'Call to Conversation': Marijuana Today Isn’t Your Grandparents’ Marijuana

The effect of today’s marijuana on youth is the topic for Tuesday’s “Call for Conversation,” to be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harry L. Wheeler Community Center and Administration Center, 24076 F.V. Pankow Blvd.

An expert panel addressing issues concerning youth marijuana use include the Honorable Linda Davis, 41B District Court; Lynda Zott of Care of Southeastern

Michigan and an Emergency Physician with McLaren Health Systems; and Andrew Fortuato, a recovery advocate.

The event will be moderated by Linda McLatcher, president of the L’Anse Creuse school

board.

Among the questions the panel will discuss:

• How is marijuana today different from the marijuana of the past?
• How is marijuana affecting youth, mentally and physically?
• What are the legal consequences of marijuana use?
• What are school policies in regard to marijuana use?

According to a news release from L’Anse Creuse Community Action Coalition, adolescents are particularly vulnerable to negative developmental, cognitive, medical, psychiatric and addictive effects of marijuana cited by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

According to the AACAP’s research, teen marijuana users are more likely than adult users to develop marijuana dependence, and their heavy use is associated with increased incidence of psychotic, mood, and anxiety disorders. In addition, marijuana’s negative effects on cognition and brain development during adolescence may have lasting results.  

Special guests include Jacqueline Johnston, superintendent, and Edward