NOVE M BE R IS S U E
Me d i c al e x pe r t s a r e
CHA NGING
their
M INDS
Hear what Dr. Sanjay Gupta has to say
CARL SAGAN:
visionary scientist
“For me, it has been a gateway drug, but not a gateway to anything dest ructive, but to a more glorious understanding of my part in the fabric of nature and to an ever-deeper relationship with my family.
An interview with Carl Sagan’s wife Ann Druyan
learn the difference: S AT I VA & I N D I C A
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CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS Dr. Sanjay Gupta Pete Brady Dan Brantl Rachel Quigley Zach Reuchard
ARTISTS Emily Bury Wyatt Crouch Francesco Riviera Frankie Caponera Alexander Schultz
other cannabisculture.com CNN.com medicaljane.com saferchoice.org turningpointcenters.com
a note f rom the editor “For me, it is far better to g rasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.” -Carl Sagan
If you’re like the majority of Americans, it’s likely that you look down upon the cannabis culture for a myriad of reasons, and we can’t blame you. Perhaps you’ve been led to believe that cannabis is an extemely dangerous & addictive substance, or maybe you’ve been told that it’s a gateway to harder drugs and that those who use it are nothing more than unmotivated couch potatoes. If that sounds familiar to you, please keep reading. Our goal at JANE is to hit the reset button, if you will. We fuel our publication with truth, responsibility and reasoning, in hopes that we can
So, sit back, relax, and maybe even stay a while. You might be glad you did.
JORDAN PINTAR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
gradually start to change the way our society views cannabis. JANE is meant to act as a conversation piece, hopefully sparking a back-and-forth between those of you who find discomfort in this subject and those of you who choose to make it a part of your lives. Above all else, we want people to make informed decisions and the best way to do that is to get educated from the right sources. All we ask is that you keep an open mind and keep judgements off the table, until you’re able to make an educated decision for yourself, that is.
FOUr
TE N TW ENTY T WO
table of
CONTENTS FEATURES 4
WHY I CHANGED MY MIND ON WEED by CNN ’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta
14
COMPARING STRAINS by Zach Reuchard
22
TEENS & SUBSTANCE ABUSE by Dan Brantl
D E PA R T M E N T S ?
MONTHLY INTERVIEW page 10 | with ann druyan
%
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING page 18 | cannabis vs alcohol
!
HAPPENING NOW page 28 | a mother’s struggle
WHY I CHANGED MY MIND ON WEED A N A R T I C L E B Y C N N’S D R . S A N J AY G U P T A I L L U S T R A T E D B Y E M I LY B U R Y
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ver the last year, I’ve been working on a new documentary called “Weed.” The title “Weed” may sound cavalier, but the content is not. I traveled around the world to interview medical leaders, experts, growers and patients. I spoke candidly to them, asking difficult questions. What I found was stunning.
Why I Changed My Mind on Weed
5
but because of its absence, marijuana was classified as a schedule one substance. Again, the year was 1970. Egerberg mentions studies that are underway, but many were never completed. As my investigation continued, I realized Egeberg did in fact have important research already available to him, some of it from as far back as 25 years earlier.
