and Here’s Why ...
Talking the C-word with the Kiddos By Peter Dugré Picture this. A billboard towers over the gridlock of Interstate 5 as a family in an SUV crawls toward Disneyland. It projects glowing imagery of cannabis with an ad for a chain of dispensaries. What do Mom and Dad say about this sales pitch to a curious pre-teen in the backseat? Parents might be more ready to recite a message from D.A.R.E. “We must educate parents and especially teens about that presumes the illegality and inherent harm of marijuana. the lasting effects and dangers regarding early use of That was then. marijuana,” says Wellen. Now, whether it’s a billboard or a storefront, cannabis is publicly portrayed as having healthful qualities along with producing a pleasant high. For many parents, the D.A.R.E. message becomes the knee jerk reaction to this type of advertising. Cannabis is bad—JUST SAY NO!
As a therapist, Wellen says the science on what cannabis can do to a developing brain is catching up to experience long observed in behavioral development. What has been evident is impaired young minds do not retain information or learn as they should. Cannabis use, particularly heavy use, by youth not only has the immediate effect of altering a youth’s mental state, but it disrupts the way one develops and learns to cope with the real world and adulthood. to youth, it is
We’ve long been comfortable with the hypocrisy of “mommy and daddy drink,” but adultWhen it comes use cannabis has left parents crystal clear that cannabis should That’s a “just say no” message longing for a little nuance. The not be used or taken lightly. plant was strictly forbidden just wrapped in critical thinking and a handful of years ago, but supported by science. What we today you can walk into a store now know about youth sensitivity to and choose between strains that offer relaxation, creativity, concussions in football also has a through-line to substances or even something on par with a spiritual awakening. like cannabis and alcohol. Developing brains are nothing to mess with. High teens and young adults are at a heightened When it comes to youth, it is crystal clear that cannabis risk for serious long-term behavioral wellness issues. should not be used or taken lightly. Science says that full cognitive maturity is not attained until the age of 25, so Give it to them straight, Mom and Dad. Wellen recommends even the 21-years-or-older restriction poses a risk to the reading, “Buzzed, The Straight Facts about the Most developing brain. Used and Abused Drugs” by doctors Cynthia Kuhn, Scott Swartzwelder, and Wilkie Wilson. CS According to Toni Wellen, a family and marriage counselor based in Carpinteria, Calif., honesty and clarity about Peter Dugré is co-owner of Two Trumpets cannabis is the best path for a parent discussing cannabis Communications and consults with CARP Growers, with kids. If young children consume edibles, there can be the cannabis farmers association in Carpinteria Valley. severe health consequences, and small children have even Peter & partner Lea Boyd manage both internal fallen into comas from THC. communications and public outreach for associations, public agencies and charitable organizations.
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Winter 2020 Cannabis by the Sea
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