Pubdate: Sat, 07 Jun 2014
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2014 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Author: Sandra S. Bennett

STUDIES SHOW DANGERS OF MARIJUANA

As a former president of Drug Watch International and co-editor of 
the Marijuana Research Review, I find dismaying the media's disregard 
for the results of more than 20,000 published scientific studies on 
marijuana, none of which show it to be safe and effective - or 
necessary - for anything. A few of the more than 485 compounds found 
in marijuana have already been developed and can be prescribed by physicians.

The drug culture's continued lament about the depiction of marijuana 
in the old 1930's film "Reefer Madness" is ridiculous. I know of no 
one who has ever seen the film but it is important to note that 
marijuana, particularly today's very potent street varieties, is 
associated with causing or exacerbating psychosis, particularly 
schizophrenia. See www.schizophrenia.com/prevention/streetdrugs.html 
for a listing of more than 30 studies linking marijuana to this 
phenomenon. Marijuana use is now a leading cause of drug-related 
emergency room episodes, especially those involving psychosis.

There are many incidents of marijuana causing death, either directly, 
such as triggering a heart attack, or indirectly such as through 
vehicular accidents or engaging in dangerous and irrational behavior. 
As the use of this drug spreads, we are sure to see the many known 
adverse side effects amplified.

Sandra S. Bennett

La Center
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom