Pubdate: Fri, 05 Oct 2012 Source: Topeka Capital-Journal (KS) Copyright: 2012 The Topeka Capital-Journal Contact: http://cjonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/455 Author: Max Wilson MARIJUANA DANGEROUS Almost every year, attempts are made to get medical-excuse marijuana laws passed in Kansas. These attempts tend to drive public perception of marijuana as being less harmful than it is and as an acceptable drug for use. The weakening of medical marijuana laws, laws that violate the FDA approval process in the first place, facilitate abuse. The overall atmosphere with the softening of marijuana laws does put young people at greater risk as a result of diminished perception of risk or harm of using marijuana. Marijuana use and illicit prescription drug use is increasing among Kansas youths. If medical-excuse marijuana laws were passed, we would expect to see a huge upsurge in marijuana availability added to the mix of deadly illicit prescription drugs available to youths. The density of alcohol and tobacco sales outlets contributes to availability and an increase in illicit use of these drugs. Reports from states that have passed medical-excuse marijuana laws also indicate the greater the number of prescription providers and outlets, the greater the increase in the number of people using marijuana illicitly. Marijuana users of all ages perform more poorly than nonusers on cognitive tasks, especially those that require executive function. New research shows that early users (people who begin marijuana use before age 16) have more difficulty than late onset users. Age of onset, frequency of use and amount of use were all factors in poor cognitive performance. Onset of marijuana use during adolescence is now also linked to altered brain development leading to long-term cognitive impairment. Kansas can ill afford the additional increases in risks to our children, youths and adults that medical-excuse marijuana would bring to our state. MAX WILSON, TOPEKA - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom