October 21, 2019
Dear editor;
I see that Aurora and several surrounding communities have jumped on the bandwagon to get a share of the predicted windfall of new taxes generated by the legalized sale of marijuana.
I noted that many mothers have expressed concern about the logic of this proposal.
Possession of marijuana is still illegal under Federal law.
Marijuana is the most commonly-used illicit drug in the United States.
The number of young persons who believe regular use of marijuana use is risky, is decreasing.
When a person smokes marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body.
THC acts on specific brain cell receptors that ordinarily react to natural THC chemicals. These natural chemicals play an important role in normal brain development and function.
Marijuana overactivates parts of the brain that contain the highest number of these receptors. It causes the high that individuals feel. Other effects include:
• Altered senses, for example, seeing brighter colors;
• Altered sense of time;
• Changes in mood;
• Impaired body movement;
• Difficulty thinking and problem-solving
• Delusions, when taken in high doses;
• Psychosis, when taken in high doses;
• Marijuana affects brain development.
• The drug may impair thinking, memory, and learning functions, and affect how the brain functions.
• Significant decline in general knowledge and verbal ability.
The amount of THC in marijuana has been increasing over the past few decades. It may mean a higher exposure to THC levels with chance of harmful reaction.
Marijuana smoke affects the lungs. It may cause the same breathing problems as those who smoke tobacco, including daily cough and phlegm, more frequent lung illness, and higher risk of lung infections.
Marijuana raises heart rate for up to three hours after smoking.
THC may change how the brain relates to other addictive substances, such as morphine or nicotine, in areas that control reward, and they’re more likely to show addiction-like behaviors.
It is highly unlikely that users will buy marijuana from legitimate sources when they can escape the taxes imposed by using illegal sources.
Virgil A. Veach, Aurora