Novus Medical Detox Center Opposes Marijuana Legalization at Press Conference; Maintains Drug’s Harm to Adolescents and Communities
New Port Richey, FL (PRWEB) July 16, 2014 -- Twenty-one states in America have already passed legislation legalizing marijuana, and 15 states have pending legislation, Florida included. (1) Opposers of Florida’s Amendment 2, a piece of legislation that would legalize the use of medical marijuana, have recently become very active in voicing their dissent. On June 10th, a press conference was held which served to educate Floridians on the dangers of marijuana and how the passing of Amendment 2 would negatively impact Florida’s communities. Members of the Don’t Let Florida Go to Pot coalition spoke about these effects, as well as trained drug recovery specialists of Novus Medical Detox Center, which is one of the only Florida-based detox centers serving high-dosage drug abuse patients.
“As someone who has seen the effects that can come from substance abuse and understands the addictive qualities of marijuana, Amendment 2 creates a system that will ultimately lead to drug abuse,” said Novus Executive Director Kent Runyon. “There are proven alternatives to smoked marijuana that effectively deliver THC or CBD to people who truly can benefit from it, while eliminating access to the individuals who are attempting to use it for a high.”
Runyon maintained that marijuana potency has almost tripled over the past two decades, which raises serious concerns for public health. These concerns are particularly applicable to adolescents, for whom long-term use of marijuana may be linked with a lower IQ later in life. (1) Studies have shown that other harmful effects of marijuana on adolescents include the increased risk of psychosis and schizophrenia, a higher chance of engaging in delinquent and dangerous activities, and greater welfare dependence and unemployment, as well as lower relationship and life satisfaction. (2)
Amendment 2 would allow for unrestricted access of marijuana to adolescents, because a physician’s prescription would not be required for a patient to obtain medical marijuana; nor is there an age clause. The patient would only need a physician’s certification, which can be used at storefront dispensaries.
Runyon advises those who are dependent on any abusive substance(s) to seek out safe, medically-supervised detox programs, and to use those with integrated medicine that allows the detox process to be as comfortable as possible.
For more information on Novus Medical Detox’s addiction and detox programs, visit http://www.NovusDetox.com.
About Novus Medical Detox Center:
Novus Medical Detox Center offers safe, effective alcohol and drug treatment programs in a home-like residential setting. Located on 3.25 tree-lined acres in New Port Richey, Fla., Novus is licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families as an inpatient medical detox facility. Novus is known for minimizing the discomfort of withdrawal from prescription medication, drugs or alcohol by creating a customized detox program for each patient, incorporating medication, natural supplements and fluid replenishment—putting the dignity and humanity back into drug detoxification. Patients have 24/7 medical supervision, including round-the-clock nursing care and access to a withdrawal specialist, and enjoy comfortable private or shared rooms with a telephone, cable television, and high-speed Internet access. For more information, visit http://www.novusdetox.com.
1. “The Issue.” Dont Let Florida Go To Pot. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2014.
2. “Learn About Marijuana: Factsheets: Marijuana and Adolescents.” Learn About Marijuana: Factsheets: Marijuana and Adolescents. University of Washington Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute, n.d. Web. 24 June 2014.
Karla Jo Helms, JoTo PR, +1 (888) 202-4614 Ext: 802, [email protected]
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