Pubdate: Tue, 08 Oct 2013
Source: Express-Times, The (PA)
Copyright: 2013 The Express-Times
Contact: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/sendaletter/
Website: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/expresstimes/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1489
Author: Dan Lyons

MARIJUANA IS DANGEROUS, POTENTIALLY ADDICTIVE DRUG

Recent polls show increasing acceptance of marijuana use. Half of 
Americans think the country should legalize it, influenced by 
marijuana peddlers.

Marijuana is very damaging and very addictive. The Food and Drug 
Administration has never approved it. It certainly should not be 
considered medicine.

Marijuana is especially harmful for youth. At least one in six youths 
who start using it become addicted. The potency is twice as strong as 
it was 10 years ago. When it is legalized, the suppliers make it stronger.

A study last year by Rutgers University noted how marijuana weakens 
our ability to drive a car, increases our heart rate, causes 
bloodshot eyes, hallucinations, delusions of persecution and panic attacks.

Youth who drive on marijuana are twice as likely to have an accident. 
A high percentage of those using marijuana move on to more addictive 
drugs. No wonder our prisons are so crowded with young people!

DAN LYONS

Bloomsbury
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom