Category: Vancouver

Author Catherine HemphillPosted on

Reasons why teens may not have concerns regarding cannabis use

It looks like today’s teens are growing up in a culture whereby the use of cannabis is highly condoned. However, that seems to be ridiculous because you find out many states are legalizing the use of marijuana. So, teens are getting a mixed message, not knowing which one to follow. According to Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it clear that teens are not engaging so much in risky habits like what their parents used to do when they were their age. As much as youths are making a good decision when it comes to having sex and drinking, cannabis use continues to be an area of worry. Based on the reports given it clear that 60 percent of high school senior teens believe that cannabis is safe. To mean they don’t know fully repercussions linked to cannabis use. The paper will, therefore, explore why teens have no concerns regarding cannabis use.

It’s legal

As a result of the legalization of cannabis online sales from Peak 420, it has prompted many teens to use it, believing that it’s harmless. Additionally, nowadays, cannabis seems to be common unlike before, so the attitude regarding it has changed. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that less harmful teens believe that if they are to engage in drugs, they will start with cannabis.  To mean that teens assume that because it’s legal, then it’s not bad at all. Even though there are studies that show that the legalization of cannabis has not led to an increase in terms of usage among the teens, but still there is a question as to why other drugs have experienced decline except cannabis in term of usage. It’s therefore right that the culture restricting teen from using cannabis have changed following the legalization of cannabis by some states. So, teens are worried anymore when it comes to harmful effects linked to cannabis use.

It’s safe

Many teens believe that cannabis is safer than other drugs such as alcohol among others. In research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 77 percent of teenaged 12 to 17 years of account that smoking weed at least once in a month has no danger to the user’s health.  This means that the perception dangers linked to cannabis are changing and due to that, teens no longer see it as harmful, according to Vancouver based Resilience Psychotherapy.  According to the study undertaken by the National Institute on Drug abuse in 2016, it was clear that cannabis was the most frequently used drug among teens. Also, the results for senior teens showed that the number of the one smoking weed has progressively increased since 2011.

Conclusions

Although some states are legalizing the use of cannabis, still they should restrict the kids’ activity in Singapore under the age of 21 years not to use it. As well, parents are required to tell their children the side effects linked to cannabis usage. In doing so, the teens will no longer have the perception that cannabis usage is safe.

 

 

 

Author Catherine HemphillPosted on

Can a Canadian Authors Association Writers’ Circle Help You?

A writers’ circle is a group of writers who join for mutual support in the writing process. Writers take turns critiquing and receiving recommendations from the other group members. Each group seeks to find a time and place convenient for all members.

We welcome writers of all levels and in all genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry and other.

The Canadian Authors Association (CAA) Vancouver Branch has formed four regional writers’ circles to accommodate members who are interested in participating. Circles are located in Burnaby, The North Shore, Vancouver and Surrey, which is in the formation stage.

Other groups can be formed as the needs arise. For information about a writers’ circle near you, email Anne Helps. Please note: Persons wishing to be part of the CAA Vancouver Branch writers’ circles may attend three times to see if the group is right for them. Then, they are required to become members of the CAA if they continue to participate.

Signs of a Good Writing Circle:

The person critiquing always:

  • Begins with a positive comment
  • Keeps specific and objective, seeing his or her comments as suggestions only
  • Avoids getting personal about the writing of another and does not make judgments on whether the manuscript is good or bad
  • Focuses on what is on the written pages received, and not on what is not there
  • Does not repeat what other group members have already said. She or he tries to go beyond the obvious and dig deeper
  • Treats the work of others with respect and courtesy

The person receiving critiques:

  • Stays out of the discussion unless asked a direct question
  • Avoids taking comments personally
  • Avoids reacting and takes time to think the remarks over

Each member respects the time of others waiting for their turns to receive a critique.

Ways Writers Say Their Groups Have Helped Them:

  • Sharing my work with others gives me a deadline. That means I keep writing, whereas sometimes I tend to let things slide.
  • Listening to the group members sharing their feedback about my work helps me get “outside of my own head” and see my work more objectively. Group members represent the reader I am trying to reach. They help me see where I need to clarify, or even adjust my plot.
  • Belonging to a writers’ circle means I have a group of people who share my goals and interests. It is wonderful to be able to discuss writing wholeheartedly with someone who understands.
  • Networking. When I am part of a group, I get to know other writers. I feel more comfortable in my writers’ organization because I know more of the people. It makes a difference to arrive at a CAA meeting and recognize the faces of others.
  • Author’s autonomy. I have the chance to listen to helpful comments and suggestions, but I am free to use them or not, as my inner artist guides me.