In 2012, the state of Connecticut legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. That means in this state, doctors can prescribe marijuana for 17 debilitating medical conditions. Cancer, AIDS, and PTSD, among others, are on the list. Another ailment, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome was recently added.To be a qualified medical marijuana patient, you must be registered with the state, hold a certification card (must be renewed yearly), and have a doctor’s prescription.

Currently there are 8 dispensaries in the state. These dispensaries are strictly monitored. There are very specific guidelines as to how and what they can advertise. The marijuana these dispensaries carry is also strictly monitored:

The marijuana is grown in sterile setups under careful supervision. It’s tested and weighed and labeled with the amount of THC it contains. The dispensaries that stock the end product can’t openly display it or advertise it. Popular street names for strains like OG Kush and Sour Diesel aren’t allowed…

Connecticut, the first state to require pharmacists to oversee medical marijuana dispensaries, has set up a strict system that supporters say confines cannabis to only the patients who need it most.

What does all this mean? It means that the medical benefits of marijuana have been recognized by the state of Connecticut.

With marijuana considered a medicine, it is important to remember to treat it as such. A study done among adolescents in 2012 in Denver, Colorado showed that 74% had used someone else’s medical marijuana. Just like you would not share your heart medicine with someone else, you should not share your marijuana.

A couple of key points to know:

As perception of harm goes down, use goes up. Trend data taken from a Search Institute survey from a school in the local region shows this nicely

The amount of THC (which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana) has grown in potency significantly since the 1970s. Some marijuana has been tested to have upwards of 30% THC.

Some of the dispensed edibles (cookies, brownies, gummy bears, drinks) can vary the amount of THC.Dispensed edibles should be labeled with dosage and serving size, but users need to pay attention to properly administer. The amount of THC in homemade marijuana edibles can vary even more. Many users can be caught off-guard by the stronger potency and long-lasting effects of edibles.

Edibles are especially appealing to youth.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens has some terrific information. Here are a few facts from the website

  • A recent study of people from age 13 to 38 found that those who used marijuana a lot in their teens had up to an 8 point drop in IQ, even if they quit in adulthood.
  • THC affects balance, coordination, and controlled movement. These effects can influence performance in activities such as sports, driving, and video games.
  • THC affects areas of the braininvolved in decision making. Using it can cause you to engage in risky behaviors; like risky sexual behavior, which can lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)or getting in a car with someone who has been drinking or is high on marijuana.

More info on marijuana:

More info on marijuana effectson teens:

More info on marijuana edibles:

This publication is partially funded by CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services as well as SP020861 from ONDCP and SAMHSA. The views expressed in materials, and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy or the Dept. of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Substance Abuse 203-743-7741