Pubdate: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 Source: Tampa Bay Times (FL) Copyright: 2014 Diana Gilbert Contact: http://www.sptimes.com/letters/ Website: http://www.tampabay.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/419 Author: Diana Gilbert HEED DANGERS OF MARIJUANA Re: Medical pot not an easy victory, Sept. 4 Adding an amendment to the Constitution, especially one legalizing medical marijuana, should not be done lightly. According to the California Narcotics Officers Association, "Marijuana is an unstable mixture of over 400 chemicals including toxic psychoactive chemicals which are largely unstudied and appear in uncontrolled strengths." No scientific studies demonstrate that marijuana is safe. Marijuana has a high potential for abuse, and there is currently strong evidence that smoked marijuana is harmful. Mental illnesses such as psychosis, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and suicidal thoughts have been associated with chronic marijuana use. Marijuana acts on specific targets in the brain and causes difficulty with thinking and problem-solving, impaired coordination and judgment, and disrupted learning and memory. Its effects on developing brains are concerning. The Florida Medical Association and law enforcement organizations strongly oppose Amendment 2. Amendment 2 is not good for public health or public safety. Vote no. Diana Gilbert, Niceville - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D