I am concerned about marijuana's impact on the human brain and the laissez-faire attitude of the public. On the one hand, research demonstrates it is very helpful in alleviating pain and anxiety for a variety of medical conditions. On the other hand, the number of psychotic breaks as a result of marijuana use has increased significantly. For many people, smoking marijuana is a huge mental health hazard. The increased amount of THC in the strains these days is a factor we did not have to consider in the '60s and '70s.

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Dear Editor:

Tuesday, July 25, 2006, was mandatory drug testing day for all Pleasant students that participate in extracurricular activities or who will be driving to school this school year. There is not a Right to Privacy form to be signed, only a number scheme to identify each student that was tested.

How does one expect students who are on drugs to get to school? They will ride the school bus or will ride with a student who had to be drug tested, since this program does not include those students. Why aren't all Pleasant students tested? When this question was asked to administrators, the answer was, "The State of Ohio law will not permit every student in junior high or high school to be drug tested." Only those with extracurricular activities and students that drive to school can be tested to meet the approved number scheme. Parents must pay $30 for the privilege of having each student tested. Twenty-six dollars is paid to the vendor for doing the tests and $4 goes to the Pleasant School. Additional fees to be able to play sports or be in band, chorus, etc., is a part of being able to participate in extra curricular activities as well.

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