Is Marijuana Safe? Maybe

It seems that Marijuana (weed, pot, etc) is becoming more and more accepted and legal. It is also becoming much more potent (through selective botany) than the weed of my (and Bill Clinton's) generation - estimated to have 3-4 times the concentration of THC, the active ingredient.

Although is is a relatively safe drug (and probably less toxic than alcohol) it is still a drug, and we should be aware of the side effects and dangers.

1. Addiction. Although the risk is low, it is real, and about 9% of regular users become addicted to it.

2. Memory, Co-ordination and Judgement. Like alcohol and other drugs, using pot will result in impaired driving with increased risk of accidents, poor judgement and memory lapses. When someone is "high" they should be treated as if they were drunk when it comes to responsible action.

3. Neurological Changes. Heavy use in adolescents has been shown to adversely and permanently affect brain development. Use should be strongly discouraged in teens.

4. Gateway to More Potent Drugs. Like Alcohol and Pills, marijuana creates a pleasant experience which often leads to use of more potent drugs. It is not worse than any other drug or alcohol.

5. Psychosis. High dose Marijuana can lead to acute psychotic or paranoid reactions.

6. Cancer. Smoking marijuana is less toxic than tobacco, but chronic use may lead to increase risk of cancer. It definitely is associated, in heavy use, with chronic bronchitis.

As usual, using common sense can make this drug safe to use. Since that usually develops well after adolescence, and combined with permanent neurological changes its use must be avoided in teens. Use in adults appropriately (similar to alcohol recommendations) is probably safe.