Marijuana: The Basics
CDC Colorado Children's Hospital
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Today's Marijuana
- The potency of marijuana has been increasing (potency has more than tripled in the last two decades)
- This can put people at risk for a harmful reaction
- Increases risk of addiction
- Since it is illegal in Wisconsin, there is no way to regulate it, meaning one doesn't know exactly what they are putting in their bodies
In La Crosse County
- In 2016, 220 youth ages 12-24 were hospitalized in La Crosse County due to marijuana use/abuse
- In 2016, 302 people ages 25+ were hospitalized in La Crosse County due to marijuana use/abuse
Prevalence
- In 2018, 43.6% of 12th graders had used marijuana in their lifetime
- In 2017, 47.5% of those ages 26 and older had used marijuana in their lifetime
- Medical emergencies possibly related to marijuana use have increased
Is it a Gateway Drug?
- Studies in adolescent rodents have shown decreased reactivity in dopamine reward centers. Translated to humans, this can lead to increased vulnerability for addiction to other substances
- Studies support evidence that marijuana primes the brain for increased behavioral responses to other drugs, supporting marijuana's potential as a gateway drug
- Data shows that the majority of users, however, do not move on to harder drugs
- Many factors can play into the risk of drug abuse, such as social environment
The Differences Between THC & CBD
- There are the two primary cannabinoid products by the cannabis (marijuana) plant
- Both will interact with the endocannabinoid system, but with different effects
- THC has psycho-activity, whereas CBD does not, therefore, does not produce a state of intoxication
- CBD does not bind to CB1 or CB2 cannabinoids receptors, which is why it does not produce THC-like psycho-activity (Reefer Sanity, p. 88) There has found to be great therapeutic potential in CBD
- CBD is legal in Wisconsin, as long as farmers obtain a permit and follow growing guidelines
Newsworthy
Throughout La Crosse and the State of Wisconsin there is a push for legalization of marijuana and related products.
La Crosse County Referendum
Pearl Street's New CBD Beer
Tony Evers Proposal to Legalize Medical Use and Decriminalize Possession
In Depth: Wisconsin considers marijuana law changes
La Crosse County Referendum
Pearl Street's New CBD Beer
Tony Evers Proposal to Legalize Medical Use and Decriminalize Possession
In Depth: Wisconsin considers marijuana law changes