THINK HARD BEFORE OKING MARIJUANA SALES

Dear editor, As a retired addiction therapist who spent 15 years
working with teens who abused a variety of drugs, I would like to
weigh in on whether or not to permit marijuana clinics in Napa.

This drug stays in the body much longer than most others; it can
effect cognition, memory, judgment and coordination, days to weeks
after it is ingested. What safeguards will there be that those using
these "prescriptions" will not be driving, working with heavy
equipment, caring for our children or trying to comprehend algebra?
The guidelines for physicians to prescribe marijuana are very
ill-defined. Insomnia, migraines, menstrual cramps? A little MJ can
relieve the symptoms. Many of the teen clients I worked with received
"gifts" of weed from family members who secured unwarranted marijuana
through prescriptions. The National Institute of Drug Addiction
classifies marijuana as an addictive drug. I would think long and
hard before sanctioning easy access to it in Napa.

Iris Barrie / Napa