Anonymous wrote:This could easily be on both public or private forum. The bust has happened, my sophomore was caught (after the fact) after smoking pot at a party. Plenty of the best kids were in attendance, and let's face it, it's confusing for everyone when it's legal, medical, semi-this or that. My concern, besides the fact we need to drill into DC's brain that 16 is not the time, if there is ever a time it is after their teen brain has had a chance to stay healthy, this ain't the pot from the 70's or 80's. My kid and the kids he were with were practically in a stupor, not a mellow silly high. A paranoid, long to dissipate experiment that is frightening. Anyone out there care to share their own experiences? I know I'm not the only parent shaking down my teenager when he can't open eyes all the way. Not interested in advice on parenting, I'm nipping this in the bud (pardon the pun) and while I know this is not entirely preventable, I am actively trying to educate my DC on the reasons this is potentially dangerous, and minimally stupid. Where are they getting the weed?
OP touches on the fundamental weaknesses of Initiative 71 -- it doesn't address the glaring disconnect between educational outreach and tacit endorsement. Yes it's only legal for adults, but there is little to no enforcement at any level. There is substantial evidence of the inherent danger to brain development for minors who habitually use. It may be safer than opiates or stimulants but it's not without harm. And the THC levels commonly found are ridiculous -- this isn't your parents baby boomer weed.
I supported decriminalization because it's a social justice issue -- anyone who uses reeks of the stuff it provided an easy cover for otherwise warrantless police intervention for casual use (ie parole offenders, fishing for outstanding warrants, excuse to stop and frisk etc). It's also a waste of criminal justice resources.