Progress and Research

            The past 80 years have seen the US government attempt to stem drug use through criminalization. As this approach has seemed to fail, a new trend has emerged in the legalization of some illicit drugs (Bianculli, 1997). Marijuana (recreational) is one such drug that is trending towards legalization in many states. This may be a good revenue generator for states like Colorado who estimate sales in 2014 anywhere from 65-128 million dollars, or between .6 to 1.2 percent of all generated revenue in the state (CADCA.org, 2014), but this does not come without severe implications as use by young adolescents is on the rise as a result of legalization.

            Research has indicated that as states trend toward the legalization of recreational marijuana, the perceived risk of use declines, and its use increases (Newcomb & Bentler, 2014). According to CADCA, a membership organization of over 5000 anti-drug coalitions, since legalization for so-called medicinal use in Colorado was passed, marijuana use by youth is 39% higher than the national average and expected to climb as a result of the legalization of recreational marijuana. In Washington County (Utah) extensive research done by Southwest Behavioral Center has shown an upward trend in use by youth that correlates with recreational legalization in states such as Colorado and Washington, with the average age of onset of use to be 14 in Washington County.

            Even though the potency of marijuana continues to rise (3.4% THC potency in 1992, to over 13% in 2014) further exacerbating cognitive impairment and deleterious brain restructuring resulting in the loss of spatial working memory and brain density (Corcoran, 2014, Kuster, et al, 2014), the use of marijuana by young adolescents continues to rise. According to a participant in our recent focus group who is also an agent for the DEA, he claims that the THC potency of marijuana is closer to 20%, and in the foreseeable future the agency believes the potency level will reach 30%: a tenfold increase in potency of just a generation ago. In addition to brain deficiencies that over time become irreversible, there is a growing body of research suggesting a decline in psychosocial maturity among adolescents, making it harder to function in an ever-increasing fast-paced society (Chassin, Dmittrieva, & Losoya, 2014).

            In summary, there are several factors regarding marijuana that are concerning for children, their parents, and society. They include the rising potency of marijuana and ensuing biopsychosocial problems inherent in its use, as well as the prolonged use and the implications for productive functioning in a society that is ever-demanding. Clearly, if this problem is to be effectively addressed, it must be done at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of society.

            Our group believes that one area that will make an impact is in helping to educate parents of young adolescents so that it may help them to educate their children. This hypothesis is backed by ample research (Munson, 2014, La Ganga, 2014).  In a recent survey we conducted (freeinthree.org), 92% of those polled strongly agreed that credibly discussing marijuana use with their children is important. Interestingly, many (26%) did not understand the connection between legalizing marijuana for recreational use and the perception of decreased risk in using marijuana. Other data extrapolated from the survey suggests justification for producing an informational pamphlet, especially in light of misconceptions parents have regarding the dangers of marijuana use in their children. For example, 13% did not believe that marijuana is a "gateway" drug; 13% did not believe marijuana causes cognitive impairment, and 16% did not believe marijuana to be addictive. Future assessment will be valuable in determining effective means of educating parents and their children.

Emerging research indicates that to combat the rising use by young adolescents a strategy for prevention of marijuana among youths can be seen through a risk-focused approach (Hawkins, Catalano, & Miller, 1993). Accordingly, research suggests the best time to prevent substance use is at a young age, before onset. DARE, once thought to be a means to reduce risk has not produced the results once hoped for. More and more the trend is moving towards a life skills approach that has shown more promise by improving life skills and greater competency (Griffin & Botkin, 2004, Elias, Greenberg, & Weissberg, 2000).

            Based off of the trending research and our groups own personal observations regarding the need of addressing early adolescent marijuana use in the community, we came up with a plan to effectively address the growing issue and problem. First off, we set out to establish an alliance with the predominant behavioral health center in the area. We then sought to validate our assumptions and observations by analyzing data already collected by Southwest Behavioral Center as well as conducting our own surveys and focus group.

