Pubdate: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM) Copyright: 2013 Albuquerque Journal Contact: http://www.abqjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10 Author: Billie Avery Note: Billie Avery Former Executive Director, National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth THERE'S SOLID SCIENCE BEHIND CRIMINALIZED POT Before we consider decrimalization of marijuana, let's examine some basic facts about the mind-altering drug. Marijuana today is not the same plant of the '60s generation. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is the mood/mind altering chemical ingredient that users seek. Rising potency of this psychoactive ingredient THC now averages 10 percent depending on where the marijuana is grown and the genetic characteristics of the plant. There are more than seven varieties of marijuana, each having different concentration of THC and other chemicals. The average on the streets of Albuquerque is more than 5 percent THC, with the more expensive "joints" ranging from 5 percent to 14 percent. The plants of the '60s averaged 1 percent to 2 percent. Why the desire to make the plants more and more powerful, the high higher? Because marijuana builds up in the body, creating tolerance. Consequently a stronger high is desired. Advocates of marijuana decriminalization propose that possession of 8 ounces would be a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine. No one mentions how many "joints" can be made from 8 ounces or what the strength of the legal pot would be. For the legislator's information, according to Google, one ounce can equal 56 joints at one-half gram each. That would make 448 joints possible. What strength will be acceptable for decriminalization? Who will test the "pot"? Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is addictive. Estimates from research suggest that about 9 percent of users become addicted to marijuana; this number increases among the younger users. Marijuana has been illegal for many good reasons, and the complexity of the plant bears that law to be wise. We have worked hard to encourage good health by educating about second-hand smoke from cigarettes. But now the pro-marijuana lobby would introduce to the general public a drug that when smoked could have up to 50 percent the carcinogens of cigarette smoke. Marijuana smoke contains gases and tiny particles. Smoking marijuana activates gases that include known carcinogens benzanthracene and benzopyrene in high concentrations. Now let's consider driving under the influence. There is no argument about New Mexico's problems in this matter. The pro-marijuana lobby would expand the use of another legal drug to our enforcement problems. Marijuana seriously impairs judgment and motor coordination. The National Institute on Drug Abuse writes that data from several studies found that marijuana use more than doubles a driver's risk of being in an accident. Further, the combination of marijuana and alcohol is worse than either substance alone with respect to driving impairment. Another problem is that the current movement toward "gradual" decriminalization increases the market for the various drug cartels and thereby increases the criminal pressure leading to countless deaths and chaos in Mexico. According to the Los Angles Times, marijuana plantations in this country are causing havoc in the "fragile habitats" of the North Coast and other parts of California. Education based on sound prevention techniques is the secret to reduce use and has proven in the past to be effective. Each generation has to be taught all over again. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom