The topic of marijuana has come up over the past few months. Earlier this year, the New Hampshire Legislature considered being more lenient about its use. The governor said she would veto such bills. The Conway Daily Sun ran a one-page article on marijuana, outlining the many chemicals in marijuana, the code names, and the possible effects each might have on a person. Now the Legislature is again considering marijuana laws.
"definitely better"? That is a pretty strong opinion. I'd say the jury is out. Humans have had thousands of years of history with alcohol and while it causes many ills and some people have a predisposition to becoming addicted, we really don't know the long-term effects of marijuana yet. One other point: recreational use of marijuana can lead to harder drugs which are certainly more dangerous than alcohol.
The negative consequences far outweigh any potential economic benefits to the State. The consequences of legalized marijuana include increased risks to public health, higher rates of traffic accidents, persistent illegal markets, and harmful impacts on adolescents.
Following legalization, states like Colorado saw increases in marijuana-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits for issues like intoxication and dependence. This includes a rise in cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition causing severe nausea and vomiting in heavy cannabis users.
Legalization and the increased availability of high-potency products are linked to higher rates of mental health problems, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
Studies have shown an association between heavy cannabis use and a higher risk of psychosis, including schizophrenia.
Other reported mental health impacts include anxiety, depression, and increased suicidal ideation, especially among adolescents.
Some studies suggest that states with commercialized, legal markets have seen an increase in cannabis use disorder (CUD), a diagnosis that includes addiction and dependence. The risk of developing CUD is higher for those who start using cannabis at a younger age.
Smoking cannabis is associated with respiratory issues similar to tobacco use, including chronic bronchitis, cough, and increased tar exposure. While a direct link to lung cancer is not definitively established in large population studies, the presence of carcinogens in cannabis smoke is a concern.
Multiple studies have found a correlation between marijuana legalization and higher rates of traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
For example, research by the Highway Loss Data Institute found an increase in car crash claims in states that legalized recreational marijuana, compared to neighboring states.
The link between THC in a driver's system and impairment can be difficult to measure, but simulator studies show marijuana use impairs reaction time, coordination, and judgment.
In legal states, the perception among adolescents and young adults that marijuana use is harmful has declined, which may contribute to higher usage rates.
The adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to cannabis. Regular use is associated with altered brain development and potential long-term cognitive impairment in areas like memory and attention.
The rise of edible cannabis products has led to an increase in unintentional poisonings, especially among children who mistake them for regular candy or food.
Studies suggest that heavy cannabis use in adolescents is associated with lower school grades, reduced likelihood of high school graduation, and increased school dropout rates.
Reports from some legal states have noted an increase in industrial accidents, decreased productivity, and higher employee turnover in workers who use cannabis.
The cultivation of cannabis, particularly indoor growing, can be energy-intensive and place a heavy strain on power grids. Large-scale cultivation also has environmental costs related to water consumption, pesticide use, and waste.
Weed sold now is way stronger than it was 20 or 30 years ago. Also, more young people now are suffering from anxiety and depression (I blame the internet) and use weed to self-medicate. Teenagers, in general, are not very good at self-control and self limits.
HOWEVER, these same kids will just turn to alcohol (I see it daily) to self-medicate if they can't get weed. On balance, weed is definitely better than alcohol. I'd ban alcohol, but we all know that's never going to happen.,
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"definitely better"? That is a pretty strong opinion. I'd say the jury is out. Humans have had thousands of years of history with alcohol and while it causes many ills and some people have a predisposition to becoming addicted, we really don't know the long-term effects of marijuana yet. One other point: recreational use of marijuana can lead to harder drugs which are certainly more dangerous than alcohol.
G, have you read anything since 1990? Trying to paint marijuana as a gateway drug? Really? You really need to research before you write.
Here you go Mike:
The negative consequences far outweigh any potential economic benefits to the State. The consequences of legalized marijuana include increased risks to public health, higher rates of traffic accidents, persistent illegal markets, and harmful impacts on adolescents.
Following legalization, states like Colorado saw increases in marijuana-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits for issues like intoxication and dependence. This includes a rise in cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition causing severe nausea and vomiting in heavy cannabis users.
Legalization and the increased availability of high-potency products are linked to higher rates of mental health problems, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
Studies have shown an association between heavy cannabis use and a higher risk of psychosis, including schizophrenia.
Other reported mental health impacts include anxiety, depression, and increased suicidal ideation, especially among adolescents.
Some studies suggest that states with commercialized, legal markets have seen an increase in cannabis use disorder (CUD), a diagnosis that includes addiction and dependence. The risk of developing CUD is higher for those who start using cannabis at a younger age.
Smoking cannabis is associated with respiratory issues similar to tobacco use, including chronic bronchitis, cough, and increased tar exposure. While a direct link to lung cancer is not definitively established in large population studies, the presence of carcinogens in cannabis smoke is a concern.
Multiple studies have found a correlation between marijuana legalization and higher rates of traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
For example, research by the Highway Loss Data Institute found an increase in car crash claims in states that legalized recreational marijuana, compared to neighboring states.
The link between THC in a driver's system and impairment can be difficult to measure, but simulator studies show marijuana use impairs reaction time, coordination, and judgment.
In legal states, the perception among adolescents and young adults that marijuana use is harmful has declined, which may contribute to higher usage rates.
The adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to cannabis. Regular use is associated with altered brain development and potential long-term cognitive impairment in areas like memory and attention.
The rise of edible cannabis products has led to an increase in unintentional poisonings, especially among children who mistake them for regular candy or food.
Studies suggest that heavy cannabis use in adolescents is associated with lower school grades, reduced likelihood of high school graduation, and increased school dropout rates.
Reports from some legal states have noted an increase in industrial accidents, decreased productivity, and higher employee turnover in workers who use cannabis.
The cultivation of cannabis, particularly indoor growing, can be energy-intensive and place a heavy strain on power grids. Large-scale cultivation also has environmental costs related to water consumption, pesticide use, and waste.
Weed sold now is way stronger than it was 20 or 30 years ago. Also, more young people now are suffering from anxiety and depression (I blame the internet) and use weed to self-medicate. Teenagers, in general, are not very good at self-control and self limits.
HOWEVER, these same kids will just turn to alcohol (I see it daily) to self-medicate if they can't get weed. On balance, weed is definitely better than alcohol. I'd ban alcohol, but we all know that's never going to happen.,
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PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.