Marijuana MORE Harmful Than Tobacco

During the 1950's, over 50 years ago, teenagers knew that smoking was both addictive and harmful to your health. In recent times it is treated as some new revelation and the tobacco companies have been attacked, with lawsuits and fines totaling hundreds of billions of dollars, and smoking has been banned from many venues. More recently there is a movement to put even more graphic labels on cigarettes..."Warning, Smoking Can Kill You", etc. Although one can argue how far the government needs to control and impose actions, few would argue about the harms of smoking tobacco.

It is extremely hypocritical, however, when it comes to marijuana, where there is a push to make it more legal and accessible. Hypocritical because marijuana is even MORE harmful than tobacco! The medical profession has been relatively silent on this as well as books and literature on the subject...all because it is politically correct to accept marijuana, not criticize it. This in itself is a sad statement.

The effects on most users of marijuana is that they experience an increase in heart rate, redness of the eyes, and dryness of the mouth and throat. Studies show that the drug temporarily impairs short term memory, alters the sense of time, and reduces the ability to perform tasks requiring concentration, swift reactions, and coordination. (Like driving a car or operating machinery.) Feelings of euphoria, relaxation, altered state of body image, and bouts of exaggerated laughter also are commonly reported.

Scientists believe that marijuana can be particularly harmful to lungs through the deep inhalation process. Marijuana smoke has been found to have more cancer causing agents then are found with cigarette smoke. Marijuana can increase heart rate by as much as 50% and can bring on chest pain in some individuals. Many in the medical field feel that people with heart conditions are at a high risk of further heart ailments through the use of marijuana. Findings also suggest that regular use may reduce fertility in women. Further, scientists believe marijuana, which crosses the placental barrier, may have a toxic effect on embryos and fetuses.

Many from personal experience, have sadly witnessed relatives and friends who have used marijuana and other "harmless recreational drugs" that later on in life experience serious medical difficulties such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failures, and even death. Some at a relatively early age. The point is that the long term effects of these drugs are not known, but you can logically conclude that they won't be positive.

It is not politically correct today to say that marijuana is harmful to people. The sad reality is, however, it is more harmful than smoking tobacco. Yet many states, like Massachusetts, California, and others, are looking to make marijuana more legal and accessible. This is very hypocritical, as well as being illogical.