POT ISN'T GOOD FOR FAMILY LIFE

Marijuana. I can't believe that I am going there again and I am sure
there are a few around who wish I wouldn't, but I guess that's the
kind of hairpin I am.

A couple of months ago I expressed the opinion that legalizing
marijuana is not a good idea. It was only my opinion, not shared by
all, and that is why the legalization of marijuana is called a
controversy. Some say yes, some say no, some don't care.

Some people were outraged at my misrepresentation of the facts. First
of all, let me say that I research everything I write for this column
and in this case I provided seven research sources for memory and
motivational impairment to my publisher.

With regard to the effects of marijuana on the human body, there
seems to be no doubt that the introduction of
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) causes an immediate effect as it
is carried through the bloodstream and through the body's organs into
the brain. The cannabinoid receptors on the surface of the nerve
cells in the brain are associated with pleasure, memory, cognition,
concentration, movement, and sensory function. THC overstimulates the
receptors and impairs function.

The concern is that marijuana potency has been steadily increasing
over the past 30 years, so naturally the effect of THC is more
powerful. The effects of a more potent version of the drug on young
people whose brains are still developing is cause for alarm.

In addition to a stronger form of marijuana, there is a street
version of marijuana with an additive of a dissociative anesthetic
called Phencyclidine (PCP), sometimes referred to as Angel Dust. This
is a product that was shelved in the 50's for being unsafe for medical use.

One of the common ways to use Angel Dust is to sprinkle it on
marijuana and some suppliers sell it as Love Boat or Killer Weed. PCP
causes severe hallucinations and delirium as well as euphoria, loss
of inhibitions, anxiety, disorientation, and disorganized thinking.
An extreme reaction can cause coma, violence, paranoia and some very
serious physiological reactions.

Many users report residual effects such as depression, confusion and
feeling out of control. Now PCP is not marijuana, but the incidence
of combining the two for sale on the street is well-documented. It is
widely available in large gatherings such as raves and concerts.

A person who has smoked marijuana may be disoriented, dizzy and
unstable on his feet, may laugh uncontrollably for no reason, may
have red or bloodshot eyes. He may have difficulty remembering what
just happened or forget what he is saying in mid-sentence. Perception
becomes distorted, heart rate increases, anxiety may set in, and some
people may become paranoid.

As with alcohol, which is a legal drug, reactions vary. Some people
can handle alcohol and others destroy their lives.

This column is entitled 'Family Life.' My perspective is always about
what is good for the family and what is good for the parents and what
keeps kids safe.