JANUARY 2019

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MARIJUANA continued from page 17 who own dispensaries or other marijuana businesses but then also happen to own liquor stores themselves,” said Bahoura. “The irony is not lost on the rest of us. This industry is here to stay, embrace it.” The Community Perspective There are several groups who strongly oppose the law including those concerned about it getting into the hands of minors. There is great concern regarding the impact marijuana will have on the youth. “We are very disappointed about the law and are concerned about youth,” said Lisa G. Berkey, executive director of the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition. “We want our kids to make wise choices and we know they don’t always do that because their brains don’t develop until mid-20s.” Over the years, there have been national campaigns designed to educate people against the dangers of cigarette smoke. “They have been affective,” noted Berkey, “however, kids think that smoking cigarettes is worse than smoking marijuana. They have been taught their entire lives that cigarettes cause cancer but they don’t think marijuana is dangerous.” Although the legal age to consume is 21 years old, there is still great concern that marijuana will become available to tweens and teens. “It is harmful for their developing brains,” noted Lisa Kaplan, LMSW, CAADC, CPC-R, program coordinator-Maplegrove Community Education. “It creates and worsens depression and anxiety, and can cause psychosis.” Kaplan also shares the concern of police and that people will drive under the influence, and cause more traffic accidents, injuries and deaths. She also does support studies that marijuana use leads to other drugs. “There is disagreement on whether it is a gateway drug. I strongly believe that it is,” said Kaplan. “Nobody begins with heroin. After using a drug for a period of time a user will look for a stronger high and turn to other drugs. Tobacco, alcohol and marijuana are drugs and we think of them as gateway drugs.” There are 19 coalitions in Oakland County as well as task forces reviewing the current law and are waiting for more information. “There is so much gray area with this law,” explained Berkey. “We still don’t know enough about the regulations but that doesn’t change the dangers related to marijuana. We put the cart before the horse with this law.” Lisa Kaplan is on the board of the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition which has many programs designed to educate parents, students and school officials on the dangers of drugs. “Legalization of marijuana sends a mixed message to students. Similar to alcohol, being legal for adults indicates it must not be harmful,” said Gerald Hill, Ph.D., superintendent of West Bloomfield Schools. “Being illegal for youth is something that parents need to stress, as possession or being under the influence at school will bring disciplinary consequences.” The mission of the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition is to build community partnerships to reduce high risk behaviors including alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, to help ensure that our youth may grow to their greatest potential. “The Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition’s “Kids in Charge” curriculum, taught by community volunteers in our elementary schools, will need to be revised/updated,” said Dr. Hill. “I’m sure that Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) and social service agencies will be requesting and providing educational programs on the legalities and health issues related to use and abuse.” Dr. Hill shares many of the same thoughts as others. “The concerns include health, mental health and safety risks, potential legal consequences of using a prohibited substance, and another distraction from learning,” he said. “I am surprised by how easily the proposition passed in the November election.” It’s not just smoking marijuana that poses problems, edibles also create significant issues. “There are edibles packaged in boxes that look like other commercialized treats. Imagine a kid taking a marijuana-laced pastry to school,” said Berkey. “We are not proactive in this country. We are reactive. Tobacco started out by being glamorized by showing TV stars smoking. But when they realized the problems, they started educating people on the dangers. It is the same with vaping. If they regulated in the beginning, maybe our kids would not be vaping.” Both Kaplan and Berkey highly recommend that parents educate themselves on the signs and symptoms of use. “Do not do the research on the computer,” said Kaplan. “Be familiar with vapes/electronic cigarettes, wax, shatter, and marijuana oils. Take adolescent use seriously, as the younger a person starts using, the higher the likelihood of addiction. Have a zerotolerance policy, and give the clear message that use is forbidden.” The Religious Perspective Among those who not just frown upon it, but strongly speak against recreational marijuana are religious leaders. The Chaldean Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle of the United States issued an official statement last month regarding recreational marijuana and other drug use in the Chaldean community. The full statement is on the Chaldean News Website. “Our Diocese is another voice in the church condemning drug use outside strict therapeutic reasons,” said Fr. Matthew Zetouna. “In particular, the church is against the legalization of recreational marijuana in Michigan for many reasons. Wherever marijuana has been legalized, it has had a detrimental impact and terrible consequences hitting the family, hitting the youth, and hitting society … In the interest of protecting our family, our human dignity and our youth, the church is very vocal against the legalization of recreational marijuana.” Fr. Matthew, among many clergy, receive numerous phone calls regarding drug issues in the community. “Have you had to bury a young kid who overdoses? Have you had to think of the words to give to the family looking at you to help them make sense of the situation? I am sick of burying people who overdose,” said Fr. Matthew. “I am terribly sick of it and it’s unfortunate that our community will hide away instead of getting help because of shame on the family.” Fr. Matthew urges people to consider their moral obligations before going into this business. “Like anything else you have to look at the proper protocols and the right way to do things,” said Fr. Matthew. “Are you being honest or dishonest? Look at your buyers. If your buyers are using for strict therapeutic reasons and following the norms that are given, then it could be morally permissible to sell. In that way, it is similar to selling alcohol. If your clientele is abusing marijuana, then you have an obligation to stop selling to them. If you know someone is abusing it, then you cannot enable them.” In recent months, Fr. Matthew has heard many arguments, defending the use of Marijuana including, how is it