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The Collegian (St. Mary's College): Marijuana safer than alcohol, study says |
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Written by Bryant West
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Tuesday, 01 September 2009 |
On a college campus, there is no mystery
surrounding the reality of alcohol consumption amongst students.
Continued evidence of binge drinking leaves many questioning what
long-term impact this may have on ones health. In an August 21 Salem
News article a group of researchers at the University of San Diego were
covered who believed they may have found evidence to suggest that
marijuana could help protect against brain damage.
Individuals
aged 16-19 were broken into three groups: the binge drinkers, marijuana
smoking binge drinkers, and a control group of sobriety devotees. With
the use of a highly complicated brain scanner, results showed more
white matter damage in the brains of the alcohol exclusive bingers.
The
co-author of "Marijuana Is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People To
Drink?", an Amazon.com bestseller, Steve Fox chimed in, "It's far
better for teens not to drink or smoke marijuana, but our nation's
leaders send a dangerous message by defending laws that encourage the
use of alcohol over marijuana."
In the similar sentiments as
Steve's, marijuana has been proven to be far safer than alcohol, and
one of the more less risk factor associated "drugs" . Despite the
obvious harmlessness of marijuana, college officials everywhere
continue to outlaw it. It's true the use of marijuana is illegal in the
United States, but for California, many colleges refuse to even
recognize medicinal marijuana cards. In that same vein, they will hold
a more relaxed stance when it comes to outlawing or enforcing alcohol
regulation. . There would seem to be a disconnect; a substance that
causes proven health effects is seen as a part of growing up, and is
accepted, yet, an herbal drug, not tampered with in the least, is
outlawed like cocaine.
It is nearly impossible to watch
television and not see a slew of anti-drug/anti-marijuana commercials.
They attempt to illustrate these elaborate situations of out-of-control
teens whose lives are spiraling downwards; in reality,this is far from
the truth. These people should be given an oscar for best screenplay.
As the new school year comes upon us, a war is brewing on the
legislative level surrounding marijuana. The effects are being seen
right in Saint Mary's College's own backyard with the installation of a
cannabis club in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek. If things are to
change, people must take time to research the true reason why marijuana
is feared in this country; the answer will both offend and surprise
you, but that's another story altogether.
For more information
on the health benefits of marijuana and this article, visit
www.salemnews-com or pick up a copy of "Marijuana Is Safer: So Why Are
We Driving People to Drink?".
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