Pubdate: Wed, 20 May 2009
Source: Guardian (Wright State U, OH Edu)
Copyright: 2009 Guardian
Contact: http://www.theguardianonline.com/2.9150
Website: http://www.theguardianonline.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4586
Author: Kathy Wolfe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n427/a06.html

WHY PUT PEOPLE AT RISK?

This letter is in response to the article titled, "Finance the 
Bailout: Legalize Weed" from April 7, 2009.  In the article it states 
that "marijuana is non-addictive, according to health 
experts."  Legalizing marijuana would be a poor choice for this 
nation considering the additional medical effects it can have on 
people.  Peoples' lives aren't worth the risk for the government to 
finance the bailout.

Marijuana is an addictive drug in more ways than one.  It has both a 
physiological, psychological, and physical effect on people.  By 
definition an addiction is "the state of being enslaved to a habit or 
practice or to something that is psychologically or physically 
habit-forming" (Dictionary.com).  Going by the definition alone, 
marijuana can be deemed an addictive substance.

The main psychological effect marijuana has on people is euphoria, or 
getting stoned.  Although that is the most pronounced effect 
marijuana has on people, there are other psychological effects that 
can happen such as, "paranoia, short-term memory loss, anxiety, 
depression, and a distorted sense of time.  These are some serious 
effects that last up to 24 hours after the drug is consumed whether 
it is felt or not" (WebMD.com).

According to Dr. Cucci of The Ohio State Medical Center, "The main 
ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, (THC) which 
is absorbed within minutes after smoking a marijuana 
cigarette."  This ingredient causes serious health risks which 
include; rapid heart rate, increased rate of breathing, slowed 
reaction time, and increased blood pressure.  These effects caused by 
THC do subside within a few hours but, as stated before, even these 
effects can linger for up to 24 hours, (webMD.com).

A person is considered to be physically addicted to a substance if 
they experience withdrawal from not keeping the substance in their 
system.  These symptoms are very clear and go along with any type of 
addiction, including marijuana.  These symptoms include "aggression, 
depressed mood, depressed appetite, and anxiety" (WebMD.com). 
Symptoms from withdrawal from marijuana, unlike before, will continue 
until more of that substance is put back into the system.  Dr. Cucci 
states, "If a person is trying to quit an addiction, withdrawal can 
last up to a week."

Financing the bailout with marijuana would increase the use of this 
substance which in turn will increase the addiction.  For the 
long-term use of marijuana, that would mean prolonged side effects 
from the substance.  This can lead to heart attacks, Chronic 
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Gum Disease just to name a few. 
Our bodies can't handle the side effects caused by marijuana. 
Depending on personal belief, we are only given one very short life, 
why spend life with any of the effects that this substance can 
cause?  Life is worth more than that.

Kathy Wolfe
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