the lymphocytes in vitro. [2] [3] Marijuana harbors more carcinogens than tobacco smoke, and also presents a greater potential for lung disease than tobacco - per cigarette/ "joint" - because it is smoked unfiltered, is inhaled more deeply, and is usually held in the lungs longer. It should be noted, however, that in general marijuana would not be smoked as frequently or in the same quantity as cigarettes normally would be, among habitual users of either. Marijuana crosses the placental barrier, and may have a toxic effect on embryos and fetuses. It should therefore be avoided by pregnant women. Following radiolabeled cannabinoid administration, the placenta contained more than anywhere else in the subject's body. [3] It should be noted that during my course of research, I could not find reference to one single documented instance of death related solely to marijuana use. Conversely, almost three times as many people die each year from alcohol-related diseases than lost their lives in the entire Vietnam War. This figure represents over 150,000 per year. In addition, alcohol is involved in 50% of all highway deaths and 65% of all murders. However, it is believed that heavy marijuana use can lead to amotivational syndrome. The user loses interest in almost everything except using more and more pot. Some studies have found that over one-third of all accident victims have been found to have marijuana in their blood, while others have indicated that "marijuana users have the same or lower incidence of murders and highway deaths and accidents than the general non-marijuana using population as a whole." [4] [5] [1] Keep Off The Grass [2] Marijuana: Time For A Closer Look [3] Marijuana, Tobacco, Alcohol and Reproduction [4] Focus On Marijuana [5] The Emperor Wears No Clothes DEPENDENCE: Tolerance - the need to take more and more over a period of time in order to achieve the original effect - has been demonstrated in both humans and animals. P...
