About This Lesson
In this activity, students explore the evolution of federal and state regulations around medical and recreational cannabis. Using science and health data, students will delve into the recommendations for minimum age requirements for cannabis use and why this is important and leads to legislation. They will then simulate the role of elected officials that must state their position on another topic that is also often discussed and debated: the importance of health education in schools. They will use their learnings to develop a piece of legislation that makes a recommendation and/or validates their position.
Students will:
- Analyze scientific and health data on medical and recreational cannabis
- Evaluate government involvement in protecting health
- Create a piece of legislation that proposes a strategy for government regulation in favor of or opposed to mandatory comprehensive health education requirements in public schools
Time required:
- 60 minutes
Student Materials
- Computers with access to the internet
- Index cards
- Writing implements
- Drugs and Adolescent Health student handout
- Fast Facts: Marijuana student handout and capture sheet
- Become a Legislator student capture sheet
