Washington has developed a number of evidence-based programs for decreasing youth use of cannabis which have proven effective.
The article lists a number of programs targeted towards various youth populations. Since cannabis already exists and is widely available even in prohibition states, establishing unbiased education strongly suggests itself as the best societal approach to curbing early use of the drug. This approach has also helped curb youth use of alcohol.
Here’s the organization’s PDF: http://bit.ly/1vz61nB
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The Drug Policy Alliance also offers a 48 page brochure, “Safety First: a Reality-Based Approach to Teens and Drugs” which can serve as a guide to educators and parents.
(Article linked below and here’s the brochure: http://bit.ly/1Gc6qxL)
“Zero tolerance policies and drug testing in schools are unrealistic, ineffective, and even harmful approaches to student drug use. As parents, educators and advocates, we must acknowledge the reality of teen drug use and provide our young people with credible information and resources about the risks and consequences of substance use.
Only through honest drug education can we empower young people to make informed and responsible decisions. We also need to teach them how to identify and handle problems with alcohol and other drugs and how to get help and support, if and when they occur.”
http://ift.tt/1pWphrK
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Finally, as we’ve noted before, surveys are generally finding that in legal use states (e.g., Colorado), teen use of cannabis is not increasing.
“…consumption by CO high school students has dipped slightly since the state first permitted cannabis use by adults, a survey [based on 2015 statistics] showed, contrary to concerns that legalization would increase pot use by teens.”
Concerns remain that younger teens have less fear and might try the drug, but no statistics were presented to show this is the case, and we were unable to find specific information about school programs Colorado may be offering at this time.
http://ift.tt/2f43LVK
#MMJ #Teens #Education #UTleg #Utpol #GetSerious #TRUCE
See full article – Teen Drug Use | Risks and Consequences | Drug Policy Alliance
