For Internal Use Only NBRC4Y Marijuana Overview For Internal Use Only NBRC4Y

Harms of Marijuana Science confirms that the adolescent brain — particularly the part of the brain that regulates planning for complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making and social behavior — is not fully developed until the early to mid-20s. Developing brains are especially susceptible to all of the negative effects of marijuana and other drug use. Source: http://learnaboutsam.org/public-health/

Brain effects Marijuana also affects brain development, and when it is used heavily by young people, its effects on thinking and memory may last a long time or even be permanent. A recent study of marijuana users who began using in adolescence revealed substantially reduced connectivity among brain areas responsible for learning and memory. And a large long-term study in New Zealand showed that people who began smoking marijuana heavily in their teens lost an average of 8 points in IQ between age 13 and age 38. Importantly, the lost cognitive abilities were not fully restored in those who quit smoking marijuana as adults. Those who started smoking marijuana in adulthood did not show significant IQ declines. Source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

Other health effects Heart rate & increased risk of heart attack Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts among adolescents, and personality disturbances Increased risk of neurobehavioral problems in babies when used during pregnancy Increased risk of injury and/or death while operating a motor vehicle (similar to alcohol) Heavy users generally report lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, more relationship problems, and less academic and career success compared to non- marijuana-using peers

Perceived Harm, 12th graders (US) Source: University of Michigan, 2013 Monitoring the Future Study

Perceived Harm (Novato)

Great/Moderate Perceived Risk of Marijuana vs. Alcohol

Is Marijuana Addictive? Yes — especially today’s marijuana, which is between four and five times stronger than the weed of the 1960s and 1970s. Research has found that 1 in 11 of all marijuana users will become addicted to the drug. And if a person begins using under the age of 18, that number rises to one in six people.  We also know that almost 60 percent of new marijuana users each year are under age 18.

Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions Compared to the United States overall, we can see that admissions for cocaine and amphetamines are considerably higher Source: http://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/quicklink/US12.htm

Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions We see here that marijuana is OVERWHELMINGLY the drug of abuse for youth (admitted to treatment)

Marijuana as Medicine THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): stimulates appetite and reduces nausea – there are approved THC-based medications for these purposes CBD (cannabidiol): may be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation, controlling epileptic seizures, and possibly treating psychosis

Marijuana as Medicine The American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Cancer Society, American Glaucoma Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association all agree that smoking marijuana is unsafe and do not support legalization of smoked marijuana. SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) has created useful toolkits & talking points around many issues related to marijuana, especially legalization Source: http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/11/20/ama-reaffirms-opposition-to-marijuana-legalization

Marijuana Legalization in the US Medical Marijuana: 20 states and Washington, DC have passed laws allowing smoked marijuana to be used for a variety of medical conditions Recreational/Personal Use: Colorado, Washington (2012) & Alaska, Oregon & DC (2014) have legalized marijuana for personal use (ages 21+) Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/state-laws-related-to-marijuana

Marijuana Laws in California Compassionate Use Act, 1996 (Prop 215) Allows patients with a valid doctor’s recommendation to possess and cultivate marijuana for personal medical use Medical Marijuana Program Act, 2003 (SB 420) CA Department of Health Services required to establish a system (medical marijuana cards) Enhanced access of patients and caregivers to medical marijuana through collective cultivation projects SB 420: "demonstrates that more information is needed to assess the number of individuals across the state who are suffering from serious medical conditions that are not being adequately alleviated through the use of conventional medications" "require[s] the State Department of Health Services to establish and maintain a voluntary program for the issuance of identification cards to qualified patients and would establish procedures under which a qualified patient with an identification card may use marijuana for medical purposes" "creates various crimes related to the identification card program" "authorize[s] the Attorney General to set forth and clarify details concerning possession and cultivation limits, and other regulations, as specified" "authorize[s] the Attorney General to recommend modifications to the possession or cultivation limits set forth in the bill" and "require[s] the Attorney General to develop and adopt guidelines to ensure the security and nondiversion of marijuana grown for medical use"

Since 2003 Proposition 19 (failed): “Regulate, Control & Tax Cannabis Act of 2010” SB 1449: reduced possession of under 1 oz. from misdemeanor to civil infraction (2011) Proposition 47 (just passed) – decreases fines and punishments associated to the possession of illegal and legal drugs (including marijuana) – still need to do more research into the practical effects

Marin County No remaining medical marijuana dispensaries (physical stores) in Marin County. Numerous online services providing marijuana delivery to Marin County Federal vs. State law debate (Marin Civil Grand Jury Report “Up in Smoke”) In compliance with SB 420, Medical Marijuana ID cards are available through Marin County H&HS for $113 ($56.50 MediCal) http://www.maringardens.org/

http://www. marinmagazine http://www.marinmagazine.com/October-2014/Up-in-Smoke/ article about marijuana in general, and medical marijuana in particular

Access Points: How do youth get marijuana? Youth Access Survey 85%-Friends who give it to them 72%- dealer off campus 61%-sibling 55%-someone they know with medical card 47%-dealer on campus 42%-own medical card

Access Points: How do youth get marijuana? 35% -At home with friends 17%-At parties on a home with youth underage 21 11%-Outdoor spaces (parks etc.) 11% -Social events and celebrations

Points of access Perceptions of harm Advocacy Where do we go from here? Points of access Perceptions of harm Advocacy