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THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR POT USE

Recently, I read in The News-Journal that attorney John Morgan, along with lobbyist Benjamin Pollara, met with The News-Journal's editorial board.  While they advocate the passage of Amendment 2 legalizing medical marijuana, I wonder if Morgan accepts the responsibility for the outcomes of its use ?

For his information ( and I assume he knows this ), marijuana can cause dizziness, drowsiness and impaired judgment.  Alcohol increases these effects.  So too some drugs like anti-depressants, antihistamines, pain relievers and muscle relaxants.  Along with these side effects, there is distorted perception, impaired coordination and concentration, making driving difficult and dangerous.

Clinically, THC, the main ingredient in cannabis, is stored in fat cells, maybe for several months, and is released slowly back into the bloodstream.  It does suppress the effects of chemotherapy agents by controlling the vomiting reflex, so I do sympathize with patients who can benefit by this.  But where are prescription medications which contain the same active ingredients?

Let's address the vomiting reflex while using marijuana.  When indulging alcohol ( something youths and others do ), if excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed, vomiting will not occur and alcohol levels could become toxic and cause death due to respiratory failure.

Therefore I ask Morgan if he will accept the responsibility of teenagers killed while driving under the influence, a child killed in an auto accident, even someone in my family or his suffering from such a tragedy.  Again I ask: Will he accept the responsibility?

Kenneth J.  Moffa

Palm Coast

Moffa is a registered pharmacist.