Pubdate: Sat, 09 Feb 2013 Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle (MI) Copyright: 2013 Judith Vetula Contact: http://www.record-eagle.com/opinion/local_story_128175513.html Website: http://www.record-eagle.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1336 Author: Judith Vetula WHY NOT A WARNING? Sixty-three percent of Americans think the feds should respect marijuana laws, but some Michiganders have a hard time accepting the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. One reason is that they have noticed problematic behavior from a member of their family or friend who is using cannabis (marijuana). It is uncomfortable to be in their presence. Ann Arbor has numerous marijuana dispensaries up and down the college town streets with same-day certification from doctors for an inexpensive fee. It takes as little as 20 minutes to complete a form without having to provide documentation to support alleged medical problems. Little do people realize that although marijuana (cannabis) may not be physically addictive, when it is consumed it has both psychoactive and physiological effects. Some negative effects are causing an increased heart rate, memory and learning loss, a subjective change in perception, alteration in mood, reduction in blood pressure, just to name a few health hazards. If cannabis is supposed to be therapeutic, then there should be all positive and no negative effects. Marijuana is typically consumed by smoking, further contributing to potential adverse effects. We put a health warning on cigarettes, alcohol and other vices, why not place a warning on marijuana? Judith Vetula Traverse City - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D