different from alcohol? “The mere fact that an activity is made legal by the government does not automatically mean that it is morally acceptable. Like alcohol, marijuana has intoxicating effects, but marijuana causes one to experience a “high,” often accompanied by grogginess and impaired judgement,” he said. “If it is used therapeutically, the resulting impairment is seen as an unintended secondary effect outside of the drug’s main beneficial use. In other words, if one is using marijuana for its intoxicating effects, it is wrong for several reasons (like getting drunk with alcohol). With alcohol, one may justifiably drink it as long as the intention and result is not to get “buzzed” or intoxicated.” “There is no question as to the social evils that will increase as marijuana usage is continued to be embraced as a neutral practice in society,” stated the church. “To our young people, especially, the normalization of recreational marijuana socially is unacceptable. Children and families will be damaged as a result. Using marijuana for adolescents often results in significant changes to brain structure and cognitive functioning. Fr. Matthew reiterated the statement with a personal appeal to the community. “The reason I didn’t touch Marijuana when I was in high school is because I value myself too much and I didn’t want to lose a fraction of who I am. Marijuana is not worth the risk of losing who I am, my ability to articulate. I encourage people to speak up. Encounter Christ for encouragement. Ask for help. You are all worth it. Your life is too valuable to compromise.” RESOURCES REFERENCED IN THE ARTICLE: Catechism of the Catholic Church 2291 https://www.apa.org/monitor/2015/11/ marijuana-brain.aspx https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/marijuana/nida-research-marijuana-cannabinoids https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/ aap-press-room/Pages/American-Academy- of-Pediatrics-Reaffirms-Opposition-to- Legalizing-Marijuana-for-Recreational-or- Medical-Use.aspx https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/ research-reports/marijuana/marijuanagateway-drug www.henryford.com *This information does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions or are interested in entering the cannabis industry, you should consult with legal counsel. 18 CHALDEAN NEWS JANUARY 2019
Second in charge at the chamber Real estate attorney Paul Jonna takes over as COO of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Attorney Randall Mansour Social Security Disability and Veterans Benefits Attorneys BY STEPHEN JONES The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) and its non-profit arm, the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF), added the position of Chief Operating Officer to its leadership team. Paul Jonna will step into the role where he will be responsible for managing operations and staff. The CACC is an organization dedicated to maintaining the economic vitality of the Chaldean American business community, and the area’s leading ethnic chamber comprised of more than 950 members that represent more than 3,500 businesses. The CCF is a community-based human services agency that provides social, educational and family development services to more than 30,000 clients annually, who are mostly refugees and recently arrived immigrants. The president of the CACC/CCF is Martin Manna. “It is an honor to join Martin and team on a full-time basis and help contribute to the long-term goals of each organization,” said Jonna. “The Chamber and CCF continue to grow at an unprecedented rate and next year is no different with the groundbreaking of a 130-unit low income apartment complex and 18,000 square-foot expansion of the CCF building that will include a primary care unit and expanded behavioral health services.” Jonna worked as a staff attorney for The Taubman Company, which owns, manages and develops superregional shopping centers in the U.S. and Asia. In this role, Jonna advised on legal matters relating to lease compliance, litigation and specialty leasing. He also recently served on a work life culture committee at Taubman, where he collaborated with a team on improving efficiencies and communication in the workplace. Prior to his tenure with Taubman, Jonna operated a private law practice, offering a wide range of real estate legal services as well as practical business advice. Jonna also served as president of The Chaldean American Bar Association. Jonna is looking forward to bringing the dynamic skill set he’s developed through previous experiences to the CACC and CCF. “This is an amazing opportunity for me to utilize my expertise as a lawyer, former board member, commercial landlord and small business owner to help implement the strategic initiatives of the Chaldean Chamber and the CCF that will benefit future generations,” he explained. Jonna currently resides in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan with his wife and three kids ages two, four and six. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Oakland University before earning his J.D. with honors from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Jonna is a high school graduate of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. “There are so many amazing people invested in these organizations, from business members to those who rely on the CCF,” Jonna said. “I’m excited to join an amazing staff that works tirelessly to advance the missions of both the Chaldean Chamber and the CCF. Our community and our dedicated staff work together to make the Chaldean Chamber and the CCF what it is today.” LAW OFFICES OF Kelly, Riggs, & Mansour 625 E. BIG BEAVER STE. 204, TROY, MI 48083 • Specializing in Social Security Cases (SSI/SSD) & VA Benefits • We’ve won thousands of cases • Assistance with the initial application process • Help from start to finish with the entire claim • Free Consultation • No fee unless we win • Fluent in both Arabic and Chaldean at our office DISABILITYLAWGROUP.COM Subscribe today! ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION: $25 ❏ 1 YEAR ❏ GIFT SUBSCRIPTION ________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAME ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY / STATE / ZIP ________________________________________________________________________________________________ E-MAIL ________________________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE PLEASE MAIL THE FORM, WITH A CHECK PAYABLE TO: CHALDEAN NEWS, ATTN: SUBSCRIPTIONS 30095 NORTHWESTERN HWY, SUITE 101 FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 PHONE: 248-851-8600 FAX: 248-851-1348 248-838-3000 TOLL FREE 800-838-1100 JANUARY 2019 CHALDEAN NEWS 19
Page 1 and 2: VOL. 15 ISSUE XII METRO DETROIT CHA
Page 3 and 4: CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION EMPLO
Page 5 and 6: CONTENTS JANUARY 2019 THE CHALDEAN
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Page 9 and 10: CHALDEAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMER
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