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Chris Christie said that marijuana is a “gateway drug” while arguing for enforcement of its federal status as an illegal substance. Though there are correlations between marijuana use and other drugs, there is no conclusive evidence that one actually causes the other. The science on this topic is far from settled.... Read more»
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2 comments on this story
For many years I was a huge fan of the radio call-in show Loveline (up until Adam Carolla left). Dr. Drew Pinsky, a board-certified physician and addiction medicine specialist, said that marijuana is the most dangerous drug out there. His argument was (paraphrasing) it is so dangerous because there is so many misconceptions and misinformation out there about the drug. So many people say it isn’t addictive, and it is. So many people say it doesn’t harm you, and it does. With drugs like heroin and cocaine, people generally understand those are dangerous. Marijuana is developing an undeserved reputation as being safe.
I fully agree with him, and it felt so good to hear someone with notoriety finally state publicly the same thing that I feel.
My personal problem with marijuana, aside from the horrible, offensive stench (that I honestly don’t understand how anyone can willingly tolerate), is that so many people think it is harmless. I am all right with it being legal, but I want people to understand exactly what it does before they choose to use it. It is profoundly addictive, and repeated use really does make you dumber. I’ve seen the effects first-hand. No one is ever going to talk me out of something I’ve seen happen right in front of my very own eyes.
My other problem is the “medical” spin…I’m not a doctor, but I doubt very seriously this drug has any medicinal value whatsoever. This drug is just as medicinal as alcohol was in the 1920’s. Just be honest already!
@Bret Linden,
And the shelves of drugstores are chock-full of medicines that have alcohol as an active ingredient ; )