Pubdate: Sun, 04 Jul 2010 Source: Helena Independent Record (MT) Copyright: 2010 Helena Independent Record Contact: http://helenair.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1187 Author: Pete Formaz ABUSE AND RAMPANT USE OF MARIJUANA NEEDS TO STOP With respect to Mr. Parks' Your Turn of July 1, I beg to differ, and on several levels. I understand that cannabis is an effective pain medication for certain ailments. The list of those ailments grows daily and contradicts proper medical care. From the perspective of a licensed addiction counselor, I have met those who have driven (and crashed) vehicles while under the influence of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. I have met teens who are afflicted with amotivational syndrome due to heavy cannabis use. And yes, I have met those who mix cannabis and alcohol, causing a significant deterioration in their ability to make safe decisions while driving. In fact, the first portion of the brain to be affected by THC is that portion connected to reaction time. Holding up bad decisions of one substance does not justify the misuse of another. Yes, alcohol causes problems as do other substances. If cannabis is truly a "medicine," why is it so highly sought by the majority of felons (many of whom have marijuana cards) in Lewis and Clark County? And why is it smoked so blatantly, at the Capitol, immediately after testifying to its medical benefits? Moderation is the key, here, and I think there needs to be some corrective measures applied to this rampant use and abuse. Pete Formaz Helena - --- MAP posted-by: Matt