NCJ Number
209379
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 72 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2005 Pages: 14-18
Date Published
March 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article addresses the myths that marijuana is medicine, is harmless, harms only its smokers, and its legalization in other countries has been successful.
Abstract
Smoked marijuana is not medicine. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) conducted a landmark study to identify any medicinal properties of marijuana. The IOM found that THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, in smoked marijuana provides only temporary relief from intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma and must be smoked 8 to 10 times daily to achieve consistent results. Further, a more effective medicine is available for achieving this effect. The belief that marijuana is harmless is another myth. It leads to dependence and abuse, may become a "gateway" drug for more dangerous drugs, and smoking it can cause significant health problems. A third myth is that smoking marijuana will harm only the smoker. Indirect harms come to others through vehicle accidents caused by marijuana-impaired drivers and through nonusers breathing second-hand marijuana smoke. The belief that the legalization of marijuana in other countries has been a success is also a myth. In fact, its legalization has significantly increased its use, particularly among youth, which has increased the health threat to youth and to the general public. Law enforcement agencies should join with community groups to promote the truth about marijuana and its aversive effects on those who smoke it and those indirectly harmed by its use. 53 notes