To the Editor:
I am writing to express concern and hopefully spread awareness regarding the sale of drug paraphernalia in Old Lyme, and in surrounding communities. Because this is a legal practice, by law little can be done to halt the sale; however, as a community we have a powerful voice and role to play.
Working in education for 15 years in various capacities, I have witnessed first hand the impact of substance abuse on young people. I have also witnessed how access to paraphernalia can lead to poor decision making, as well as impacting students in and out of school. The visible presence of drug paraphernalia in stores and gas stations also creates a level of complacency and acceptance, which in my opinion, is the wrong message to send to patrons of any age. I urge residents to oppose such sales and help promote substance-free youth and community.
Sincerely,
Michelle Dean.
Editor’s Note: The author is the Assistant Principal at Lyme-Old Lyme High School.
Thank you Michelle for bringing awareness to the sale of drug paraphernalia and the greater risk of substance abuse. I am completely with you and very upset that drug paraphernalia is available in our community.
We have many reasons to be concerned about access to drugs and related merchandise here or anywhere else. Sadly the media’s selective coverage of the drug legalization debate has generated more disinformation and created a steeper hill for parents to climb.
Despite legalization efforts in some states, the facts are that:
1) Those who start smoking marijuana under the age of 18 and smoke weed regularly are at risk for up to an eight point decline in IQ
2) 1970’s marijuana contained only 1% THC, though by 2006 marijuana contained almost 9% THC or greater than 5x more potent (skeptical parents take note)
3) The chance of marijuana addiction is 1 in 6 for youth
4) The ‘street’ weed available in local communities is not government regulated as is the case for medicinal marijuana available in states like California, Colorado, etc. Street weed smuggled into our community is genetically-modified to increase the THC content making the product more addictive, less expensive to cultivate and more profitable for growers.
Despite all of these facts, a record number of teens falsely believe that smoking marijuana is harmless. With the help of informed parents and local organizations such as CASFY we can continue to highlight these risks and help parents, students and town residents make healthy and informed choices.