MARIJUANA USE CAN BE RISKY

To the Editor:

Re: 'Powerful pain remedy' (column, April 16).

Karen Lloyd's irresponsible article on medical marijuana use shows a
disturbing lack of awareness of the risks associated with marijuana
use, which, she claims, has "fewer side effects than quitting coffee
and poses less risk than driving down the highway, breathing city
air, drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco."

In fact, in 1992, the United States Public Health Service terminated
its medicinal marijuana program, stating that there was no scientific
evidence that the drug was assisting patients, and issued a warning
that smoking marijuana as a form of medical therapy may actually be
harmful to some patients.

There is evidence, however, that marijuana use effects alertness,
concentration, perception, coordination, memory and reaction time for
up to 24 hours after smoking it. It causes increased anxiety and
panic attacks, and impairs judgment, leading to risky behavior. Thus
it increases risk when driving. Regular use of marijuana causes many
of the same lung problems tobacco smokers experience. Marijuana use
can lead to addiction. Students using it daily or long term have
lower achievement, and more delinquent behavior and aggression.
Long-term use is linked to psychosis, personality disorders,
schizophrenia, chronic bronchitis and damage to the immune system.

Our society is striving to protect our youth from the health risks
associated with tobacco use. Let's not encourage them to misuse
another substance likely to impact their lives far more severely.

Sally Fingas

Hamilton Township