Pubdate: Fri, 09 Jan 2015
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2015 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Christopher Knippers

TO TOKE, OR NOT TO TOKE ...

Re "The dark side of marijuana," Opinion, Jan. 4

I applaud Shapiro for speaking the truth about the significant risks 
of marijuana. Those of us who merely point out the facts about the 
verifiable damage that it can cause are seen as unsophisticated and 
overreacting prudes.

The scientific findings speak for themselves. Not only are there 
risks for addiction to marijuana and other drugs, but also for brain 
shrinkage. I am amazed at intelligent people who make the absurd 
argument that smoking marijuana is no more dangerous than drinking, 
given the obvious risks of alcohol.

Ninety percent of my young patients in addiction treatment report 
that marijuana was indeed their gateway to addiction and to 
associating with criminals. Yes, there are medical uses, but let's 
not forget the risks of cognitive, emotional and social consequences 
of recreational use.

There are also medical uses for strong opiates, which also are not 
dangerous when properly used - but let's not legalize recreational 
use of morphine and Oxycontin.

Christopher Knippers

Palm Springs The writer is an addiction therapist.
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