Page 6
COLUMNS
March 1982
PRO
By Grey Arnold
A lot has been said over the years
about the harmful effects of the
killer-weed called marijuana. It was
once believed to cause neurotic
behavior, to cause insane immoral
criminal acts, and to cause severe
laziness and depression. '
This is rhetoric. It should be clearly
understood that almost all research is
conducted by the National Institute
on Drug Abuse, which is funded by
the government. This leads to the
probability that conclusions drawn by
this organization are biased. On
almost all experiments with negative
results, the dosages given the animals
far exceed proper normal human
useage.
Rarely do people hear of the
positive aspects of marijuana. Many
credits can be given this mild
narcotic. One such advantage is that
it is a partial cure for the eye disease
known as glaucoma. Marijuana can
be given credit for the relief of nausea
that always accompanies cancer
therapy. Also it relieves the pressure
of breathing in asthmatics.
What exactly is the question here?
Should America fegalize marijuana or
should it just be decriminalized? Keith
Stroup, director of the National
Organization for the Reform of
Marijuana Laws (NORML) seems to
advocate the decriminalization. Says
Stroup, "The amazing increase in
arrest for marijuana is ironic at a time
when more and more groups,
including the National Commission
on Marijuana and Drug Abuse and
the American Bar Association are
calling for decriminalization.
There are also more practical
reasons for decriminalization. The
cost of enforcing a law, with such a
widespread range of offenders, can
be staggering. The cost of law
enforcement ranges $250-600 million
annually, with law enforces admitting
that only an average of ten percent is
ever detected. Kieth Stroup recog
nizes this and thus advocates
decriminalization. Stroup continued,
"The latest data should certainly add
impetus to the drive to decriminalize
the estimated 36 million Americans
who occasionally smoke marijuana.
We should continue to discourage all
recreational drug use, including
alcohol and tobacco, as well as
marijuana, but we should stop
making criminals out of those who
ignore our advice. Giving a criminal
arrest record to the smoker only
exacerbates the potential for harm."
Prohibition has not worked, regula
tion should be given a chance.
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College Press Sefv
The Weed?
Marijuana is scientifically known as
Cannabis Sativa. The problem of
marijuana is relatively new to
mankind, but marijuana has been
known to exist 3000 years before the
Christian era.
Originating in India as a home
remedy, the plant has spread to all
corners of the globe. It is prevalent
today in India, Burma, North Africa,
Mexico, Central and South America,
Indonesia, Indochina, the Caribbean
and the United States.
Although it originated as a
household remedy, it is now used also
in religious and social customs.
Usually smoked, it induces a relaxed,
calm, laid-back awareness to the
user. This is because the active
ingredient, THC, affects the central
nervous system. This causes an
increase in stimulation but a decrease
in exhilaration.
As for long-term effects, science is
silent. Some experts believe that
marijuana is no more dangerous than
coffee or tea. Others disagree, saying
long-term, continued marijuana
smoking does produce personality
changes.
Galloway Wins Ms. Franklin County
"What a Wonderful Night Like Tonight!" was the tune that danced through
the ten contestants' heads February 27th in the Louisburg College Auditorium.
And a wonderful night it was. A new "Miss Franklin County" was crowned.
And who was the lucky girl? Sonia Galloway, contestant number 8. Sonia sang
a song from the hit movie "The Wiz," called "Home." Sonia is the 18 year-old
daughter of Ralph and Mary Galloway of Durham. She was sponsored by
Patten Dorm.
The position of first runner-up was presented to Tammie Fish, the daughter
of Mr. Don Fish and Mrs. Thelma McCambell of Durham. Tammie, 19, chose a
gymnastic dance routine, also from "The Wiz." She was sponsored by
Stewart's Jewelers.
Second runner-up was presented to Kim Sells, the 18 year-old daughter of
Mr. Roger Sells and Mrs. Sylvia Almond of Albemarle. Kim presented a
selection from the movie "Funny Girl" titled "Second Hand Rose." She was
sponsored by WYRN radio of Louisburg. ^
These three weren't the only lucky young ladies. The title of Miss
Congeniality went to Tonya Burt, 19, of Wake County. Tonya also received a
savings bond for the signature contest that was held.
The girls were judged in four different categories. They were: talent,
counting 50%; private interview, counting 16 and two-thirds percent; swimsuit
competition, counting 16 and two-thirds percent; and evening gown, counting
16 and two-thirds percent.
Laure Bessent served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Special entertainment
was provided by Vicki Tharrington, "Miss North Carolina Charm." The
reigning "Tobacco Queen," Celia Horne, gave away the crown. The Loujsburg
Ensemble gave an opening number presentation. The audience was also
entertained by a parade of visiting queens.
CON
A heated debate in today's society
is whether to advocate or not the
legalization of marijuana. The facts
are plainly available to the public.
These facts are also plainly conclusive
that marijuana smoking is harmful to
one's health.
A common argument is that
scientific research is biased. This
would be hard to prove, but it is well
known that all research is not only
subject to publication in professiorial
journals but also is reviewed by a
scientist's colleagues.
Scientists have found that the
active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is
fat-soluble and collects in fatty
organs such as the brain and
reproductive organs. One BUZZ
(three to four joints) requires the
following three to five days for half of
the THC to leave the body. The other
half takes about twenty-seven days.
The effects of THC vary. For some,
it is a stimulant and gives a mild
relaxation. Others become hyper
active and lose the ability to
concentrate. Still others come to
depend so much on the effects they
receive that they deprive themselves
of any other proper emotion except a
high. Marijuana seems to affect the
nervous system. It also affects
reaction time, concentration, moti
vation and memory. A study at UCLA
shows that someone who smokes
one joint a day for two years
experiences a 25% increase in airway
resistance in the lungs.
Marijuana affects other parts of the
body also. The Reproductive Bio
logical Research Foundation in St.
Louis shows that three times as many
women have defective or irregular
menstrual cycles with heavy use of
marijuana. Dr. Caral Smith, director
of studies, says, "We're extremely
concerned about the effects of
marijuana on the developing 'repro
duction systems of both female and
male teenagers.^ This phase of
development is particularly vulnerable
to disruption by pot."
In conclusion, it is safe to say that
the smoking of marijuana is not safe,
is not advisable, and should not be
made legal. The vices of alcohol and
cigarettes are enough of a health
hazard without adding a new danger.
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