Warn teens about marijuana dangers

Teens, do you want to forget information you learned for a test, make poor choices, or put yourself at risk for an accident?

These are some of the short-term consequences of smoking marijuana, according to information posted on DrugAbuse.gov's website.

The long-term effects are more serious. The chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, found in marijuana, affects brain development and causes a drop in IQ, according to a study tracking participants from age 13 to 38. This intelligence loss can occur even if the user quits.

Marijuana's effects on teens came up recently during an Initiative 502 discussion in Moses Lake.

On the state level, the initiative legalized pot retail stores in Moses Lake and marijuana possession (of up to an ounce) for adults age 21 and older.

But the new law has apparently caused some confusion among parents.

Some parents have started smoking pot with their kids, Moses Lake High School teacher Jamie Wise said at the meeting.

Recreational marijuana use is still against the law for children younger than 21.

Even so, Leigh Allison-Ray, a student assistant specialist with the Moses Lake School District, said she's heard of cases when students have traded their iPhones or Xboxes for marijuana. She had said students need to be educated.

We agree. Some effects of long-term marijuana use include decreased life potential, according to studies cited on DrugAbuse.gov's website.

This means you missed opportunities in school, career and relationships because of the health and mental impacts of marijuana.

And there are still restrictions on the new state law and a difference in federal law to take note of.

The state law doesn't allow people 21 and older to use pot in public and drive under the influence. On the federal level, it is against the law to make, sell, possess and use pot.

Teens, if you have friends dabbling in marijuana use, tell them you care. Then share this article. Parents, do the same and forward this article to other parents who may not know about the drug's effects on young users.

- Editorial Board