HomeMy WebLinkAboutNADCP MarijuanaMo hannam, Kathleen
From: Hubbard, Sue
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2013 9:06 AM
To: Moghannam, Kathleen
Cc: larrywahl@sunset.net; Grubbs, Candace
Subject: Drup Court Position Statement on Marijuana
Attaclhmen#s: IVADCP Marijuana.tif
Kathleen,
Supervisor Wahi asked me to send you this Position Statement on Marijuana. We received it in the mail last week.
Sue
Sue Hubbard
Executive Assistant
Butte County District Two
530-891-0685
skh u bba rd @ b uttecounty. net
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POSITION STATEMENT ON MARIJUANA
Scone of the Problem
Whereas marijuana is the most commonly abused illegal drug among adults and youths
in the United States;l and
Whereas marijuana use rates have risen substantially since 200"1;2 and
Whereas social'disapprovalfcr using marijuana has been decreasing among teens since
2007;3 and
Whereas softening attitudes about the dangers of marijuana often precede an increase in
marijuana use rates;4 and ~ .
Whereas more youths are in treatment for marijuana abuse or dependence than for the
use of akohoiand all other drugs;s and
Whereas emergency room mentions for marijuana use now exceed those for heroin and
are continuing to rise;6 and
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012). Results from the 2011 Natrona!
Surveyon Drug Useand Health: Summary ofNational Flndlirgs [NSDUH Series H-44, HHS PubGcatioa
No. (SMA)12-4713]. Rockv~7le, MD: Substancce Abuse aad Meal Health ServFOes Admmistmtioa.
~vailableatl~t~Jlwww~hsa.~ov/data/NSD , ,2k],]Results/NSDUFI ~1,~~0]I.ht~rs.
21d. -
' Johnston, L.D., O'Malley, i'M., Bacbiz~aan, 7.Cz, & Schulertberg, 7.E. (2010). Monitoring the future
natlo»al survey results on drug use, 1975 2009: Vol. ,l, Secondary sc3rool students (NIH publication iVo.
10-7584). Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Dnrg Abuse (NIDA}.
Id
s SAIVIIISA, Center tiar Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality {2010},Substance abuse tteatmezit
admissions by primary substance of abuse according bo sex, age group, race, aad ethnicity, United States
@ata table frorti Quick Statistics fzom the Drug and Alcohol Services Iniarrrmtian System]..4vailable at
in ] 0. • See also
av w
6 SAMHSA, Center i'or Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2011). Drug abuse warnfng network,
2008: Natlanal estimates ofdntg-related emergency department visits (HH.S Publicaticn No. SMA 11-
4bi8). RcckviIle, MD: Author.
Health
Whereas the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana THC- has increased almost six-
fold in average potency during the past thirty years;r and
Whereas marijuana is addictive far 1 in 9 adults and 1 in 6 adolescents who use the
drug; s and
Whereas marijuana continues to negatively affect attention, memory, learning, and
intelligence after the uttoxicating effects of the drug have subsided;9 and
Whereas marijuana negatively affects the development of the adolescent brain;1° and
Whereas marijuana contains 50% mare carcinogens than tobacco smoke;' i and
Whereas marijuana smokers report serious symptoms of chronic bronchitis and other
respiratory illnesses;12 and .
Whereas marijuana use during adolescence is directly linked to the onset of major
metrtal illness, including psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety;13 and
Whereas the use of marijuana triggers relapse to other drugs of abuse among participants
in substance abuse treatment and increases facture rates in 1]rug Courts;14 and
' FJSohly MA., Ross SA., Mehmedic Z., Arafat R, Yi B., & Banahan B.F. 3rd. (2004). Potency trends of
delta9-THC and othercannabinoids m confsscatedmarijuana from 1980-1997Jaurnal ofForenslc
Scienaes45(1), 2430; Melunedic, Z., Phami, M., Sartain, C., Slade, D., Denham, H. Foster, S., et al.
(2010). Potency trends of D9-THC and other cannabinaids in confiscated cannabis preparations from 1993
to 2008Jourrral ofFor~rsic Sciences 55(5},1209-1217.
