30 July 2008 - 22:39Marijuana. Part 2.
Marijuana does, over time, have a depressing effect on the brain’s memory centers. With heavy smokers of this drug, there have been cases of respiratory problems. There is also documentation that for the first sixty to ninety minutes chances of a heart attack are alarmingly increased due to the fact that the heart rate and blood pressure both spike. Users also have a period of time in which their perception is altered and their reflexes and responses are impaired which heightens the chance of an accident, particularly if driving. The drug also can make many users paranoid for a short while and it will also magnify any underlying mental problems. The effects of marijuana were once depicted in a movie from the 30s, “Reefer Madness”, which showed outrageous behavior among a group of teens, but these results were later scoffed at. If someone does have an addictive personality, marijuana may be that bridge to other drugs. As a result of being thought of as a “harmless” drug, and distributed as such, it has been possible for marijuana to reach younger and younger groups. It is not a very big step for a 6th grader to go from one smoke (cigarette) to another. This is especially true when one is told that it is just a “little joint”. Marijuana demand has been responsible for many gang and cartel formations in the 70s and 80s as they fought to corral the millions of dollars that were being paid for this relatively simple and inexpensive (to produce) commodity.
There has also been a negative impact on the economy due to lost work hours that can be attributed both directly and indirectly to the use of this drug. It does not matter whether the hours lost are due to tardiness, absences or job accidents while under the influence…..lost hours of any sort are going to impact both families and the economy. Also, long term marijuana use has contributed to many young adults failing to continue or finish their education.
Marijuana legalization is worthy of consideration when you weigh both sides and choose to see the larger picture. We cannot legislate morality and this is a moral question. Those who would seek to abuse this substance will do so one way or another. The people who are in need of the beneficial properties will be allowed their relief and not be made to feel as though they are criminals. The legalization, regulation and taxation of this drug would assure a safe product and would also assure a huge stream of revenue for our government, federal, state and local. The people who would be licensed to grow the crops commercially would have jobs to offer and there would always be those who would be happy with the home-grown variety. Prices would be at a level which could halt the import of the foreign grown crops and there would be no need for people to try and hustle to sell this drug on street corners or in alleys. Merely removing the illegal label would cause the allure of the drug to dim for some. Prohibition did not work for alcohol and it has not worked for marijuana to this point. It is time we heeded the lessons of our past and incorporated them into our present and future. It is time to reconsider our priorities and our commitments. Is there really that much of a difference between nicotine, alcohol and marijuana? Of the three, marijuana has ruined the fewest lives, killed the fewest people and destroyed the fewest families. The glaring difference is that the first two are regulated and taxed and the third is not.
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