2021 Legislative Campaign
Just Say "Know" to Marijuana Commercialization
The Coalition for a Better Wallingford has partnered with several local and regional organizations to educate our legislators, the media, and the general public on the science, data, and health warnings being published by several government, medical, and university research sources on the effects of marijuana use. To this end, we will be sending weekly informative emails about the health risks of marijuana.
The body of information that we will be sending comes from The Surgeon Generals Office, Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, American Medical Association, American Association of Psychiatry, National Families In Action, emerging data coming from communities that have already legalized commercial distribution of marijuana, Yale, and other scientific studies.
The Coalition for a Better Wallingford has partnered with several local and regional organizations to educate our legislators, the media, and the general public on the science, data, and health warnings being published by several government, medical, and university research sources on the effects of marijuana use. To this end, we will be sending weekly informative emails about the health risks of marijuana.
The body of information that we will be sending comes from The Surgeon Generals Office, Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, American Medical Association, American Association of Psychiatry, National Families In Action, emerging data coming from communities that have already legalized commercial distribution of marijuana, Yale, and other scientific studies.
Week 1
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Week 2
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Week 3
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Week 4
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Week 5
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Week 6
This weeks email focus’s on THC content. We are not in favor of the legalization of commercialized marijuana because proper controls are not in place and the inherent hidden harm. This is a time bomb waiting to go off. Are you okay with exposing this generation of children to normalized marijuana usage and created a new, larger group of traumatized children?
Parenting just got a lot harder with legal marijuana
When it comes to preventing drug use among kids, parents are the most important factor. But access to a drug and the perception of its harm are two powerful Environmental Prevention factors that help reduce use as well.
“Legalization” a.k.a commercialization of marijuana, destroys these protections. Increased access to marijuana occurs rapidly, while at the very same time the perception of marijuana’s harm goes down for all of us and especially our kids. Almost instantly after legalization, “it can’t be that bad for you - they made it legal” becomes prevailing sentiment. The magnitude of this is hard to argue against even when the facts indicate kids are at risk.
Add pervasive messaging from an aggressive Industry with deep pockets - The Marijuana Industry (sometimes called Tobacco 2.0) - and many parents wake up reeling from constant pro-pot commentary and beliefs coming from their kids. That belief can quickly become use, then heavy use in a short amount of time - some parents find their kids addicted before they realize their kids know about marijuana and are using. In the most tragic cases, some parents lose their children to this drug - fatal car accidents, suicides and debilitating mental illnesses - all from what was thought to be just a little harmless weed.
"30% of users have a Use Disorder of some kind"
"Those using marijuana have a 7-fold increase in suicide attempts"
Parenting just got a lot harder with legal marijuana
When it comes to preventing drug use among kids, parents are the most important factor. But access to a drug and the perception of its harm are two powerful Environmental Prevention factors that help reduce use as well.
“Legalization” a.k.a commercialization of marijuana, destroys these protections. Increased access to marijuana occurs rapidly, while at the very same time the perception of marijuana’s harm goes down for all of us and especially our kids. Almost instantly after legalization, “it can’t be that bad for you - they made it legal” becomes prevailing sentiment. The magnitude of this is hard to argue against even when the facts indicate kids are at risk.
Add pervasive messaging from an aggressive Industry with deep pockets - The Marijuana Industry (sometimes called Tobacco 2.0) - and many parents wake up reeling from constant pro-pot commentary and beliefs coming from their kids. That belief can quickly become use, then heavy use in a short amount of time - some parents find their kids addicted before they realize their kids know about marijuana and are using. In the most tragic cases, some parents lose their children to this drug - fatal car accidents, suicides and debilitating mental illnesses - all from what was thought to be just a little harmless weed.
"30% of users have a Use Disorder of some kind"
"Those using marijuana have a 7-fold increase in suicide attempts"
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Parent Movement 2.0 is designed to help parents quickly understand marijuana in the 21st century, and also the broader context of teenage drug and alcohol use - the ultimate goal - reducing the underage use of marijuana, alcohol, nicotine and all other drugs. |
Week 7
This week we have two emails, both which focus on THC potency. These opinions come from Colorado and Washington State, two state’s that have legalized commercial marijuana and now are dealing with the results of commercialized marijuana with no potency caps and desperately trying to regain control of the situation.
Editorial: Colorado should restrict the potency of marijuana concentrates, keep them away from teens
These concentrates must be regulated and kept out of Colorado schools.
Comment: Don't ignore science on cannabis concentrates' potency
Lawmakers must address research that shows these concentrates can have mental health consequences.
Editorial: Colorado should restrict the potency of marijuana concentrates, keep them away from teens
These concentrates must be regulated and kept out of Colorado schools.
Comment: Don't ignore science on cannabis concentrates' potency
Lawmakers must address research that shows these concentrates can have mental health consequences.
Week 8
This week we bring you content from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. We know that marijuana significantly impairs driving ability. We know that marijuana is the illicit drug found most frequently in the blood of drivers involved in crashes. Why then would we want more drivers under the influence of marijuana?
Marijuana Research Report: Does Marijuana use affect driving?
Marijuana Research Report: Does Marijuana use affect driving?