Marijuana is making a comeback in California

As long ago as 1982, the National Research Council of the Academy of Science urged Congress to develop stronger marijuana policies. In 2001, the National Institute of Justice released a report on drug epidemics and warned of a new marijuana epidemic that began in the 1990s, citing an alarming rise in marijuana usage among the nation’s youth.

It is of paramount importance that youth be educated about the facts regarding marijuana. Consider the following statistics:

• Marijuana is the most used illegal drug in the United States. Nearly 69 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried marijuana at least once.

• Marijuana is California's largest cash crop.

• Today’s marijuana is 10 to 15 times stronger than it was in the 60’s

• Reaction time for motor skills, such as driving, is reduced by 41% after smoking one joint, and is reduced 63% after smoking two joints.

• More than 7,000 published scientific and medical studies document the damage that marijuana poses. No study has shown marijuana to be safe.

• Data has shown that people high on marijuana show the same lack of coordination on standard “drunk driver” tests as do people who have had too much to drink.

• The daily use of 1-3 marijuana joints may produce the same lung damage and potential cancer risk as smoking five times as many cigarettes.

• A yearly survey of students in grades 8-12 shows that 23% of 8th graders have tried marijuana at least once and by tenth grade, 21% are “current” users.

In California, marijuana is making a comeback in an environment that includes (1) local growers who produce some of the most potent plants in the world, (2) cannabis buyer’s clubs dispensing “medical marijuana” to anyone 18 years or older who can get a doctor’s prescription, (3) a penal code where possession of less than one ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by no more than a $100 fine, and (4) state laws that permit persons with a doctor’s prescription to grow a specified number of plants for personal use. This has created an environment in which marijuana abuse and dependence can flourish.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing difficulty with marijuana, another substance of abuse or personal problems, please have them call the Teamsters Assistance Program (510) 562-3600. Counselors will evaluate and direct persons suffering from substance abuse or other personal problems who are covered by medical insurance through a TAP serviced Health and Welfare Trust Fund to resources that meet their specific needs.