The recent article on teen marijuana use (Herald, Dec. 24) states that, “teen marijuana use fell sharply in Colorado....”
While that may be true for the entire state, it does not hold true for youth in grades 6 through 12 in La Plata County. The most recent youth data we have specific to our county was from a survey conducted in the fall of 2015 and from the previous survey in the fall of 2013. Youth use of marijuana rose from 15 percent to 16.7 percent.
Granted, not a huge increase, but certainly not the sharp decline reported for the entire state. While I support that adults who need marijuana medicinally and adults who want it recreationally have legal access, I believe the credible and compelling evidence that youth use of marijuana is harmful for developing brains.
I wonder if part of the reason we have a higher use rate is due to youth not realizing the risk potential since legalization, and perhaps some do not receive a clear message from their parents about whether or not they are OK with underage use.
For La Plata County, youth who think their parents or guardians feel it is wrong for them to use marijuana dropped from 90 percent to 86.7 percent. That’s a statistic where an increase would be welcome news. Despite the tendency of adults thinking that youth don’t really listen much to what they say, research bears out that young people who talk with their parents are 50 percent less likely to use than those who are not having the conversation.
I’d love to see our local data show a decline in youth use of all substances and an increased perception of harm when the next Healthy Kids Colorado Survey is conducted in the fall of 2017.
Please have the conversation and help build developmental assets for all children in our community.
Lauren Patterson
Durango