~ Wagner, FA., 8t Anthony, J.C. (2002). From first dnig use to dmg dependence; developmental periods of
risk for dependence upon marijuana, cocaine, and aloahaL Neuriaps}xhoplrarmaaology 26, 47988.
Hall W., & Degenbard L (2009). Adverse health effects ofnon-medical caffiabs use. ~ancd, 374,
1383-139I; 5e>zweinsburg, A.D., frown, SA., & Tapert, S.F. (2008}. The influence of marijuana use ear
neurooognitive functioning ~ adolescents. Current DrugAhuse Reviews, l(1}, 99-111, 200$.
10 Giedd, J.N. (2004). Structural magnetic resonance imaging ofthe adolescentbra~..4nnals oftheNew
Yon-c ~larde»ry ofSciences, 1421, 77-85.
" British Jung Foundation. (2012). The irrgractafaarurabison ynrir lungs. London:Author. Retrieved
January 2013 from e ' act
_BLF_~ort 2412.nd£
12 Tetiault, J 1Vl., Crothes, K., Moore, BA., Mehra, R, Goncabo, J., 8c Fiellm, D.A. (2DD7}. Effects of
marijuana smakatg on pulmonary function and respiratory complications: A systematic review. Ar~hir~es of
Internal Medidne,167, 221--228.
is Room, R, Fischer, B., Hall, W., Lenton, S., & Reuter, P. (2010}. Cannabis Policy: Moving Beyond
Stalemate, New York: OxFord Unive~ity Press l~ Beckley Foundation Press.
'" Sechrest, D.K, & Shicor, D. (2001). Determinants ofgraduation ftom a day treatmeritdrug cotut in
California: A preliminary study. Journal ofDruglssues, 31(1},129-148.
2
Whereas the use of marijuana~reduces the eff~caay of rewards for pro-social activit~s,
such as thaw used in Drug Courts to improve offenders' behaviors; 15 and
Whereas the use of marijuana makes addiction to other drugs more l~ely;t6 and
Education, Occuyatianal Ha7nrds, and 4ualit~- oPLife
Whereas marijuana use is consistently associated with poorer academic grades and a
reduced ldcelihaod of graduating from school;i~ and
Whereas marijuana use impairs the ability to function effectively and safely on the jab
and 'increases work-related absences, tardizzess,~accidents, compensation claims, and job
turnover; is and
Whereas higher levels of marijuana use are associated with lower satisfaction with
intimate romantic relationships, work, family, friends, leisure prarsuits, and Life in
general; ~ 9 and .
Whereas teens may significa~ly lower their IQs if they smoke marijuana;2° and
Whereas marijuana use by parents is strongly associated with child abuse and neglect;~~
and
's Tame, S., Cherek, D., ]?tetras C.J., ~. Tcheremissine O.V., {2004). Acute marijuana effects oa response-
reinforoerrelations umder muhiplevariable-interval schedules. Behavioural Pharmaavlogy,l5(4), 305-
309.
16 Schr~einsbu~ A.D., Brown, SA., & Tapert, S.F. {2008). The influence of marijuana use on
neumcognitive functioning in adolescents. Current Drug.4buse Review, I(1}, 99-111.
"Macleod, 7., Oakes, R, Copello, A., Crome, 1, Fgger, M.,1Titclatmim, M., et a#. (2004). Psychological and
social sequelae of cxannabis and other illicit dnzg use by young people: A systematic review of longitudinal,
general population studi~es..tmzcd 363(9421),1579-1588.
~$ NIDA (2012). Marijuanna abuse. iVID.4 Research Report Series (1V1H Publication No. 12-3859}, p. 8.
i9 ~'ergusson, DM., & Bode~n, JM. (2008). Cannabis use aQd later life outcomes..4ddictron, 103, 969-976.
