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The OSC Documentary is geared to educating our society about the harmful effects of marijuana on our youth. The OSC Documentary is appropriate for educating professionals, parents, students—jr. high through college and all adults. Key to getting this information disseminated is our media, politicians, behavioral health departments, law enforcement, rehabs, healthcare workers, medical professionals and teachers at all levels.
A HeartsGate Productions film. Produced/Directed by an experienced entertainment industry professional educated in journalism, who served as an entertainment public relations agent and personal manager.
FINANCING This is an independent production. We are relying on contributions from others who are equally concerned about the need to point out the dangers of marijuana to our youth. Please consider making a contribution of any amount toward the distribution of this film. Smoking or ingesting marijuana regularly can lead to severe mental health effects, particularly for adolescents and young adults whose brains are still forming. Marijuana, like many substances, is addictive. While components of marijuana (CBDs) may have an appropriate usage as a medicinal treatment for those in need, there is another side that must also be evaluated to protect those who are vulnerable. A significant percentage of the population who use marijuana will become physically dependent on the drug. |
Once mental illness is triggered, it can be lifelong. Many have suffered the consequences of using marijuana and triggering mental illness or worsening their symptoms. We tell their stories of cannabis use in this documentary, along with scientific and experiential evidence from professionals in the field. There is increasing evidence that early use of marijuana can hasten the early onset of mental illness--whether it was dormant and set off by the use of cannabis, or worsened by the individual using cannabis to cope with effects of their illness.
Film interviews include: Treatment center directors, researchers, therapists, individuals and family members, among others. What we've learned: --children are using marijuana regularly as early as 8 years old. --marijuana is an addictive substance (DSM-5). --the brain is most vulnerable between 12-30 years old. Using marijuana during this period decreases brain function by 20%. --hospitals and recovery centers are seeing a marked increase in marijuana use and mental health issues. --there are a number of studies showing a link between regular marijuana use and onset of schizophrenia. --marijuana use has been known to trigger psychosis, depression, anxiety and paranoia. --a-motivational syndrome is common with regular marijuana users. --accidents are on the rise involving marijuana users. --can cause Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: uncontrolled vomiting and severe abdominal pain relieved by hot baths or showers. --studies showing decrease in IQ of heavy marijuana users. --marijuana may not be safe for those with compromised immune systems: products contain pesticides, mold and bacteria. --it's never safe to smoke anything. --marijuana can be a gateway drug. --impacts personal well-being--loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. --those who use marijuana regularly often experience issues with family, friends, co-workers, school and finances. --dramatic increase of fatal drugged driving accidents. --the perception that marijuana is safe, natural, a plant, is confusing our children from understanding the risks. --always weigh the risks v. benefits. --studies conclude that it is never safe for a child to use marijuana. --children with life threatening illnesses and uncontrollable pain may find the benefits outweigh the risks. --education is key to making healthy choices. Always weigh the risks v. benefits. ----------------------------------------------------------------- KEY ISSUES: We need to have two different names for marijuana. 1--Marijuana (THC product) psychoactive 2--CBD (CannabiDiol product). non-psychoactive We need to make a distinction between these two substances. Our children believe ALL marijuana is medicinal. Let's stop calling CBD (the anti-psychoactive compound in marijuana that holds promise medicinally) by the same name as the psychoactive THC forms of marijuana. The reality is that today's marijuana that our children are smoking, vaping and ingesting is comprised of strong levels of THC. The CBD (CannabiDiol) is the other main compound in the plant. It is a completely different substance and is promising in trials for treating illnesses. CBDs do not get you "high". |
Studies are showing a link between marijuana use and psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia. Whether the user is self-medicating with marijuana or the use of marijuana has triggered the illness is not yet clear. The negative effects of marijuana abuse may include loss of interest in everyday life activities, loss of cognitive abilities, poor concentration, compromised lung function, loss of relationships, loss of employment, loss of ability to attend school, extreme paranoia, high anxiety, depression, psychosis, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, desire for increased high causing excessive use of the drug or moving on to other substances, legal issues, incarceration, hospitalization, rehab stays, as well as numerous other side effects. Impacts include financial, physical, social, educational, mental and employment related issues. With the proliferation of medical marijuana dispensaries and legalization in some states, the normalization of marijuana in our general population is sending a dangerous message to our youth, that does not include The Other Side of Cannabis: the Effects of Marijuana on Our Youth.