Study on Long-Term Use of Cannabis Released

New research suggests that long term use of cannabis has shown very noticeable delays in awareness and comprehension. This is the first study that focuses on middle-aged subjects who have been avid marijuana consumers from early ages. The study was conducted by scientists from the Marijuana Treatment Project Research Group.

 Bonnie McRee, a scientist who helped conduct the study said she witnessed many deficiencies in those who smoked marijuana for prolonged times. “Most of them had a delayed sense of reality. Their mental reflex time was delayed greatly.  For example, many of them took significantly longer to grasp an intelligent conversation than those who were drug free,” said McRee.

 According to McRee, all subjects were over the age of 50 and sought treatment through Narcotics Anonymous. Narcotics Anonymous is a joint group and treatment organization who help aid narcotics users who want to become drug free.

 The study results showed that older subjects who had been smoking for at least 20 years made 30% more mistakes when attempting to recall certain events than those of the same age who do not smoke cannabis.

 Bill Smith is a NORML activist and in his middle 40s. NORML is an organization that believes in the legalization of marijuana. According to Smith, he has been smoking since he was about 11 years old. He said he doesn’t show any deterioration with his memory or comprehension. “I’m as quick as a whip, and I smoke constantly every day,” said Smith. 

 Although Smith seems confident in his claim, Neurologist for Methodist Hospital Patrick Whitten is not surprised patients who use cannabis on a regular basis show the effects of it, especially with progression of age. “Of course if you use anything too much it will impair you somehow. I don’t care if it’s McDonalds or pot,” said Whitten.

 According to the study, those who smoked marijuana on a regular basis had shorter reflex ability as well. Whitten said that he is anti-marijuana and strongly recommends not using it under any circumstances. “Everyone always makes fun of the old burn-out because he’s slow and doesn’t catch onto things. Obviously, the research is correct,” said Whitten.

 Denny Brown, a small town cop and D.A.R.E officer for the Fulton County school district supports the study’s findings. D.A.R.E is a police driven project for junior high students. “Why do you think I’m out here going to schools and telling people not to smoke dope?  Because it does have harmful effects on the brain,” said Brown.

 He also supports the findings because the drug is considered illegal and therefore he must uphold what the law states. According to Brown many of the studies the police use for information in D.A.R.E. have similar findings. He was unable to mention any particular study when asked to support statistics produced by the police.