Marijuana Use
Is Big Problem

I have been teaching health education for over 20 years. I was surprised at the ease with which the Vermont Senate passed the S.238 bill.

This bill would give first- and second-time offenders found in possession of an ounce or less of marijuana the choice to either pay a fine or go through a court diversion program. An ounce of marijuana is approximately enough for 30 joints (marijuana cigarettes) and worth about $300 on our Randolph streets.

Marijuana is the number one drug for which youths aged 18 or younger enter substance abuse treatment. Vermont ranks number one in the U.S. for marijuana use by 18-25 year olds. Treatment costs the Vermont taxpayer over $2 million a year, according to Debby Haskins the director of the Association of Student Assistance Professionals of Vermont.

As an educator who deals with adolescents, it is my job to promote healthy choices as well as educate our youth on the consequence of drug abuse. What message are we sending?

Deb Lary

Randolph