Long before I began this project, I had steadily reviewed the scientific literature on medical marijuana from the US and thought it was fairly unimpressive. Reading these papers five years ago, it was hard to make a case for medicinal marijuana. I even wrote about this in a TIME magazine article, back in 2009, titled “Why I would Vote No on Pot.” Well, I am here to apologize. I apologize for not looking hard enough, until now. I didn’t look far enough. I didn’t review papers from smaller labs in countries doing some remarkable research, and I was too dismissive of the loud chorus of legitimate patients whose symptoms improved on cannabis. Instead, I lumped them with the malingerers, just looking to get high. I mistakenly believed that the DEA listed marijuana as a schedule 1 substance because of hard evidence. Surely, they must have quality reasoning as to why marijuana is in the category of the most dangerous drugs that have “no accepted medicinal use and a high potential for abuse.” They didn’t have the science to support that claim, and I now know that when it comes to marijuana, neither of those 6
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things are true. It doesn’t have a high potential for abuse, and there are very legitimate medical applications still being discovered today. In fact, sometimes it is the only thing that works. Take the case of Charlotte Figi, who I met in Colorado. She started having seizures soon after birth. By age 3, she was having 300 a week, despite being on seven different medications. Medical marijuana has calmed her brain, limiting her seizures to two or three per month. I have seen more patients like Charlotte first hand, spent time with them and come to to the realization that it is irresponsible not to provide the best care we can as a medical community, care that could involve marijuana as a whole. My research started with a careful reading of that decades old letter. What I found was unsettling. Egeberg had carefully chosen his words: “Since there is still a considerable void in our knowledge of the plant and effects of the active drug contained inside it, our recommendation is that it be retained within schedule 1 at least until the completion of certain studies now underway to resolve the issue.”Not because of sound science,
In 1944, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia commissioned research to be performed by the New York Academy of Science. Among their conclusions, they found that marijuana did not lead to significant addiction in the medical sense of the word. They also did not find any evidence that marijuana led to neither morphine, heroin nor cocaine. We now know that while estimates vary, THC leads to dependence in around 9 to 10% of its adult users. By comparison, cocaine, a schedule 2 substance “with less abuse potential than schedule 1 drugs” hooks 20% of those who use it. Around 25% of heroin users become addicted. The worst is tobacco, where the number is closer to 30% of smokers, many of whom go on to die because of their. There is clear evidence that in some people marijuana use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, anxiety and nausea. Even considering this, it is hard to make a case that it has a high potential for abuse.The physical symptoms of marijuana addiction are nothing like those of the other drugs I have mentioned. I have seen the withdrawal from alcohol, and it can even be fatal. I do want to mention a concern that I think about as a father. Young, developing brains are likely more susceptible to harm from marijuana
IN MY QUICK RUNNING OF THE NUMBERS, I CALCULATED ABOUT 6% OF THE CURRENT U.S. MARIJUANA STUDIES INVESTIGATE THE BENEFITS OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA. THE REST ARE DESIGNATED TO INVESTIGATE HARM.
than adult brains. Some recent studies suggest that regular use in teenage years leads to a permanent decrease in IQ. Other research hints at a possible heightened risk of developing psychosis. Much in the same way I would not let my own children drink alcohol, I would not permit marijuana until they are adults. If they are adamant about trying it, I urge them to wait until they’re in their mid-20s when their brains are fully developed. While investigating, I realized something else quite important. Medical marijuana is not new, and the medical community has been writing for a long time. There were in fact hundreds of journal articles, mostly documenting the benefits. Most of those papers, however, were written between the years 1840 and 1930. The papers described the use of medical marijuana to treat “neuralgia, convulsive disorders, emaciation,” among many other things.
of cannabis,” or “Cannabis induced pancreatitits” and “Marijuana use and risk of lung cancer.” In my quick running of the numbers, I calculated about 6% of the current U.S. marijuana studies investigate the benefits of medical marijuana. The rest are designed to investigate harm. That imbalance paints a distorted picture. To do studies on THC in the United States today, you need two important things. First of all, you need marijuana. And marijuana is illegal. You see the problem. Scientists can get research marijuana from a special farm in Mississippi, which is astonishingly located in the middle of the Ole Miss
campus, but it is challenging. When I visited this year, there was no marijuana even being grown. The second thing you need is approval, and the scientists I interviewed kept reminding me how tedious that can be. While a cancer study may first be evaluated by the National Cancer Institute, or a pain study may go through the National Institute for Neurological Disorders, there is one more approval required for marijuana: NIDA, the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It is an organization that has a core.
A search through the U.S. National Library of Medicine this past year pulled up nearly 20,000 more recent papers. But the majority were research into the harm of marijuana, such as “Bad trip due to anticholinergic effect Why I Changed My Mind on Weed
7
PAX by Ploom t h e w o r l d ’s m o s t p o c k e t a b l e , p r e m i u m l o o s e - l e a f v a p o r i z e r.
a review With the mobile vaporizer market
and sexy appearance. Easy to hold, and
growing like a towering 10 foot plant of
very pocket friendly, the Pax should be
some premium Mary Jane, we decided
good for on the go users. And with three
to see what all of the fuss was about
different temperature settings available,
and picked up a Pax Portable Vaporizer
each with its own set color, it is also
by Ploom. One of the hottest vaporizers
easy to adjust to accommodate the
on the market, Pax comes with quite a
density of the flower being used. Another
reputation so we were excited to get
cool part of the Pax is the available bong
our hands, or lips, on a new product
attachment. Now attaching vaporizers to
from the ever evolving mobile vaporizer
a bong is a brand new idea, and Ploom
market. Right off of the bat, the Pax
jumped on the bandwagon with this
reminds you of something you would
product. Selling for an affordable $12-
find in an Apple Store or as a movie
20, the water adaptor is a great way to
prop for some futuristic Sci-Fi. Made of
attach your Pax vaporizer to help keep
anodized aluminum and coming in three
those lungs as clean as possible.
