Pubdate: Fri, 12 Jan 2018
Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON)
Copyright: 2018 The Hamilton Spectator
Contact:  http://www.thespec.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181
Author: Trudy Leclerc
Page: AS8

LEGAL POT MEANS MORE PSYCHOTIC BEHAVIOUR

RE: Legalizing cannabis

I have witnessed the detrimental effects of smoking pot on a young
teenager diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder. The pot interfered
with his medication and he would become psychotic, often requiring
hospitalization. He continued to smoke pot despite the warnings from
his parents and doctors. He now boasts that smoking pot is a good
thing because the government has legalized it and there is even
medical marijuana.

As pot is a "gateway drug," he now uses other drugs as well. This
leads to his mental condition being out of control at times, but
because he is an adult now who has "rights" and because of the limited
beds available, he is sent home vulnerable and untreated.

With legalizing pot, I predict a rise in young people experiencing
psychotic behaviour and the hospitals unable to deal with this
increase. But hey, smoking pot must be a "good thing" because it is
legal.

Trudy Leclerc, Hamilton
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MAP posted-by: Matt