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Washington's Superintendent of Public Instruction is concerned about a possible increase in use of marijuana by young people. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

School leaders fear how Washington's new pot law will affect kids

BY Tim Haeck  on December 11, 2012 @ 11:27 am (Updated: 12:15 pm - 12/11/12 )

Washington's Superintendent of Public Instruction is concerned about a possible increase in use of marijuana by young people, particularly following the passage of Initiative 502, which legalizes possession of small quantities of the drug for adults.

School officials around the state report they're seeing a rise in pot possession among young people since the passage of Initiative 502.

"There's really a mixed message there," says Denise Fitch, a drop-out prevention specialist in the office of the state schools superintendent. "Time will tell how this thing all plays out but I think we need to be aware as school folks that marijuana use doesn't have any business on campus."

Fitch said the legalization of marijuana comes on top of cuts to school drug prevention programs, which statistics show have been effective in reducing drug use among young people.

"When the funding goes away, we see use rates climb and perception of harm go down," she says.

Schools just finished the 2012 Healthy Youth Survey, which includes questions about drug use. Results come out in March.

Schools Superintendent Randy Dorn says the new law legalizing marijuana does not change the law prohibiting possession or use of marijuana on school grounds, on school buses at bus stops and at other school-related activities.

Tim Haeck, KIRO Radio Reporter
Tim Haeck is a news reporter with KIRO Radio. While Tim is one of our go-to, no-nonsense reporters, he also has a sensationally dry sense of humor and it will surprise some to learn he is a weekend warrior.
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Comments (8)


  • Add A Comment

  • BocaBob1 wrote...
    Have a
    December 11, 2012 1:29 pm
    doobie relax. you don't need any more funding.It's what the people want after all.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • DonVigo wrote...
    Allbeit annicdotal evidence...
    December 11, 2012 1:37 pm
    I recall from my high school years a decade ago that booze was the only thing that was "hard" to get, as it involved finding a willing adult to make the purchase, not just connecting with the right "guy." In fact, my kid sister who's 12 years younger than I agreed with me the last time I asked her while the family was discussing 502 at dinner. Not that this article is bunk by any means, but at least in my life the illegal stuff always seemed more accessable.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • black_bart wrote...
    Is it too much to ask......
    December 11, 2012 1:54 pm
    that you cite the source of the "statistics" that show that drug prevention programs actually work? And I still don't understand what mixed message we are sending, the drug is still illegal for minors. It must be the same mixed message for alcohol, pornography, firearms, driving, etc. etc.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • DonVigo wrote...
    Also...
    December 11, 2012 2:58 pm
    How can there be a correlation between the change in legality when the legality of the distribution has yet to change? As it stands, while you can have the stuff, you still can't legally buy it or grow it without a medical card, which is the same as it was a month ago...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    Marijuana is good for the children
    December 11, 2012 3:59 pm
    Its safe and healthy. Isnt that what the liberals told us? Now its everywhere. Thanks libs!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    Yes it's good
    December 11, 2012 5:21 pm
    For liberal pols. It will create an entire generation of idiots, dependent on gov't for thier very survival.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    Duh.
    December 11, 2012 5:20 pm
    Make somthing that is bad for you socially acceptable and reap what you sow...the end is near.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • MmMerrifield wrote...
    bad for you?
    December 11, 2012 11:22 pm
    according to all of the recent less biased research, cannabis is actually good for you.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }