Research indicates that the earlier kids start using marijuana, the more likely they are to become dependent on this or other illicit drugs later in life
Even marijuana proponents acknowledge that marijuana use is harmful for teens. Allen St. Pierre, the executive director of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marjuana Laws) recently stated that "One can argue before a young person reaches full brain development in their early 20's, they should not use or have legal access to marijuana." (The Ledger, Lakeland Florida , January 3, 2005 ).
Scientists have proven that marijuana users experience changes in the flow of blood to their brains. Ronald Herning of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that marijuana smokers may suffer from narrowed blood vessels in their brains, possibly explaining why smokers experience memory and thinking problems. (reported in the Chicago Sun Times, February 8, 2005 ).
The brain. Smoking marijuana leads to some changes in the brain similar to those caused by cocaine, heroin and alcohol. Here you are correct, except instead of legalizing pot we should place limits on alcohol (via a heavy tax)
Studies on the brain have shown that pot use alters the hippocampus and affects short-term memory.As an adolescent, there are remarkable experiences that contribute to growth.these need to be set down into memoryand pot use stops this." ( quoted in the Lakeland , Florida paper The Ledger, January 3, 2005 .)
Lung damage. Regular marijuana users often develop breathing problems including chronic coughing and wheezing. Marijuana contains the same cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco. The amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed by those who smoke marijuana, regardless of THC content, are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers. Smoking five marijuana cigarettes is equal to smoking a full pack of tobacco cigarettes. According to the American Lung Association, there is 50-70% more cancer causing material in marijuana smoke than in cigarette smoke. In fact, marijuana smoke contains more than 400 chemicals. Again, your information is accurate here, and the Govt. IS doing something about cigarettes (again, by increasing taxes, placing tougher laws, and forcing the cigarette companies to make anti-cigarette ads, etc.)
A study conducted by Maastricht University (Netherlands) and published in the British Medical Journal reported that frequent cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood raises the risk of psychotic symptoms later in life. (BBC News, December 1, 2004). In London 80 percent of people assessed with a first episode of psychosis are on cannabis. The explosion of cannabis-induced psychosis is already happening. (London Daily Mail, June 21, 2005).
The above is ALL true. My uncle is, sadly, a pothead so when I write this I know what I'm talking about. My grandfather was a mild drunk and he was still the most brilliant person I ever met at age 86. My uncle is in his forties and mentally he is gone.
Even marijuana proponents acknowledge that marijuana use is harmful for teens. Allen St. Pierre, the executive director of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marjuana Laws) recently stated that "One can argue before a young person reaches full brain development in their early 20's, they should not use or have legal access to marijuana." (The Ledger, Lakeland Florida , January 3, 2005 ).
Scientists have proven that marijuana users experience changes in the flow of blood to their brains. Ronald Herning of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that marijuana smokers may suffer from narrowed blood vessels in their brains, possibly explaining why smokers experience memory and thinking problems. (reported in the Chicago Sun Times, February 8, 2005 ).
The brain. Smoking marijuana leads to some changes in the brain similar to those caused by cocaine, heroin and alcohol. Here you are correct, except instead of legalizing pot we should place limits on alcohol (via a heavy tax)
Studies on the brain have shown that pot use alters the hippocampus and affects short-term memory.As an adolescent, there are remarkable experiences that contribute to growth.these need to be set down into memoryand pot use stops this." ( quoted in the Lakeland , Florida paper The Ledger, January 3, 2005 .)
Lung damage. Regular marijuana users often develop breathing problems including chronic coughing and wheezing. Marijuana contains the same cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco. The amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed by those who smoke marijuana, regardless of THC content, are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers. Smoking five marijuana cigarettes is equal to smoking a full pack of tobacco cigarettes. According to the American Lung Association, there is 50-70% more cancer causing material in marijuana smoke than in cigarette smoke. In fact, marijuana smoke contains more than 400 chemicals. Again, your information is accurate here, and the Govt. IS doing something about cigarettes (again, by increasing taxes, placing tougher laws, and forcing the cigarette companies to make anti-cigarette ads, etc.)
A study conducted by Maastricht University (Netherlands) and published in the British Medical Journal reported that frequent cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood raises the risk of psychotic symptoms later in life. (BBC News, December 1, 2004). In London 80 percent of people assessed with a first episode of psychosis are on cannabis. The explosion of cannabis-induced psychosis is already happening. (London Daily Mail, June 21, 2005).
The above is ALL true. My uncle is, sadly, a pothead so when I write this I know what I'm talking about. My grandfather was a mild drunk and he was still the most brilliant person I ever met at age 86. My uncle is in his forties and mentally he is gone.
