High Hopes is a non-fiction book that will address the most important question in the marijuana debate: HOW DO WE REDUCE THE USE OF MARIJUANA BY YOUTH ? By focusing on this one key question, in the complicated and multifaceted conversation over legalization, we address the most serious risk posed by marijuana use - the permanent, harmful consequences on the capabilities and productivity of young people.
The fact is that the market for marijuana is predominately a youth market with just 7% of the adult population using marijuana versus upwards of 30-50% of grade 12 students ( regional rates vary) using cannabis regularly. Recent reports coming out of Denver, Colorado, where legalization has taken hold, show 20% of grade eight students reporting using marijuana. This is a very significant age for brain development and use of marijuana poses a real threat to the "high hopes" we have for our kids, including finishing school.
Legalization will increase access, availability and acceptance by youth. The industries behind the pro pot push know that kids are addicted at a higher rate than adults.They know that one in six kids who use marijuana will become addicted and become "good" customers. They understand the economics of pot, of supply and demand. They know regulation is a wolf in sheeps clothing. They know that medical marijuana is the "trojan horse" of our times. They have been working at this for decades and they are very well funded. They bought the Colorado and Washington State vote and they are on the move to gain more regions and they are very political. They smell money. They are selling addiction because it pays.
Recent studies show that kids do not perceive the risks and potential dangers of using marijuana. They do not grasp the dangers of drugged driving.
The pot lobby would have people believe this is a conversation about liberty and recreation. They would have young people believe marijuana is a "harmless herb" and that all their critics are "mad". They deny science, and attack the sources. They are in a word - deceitful. High Hopes will address the lies that the pot lobby are feeding the public, both young and adult and replace the mistruths with the science, the facts and the reality of pot and our kids.
High Hopes is about protecting our kids future and potential and fighting back with the best weapon in the world - the truth.
With the funds raised, I will arrange speaking engagements and forums to further discuss the issue across North America. .