Non-profit presents dangers of pot at Redmond talk

The Redmond Patriots hosted members of a state wide non-profit Monday night who discussed what they consider the dangers of marijuana, especially to young people, as the legal sale of recreational pot is set to begin Thursday.

CLEAR Alliance leaders said they are not a political organization, so they say what they’re sharing is not opinion, but fact. CLEAR stands for Children Learning through Education and Research.

Three keynote speakers provided different perspectives.

Executive Director and Prevention Specialist Mandi Puckett said research cannot catch up fast enough, and there’s not enough information on how dangerous marijuana can be.

“We’re trying to provide science-based facts and evidence and research that people can rely on from reliable reputable sources,” Puckett said.

As a mom, she said, the message on educating our youth is imperative.

“‘I’m seeing these attitudes among the youth already, that it’s no big deal. It’s safer than alcohol, all the little myths and catchphrases that we all hear in the community are simply not true,” Puckett said. “And so we’re trying to make sure youth have the proper information.”

Emergency room technician Maggie Heising said she’s seen first-hand an increase in the number of patients coming into the ER with marijuana-related issues — especially edibles being taken by kids or by people who use marijuana medically.

“Marijuana in general what people- the regular public thinks: You can use this for medicine if you have cancer, if you’re going through treatment, it may help you eat, it might help you gain weight,” which is true, she said. “But that’s not the case when you’re a recreational user.”

The third speaker was Senior Judge Gary Thompson, a retired circuit court judge who was the first judge to start a drug court in Central Oregon.

You can download flyers or view the information provided at http://www.clearalliance.org/