THE EDITOR, Sir:

I simply cannot assimilate why so many Jamaicans are unaware or choose to ignore the dangers of marijuana. It is widely accepted by Rastafarians and even used in some of their religious rites as a means to get closer to their inner spiritual self. Individuals should note, however, the dangers of this so-called 'wisdom weed'.

I know that it is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows, but many people have recorded the negative impacts of ganja that some Jamaicans prefer to ignore. According to recent studies, marijuana hinders the user's short-term memory (memory for recent events), and he or she may have trouble handling complex tasks. With the use of more potent varieties of marijuana, even simple tasks can be difficult. Because of the drug's effects on perceptions and reaction time, users could be involved in auto crashes. Drug users also may become involved in risky sexual behaviour. There is a strong link between drug use and unsafe sex and the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Under the influence of marijuana, students may find it hard to study and learn. Young athletes could find their performance is off; timing, movements, and coordination are all affected by THC. Many Jamaicans believe that smoking marijuana is much safer than smoking cigarettes, but they can not be more wrong. Smoking any drug is unhealthy. Marijuana is no exception. The smoke actually contains higher concentrations of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) than tobacco smoke. Marijuana smokers generally inhale more smoke for longer, depositing more than four times as much tar on their lungs as cigarette smokers. The short-term effects of marijuana use can include problems with memory and learning; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination and increased heart rate.

Research findings for long-term marijuana use indicate some changes in the brain, similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs of abuse. For example, cannabinoid (THC or synthetic forms of THC) withdrawal in chronically exposed animals leads to an increase in the activation of the stress-response system and changes in the activity of nerve cells containing dopamine. Dopamine neurons are involved in the regulation of motivation and reward, and are directly or indirectly affected by all drugs of abuse. I say to many Jamaicans who smoke marijuana, please put your health first and think before you act.

I am. etc.,

SASHAKAY FAIRCLOUGH

dior_hottie@inbox.com

Ocho Rios

St. Ann

Via Go-Jamaica