Let’s get the right message to teens about marijuana
QUESTION: Cannabis shouldn’t be around kids, but I’d bet cancer-causing second-hand cigarette smoke is way worse for them to smell while walking down a sidewalk, etc.
Also, we should probably discuss drinking alcohol to excess in front of children.
None of these three items need to be around children. But if I had to pick...
Marijuana should’ve been legalized decades ago. Then there wouldn’t be the stigma there is today.
Let’s face it, alcohol and cigarettes are worse than pot. Time will teach society this.
With the legalization of cannabis/ marijuana in Canada in just a month (Oct. 17), the comparison of relative risks of alcohol and cigarettes to children isn’t the main issue to consider for now.
We already know that cannabis is slated to become big business wherever its prohibition is ended, that it has recreational appeal and also, importantly, has a growing place in health care.
But its use by children — including teens and young adults — is the worrisome aspect that still needs strong attention not only by parents, but by regulators, marketers, and retailers.
Young people are by nature attracted to the newest shiny thing, especially when parents raise cautions.
Add on the varieties of cannabis edibles coming on the market, and there’s an urgency to focus on what’s already a problem.
I hear too often from parents whose once-motivated and bright offspring (usually sons) have lost motivation in school, instead hanging out for hours smoking pot alone or with friends. This, under marijuana prohibition.
Now, the cannabis industry and enthusiasts like you have an opportunity to be loud and clear about why smoking or ingesting marijuana is a serious health risk for young people whose brains are still developing.
Here’s the Government of Canada’s own website on health effects specific to young people:
“Cannabis use that begins early in adolescence, that is frequent and that continues over time, is more likely to bring about harms. Some of those harms may never fully go away.
“Research shows the brain is not fully developed until around age 25. This is because THC, the substance that gives the ‘high’ in cannabis, affects the same machinery in the brain that directs brain development.
“The higher the amount of THC in cannabis, the more likely one is to be harmed by it.”
So, enough with how bad alcohol and cigarettes are for our kids and youth. Let’s get it right on cannabis. QUESTION: I’ve been married for 30 years to my first love. I make her feel cherished and loved.
But 10 years ago our sex life declined to once a month, while her interest in social media took 40 hours weekly.
She’s more focused on Facebook than speaking to me.
If I’d left her 10 years ago, I would’ve put myself in a financially secure position. Now, she’ll get half of everything so I’m stuck. I’m cost averaging and feel that, rather than turn over all of my life savings, pension etc., I’m best off staying in my marriage.
ANSWER: Take several weeks before suggesting a casual get-together like a movie. Hopefully, this chill will have passed. If not, that line is still crossed. TIP OF THE DAY Government and business must co-operate fully on protecting young people from legalized marijuana. Read Ellie Monday to Saturday. Email ellie@thestar.ca Follow @ellieadvice