With contrary information on the subject of marijuana coupled with alarming statistics showing dramatically increased use of the drug in L.A., the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles invited the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and several distinguished community leaders to shed light on this contentious subject.

What is true about marijuana and what is not? That was the theme of the open house event hosted by the Church of Scientology Los Angeles on behalf of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World.

One thing that is certain is that marijuana usage rates are skyrocketing in Los Angeles. There are some 500 known medical marijuana shops in the city, with the actual number believed to be far greater. With numerous controversies about marijuana, it begs the question: what is actually true and false about this drug?

"Almost everyone who comes to the drug rehab centers
where I work started with marijuana."
—Sgt. Glenn Walsh, L.A. County Sheriff's Department

Before a full auditorium, Sgt. Glenn Walsh from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department discussed the “marketing” of the drug, its chemical composition, and marijuana’s harmful effects on the human body. He also provided statistics and facts from areas with high marijuana usage, all visibly demonstrating the harm marijuana creates for the individual and the society. He concluded, saying “I give the Foundation for a Drug-Free World a lot of props because their campaign has a wealth of information. They have done an outstanding job of educating our youth on the harms of drugs.”

Sgt. Walsh was followed by drug rehab expert Mr. Gerry Marshall who spoke of the recent upsurge in marijuana addicts seeking rehab for their addiction. “Almost everyone who comes to the drug rehab centers where I work started with marijuana,” he said. Statistically, marijuana in 2016 is not the same as marijuana from the 1970’s. The average amount of THC in 1978 was 1.3 percent. Current marijuana THC content measures over 8 percent.

Norman Taylor from the Foundation for a Drug-Free World spoke of the value of the Foundation’s materials, as they present information, not propaganda. “The Drug-Free World has a cutting-edge approach to educating youth and adults about harmful drugs, based on years of research and testing what actually works,” he said.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and dedicated to the eradication of illicit drugs, their abuse and attendant criminality.

The Drug-Free World information and prevention campaign features 14 The Truth About Drugs booklets—one for each of the most commonly abused substances. Its award-winning They Say, They Lied public service announcements and The Truth About Drugs—Real Stories, Real People documentary are designed for maximum impact to bring the subject home to youth.

Campaign materials also include an Educator’s Kit, provided at no cost to teachers, law enforcement and community groups. These effective tools help young people make the right decisions. For more information visit the website of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World.