Archive for Thursday, October 27, 2011
Connor Bernard: 1 teen’s perspective
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Drug use by young people is something of serious concern in any community. If it escalates because of our own decisions, what does that say about our attitude toward our youths? The medical marijuana industry that has flourished in Routt County in recent years has had a direct impact on our access to the drug. As a senior at Steamboat Springs High School, I have heard other students talking about going to dispensaries to buy the drug not only for themselves but to sell to friends. Last spring, a student my age was caught with hash oil from a dispensary in the high school. Talk about students getting what are referred to now as “green cards” for fake injuries is regular conversation in the hallways. What does it say about the medical marijuana industry when the youth drug market becomes fed by legal means?
There may be a time and place for medical marijuana use. However, it must be tightly regulated and distributed solely to those who are responsible and in fact require it. When high school students regularly and successfully fake injuries or medical conditions to get drugs, I think that says something about the industry that supplies them. Other medications most likely exist for the same symptoms and, unlike smoked marijuana, do not have proven cancer-causing compounds. According to the Chicago Smoking Cessation Program, marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogens than tobacco smoke, which is responsible for an estimated 400,000 deaths and 8.6 million people with smoking-related sicknesses per year.
As local law enforcement officials Joel Rae, JD Hays, Garrett Wiggins and Ray Birch wrote recently, “It is unreasonable to think law enforcement has the ability to increase staffing and work cases that involve the selling of medical marijuana to nonpatients.” Aside from the enforcement aspects, does society have the funds to pay for that many more future cancer patients?
Users and proponents of medical marijuana have not demonstrated responsibility. DUIDs have increased 64 percent between 2009 and 2010 and since have doubled. Considering the timeframe of dispensaries arriving in Routt County, coincidence is illogical. If users are so quick to support their dispensaries, at a minimum they ought to show they are able to act responsibly under the influence of their medication. I, personally, do not want to have to worry about being hit by a driver under the influence of drugs.
Apart from the various carcinogens in marijuana smoke, the health risks of smoked marijuana include damage to the brain, heart, lungs and immune system, according to John Walters of the Office of Drug Control Policy. It also impairs learning and interferes with memory, perception and judgment.
If not for the health reasons or danger to others on the road, we should prevent marijuana access to our youths because of its gateway quality, leading to the use of more harmful and dangerous drugs.
Marijuana has been shown to be addictive in and of itself in clinical studies, and has been reported to invoke aggression, irritability and loss of ambition in long-term users. By making marijuana a medicinal drug, young people may begin to perceive it as medicine and not for what it is — a drug.
Connor Bernard
Vice president of the Steamboat Springs Teen Council; vice president of the Steamboat Springs High School National Honor Society; and member of the N-CTRL Leadership Team
Comments
hereandthere (anonymous) says...
So much dis-information Conner, I can only say, wow.
October 27, 2011 at 6 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wzdeer (anonymous) says...
Great comments Connor! I takes a lot of courage for someone of your age and position at a high school to voice and post such a comment. I commend you! Don't let any of the comments that will most likely be posted bother you or detour your opinions. We are all getting used to their boring and continual posts of their support for mmj. Stay strong and continue to be the leader you are.
October 27, 2011 at 7:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Sep (Brian Kotowski) says...
Nicely done, Connor. At some point, there will need to be a crackdown - probably from the state level - on the docs writing the prescriptions.
October 27, 2011 at 7:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hereandthere (anonymous) says...
Just read a survey published by Reuters that was done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that does seem to support Conner and the other anti mmj crowds contention that mj use is up in states that have allowed the legal use of mmj. The same study also found that Meth use has decreased by 50%, Cocaine use down from 2.4 miiion to 1.5 million. Lo and behold, this study also found Alcohol use by 12 to 17 year olds decreased 13.6%, and significant decreases in Tobbacco use.
Could it be that, rather then being a "gateway drug" (can't believe this crowd still brings out this discredited canard), mmj has provided a safer alternative to the use of drugs that are truly dangerous, and have the biggest detrimental impact on our community. You know, the ones that Rae, Hayes, and Wiggins seem to not have a concern for. Or Grand Futures. Or the esteemed MD's in town.
