Response: CA Tries to Legalize Marijuana; and Wrongly So!
Author: Sarah Riordan
I’d like to apologize in advance to all the potheads (and Michael Phelps) out there, but marijuana is in fact, contrary to popular belief, a dangerous drug. So despite all the supposed economic benefits of legalizing and taxing marijuana, having a bunch of slow moving burnouts doesn’t exactly paint a picture of a booming economy. As a result, an attempt to legalize it is like, dude, such like, a bad idea man.
California legislators are proposing that marijuana be taxed and legalized in bill AB390. Despite its legalization for medical purposes in many states, as a recreational activity, marijuana has remained a controversial subject. In a recent New York Times/CBS Poll, 41 percent of Americans now support legalizing the drug. Yet, it remains illegal for a reason.
Pastor Scott Erlich is the chaplain for Valley Hope a 30-day rehabilitation center in Boonville, Mo. As someone who daily counsels people with drug addictions, Erlich is against the legalization of marijuana but also against standard treatment for the problem.
“There are three main reasons why I’m against the legalization of marijuana. The first reason is that this is not your father’s drug. Marijuana has grown stronger and more potent in form overtime. It’s far more dangerous now than it was for the hippies. The second reason is that there is good scientific evidence that indicates the drug is addictive. The third reason is that I’ve seen time and again how it is a gateway drug. People who use marijuana are far more likely to experiment with other drugs. That’s supported by countless statistics. That having been said, it’s important to note that if marijuana stays illegal, prison time is not the answer. Drug addicts need help. Sending them to prison will make their addiction to even marijuana worse,” Erlich said.
According to a recent study conducted by a Harvard medical research team, the negative affects of marijuana still outweigh the positives. The research shows that even using the drug for medical purposes is dangerous. Though it’s often used to treat AIDS victims and cancer patients, marijuana is actually harmful to the immune system. Though the drug may give patients the illusion that they’re feeling better, it adds to the ailment by making a patient with an already weakened immune system more susceptible to disease. The research also shows that, like cigarettes, marijuana is harmful to the respiratory system and is just as likely to lead to lung cancer.
Though the Harvard study includes some research on the mental effects of marijuana usage, there’s plenty of additional research that reveals the truly frightening psychological consequences. Online information for the Marijuana Detox Center says the drug greatly inhibits the use of short-term memory, and makes even simple tasks seemingly complex. Marijuana also causes slow reaction time which can lead to life threatening situations if behind a vehicle or in charge of caring for another individual. These effects also last up to 24 hours. Research has also shown that people who smoke the drug suffer from learning disabilities while smoking.
Lastly, according to drug-rehab.com, marijuana can strengthen the severity of mental illnesses like schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and social problems. The drug can lead to increased levels of anxiety and at times hallucinations. To all you young men out there who think smoking weed is dope, (pun intended) the drug causes a severe decrease in a person’s sex drive and ability to perform sexually overall. So while you might feel like a stud you won’t be such a big hit with the ladies . . . if you catch my drift.
There you have it, a huge list of mental, physical, and emotional reasons why marijuana should not be legalized. But you know what, don’t take my word for it; take the word of Harvard, drug rehabilitation centers nation wide, and drug rehab chaplain Scott Erlich. They may just have more insight than the rest of us.
Arguments abound – see what proponents of AB390 are saying!
For reader comments, click here.
For State Surge author Kellie Bartoli’s coverage, follow this link.
Video: 95% of Americans Want Marijuana Legalized
ok 
cancel
OMG!!!!!!!!! Another “article” with NO supporting facts, links, reason, or even logic….why am I not surprised? Take the babies juju and it cries….seems a good paralel here
Lies,lies and more of the same old lies. Even the “Harvard” study you linked is full of lies,outdated and misinformation. Go to the NORML website to get closer to the truth,people. You won’t find it in this article,by this writer.
So,this writer and their so-called ” Harvard Med Reserach Team” are correct and the following who support the use of medical cannabis are WRONG! 1.American Medical Assoc.
2.American College of Physicians
3.Leukemia and Lymphoma Soc.
4.American Academy of Family Physicians
5.American Public Health Assoc.
6.American Psychiatric Assoc.
7.American Nurses Assoc.
8.British Medical Assoc.
9.Health Canada
These are some,not all, of medical professional organizations that support the legal use of medical cannabis.
There are also two good books written by Harvard Psychiatrist Lester Grinspoon,MD which contain REAL information re: cannabis,both medical and non-medical (gasp!Recreational!!!!gasp!consciousness “altering”)
uss of cannabis: “Marihuana Reconsidered” and “Marihuana: The Forbidden Medicine”. There is also a book written by Martin Booth about the 12,000 year history of cannabis and man called “Cannabis: A History” (that is my “pot-ravaged memory” serves me correctly. I do know the name of the author so you can find it on Amazon.com or your local friendly book seller). Funny how our society is OK with such toxic substances as tobacco and alcohol,not to mention all the legal and OTC pharmaceuticals which can have really nasty side effects,such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers which ravage the liver,stomach,kidneys,auditory nerves;or opiates which are REALLY physically addictive,(unlike Cannabis,WHICH IS NOT). In fact,cannabis is NON-TOXIC. Unlike tobacco,alcohol and legal OTC and prescription drugs,cannabis does not and cannot directly cause death due to overdose or toxicity. Ask a nauseous cancer-chemo patient who can’t eat and who tried cannabis to help with overcoming nausea and for generating their appetite to give up their daily dose of cannabis and continue to stay on their chemo therapy. They would first look at you as if you’re an insane person and then tell you to step off.
Ask a glaucoma patient who’s eyesight is being saved by cannabis use to give it up…I dare you. The same goes for epileptics,MS victims,etc.etc. In fact,this posting that you originated is really irresponsible and wrong. Get the REAL facts and dispose of the hoary old lies of 1937 and of Harry Anslinger,William R. Hearst and Mr. DuPont,(oops,I forgot DuPont’s christian name-must be due to that “debbil weed” Mr. Muggles.) Even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was anointed in cannabis oil. It was commonly used in his part of the world and during his time. What are you so AFRAID OF??? The truth?
Over a thousand people have died so far JUST THIS YEAR at the hands of the drug cartels in Mexico.
We need to take away seventy percent of their earnings and legalize marijuana.
Just as repealing alcohol prohibition greatly reduced crime and provided the government with another source of income, so will marijuana prohibition.
I actually agree with miss Riordan. In a addition, I don’t know what the people who left the first couple of comments were reading, because clearly, even if you disagree, she did her research. So let’s be fair; feel free to disagree, but don’t unjustly criticize the sources. Where else are you supposed to find information about drugs if not from a rehab center?
I’m a psychotherapist at a rehab center, and I have nothing against pot. I just see how it affects people, and how dangerous it can be. If it were safe, I’d be all for it. I’m not bias, I’m a professional. i think this is a fair piece.
Sounds like the effects of any number of mind-numbing drugs prescribed every day by physicians and sold at the liquor store around the corner.
Next.
Leave your response!
Recent Posts
Categories
Tags
StateSurge is a non-governmental, non-partisan website. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or timeliness of the data found on this website.
© 2005-2009 LobbyAssist LLC. Patents Pending. All Rights Reserved.