different colors(Black, Purple, Blue), the brushed exterior gives it a very modern
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—the vape cr itic
t he good
t he-not-so-good
An easy fill chamber makes filling and
The main component of a vaporizers
refilling the vape extremely easy and
grade should be the pull. Too bad
hassle free which can be a problem
for Pax because for $249 we were
with other vapes.
expecting a better rip than this.
Its power on/off feature is probably its most insane feature overall. Power on easily by pushing the
Minimal smoke intake even after changing the temperature settings definitely left us a little disappointed.
mouthpiece(mouthpiece pops out for
Each bowl only lasts 2-4 puffs, which
vaping), and power off by pushing the
can be a drag refilling your bowl all
mouthpiece in (hides mouthpiece).
day. Mixing up the bowl after 2 hits
Simple yet innovative. Steve Jobs
did extend the length of the bowl
would be proud.
another couple of hits, however not
Once the light turns green you are
long enough to last you much longer.
good to go. No button needs to be
Not concentrate capable, which
pushed to initiate the vape, just a
is very disappointing for a modern
simple inhale, or five, does the trick.
vaporizer. Most of the current
Pax comes with an unheard of 10 year warranty. Yup you read that right. 10 Years. Way above and beyond what other competitors offer.
mobile vaporizers have evolved to be able to compensate for both flower and concentrates by having duel replaceable chambers, one for each.
Pax Review
9
?
“ In my experience, sensible marijuana use is compatible with a healthy, fulf illed life; one of honesty, ethics and accomplishment.�
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monthly interview
C A R L S AG A N Pete Brady with Ann Druyan
World-renowned teacher, author and scientist found that cannabis helped him to fully explore the Cosmos.
The most famous scientist of the 1960’s and 70’s
the evocative feature film Contact, starring Jodie
tumultuous, idealistic era was Carl Sagan, a boy-
Foster. His resume, filled with stellar achievements,
wonder astrophysicist and scientific philosopher
was 250 pages long. In the early 1990’s, Sagan
whose $8 million, 13-part television series, Cosmos,
was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow disease
taught half a billion worldwide viewers about the 15
called myelodysplasia. A marrow transplant from
billion-year history of the universe. Sagan and his
his sister temporarily saved his life, but then cancer
third wife, Ann Druyan, co-wrote the best-selling book
cells invaded his body. “I would recommend almost
Cosmos; they also co-wrote the television series, and
dying to everybody,” he told an interviewer. “You get
collaborated on countless projects together.
a much clearer perspective on what’s important and
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to an American mother
what isn’t, and the importance of family and of trying
and a Russian immigrant father, Sagan decided
to safeguard a future worthy of our children.”
at age 12 that he wanted to be an astronomer
After a valiant struggle, Sagan died on December
At age 16, he entered the University of Chicago
20, 1996, at the age of 62. When he was still
on a scholarship. He received his first bachelor’s
alive, marijuana users speculated that Sagan’s
degree when he was 19, and then earned a second
provocative, innovative thinking might have resulted
bachelor’s degree, a master’s in physics, and a
from altered consciousness caused by marijuana.
doctorate in astronomy and astrophysics by the time
Soon after his death, biographers and journalists
he was 25. While doing research at the University
made headline news by reporting that Sagan and
of California at Berkeley, Sagan discovered the true
Ann Druyan were marijuana users and legalization
nature of the atmosphere conditions on Venus.
advocates. Much was made of an anonymous essay
He taught at Stanford University and Harvard
attributed to Sagan, in which he glowingly detailed
University, and was a staffer at the Smithsonian
how marijuana helped him appreciate art, music,
Astrophysical Observatory. In 1968, he became
friends, lovers, and his work.
director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at
Ann Druyan was Sagan’s last wife, and the mother
Cornell University, where he also taught classes.
of two of his five children. Druyan is also a long-time
Standing room only crowds always thronged his
board member and important fundraiser for the
lectures. Sagan’s ideas and warnings were prophetic,
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana
foreshadowing the development and discoveries of
Laws (NORML). Ann Druyan gave us this exclusive
sociobiology, ecopsychology, and evolutionary biology.
interview from her home in New York.
Sagan and Druyan were the guiding lights behind
?
Marijuana is something both you and
were regular working people who had
Is it safe to say that Carl’s vital and
Carl cared deeply about, yes?
to worry about urine tests, whose jobs
energetic approach to life clashed
Yes, and I know that sometime in the not
required they wear a uniform. They were
with drug war propaganda? That says
too distant future, we will look back on
forced to hide their marijuana use from
“marijuana users are losers?”
the fact that we persecuted people for
society and even their own children. I’m
Absolutely. In my experience, sensible
marijuana use the way we looked at the
not talking about changing the image
marijuana use is compatible with a
idea of putting homosexuals in prison,
of marijuana users from hippies to
healthy, fulfilled life; one of honesty,
or persecuting ethnic minorities. It’s a
yuppies. I want to show that all kinds of
ethics and accomplishment. Carl’s
barbaric policy that people who should
people: hard-working blue-collar people,
marijuana use never impinged on any
know better are somehow content to
scholars, people from all walks of life,
aspect of his responsibilities, and I
abide. How can we tolerate this war?
the backbone of the country, that they
think it’s illustrative to recall that he
What does it say about us as a people?
smoke marijuana!
taught at Cornell, ran the Laboratory for Planetary Studies, mentored graduate
FOR ME, IT HAS BEEN A GATEWAY DRUG, BUT NOT A GATEWAY TO ANYTHING DESTRUCTIVE, BUT TO A MORE GLORIUS UNDERSTANDING OF
students who have become among the most influential leaders in their scientific fields, edited the highly regarded scientific journal Icarus, co-founded The Planetary Society, edited its beautiful
MY PART OF THE FABRIC OF NATURE AND TO AN
and informative bulletin for 16 years,
EVER-DEEPER RELATIONSHIP WITH MY FAMILY.
of which won the Pulitzer Prize, co-wrote
wrote and edited countless books, one a landmark award-winning television series, wrote countless articles and
America has a population of 280 million,
What has cannabis meant to you?
speeches on wide-ranging topics,
a tiny fraction of the world’s population.
What did it mean to your husband?
participating in every NASA mission,
It’s a sacrament and we treated it as
volunteer teaching at public schools
such, with respect. Our species has
and the list goes on.
an ancient history of experience with
Carl’s life itself was a challenge to drug
marijuana. Our ancestors knew how to
war lies. He was as completely developed
integrate marijuana use into the life of
a human being as I have ever met, and
You’re very open about your marijuana
their community; to find a balance. That’s
he smoked marijuana. The superlative
advocacy, even though other people in
what we tried to do. Not that we had any
nature of his life is significant evidence
your position might have kept it hidden.
rigid rules for use. There was plenty of
that counters those who say marijuana
How has this affected your life?
spontaneity; but no abuse. I have used it
prevents people from maximizing their
When it became publicly known that
since I was a teenager in the ‘60’s, and
potential. If there’s an “amotivational
Carl and I used marijuana, I expected
it has never interfered with my health or
syndrome” associated with pot use, we
some harassment, but we didn’t
productivity. Carl and I both found it put
certainly don’t see any evidence of that
get any. What was surprising is the
us in a state of mind that made us more
in Carl’s life. And I believe there are a
people who would come up to me and
receptive to new ideas, more sensitive
huge number of responsible citizens who
say “thanks” for being up front about
to other people’s feelings, more able to
use pot appropriately and contribute
marijuana. They were not hippies, they
focus on great natural pleasures of life.
enormously to our society.
Yet we have 25% of all the people imprisoned on the planet. What does it say about “the land of the free?” And a large percentage of people in prison are there for nonviolent offenses.
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“ Ever y single moment that we
were alive & we were together was miraculous.�
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JANE
{
comparing strains written by Zach Reuchard
The plant species known as Cannabis has two main sub-species: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. Cultivators and distributors often give some of these varieties more personal names, such as Acapulco Gold, Panama Red, Northern Lights, Orange Patty, and others. Hybrids and cross-breeds of these sub-species produce varieties that carry some characteristics of both sativa and indica. Marijuana, whether Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica, produces its medical and other effects by virtue of the concentration and balance of various active ingredients, especially the cannabinoids, which are unique to marijuana, but also include a wide range of terpenoids and flavonoids. When it comes to telling the difference between various samples of cannabis, the physical properties of each plant are great indicators. Things likes height, smell and color will help one identify which type of strain they’re dealing with.
Comparing Strains
15
SAT I VA Cannabis Sativa grow taller and thinner than Indica strains. Sativa strains originated in the equatorial countries of Columbia, Mexico, Thailand, and South East Asia and thrive in warmer weather. The leaves of Sativa are much narrower than those of Indica, and are a lighter shade of green. Sativa plants have known to stretch to extraordinary heights of up to 20 feet when grown outside, and have much longer vegetation periods. Once the plant begins to flower, it can take anywhere from ten to sixteen weeks to fully mature. Since vegetation periods are so long, these plants typically produce a much higher yield than Indica strains (3 ounces to 1 pound per plant), but possess a lower THC percentage than Indica on average (around 12-16%). Sativa plants are known to be extremely pungent smelling, with aromas ranging from sweet and fruity, to earthy with undertones of diesel fuel. Many of our favorite sativa strains such as Cherry AK, Green Crack, Trainwreck, Jack Herer, and J-1 all have a similar sweet and peppery smell that is
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classic of sativa. Some strains like Trainwreck will be more peppery, while Cherry AK is extremely sweet smelling. Although these strains will all provide similar effects, the distinction lies in these differences in smell, formally known as their ‘terpene profile’. Once you are familiar with all the different terpenes that are present in cannabis, it is fairly easy to detect what strain you are smoking based on scent alone. Sativa strains are known to produce an uplifting and cerebral high that is typically very energizing and stimulating. Sativa are known to make you laugh uncontrollably or engage in in-depth conversations about the meaning of life. These strains typically cause you to analyze the human experience and think creatively, which makes Cannabis Sativa very popular among philosophers, artists and musicians. Patients looking for the perfect morning medication or daytime relief could benefit from accompanying their breakfast or lunch with a vaporizer packed with Strawberry Diesel or Cherry AK.
Both of these strains are known to give you a long lasting, clear-head (sometimes cerebral) that will leave you uplifted and energetic.
Sativa strains are known to produce an uplifting and cerebral high that is typically very energizing and stimulating.
“
Because Sativa and Indica buds have very different medicinal benefits and effects, certain strains can be targeted to better treat specific illnesses.
“
On the contrary, Cannabis Indica are short and stout in composure (2-4 feet tall), and typically yield smaller (1.5 to 2.5 ounces per plant), higher quality crops (~18% THC) than cannabis sativa. The plants are believed to of originated in the Middle East (Pakistan & Afghanistan), and thrive in cooler environments. Indica strains are typically darker green than sativa and have shorter, fatter leaves. Since the plants grow so short they are ideal for indoor growing. The buds are thick and dense, flowering in anywhere from eight to twelve weeks. The flavors and smells of Cannabis Indica include; pine, pungent skunk, earth, hash, or a sweet and sugary fruit flavor. Indica strains are ideal for chronic pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, nausea, appetite stimulation, and
sleep deprivation. Individuals who suffer from diseases like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia,lupus, sleep apnea and insomnia tend to benefit from the effects of Cannabis Indica. Patients looking for the ideal Indica to put you straight to sleep should consider trying any strain with OG or Kush in its genetics; our favorite night-time strains include GDP, Pure Kush, and God’s Gift. All of which provide significant pain relieve coupled with heavy sedative effects.
Individuals who suffer from diseases like MS, fibromyalgia, lupus, sleep apnea & insomnia tend to benefit from the effects of indica.
i n d i ca
Comparing Strains
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%
“ Forget everything you have heard in the past and be open-minded to the truth about marijuana.�
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statistically speaking
CANNABIS Information provided by saferchoice.org
VS
ALCOHOL
For more information about cannabis and alcohol, visit us at jane.com
To say that marijuana has been given a bad rap over
visions of people using marijuana and being totally zonked
the past few decades is an understatement. If you’re
out, unable to maintain a conversation. The truth is that
like most Americans, you have been led to believe
marijuana is widely used in a manner quite similar to
that marijuana is a dangerous and addictive drug that
alcohol. Adults might consume it before enjoying a dinner
has destroyed the lives of millions of teens and adults.
party with friends. Friends might have a little before
You have been lead to believe that marijuana causes
engaging in a spirited game of ultimate Frisbee. And
lung cancer and is a “gateway” to harder drugs. The
spouses, yes, even some couples you know, might imbibe
government has even tried to convince you that most
a bit while enjoying a nice evening together.
people who use marijuana are losers who sit around on couches all day doing nothing.
