A good psychologist, scientist or politician attempting to convince you of the importance of their idea will cite statistics. I could share with you the number of teenagers who are trying marijuana, using it on a regular basis, blah, blah, blah.
But I think one of the qualities that has helped me be a good psychologist is seeing both sides of the story. And, frankly, the statistics that minimize the “scary” side of marijuana can be just as compelling.
It’s not the statistics that have convinced me that the betwixt and between state in which we live regarding marijuana in this state is more hurtful than helpful. It’s the kids themselves, the ones I meet every day who are dropping out, skipping classes, and hanging on “the hill” or “Detroit street” to get high instead of going to class. The ones who are smoking a little weed on Friday night to take the edge off after a long week, as if they deserve this ritual because they are good students who work hard. The ones who are in danger of having their college acceptance revoked because they get caught high at their senior prom. One foolish night and a whole future down the drain.
We have this strange agreement where we sell medical marijuana to alleviate uncomfortable, painful medical conditions in boutique stores next to vases and tasty baked goods, with cute names such as “Healing Buds” and “Ganja Gourmet.” So why not: Get your valium at Valhalla! Tired of those hallucinations? Buy your Haldol here and we’ll throw in an iPod! Feeling anxious? Go to Xanadu for all your Xanax needs. Just get a “recommendation” from our on-site physician and you’ll be feeling better in no time!
All those aren’t too far off from the ads currently playing to entice people into the newest medical marijuana boutique. Haven’t heard them? They play on the radio in between your favorite Pit Bull, Lupe Fiasco and Young Jeezy songs. Not familiar? Your teenager knows who they are. Actually, your pre-teen probably knows them as well.
The Marlboro man hasn’t been allowed on the radio since the 1970s and yet our marijuana boutiques are playing catchy ads on the stations our teens are listening to on a regular basis. And they aren’t using uncomfortable, painful descriptions of the effects of chemotherapy to persuade them to come in. The end result is our under-18 crowd sees this as a wink and a nod and a step away from the state agreeing it’s no big deal.
This semi-legalized state of affairs is dramatically lacking in the necessary regulations that help our adolescents understand this is a substance which requires a mature, adult understanding and appreciation for using.
The way I see it, we have two choices: 1) Put medical marijuana behind the pharmacy counter for people who really do benefit from its medicinal qualities, or 2) legalize the stuff so we can put some of the same controls into place we have for alcohol and tobacco.
Our adolescents will still find a way, they always have. But at least we will be sending a more consistent, united message about the legality and seriousness of using this product to our most vulnerable population.
Lisa Geissler (ljgeissler@hotmail. com) is a school psychologist at Cherry Creek High School.
