Pubdate: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 Source: State Journal-Register (IL) Copyright: 2009 The State Journal-Register Contact: http://www.sj-r.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/425 Author: Vita Zemaitis OK OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA WOULD BRING NEW PROBLEMS Question of legalizing pot or, to be precise, cannabis is in the news again. It's not a solution to the various problems facing the increasingly difficult lives of many people in the United States. According to Merck's Medical Manual, "People who use large quantities of marijuana may become confused; driving is dangerous; panic reactions occur. It can cause red, bloodshot eyes, irregular heartbeat and reduces production of testosterone." In case you did not know, testosterone is needed to build muscles. If you start legalizing marijuana, it will be as if saying it's OK to use it. Unfortunately, about 50 percent of adolescents have used pot. Medical marijuana may be just an excuse to get high. It has been shown to have little redeeming value and the federal government prohibited its use in 1937. Marijuana is especially detrimental to emotionally unstable persons and its use has been associated with various criminal activities. Mental confusion and dullness increases with continued use, which could lead to toxic psychoses. So be honest with yourself before you indulge into this expensive stimulant. Consider it may lead to addiction difficult to reverse. Ask yourself, do I need it? Why use it? Vita Zemaitis Chatham - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake