By Matthew Roberts
University officials are addressing the problem of marijuana usage on campus, in efforts to educate students of the dangers and consequences of using drugs.
Jim Matthews, special assistant to the vice president for
alcohol and other drug programs at Keene State College in New Hampshire, spoke before a group of more than 60 students in the Student Center on Wednesday.
“Marijuana use can have an impact on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being,” Matthews said, debunking myths that marijuana usage does not impair one’s ability to drive.
Matthews said students are unaware of the true effects of the chemicals. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, remains in the body for three to five days after the initial usage.
Lynda O’Malley, associate dean of students, is concerned that first year students aren’t aware how quickly the University responds.
Students who are away from home for the first time have a tendency to experiment with illegal substances, but they need to understand how it may impact them in the future, O’Malley said.
“Later on in life-whether it be a job or grad school, people want to know about a students’ past,” O’Malley said. “They could find out about this.”
Students are being urged to contact Public Safety if they are aware of any marijuana usage.
Matthews noted that the serious drug problems are ignored in the United States, and are instead being made into a legal issue, compared with Europe, where the health issue is emphasized.
Matthews, author of Beer, Booze, and Books, has spoken to more than 200,000 students nationwide. Three students won a free copy of his book in a raffle drawing, while others took home breathalyzer key chains, designed to convince an intoxicated person that he or she is too drunk to drive.