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Schools trying to figure out how to address marijuana legalization
With recreational marijuana now legal in New York State, schools are figuring out how to address and change their curriculum on the subject.
“We’ve known this was coming and for lack of a better word starting to armor up, because we know this is going perhaps just from what we've seen in other states where there is legalization this might have an impact for our teens,” Greece Central School District Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Stephanie Rago said.
The recent legalization of recreational marijuana has school districts concerned that now it's legal, there may be more use in teens.
“Just the methods and the different actions that are available for marijuana use which could be appealing to teens,” Rago said.
Rago says that after vaping swept over schools across the country the district implemented a multi-step vaping intervention learning program that they are considering doing the same with marijuana.
“Is there a way that we can kind of mirror that specific to a cannabis intervention program?” Rago said.
Rago says that while they work with multiple agencies to teach students about the drug, they will also do staff and parent training so they can look for the warning signs.
“In the midst of it and you feel like your teen might need that support then again reach out and get that support for them,” Rago said.
Their slogan is legal does not mean safe and if students are caught with it.
“A student not only may have a consequence, whether it be some kind of in-school suspension or perhaps a detention along those lines, they also would participate in this program there has to be teaching,” Rago said.
Rago says that they have their work cut out for them with the goal not to get students in trouble, but to educate them on how to be safe.
“Developing their skills for whatever might come next,” Rago said. “Right now it's marijuana but what could be the next trend or next kind of thing that is going to be a challenging issue that no matter what that might look like kids at the basis will have everything they need to be able to handle that.”
In a statement to News10NBC, a spokesperson for the Fairport Central School District said:
"The Fairport Central School District health curriculum currently covers prevention around the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances. Marijuana becoming legalized for 21 and above does not change our focus other than we will remind students that it remains illegal for them, it contains addictive properties, and purchasing it outside a licensed dispensary can be dangerous. Our Code of Conduct will still prohibit the use, sale or possession of marijuana and any other illegal substance on school grounds for adults and students. We will continue to collaborate with school officials across the county to best support our students and families regarding this issue. We want parents and students to understand that just because Marijuana will be legal for adults, that does not mean it is safe for teenagers with developing brains."
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