To the editor:

As the likely legalization of recreational marijuana for residents over 21 years of age in Rhode Island is moving forward, I encourage parents to learn how this could impact their kids. 

Our local prevention coalitions, Rhode Island Student Assistance Services and many other agencies have been collecting data and researching the experiences of other states that have legalized the sale of recreational marijuana. They have examined and analyzed the results of surveys taken in the various communities on the use of substances by middle and high school students and want to help inform parents. 

RISAS.org, riprevention.org, and portsmouthprevention.org are great resources for information about keeping your kids safe and the truth of the effects of marijuana on the teenage brain. In Rhode Island, the unintended consequence of the sale of medical marijuana was an increase in the availability of marijuana to Rhode Island teenagers. 

What if the number of licenses allowed for recreational marijuana were similar to the number of local liquor stores? What if every household was allowed to grow six marijuana plants? Local cities and towns may be allowed to opt out of hosting stores. 

Find out what your city or town plans to allow. Don’t be fooled by myths or misinformation; please educate yourself and have conversations with your kids.

Liz Morley

Portsmouth Prevention Coalition

114 Col. Christopher Greene Road

Portsmouth