Currently, there is criticism being levied at the U.S. drug enforcement policies by proponents of drug legalization. Marijuana is being promoted as a "soft drug" and that it’s needed for medical purposes, therefore it should be legalized.
Marijuana is currently classed as a Schedule I drug. This means it has no legitimate use and has been proven to have a high potential for abuse. Narconon East U.S., a non-profit organization that oversees Narconon drug rehab centers in the eastern U.S., states that the impact from marijuana can be much larger and harmful than expected. Marijuana is considered a "gateway drug," meaning that it ordinarily leads to the use of other drugs and ultimately to addiction.
However, the effects of marijuana on its own are harmful enough. A person taking marijuana will have memory problems, learning difficulties, loss of coordination, anxiety and panic attacks, to name of few of the short-term effects. Long term effects are even worse, with tissue damage in the lungs, bronchitis and a host of serious health problems, including cancer. Narconon drug rehab centers have witnessed first-hand the damage of marijuana use and its impact on the lives of the families of those addicted. A full 60 percent of teenagers in drug rehab are there because of marijuana.
The argument for legalizing marijuana can best be countered by the results of studies showing the damage marijuana causes to not only users but also to society. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, among 30,000 people arrested for crimes, marijuana was the most frequent drug detected. More than six times that of other drugs.
In 1975, marijuana was even legalized in Alaska where it began to be used heavily by teens. This continued until 1990 when the drug was again voted to be re-criminalized. The law was passed for adult usage, not for teenagers, yet the impact was on Alaskan youth. The same side effects listed above now plague those drug users.
Medical use of marijuana is far from an argument for its legalization, due mainly to the fact that it already exists as Marinol, a synthetic version of the active ingredient in marijuana (THC). It is used for the control of certain side effects in cancer and AIDS patients. Marinol is a Schedule III drug and does not carry the same potential for abuse as marijuana.
Narconon East U.S. believes that drug education is the real way to control harmful drugs and any attempt to legalize them. Presented with all the facts, not propaganda, people can then make their own informed decision in the matter. Knowing about drug addiction first hand makes it very clear that there is no benefit to be gained from drug use. But it may be too late by then.
If you would like more information on drugs or know of someone in need of help overcoming addition contact Narconon East U.S. at 877-237-3307.