Concert-goers have even been known to have a puff or two before or during a show – which more likely than
What we would like to do is wipe the slate clean and start
not results in them dancing or otherwise enjoying the
over. Forget everything you have heard in the past and
music, not lying on the ground like lumps. None of this is
be open-minded to the truth about marijuana. We are
“bad” or “wrong” or “immoral.” It is simply something that
not here to tell you that it is without harms or is some
these responsible adults choose to do. And frequently
kind of miracle drug. We simply hope you will come to
it is something they choose to do specifically instead
understand that it is far, far less harmful than what your
of alcohol. And for good reason! Alcohol is more toxic,
government has told you.
more addictive, more harmful to the body, more likely to
Part of the problem is that many people are just unfamiliar with marijuana. They have never tried it (or
result in injuries, and more likely to lead to interpersonal violence than marijuana.
perhaps only tried it a time or two decades ago) and
Here are just a few facts that highlight the very different
assume the worst. They have been conditioned to think
impacts of these two popular substances on those who
that marijuana use is bad and that people who use it are
consume them and on the broader community.
dangerous or strange or maybe even dirty. They have
CANNABIS
C21H30O2
% there are
ZERO Marijuana is one of – if not the least toxic drugs, requiring
deaths related to cannabis on record in the U.S.
1000 x
the dose one would use to get the desired effect to lead to death. This “thousands of times” is actually theoretical, since
there has never been a case of an individual dying from a marijuana overdose. Marijuana use has not been conclusively associated with any form of cancer. In fact, researchers found that people who smoked marijuana actually had lower incidences of cancer compared to non-users of the drug. The government does not even track violent acts specifically related to marijuana use, as
THE USE OF MARIJUANA HAS NOT BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH VIOLENCE. top 5 health benef its of cannabis:
cancer tourette’s seizures
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Cannabinoids, the active components of marijuana, inhibit tumor growth in lab animals and also kill cancer cells. A single dose of the cannabinol produced a significant reduction in symptoms (tics, uncontrollable grunts etc.) for several hours Marijuana is a muscle relaxant and has “antispasmodic” qualities that have proven to be a very effective treatment for seizures.
migraines
In CA, 300,000 cases of migraines that conventional medicine couldn’t treat were alleviated by using medical marijuana.
glaucoma
There isn’t a single valid study that exists that disproves marijuana’s very powerful and popular effects on glaucoma patients.
ALCOHOL
C2H6O
more than
37,000 alcohol is one of the most toxic drugs and using just
annual U.S. deaths are attributed to alcohol use alone
10 x
what one would use to get the desired effect could lead to death.
Alcohol use is associated with a wide variety of cancers, including cancers of the
esophagus, stomach, colon, lungs, pancreas, liver and prostate.
30%
of violent crimes in the United States are linked to the use of alcohol. That translates to alcohol-related violent crimes per year.
5 MILLION
alcohol is a factor in the following:
73%
of all felonies
73%
of child beating cases
41%
of rape cases
81%
of wife battering cases
72%
of stabbings
83%
of homicides
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JANE
TEENS
& AN ESSAY BY DAN SUBSTANCE ABUSE
BRANTL
Deaths related to drug incidents, whether intentional or not, are no joking matter, but should teens have their lives ruined by childish mistakes? Depending on the severity of the fault, there should be some sort of leniency. An article written by Ernest Freeman at Stanford University states that, “These types of punishments tend to leave students with permanent scars on their records. These scars make it almost impossible to go to a good college, get college loans, and even get well paying jobs. The penalties given, to the person and their record, outweigh the severity of this one mistake.” But is there an exact reason why teens and young adults turn to substances? The younger generation all over the globe deal with issues, which many observers overlook, losing understanding of the problems at hand. Issues mainly arise from the attention or lack of attention. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention states,
Adolescents using alcohol and other drugs also often disengage from school and community activities, depriving their peers and communities of the positive contributions they might otherwise have made. Teens and young adults that are lost within society often resort to substances that are not only harmful, but some illegal as well. This may add issues to the adolescent’s life. Substance
Teens & Substance Abuse
23
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abuse among the younger population is
Certainly many children specifically teens have
intertwined with issues, which unfortunately
trouble with this, but the supposed anonymous
connect to all aspects of life including family,
author experiences parental neglect. Parents
friends, enemies, law and personal. These
that lack a certain amount of communication
problems, which can potentially pilot substance
with their teens are actually neglecting them in
abuse, should be examined with great care,
a less harsh form. Parents whom avoid or simply
to not increase the seriousness of the issue or
just refuse to care for them should expect a
issues. Implications at or close to home and
higher risk for substance abuse in their children.