October 27, 2011 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
1999 (anonymous) says...
I thought MMJ was only for over 18 years old?
I find it really really really hard to believe that (at least two) our local dipensaries would sell to a minor whether he had a card or not.
I suspect your friends are not getting thier MMJ directly from the dispensaries but from older people buying it for them.
October 27, 2011 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spidermite (anonymous) says...
1999
Some high school seniors are 18.
October 27, 2011 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tlani (anonymous) says...
Wow...I agree with herandthere....it is obvious that he has had a little 'help' with his 'opinion'! I have issue with Conner, why didn't he report that to the Principal? Why didn't he "Text*A*Tip? What or Who possed him to , in the last days until the election, finally tell anyone about this? hmmmmm I am a mother of 3 grown kids and a Mema to 2 little ones...I have always medicated with Cannabis and they didn't until they were in High School (and they didn't get it from me)....way before dispensaries....everything is sold in school....it apparently isn't all that hard to do. I also must say that this is NOT happening at dispensaries that are following the rules..are they going outside of Steamboat?...most don't sell to you even with parent signature....there are always bad seeds....on that note....I think that we should close all of the liquor stores and the Pharmacies....those are the long standing culprits that kill our kids!! If the kids want it they will find a way to get it...no matter what they have to do. In order to get a 'Valid' card to purchase medicine in a dispensary you must be 21..unless a Parent signs...hmmmm....are they somehow getting fake ID's.....imagine that.....and what else can they buy with one of those? As far as the Doctor's....again the bad seed thing falls into play, but there are many Doctors, whom are regarded highly in their fields, that recommend and sign the paperwork necessary. I agree that there are TOO many young kids going to unprofessional individuals that want to make a quick buck....then I ask what does that have to do with the dispensaries? Why has the VA given the go ahead on Medical Cannabis? Why have several Presidents said that it should be removed as a Scedule 1? Why has the California Medical Assoc think that it should be legal? I think you need to do a little more research Conner. Go way into the REAL history of Cannabis and see how all of this started....George Washington used to grow it....bet you didn't learn that in History class. I must however let you know that if the Dispensaries are voted out then you WILL have a much bigger problem....I happen to know (no research necessary) that there will be grows set up in neighborhoods, by schools and maybe even next door to you!!! That is already in the works and there is already a waiting list to set those up with 'NO REGULATION' by anyone!!!!!
October 27, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
1999 (anonymous) says...
so the fault lies with the dispensaries selling legally to card holders?
that doesn't make sense at all.
October 27, 2011 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
1999 (anonymous) says...
I'd much rather my kids be medicating with MMJ than ritalin.
October 27, 2011 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sun (kathy foos) says...
You are speaking up and setting a good example to other students,you are a good example of a citizen and I hope you can pass it on when you leave the school.You are a good example because you speak up and stressed "your view" without a crutch ,thats not easy.Please see if you can stir some interest in protecting the planet for your grandchildren 50 years from now.Your generation has got to do it now,be strong and smart ,or things will for get worse, don't look back and say our generation didn't try to speak up and change it now.Ive been at it since I was your age trying.My grandfather was born when this industrial consumption began with oil .Now by the time my grandchild just born dies it will be gone.It has been in the earth (oil) for millions,billions,I don't know but we used it all up in a meer two hundred years,Shame on us,shame,really. I mention this as you are a leader,just help make more leaders with your example and keep up the good work with speaking out!No matter how you feel about something,everyones opinion is important..Make sure your facts are totally right and go for it.You may never save the people from their own habits in this world but you can protect the planet life and thats the biggest problem we have now .The planet will carry the scars from this time ,forever,people wth drug depency's will be long gone and in the grave,just like the straight ones.Death does not respect a person,we all go the same road and answer up for what we do or don't do.Pass that on please to others if you get a chance.All things can change but the Truth is the Truth,nothing can change it.Fossil fuels are killing the world as we speak.
October 27, 2011 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tlani (anonymous) says...
Me too 1999....the doctor in Boulder that gave my son medicaion for OCD that he didn't have...instead he has Aspergers Syndrome and Cannabis works great for that....he is the only one of my 3 kids that has his card (he is 23) and for his Migrane's that are also eased with Cannabis and he can still function and it is NOT addicting.
