THE DARK SIDE OF POT

It is time that the other side of marijuana use be given some
attention. All we seem to hear about is how people need their "medicine."

I have worked as a therapist for 25 years and specialize in chemical
dependency treatment. While pot may have its place for some people in
some medical cases, I see people all the time now getting
prescriptions for pot because of "migraines" or "chronic pain,"
neither of which exists for them but it makes their addiction to pot
legal.

The side of it I see is usually from the loved one expressing deep
distress because their son just doesn't move on with his life, or the
wife expressing frustration in having to carry the family finances and
responsibilities because her mate is stoned most of the time and just
doesn't make it out to look for a job. The addicted person usually
thinks there isn't a problem. I hear, "You don't want to know me
without it. It just mellows me out."

It is time we wake up and recognize that legalizing pot (which is
basically what the medical marijuana law seems to have done) is
robbing our community big time. Just in my small piece of the world I
see great losses in individual productivity, family closeness,
spiritual growth, and community involvement.

It just seems like alcohol and other drugs have done enough damage.
Why tout pot as being so innocent and helpful when in fact for many,
many people it is not?

Connie Neal

Butte Valley