family are one of the main factors that lead teens
According to Sierra Koester, “When a child does
to substances. Miscommunication is a portion
not feel loved he or she may develop low self-
of the issue. In the novel/diary Go Ask Alice a
esteem, which may lead to future unhealthy
young girl has difficulty relating to her parents.
coping mechanisms such as eating disorders,
self-harm, substance abuse, or delinquency.”
not all decisions by friends are a good influence.
Substance abuse being the focus is directly
One of the hardest things to do as a teenager
connected to parenting.
is to avoid giving into peer pressure. There is
Emotional damage can also be caused by the parents’ divorce. The fighting that usually occurs can leave children confused especially if the fighting happens in front of the young. A lot of the time the child may begin to think that they are the reason for the parents’ disagreements.
always at least one bad influence around and to steer clear from temptation is an extremely hard decision for a young person. The idea that loosing friends as well as any hope to have them in the future is a terrifying thought. Emotions can rise and impulsive behavior can occur.
Physical abuse is the other part of parenting
I’m partly somebody else trying to fit in
that unfortunately occurs. Parents that do not
and say the right things and do the right
know how to handle their kids may become
thing and be in the right place and wear
violent leaving the children damaged physically
what everybody else is wearing.
and emotionally. The teens that unfortunately experience the parental damage may begin to use substances to ease pain. They may want to numb themselves from the world and abuse drugs or alcohol. Friends that aren’t involved in the same activities can help by talking to them about the problems and listening carefully.
(Go Ask Alice) The narrator explains that she is disturbed by the necessity to fit in, but can’t help it. She finds comfort in the drug scene after moving. School is a main breeding ground of pressure. The younger population seeks friendship and school can be terrifying. Starting at a new school can be even more of a struggle.
They can discuss their parents’ disputes or violent
Teens may begin to try new substances while
issues, but they should not be extremely pushy
seeking friendship. Although school is full of
about the topic to insure it does not get blown
pressure teens also experience the pressures of
out of proportion with the teen. If the troubled
the people in their society. Some of the people
teen understands the issues at hand they or
that teens meet can be misleading friends or
their friends can try to resolve them without the
not really friends at all.
pressures of substance abuse. Although there
On the opposite end of the spectrum are
are friends that do not participate in substance
children that cause harm, both emotionally and
abuse there likely are many who do. The closest
physically to other teens. Even though there are
groups of people to teens that aren’t family are
places that are pressuring, school is a place that
their friends. Although friends can be inspiring,
harbors various issues, such as bullies. They can
Teens & Substance Abuse
25
attack violently and cause much harm to
drugs and alcohol may seem harsh at times.
others. Bullies either use their physical or
While the law tries to help teens by arresting
mental strengths to make teens feel inferior.
and fining them when caught with substances,
The author in Go Ask Alice explains how she
this isn’t always the best way to handle the
experienced pressure from her former friends.
situation. Not only does this affect the teens,
She as well as her family is threatened several
but usually the parents and family as well.
times. She tries to stay away from drugs, but
My cousin was arrested for possession of drugs
soon uses and ventures off. While the bully feels confident and stronger, the individual on the end will feel emotionally harmed and in some cases physically. All of this damage to someone in the younger population can lead to terrible decisions, more specifically substance abuse. They may find that the substances alleviate the physical or mental pain.
