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Community Corner

"Marijuana Harmless? Think Again" Community Forum Set for March 27

How do parents, teens and community members know the truth about today’s marijuana? Come learn more March 27 at the “Marijuana Harmless? Think Again” community forum in Fairfax sponsored by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County. The 7 p.m. forum will feature personal stories and local professionals talking about how marijuana impacts the developing teen brain, academics, mental wellness and more.

The forum will be held at Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Seating is limited for this event, and advanced online registration is requested by noon March 26 at www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org.

“With the current situation about legalizing medical or recreational marijuana, youth, young adults and parents are increasingly confused about whether marijuana is harmless or not,” said UPC President Lisa Adler. “As public health advocates, we encourage you to join us to hear what experts do know about marijuana’s negative consequences for youth. Let’s unite as a community and make sure our messages about marijuana use by youth consistently emphasize its harm to them.”

Laura Yager of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board (CSB) will moderate the forum that is open to high school students, young adults and parents and adults in the community. Chris Leibowitz will share his substance abuse story that began with marijuana use at age 13, and Lori Shapiro will talk about her family’s journey with her college-age son now in recovery from drug use.

Physician Bill Hauda and substance abuse counselor George Young will discuss the serious impact on the teen brain and the increase in teens needing counseling for substance abuse. Fairfax County Public Schools coordinator Clarence Jones will share how marijuana can affect academic performance and the social/emotional behavior of students. Detective Jim Cox of the Fairfax County Police Department will talk about how and where youth access marijuana, its cost, THC count, and synthetic marijuana in the county.

Adler noted that the March 27 forum will be the first of several coalition-sponsored community meetings on marijuana. While this month’s event emphasizes health concerns, the fall forum will focus on the legalization issue.
For more information, visit www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org.

Register by noon March 26; $10 for adults and $5 for students. (If still available, tickets at the door will be $15 for adults and $10 for students.)

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