Potent Pot

July 10, 2008 on 12:00 am | In Drugs, Marijuana, Teens  Email This Post

The University of Mississippi’s Potency Monitoring Project tracked the average amount of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, in samples seized by law enforcement agencies from 1975 through 2007.  They found that the average amount of THC reached 9.6% in 2007, representing more than a doubling of marijuana potency since 1983.

John Walters, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy cited “baby boomer parents who might have misguided notions that the drug contains the weaker potency levels of the 1970’s.  Marijuana potency has grown steeply over the past decade, with serious implications for young people - the risk of psychological, cognitive and respiratory problems, and the potential for users to become dependent on drugs such as cocaine and heroin.” [AP, 6/12/08]

A report from the Office found that a teenager who has been depressed in the past year was more than twice as likely to have used marijuana than teenagers who have not reported being depressed - that’s 25% compared to the 12% for non-depressed teenagers.  The study said marijuana use increased the risk (by 40%) of developing mental disorders.

It’s certainly not your Grandma’s pot anymore.

TrackBack URI

How ‘Bout Buying Your Kids Some “Blow?”

May 8, 2008 on 12:00 am | In Drugs, Energy Drinks, Personal Responsibility  Email This Post

Just when I thought it was safe to go on to another subject, we have yet another attempt to draw our kids down the wrong alley.  Picture this: a white powder that comes in a clear vial.  It’s sold with a mirror and fake credit card.  The product is called “Blow,” one of the street names for cocaine.  It’s a powdered energy drink, and the obvious comparison to cocaine is alarming.

The advertising is very pro drug culture, designed to entice and to look at drugs and drug behavior as cool and glamorous.  Not only that, but each drink is like having almost 7 cans of Coca Cola, with 240 milligrams of caffeine - downright dangerous!

When the company’s owner was challenged, he said: “Parents that think it’s despicable are typically the parents that don’t want to take personal responsibility for educating their children about drugs and addiction in general.”

That is a load of garbage.  How can parents deal with their children’s constant brainwashing with the Disney girl behaviors and power drinks that mimic drugs?  How can families insulate themselves from the forces attempting to make a profit as well as have access to ever new markets for sexual exploitation and drug sales - legal or otherwise?

TrackBack URI