SCIENCE SHOWS POT IS HARMFUL

At least two Times-Argus letter writers have made false claims lately
regarding the supposed harmlessness of marijuana. Walter Carpenter
claims that "marijuana does far less harm than cigarettes," and
Clancy DeSmit asserts that "We all know that alcohol and/or tobacco
are far more harmful to individuals and society than marijuana."

We do? Actually, not. Contrary to perceived hippie lore, marijuana
has been shown in numerous scientific studies to be both far more
harmful to the lungs and immune system than cigarette smoke and more
damaging to brain function and learning ability than comparable alcohol use.

A quick tour of health-related Web sites supported by many scientific
studies and agencies, including the National Institute of Health and
the British Lung Foundation, turned up these facts:

Marijuana smoke has 50 to 70 percent more cancer-causing hydrocarbons
than cigarette smoke.

THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, impairs the immune system.
Users get sick more seriously and more often than non-users.

Short-term brain effects include problems with memory, learning,
thinking, and problem solving, and loss of coordination.

Longer term effects include depression, anxiety, and other serious
personality disturbances.

I've known people who never became the engineers, physicians,
scientists or other real problem-solvers they might have become had
they not blown their minds on pot. And I think I know others who, for
the same reason, can't seem to see the forest for the trees in their
political opinions or their personal relationships.

I doubt that sending every confused and physically weakened pot head
to jail is the answer. But I strongly support Gov. Douglas in sending
a very clear message that pot is off limits. It has been shown to be
a physical danger and a mental illness accelerator, and its more
widespread use would be devastating to our adult citizens, to our
young people, and to the progress and safety of our country.

Andy Leader

North Middlesex