BadlandsGrizFan said:
I cant beleive that in 2016 marijuana is still considered a "street drug". I would guess we pick up 1-2 CB transfers.
Well, with minor exceptions, which do not include Montana, it
is still illegal ... whether any particular individuals agree or not. So it was a dumb idea to begin with.
Still, I can’t believe that in 2016, anyone thinks “recreational” use of marijuana is a good idea. At a time when “society” is pretty-well hard over against smoking tobacco, somehow it’s glamorous and “with it” to smoke MJ.
Clinical studies (National Institute on Drug Abuse https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana) have documented -- with hard numbers -- the following:
Short term
• Impaired body movement
• Impaired memory
• Mental difficulties
• Mood changes (generally for the worse, after the “high” wears off)
The numbers are still being collected, but they strongly suggest that a driver impaired by MJ is at least as dangerous on the road as someone who is moderately impaired by alcohol.
Long term
• Breathing problems (jury still out on possible higher cancer risk)
• Increased chance of heart attack due to accelerated heart rate.
• Child mal-development in pregnant women exposed to MJ
• Temporary hallucinations or paranoia.
• Heavy use in the teen (or younger) years
measurably decreases mental abilities.
Admittedly, the data does not support the notion that MJ is a “gateway” drug for “most” users. However, the data does show that 30% (that’s a roughly one-in-three chance for those who don’t like percentages) can develop strong dependence or clinical addiction. All-of-the-above adverse effects become much worse with dependence or addiction … and some fraction will indeed move on to stronger drugs when MJ no longer satisfies their craving for a high.
Smoking tobacco is bad enough. Except for those who have a true medical need, smoking marijuana is just downright stupid, no matter how great you think the temporary high is.