International

For many people, smoking marijuana is not a big deal – it is, after all, the most widely-used illegal drug in the world.

But today’s super-potent pot may be changing the game. Some of the world’s top schizophrenia experts, whose research is featured in The Downside of High, have found that teenagers who start smoking marijuana before the age of sixteen are four times more likely to become schizophrenic.  And for all young adults, the scientists say smoking marijuana nearly doubles the risk of developing recurring psychosis, paranoia and hallucinations – the hallmarks of schizophrenia.

The Downside of High tells the stories of three young people from British Columbia who believe – along with their doctors – that their mental illness was triggered by marijuana use.  It provides a scientific perspective on some of the little-known and little-discussed risks of marijuana, particularly for teenagers.

Directed and written by Bruce Mohun, story-produced by Maureen Palmer, produced by Sue Ridout. Director of photography John Collins, editor Tim Wanlin, music composer Tim McCauley.

For more info: Dreamfilm Productions Ltd

With the world facing an unprecedented crisis of resource depletion, the desperate hunt for suppl;ies is igniting new conflicts and territorial disputes.  The crucial task ahead, according to Klare, is to alter our consumption patterns altogether.  Michael Klare, Program in Peace and World Security Studies, Hampshire College, has written widely on US military policy, international peace and security affairs, the global arms trade, and global resource politics. Part of the Will Miller Social Justice Lecture Series. http://www.willmiller.org

The Will Miller Social Justice Lecture series brings speakers to the UVM campus and the Burlington community to provide a continuing program of radical analyses of social, ecological and political concerns. The series is dedicated to Will Miller, Vermont’s activist philosopher and UVM Philosophy Professor for 35 years.

Host Margaret Harrington speaks with Cindy Folkers, Radiation and Health Specialist with Beyond Nuclear (www.beyondnuclear.org).

Kids from the Sustainability Academy afterschool Orangutan group discuss what they are learning in their group about endangered wildlife and the work they are doing to support protecting endangered species such as the Orangutan.