Guilford High School students testify at Capitol press conference against legalization of non-medical marijuana

Guilford High School students testify at Capitol press conference against legalization of non-medical marijuana

March 17, 2017

Guilford High students Joe Landry-McWilliams, Vinny Thibault, Lilah Limuti, Eryk Derda, Danielle Ott, Gabby Palumbo, Anthony Slate and Vincent Thibault all participated in a press conference at the state Capitol on March 7, 2017, opposing the legalization of non-medicinal marijuana. There was extensive statewide coverage of the statements by Guilford’s youth leaders, including three TV stations and the major newspapers in Connecticut. This press conference pre-empted the first scheduled public hearing that immediately followed.

Leading the cause.

In 2016, Guilford DAY youth leaders urged the organization to oppose the legalization of marijuana in Connecticut. They based this on the potential impact of legalization on teen MJ use, and the general lack of knowledge about the risks of MJ for the developing adolescent brain. In response, Guilford DAY has become a powerful force in the statewide effort to educate legislators on the neurological risks of MJ for teens.

On a number of occasions, Guilford DAY youth leaders have met and worked closely with Rep. Vincent Candelora, Rep. Sean Scanlon and Sen. Ted Kennedy, all of whom are opposed to legalization of non-medical marijuana.

Press conference reveals disturbing facts.

At the March 7th press conference, Junior Gabby Palumbo and Senior Danielle Ott joined Dr. Elsa Stone, a Branford pediatrician and leader of the Connecticut chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, to discuss the impact today's marijuana has on developing adolescent brains. They cited a number of research studies which show marijuana's effects on areas including learning, memory, perception, and motivation and added that in heavy users, who start at a young age, there is a drop of an average of 8 IQ points, as well as an association with increased schizophrenia. These youth leaders urged legislators to consider the message to kids if legalization occurs, stating that although the legal age would be 21, that what kids would hear is that marijuana is safe and okay for them. Gabby discussed her concern for her younger siblings growing up with that message from the government. They cited statistics showing a nationwide and local drop in the kids’ perception of the risks surrounding marijuana use. They also spoke against the nomenclature of “recreational” MJ, pointing out that for kids, recreation refers to something fun and positive, like outdoor sports, and that there is nothing recreational about drug intoxication.

Police force and Triple A speak out on opposition to legalization.

A strong contingent of Police Chiefs, including Guilford’s Jeff Hutchinson, stood in opposition to legalization, and Monroe’s Chief John Salvatore discussed the public health risks from MJ intoxication and DWI. They were joined by Amy Parmenter, from AAA , who shared statistics from Washington state, where fatal car accidents involving marijuana doubled in the first year following legalization.

Coalitions collaborate for success.

Guilford DAY co-chairs Lisa Ott and Peter Palumbo and Executive Committee member Bo Huhn have played a key role in organizing the statewide coalition to oppose legalization, along with the Governor’s Prevention Partnership and the Connecticut Association of Prevention Professionals. The coalition includes the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, the Connecticut Association of Schools, AAA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Construction Industries Association, Madison M.A.D.E. and a number of other groups.

Seven members of Guilford DAY and local resident and Yale Professor, Deepak Cyril D’Souza, submitted testimony to the legislature’s Public Health Committee in opposition to HB 5314, the legalization measure. Bo Huhn waited in Hartford until well past midnight to testify in front of the committee and to educate legislators on the latest science and statistics surrounding marijuana legalization. Although a long day for him, he believes that our legislators endure this day after day, without much public understanding, appreciation, or thanks for their time and efforts.

Next public hearing March 22.

Although the press conference was a success, our mission continues to inform and educate legislators and our Connecticut community members about the negative impact legalization could have on people who live and work here. Representative Vinny Candelora shared that the bill was eliminated by the Public Health Committee but on March 22 there will be another public hearing for a similar bill, this time with the Judiciary Committee.

For more information, please contact Bo Huhn, Guilford DAY, at 203-453-2872.