THE TRUTH OF MARIJUANA VS ALCOHOL
Currently Colorado and California have legalized marijuana. Several other states are starting to debate whether or not to legalize it as well, Arizona is one of them. Research to date has not indicated that the determining factor that it is safer than alcohol, is a basis for legalization. How can we as a society justify using a class 1 substance legal? The effects on society cannot justify whether or not it is better or worse that alcohol, but the subject is the effects it has on us. Research has been done from those who have specialized in drug addiction. SAMSA and others that have lived the life of addiction will prove otherwise. The physical and mental effects have no positive impact on those using it especially our teens which where it all begins, it will only add to the existing substance abuse issues.
The popularity of marijuana has grown since the legalization in marijuana in several states amongst teens. Prior to these dates, specifically, 2006-2008 the use of marijuana had fallen nationally at a substantial rate. Keeping this in mind, the most common illicit drug use amongst teens is pot. It is their drug of dependence, and the younger the age, the greater the risk. The studies by the Office of National Drug Control have found that the portrayal of drugs that teens use especially marijuana, makes it appear exciting and fashionable. They package cannabis in different forms to make it more appealing. For example, in cookies, candies and other products that are marketable to our youth. It is ironic that we tell our youth not to drink and drive, however, driving under any substance is not acceptable.
Alcohol has decreased in general, except amongst college students, who drink more and binge more than others, 90%, in fact. These statistics do not apply to high school students, their drug of choice is marijuana. The University of Michigan surveys that nearly 25.1% of eighth graders have consumed both alcohol and marijuana. Apparently, one is not better than the other.
Statistics have also shown that marijuana is a gateway drug to further enhancement. CNN has reported that more than 64% of adults admitted that they initial tried marijuana thinking it was not a big deal and of those 64% admitted to trying additional forms of illicit drugs! In a twelve step program, recently attended, an official poll was taken to see what there outlook was on the marijuana debate. This poll was done on various ages, nationalities, and sex. The outcome also shows that 72% of the individuals surveyed showed, they initially tried marijuana before using a "harder" drug. Many used marijuana with no alcohol use at all (appendix A).
Now, we can proceed to the question of the additional cost this will impact not only teens but adults as well. We have been feed that the amount of money the states will gain in revenue will be approximately 2.5 million annually. Statistics show that Colorado had $40 million in tax revenue last year, $8 million which is being used for the drug education program. That sounds hypocritical. We are sending a mixed message. R.J. Reynolds Company sets aside millions each year on anti-smoking campaign, and yet continue to sell carcinogens. The big picture is that the cost or rehabilitation has actually increased due to the fact the bed availability has decreased. More private companies have built rehabs, however, unless one has private insurance, the more likely than not be unaccepted due to non-payment.
Oxford University has supplied scientific information on the health effects of marijuana. It is unbiased, and is supported by research. It does contain some of the comparisons between alcohol and marijuana. In reality neither is good for one's health, its effects are based on the amount, length and age of user. The fact is that compared to alcohol, marijuana is not safe. Long term, moderate consumption of alcohol carries some significant benefits. It has been shown that a glass of wine with dinner actually improves health. Research has found that these moderate amounts can actually reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, gallstones, diabetes and potential heart attack. Whereas, marijuana is far more likely to cause addiction, and is usually consumed to the point of intoxication. Most importantly it has no health benefits.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse the long term effects of marijuana consumptions are overwhelming. The long term use impairs the ability of T cells which are in the lungs immune system, The T cells function is to fight off infection. These studies also have found that the consumption impairs the short term memory, making it difficult (again effecting our youth) to learn and retain information, as well as slowing our reaction time and impairing motor coordination. Basically the effect of cognitive ability persists beyond the period of use. Unlike alcohol, THC is stored in the organs and fat tissues which stay in the user's body for days or even weeks after use. It is quite apparent that smoking it is bad for your lungs, just like tobacco, and is as addictive. One study showed 30 percent of adults had signs of withdrawal again referring to the above concern of rehabilitation. SAMSHA has been researching issuing pertains to the issues of mental health and addiction. It does not compare the two meaning alcohol and marijuana, however, shows that both have dire effects on the brains chemistry. This in combination for a person with mental illness can be deadly.