            Our goals in addressing the issue/problem, was first discovering what would be the most effective and efficient way of addressing the issue. Secondly, we would need to establish an avenue of addressing the issue. Finally, our overall goal is to reduce the number of early adolescent marijuana use in the county. As simple as these goals appear, there were many sub goals within them. While assessing what the most effective and efficient way of addressing the issue was, we needed to be open to the possibility that our original plan would be inadequate. We had to explore other options and opportunities as we relied on research and data collection by means of surveys and a focus group to learn what the target population needed. Once it was determined that credible information regarding early adolescent marijuana use was needed within the parent-child relationship, we sought ways in which to disseminate that information. 

            Our primary strategy then became manufacturing media in the form of a pamphlet that addresses how parents can talk to their children about the potential dangers of marijuana use. In order to reach as many parents as possible, this pamphlet will be available in physical form as well as digitally online. One strategy we utilized was creating a partnership with the Southwest Behavioral Health Center (SBHC) to gain access to the pertinent research that has been done in our community regarding adolescent marijuana use. One way the target population has been involved in the key efforts is by participating in the focus group. One consideration for future efforts in reducing marijuana use among adolescents in our area is by reaching more parents to gain additional insight of what their needs are. This could be done by conducting more focus groups in the different areas of Washington County to get a better sample. One of our limitations is that our focus group may not be representative of all the different groups within Washington County. If time permitted, a focus group from each middle school could have been helpful. Also, our project assumes that the parents have a positive relationship with her/his child and that a conversation about marijuana use would be welcomed by the child. This limitation suggests efforts in building family relationships would benefit prevention efforts regarding adolescent marijuana use. 

The focus group of key stakeholders in the community gave us information about what would be valuable to address in the pamphlet. The stakeholders in this focus group included parents and professionals who work with adolescents who are at risk of using marijuana. This pamphlet will include local data about marijuana use among adolescents. This tactic is important because it will make the issue of adolescent marijuana use more personal. The target population, parents of adolescents, will be able to connect to the information more if the data is “in their back yard,” than if the data was represented from the national level. Another tactic we are using to make the information more personal, is visual aesthetics that allow the reader to relate the information to their own child. We are attempting to accomplish this by having eyes of adolescent children on the cover of the pamphlet that include different races and ethnicities, with a caption along the lines of “why didn’t you tell me?” As supported by the information gathered from the focus group, we will also have tips on how parents can talk to their children about the risks of marijuana use. One way this pamphlet can be evaluated is by including it in the Prevention Needs Assessment and Survey Results research conducted by SBHC. Another way this pamphlet could be evaluated is by having a link on the back of the pamphlet where parents can get more information and can rate the pamphlet on different factors of effectiveness. While these are means of tracking the potential success the pamphlet can have towards getting parents to talk with their child, the greatest success we can hope for is reducing the number of early adolescents being exposed to marijuana use. As mentioned earlier, the data that was collected by the Southwest Behavioral Center indicated that the average age of onset for marijuana use is currently 14. The trend is indicating that that age will continue to drop as the perceived risk decreases as well. With credible information in the hands of parents, we hope that by the next time data in regards to marijuana uses is collected in the county again, the number will not decrease.   

 Survey Questions and Results

1.      I consider recreational marijuana use (non-medicinal) among early adolescents (11-14 years of age) harmful.

2.      It's important to talk with children (11-14 YOA) about marijuana use.

3.      It's important that credible information materials about early adolescent marijuana use be available to parents through public education.

4.      I believe early adolescent marijuana use is a growing problem.

5.      A pamphlet addressing marijuana use among early adolescents (11-14) in southern Utah would be helpful for me to better understand the topic.

6.      Marijuana use has been linked to cognitive deficits in the brain. Brain imaging has suggested that marijuana use in adolescents is highly correlated to memory and abstract thinking deficits as well as deleterious restructuring of the brain.

7.      According to research, marijuana use among adolescents tends to be addictive.

8.      Even after prolonged use, the negative effects of marijuana can be completely reversed.

9.      When states such as Colorado legalize the recreational use of marijuana, the perceived risk of marijuana use decreases.

10.  As the perceived risk of marijuana use lowers, its use increases.

11.  While other states such as Colorado have legalized recreational marijuana use, Utah has not. This protects young adolescents in Washington County from increased marijuana use.

12.  Marijuana is a "gateway" drug, meaning that it leads to the use of other drugs.

13.  Studies have shown that effectively discussing the dangers of marijuana use with children is a helpful way of preventing them from starting.

 

 

                                                                 References

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