As
our state continues implementation of Initiative 502, it is important, as
parents and grandparents, that we understand the facts about marijuana so we
can have productive conversations with the children and young adults in our
lives about avoiding drug use.
Below
are key facts and resources to aid you as you talk to your children and teens
about making healthy life choices.
Facts:
- In
2012, Washington voters approved Initiative 502 to allow the recreational
use and purchase of marijuana for adults who are 21 years of age and
older.
- While
it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to use or purchase marijuana,
the reality is that legalizing the drug for adults makes it more
accessible to youth. Youth are also exposed to marijuana advertising.
These factors increase the likelihood that youth will use marijuana.
- Marijuana
is addictive.
About 9 percent of users become addicted; this number increases for those
who start young (to about 17 percent, or 1 in 6) and those who use
marijuana daily (to 25-50 percent).
- Students
who use marijuana are more likely to have lower grades and drop out of
school compared to students who don’t use marijuana. In addition, many
students who use marijuana also use other substances, including alcohol
and tobacco (2012
Washington State Healthy Youth Survey).
- The
good news is that most students do not use marijuana, alcohol or
other drugs, and they are less likely to use them when they know
their parents disapprove of this.
Resources:
- Marijuana: Know the Facts: What Parents Need to Know.
Developed by the Washington State Liquor Control Board, this guide for
parents has facts about the impacts of marijuana and I-502.
- A
Parent’s
Guide to Preventing Underage Marijuana Use. The guide contains helpful
information about the unique risks of marijuana to the developing brain,
proven strategies to help keep youth drug-free, signs and symptoms of
marijuana use, and what to do if you suspect a child or teen may already
be using marijuana.
- For
tips on how to talk with your kids at different ages, and other ways to
keep them healthy and drug-free, visit www.StartTalkingNow.org.
We
know that parental involvement makes a difference in keeping children, teens
and young adults healthy, safe and in school. I encourage you to make use of
these resources and to share them with others. Together, we can make our
communities a safer and healthier place now and for future generations.
Additionally,
for more information about marijuana research and minimizing risks for adult
consumers, visit www.LearnAboutMarijuanaWA.org.
Very
truly yours,
Jay
Inslee
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