POT: Cost too high to legalize

I appreciated a recent editorial in the Coeur d’Alene Press regarding risks of legalizing marijuana. While it must be acknowledged there are valid points to be made on both sides of the “to legalize or not” argument, I am concerned some of the costs of increasing access to this drug, to both the individual and to society, have been downplayed or ignored.

In my role as a medical practitioner, I witness on a daily basis the damage marijuana wreaks in the lives of individual patients. Users not familiar with negative side effects of marijuana need to understand the drug has different effects on different people — it is not an equal opportunity employer. While many are able to use the substance in a safe manner and some may even benefit from it, others with genetic vulnerabilities are prone to brain damage and psychosis. This is a scientifically proven fact. Consequently, increased marijuana use WILL lead to more frequent psychotic behavior by the citizens of our community. Far more common than psychosis is the Amotivational Syndrome produced by marijuana. The affect marijuana has on impairing memory and worry functions of the brain is precisely why the drug is so attractive to many users. It is comforting to be able to forget obligations and erase worries. These same brain functions, however, are often vitally important for maintaining gainful employment and independent living. In short, marijuana use comes at a cost to the individual and to society.

It remains to be seen whether the anticipated benefits of legalizing marijuana will outweigh the cost of increased psychosis and apathy. As the great experiment recently set in motion by the states of Colorado and Washington is played out, I hope somebody will be keeping score.

ERIC HEIDENREICH, MD

Coeur d’Alene