Pubdate: Thu, 19 Apr 2012
Source: Times-Herald, The (Vallejo, CA)
Copyright: 2012 The Times-Herald
Contact:  http://www.timesheraldonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/993
Author: Lisa Jackson

THE REAL HARM AND DANGER OF MARIJUANA: THINK ABOUT IT

Ralph Givens ("Marijuana credibility", April 8), should do some
research before he tries to expound an opinion.

Mr. Givens quotes a number of sources from the 1930s. Unfortunately,
new brain research clearly demonstrates that marijuana should be
closely regulated and is far from a harmless substance. Effects on
young adolescent brains are even more pronounced and can produce
structural and functional changes in the brain, resulting in weakened
communication skills, shortened attention span and other deficits.
Very recent scientific studies in the UK, Germany, and other countries
have shown that individuals with a pre-disposition to psychotic
disorders are at significant risk for developing symptoms or worsening
their condition when using marijuana. The risk is increased with
higher levels of THC.

Do the research. Read the article on the Schizophrenia.com website or
just Google "marijuana and psychosis" and you will find a number of
studies that detail risks to the brain.

Think about the effects on young kids and adolescents before you
promote usage as harmless. Otherwise, you are just plain
irresponsible.

Lisa Jackson

Vallejo
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt