Marijuana is not the equivalent of Heroin. Nor Cocaine. Nor Methamphetamine.
Marijuana is not known for physical dependence, nor will an unlaced
joint cause death to a person of average health. However, it cannot be argued
that Marijuana use is not healthy in a number of ways; and many feel
that legalization of Cannabis may not be good for our society
either.
On March 26, 2014, New Hampshire’s House killed a bill which would
have legalized up to one ounce of Marijuana with the intention of recreational
use for those 21 years of age and over. Having gained preliminary approval in
the House with a 170-140 vote with a request for committee review, it was
determined that legalized commercial sales of this drug could be a large
cause for concern. The end result was a 192-140 House vote against the proposed
bill.
There
are Good Arguments Behind Legalization
Self-empowerment NH, LLC in no way endorses drug use. That is a fact. However, we
do agree that there are solid arguments behind the legalization of Marijuana. One reason is that such a
bill would provide certain protections in regards to the contents of the drug.
“Lacing”, (including additional chemicals
or drugs with or without the consumer’s knowledge) would be less prevalent, an
issue which causes serious health issues and may even cause death. There is
also the argument that other dangerous drugs like alcohol and tobacco are
legal, thus making it difficult to rationalize the individuals behind bars as a
result of Cannabis sales or use.
But
Here’s What People Don’t Think About…
Marijuana is not
harmless. Regardless of the results of future legalization efforts and the decisions based on de-criminalization of this substance, there
are factors that all individuals should keep in mind.
1.)
According to Dr. Drew Pinsky, an individual whom
has been working with addicts for
decades, there are populations of people with genetic potential for addiction. Despite arguments that Marijuana is not addictive, Dr. Pinsky
argues that categorizing Marijuana
as a non-addictive substance could
be considered malpractice, and that many people who smoke Marijuana regularly have a difficult time quitting this habit.
2.) Studies show that regular Marijuana users experience impairment in memory, learning and
attention, even when use has been discontinued for twenty-four hours. Impaired
motor coordination was also noted.
3.) Marijuana significantly effects brain development.
Translation: youth exposure to Cannabis
could cause the brain to not develop to its full potential and could put a
serious kink in the success of the next generation, (our planet’s future).
4.)
According
to Dr. Dan Brookoff of the New England Journal of Medicine, 45% of reckless
drivers not impaired by Alcohol
tested positive for Marijuana. This
brings up the frightening reality that a rise in Marijuana use could lead to an
increase in injuries and deaths associated with motor vehicle accidents.
5.)
It has
been argued that Marijuana may be a
closer relative of such drugs as Heroin,
Cocaine and Alcohol than many may think, as Marijuana activates the same pleasure
centers in the brain as such drugs.
6.)
There are
a number of physiological effects
associated with Cannabis, to include
Anxiety, panic attacks and/or paranoia.
7.)
Benzopyrene
is the chemical in Tobacco that
causes Lung Cancer and an average Marijuana cigarette contains nearly 50%
more Benzopyrene than a Tobacco cigarette.
8.)
Heavy Marijuana
use can affect hormone levels in both females and males.
9.)
Marijuana
can affect the immune system and its ability to fight disease/illness.
Are You or Someone You Know Addicted to
Drugs and/or Alcohol and Need Somewhere to Turn?
Self-Empowerment NH, LLC specializes in working with families
suffering from substance abuse
issues and has supported a number of individuals whom suffer from even the most
severe of addictions. Through both
individual counseling and family counseling; Selfempnh is here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and
non-judgmental support system.
For more information
about counseling and group services and/or presentations, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC,
LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.
You are not
alone. Open the door to self-empowerment.
Open the door to a better tomorrow.
