Recreational marijuana became legal and widely available 3½ years ago in Durango.
Since then, at least a dozen pot shops have opened in Durango, including on historic Main Avenue.
Colorado residents who are 21 years old or older can purchase up to 1 ounce of marijuana simply by going to a pot shop, showing identification and handing over cash.
Inevitably, some of that product ends up in the hands of teenagers – no different than alcohol in “Anywhere USA.”
The easy availability of the drug has forced some parents to have difficult conversations with children about the drug, and not all parents are winning the fight to keep their children clean and sober.
The Durango Herald will explore what it means to be a teenager in the age of legalized marijuana at its bimonthly speaker series, Durango Diaries, to be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio.
The event is sponsored by Open Sky Wilderness Therapy. Residents are invited to listen to five speakers share their stories and insights about teenage marijuana use.
Speakers include three students from Animas High School:
Rollin Leavitt, 18, a senior who is interested in modern medicine and genetics and plans to pursue a medical degree to work in the development of novel treatment methods for inherited diseases. His parents are Holly Shure and Richard Leavitt.
Acacia Bryson, 17, is an advocate for social justice issues with an interest in politics. Acacia wants to become an elementary school teacher upon graduation from college. She is the daughter of Phil and Lucy Bryson.
Charlie Stein, 16, a junior who is interested in studying psychology after high school and doing work related to program building, LGBTQ issues, youth support and therapy. His parents are Wes and Melissa Stein.Audience members will also hear from two adult speakers, including:
Jonny Radding, a Fort Lewis College graduate and managing partner at Durango Organics, which first opened as a medical marijuana dispensary in 2010 and has since transitioned to a recreational retail dispensary. He has long advocated for legalization of marijuana and continues to fight for the legitimate treatment of the marijuana industry throughout the state.
Breeah Kinsella, the coalition coordinator for Celebrating Healthy Communities, which engages the community in conversations about youth substance abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles. She will share a video teens in her group created to address teen marijuana use.Durango Diaries is free and open to the public. After the presentations, audience members will have a chance to ask questions.
