The reason for writing this letter is to express a few thoughts pertaining to Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay's views on medical marijuana, as reported in the News Tribune's Jan. 19 editorial (Our View: "Medical marijuana measure not yet right for Minnesota").
The editorial made a strong argument that was very credibly based, including on Chief Ramsay's experience in the police force. Be that as it may, there was no question that many statements presented proved the editorial was biased.
Granted, the negative statements, some which included zero correlation to medical marijuana, enumerated why I believe the article was biased, especially with regard to Ramsay's views. Ignorance still remains; however, this fight to legalize medical marijuana will not be won without the continued education of the masses. Recent studies over the years have resulted in significant facts.
Chemicals THC and CBD, marijuana's primary cannabinoids, are both cancer killers.
Marijuana triggers neurogenesis, which science has proven can result in brain-cell growth. In 2005, a study showed cannabinoids' ability to promote neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus, the brain region responsible for many important brain functions, including mood and memory.
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Rates of marijuana use among young people tend to decrease when a state adopts medical marijuana.
Marijuana does not cause long-term cognitive impairment in adult users.
There is no compelling evidence that marijuana contributes substantially to traffic accidents and fatalities.
I agreed with Chief Ramsay that, "Drugs are a scourge on our society." But there are far more dangerous drugs that need our attention. The number of people who can benefit from medical marijuana cannot go unnoticed. Yes, marijuana is not for everyone. Although this may be true, there are a significant amount of people who truly could benefit from a natural plant that has taken the lives of no one. It could truly save the lives of many.
Samuel T. Pines
Duluth
