While marijuana is legal in selected US states and in Canada, teens aren’t supposed to be puffing clouds of weed because they are after all, minors. Now, with easy access to supply, parents feared that their kids will be dependent on this compound and eventually try stronger classifications of drugs like cocaine or heroin.

The issue whether kids at school need to learn about cannabis is still on the hot seat. While many experts are backing this idea, some parents are hesitant about the idea of teaching their kids about drugs which can increase curiosity.

Meanwhile, there’s Denver’s youth campaign of ‘High Costs’ which started out as traditional signage and a social media component. The campaign gets the attention of teens by including an online quiz show called ‘Weeded Out’ which helps educate these groups of people about marijuana use but in a more engaging manner.

Apparently, scare tactics don’t work for teens as they see it as being lectured on, which is something that they’re used to. Weeded Out and some other online tactics work for Denver, with more teens responding that they aren’t likely to consume marijuana not unless for medication.

“Kids can go look at that data. We want to drive them to the research. Getting them to take that responsibility for their health will have a much longer lasting impact,” said Ashely Kilroy, director of Weeded Out campaign.

Marijuana’s link to addiction

Because teens’ bodies and mind aren’t fully developed yet, consuming a variety of substance can cause unpleasant reactions. For example, a teenager can get all excited at first try because the experience is new and something different. Because smoking specific strains can bring about a variety of effects including slow motions, total relaxation and even hallucinations, a teenager can find this very addicting.

Combined with being irrational and reckless, some teens just couldn’t be controlled. In one research, it is found out that teenagers ages 24 and below uses their amygdala, a part of the brain linked to the emotions when responding to situations. Adults ages 25 and above, on the other hand, uses the prefrontal cortex, which is the rational part of the brain.

In light of this, teenagers are prone to risky situations and are not easily persuaded because a larger part of their brain is linked to the emotions, which controls their judgment.

The role of educators and parents

As said, kids learn from their home and environment. Parents have a huge role in monitoring their child and helping them understand matters that concern them. Educators, on the other hand, also facilitates students and at the same time, present eye-opener lectures that will mold the minds of these groups of people.

Teenagers need to understand that marijuana plant is powerful in the field of science and medicine but if abused, the law can interfere and have them accountable. These people also need to understand that their bodies shouldn’t be exposed to this plant for ‘fun’ or to fit in. Adults are permitted to use this substance for pain management and mental disorders, among other things.

Innovation on Cannabis

Aside from the ‘Weeded Out’ campaign, a small community college in Illinois, Chicago, created two cannabis curriculums that would help students earn certifications for patient care and dispensary specialists.

According to the Academic Affairs Vice President Ileo Lott, the new programs will provide additional training and credentials for students to advance into healthcare careers. Moreover, these programs will help students learn about the plant and be educated on its proper use.

The growing problem with substance addiction starts with tobacco smoking until an individual discovers a stronger substance. Given that teenagers are still vulnerable, they need guidance to get away from the addiction trap that can ruin their future.

Practising Catholics know how significant the Lenten Season is. Even if you are not an active believer, or you simply celebrate Easter because of culture, many people are preparing for this occasion. If you are a cannabis enthusiast and you want to participate in the tradition, read on to know how you can use the herb for your practice:

The Role of Cannabis in Spirituality Throughout the Decades

If you think that using weed for spiritual practices is some New Age schmuck, you might want to reconsider. The use of this plant in meditation has been prominent throughout human history. Ancient beliefs such as Vedic religions, Zen Buddhism and Rastafari belief has been using this herb for their spiritual traditions. In fact, holy texts name cannabis as one of the five sacred plants in Vedism.

What’s better is that there are theories that Jesus, the main star of the Lenten Season, had used this plant to perform miracles. Remember the anointing oil he used to heal the ill and diseased? It is extracted from a plant called kaneh-bosm or keneh bosem in Aramaic. Historians theorize that this herb is actually what we now know as cannabis.