Many people feel that the marijuana is safer than alcohol. Their basis is the amount of drunk drivers that have been killed or have killed. MADD has made their mission to abolish drinking and driving which, no doubt is valid. However, we have not yet had statistics on any vehicular accidents on those under the influence of marijuana. That is yet to be seen. Alcohol produces taxed income on sales as well as marijuana, again the profit margin on both in much greater than that given back to the harmful effects. Many have stated that marijuana is natural, and yet we have manufactured spice under the impression of "synthetic" marijuana, which for a time was legal and accessible to minors through smoke shops. Paul Armentano, The director of that National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws states "Marijuana is a harmless medicine, the economic costs of prohibition outweigh the benefits and current drug policies do not work" (RioSalado Library "Teen Drug Use" June 23, 2012 Vol 21, Issue 21). There is no as working. Does that mean we just cave in and legalize what we cannot prevent?
Perhaps we should review the initial ballot of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes only. This has been the case in Arizona, when voters voted it in and after several years of reversing our vote it is in place. This is not to say this fail proof. Unfortunately, there will be abuse, however, it will be controlled and as a controlled substance that it is classified as it should be. There are many benefits for the medicinal purposes that marijuana has been used for years and years. Predominately amongst Native Americans. When used properly, it can alleviate pain amongst cancer patients, help with eating disorders, and assist in chronic pain. Statistics have shown that the majority of seniors prefer to use medical marijuana opposed to pharmaceuticals for their pain management, including glaucoma.
Whether marijuana is safer than alcohol is no. The risks definitely outweigh the pleasure of another legal substance. Unfortunately, we are looking at the money value that it is providing and not the big picture of the long term effects. Are we willing to sacrifice our youth for income to our state? It has yet to be proven that the other than the need to self-medicate in another form the value of marijuana.
Appendix A
Date:
Date of Birth:
Drug of Choice:
Start Date of Substance Abuse:
What was your first drug used:
Family History:
Brief History:
Do you believe that this initiated further abuse/:
What initiated your reason for abstinence?
Currently Colorado and California have legalized marijuana. Several other states are starting to debate whether or not to legalize it as well, Arizona is one of them. Research to date has not indicated that the determining factor that it is safer than alcohol, is a basis for legalization. How can we as a society justify using a class 1 substance legal? The effects on society cannot justify whether or not it is better or worse that alcohol, but the subject is the effects it has on us. Research has been done from those who have specialized in drug addiction. SAMSA and others that have lived the life of addiction will prove otherwise. The physical and mental effects have no positive impact on those using it especially our teens which where it all begins, it will only add to the existing substance abuse issues.
The popularity of marijuana has grown since the legalization in marijuana in several states amongst teens. Prior to these dates, specifically, 2006-2008 the use of marijuana had fallen nationally at a substantial rate. Keeping this in mind, the most common illicit drug use amongst teens is pot. It is their drug of dependence, and the younger the age, the greater the risk. The studies by the Office of National Drug Control have found that the portrayal of drugs that teens use especially marijuana, makes it appear exciting and fashionable. They package cannabis in different forms to make it more appealing. For example, in cookies, candies and other products that are marketable to our youth. It is ironic that we tell our youth not to drink and drive, however, driving under any substance is not acceptable.
Alcohol has decreased in general, except amongst college students, who drink more and binge more than others, 90%, in fact. These statistics do not apply to high school students, their drug of choice is marijuana. The University of Michigan surveys that nearly 25.1% of eighth graders have consumed both alcohol and marijuana. Apparently, one is not better than the other.
Statistics have also shown that marijuana is a gateway drug to further enhancement. CNN has reported that more than 64% of adults admitted that they initial tried marijuana thinking it was not a big deal and of those 64% admitted to trying additional forms of illicit drugs! In a twelve step program, recently attended, an official poll was taken to see what there outlook was on the marijuana debate. This poll was done on various ages, nationalities, and sex. The outcome also shows that 72% of the individuals surveyed showed, they initially tried marijuana before using a "harder" drug. Many used marijuana with no alcohol use at all (appendix A).
