•Mobilizing Michigan – Protecting Our Kids from Marijuana is a campaign to educate all sectors of the community about the dangers of youth marijuana use. •While there is much dialogue about medical marijuana and the legalization of marijuana for “recreational” purposes, there seems to be very little focus on the many negative consequences of youth use in the media or in public discussion. •Mobilizing Michigan … was created by the Chippewa Valley Coalition for Youth and Families, a school-community coalition in central Macomb County, Michigan, and the Macomb County Community Mental Health - Office of Substance Abuse (MCOSA).

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The Mobilizing Michigan – Protecting Our Kids from Marijuana , a Tool Kit with several various components, is intended to educate all sectors of the community – youth, parents, other community members, school staff, law enforcement, government, the faith community, business, youth-serving and other agencies, etc. about the dangers of youth marijuana use. Note: When presenting this information please consider adding some emotions by incorporating local concerns or situations. Also consider using youth to talk about how it affects them.

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•Let’s briefly examine national, state, (and local, if you can provide it) data regarding the extent of youth use and the extent to which teens view marijuana use as harmful.

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•The Monitoring the Future (MTF) Survey gathers data on trends of use and related issues of legal

and illegal (illicit) drugs by teens and adults in the US. The survey is conducted by researchers at the

Institute for Social Research, at the University of Michigan and is funded by the National Institute of

Substance Abuse and the National Institute of Health. Each year they survey approximately 50,000

youth.

•This slide shows that marijuana (the blue bar) is the most highly abused illicit drug in the country.

(Some, but not all of the categories of illicit drugs and non-medical use of prescription medications

that youth use, are noted.) Youth use marijuana at a much higher rate than other illicit drug including

alcohol and heroin.

NOTES If ASKED…

Alcohol: (MTF 2011) 25.9% of 12th graders report they have been drunk in past year (lifetime

use 51.5%)

Narcotic and Heroin: (MTF 2012) Use in the last 12 months is approximately 8.5%

Beginning in 2010, a revised set of questions on availability of other narcotics was introduced in which

methadone and opium were replaced with Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percocet.

“Use of any illicit drug. Because marijuana is by far the most prevalent drug included in the any illicit drug use

index Other Drugs Declining in Use Several other drugs showed signs of decreased use in 2011. These

include: inhalants, cocaine powder, crack cocaine, the narcotic drug Vicodin, the amphetamine Adderall,

sedatives, tranquilizers, and over-the-counter cough and cold medicines used to get high.

In 2011 Vicodin, the most widely used of the narcotic drugs, continued to decline among 8th graders, declined

significantly among 10th graders but showed no further decline among 12th graders. Use of Adderall, the most

widely used amphetamine and a drug used in the treatment of ADHD, declined in the lower grades and there

was no further change among 12th graders.” http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/pubs/monographs/mtf-

overview2011.pdf

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•This slide gives the longitudinal view of Monitoring the Future data regarding the percent of youth in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades nationally who view regular use as a “great risk”. •The shape of all three lines indicates that the Perception of risk for all students seems to have peaked in the early 1990’s. But, has steadily declined over the past 20 years. The perceived risk of MJ use has declined over the past 20 years. •Perception of Risk long-term trends indicate that youth do not think marijuana is harmful. This is important because MTF staff point out that as teens get older, their perception of risk diminishes. •The red line is always lower than the green and blue lines. This indicates that Older youth (12th graders) consistently view MJ as less risky than younger teens (10th and 8th graders) •Perception of risk tends to predict use – if youth don’t believe that marijuana use is a risk, they are much more likely to use it. •The passage of “medical” marijuana laws in 18 states plus D.C. , including our own, is considered a major factor in the decrease of perception of risk by youth over time.

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•This graph of the Monitoring the Future data for 8th, 10th, and 12th graders from 1974 to 2012 shows a significant variation in use over the years. •(Interpretation of graph.) This chart indicates that 8th graders use at lower rates but as their perception of harm decreases in 10th and 12th grades and their use goes up.

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An inverse correlation of perception and harm to usage rates is evident. As one goes up the other goes down and vise versa. The above trend in national data is also observed in the Michigan and Macomb County data. It appears that as more youth perceive Marijuana as NOT risky and is readily available, the more use of Marijuana that occurs.

