Far West Skier's Guide - 2012-2013 - (Page 57)
Skiing on Grass
by Richard Lubin, D.C. “The Snowboarding Chiropractor” Safety Committee Chair, FWSA Skiing on grass. Am I referring to a new summer sport? No, what I mean is people skiing while under the influence of marijuana. Does this present substantial risks? There is a shortage of research on this topic. The issue is conspicuous in its absence in this industry. So many participants and ski employees use cannabis regularly, that it is practically treated with a wink and a nod. I’m not suggesting that intoxicated, aberrant, or poor behavior is tolerated at ski resorts by their employees or patrons. Marijuana use alone usually does not lead to boisterous ‘drunken’ type actions. California, the largest state by far, passed medical marijuana laws in 1996 (Prop 215). The medical requirements are very lax. There are 17 states and the District of Columbia that now have medical marijuana laws. Within the FWSA, that also includes Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Arizona. The illegal purchase of the substance has been, and continues to be very popular and easy to obtain. In 2009, the Breckenridge, Colorado voters passed a law allowing one ounce and paraphernalia by individuals over 21. Breckenridge Ski Resort (Vail Resorts) did not have this same policy. Smoking weed among locals is so commonplace that it is implied. Media portrayal commonly shows skiers and snowboarders getting high. The word Gondola has been replaced by some with “Gangola”. Snowboarders are often characterized as smokers. The first time snowboarding was allowed at the Olympics, an incident occurred. Canadian snowboarder, Ross Rebagliati, won gold in men’s giant slalom at the 1998 Games in Nagano, Japan. He tested positive for marijuana, was stripped of his medal, and then, it was given back. Since the inception of snowboarding, the “half pipe” has a double meaning. The widespread assertion that more snowboarders smoke marijuana than skiers may be true. The population of snowboarders, on average, is younger than the skiing population. The younger population, skiers or boarders, are more likely to be users and chronic daily users, at that. In general, higher usage among the younger adult participants in both of these sports is prevalent.
Many states have legalized the use of medical marijuana. Thus, it has become an ever increasing sight on the slopes. Few studies have been conducted on the safety factors of smoking it while participating in snowsports, however, the general opinion is that using cannabis increases the risk of injury. If not in place already, ski resort policies will be reviewed to deal with this increasing trend. photo by Richard Lubin
SO, IS IT DANGEROUS?
Maybe! Among the scant safety data available was an abstract published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2009 based on a study of trauma centers in Bern, Switzerland. Their findings investigated a number of safety issues. It was their opinion that many factors including cannabis use increases the risk of injury. A consideration in studying cannabis is that there is a great degree of diversity in how it affects people. Generalizations as to its consequences are more varied compared to other drugs. When people enjoy cannabis, they may note the euphoric effects, or they may become paranoid and dislike the whole experience. It affects many parts of the brain including the hippocampus, which is important for short term memory and attentiveness. This distractibility may be an important safety risk. We do know that anything that affects your attention and is a safety issue, just like texting and driving, is dangerous. It has also been shown in some individuals, to affect reaction time, coordination, and increase risk seeking behavior. The heart rate may also increase dramatically. Those with cardiac issues need be aware, notably since skiing takes place in rarefied air, already a risk factor. since it has become easier to obtain, and there are more powerful strains available. Among the population of skiers and snowboarders there’s a substantial, but unknown, percentage that use cannabis. Many of the locals in ski towns are particularly avid users. They may be using on a very regular basis meaning daily or even multiple times daily. This population may be least affected because of their proficiency level and familiarity with the intoxicating effects (habituation). At a high skill level with regular cannabis use, the risk may be no more than walking and chewing gum. Individuals at the lower skill levels like beginners and intermediates, may be at the highest risk. The occasional smoker may be overwhelmed by the powerful effects. Commonplace ski skills may suddenly be a challenge and present peril. I am not making a judgment on whether adults should or should not use cannabis. My assessment is that it adds risk and requires extensive investigation. Ignoring this topic is neglectful. An increasing populous will continue to smoke grass, will participate in snowsports, and this may lead to more injuries. If you do engage in this behavior, be especially vigilant and attentive. Each individual creates their own risk management. Remember, safety is thinking first! L L
57
CONCLUSION
People will continue to use cannabis,
Far West Skier’s Guide 2O11 - 2O12
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Far West Skier's Guide - 2012-2013
Far West Skier's Guide - 2012-2013
Contents
Board of Directors, Trustees
President’s Message: FWSA Offers A Variety of Activities & Trips
FWSA Committee Chairmen and Other Representatives
National Ski Council Federation Serves Councils & Clubs Nationwide
Springtacular . . . What?
Council Information
Councils Come Together: Identify Common Strengths & Problems, Assist to Provide Solutions
The New Ski Season is Here
Direct Membership is Available in FWSA
FWSAIndividual Membership Form
FWSA Revamps Website
It’s Been 25 Years
FWSA Travel Program
FWRA Silent Auction Donors
FWRA: Racing is Fun & Helps Improve Technique!
2013 FWRA Championships Alpine Meadows, California
FWRA Board of Directors
FWRA League Race Chairs
FWRARace Schedule
FWSA Athletic Scholarship Program
Far West Ski Foundation Expands Program
FWSA Ski Clubs Continue Generous Donations in Time & Fundraising
FWSA 2012 Convention
Greg Thompsom Shows Way to Preservation of Ski History
FWSA 2012 Convention Sponsors
Convention Door Prize Donors
FWSA Industry Award Recipients
Travel Expo/Silent Auction Milestones
2012 Councils’ Man & Woman of the Year
Silent Auction & Travel Expo Participants - 2012
FWSA Safety Person of the Year
FWSA Western Ski Heritage Award
FWSA 2012 Service Award Recipients
FWSA Snowsports Builder Awards
Harry Leonard Inducted into U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame
2013 FWSA Convention - Reno, Nevada
Reno/Lake Tahoe: Come Early - Stay Longer
Lodging Options
2014 FWSA Convention - Bend, Oregon
Public Affairs - 2012 Update
Chuck Morse Honored - “Veteran of the Year”
FWSA Historic Ski Clubs
Skiing on Grass
Innsbruck . . . The Epicenter of Austrian Sports
Sensory Overload: Helicopter Skiing in the Chugach Mountains, Alaska
Order Form / Far West Skier’s Guide
Visit the 2012-2013 Digital Edition
FWSA Council & Club Information
Regional Ski Shows
Far West Skier's Guide - 2012-2013
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