Pubdate: Wed, 10 Oct 2012
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2012 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Author: Nathan Nulph
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n494/a04.html

FURTHER STUDY MINIMIZES RISK

I would like to briefly describe the three studies Ann Donnelly
mentions in her Oct. 3 letter "Recognize high risk of marijuana."

First, the research linking tetrahydrocannabinol to schizophrenia is
based on findings from administering volunteers with large doses of
pure THC intravenously. Indeed, symptoms mirroring schizophrenia occur
under such circumstances, but nobody is going to be injecting
themselves with incredibly large doses of pure THC.

The study linking cannabis use to testicular cancer is taken from a
small and isolated sample group (455 volunteers from Los Angeles
County) and needs more research before any conclusions can be taken
seriously (if there is a risk, it's probably minimal).

Finally, the study linking cannabis use to a lower IQ is valid, but
overblown. While data do indicate that marijuana users experience a
drop in IQ, the average drop was only eight points -- a hardly
significant figure. Moreover, the drop is not proved to be permanent
and most likely isn't. Furthermore, Professor Terrie Moffitt, a
researcher involved in the IQ study, had this to say: "I'm fairly
confident that cannabis is safe for over-18 brains, but risky for
under-18 brains."

Do some research instead of simply reciting headlines.

Nathan Nulph

Vancouver
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