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•The data that follows is the aggregate or combined data for the Macomb school districts that administered the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY) Survey in 2012. •MiPHY is a Michigan Department of Education survey administered to students in grades 7, 9, and 11. •MiPHY gathers data on reported use of a range of drugs, including marijuana, as well information on a variety of related behaviors and perceptions, including the perception of the risk of using marijuana.

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•The bar graph shows a progressive decline in the perception of the Macomb County 7th, 9th , and over 4 years – 2008 through 2012. •(Interpretation of data.) Notice that this data shows that since “medical” marijuana was approved in Nov 2008 and went into effect April of 2009, the perception of risk or harm has been decreasing. This seems to be consistent with trends in other states that have voted to allow marijuana to reduce symptoms for “medical” reasons.

•If Asked… Number of youth surveyed in Macomb MiPHY •2012 – 7th grade 3499, 9th grade 4142, 11th grade 3711 •2010 – 7th grade 3949, 9th grade 3611, 11th grade 3060 •2008 – 7th grade 2599, 9th grade 2051, 11th grade 1831

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•This bar graph shows use rates of “Lifetime Use” of the Macomb County 7th, 9th, and 11th graders who were administered the MiPHY in 2012.

•By the time they are in 11th grade approximately 44% of all students have tried Marijauana. There appears to be a big jump in experimentation between 7th and 9th grade and experimentation doubles again between 9th and 11th grade.

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•This bar graph shows use rates of “Past 30 Day Use” of the Macomb County 7th, 9th, and 11th graders who took the MiPHY in 2012.

•(Interpretation) In fact, daily use becomes a great concern the longer people’s attitudes around “medical” marijuana and decimalization for “recreational” marijuana are normalized as evidenced over the past several years. Like the previous slide, There is a slight increase between 2010 and 2012 in the percentage of 11th graders who have used Marijuana in the past 30 days and that amount is double the amount of recent use by 9th graders. There is very little recent use by 7th graders. But, 25% of all 11th graders report recent use of MJ.

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Marijuana use, particularly by youth, has significant negative consequences. These consequences are physical, emotional, social, and can be long term! Focus groups and conversations with kids have shown us that they think this is a safe drug, “it is only a plant” & “it is natural” and “adults voted for it to be legal”. Focus groups with parents inform us that ”It is just marijuana” and that they used it when they were teens. These statement show us how normalized this drug has become. What youth and parents don’t understand the big picture of what happens with these attitudes and what can go wrong. It is the coalitions job to point out what has happened in other areas of the county.

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•Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active ingredient in marijuana, responsible for many of its known effects. THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream which caries the chemical to the organs throughout the body, including the brain. NIDA Research Report Series With today’s pot, it only takes a small amount to get high and youth get hooked/addicted faster than with the lower potency versions of pot from the past.

According to NIDA “The THC content of marijuana has been increasing since the 1970s. Estimates from confiscated marijuana indicated that it contains almost 10% THC, on average.” http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/marijuana According to the DEA, marijuana is not the same drug it was ... It has fallen heir to the technological revolution. In 1970, the average THC content of a marijuana plant was about 1.5%. http://www.cedro-uva.org/lib/harrison.cannabis.04.html

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Citation: ONDCP is the Office of National Drug Control Policy. While most people who smoke marijuana do not go on to use other drugs, long-term studies of high school students show that few young people use other illegal drugs without first trying marijuana. For example, the risk of using cocaine is much greater for those who have tried marijuana than for those who have never tried it. Using marijuana puts children and teens in contact with people who use and sell other drugs. So, a person who uses marijuana is more likely to be exposed to and urged to try other drugs. The effects of marijuana on the brain of adolescents is of great concern since the brain contains large amounts of fatty tissue so THC accumulates there. This may also affect their likelihood of using other drugs as they get older. Animal studies suggest this to be true, but it is not yet demonstrated in people. Also, once a teen has successfully experimented with MJ and does not have immediate consequences, they are more likely to continue use that may unknowingly lead to addiction or to experimentation with other harmful drugs. NIDA for Teens 2012

