MARIJUANA'S NEW SCIENCE

When advocates of marijuana legalization defend their stance, they
usually do so with the argument that there is no verifiable data to
suggest the drug presents any real harm to its users.

But now, it appears the scientific tide is turning away from such
assertions. The results of recent medical studies are beginning to
change the way advocates and opponents should evaluate the
legalization debate.

In December 2007, scientists at Health Canada (the equivalent of the
Department of Health and Human Services) conducted a survey to
investigate the toxins present in cannabis smoke. Their research
turned up 20 times as much ammonia and four times as much hydrogen
cyanide than can be found in typical cigarettes.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association,
and featured in a Feb. 7 story on NPR's Morning Edition, found people
who smoke marijuana regularly have a higher risk of gum disease, tooth
decay and tooth loss. Additionally, researchers suspect frequent
marijuana usage could weaken the immune system and inflammatory response.

The evidence is building, and it doesn't look favorable for the
"marijuana is harmless" crowd. The old talking points are losing
credence with every new piece of data that is released.

It's true that the people who want marijuana are going to get it,
regardless of legality. It's also true that legalization doesn't mean
the next day no one shows up for work and store shelves are cleaned of
their Cheetos stock.

But it does mean that the legalization argument should be losing
steam. And rightfully so. Marijuana should not be legalized. Except
for under the most dire of medicinal reasons, the drug has no place in
our legal system.

Science is finally backing that stance.