Pubdate: Mon, 23 Mar 2015 Source: Toronto Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2015 The Toronto Star Contact: http://www.thestar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n148/a06.html Author: Jacob Nussbaum Note: Title by Newshawk DON'T TREAT MARIJUANA LIKE SMOKES, BOOZE Re: Let the cops ticket tokers, Editorial March 10 What the supporters of decriminalization don't discuss is the direct connection between dropout rates and pot use. Studies have linked the use of pot in youth to an irreversible decline in IQ, memory, and other neuropsychological abilities. In distinct and individual diagnoses there are positive uses, but as a recreational drug, marijuana is far more harmful than helpful. Obviously the government would put an age restriction on the use of marijuana if it was legalized for recreational use, but I have seen as a young student that this method isn't foolproof for alcohol, so who would think it would be infallible for a drug that can cause severe, permanent damage? I don't think marijuana should be legalized for recreational use. It would not have a positive benefit for society. Jacob Nussbaum, Dundas - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom