Marijuana Legalization Does Not Mean it’s Harmless
According to a nationally representative online survey, even those parents who support the legalization of marijuana will expect that strict regulations are going to be in place to reduce the availability to kids and teens. Out of the 1,603 adults surveyed 1,200 had children aged 10 to 19. Amongst the parents, 70 percent supported legalizing cannabis for medical purposes, 46 percent said it should be decriminalized and only 35 percent of parents favored legalization for recreational use. Despite those numbers, the vast majority of parents were in favor of implementing strict regulations to ensure that young adults were unable to use this drug. Other findings included:
- Almost 95 percent agreed that use be prohibited in public places where smoking is banned
- Almost 90 percent believe that advertising the drug must be banned
- Almost 90 percent believe that when used by teens, marijuana can have strong negative effects on the brain
Just because it’s Legal Doesn’t Mean it’s Harmless
One of the main problems that we associate with the legalization of cannabis for recreational use is the fact that there is evidence available right now that this substance is not harmless. In fact many banks and bankcard services approve some types of legal cannabis businesses, but according to federal government law are forbidden to service cannabis companies. While this in itself would not be a reason to block the legalization (after all, we know that tobacco and alcohol are not harmless either), one of the main problems is that the recent conversation seems to overlook these harmful findings. It seems as though the discussions regarding the legalization of cannabis are ignoring the fact that this is a product that has a number of problems associated with it.
Problems with the Brain
The first problem is that marijuana is not harmless. Studies have shown that if young adults start inhaling marijuana before the age of 21, they risk problems later on in life. The main reason is that before 21, the brain is still developing. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to the drug is going to affect short-term memory and alters the hippocampus. While this is problematic enough in adults, you have to understand that for developing teenagers, this could lead to developmental problems later in life.
In addition, a study published in the British Medical Journal conducted by Maastricht University suggested that frequent use of the drug during young adulthood and adolescence would drastically increase the chances of that user experiencing psychotic symptoms later in life.
It Leads to Lung Damage
Again, there is no denying that the carcinogens in tobacco smoke are not doing anyone any favors; however, to suggest that cannabis is somehow safer ‘because it is a natural product’ is faulty logic. In fact, there are more than 400 different chemicals in marijuana smoke.
Scientists at Yale University also found that long-term users of this drug are at risk of the same respiratory problems that afflict cigarette smokers. This includes phlegm, coughing, chronic bronchitis, wheezing and shortness of breath. Alternatively, those who suggest that smoking out of a water pipe would somehow filter out these toxins are not correct. Benzopyrene – the primary cancer-causing tar in marijuana – does not dissolve in water.
It Affects Learning and Academic Achievement
Studies have proven that heavy use can impair young people’s ability to retain information and concentrate on given tasks. Regular use has also been associated with poor academic performance and cognitive deficits. Especially when teenager’s brains are still developing, this could be problematic during teens’ peak learning years.
It is Linked to Risky Behavior
Contrary to popular belief, there have been studies that suggest that early marijuana use can lead to dangerous behavior. Research suggests that those who use during early adolescence are more likely to engage in risky behavior such as having more friends who exhibit deviant behavior, perceiving drugs as not harmful and having multiple sexual partners.
Despite popular notions that most people who use this drug are ‘relaxed’, there is a link between increased violent behavior and frequent marijuana use. Research found that incidents of stealing, destroying property and physically attacking people increased in proportion to the amount of days that cannabis was used in the last year.
It Does Have Addictive Properties
What we hear all the time from people who support the legalization of marijuana is – “it is not addictive.” However, these proponents are dead wrong. Approximately 9 percent of all regular users are going to experience habit-forming tendencies. If the person uses every day, that number is going to skyrocket to between 25 and 50 percent. The reason here is, once again, dopamine. Because of the release of dopamine, the user is going to want to use repeatedly in order to experience the desired pleasurable sensations. This may lead to problems with dependence, which can have negative consequences on a professional, academic, social and personal level.
Furthermore, studies show that if a long-term user suddenly stops, it may lead to them experiencing cannabis withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms have been paralleled to the same sensations that a long-term tobacco smoker has to go through, this means weight loss, problems sleeping and being irritable. While these symptoms traditionally only last a few days, they may continue weeks after the user last abused the drug. Because these withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, many people relapse and use again in order to relieve those negative withdrawal symptoms.
The Conclusion about Cannabis Use
Once again, we want to reiterate that there is no denying that the conversation and public opinion on the legalization of this substance are clearly changing. This is not a plea for people to ‘please think of the children’ or exaggerate problems associated with recreational use. However, if we look at the public discourse, it is becoming increasingly clear that much of the discussions revert to “it is not as addictive as… (enter drug of choice here) or that it is a natural product. It is important to present both sides of the equation equally and that is something that is not currently being done.
January 20th, 2014 at 7:51 pm
And here’s another blog post & website that’s missing the whole point!!! Why can’t you admit marijuana has so many benefits?!?! You should be sounding off your trumpets over street drugs and prescription drugs, not pot!!! You can argue all you want, but there’s no denying marijuana has more benefits than your hairs number!
1. It treats depression.
2. It treats migraines and a host of other recurring headachies. No more pills, no more drugs.
3. It’s known to stop and slow cancer, Alzheimer and other deadly diseases from progressing.
4.It helps prevent seizures from epilepsy and other medical conditions such as tourette, tic, etc.
5. Relieves pain from arthritis, gout, surgeries and a host of many body pains.
6. Decrease levels of insulin among diabetic patients.
All these are well studied, tested and proven. Now, do we have prescription drugs that ARE NOT addictive and harmful that could take place of pot? NO! We don’t… All pharmaceutical companies produce drugs for specific ailments with harmful chemicals alongside the good ingredients. As for marijuana, it’s organic, safe and healthy.
Many groups and individuals – like this website – just don’t get it. Or refuse to see it because they have vested interest!!!
July 5th, 2014 at 12:17 am
US should change the wrongful classification of this natural medicine marijuana, so these drug policy puppets noses can stop growing. Even if you can’t get with ending prohibition based on people’s right to choose, then how about collecting tax instead of wasting vast amounts of public money and resources enforcing bad policy. Come on. Marijuana is not like alcohol or tobacco, aspirin, cocaine, or heroin. It is a plant with recreational and medical benefits proven long before our government’s false sked 1 classification. Marijuana is not toxic, you can consume 1000x the active dose and maybe take a nap. Try that with alcohol or tobacco.
Prohibition advocates have so little to stand on. How long until this campaign of misinformation and lies is swept away by the growing numbers who know better. Whats shitty is that our tax money pays for this misdirected enforcement and waste of public resources, denies patients the right to a natural medicine with proven palliative and curative effects (yes it shrinks tumours), and criminalizes millions of people. What do we do? Call your senators and local representatives now and urge them to support marijuana legalization efforts, and bans on using public money to enforce bad federal policies where localities have legalized. Enough of this BS already.