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
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom