Let’s not confuse the issues regarding marijuana use at Malibu High School and the medical marijuana clinic being denied. Contrary to what the faction of MHS students claimed, medical marijuana clinics are not why there’s pot at MHS. Kids who choose to use, will use pot as they have for decades. Whether it comes from a friend, a “cool” uncle, their parents’ stash, a bogus prescription, or the surfer or schoolteacher next door. Pot has been at every high school long before any MMCs were even thought possible.
Hap Henry and kids like him succeed out of steadfast determination, good judgment, common sense, and probably great parenting. I know I’ll keep reading about them in the paper for all the right reasons. Kids have the ability to choose which road they will take. Some come more heavily armed to defend against temptation, others need help in doing so.
To those kids who are worried about other kids using: try cornering them and letting them know you’re watching them, that you care, that you’ll be forced to tell someone because you’re afraid for their safety. Ask them to hang out even if they’re not in your group.
Eliminating MMC’s from Malibu will not change anything at MHS. It will change a lot for those suffering with debilitating illnesses or conditions who are really in pain and will not be helped in their own community.
Eileen Culligan