Gulf Breeze Recovery Asks if Legalizing Marijuana is Salvation or a Curse?
Many states are legalizing marijuana and/or its derivatives as public opinion pushes for more options and availability. But as it becomes more readily available, are we ignoring the risks, or unintentionally putting some people in danger?
GULF BREEZE, Fla., Aug. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Legalizing Marijuana –Salvation or Curse?
Marijuana is currently being touted as a wonder drug for ailments ranging from alleviating side effects of chemotherapy, to effectively controlling pain, to treating epilepsy. Some medical professionals see it as a safer pain relief alternative than opiates with their extreme potential for addiction, or NSAIDS such as Advil or Aleve which should be avoided for people with ulcers or kidney problems. But marijuana is not a cure-all for everything or everyone.
Many states are legalizing marijuana and/or its derivatives as public opinion pushes for more options and availability. But as it becomes more readily available, are we ignoring the risks, or unintentionally putting some people in danger?
Aspirin was once believed to be a miracle cure. Today it is effective and inexpensive for pain and fever reduction and is commonly used in low doses for heart attack prevention and blood thinning. Despite all the positive uses for aspirin, it is not safe for everyone to use.
Lower doses and better tasting "baby" aspirins gained popularity with both doctors and mothers and was the most commonly used medication for pediatrics in the 1950s. Then a correlation between aspirin and Reye's Syndrome, a rare but potentially deadly disease was discovered.
In 1980, the Center for Disease Control issued a public warning about the association of aspirin with Reye's syndrome. 555 cases of Reye's syndrome were reported that year.
The U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory about the risks of aspirin and Reye's syndrome in 1982. That year 222 cases of Reye's syndrome were reported.
In 1986, pharmaceutical companies were required to place warnings on products containing aspirin. Only 101 cases were reported that year, and by 1997, Reye's syndrome had nearly been eliminated, with only two cases reported.
Research is showing that marijuana shows highest risks, as aspirin does, for youth. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in a December 2016 article stated, "Marijuana raises car crash risk; in some studies, it has been associated with neurodevelopmental problems in prenatally exposed children; and its use by adolescents has been linked to cognitive impairments and poor educational outcomes and well-being."
NIDA issued an even stronger warning in May 2018, saying, "It (marijuana) also affects brain systems that are still maturing through young adulthood, so regular use by teens may have negative and long-lasting effects on their cognitive development, putting them at a competitive disadvantage and possibly interfering with their well-being in other ways. Also, contrary to popular belief, marijuana can be addictive, and its use during adolescence may make other forms of problem use or addiction more likely."
When the possible perils of marijuana and youth are explored, it should be noted that the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., states, "Marijuana is the most commonly used and abused illicit drug in the U.S., particularly among adolescents and young adults. In fact, teens' perceptions of the risks of marijuana use have steadily declined over the past decade, possibly related to increasing public debate about legalizing or loosening restrictions on marijuana."
While marijuana is becoming more widely available and is seen in a more positive light for medical use, it is prudent to use caution and not put our youth at risk. Just as aspirin shouldn't be used for everyone, neither should marijuana be assumed safe for everyone.
Parents should be aware of the dangers marijuana poses to children, adolescents and teens, and educate their children of those dangers just as they do for alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Waiting for government warnings might take years. We can't afford to wait.
About Gulf Breeze Recovery: Gulf Breeze Recovery is changing the future of addiction treatment with the THRIVE® program focused on overcoming chronic relapse. Gulf Breeze Recovery's THRIVE® program is designed for those who are looking for a drug and alcohol treatment program to produce a different and positive result. This non-12 step program allows you to drive beyond your addictions and promotes a new outlook on life. For more information about our program or to speak with an Addiction's expert, please call 855-973-3551 or contact us.
SOURCE Gulf Breeze Recovery
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