As a former president of Drug Watch International and co-editor of the Marijuana Research Review, I find dismaying the media’s disregard for the results of more than 20,000 published scientific studies on marijuana, none of which show it to be safe and effective — or necessary — for anything. A few of the more than 485 compounds found in marijuana have already been developed and can be prescribed by physicians.
The drug culture’s continued lament about the depiction of marijuana in the old 1930’s film “Reefer Madness” is ridiculous. I know of no one who has ever seen the film but it is important to note that marijuana, particularly today’s very potent street varieties, is associated with causing or exacerbating psychosis, particularly schizophrenia. See www.schizophrenia.com/prevention/streetdrugs.html for a listing of more than 30 studies linking marijuana to this phenomenon. Marijuana use is now a leading cause of drug-related emergency room episodes, especially those involving psychosis.
There are many incidents of marijuana causing death, either directly, such as triggering a heart attack, or indirectly such as through vehicular accidents or engaging in dangerous and irrational behavior. As the use of this drug spreads, we are sure to see the many known adverse side effects amplified.
Sandra S. Bennett
La Center
