Pubdate: Sat, 15 Jan 2011
Source: Statesman Journal (Salem, OR)
Copyright: 2011 Ellen Pollard
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/QEzJupzz
Website: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/427
Author: Ellen Pollard

DAILY MARIJUANA USE A COMMON LINK IN VIOLENT ACTS

Instead of looking for a political motive for the violent act in 
Tucson, just look at the facts. This young man is mentally ill with a 
history of daily marijuana use, starting as early as high school.

Readers, please educate yourselves about marijuana and its link to 
mental illness. There are plenty of articles out there. Consider, 
also, past high-profile cases of young people involved in shootings 
and mass murders. In many of these cases, we learned the shooters 
were regular marijuana users.

All too often, however, we are not informed about a suspect's drug 
use. That is information the public should always be made aware of if 
we are serious about looking for ways to prevent violent acts.

Marijuana is not medicine and it is not a harmless recreational drug. 
It is particularly dangerous to young minds.

- - Ellen Pollard, Salem
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom