Pubdate: Tue, 14 Mar 2006
Source: Duluth News-Tribune (MN)
Copyright: 2006 Duluth News-Tribune
Contact:  http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/553
Author: Ken Steil

POT PUSHERS SHOULD GIVE UP THE BATTLE

I believe marijuana has no recognized medical value. Neither the Food
and Drug Administration nor the American Medical Association recommend
its use for any medical condition. No established treatment protocol
includes the use of pot.

A 1999 survey of people who used marijuana for medical conditions in
California found they had used marijuana an average of 14 years before
they got a pro-pot doctor to say they needed it for their physical
condition. Those advocating using marijuana for medical conditions now
are simply trying to get their drug use legalized, I believe.
Curiously, they never see much wrong with marijuana.

Though pot users might not like to look at data on pot use, the
numbers fail to show any benefits. Pot users tend to get into other
drugs more than those who do not use. They do not do as well on the
job. Their driving is impaired. And they more often get into legal
trouble (beyond pot offenses), are more likely to lack motivation,
drop out of school, suffer from mental disorders, develop addiction to
pot, have difficulty with relationships, make poor decisions and
require more medical treatment. There is little positive to say about
marijuana except it gets the user "high."

Pot on the street today is at least twice as strong as it was in the
early 1980s. It is not a harmless drug. If any medical use for pot is
established, the drug will not be administered in the form of smoke,
because smoke contains harmful substances.

Politicians such as Sen. Steve Kelley, DFL-Hopkins, need to stay out
of legalizing pot. We have established institutions for determining
medicines and effective medical treatments. Let them take the lead.
Pushing pot does not contribute to making our legislative process any
more effective.

Ken Steil

Duluth
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake