Letters to the Editor
Local Leaders Just Say No
So, “medical marijuana” has arrived in Ohio (through hastily written and hastily passed House Bill 523). Let’s be clear, what has been legalized is THC, a chemical produced by the Cannabis Sativa plant that causes euphoria (stoned, a high, baked, etc) in users. This “medicine” requires no prescription, just a note from your doctor. No concerns about side effects, proper dosages, effects of long-term use or addictive properties. What happens if you build tolerance and need more and more, stronger and stronger “medicine”?
How many medications do you take or give to your children that haven’t been thoroughly researched, been through human clinical trials, vetted and approved by the FDA? (If you aren’t familiar with the process of a new medication coming to market safely, please watch one of the Pfizer commercials currently running on all TV stations and Facebook. Not a shill for big pharma). Lobby federal legislators to allow universities and pharmaceutical companies more access to cannabis to research medicinal properties and hemp properties.
Last, but assuredly not least, what message is this sending to our children? Only that “pot” must be safe ‘cuz it’s a medicine. It’s commonly known that the lower the perceived risk of something, the higher the use, especially with adolescents. (And yes, marijuana/THC is still a gateway drug potentially leading to harder, stronger drugs).
Many communities in Ohio have already moved to establish a moratorium on growing, dispensing, using in their areas. Hmm, not as welcome as you might think.
Let’s not pave the way to replace pill mills with pot shops. Tell your community leaders to say no to this charade of legalized marijuana masquerading as medicine in your home towns.
Suzi Breedlove
Montville Township