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Citations: •NIH is the National Institute of Health. •ONDCP is the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Addiction Many people don’t think of marijuana as addictive—they are wrong. About 9 percent of people who use marijuana become dependent on it. The number increases to about one in six among those who start using it at a young age, and to 25 to 50 percent among daily users. Marijuana increases dopamine, which creates the good feelings or “high” associated with its use. A user may feel the urge to smoke marijuana again, and again, and again to re-create that experience. Repeated use could lead to addiction—a disease where people continue to do something, even when they are aware of the severe negative consequences at the personal, social, academic, and professional levels. NIDA for Teens 2012 You may want to mention that addiction does not have to include withdrawal symptoms like alcohol. According to Medical Dictionary http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/withdrawal

substance withdrawal a substance-specific mental disorder that follows the

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cessation of use or reduction in intake of a psychoactive substance that had been regularly used to induce a state of intoxication. 1. Detachment, as from social or emotional involvement. 2. Discontinuation of the use of an addictive substance. 3. The physiological and mental readjustment that accompanies such discontinuation. Frequent, heavy use of marijuana can lead to needing increasing amounts of it to get the same feelings (tolerance) and possibly to dependence (addiction). If daily use is stopped, flu-like withdrawal symptoms and craving for the drug can develop within 24 to 48 hours and last about 2 weeks. http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/marijuana-topic-overview

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•The picture on the slide shows the distribution of cannabinoid receptors (receptors in the body that bind THC, and chemicals that act as these receptors) in the rat brain. •Brain image reveals high levels (shown in orange and yellow) of cannabinoid receptors in many areas, including the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and nucleus accumbens (ventral striatum). •Rats exposed to THC in utero, soon after birth, or during adolescence, show notable problems with specific learning/memory tasks later in life. Moreover, cognitive impairment in adult rats is associated with structural and functional changes in the hippocampus from THC exposure during adolescence. http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-abuse/how-does-marijuana-use-affect-your-brain-body

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Comments of Carol Krause, Chief of NIDA’s Public Information and Liaison Branch • Although we already knew from past research that if you start smoking pot as a teen,

you’ll be more likely to get addicted, new research (just published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Journal) now says if you smoke marijuana heavily as a teenager, it can actually lower your IQ!

• Scientists looked at more than 1,000 people born in 1972 and 1973. When they were 13 years old, they were given IQ and other kinds of intelligence tests. They were interviewed every few years about their use of marijuana and then tested again when they were 38 years old.

• The results? Those who smoked weed heavily as teens showed mental decline even after they quit using the drug—and had, on average, an 8-point drop in their IQ scores. An 8-point loss could push a person of average intelligence into the lower third of testers. Those who started smoking pot after age 18 also showed some decline, but not as much.

• This was an interesting study because it also collected information from people who knew the study participants. They reported that people who smoked marijuana heavily had more memory and attention problems and did not organize their lives as well, misplacing things and forgetting to keep appointments, pay bills, or return calls. This highlights the lasting effect marijuana can have on the teenage brain, which is still developing and still wiring itself to handle the onslaught of information it gets every day. The toxic chemicals in marijuana can mess up that wiring process and hurt your ability to do well in school and in life.

If questioned about this study…

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• NIDA issued a statement that they stand by this information. “we cannot afford to divert our focus from the central point: regular marijuana use stands to jeopardize a young person’s chances of success—in school and in life.” http://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/directors-page/messages-director/2013/01/marijuanas-lasting-effects-brain

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Citations: •SAHMSA is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency, a federal agency. •NIDA is the National Institute of Drug Abuse

•THC interferes with learning and memory… because the hippocampus, the part of the brain seen on the previous slide, plays a critical role in certain types of learning. •Disrupting its normal functioning can lead to problems studying, learning new things, and recalling recent events. NIDA for Teens 2012

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Studies have shown an association between marijuana use and increased risk of schizophrenia, a serve mental illness that includes confused thoughts, and, to a lesser extent, a connection between depression and anxiety. There are now sufficient data indicating that marijuana may trigger the onset or relapse of schizophrenia in people predisposed to it, perhaps also intensifying their symptoms. NIDA: Topics in Brief Marijuana Dec 2011

Marijuana may also affect mental health. Studies show that early marijuana use may increase the risk of developing psychosis if someone has a genetic vulnerability to the disease. Psychosis is a severe mental disorder in which there is a loss of contact with reality, including false ideas about what is happening (delusions) and seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations). Marijuana also has been associated with depression and anxiety, but more research is necessary to confirm and better understand that relationship. NIDA for Teens 2012

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•Within a few minutes after inhaling marijuana smoke, an individual’s heart rate speeds up, the bronchial passages relax and become enlarged, and blood vessels in the eyes expand, making the eyes look red. The heart rate—normally 70 to 80 beats per minute—may increase by 20 to 50 beats per minute, or may even double in some cases. Taking other drugs with marijuana can amplify this effect. •Within a few minutes after inhaling marijuana smoke, an individual’s heart rate speeds up, the bronchial passages relax and become enlarged, and blood vessels in the eyes expand, making the eyes look red. NIDA: Infofax Marijuana 2010

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Citation: •NIDA is the National Institute of Drug Abuse The smoke of marijuana, like that of tobacco, consists of a toxic mixture of gases and particulates, many of which are known to be harmful to the lungs. Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers do, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illnesses, and a greater risk of lung infections. Even infrequent marijuana use can cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat, often accompanied by a heavy cough. In addition, marijuana has the potential to promote cancer of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract because it contains irritants and carcinogens—up to 70 percent more than tobacco smoke. It also induces high levels of an enzyme that converts certain hydrocarbons into their cancer-causing form, which could accelerate the changes that ultimately produce malignant cells. And since marijuana smokers generally inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers, the lungs are exposed longer to carcinogenic smoke. However, while several lines of evidence have suggested that marijuana use may lead to lung cancer, the supporting evidence is inconclusive (Hashibe et al. 2006). The presence of an unidentified active ingredient in cannabis smoke having protective properties—if corroborated and properly characterized—could help explain the inconsistencies and modest findings. NIDA: Infofax Marijuana 2010

People who abuse marijuana are at risk of injuring their lungs through exposure to

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respiratory irritants found in marijuana smoke. The smoke from marijuana contains some of the same chemicals found in tobacco smoke; plus, marijuana users tend to inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer, so more smoke enters the lungs. Not surprisingly, people who smoke marijuana have some of the same breathing problems as those who smoke tobacco—they are more susceptible to chest colds, coughs, and bronchitis than people who do not smoke.

People who abuse marijuana are at risk of injuring their lungs through exposure to respiratory irritants found in marijuana smoke. The smoke from marijuana contains some of the same chemicals found in tobacco smoke; plus, marijuana users tend to inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer, so more smoke enters the lungs. Not surprisingly, people who smoke marijuana have some of the same breathing problems as those who smoke tobacco—they are more susceptible to chest colds, coughs, and bronchitis than people who do not smoke. NIDA for Teens 2012

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• THC effects can cause disaster on the road. Research shows that drivers on marijuana have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and problems responding to signals and sounds. A recent analysis of data from several studies found that marijuana use more than doubles a driver’s risk of being in an accident.

• In fact, studies conducted in a number of localities have found that approximately 4 to 14 percent of drivers who sustained injury or death in traffic accidents tested positive for THC.

NIDA for Teens Dangerous impairment of driving skills. Studies show that it impairs braking time, attention to traffic signals and other driving behaviors. This impairment can last 12 to 24 hours due to accumulation of marijuana in fatty tissue.

http://brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/alcohol,_tobacco,_&_other_drugs/marijuana.php

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More than 6,000 companies nationwide and scores of industries and professions require a pre-employment drug test, according to The Definitive List of Companies that Drug Test (available at www.testclear.com). Anecdotal evidence exists that some companies and townships are expressing concerns that it is difficult to hire people that can pass drug tests. Once again this demonstrates that with changing norms regarding the acceptance of marijuana use we are just the beginning to see the repercussion of what the pro-legalization groups expect to accomplish. Another prime example happened right here in Michigan during the 2012 election in which, five cities passed “decriminalization” of marijuana (Detroit, Flint, Ypsilanti, Grand Rapids, & Kalamazoo).

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•Dr. Volkow’s statements about marijuana might be used as points in a group discussion.

•Restate the first quote in terms that teens would use.

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•Dr. Volkow’s statements about marijuana be used as points in a group discussion.

