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