Council on Alcoholism and Addictions

of the Finger Lakes

 The Council on Alcoholism and Addictions of the Finger Lakes is opposed to the use of marijuana as a recreational drug.  Research on the health and safety effects of marijuana strongly correlates with many mental, emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual problems. 
 In addition, many crimes, accidents, job and school performance problems have been associated with the use of marijuana.  While not everyone that uses marijuana becomes drug dependent, the reality is that as with alcohol and other drugs marijuana use certainly can lead to profound, chronic and progressive chemical dependency.
 Its use can be very serious, dangerous, and have a profound impact upon the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Americans and their families.

     ~ According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, in 2009, there were 376,467 marijuana related admissions into hospital emergency rooms (a 700 percent increase since 1995.)

 ~ According to the Department of Health and Human Services TEDS (Treatment Episode Data Set), in 2008 there were 346,554 admissions of people into drug treatment programs who stated that marijuana was their primary drug of addiction (a 270% increase since 1992.) 

 ~ According to a major study of motor vehicle collision victims in a regional Trauma Unit in Toronto, marijuana was the most commonly found drug in impaired drivers other than alcohol! (Addiction Research Foundation.)

 ~ According to a comprehensive study, marijuana smokers are four times more likely to report symptoms of depression - including suicidal thoughts - as compared to those who never used the drug! (American Journal of Psychiatry, December 2000.)

 ~ In a comprehensive study reported in the international journal Lancet, drugs were examined for degree of harmfulness across 16 criteria.  Cannabis was found to have negative and harmful consequences in 15-of-the-16 criteria studied.

 The consumption of marijuana is not recommended.  For many users it causes mild-to-severe distress  and it may have even more profound physical or psychological effects especially for the following:  to individuals who are engaging in activities that could potentially place themselves and others at risk for personal injury such as operating machinery, use of firearms, swimming, boating, driving, etc.; to women who are pregnant or trying to conceive; to people who have a family history of chemical dependency (especially children of addicted parents); to individuals using other drugs including alcohol and/or prescription medications (even over the counter brands); to all individuals who are predisposed to  emotional issues and problems; to all children and adolescents; and to individuals who demonstrate some degree of chemical dependency on any substance.

MARIJUANA ----
              SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT !

 Marijuana is NOT a Safe Drug...
in fact, it is a VERY DANGEROUS DRUG.   

 There are scores of scientific studies that prove that marijuana is a harmful and addictive drug.  New research now links marijuana use to:
         - Fetal Drug Affects 
         - Cancer
         - The Amotivation Syndrome
         - Mood Changes
         - Depression 
         - Fatigue
         - Memory problems 
         - Hypersensitivity to Criticism
         - Underachievement
         - Confusion or mental impairment 
         - Deteriorating Academic Performance
         - Outbursts of Anger 
         - Panic Attacks
         - Hostility with lack of Insight/Remorse 
         - Driving While Impaired
         - Accidents 
         - Tolerance and Physical Addiction