October 10, 2023
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am writing to you today as your superintendent and as a mother about a growing concern that is affecting the health and well-being of the young people in our community. Schools, parents, law enforcement, and mental health professionals are seeing an alarming increase in the use of synthetic THC. This substance is often found in vaping devices, and it poses a grave danger to those who use it.
Synthetic THC is also called synthetic cannabinoids, “spice,” “kronic,” or “K2.” However, this man made chemical is not cannabis or marijuana and does not mimic the effect of marijuana. Instead, this chemical can cause severe, even life-threatening, side effects very different from marijuana. It can be unpredictable, and can be highly toxic when inhaled through a vaping device. The CDC says that people who smoke these products can react with rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Some have to get help from emergency medical services or in hospital emergency departments or intensive care units.
Synthetic THC is also addictive in a way that marijuana is not, and is considered a gateway to more dangerous substances. The younger a person is when they start using these products, the higher the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Synthetic THC is illegal in most places, including in Missouri. Students who are found to be in possession of the substance could face serious legal consequences that could negatively affect their futures.
We must work together to help our students avoid risking their health and their futures. I encourage you to have open and honest conversations with your student about the risks of vaping and the use of synthetic THC. Please be vigilant and watch for signs of substance use in your children, such as changes in behavior, declining academic performance, and sudden disinterest in their usual friends and activities.
Our school is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students. We will continue to present educational information about this and other issues that affect them. We will also enforce our disciplinary polilcies and cooperate with local law enforcement when students are found using or possessing vapes and these substances on school property.
I invite you to attend the Hidden In Plain Sight interactive demonstrations that will be held in conjunction with the annual Mayor’s Cup event at Perry Park Center on Jan. 27, 2024. This important event is sponsored by #Help Starts Here educational awareness campaign initiated by Perry County Health Systems and their joint community partners. We’re very grateful that they have chosen to present Hidden in Plain Sight at Mayor’s Cup. This event will allow you to explore the environment of a teenager and learn to spot signs of possible substance use and risky behavior. Parents who attend a HIPS event leave with an understanding of the importance of substance abuse, and are equipped with actionable prevention strategies and critical knowledge pertaining to adolescent drug and alcohol use.
In the meantime, if your student is struggling with a substance use disorder or vaping, you can call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), a confidential, free, 24/7 information service for families faced with substance use or mental health disorders. The helpline provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
If you have any concerns or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's school office or counselor. Together, we can ensure the health and safety of our students and help them make informed choices for their future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Fara Jones