slows responsive reaction time.
4) Impairs short-term memory.
It makes it hard to remember and retain new information while under the influence.
5) Heart rate increase.
Even though you psychologically feel relaxed, it can increase your heart rate by 20 - 100%.
The main concern for usage of this drug is in young people. The active ingredient, THC, hijacks the brain from maturing properly. Daily usage can effect
overall achievement because the chemicals alter the individuals memory, decision-making skills and learning. The results generally lower the ability to
motivate and succeed. Most worrisome is that according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, marijuana is an addictive drug. About 9% of the people who
use the drug become addicted to it and that the younger you are when you start, the higher your chances of addiction.
With all this in mind, it is important for parents today to make sure they open up the channels of communication with their kids about drugs. The fact is
that marijuana is available like never before. A highly beneficial resource to support a child’s drug and alcohol education is to enroll them in online
drug and alcohol awareness classes. High quality programs are easily accessible from any Internet-based electronic device. A 12 hour drug class online
teaches young adults about what kinds of drugs they will be exposed to and what the short-term and long-term effects are on their mind and body. All the
negative risks and repercussions are discussed so that the student walks away with a complete understanding of what they are getting themselves into if
they choose to get involved with drugs and alcohol.
The best part about taking a drug and alcohol class online is that you do not need to drive anywhere to take it! Your teenager can sit in the comfort and
privacy of your own home to learn the material. For further support, you can choose to go through the class with them. This way, the two of you can discuss
any issues or questions that arise. Experts in the field agree that education is the key to prevention and giving your child this useful tool will help
them with the confidence they need to just say no.