Today, I am sharing on a subject that is quite
sensitive for some people and one that it is
causing lots of havoc in our homes, communities
and schools. This subject is marijuana. There
has been discussions in the public media about
whether or not the government will decriminalize
marijuana. Some are for it and others are
against it. The reason for this response is the
knowledge of the negative impact of marijuana.
Note that I am not writing as an expert in
marijuana studies. I am writing as one who is
concerned about the impact of marijuana on
relationships, families and the society. I am
also writing as one who loves research; as a
counseling psychologist, having worked with a
few addicts; a father, and an ordained minister
of the gospel. I also had the privileged of
working as a graduate assistant at the Institute
for Prevention and Addition at Andrews
University (1994-1995) where I was responsible
for working with a consortium of leading
universities studying the impact of marijuana
and other drugs on the body and brain. I was
exposed to a wide range of research material
that revealed the problems when one is addicted
to marijuana and the results of recreational use
of marijuana.
It is said that a large percentage of high and
junior high school students in The Bahamas are
using marijuana. I know it is happening because
I have personally spoken to some of them. They
say they are using it because it relaxes them
and helps them to focus better. In some cases it
is ironically, the very bright, “A” student, who
is smoking marijuana every day and claiming that
it is helping him or her study better. The
not-so-bright student or the failing student,
who is a friend to the “brilliant” student
decides that he or she should try it also and
then becomes hooked and starts on a spiral
downward.
Anna Almendrala in her online article entitled
“Smart Kids Are More Likely To Experiment With
Pot And Alcohol” states: “Potential explanations
range from the possibility that smarter kids may
be more open to new experiences, be more
accepted by older peers who have access to these
substances . . .” A quite a number of students
enrolled our sophisticate private schools in The
Bahamas are using marijuana as well as those in
other schools. The smart students are often not
suspected using the drug because they hide
behind the veneer of proper dress, expensive
cars, up scale neighborhoods, etc.
Is marijuana affecting this smart students. On
the surface it seems like it is not. We might
notice is more at times with the ones who are
street bombs, do not dress properly and cannot
speak well. In reality, it is not true that
marijuana is not impact them all. During a
lecture series at Loma Linda’s Institute of
Health Policy and Leadership entitled “Spotlight
on Health Policy,” held January 25, 2017, a
presentation was given by Ettie Rosenberg,
PharmD, JD Assistant Professor, Department of
Pharmacy Practice, West Coast University School
of Pharmacy. A few facts that are alarming about
the use of marijuana. She made reference to a
research by the National Institute for Drug
Addiction (NIDA) in North America about
marijuana addiction. Here are the findings:
1.
Nearly 1 out of every 11 people who tries marijuana
becomes addicted to it ( 9%)
2. Of those who start using marijuana in their
teens: 1 in 6 becomes addicted (16.7%)
3. For daily users, addiction rate is 25–50%.
This is
important to note. The facts are telling us that the younger
you are when starting the use of marijuana the greater the
risk of addiction. She also explained that although
marijuana is not a powerful a drug as cocaine, many believe
there is little or not harm in using it. This is dangerous.
The research states that “Marijuana’s spectrum of behavioral
effects is very unique, preventing classifying of marijuana
(drug) into one single pharmacological category— because it
has been shown to have various properties and effects as:
stimulant, sedative, tranquilizer, and hallucinogen.
It is true that marijuana can give a sense of euphoria.
However, this fools the user into a false sense of security.
It is a serious mistake to believe that marijuana smoking or
even drink the tea has not effect on the brain or body. It
is logical to understand that just the fact of inhaling
smoking into the lungs from marijuana or any source can lead
to multiple medical issues and not just lung cancer. NIDA
finding shows the impact of marijuana on mental health. They
are: Impaired short-term memory, slowed reaction time,
altered judgment and decision-making ability, altered mood
and risk of psychosis in vulnerable individuals, early
adolescent use and learning problems. The emphasis in the
research was the younger the user the greater the risk of
mental illness.
What then about decriminalization of marijuana? Dr. Ettie
Rosenberg at the event at Loma Lina University shared a few
pros and cons about legalizing marijuana.
PROS: She states that
the legalization of marijuana can provide the following: (1)
Ensure availability for medical use when needed. (2)
Identified medical uses include anxiety, chronic pain,
cancer pain, appetite stimulant, post-traumatic stress
disorder, depression, seizures ( 3) Availability for more
extensive research to study for uses (benefits and risks and
more research for more information) (4) Reduced that stigma
associated with use (even medical use).
CONS:
Note that it is my view that the cons out way the pros. Here
are a few cons Dr. Rosenberg presented about legalization of
marijuana. (1) Marijuana is a “gateway” drug (Evidence
demonstrates) (2) Legalizing marijuana would lead to
increase use (abuse) due to addictive properties. (3)
Marijuana already poses a public health problem. (4) There
are negative health consequences (5) Learning disorders are
known (adolescence) (6) Higher risks to certain population
(mental illness) (7) Issues about who would be gatekeeper
for marijuana prescriptions? How would it be monitored?
Here are my views about legalization of marijuana. If
legalization would reduce marijuana on the streets and its
free use, then I would support it. However, would that
really happen? Here are a few questions: Would it is the
pharmacist? Would there be a certain amount to be sold? For
example, in Colorado, if you are an adult 21 years of age or
older, you can now legally possess one ounce of marijuana.
You need a government-issued identification to prove you are
21 years or older. There is a The Marijuana Enforcement
Division (MED) in Colorado that performed studies to
determine what the THC equivalent of concentrates and
edibles are in relation to marijuana in flower form. They
argue that since products such as concentrates have a much
higher level of THC, then you shouldn’t be able to purchase
the same amount of concentrates as you can flower. As a
result, the MED has issued ‘Marijuana Equivalency’
guidelines. Can we do similar in The Bahamas. Also, in
Colorado, a person can only grow up to six plants. How much
would a person have on their person in The Bahamas?
I
strongly support medical research and the use of medication
made from properties found in marijuana. I do have a
problem and would not advise using the natural form of
marijuana. However, controlled medicine made from its
components I would use the same way I use other medications.
If natural marijuana is made legal, the above points to be
considered. It my view that the person on the street cannot
sell it anymore. License to sell marijuana would need to be
given. Who will ensure correct measures of the marijuana?
Would we really get the illegal sale of marijuana off the
streets.
Barrington H. Brennen, MA, NCP, BCCP, a marriage and family
therapist.
Send your questions or comments to
question@soencouragement.org or write to P.O. Box CB-11045, Nassau, The Bahamas, or visit
www.soencouragement.org or call 242-327-1980
