Pubdate: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 Source: Daily Collegian (PA Edu) Copyright: 2009 Collegian Inc. Contact: http://www.collegian.psu.edu/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/543 Author: Mehrdad Ghahramani Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n311/a04.html Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n315/a13.html MARIJUANA'S HARMFUL EFFECTS IGNORED BY DRUG'S ADVOCATES This is a response to "Legalizing marijuana can help economy." Even though both writers make some plausible arguments for legalization, I would like to refute some of their claims. Both articles argue that marijuana is a harmless substance. Mr. White goes as far as stating that: "[Marijuana] has never killed a single person." Perhaps I should point out that THC, the main ingredient in marijuana, is both addictive and harmful. A simple examination of its pathway in the body can confirm this principle: After its consumption, THC doesn't reach the brain significantly, but a large amount is stored in the fat tissues and is gradually secreted into the blood over the course of several weeks. As a result of this property, THC has a more damaging effect than alcohol, which is excreted quickly from the body due to its water-solubility characteristic. There have also been reports that marijuana contains around 60 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco, increasing the risk of emphysema as well as various forms of cancer. Let me carry on by mentioning some other harmful effects of marijuana both on its users and on the other member of the society. According to the Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, "marijuana use affects alertness, concentration, perception, and reaction time," all critical to the safe operation of automobiles. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 6 to 11 percent of fatal-accident victims tested positive for THC and the emergency department episodes involving marijuana has almost tripled in the last decade. Thus, just looking at the abovementioned facts should provide enough evidence to dispute the notion that marijuana use "has not killed a single person." In closing, I believe there are healthier ways of restoring the economy. Mehrdad Ghahramani senior-pre-medicine - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart