Gone to Pot

Consequences of the reefer -- Picture courtesy Wikipedia

by blogSpotter
In the great swirl of news items to hit recently, a video of two teens, about 16 and 18, giving pot to two children (2 and 6) has received global headlines. It's been the lead local story for two days, and has now made national news -- on shows like Nancy Grace and Sean Hannity. Let me preface by saying the teens should not have done what they did; it's wrong and should be dealt with appropriately. The response though is mind-boggling and seems out of proportion to the event. The little boys are now in foster care; the teens are in jail for injury to a child, being held on $150,000 bond each.

Let’s look at the injury that was done. Research indicates that marijuana can lead to other drug addictions; it can also lead to various forms of head, neck and lung cancer. Due to the fact that it's frequently used with alcohol and tobacco, the studies' results are a bit muddied -- alcohol and cigarettes can also contribute to addiction and cancer. Speaking of which, back in the 60's, my parents let me sip their martinis and maybe an occasional beer. Where were the helicopters and ABC News reporters? Why weren't the police called? I, an under age child, was using mind altering substances in the presence of my parents. I only took sips and didn't like the taste of it, but none the less it might be considered criminal in some circles.

What gets me about this junior pot case is that less has been said about events of actual child molestation and murder. Less ado was had over Susan Smith drowning her two sons. In the lower class 'urban youth' environment, those boys would probably be exposed to marijuana well before puberty -- just not on camera for all to see. Not only is it not unusual, it's practically a rite of passage. Now we have 3 children and one high school age 'adult' in need of foster parents; the kids have learned a lesson about drug hysteria but not necessarily about drug use or abuse.

If everyone would get their panties back out of a knot, these people could all be restored to their homes with appropriate messages taken. Don't give marijuana to children. Also, don't have a mass-hysteria campaign that makes passing a doobie, even to a child, a more heinous action that sexual molestation or murder. I'll be watching NBC5 tonight. If they run this story again, I will have only to conclude that there is no real news.

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