Why Cannabis is a Great Meditation Aid

So, if weed was used by various ancient traditions as a way to practice their spirituality, it also follows that it can also be used today for our Lenten meditation, right? It is true that the historical use of the plant shows that it can indeed be used to meditate during Lent. After all, prayer is a form of meditation. However, it is also important to know how exactly this plant aids in your personal meditation during this sacred season. Here’s what you need to know:

Cannabidiol Helps You Focus

Cannabis contains various chemical compounds that make it that wonderful plant we have come to know and love. One of these compounds is cannabidiol (CBD), which gives the herb its medical properties. When you consume a strain or product that is rich in CBD, you can expect to be stimulated, thus enhancing your ability to focus. Used in meditations, this boost in focus helps you get into the right state of mind to ruminate and get in touch with your spirituality.

It Induces Relaxation

While CBD is the cannabinoid responsible for stimulating your mind and improving your focus, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the one in charge of the sedative and psychoactive effects of the plant. By consuming a strain or product that contains both of these compounds, you can get into a relaxed, yet concentrated state of body and mind that makes it easier to focus on your breathing, clearing your thoughts and connecting with your religious or spiritual self.

It Facilitates Self-Awareness

As it can help you get in touch with your inner-self, this plant certainly has the ability to make you more self-aware. This way, you can reflect better on the reason for the season and how it connects with yourself, your life and your everyday practice. You can think about the things that make you who you are and its relation to your spiritual beliefs. Because of this awareness, you can make small and big changes that can surely improve your way of living and wellbeing.

You see, meditation is not only a spiritual process, but is also a part of our everyday life. You do meditations every time you practice yoga, breathing exercises and even just by taking a break in silence. By using cannabis to aid in your everyday practice, you can make the process much more efficient and effective, whilst reaping the advantages the plant has to offer.

Cannabis, with its energy- and creativity-boosting properties has been helping countless artists throughout the years. Musicians, filmmakers and painters have been getting inspiration from this herb. You can say the same for writers. Wondering if you have read some of these authors? Read on to find out!

4 Litterateurs Who are Known to Have Consumed Cannabis

William Shakespeare

First on our list is William Shakespeare, the prolific English playwright and poet himself. He authored a whole bunch of comedies and tragedies including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet and the all-famous Romeo and Juliet. If you are wondering where all of his creativity comes from, you will be glad to know that he got some inspiration from weed – and sheer, talent, of course!

A study published in the South African Journal of Science states that traces of cannabis are discovered in tobacco pipes found in Shakespeare’s’ backyard. No wonder he wrote the famous line from Hamlet, talking about a “spirit with divine ambition puff’d.” While this passage does not necessarily pertain to marijuana perse, it might as well be as the plant allowed his legacy to reach great heights that many writers can only aspire to achieve.

Victor Hugo

If you have watched the Broadway musical Les Misérables and the film adaptation of the same name, you probably know that this masterpiece was originally a novel by Victor Hugo. Dealing with various topics including socio-economic inequalities and injustices, this piece of literature is just one of the most notable works produced during this era.

You see, Hugo was a member of Club des Hachinchin, group dedicated to trying out all kinds of psychedelics and psychoactive, including marijuana. Included in this group as esteemed writers and thinkers such as Alexandre Dumas (of Three Musketeers fame) and poet Charles Baudelaire. They were known to consume hashish, which is made from the cannabis plant.

Maya Angelou

Famous poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is also known for her marijuana consumption. In one interview, she talked about the changes in her life when she first encountered ‘grifa.’ According to her, she ‘learned new postures and developed new dreams,’ once she had her taste of this wonder plant. In fact, it seemed to have made such an impact in her life as she said that for the first time in her life, life amused her.

According to Angelou, she used cannabis to get over her childhood traumas and abuses. However, she developed a system to help herself stay disciplined even when consuming the herb.

Stephen King

Horror writer Stephen King used to struggle with addiction and alcoholism. Incidentally, he wrote some of his most frightening works during this tumultuous time in his life. Reports say that his monumental work, Cujo, was written while high on marijuana (and some other substances). While it is not as surreal and supernatural as his other works such as Carrie, the horrific undertones of this masterpiece can really bite you to the bones. Get it?

Aside from drawing inspiration during his stoned state, he is also an advocate for medical marijuana. In an interview with the High Times, he says that he favors the decriminalization of the plant.

From the famous works of Stephen King to the everyday words we now use invented by Willian Shakespeare, it seems that language and literature have been benefiting from this wonderful plant. So, the next time you read a piece of literary art, you might want to look into the lives of their authors and find out if, at some point in their lives, they got inspiration from cannabis.