LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – February 20th, 2025 | The Herald Times | Serving Meeker, Rangely, Dinosaur & Northwest Colorado

Addressing the growing drug use concerns in our schools

Dear Editor:

As discussions around marijuana legalization unfold in states like Colorado, it’s essential to focus on the pressing issues we face in middle and high schools regarding drug access and consumption among our youth. While many adults may responsibly use marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, we must distinguish this from youth consumption, which raises serious concerns.

The Risks of Adolescent Marijuana Use

Research indicates that the teenage brain is still developing, particularly areas like the prefrontal cortex that govern decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation (Steinberg, 2010). Interference with this crucial brain development due to marijuana use can lead to long-term repercussions on cognitive abilities, affecting attention, memory, and learning (Lubman et al., 2015). A significant longitudinal study published in JAMA Psychiatry revealed that individuals who initiated marijuana use as teenagers experienced a notable decline in IQ—up to 8 points on average—compared to their peers who abstained (Meier et al., 2012).

Moreover, many adolescents use marijuana as a coping mechanism, particularly in response to stressors such as bullying or peer pressure. While they may perceive it as a way to fit in, this reliance on marijuana can be detrimental; studies show that early use is linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance dependence (Degenhardt et al., 2013). Alarmingly, consistent marijuana use during adolescence has been linked to a tripled likelihood of developing psychotic disorders (Di Forti et al., 2019).

Accessibility and Community Responsibility

As marijuana becomes more accessible due to changing laws, it is critical for parents, educators, and community leaders to engage in open conversations about its risks. Prevention strategies and education are vital components in reducing accessibility for our youth. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) underscores the significance of parental involvement; adolescents are less likely to engage in drug use when they perceive clear disapproval from their families (NIDA, 2021).

Creating an environment where information is readily shared can better equip our youth with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Open discussions about the dangers of drug use—especially concerning mental health and cognitive development—can help demystify these substances and deter usage among teenagers. A study from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that comprehensive school-based prevention programs significantly reduced substance use among adolescents (Gottfredson et al., 2006).

While adult consumption of marijuana may come with certain benefits, it is imperative to recognize the distinct dangers it poses for adolescents. The potential adverse effects on their developing brains, mental health, and overall well-being cannot be overlooked. As a community, we must unite to educate and support our youth, empowering them to navigate these challenges safely and knowledgeably.

Let’s work together to create constructive dialogues around drug use, prioritizing the health and future of our younger generations. By staying informed and engaged, we can help foster a supportive atmosphere that champions healthy choices over substance use.

Amanda Smith

Meeker

References:

1. Degenhardt, L., Hall, W., & Lynskey, M. (2013). The relationship between cannabis use and mental health. Addiction, 108(9), 1695-1701.

2. Di Forti, M., Marconi, A., Carra, E., et al. (2019). Proportion of patients in south London with first-episode psychosis attributable to use of high potency cannabis: A case-control study. Lancet Psychiatry, 6(3), 231-239.

3. Gottfredson, D. C., Wilson, D. B., & Paternoster, R. (2006). The effects of school-based drug prevention programs on drug use. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 30(3), 207-219.

4. Lubman, D. I., Yucel, M., & Hall, W. D. (2015). Substance use and the adolescent brain: A review of the neurobiological impact of adolescent substance use. Journal of Adolescent Health, 57(1), S75-S84.

5. Meier, M. H., Caspi, A., Reichenberg, A., et al. (2012). Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(40), E2657-E2664.

6. NIDA. (2021). Parent and Family Involvement. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov.

7. Steinberg, L. (2010). A dual systems model of adolescent risk-taking. Developmental Psychobiology, 52(3), 216-224.

USFS layoffs

Dear Editor:

Elon Musk’s hatchet crew has arrived in Rio Blanco County. We should be outraged. Only Congress has the authority to allocate or withdraw funds, establish or remove federal agencies. Not Elon.

Consider the dissonance. Calculating back-of-the-envelope, Elon can pay the yearly salaries and benefits of about 2,000 USFS employees from just one day’s profits on his stock returns. One day of ticks on his tickertape. Two thousand salaries. Another 12 hours would cover all the foresters he laid off.

Consider also: between 2014 and 2018 the 25 top billionaires saw their wealth rise by $401 billion, yet they paid a federal income tax rate of just 3.4%. Some years they paid zero taxes. (ProPublica, 2021). Elon’s Tesla Corporation paid no taxes in 2022 and 2024. Tesla paid a 0.4% rate in 2023, but legislation in the House in the last session of Congress would have refunded even that. Meanwhile you and I pay an individual rate of about 14.5% (median, Tax Foundation / OMB).

Now Congress is considering legislation to further reduce taxes on America’s oligarchs. All the while Congress turns a blind eye to communities already traumatized by coal layoffs here, natural disasters and other economic shocks elsewhere. It ignores its Constitutional responsibilities to fund the government and to monitor those funds. And Congress seems oblivious to the flagrant conflicts of interest manifest by the billionaires who have bought access to the levers of power.

Outrage is appropriate. Write your Representatives.

Bob Dorsett, M.D.

Meeker

Congressman Jeff Hurd:

https://hurd.house.gov/address_authentication?form=/contact/email-me

202-225-4676

Senator Michael Bennet:

https://www.bennet.senate.gov/contact/write-to-michael

202-224-5852

Senator John Hickenlooper: