Paula Riggs, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry, at the University of Colorado, notes the most recent Monitoring the Future Survey shows a significant increase in marijuana use, including daily marijuana use among U. S. high school students and a decrease in perceived risk of use. “There are a number of indicators, including the increasing number of states that have passed ‘medical marijuana’ legislation, and that society as a whole tends to view marijuana as a relatively benign, recreational drug.  However, scientific research does not support this.”

A growing body of research shows that adolescent marijuana use can be detrimental to the brain development and may produce long-lasting neurocognitive deficits and increased risk of mental health problems including psychosis, according to  Dr. Riggs, who spoke about this topic at the recent California Society of Addiction Medicine meeting.

She also commented that marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug used in the United States.  Although some have questioned whether marijuana is an addictive drug, scientific research shows that one in ten people overall, and one in six adolescents, who use marijuana develop dependence or addiction.  Research shows that marijuana can cause structural damage, neuronal loss and impair brain function on a number of levels, from basic motor coordination to more complex tasks, such as ability to plan, organize, solve problems, remember, make decisions and control behavior and emotions.

BACKGROUND

Efforts to legalize marijuana as medicine in the United States have grown significantly in recent years. Approximately one fourth of the states have passed legislation or ballot issues allowing marijuana to be prescribed within that state, though few have actually implemented these new policies. Marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under federal law – a classification indicating it has no currently accepted medical use in the United States.

DRUG-FREE ACTION ALLIANCE POLICY STATEMENT

                  ( http://www.drugfreeactionalliance.org )

Marijuana should be subject to the same research, consideration and study as any other potential medicine, under the standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Legalizing marijuana for medical use should not be decided by legislative or voter initiative.