20 Meier,.M.H., Caspi, A., Ambler, A., Harriragrom, H.L., Houts, R, Keefe, RS.E, et al. (2012). Perssberrt
cannabis uses showneuropsychologicaldecline from childhood to midlrfie. Proceedings oftheNatirnral
~lcadenry ofScierrces, LS~I, It19(40), F2657-EZ654.
s~ Goldman, J., Salus, M.K, Wolcott D., ~ Kennedy, K.Y. (2003}..4~coonaCiirated resvonse to child abuse
and neelect: The folnrdation forzanretloz. Washington, DC: Depattment of Health and Human Services
(HISS), Office on Chid Abuse..4vailable at
httpJ/www.cd~ildwelfare.Q,ov/pubs/usermanuaFs/faundatioa/ildexcfm; Sullivan. S. (000). ChJld rteeled:
Cta~rent defrnltiorrs cmd models-,4 revlew ofchilclnegled rereurc~, 1993-1998.Ottawa, Canada: National
Clearinghouse on 1?amidv Volence; Perry. B.D. (1998). Yncuhated ~ terror: Neuradevelopmental facxiots in
the `cycle of violence: In J.D. Osfskv tFd.). Children !n a violeru,society (tip. 12A-145}. New York:
G~ord Press; KraeFner, G.W. (1992}. A psychobiological theory ofattac~ment. Behavioral and Braln
Sciences, 1S{3), 493-511.
3
Crime and the Cr~m~naCJustrce stem
Whereas marijuana use consistently predicts a greater likelihood of involvement in
crime and the criminal justice system; and
Whereas bng term marijuana use has been shown to negatively affect the cernra.l
nervous system in ways that may promote violence;23 and
Whereas a cons intern link between frequent marijuana use and violent crime and
property damage has been ident~ed among juveniles; and
Whereas marijuana impairs motor coordination and reaction time and is the second most
prevalent drug (after alGOhol) implicated in automobile accidents; and
Mar~?3uarta as Meodicirre
Whereas several states have passed vo#er initiatives or legislation declaring marijuana to
be "medicine"; and
Whereas the American Medical Association and most major health organizations oppose
the legalization and medicalization of marijuana; and
Whereas smoked marijuana is not an FDA-approved medicine and has not passed
standards of safety and efficacy; and
Whereas the Institute of Medicine has concluded that smoked marijuana should
generally not be recommended for medical use; and
~ See Bennett, T., Holloway, K, ~ Farrmgbon, D. (2008). 7fie statistical association between drug misuse
and crone: A meta~nalysis. A,ggression8c YiolentBehaviar,l3, 107-1I8; See also Pede~sa~, W., &
Skasdhamar, T. {2010). Cannabis and crime: Fttrdings from a langiftsdinalstudy.Addidian, 105, 109-I l8.
xa National Research Couacr~. (I993). Understanding andpreverrting violence, Washington, DC: National
Academy Press.
~ Demba, R, Williams, L, SchmeidIer, J., Wish, E.D., Getreu,A., & Berry, E {1991). Juvenile crone and
drug abuse: a prospective study ofhigh risk youth..loumal ofAddictitae Dlsmrlers, II (2}, 5-31;
Sahnelainen, P. (1995}. The correlates of o,~enclmg frealuency: a study ofjuvenile theft o,,~enders in
detention, Sydney, Australia: New South Wales Harems of Grime Statistics and Research; Baker, J. (1998}.
Juveniles in Crime~Part 1: Paulicipation Rates and Risk Factors, Sydney, Australia: New South Wales
Bur~esu of Crime Statistics and Research & New South Wales Crime Prevesrtioa Divsion; Friedman, A. $.,
Glassman, K, & Terra~s, A. (2001). Violent behavior as related to use of marijuana and otherdrugs.
.Ioumal ofAddidivoe Diseases, 20, 49-72.
zs See Du1~nt, R, Logan, B.K., Shea, C.L, Talpins, 5.K., & Voss, R.B. (2010). Drugged driving research:
A whitepaper. Bethesda, MD: NIDA. Retrieved November 2011 from
ze Joy, J.E., Wanton, S.J., & Benson; J.A. (Eds.). (1999). Marijuana and medicine: Assessing the saence~
base. Washingtast, DC: NationalAcademy Press.
4
Whereas the future of marijuana as a medicine. lies in the development of ifs individual
components delivered in a safe, uninhaled manner;27 and
Whereas one such drug, Sativex, has been approved in several countries for cancer pain
and multiple sclerosis spasticdy and comprises two of marijuana's active ingredients
delivered as a mouth spray; and
Whereas other non-smoked medications derived from marijuana, such as Marinol
(dronabinoi), have also been developed; and .
