Pubdate: Wed, 15 Jan 2014
Source: Washington Post (DC)
Copyright: 2014 Samuel T. Wilkinson
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/mUgeOPdZ
Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/491
Author: Samuel T. Wilkinson
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n039/a05.html
Note: One of three letters

SMOKING OUT THE MEANING IN COLORADO'S MARIJUANA LAW

Steve Fox's Jan. 12 Outlook commentary, "Why the NFL should let 
players inhale," implied that marijuana is not addictive and carries 
no long-term harm. Research shows that about one in 10 adult 
marijuana users, and closer to one in six teenagers, will become addicted.

Mr. Fox also suggested that marijuana is a safe alternative to opioid 
painkillers. In reality, the best studies show that marijuana is 
effective only for a specific type of pain (neuropathic), which 
opioids do not treat well. Further, non-addictive medications that 
are superior to marijuana in treating neuropathic pain are available.

Perhaps most misleading, Mr. Fox implied that marijuana protects 
brain function and should therefore be freely available to pro 
football players who sustain head trauma. A recent 38-year study 
documented a decrease in chronic cannabis users' IQ.

If the NFL lifts its ban on marijuana, it should not do so because of 
its purportedly non-addicting, pain-controlling and neuroprotective effects.

Samuel T. Wilkinson, New Haven, Conn.  
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