Pubdate: Fri, 30 Apr 2010
Source: Northumberland News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2010 by Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing, Ltd.
Contact: http://www.northumberlandnews.com/opinion/submitletter
Website: http://www.northumberlandnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2373
Author: Sally Fingas

MARIJUANA USE CAN BE RISKY

To the Editor:

Re: 'Powerful pain remedy' (column, April 16).

Karen Lloyd's irresponsible article on medical marijuana use shows a 
disturbing lack of awareness of the risks associated with marijuana 
use, which, she claims, has "fewer side effects than quitting coffee 
and poses less risk than driving down the highway, breathing city 
air, drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco."

In fact, in 1992, the United States Public Health Service terminated 
its medicinal marijuana program, stating that there was no scientific 
evidence that the drug was assisting patients, and issued a warning 
that smoking marijuana as a form of medical therapy may actually be 
harmful to some patients.

There is evidence, however, that marijuana use effects alertness, 
concentration, perception, coordination, memory and reaction time for 
up to 24 hours after smoking it. It causes increased anxiety and 
panic attacks, and impairs judgment, leading to risky behavior. Thus 
it increases risk when driving. Regular use of marijuana causes many 
of the same lung problems tobacco smokers experience. Marijuana use 
can lead to addiction. Students using it daily or long term have 
lower achievement, and more delinquent behavior and aggression. 
Long-term use is linked to psychosis, personality disorders, 
schizophrenia, chronic bronchitis and damage to the immune system.

Our society is striving to protect our youth from the health risks 
associated with tobacco use. Let's not encourage them to misuse 
another substance likely to impact their lives far more severely.

Sally Fingas

Hamilton Township
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