Pubdate: Mon, 21 Jul 2014
Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ)
Copyright: 2014 The Arizona Republic
Contact: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/sendaletter.html
Website: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24
Author: Diana Dellis
Page: 15

THE SOCIAL COSTS OF LEGALIZING POT OUTWEIGH ANY TAX-REVENUE BOOST

As a health professional, I cringe every time I read that we should 
legalize another addictive substance, marijuana, because we can incur 
tax revenue. (By the way, I support use of THC in appropriate medical 
situations.)

As a society, we must start making choices based on what is best for 
our collective health and work and life success. I urge people to 
look at the research. Marijuana use is known to cause chronic 
bronchitis and airway changes in the lungs; users suffer from 
impaired memory, thinking and problem-solving.

Even more alarming, chronic marijuana use changes the structure of 
the brain. Researchers are finding that regular use of cannabis may 
lower a person's IQ.

And, yes, the use of marijuana often leads to addiction.

There are societal consequences, financially and in quality of life. 
If we want to continue to compete and lead in a global economy, we 
need healthy brains and bodies, and intelligent, motivated citizens.

- - Diana Dellis,

Phoenix
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom