Pubdate: Thu, 17 Aug 2017
Source: Prince George Citizen (CN BC)
Copyright: 2017 Prince George Citizen
Contact:  http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/350
Author: Matthew M. Elrod
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v17/n267/a09.html
Page: 4

DOCTOR HAS IT WRONG

Dr. Michael O'Malley asserted that "incidence of psychosis has already
been documented by some of the states in the U.S., who rushed to
legalization of marijuana." ("Pot stance off-base," Letters, Aug. 16).

There is no evidence that cannabis usage rates have gone up in the
U.S. states that have legalized cannabis, much less that rates of
psychosis have increased.

There is some evidence that cannabis strains that are high in THC but
low in the anti-psychotic cannabinoid CBD, as well as some important
terpenes, may trigger psychosis in minors so predisposed.
Unfortunately, black market cultivators and dealers prefer such
strains and they do not require proof of age.

Researchers concede that it is too early to tell how legalization will
impact usage rates, however, several studies have determined that
usage rates rise and fall with no statistical relationship to cannabis
laws and their enforcement. For example, Dutch youth use cannabis at
about half the rate of Canadian youth, despite or because of the
availability of cannabis to adults in "coffee shops."

We have more control over cat food than we do over the so-called
"controlled drugs and substances," as evidenced by the health warnings
Dr. O'Malley has observed on cigarette packages and the steady decline
in tobacco smoking, despite our refraining from criminalizing tobacco
smokers and incarcerating convenience store owners and clerks.

Matthew M. Elrod, Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Matt