Regular readers of this column know I have argued that marijuana is far safer than alcohol. Also, that the criminalization of marijuana usage, a central component of the failed "War on Drugs," really amounts to a War on Citizens, particularly citizens of color. Now, the New York Times, in an unprecedented series of editorials, forcefully contends that the time has come to end the federal prohibition against marijuana and allow the states to make their own rules about this drug (See N.Y. Times, July 27, 2014). [continues 784 words]
EDITOR'S NOTE: Incline resident Andy Whyman, MD, is a former opinion columnist for the Bonanza. Over the next several months, he will author columns pertaining to drugs, mental health and substance abuse in an effort to raise better awareness. The columns will be featured on a periodic basis in both the Bonanza and Sierra Sun. Some weeks ago I read about the results of an informal survey conducted in Colorado before the passage of its new law legalizing marijuana. In that survey, one-third of respondents believed marijuana is more dangerous than alcohol, one-third believed it is as dangerous as alcohol, and one-third believed it less dangerous than alcohol. [continues 676 words]
