March 28, 2024

The truth about marijuana

I’m proud of the teens in Henry County for helping shatter the myths about marijuana use. They partnered with other teens across the U.S., and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to reveal some startling facts. As reported in the Mt. Pleasant news, in conjunction with National Drug Facts Week, the teens listed one major fact each day for some of the best reporting I’ve read on the subject of marijuana use.

“Marijuana is a highly addictive substance, which means individuals who use the drug have difficulty controlling their drug use and often cannot stop even though they may want to.” “Marijuana is unsafe if you are behind the wheel.  It is the most common illegal drug involved in auto fatalities.” “Marijuana is linked to school failure. Marijuana’s negative effects on attention, memory and learning can last for days and sometimes weeks — especially if the drug is used often.” “Students who smoke marijuana tend to get lower grades and are more likely to drop out of high school.” “Regular use of marijuana has been linked to depression, anxiety, loss of drive and loss of interest.” “Research also shows marijuana use can lower an individual’s IQ if smoked regularly during a person’s teenage years.” “Regular use of marijuana has been linked to problems with attention and memory loss.  Use of the drug can make learning new and complex ideas difficult.”

Coupled with my own experience with marijuana use, these facts are spot-on. I’ll add another item to the above facts. For me, marijuana-plus-alcohol was a one-way ticket to blackout. I got in a lot of trouble on pot.

With four states now allowing the recreational use of marijuana, 24 states allowing its medicinal use, and Iowa trying to determine where it stands, accurate information is crucial.

I certainly sympathize with those people who have certain medical ailments for which only marijuana seems to lesson the pain or calm the symptoms. My experience with marijuana is the opposite. Pain seemed to be heightened by it. My concern is that if marijuana is legalized in Iowa for medicinal purposes, it will be chronically abused. Like Viagra being distributed like candy, anyone with a hangnail will be eligible.

I know the old alcohol excuse. If alcohol is legal, why not pot? Every one of the five talking points above could be used to describe alcohol. Forget alcohol! It’s here to stay. But we have the opportunity to say no to one more mind-altering chemical.

I also fear that if we loosen the reins on marijuana, other, harder drugs will follow. Like cocaine. Like heroin (formerly used as an analgesic and sedative).

I guess if it comes down to it, and it will, I could go along with the legalization in Iowa of marijuana for medicinal purposes, knowing full well that it will be abused, and trickle-down to our youth. But please, not for recreational use. Recreation is in the mind only.

Have a good story? Call or text Curt Swarm in Mt. Pleasant at 319-217-0526 or email him at curtswarm@yahoo.com