Marijuana ~ it’s called dope for a reason

opinions

February 28, 2013 - 12:00 AM

In recent years, marijuana use has become more accepted, to the detriment of our young.
Today, its palliative nature for those who suffer cancer or AIDS trumps its dangers.
Perhaps because of its medical use, marijuana is increasingly being seen as a safe drug. Some see it as a “natural” drug. It’s called weed after all.
 Colorado and Washington voters last fall passed amendments legalizing the cultivation and consumption of marijuana in limited amounts. Users must be 21 and older and its consumption must be done in private quarters.
Eighteen states plus the District of Columbia allow medical dispensaries to handle the drug.
Trouble is, marijuana kills brain cells, increasingly so in the young.
Studies show heavy use among adolescents can do permanent brain damage. Researchers at Duke University recently published the results of a massive 25-year study on marijuana, which showed that teens who regularly smoke marijuana suffered declines of up to eight points in IQ. Even as adults who have long-ceased the habit, that lost IQ is never regained.
One in 15 teenagers regularly smoke marijuana. More than one-third of high school seniors have tried it this year. Worse still, more than half of high school seniors view regular marijuana use as harmless. They view getting stoned as a safe way to chill out.

PARENTS and teens need to understand the dangers of marijuana. Still-growing teenagers who regularly smoke the weed are at risk of long-term brain damage and declines in cognitive functioning. No, it’s not safe to drive a car when stoned. Reaction times are slowed.
Federal law bans the use and sale of marijuana. The Drug Enforcement Administration regards marijuana as a drug that has a high potential for abuse and can not be safely monitored. Federal law does not recognize “medical” marijuana, despite its known benefits for those who suffer chronic pain. That said, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved drugs that include isolated components of the marijuana plant.
The inherent discrepancy between state and federal laws will likely go unchallenged because federal officials regard it as a waste of resources to pursue  all except the most egregious violations. Small-fry users can smoke in peace. But those who produce and market the illegal substance should be aware they risk violating a federal law.
For those battling health issues at life’s end, what’s a few brain cells.
But for those who have their lives ahead of them, potential is a dreadful thing to waste.

— Susan Lynn

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