Pubdate: Fri, 25 Sep 2009 Source: Napa Valley Register (CA) Copyright: 2009 Lee Enterprises Contact: http://www.napavalleyregister.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/736 Author: Iris Barrie THINK HARD BEFORE OKING MARIJUANA SALES Dear editor, As a retired addiction therapist who spent 15 years working with teens who abused a variety of drugs, I would like to weigh in on whether or not to permit marijuana clinics in Napa. This drug stays in the body much longer than most others; it can effect cognition, memory, judgment and coordination, days to weeks after it is ingested. What safeguards will there be that those using these "prescriptions" will not be driving, working with heavy equipment, caring for our children or trying to comprehend algebra? The guidelines for physicians to prescribe marijuana are very ill-defined. Insomnia, migraines, menstrual cramps? A little MJ can relieve the symptoms. Many of the teen clients I worked with received "gifts" of weed from family members who secured unwarranted marijuana through prescriptions. The National Institute of Drug Addiction classifies marijuana as an addictive drug. I would think long and hard before sanctioning easy access to it in Napa. Iris Barrie / Napa - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom