Medical Marijuana: What is the Impact on Wayland and our Youth?

Medical marijuana is now legal in Massachusetts. As a result, citizens in the Commonwealth may obtain a doctor’s recommendation to use marijuana for medicinal purposes.  Under the law, the state Department of Public Health can approve up to five dispensaries in each county and allow people to grow marijuana for their own purposes or for others in their care.  What does this mean for Wayland and what are the implications for our youth? 

Research shows there are two critical factors that lead to teen marijuana use: acceptability of using the drug and its availability to young people.

The legalization of marijuana as medicine poses a challenge for communities in addressing these factors to prevent teen marijuana use. Given the increased level of THC potency of 21st century marijuana and its impact on the adolescent’s developing brain, it’s critical that preventative measures are strong and effective.  

Every citizen has a role to play in the effort to reduce teen marijuana use—at home and on the job, in schools, places of worship, and civic or social organizations. Working together, we can reaffirm healthy attitudes about marijuana use. The more we understand about the harms of marijuana; the myths and misperceptions about the drug; and the issues that are related to current marijuana law and policy, the better equipped we are to have meaningful conversations with our children that will influence their decision not to use or experiment with the drug.

On March 19th, the Wayland community will have the opportunity to learn from the experts:¨ Yasmin Mashhoon, Ph.D., Neuroscientist at the Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory of McLean Hospital and Instructor at Harvard Medical School will discuss the latest research about the components of marijuana, its harms, and its impact on youth and the developing teen brain.  Dr. Mashhoon will explain teen marijuana dependency, mental health and current research on how 21st century pot affects physical and cognitive functioning.  Dr. Mashoon is a sought after speaker on this topic, known for her ability to break the technical research down and translate findings into plain applicable terms for youth and families.   

¨ John Sofis Scheft, Esq., Principal of Law Enforcement Dimensions, will explain what the Massachusetts medical marijuana law does and does not include. He will address questions that include: For what conditions can marijuana be recommended? Who can use it as medicine? Who can provide a recommendation? Who can grow marijuana in their home? Atty. Scheft will also explain best municipal practices to protect local public health and safety. Atty. Scheft is a dynamic speaker who was well-received by adults and students during his presentations on the marijuana decriminalization and social host laws held in Wayland in past years. 

¨ James Broadhurst, M.D., a family physician also trained in sports and addiction medicine and delegate of Massachusetts Medical Society, will discuss the medical community's perspective on medical marijuana. He will address questions that include: What do people need to know in considering marijuana as a medical treatment?  When should someone explore marijuana as a treatment option? What is a medical marijuana doctor? What is Massachusetts Medical Society’s position and understanding on medical marijuana.

This program will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 7:30 pm in the Wayland High School auditorium. WaylandCares and the Wayland High School Guidance Department are pleased to sponsor this program and welcome the entire Wayland community to attend.