As the Town of Clinton’s prevention coordinator, I am writing this letter to urge all parents to take some time to understand the impact of marijuana use on teens. As marijuana use for those aged 21 and older has become legal in our state, access to it will increase for our teens. Their perception of harm of using it will decrease as well, and the combination of both inevitably leads to increases in use.

Many scientific research studies have proven how marijuana has a negative impact on the teen brain, but the pro marijuana businesses will never advertise that. It is imperative that families know that the high THC potency in the marijuana today is very different from when most parents were kids (in the ‘70s and ‘80s). The higher potency causes faster addiction, stronger highs, and more neural damage. Coming off of a pandemic that increased depression and anxiety in our youth according to many studies, this is not a good time for them to start experimenting with marijuana! Marijuana is also linked to increases in depression and anxiety in teens, as well as suicidal ideation.

Partners in Community urges your readers to understand marijuana and talk with their kids about its potential harm. For more resources, go to www.clintonpic.org and www.learnaboutsam.org or email me at kedwards@clintonct.org.

Kelley Edwards

Clinton