benefits, many parents and teachers are facing their next challenge: How do I talk to kids about marijuana? California has been tasked with establishing new education programs to effectively prevent children from consuming cannabis, while making them aware of the choices they will have to make as an adult in a post-legalization world. As such, we are seeing the classic “Just Say No” campaigns shift to a new message: “Delay.” According to an article from Brit + Co, the new strategies focus on lifelong health and good decision making.

Marijuana legalization has had major effects on the lives of adults across the country, with 30 states and the District of Columbia allowing for medical marijuana, and about a third of those states permitting recreational use. Many of the results of this legalization have been expected, including relief for debilitating medical conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD. Cannabis also has become an alternative to alcohol in social situations, without the same negative long-term health effects as alcohol. Also expected has been the boost for government coffers with an influx of marijuana tax revenue. The way legalization would come to effect the way we educate children was a bit unexpected. It makes a lot of sense, though, considering the way marijuana functions in our lives is entirely different than it was even 10 years ago.As our Riverside marijuana attorneys can explain, the “War on Drugs” shaped the way everyone spoke about cannabis. The propaganda being fed to adults trickled down into hardcore anti-marijuana education campaigns for children, as well. It’s true cannabis should not be consumed by kids, considering early research indicates it can stunt cognitive development in children. The answer, however, is far more complicated than outright prohibition. For example, the first cannabis derived drug approved by the FDA is Epidiolex, which is a liquid CBD formula specifically designed for children with severe seizures.

Furthermore, there have been no recorded deaths caused by marijuana overdose, so it is necessary to teach children about the drug in a similar way to alcohol. Instead of teaching solely about the dangers, the focus is on the proper time and place for consumption by equipping students with the facts. If we continue to try to convince children and teens that cannabis is evil and dangerous, they only need to look at the world around them to know they are being lied to. It is essential that they know why early consumption could be harmful to them specifically and how to make good decisions that will sustain them through adulthood. In other words: safety over scare tactics. As tax money continues to flood states and local governments from the sale of marijuana, funds will be flagged for more comprehensive drug education programs in schools. In the meantime, teachings are a bit inconsistent and unclear during this transitional time period.

Our legal team is supportive of all measures of education that expand understanding of marijuana while still keeping everyone safe. We have tried to demonize this beneficial plant for far too long. It is time for a common sense approach based on facts so that we can all move forward into a healthier future.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Just Saying No to ‘Just Say No’: Drug Education is Evolving as Marijuana Becomes Legal, July 16, 2018, Marijuana.com

More Blog Entries:

Students Who Need Medical Marijuana Deserve Easier Access, Feb. 28. 2018, Cannabis Law Group

July. Residents of states with adult-use marijuana laws were enjoying newfound freedoms to consume cannabis products. This was especially true here in California with this being the first Independence Day with legalized recreational marijuana.

The holiday came just a few short days after regulations went into place for packaging and sales of cannabis in California. The new rules mean that all products must meet certain standards of quality control, pass tests for safe pesticide content, and have packaging that clearly displays warnings and the makeup of the product, including THC levels. This spurred retailers to offer deep discounts on cannabis products last month that did not meet new standards, putting an influx of marijuana in the hands of Californians ahead of the July 1 deadline. This made for a very happy Independence Day for many users, indeed.Some people used the holiday famous for cookouts and picnics to try new cannabis-infused recipes. Others hosted soirees that allowed celebrants to indulge in cannabis products and enjoy the holiday, all while staying at one location, according to Palm Spring Desert Sun. One local inn, which has dubbed itself a “bud and breakfast,” hosted a Fourth of July event complete with swimming, catered snacks and meals, cannabis and crystal healers, vendors, dispensary representatives, and music, all with a safe place to crash at the end of the night.

This type of event was ideal for law enforcement, who were encouraging residents to play it safe when it came to driving over the holiday. Police already have to be extra aware of those driving under the influence over the week of July 4 because of heightened alcohol consumption. Law enforcement officials warned residents of the importance of making sure they had a designated driver if they were consuming cannabis, as well, and to be particularly aware of the effects of mixing marijuana with alcohol or other drugs.

Independence Day isn’t always a party for everyone, though. For some, including veterans who have experienced combat situations, fireworks can trigger symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and cause heightened anxiety. Many veterans are finding cannabis to be a respite from some of their PTSD symptoms, however. With easier access to CBD oils, and recreational products, veterans had more options to help keep calm amidst explosive displays this year. Even man’s best friend found some peace over the holiday thanks to cannabis. Some pet owners reported buying CBD-infused oils, chews, and dog treats to help their furry friends stay calm during fireworks shows.

The many freedoms cannabis users can now enjoy should not be taken for granted, however. Our Riverside marijuana lawyers know all too well that with marijuana still banned federally under Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812, and with the many sales restrictions and bans by local jurisdictions throughout California, there is still a long way to go before marijuana users can truly be free. Those looking to set up a marijuana business or understand local cannabis laws in Southern California can trust the guidance and experience of our knowledgeable legal team.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

To Calm Dogs Spooked by Fireworks, Pet Owners are Using Treats Made from Marijuana Plants, July 4, 2018, By Vikki Ortiz, Chicago Tribune

More Blog Entries:

Want to Honor Veterans? Access to Medical Marijuana a Good Start, April 13, 2018, Marijuana Lawyer Blog