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
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart