NCJ Number
199798
Date Published
2002
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video discusses the myths about marijuana.
Abstract
More than 3,000 youths in America try marijuana for the first time every day. More teens use marijuana than cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and all other illicit drugs combined. For 8th graders, the use of marijuana doubled between 1991 and 2001, from 1 in 10 to 1 in 5. More youths enter treatment with a primary marijuana diagnosis than all other illicit drugs combined, even more than for alcohol. The media, pop culture, movies, and music give the message that marijuana is okay. Six percent of media stories address the actual harms of marijuana use. The fact is that marijuana is addictive. Sixty percent of teens in drug treatment have a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence. Marijuana hurts young bodies and minds. There is cancer causing tar in marijuana cigarettes. Marijuana impairs mental health. Today’s marijuana is much stronger in chemicals than in the past. Young people are much more likely to take risks when using marijuana. This increases the risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Marijuana impairs driving and puts teens at risk. The effects of marijuana slow reaction time. Marijuana jeopardizes young people’s futures by increasing the chances of difficulties in school and trouble with the law. The community must debunk the myths of marijuana. All resources, including schools, churches, nonprofit groups, small businesses, and large corporations must be used. Parents need to discuss the dangers of marijuana. Two-thirds of teens say losing their parents’ respect is why they don’t use marijuana. Parents need to know who their teen’s friends are, how they are spending their time, and set clear rules. A Web site is available in English, Spanish, and Asian languages for more information.