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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom