Regarding my previous post and the statistical chart, a
friend advised, after reading same and reviewing the chart, that my interpretation
of the chart reflects my bias. He might
be right. I am not an advocate of
legalized, recreational marijuana. I do
think that the current policy (in Oregon) to legalize marijuana is a mistake –
and will be particularly detrimental to our young people. That said, maybe, over time, we will learn to
live with marijuana, and any associated abuses; just as we have with alcohol. I hope so.
But, I still believe there will be considerable collateral damage in the
meantime.
The chart: Well, I
understand that statistics can lie and that liars use statistics. However, not capable of conducting my own in-depth
research on the subject, I considered the source fairly reputable.
What I thought was particularly shocking was the reported
statistic that approximately 20% of high schoolers have, pretty consistently
since the year 2000, used marijuana ‘within the past 30 days.’ If true, I am totally out-of-touch with what
is considered typical at an American high school.
My friend pointed-out the 1.5% drop in MJ usage 2013 to 2014 – and that
it was a positive indicator – in his opinion.
Personally, I’m not so sure. One
year doesn’t necessarily indicate a trend.
So, how do we explain that smoking in high school is way,
way down, and marijuana usage remains at one out of five students? Has the campaign against smoking worked in a
spectacular way? Have cigarettes just
become too darned expensive for the average high school student? What’s going on? Are there any high school teachers that can
help me out on this?
Furthermore, what will the high school student usage of MJ
be as more and more states legalize it?
I think usage will go up; but, I could be wrong – it wouldn’t be the
first time.
True Nelson
1 comment:
You are correct True, don't second guess yourself on MJ. Cigarettes bad for health? Yes. MJ mind altering? Yes. Are young people honest on their usage? Probably not. Harder to detect than alcohol, on a regular school day. Weed is used like an Ativan, " just a little, calm me down bro." So legalization is still illegal for high schoolers, but now no one is really caring, since it is legal. Big money to be made, and the dumbing down of America is expanding even more. Wine use is also up among young millenials. Just becoming another European country. The old days are gone True. Technology had changed the world. I don' t have answers, but I know that making pot legal will not have positive results, short or long term. I always say, " it is a MIND ALTERING drug, " but no one is really listening. Hope their inventing a pot breathilizer, for on the spot detection, after my car has been bashed! Maybe they already have?
Post a Comment