Over the past few years a growing number of people in Canada and the United States have
been calling for the legalization of the widely used,
yet illegal drug known as cannabis or marijuana
Is the prohibition of marijuana just a useless holdover from a prudish era, or, are there
measurable and hazardous repercussions to the use of marijuana?
Both Libertarians and those political forces of the left have coalesced around this issue,
claiming that legalization and regulation would afford better control of the drug than
the enforcement of prohibition.
The widespread utilization of cannabis and the messaging from proponents have resulted
in much of society thinking that recreational use of this drug is harmless.
Are the concerns of those who oppose legalization unfounded?
There is a reason why the Canadian Medical Association (or the CMA) expressed grave concern
about initiatives to legalize marijuana, and have even expressed considerable reservation
about what some call "medical marijuana."
They feel much more research needs to be done to isolate and identify specific applications
for the beneficial use of active ingredients in marijuana, for instance such as the control
of seizures.
Note a section from a statement from the CMA, (2014):
"The CMA still believes there is insufficient scientific evidence available to support the
use of marijuana for clinical purposes.
It also believes there is insufficient evidence on clinical risks and benefits, including
the proper dosage of marijuana to be used and on the potential interactions between
this drug and other medications"
A 2015 report from the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse conveyed the following warning
from lead researcher Amy Porath-Waller:
"Teens who start smoking marijuana early and do so frequently risk lowering their IQ scores"
The growing body of evidence about the effects of cannabis use during adolescence is reason
for concern . . . .
Equally concerning is the perception among many Canadian youth that cannabis is benign
and has no effect on their ability to drive or their performance in school.
I think we should be very concerned
Even more serious warnings are contained on the Government of Canada website under the
topic: "Health Risks of Marijuana"
"Starting to use marijuana young can greatly increase physical and mental health risks.
It also increases the chance of addiction."
According to government scientists these risks include, but are not limited to:
Heart issues caused by a doubling of the heart rate increasing the risk of heart attack or
stroke
Women who are pregnant may be particularly at risk for health problems related to marijuana
use.
Marijuana smoking during pregnancy has been associated with long-lasting harm to the exposed
child's memory and other brain functions as well as hyperactive behaviour . . . .
In older children, problems are often seen while they are at school.
Exposure to marijuana may affect their: memory, problem-solving skills, emotional
and behavioural responses, and ability to maintain focus and pay attention.
Some people who use marijuana may be at higher risk of developing mental illnesses like psychosis
or schizophrenia . . . .
Another organization, The Partnership for a Drug Free Canada (PDFC) in a 2015 report
stated: "Regardless of the THC content, the amount
of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed are three
to five times greater than among tobacco smokers." We can add to these facts that the higher
burning temperature of cannabis, combined with the manner in which it is smoked causes
increased loss of the cilia in the lungs leading to increases in rates of life threatening
emphysema.
It is interesting to note that, for years, the Canadian Cancer Society has lobbied against
tobacco smoking, and has won widespread public support--
yet the same people who wisely oppose tobacco usage often seem not to care that in marijuana
they have a substance found to be many times more deadly to the human lung.
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Canada for a good reason:
it is harmful to its users, and to the nation.
It, and other drugs like it rob the individual of potential, and leave behind broken dreams
and shattered lives.
Political leaders ought to be driven by a sense of what is in the best interest of the
nation and its future, yet there are those who will compromise principles for political
expediency.
It is a tragedy when members of society, young or old, view "getting high" as their only
pleasure.
Clearly they do not see a purpose for human existence, a purpose which can be known, and
can be achieved.
I am Stuart Wachowicz for Tomorrow's World Viewpoint.
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