Weed Legalization

1.) Users of marijuana frequently report problems with short-term memory, both while using and between uses. Short-term memory is the most fragile brain function. The mental after effects of a pot high are measurable, and are equal with the after effects of a drunken stupor (Psychopharmacology 115: 340, 1994) 2.) The active component of Marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol - THC), when administered for five days or more, is now known to greatly increase the numbers of cannabinoid receptors, and to alter their chemical binding characteristics (Pharm. Bioch. Behav. 51: 731,1995). Since the consequences of this increase has yet to be determined, legalization of this substance for general public consumption should rely on understanding them should they prove to be adverse. 3.) Marijuana smoking impairs one's performance on tests of thinking and coordination (J. Exp. Anal. Behav. 62: 73, 1994; Psych. Res. 51: 115, 1994) and it has also been found to impair one's car driving ability (NEJM 332: 892, 1995). Many scientific studies have found similar degenerative and deteriorating behavior changes between alcoholics and frequent marijuana users. Research continues to show a drop in I.Q. among frequent users as well as inclinations to develop diseases such as stroke and cancer. The negative effects of marijuana can last for 28 days or more and these negative effects include memory problems, learning deficiency, shortened attention-span, and diminished reaction time. 4.) For a century or more tobacco smoking was considered to be harmless and smoking marijuana shares many parallels with that substance - especially when it comes to legalization before society has a complete grasp on the effects. While marijuana has been found to have many medicinal benefits we can say the same about Opium and Morphine; and legalizing and smoking Morphine and Opium is unquestionably not beneficial for society. 5.) Scientists in Madrid have found long-term behavioral damage in rats exposed in the womb to cannabis (Pharm. Bioch. Behav. 47: 47, 1994) - which may well be an indicator of how marijuana may influence human pregnancy, already studies have shown that marijuana use lowers birth weight of children (Hall W & Degenhard L (2009)). 6.) Marijuana smoking increases the risk for heart 4x within an hour after smoking (Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorders in the United States: 1991-1992 and 2001-2002 JAMA) 7.) Marijuana smoke contains carcinogens that can be irritants to the lungs, resulting in greater prevalence of bronchitis, cough and phlegm production.(Arch Intern Med 167, 221-228 (2007) 8.) Marijuana smoke contains 50-70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke, as reported by the American Lung Association (Recent Advances in Phytochemistry. New York: Plenum, 1975) 9.) Marijuana is linked to schizophrenia and psychosis, depression, and anxiety (British Medical Journal. 325, 1212-1213) (Lancet 370(9584):319"328, 2007) 10.) Due to the known and yet to be known (but indicated) physical health risks, the mental health risks, the risks to job performance, the detriment to school performance it is clear that Marijuana should not be legalized. While decriminalization may be applicable in some instances (such as medicinal applications), the well being, safety, and health of the public is best served and supported by Marijuana not being legalized.