Maine's Marijuana Laws
and their Impact on Youth
What is known and not known about the effects of marijuana on youth? Is there any evidence for beneficial effects? Dr. John Knight, a leading researcher in adolescent substance use and abuse, will review the literature for us. Dr. Knight, the developer of the CRAAFT Screening Test (a short clinical assessment tool designed to screen for substance-related risks and problems in adolescents and he has developed an informational website for teens which has proved quite effective in changing attitudes and behavior. In addition to reviewing the science of what is known about effects of marijuana on youth, Dr. Knight will also summarize what is known about screening, prevention, and early intervention of adolescent substance abuse (alchohol, marijuana, and opioid).
Following his talk, there will be a an expert panel discussing policy implications, prescribing issues, penalties, DHHS regulations, and how the law will be implemented.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. John Knight, Founder/Director, Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research, Children's Hospital, Boston & Associate Professsor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
John Knight received his MD degree from University of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed an internship and residency at Albany Medical Center Hospital and a postgraduate fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital. He has served as a consultant to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the President's Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Dr. Knight's research is directed at developing an effective brief intervention for drug abuse that could be widely implemented in settings where adolescents receive routine healthcare. The long-term goal of Dr. Knight and his colleagues at the Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research (CeASAR) is to improve screening and intervention for adolescent substance abuse in medical office settings.
Expert Panel Speakers:
- Dennis Smith, Esq; Executive Director, Maine Board of Licensure
- Gordon Smith, Esq; Executive Vice President, Maine Medical Association
- Maria Tkacz, MHA; Administrative Fellow, MaineHealth (developing website for youth and parents on marijuana use)
- David Walter, DO; Medical Director, Spurwink
- Tammi Schaeffer, DO, FACEP, FACMT; Medical Director, Northern New England Poison Center
- Joe DeKay, DO, Maine Board of Osteopathic LIcensure
Accommodations:
Sunday River Resort is offering our group discounted room rates of $159 for a standard room or $239 for a suite. There is a two night stay requirement. Lift tickets are discounted to $74. Reference the Maine Council for Child and Adol Psychiatry REF CODE 85p8sz when making your reservations. Discounted rates are available until Feb 3rd.
There is a nominal fee of $25 for Maine AAP or MCCAP members, and a fee of $40 for guests. This fee is for all attendees and is independent of reservations at the resort for skiing or accommodations.