October 27, 2011 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spidermite (anonymous) says...
Sun,
I think Maynard Short's article about the P-burg P.O. might be another good spot
for you to express your opinion on oil and gas wells.
Why not?
October 27, 2011 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BillyD (anonymous) says...
Kudos for Bernard for speaking up. I respect his opinion, although I don’t agree with it. I think the majority of the anti-dipensary crowd is missing the point. I don’t think a vote against dispensaries = a vote against pot in our schools. If dispensaries are voted out there is little doubt that the 1200 MMJ card holders will form groups throughout Steamboat, and will grow and provide for themselves. This is completely legal by our Colorado constitution. So with 1200 card holders, if even half of them designate a caregiver to grow for them, (I think it’s groups of 5 or 6) that’s potentially 100 new grow operations in our neighborhoods. This will be impossible to patrol. Let's not kid ourselves, every high school kid in town will know someone who grows. Having lived here for 20 years, I know for a fact, kids in high school had marijuana readily available to them, even in the early 90's. This is way before any sort of legislation. Its more cultural here than other parts of the country. Furthermore, a vote for no dispensaries, will most likely not eliminate advertising. It will only be different, as it will be offers to become a caregiver, or potentially for “consultants” on your grow operation, or sales in other counties. Don't kid yourself, The Pilot has proven they will not regulate advertising. They are driven by the mighty greedy dollar..
Grow operations will be quite common, maybe smaller, but with less oversight. If dispensaries are banned, it will be quite common in residential neighborhoods. You are not voting to change the constitution folks. If that is where your energies lie, than focus on the prize. Like most politics, the anti MMJ efforts are misguided. At least if there are dispensaries, there is less incentive for individuals to grow for themselves and their care group, and there is a centralized patrolable distribution point. Do you really think that multiple people growing and providing is a better solution than a dispensary? Do you really think that these card holders are going to quit smoking and Marijuana will disappear in Steamboat? Given our economy I think it is very likely scenario, that smaller, legal “caregiver” will pop up everywhere. If you vote out dispensaries, get ready for your neighborhoods smelling like Cheech and Chong's basement. Also don't be so naive that it is going away. You are not voting on the constitutional amendment.
The irony is that I honestly believe if we didn’t have dispensaries, and we had the above situation, many of the same, who are voting against dispensaries, would actually be voting for creating centralized locations to get it out of neighborhoods.
October 27, 2011 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tlani (anonymous) says...
This country could be saved if the Government would allow farmers to grow it..if only for paper, but the big corporations that began the outlaw of it because it hurt there tree cutting industry and they had more money to give to the polititians...along with clothing and textile industry they were able to make the public believe that it was bad. Again, check the Real History of Cannabis. It once was used for many ailments 200 years ago....wait isn't that when the bad stuff started that sun is talking about...hmmmmmm
October 27, 2011 at 9:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sledneck (anonymous) says...
"This country could be saved if government would allow farmers to grow it." ???
Really?? Thats all it would take to "save the country"?? Growing massive amounts of pot is enought to do the trick?????
Hell, I thought we were in way deeper than that.
October 27, 2011 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tlani (anonymous) says...
well it would play a big part...of course the big corps would go down, but really how bad would that be? Farmers would be making money....they could reopen some closed down plants that would put many back to work in a new and booming industry....fixing the entire problem as most know will take more than that, but think of the tax dollors the government could collect!! LOL
October 27, 2011 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heboprotagonist (anonymous) says...
When I was a senior in H.S. I would've written the same letter to the local paper had this been an issue back then. I'm sure that like myself, Connor believes every word that he has written.
It wasn't until years later that I learned everything I thought I knew was complete rubbish. But don't take my word for it:
"When I think back on all the crap I learned in High School it's a wonder I can think at all." - Paul Simon "Kodachrome"
Kudos to you Connor for speaking up, but remember that it's ok to evolve as your knowledge and perspective grows. Keep your big beginner mind for as long as you can for the moment you think you know all the answers is the moment that you are truly lost.
