Pubdate: Wed, 16 Dec 2009
Source: Norman Transcript (OK)
Copyright: 2009 The Norman Transcript
Contact:  http://www.normantranscript.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/552

TEENS SEE LESS HARM IN POT

The growing use of medical marijuana for everything  from headaches to
toenail fungus in California has  become the butt of many jokes. Some
cities are trying  to put a lid on the pot industry's weed-like
growth.  (Puns intended).

Researchers are now saying the national debate over  medical marijuana
use and the hype in California could  be making the drugs seem safer
to teenagers. The  National Institute on Drug Abuse reported this week
  that a decade-long decline in teenagers harmful view of  pot use has
apparently stalled.

Teens were asked how much people risk harming  themselves if they
smoke marijuana occasionally or  smoke marijuana regularly. Fewer
eighth grade students  said that people who smoked pot put themselves
at great  risk than a year ago, The Associated Press reports.

Californians may get to vote on outright legalization.  A group
pushing for legalization has filed a petition  with enough signatures
to put the issue on the 2010  ballot. It would allow adults to possess
up to an ounce  of pot. Residents could grow their own marijuana
gardens up to 25 square feet. 
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