Marijuana causes brain damage to children!
Politics, legality and freedom issues aside, this is the result when children ingest this dangerous poison. The 10 pot shops in your town are not your friends!
Parents in Durango, as across the state, are largely unaware of the brain damage that marijuana causes children. Some look the other way because they view marijuana as a “personal choice,” so why foist their beliefs on others?
Here’s why: It’s not a matter of choice but of truth. Marijuana, smoked or otherwise ingested by young people up to 25 years of age inhibits the folding development of the front part of the brain ... reducing its growth. (It’s called pre-frontal cortex gyrification reduction.)
This part of the brain houses the abilities to perform what are termed the “executive functions”: impulse control, flexible thinking, working memory, self-monitoring, planning and prioritization, task initiation and organizing. Each is vital to thinking ability and the ability to learn. Marijuana damages the part of the brain that does these things.
From 1980 to 1983, I was the principal of Durango High School and charged with looking out for some of you, the Durango Demons of the ’80s.
I remember you, and recognize that a new threat has now arisen in your community ... this time for your grandchildren. Now, you must be the protectors. Take charge!
If you’d like more detailed facts about marijuana brain damage, get in touch with me through www.superchargedlearning.com.
Richard J. Giordano
Black Hawk