Now, we can proceed to the question of the additional cost this will impact not only teens but adults as well. We have been feed that the amount of money the states will gain in revenue will be approximately 2.5 million annually. Statistics show that Colorado had $40 million in tax revenue last year, $8 million which is being used for the drug education program. That sounds hypocritical. We are sending a mixed message. R.J. Reynolds Company sets aside millions each year on anti-smoking campaign, and yet continue to sell carcinogens. The big picture is that the cost or rehabilitation has actually increased due to the fact the bed availability has decreased. More private companies have built rehabs, however, unless one has private insurance, the more likely than not be unaccepted due to non-payment.
Oxford University has supplied scientific information on the health effects of marijuana. It is unbiased, and is supported by research. It does contain some of the comparisons between alcohol and marijuana. In reality neither is good for one's health, its effects are based on the amount, length and age of user. The fact is that compared to alcohol, marijuana is not safe. Long term, moderate consumption of alcohol carries some significant benefits. It has been shown that a glass of wine with dinner actually improves health. Research has found that these moderate amounts can actually reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, gallstones, diabetes and potential heart attack. Whereas, marijuana is far more likely to cause addiction, and is usually consumed to the point of intoxication. Most importantly it has no health benefits.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse the long term effects of marijuana consumptions are overwhelming. The long term use impairs the ability of T cells which are in the lungs immune system, The T cells function is to fight off infection. These studies also have found that the consumption impairs the short term memory, making it difficult (again effecting our youth) to learn and retain information, as well as slowing our reaction time and impairing motor coordination. Basically the effect of cognitive ability persists beyond the period of use. Unlike alcohol, THC is stored in the organs and fat tissues which stay in the user's body for days or even weeks after use. It is quite apparent that smoking it is bad for your lungs, just like tobacco, and is as addictive. One study showed 30 percent of adults had signs of withdrawal again referring to the above concern of rehabilitation. SAMSHA has been researching issuing pertains to the issues of mental health and addiction. It does not compare the two meaning alcohol and marijuana, however, shows that both have dire effects on the brains chemistry. This in combination for a person with mental illness can be deadly.
Many people feel that the marijuana is safer than alcohol. Their basis is the amount of drunk drivers that have been killed or have killed. MADD has made their mission to abolish drinking and driving which, no doubt is valid. However, we have not yet had statistics on any vehicular accidents on those under the influence of marijuana. That is yet to be seen. Alcohol produces taxed income on sales as well as marijuana, again the profit margin on both in much greater than that given back to the harmful effects. Many have stated that marijuana is natural, and yet we have manufactured spice under the impression of "synthetic" marijuana, which for a time was legal and accessible to minors through smoke shops. Paul Armentano, The director of that National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws states "Marijuana is a harmless medicine, the economic costs of prohibition outweigh the benefits and current drug policies do not work" (RioSalado Library "Teen Drug Use" June 23, 2012 Vol 21, Issue 21). There is no as working. Does that mean we just cave in and legalize what we cannot prevent?
Perhaps we should review the initial ballot of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes only. This has been the case in Arizona, when voters voted it in and after several years of reversing our vote it is in place. This is not to say this fail proof. Unfortunately, there will be abuse, however, it will be controlled and as a controlled substance that it is classified as it should be. There are many benefits for the medicinal purposes that marijuana has been used for years and years. Predominately amongst Native Americans. When used properly, it can alleviate pain amongst cancer patients, help with eating disorders, and assist in chronic pain. Statistics have shown that the majority of seniors prefer to use medical marijuana opposed to pharmaceuticals for their pain management, including glaucoma.
Whether marijuana is safer than alcohol is no. The risks definitely outweigh the pleasure of another legal substance. Unfortunately, we are looking at the money value that it is providing and not the big picture of the long term effects. Are we willing to sacrifice our youth for income to our state? It has yet to be proven that the other than the need to self-medicate in another form the value of marijuana.
Appendix A
Date:
Date of Birth:
Drug of Choice:
Start Date of Substance Abuse:
What was your first drug used:
Family History:
Brief History:
Do you believe that this initiated further abuse/:
What initiated your reason for abstinence?
