| Reefer Madness, a 1936 film, portrays users driven insane by pot, even to the point of suicide. Based on analyses performed in the 1960s, and to a lesser extent on archived samples in recent years, old-style “reefer” was remarkably weak. The marijuana that had people dancing at Woodstock had a THC content of maybe 2-3%. Even then, with the weak stuff, we still saw psychosis and suicidality. Even then, it worried many. Today, we are even more worried with studies showing increasing psychosis and suicidality, and it’s a legitimate concern—no more reefer madness. In the decades following Woodstock, growers at home and abroad deliberately began breeding strains of marijuana with higher levels of THC. In the ’70s, the THC increase was minimal, and even by the 1980s it averaged only about 4%. I used it a couple times in the 80s as a teen. I don’t remember being super high but didn’t like it and never used it again. But in the ’90s and 2000s, as marijuana use became more acceptable and would clearly become legalized someday, breeders doubled down on their efforts, quickly ramping up the THC content in the flower to alarming levels. Meanwhile, the content of CBD, an apparently more beneficial cannabinoid that acts as a protective factor to the brain, dropped significantly. Today, the average breed of marijuana flower contains over 12% THC by volume. In Colorado, the average dispensary week is more like 20%, with some breeds approaching 35%. Some growers claim 40%. It remains relatively cheap.
Even worse, scientists and mass manufacturers have learned how to concentrate the THC alone, using butane, to potency levels of 80-100%. Don’t be fooled. Comparing “old” and “new” marijuana is like comparing apples and oranges. Modern marijuana products are very strong. Source: Johnny’s Ambassadors annual #StopDabbing walk is this Sunday, Sept. 18 – final details (mailchi.mp) |
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Fentanyl Warning
Strong opiate killing people in the US – now in Australia |
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In Australia Governments need to heed warnings, based on AFP seizures – for more go to: |
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FOCUS ON:
Drug & Alcohol Education Supporting Youth - DAESY
Showcasing the DAESY Drug Prevention Education Program |
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The following is a small snapshot of student feedback, after experiencing the DAESY drug prevention education program. |
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QUESTION… “What message did you personally take away from the presentation?”….
“Kerryn was fantastic. She spoke with genuine honesty and explained a difficult topic to us in a way that made it relevant.” – Year 12 Student – Independent Co-educational College. “I thought it was incredibly insightful to hear from someone who has had first-hand experience. The different consequences from real life stories were very confronting, but necessary to hear. – VCE Student – Independent Ladies College. “I took away what drugs can really do with a personal story, instead of just watching a video, or listening to your basic lecture about the negatives of it.” – Yr 9 Student – Independent Boys’ Grammar. “It reinforced just how dangerous drugs can be. Thank you, sincerely. I’ve never taken drugs but I have been exposed to them quite a fair bit. I started to think that perhaps taking drugs was ok. But it’s not. So thank you for reminding me that it’s not.” – VCE Student – Independent Ladies College. “Drugs destroy lives & ruin relationships with friends, family & partners. Drug related deaths are so tragic. Have a dream/goal to reach in life.” – Year 8 Student – Co-educational Catholic College. “I loved the extra message of hope and having dreams, etc. – that was really nice to hear! Thank you! xx – VCE Student – Independent Ladies College. “That alcohol can actually be very dangerous, especially when mixed with other drugs. Year 10 Student – Co-educational Government College. “I’m glad you’re alive to change other’s lives.” – VCAL Student- Narre Community Learning Centre. For more go to: Web: www.daesy.com.au Facebook: DAESY Drug & Alcohol Education Supporting Youth - Home | Facebook |
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ROTARY’S NEW ACTION GROUP – ADDICTION PREVENTION
You can be part of the solution |
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What is Rotary Action Group – Addiction Prevention (RAG-AP)?
- Rotary clubs, in partnership with local communities are, taking action to prevent and reduce drug addiction
- RAG-AP helps to form links with Rotary clubs and community groups such as schools, sporting clubs and agencies to provide resources to keep communities healthier and safer.
What are examples of resources?
(a) ‘Save Your Brain’ - an online, drug prevention teaching and learning resource, with aga-appropriate modules. Includes an introductory session for school staff with ongoing mentoring opportunities for teachers/school counsellors.
What is Rotary Action Group – Addiction Prevention (RAG-AP)? - Rotary clubs, in partnership with local communities are, taking action to prevent and reduce drug addiction
- RAG-AP helps to form links with Rotary clubs and community groups such as schools, sporting clubs and agencies to provide resources to keep communities healthier and safer.
What are examples of resources?
(a) ‘Save Your Brain’ - an online, drug prevention teaching and learning resource, with aga-appropriate modules. Includes an introductory session for school staff with ongoing mentoring opportunities for teachers/school counsellors. www.saveyourbrain.com.au www.saveyourbrain.com.au |
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(b) Invited Speakers - Presentations to school assemblies and/or year level groups – often from people who have a story to tell about their personal challenges of overcoming addiction. Their books can be placed in school libraries free of charge. |
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(c) Parent / Community forums - an interactive forum based on key issues of local community concern: - 'Vaping, what you need to know'
- Talking to your kids about drugs
- The developing Teen Brain and impacts of alcohol and drugs
- How to get help, if your kids are experimenting with drugs.
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Want to know more about RAG-AP |
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DRUGS, THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE |
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In the last issue of the E-bulletin we summarized 5 examples including |
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1. The carbon footprint of cannabis
2. Water stress from marijuana
3. Cocaine fuels deforestation |
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4. Chemical waste from MDMA and ecstasy
5. Land subsidence from opium
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OVOM – AUSTRALIA
You can be part of the solution |
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Sign the OVOM petition and make a change We want to end drug use and addiction, associated crime, grief and feelings of powerlessness. They destroy lives and our planet. Sign here: OVOM - ONE VOICE ONE MESSAGE |
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VAPING –
YOU CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION -
3 CALLS TO ACTION: |
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- Talk to your political representatives about - More health literacy for schools, parents and students around the impact of vapes. Teens have asked for this and are calling for more education on all issues related to vaping, - NOT punishment. Here is a link to DFA’s online Vaping Module 7 & 8 Module Six | Save Your BrainModule 6 covers vaping.
- Contact DFA to help develop vaping policies in schools- a community service at no cost. Schools need support in developing helpful and informed policies: DFA has expertise to help schools formulate informed policies that will motivate students to be part of the solution. Email: [email protected]
- Contact Teen Challenge Tasmania for zoom sessions for school staff: Teachers, counsellors and school medical staff need to be trained in prevention and motivational interviewing when encountering students who vape AND parents who demonstrate a lack of knowledge on the harms.
Teen Challenge Tasmania can offer teachers Zoom seminars on vaping and how to manage classroom issues. #NotEvenOnce® Schools — Teen Challenge Tasmania
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