Denham Springs, Louisiana 12/31/2009 12:50:03 AM
Medical Marijuana Can Open Door For Addicts
In 2000, Colorado voters legalized medical marijuana as an attempt to capitalize on an untapped market. Unfortunately this will ultimately cause more people to become addicted to marijuana and eventually end up in drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. There are several loopholes in the law that was made even looser in 2007 when the courts lifted the five person limit medical marijuana dispensaries could service. The biggest loophole is that it only requires one visit to the doctor and one recommendation from him or her to be able to apply for a medical marijuana card. And with a card that never expires, it enables users to have a continual supply of the drug. It is clear that along with medical marijuana dispensaries come added funds to the local economy because growers have to buy land, rent warehouses and hire employees – but to what cost? Are we showing the rest of the world that marijuana is ok? Are we forgetting that marijuana is still considered a gateway drug? Jeff Lukas, Executive Director of Narconon Louisiana, has seen first-hand how marijuana leads to harder, more dangerous drugs. “I talk to hundreds of addicts a year and almost all of the cite marijuana as being their first drug. Eventually you move on to different drugs like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine when marijuana no longer provides you with the same feeling anymore.” Unlike other rehabilitation facilities, Narconon Louisiana does not subscribe to the idea that addiction is a disease. Instead they focus on helping the individual locate what problems drugs were a solution for. Once those problems are isolated and handled they no longer feel the need to turn to places like medical marijuana dispensaries, or other types of drugs. In addition to handling the cause of addiction, Narconon Louisiana also employs a unique sauna detoxification method. Clients who enroll in the program are provided with a way to detoxify their bodies from all harmful drug residues. Using a method developed by author and humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard, clients spend time in a dry heat sauna, eliminating the residue responsible for cravings. These cravings are what prevent an addict from ever staying away from drugs. Medical marijuana dispensaries are not the answer. There are several loopholes that will only promote addiction. As more and more people become educated on addiction and its effects, it’s time to focus on real solutions. Marijuana addiction does not have to escalate any further. If you or anyone you know is in need of help please call Narconon Louisiana at 866-422-4650.
