Understanding The Seriousness Of Marijuana (NAPSA)—To those who think marijuana is a harmless drug, think again. Marijuana puts kids at risk. It is the most widely usedillicit drug among youth today and is more potent than ever. Marijuana use can lead to a host of significant health, social, learning and behavioral problems at a crucial time in a young person’s development. Getting high also impairs judgment, which can wreak havoc on teens in high-pressure social situations, leading to risky decisionmaking on issues like sex, crimi- nal activity or riding with someone whois driving high. Don’t be fooled by popular beliefs. Kids can get hooked on pot. Research shows that marijuana use can lead to addiction. More teens enter treatment for marijuana abuse each year than for all otherillicit drugs combined. America’s youth are beginning to hear a new message about marijuana, thanks to collaboration among federal agencies, public health organizations, educators and concerned parents. Theinitiative is working to inform young people that using marijuana has real consequences and can put their futures at risk. It is teaching them that the dangers of marijuanaare not overblown and must Marijuana use should not be takenlightly. be taken seriously. Most of all, this campaign dispels the myths about marijuana by concentrating on thefacts. Time and again, kids say their parents are the single most important influence when it comes to drugs. So this message needs to start with you. Kids need to hear how risky marijuana use can be. They need to know how damaging it can be to their lives. They need to begin by listening to someone they trust. To learn more about marijuana and how to keep your kids drugfree, visit www.theantidrug.com or call 800-788-2800. Then talk with your kids.