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JANE
while at college. He was given two court dates and several fines as well as meetings with the College Board. His parents were told to meet as well. While he was able to manage to stay in school, he lost his parents’ trust. His parents faced the hard decision of whether or not to let him attend the university for the remainder of his college career due to the amount of fines and
For teens the use of substances even legal ones
risks. Unfortunately, he won’t be returning and
such as alcohol is illegal. The abuse can lead to
will finish his degree at a community college. His
misfortunes with authorities. The final main
decision to use drugs led to several disturbances
pressuring factor of teen substance abuse is the
in his life. The guidance that the police use
law. Even though the law is there to protect and
seems to work some of the time, but children
serve society, the punishments that come from
need other help while struggling with substance
abuse. “The uniqueness of adolescent drug
punishments can lead to family and society
abuse means that drug-dependent teenagers
issues. Jail time and marks on permanent
usually are not successfully treated with adult-
records can leave teens with no hope or
directed therapy” (Drugs and Society, 497).
chance of living a normal life. Teen drug abuse
Programs and rehabilitation centers are more
organization’s website suggests that, “Changes
likely to aid then jail time or expensive fines.
in behavior, changes in friends, lying about after
Yet there are the few that need these harsh
school or weekend activities, changes in mood,
punishments to resolve their substance abuse.
or depression your teen might have a problem
The pressures that lead teens to substance
with substance abuse.” Parents should take
abuse cause emotional or physical damage. Thus, the main coping routine that the younger
this inconsideration while being careful not to further the abuse. This does not only apply to
population is drawn to are either drugs or
parents/family, but friends as well.
alcohol. Parents’ neglect for teens emotionally
The abuse of substances should be looked
varies, but may increase the risk of abuse as
at carefully and treated correctly to not
well. Physical abuse may be experienced and
transpire into adulthood.
coping with the issues through substances may be appealing to adolescents. Friends as well as bullies may introduce substances as a part of initiation of friendship. While these experiences lead them to substance abuse, the law even though protecting can also cause the problem. The guidance they use may help some the harsh
Teens & Substance Abuse
27
!
“ I am willing to do whatever I have to, to make sure my child gets to live another day.�
23 28
JANE
monthly interview
A MO T H E R’S STRUGGLE Written by Rachel Quigley
A woman faces losing her three-yearold son for treating his cancer with medical marijuana
Sierra Riddle’s son Landon is three years
gets regular lab work and all of his counts continue
old and was given just days to live after being
to be outstanding.’ She went on to say that when
diagnosed with leukemia when he was two.
meeting with the doctors, they made her feel like
Though the numerous treatments shrunk the
she was sentencing her son’s to a ‘sure death’
tumor, they made him very sick and he would
by not keeping him on steroids and chemo for
get night terrors. Sierra has since refused
another three years.
chemotherapy for her child and is instead using cannabis oil capsules.
‘They want to take my son away,’ and said they have no choice but to report her to the police
A doctor has since threatened to turn her in.
and CPS. ‘He is responding amazingly to the
‘I am willing to do whatever I have to, to make
cannabis, his blood work is immaculate, especially
sure my child gets to live another day and gets
for a cancer patient! How can they not see the
to have relief and have that quality of life he
proof that is right before their eyes?! Cannabis is
deserves,’ she told CBS.
fighting his cancer!’ The hospital cannot directly
Landon is doing much better and looks
comment on their individual patients.
healthier but Sierra now faces having him
Another advocate is Utah mother Jennifer May
taken away from ther because doctors ‘do
whose son, Stockton, suffers debilitating seizures
not see cannabis as a treatment for cancer’.
that keeps him from going to a full day of school
The oil is a concentrate from the marijuana
and has severely stunted his development to that
plant which does not include the psychoactive
of a 3-year-old toddler.
ingredient THC. ‘Cannabis, just like morphine, is a medication,’ Sierra Riddle said. ‘It’s not just a drug, it’s a medication, and it’s a medication that helps my son to fight his cancer.’
May is a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and staunch Republican who once thought giving medical marijuana to children was crazy. Now, she’s
She specifically moved to Colorado to take
leading a push to draft a measure to be
advantage of the state’s marijuana laws. Sierra
introduced in the Utah legislature that would allow
wrote on her son’s Facebook page: ‘I made the
her to bring back a liquid form of marijuana from
decision to end chemo in May. The cannabis has
Colorado that is working for children with the
been keeping Landon’s cancer in remission, he
same syndrome as her son.
NOV EMB ER ISSUE