Smoking out the myths about marijuana

To the Editor:

Marijuana is a highly debated topic. The perception that marijuana is harmful has been greatly reduced, especially among youth. Media coverage and legalization of retail marijuana and marijuana used for medical purposes in certain states has contributed to this view that marijuana use is “safe.”

Coalitions and staff at Helping Services for Northeast Iowa are working to educate youth and the community on marijuana and to spark conversations about healthy decision-making.

Marijuana today is not the same marijuana that was around in the 1960s and 1970s. Today’s marijuana contains much higher levels of THC, the chemical component that makes people “feel high.” But this high does not come risk-free. According to the American Psychological Society, heavy marijuana use in adolescence and early adulthood is linked to “poor school performance, higher drop-out rates, increased welfare dependence, greater unemployment, and lower life satisfaction.”

Adolescence is a critical period of brain development. Many studies show the negative impact marijuana use has on the developing brain. Regular use (more than once a week) actually changes the structure of the brain and impacts critical areas, such as those dealing with memory and problem-solving. A 25-year study done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse also shows that using marijuana at a young age can lead to an average loss of eight IQ points. This means a person could go from having superior intelligence to average, or from average intelligence to low intelligence.

It is important to educate youth on what marijuana does to their brain and health along with the social and legal implications. On a survey taken in 2014, 54% of Iowa 11th graders believed there was only slight to no risk of harm to themselves if they smoked marijuana regularly. An average of 39% also said it would be easy or very easy to obtain marijuana.

To help educate youth and the community on the health harms and implications of marijuana and other drugs, you can become involved in your local substance abuse coalitions. To find out when your county coalition meets, contact Jen Kimber at 563-387-1720 or visit http://www.helpingservices.org/about/substance-abuse-prevention/ and look up your county. All are welcome to attend the coalition meetings.

Jennifer Kimber
Substance Abuse
Prevention Specialist
Helping Services for Northeast Iowa