Reefer Madness: A Modern Perspective

Ah, Reefer Madness, that melodramatic relic from the 1930s! A film that once painted marijuana as the devil’s herb, turning innocent high school students into wild-eyed reefer fiends.

But fear not, my fellow Minnesotans, times have changed - marijuana is now legal in our state. And while some may partake and keep their use hidden due to careers or reputations, for the most part, it’s okay to say “yes, I’m a smoker/vaper/gummy user!”

Join us to discuss legalization, lessons learned from other states, the risks, and benefits of marijuana use:

• Economic Benefits: Legalizing marijuana can indeed be a boon for the economy. Tax revenues flow in, jobs are created, and local businesses thrive.
• Negative Aspects: On the flip side, increased usage might lead to impaired driving, workplace challenges, and potential health risks. Balancing freedom with responsibility is a challenge.
• Learning From Others: Oregon and Washington State have paved the way. Their experiences offer valuable lessons. What can we learn from their successes and missteps?
• Today’s Marijuana Packs a Punch: THC levels have skyrocketed, making it up to 15 times stronger than what was used back in the 70’s. How do these increased levels affect seniors?
• Risk and Reward: THC can be a double-edged sword. It eases pain, soothes anxiety, and ignites creativity. But there are risks. Too much THC can lead to paranoia, memory lapses, and a sudden craving for Cheetos.

We're looking forward to diving into this timely topic. But a word of warning, we will NOT be supplying samples – just food for thought. 😊

If you’d like to do some reading in advance of our discussion, the link below may be of interest. It is from the American Medical Association and addresses cannabis side effects for seniors.
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/cannabis-side-effects-senior-and-older-adult-patients-alison-moore-md