Pot legalization will bring social problems

There is so much anticipation about the upcoming legalization of marijuana, both by those who are eager to use it and those at our various government levels who are eager to get their hands on the cash that is anticipated from its sale.

Both groups have either not done their research on use of marijuana or are willingly closing their eyes as to the consequences of its use.

The state of Colorado which legalized marijuana in 2012 is experiencing a host of societal problems, including higher rates of: Marijuana-impaired driving , pot use by teenagers and young adults, school drop-out rates, marijuana-related hospital visits, accidental exposure of the drug to children, increased car crashes due to marijuana use. The U.S. National Academy of Science reports additional problems related to marijuana use:.

Among them: Respiratory symptoms and more frequent bronchitis episodes, increased risk of overdose injuries, respiratory distress among children, newborns with lower birth rates, impairment of the cognitive domains of learning, memory and attention, development of schizophrenia or other psychoses, progression to problem cannabis and marijuana as a stepping stone to stronger drugs.

Denver officials say they are facing one unexpected result of legalization and that is an influx of homeless adults and juveniles due to the availability of marijuana. They also say that they are losing visitors and valuable convention business as a result of overall safety.

There are a host of other problems that they are encountering which can be found on the internet under the heading “The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact Volume 5, October 2017.”

It is hard to believe that our government is moving forward with the legalization of this drug that will become another costly national health crisis and that will bring devastation to families and our communities.

Herman Hunter

Niagara Falls