ABUSE AND RAMPANT USE OF MARIJUANA NEEDS TO STOP

With respect to Mr. Parks' Your Turn of July 1, I beg to differ, and
on several levels.

I understand that cannabis is an effective pain medication for certain
ailments. The list of those ailments grows daily and contradicts
proper medical care.

From the perspective of a licensed addiction counselor, I have met
those who have driven (and crashed) vehicles while under the influence
of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. I have met teens who are
afflicted with amotivational syndrome due to heavy cannabis use. And
yes, I have met those who mix cannabis and alcohol, causing a
significant deterioration in their ability to make safe decisions
while driving. In fact, the first portion of the brain to be affected
by THC is that portion connected to reaction time.

Holding up bad decisions of one substance does not justify the misuse
of another. Yes, alcohol causes problems as do other substances. If
cannabis is truly a "medicine," why is it so highly sought by the
majority of felons (many of whom have marijuana cards) in Lewis and
Clark County? And why is it smoked so blatantly, at the Capitol,
immediately after testifying to its medical benefits?

Moderation is the key, here, and I think there needs to be some
corrective measures applied to this rampant use and abuse.

Pete Formaz

Helena