October 27, 2011 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Scott_Wedel (Scott Wedel) says...
And considering any mmj patient that is reselling to high school students is simply an illegal drug dealer then there is no reason to think that banning local dispensaries will have a serious effect. The drug dealer will just find another source to sell to fellow students. At least with local dispensaries then local law enforcement can perform a local investigation between dispensary purchase which was videotaped and illegal sale.
As for those providing help in this campaign, who is behind the Yes 1A and 2C signs? Shouldn't there be a registered campaign organization? Looks like the pro-dispensary, anti-ban folk followed the rules and registered their Sensible Steamboat campaign organization. I guess the pro-ban people like breaking rules and so won't follow campaign laws.
October 27, 2011 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Phoebe (Phoebe Hackman) says...
This letter is highly suspect. Dispensary owners, how many patients under 18 would you estimate hold mmj cards and have ever purchased from you? Why hasn't all this increased drug possession shown up in the police blotter? Connor, how many of your schoolmates smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco, drink alcohol, are on prozac, ritalin, etc. When my son went to SSHS, cocaine use was rampant. I have no stake in whether the mmj dispensaries stay or go, but I sure hate hypocrisy. Shame on whoever fed this misinformation to this kid and and used him to get their opinions into the paper. Connor, can you back up any of your claims or "statistics"? Here is the link to the Chicago Smoking Cessation Program's only reference to marijuana on their website: http://quitoncechicago.com/marijuana-.... It contains none of the information stated in the above letter. "DUIDs have increased 64 percent between 2009 and 2010 and since have doubled." Where? Those numbers are not reflected in any police or newspaper reports that I've ever seen for Routt County. Inhaling anything is bad for your lungs, whether it's tobacco, marijuana or campfire smoke. That's why alternative methods for ingesting mmj are recommended. What you are alleging is that there is abuse of the mmj system. I'm sure you are aware of abuses in the alcohol and tobacco dispensing systems. Would you advocate that liquor and tobacco stores be banned, or does it make more sense to go after the people who purchase these products and pass them on to minors? I don't want to have to worry about being hit by a driver under the influence of drugs, alcohol, prescription drugs, cough medicine or lack of sleep; but, if I do, it won't be the fault of the dispensary, liquor store, doctor, drug store or baby that kept the driver up all night. Sep, you're right; if indeed doctors are writing prescriptions to minors for bogus injuries, then they should be cracked down on ... and hard. Their licenses should be revoked and they should do jail time. But I don't believe it is as commonplace as this letter would have us believe. It sounds like an unfounded statement made to support an opinion. Whether it's true or not, high school kids have never had trouble finding pot or any other illegal substance, and shutting down the dispensaries won't change that.
October 27, 2011 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HowardRoark (anonymous) says...
I am sure my comments will be removed by the steamboat Nazi's, but I will try anyway. Conner, you are full of misinfo. And if anyone put you up to this let me remind them that it is never alright to use children as a means toward your political end. In fact, the end never justifies the means.
October 27, 2011 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
housepoor (anonymous) says...
Plenty of kids are 18 and seniors in high school so yes it can be true and Connor is speaking from his own experience.
No doubt there are card holders who sell their prescriptions to non card holders just like there are vicodine\oxy patients who sell theirs to others.
I’m not sure this means dispensaries should be banned, do we blame the pharmacies?
Where is the accountability on the doctors who write these unwarranted prescriptions, and no doubt they do ? There is the problem but everyone want to blame the dispensaries.
October 27, 2011 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sun (kathy foos) says...
At least I had a real opinion spidermite,your comment is just nothing at all.
October 27, 2011 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bandmama (anonymous) says...
First, I respect Conner for speaking his opinion.
But the context is wrong as pointed out in an earlier post. It is not the dispensaries who provide to those under 18, it is stupid people. You can get Oxy's and so many other prescrip meds in high school too....explain that.
October 27, 2011 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
1999 (anonymous) says...
well bandmama..if minors are indeed drinking alcohol and doing prescription drugs then the only answer is to ban ALL alcohol dispensaries and ALL prescription drug dispensaries.
thats that!
that is the only answer>
why hasn't anyone thought of this before?
October 27, 2011 at 7:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BeCoolHoneyBunny (anonymous) says...
I also could see me writing this as a senior in high school. How perspectives change after a few years in college or out on your own.
sun, is your space bar broken or what?
October 27, 2011 at 7:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Webby (anonymous) says...
This conversation is exactly what the whole country needs. At least people are being honest and outspoken. I have no doubt that since "mmj" (so much easier to type) has become available, it has become much easier to get for high schoolers. Alchohol is easier to get because of liquor stores and meds because of pharmacies. But it still is illegal to have all of these if not perscribed or of age. Is it up to our law enforcement to regulate? Of course. Parents? More so. Teachers, friends, and family.
It's time for all of us to get real and know that cannibis is a MEDICINE. And all medicines can be ABUSED. Alchohol is NOT a medicine, and it also can be abused. Food. Sex. Anything really.
The best we can do is educate and love our children. I am much more worried about drunk driving for todays kids than anything else. The numbers are staggering.
Holland has the most lenient drug, alchohol, and prostitution laws, yet the lowest drug abuse and teen pregnancy rates in the world. HMMM?
October 27, 2011 at 8:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JohnFielding (John Fielding) says...
My position regarding dispensaries as providing a better means to regulate this product and help enforce penalties on those who would divert it to minors has been printed often, so I will not reiterate.
I willl say this about the doctors. While there are clearly some who abuse their prescription and recommendation authority, that is a matter for the acreditation board.
What I believe is far more common is doctors believing that once a medication of any kind has been made available it is up to them to decide if their patient will benefit from using it. I am sure many feel the attempt to limit their ability to recommend to a short list of conditions is an infringinment on their legitimate authority.
.
October 27, 2011 at 8:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
interpreter2006 (Kevin Haynes) says...
I'm impressed by the editorial. I haven't researched this issue exhaustively, but I know that if I were to look online for research and facts supporting the use of marijuana I could find a lot. I could also find a ton for the other side. You can find facts (or "facts") to support any issue you want! But Connor did call this "1 Teen's Perspective," not "The Last Word," so cut him some slack. You can disagree with him without attacking him or calling him naive.
It seems like every issue - and every political race - in this country is completely polarized anymore. I won't convince you to side with me, and you won't convince me to side with you. Let's at least dialogue without calling each other names. Emotions can run high with issues like these - take a breath before replying.
Thanks, Connor, for having the guts to do what many would not do.
October 27, 2011 at 9:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bandmama (anonymous) says...
I dont see that anyone is faulting Conner for having the guts to state his opinion.But I think that his thoughts are clearly one sided and fail to represent the whole truth as far as substance abuse in any community/high school. MJ is as available, as many other "illegal" substances. To only point to one is obviously an attempt to discredit the most "talked about" local point of interest. I would honestly like to see Conners response as to where he got some of his facts for this article and find it strangley odd that there is not response to the questions posed. If Conner feels so independantly vehement about this issue, please let's hear about it. The whole truth of drug use in our underage population, and yes I do include alcohol in this thread. The use and distrubution of illegal substances in the schools has a lot to do with the responsibilty of adults. Regardless of substance. If a 'kid" wants it he/she will find the means. By STRICT regulations, it will lesson the availibilty of those. As adults we have an obligation to make those substances less availiable. If you lock your liquer cabinet, them lock your medicine cabinet as well and talk openly with your kids as to why. A simple idea that may eduacate and produce a young adult such as Conner who can express an opinion without fear of being attacked. Conner, you are clearly a well versed young man. Good for you for taking a stance on something that means so much to you. Dont be offended by any comments here. It is refreshing to hear a differnt point of view.
October 27, 2011 at 10:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bandmama (anonymous) says...
that was to to be "than" not "them"......whoops.
October 27, 2011 at 10:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Skifreelivelove (anonymous) says...
Marijuana is going to always be in our community and will never leave Steamboat. Go persecute the individuals cooking meth across the street from your house. Leave the herbal healing of the nation and the world to those who are not blind and ignorant. These doctors think a lot differently then Dr. Victory does >>> http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines...
October 28, 2011 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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