Whereas the average user of smoked "medical' marijuana has no chronic illness and is a
white male in his mid thirties with a history of alcohol and drug atiuse;~g and
Whereas the vast majority of recommendations for marijuana as medicine are not based
on medical necessity,.an accurate or complete diagnosis, or consideration of appropriate
alternative treatments; and
Whereas few of those seeking a recommendation for medical marijuana have cancer,
HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, or multiple sclerosis; and .
Whereas in one state that permits the use of medical marijuana, only 3% of users
reported having cancer and less than 1% reported having HIV/AIDS as the basis for
seeking marijuana;~0 and
Whereas marijuana use has been found to be higher, particularly among juveniles, in
states with medical marijuana laws;31 and .
LeRalizAtron
Whereas same states are considering the legalization of marijuana; and
z~ Id
~ O'Connell, T. &c I3ou~atar, C.B. (2007}. bong term marijuana uses seeking medical marijuana in
California (2001 200'7): Demagraphics,social diayacteristics,pattesrns ofcatmabis and otherdruguseof
4I 17 applicants. Harm Redudlon Journal, 4, 16.,4vailable 4r
i?IiR~/www.harmreduction,~um oom1p~4/I/lb.
~ Nunberg, H., Kilmer, B., Pacula, RL., & Burgdort; J.R. (?A11) An analysis ofapplicants preserting €o a
medicalmarijuanaspecialty practice in California.Journal of Drug Policy Analysis, 4(1),1--15.
3o Colorado laeparlmeut of Public Healih. (2012). Medical marijuanna regstry program updaG;. (as of
September 30, 2012). Retrieved January 2013 from httn;/Lwwuvcolor~~~av/cs/Satellite/CDPH1r
~$/CBON/ 1251593017044.
" Cerda,M., WaII, M., Keyes, KM.,-Galea, S., & Hasin, D.S. {2012). Medical marijuana laws in 54states:
~vestigating die mlationship between state legalisation of medical marijuana and marijuana use, abuse and
dependence. Drug and~4lcohol Dependence, 2D(1-3), ?2-27; Wall, M., Poh, E, Cerda, M, Keyes, KM.,
Galea, S., Hasin, D.5. (20] 1). Adolescent marijuana use firm 2002 to 2008: Higher in states wide medical
marijuana laws, cause still unclear, Amrals ofEpidemiolog~, 21 {9), 714-7i6.
5
Whereas nonpartisan analyses by leading research organizations concluded that,
marijuana legalization would significantly increase marijuana consumption because of a
pr1Ce Collapse;32
Now, therefore, be it resolved That the National Association ofDrug Court
Professionals;
Opposes the legalization of smoked or raw marijuana; and
Opposes efforts to approve any medicine, including marijuana, outside of the FDA
process; and
Supports continued research into a medically safe, non-smoked delivery of marijuana
components for medicinal purposes; and
Supports reasonable prohibitions in Drug Courts against the use of smoked or raw
marijuana by participants and the imposition of suitable consequences, consistern with
evidence-based practices, for positive drug tests yr other evidence of illicit marijuana
consumption; and
Recommends Drug Courts require convincing and demonstrable evidence of medical
necess~y presented by a competent physician with expertise in addiction psychiatry or
addiction medicine before permitting the use of smoked or ra,w marijuana by participants
for ostensibly medicinal purposes; and
Supports a balanced policy approach to marijuana-related offenses, which does not
emphasize either Legalization of marijuana ar incarceration for marijuana use, but rather
offers an evidence-based combination of treatment and behavioral interventions to
achieve long-term recovery from marijuana abuse and addiction.
Approved by the External Policy Committee of the NADCP Board nn 12-1412
Approved by unanimous vote by the NADCP Board of D'aectors on 12-15-12
ss ICiltner, B., Caws, J.P., Pacula, RL., MacCoun, RJ., Reuter, P.H. (2{110). Altered state? Assesstrtg
how »rrr1, jucma legctlizatiort m Cali,~6rrria ceuld influence cxrnnabis avnru»~tian and public budgets. Santa
Monica, CA; RAND.
6