Pubdate: Thu, 9 Apr 2009
Source: Albany Democrat-Herald (OR)
Copyright: 2009 Lee Enterprises
Contact: http://www.democratherald.com/forms/contact/letters_editor/
Website: http://www.democratherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/7
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n389/a08.html
Author: Larry Crompton

LETTERS, POT DON'T MIX

I don't wish to start a "pot" war with Mr. Erickson regarding his "War
on pot's a big scam" reply April 3 to my letter on medical marijuana.
However, I feel I should reply.

Mr. Erickson, it is common and scientific knowledge that marijuana
smoking affects the brain in many ways. The main active chemical is
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC rapidly passes from the lungs
into the bloodstream, to the brain and other organs. It acts on
specific sites in the brain, called cannabinoid receptors. This causes
problems in coordination, perception, thinking and problem solving,
and problems with learning and memory. All good reasons to stop
smoking for at least a week before writing a letter to the editor.

Government studies showing the medical benefits have been buried?
Apparently you found them, Mr. Erickson, but for the rest of us
apparently they are still buried although studies that show that
extended use increases rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal
ideation, and schizophrenia are out there for all to see.

Several studies have also shown that marijuana smoke contains
carcinogens and in fact 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic
hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke. Whereas, as I am sure you know,
marijuana smokers hold the smoke in their lungs longer than cigarette
smokers, it can be 100 times or so more dangerous to your health than
cigarettes.

As for your friend going through a "intricate and demanding process"
to be approved for the "Compassionate Investigational New Drug
program," that is also hogwash. I know first hand of a drug user
taking his girlfriend in to go through this "rigorous" process to get
her medical marijuana card and the doctor gave him one also.

The war on pot is not a scam. Marijuana is the most commonly abused
illicit drug in the United States. It is dangerous, it is addictive
and you can cry all you want, it does not cure blindness or any other
imagined disease. It simply gets you high, and extended use is
extremely harmful.

Larry Crompton, Scio