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Public commenter urges board to press legislators on youth marijuana harms
Summary
A member of the public urged trustees to use their influence with legislators to address youth marijuana harms she described after an interim legislative meeting; she cited professional testimony, implementation gaps in safeguards and revenue figures in her remarks.
During the public comment period March 23, Mrs. Mortensen addressed the board about concerns she and others have raised regarding marijuana legalization and its effects on youth.
Mortensen said she attended an interim legislative meeting where psychologists, physicians and other professionals testified about observed harms following legalization. "The marijuana destroys neuro pathways," she said, and warned of increased rates of serious depression that, she claimed, have proved resistant to treatment even after users stop. She also said the initiative voters approved runs 77 pages and includes safeguards that, in her view, have not been implemented.
Mortensen cited revenue estimates: she said initial estimates predicted about $48 million but actual revenue has approached $70 million, and she urged the board and their spheres of influence to follow legislative developments and press for implementation of protective measures for children. She provided the board with a handout summarizing proposed legislation and public testimony and asked trustees to contact legislators.
The board thanked her for the information and vigilance; no board action followed during the meeting.