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There are many unintended consequences that occur in time with the passage of “medical” Marijuana laws and the passage of laws approving “recreational” marijuana use. For an update on the number of states that have voted to legalize marijuana use for “medical” purposes use this resource http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881 But remember that all have had issues. States like Colorado and Washington that voted (Nov 2012) to allow marijuana to be decriminalized for “recreational” purposes are also finding challenges. As of November 2012 a few cities in Michigan have allowed decriminalization (Grand Rapids, Ypsilanti, Kalamazoo, Detroit, & Flint) but none allow children and most do not have clearly written ordinances at this time.

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Let’s look at the effects on communities in states where Medical Marijuana has been legalized for a longer period than in Michigan.

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California was the first state that passed a medical marijuana law (in 1996). They have encountered many negative consequences. • Remember states that have passed “medical” marijuana use laws have doubled their

youth marijuana use according to CADCA.

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Citation is from CADCA: CADCA is the Community of Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.

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HIGH IS HIGH no matter if you eat it, or inhale the smoke from cannabis •Eating marijuana can cause slower, and sometimes less predictable effects. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000952.htm •If marijuana is consumed in foods or beverages, the effects appear later—usually in 30 minutes to 1 hour—but can last up to 4 hours. Smoking marijuana delivers significantly more THC into the bloodstream than eating or drinking the drug. http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-abuse/how-does-marijuana-produce-its-effects

•Negative long-term physical consequences still need to be researched.

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Look at what has happened with other states that began with medical marijuana legalization and how it is becoming “NOMRAL” to see marijuana so what is the big deal to move to the next step and fully legalize? No one is talking about the dangers to youth or how marijuana is being “engineered” as a hybrid to increase the THC levels.

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Introduction- What is NORML? A pro-marijuana legalization group. They have a great deal of money. They monitor our efforts to inform the public about the dangers of this drug. They are very good at using our information and twisting it so the public becomes distracted on the real issues. They are very well organized, well funded, and use a strategic plan to make marijuana fully legal in the U.S.A. NORML recent posting…

• Busy shaping up one of the busiest legislative sessions both state and federal for marijuana reformers.

• This group is processing bills to be introduced in states such as Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Texas – with many more to be introduced

• They want this to top federal legislation coming down the pipeline, nearly two dozen marijuana reform measures will also be introduced across the country in various states.

• Action Alerts as new bills are introduced, to easily allow them to contact their elected officials and ask them to support these important reform measures.

http://blog.norml.org/2012/02/22/dozens-of-states-are-considering-marijuana-law-reform-this-legislative-session-is-your-state-one-of-them/ Or http://norml.org/news Although, we do not have the resources that this group has, we need to use strategies like this informational PPT to counter their efforts!

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http://www.drugfree.org/newsroom/the-partnership-at-drugfree-org-responds-

to-surge-in-childhood-marijuana-use-in-2012-monitoring-the-future-study-2

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The Mobilizing Michigan – Protecting Our Kids from Marijuana , a Tool Kit with several various components, is intended to educate all sectors of the community – youth, parents, other community members, school staff, government, law enforcement, the faith community, business, youth-serving and other agencies, etc. about the dangers of youth marijuana use.

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Citation: CADCA is the Community of Anti-Drug Coalitions of America

• Keep messages simple

• Base messages on scientific fact

• Be consistent with the focus of our messages

Repeat our messages regarding healthy youth as many times and

places as possible because the more times people hear a message on the

health dangers of marijuana the more likely they are to question information

promoting its use.

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The PPT for Educators is 2 hours long. The PSA is 30 seconds. The Fact Sheet is appropriate for all ages. All pieces will have space for your coalition contact and can be Xeroxed or sent to a printer.

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“Talking Points” for parents can be used in everyday conversation or as movie/TV situations present the topic of marijuana. Postcards can be handed out as a parent piece via PTO, parent-teacher conferences, orientation to middle school or high school. Graphic can be posted on facebook and twitter (For more exposure, post a new item every couple of days.) Letters to the Editors – General Tips and three samples that are about 100 words each. Packets for Elected Officials – Tips on who to contact, how to advocate and ideas for research-based information Town Hall meeting – Planning guide that is flexible for your coalition and a sample agenda

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Use this time to think and plan how your organization can deliver this information.

What can we do as a coalition? Which pieces of the tool kit can spread the message in our community? (strategic planning) Who will be responsible (and when) to move this project forward? (implementation)

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