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For what it's worth, there is relatively recent research showing that marijuana can be harmful to brains as they're still developing ([1] is the first one I rem

For what it's worth, there is relatively recent research showing that marijuana can be harmful to brains as they're still developing ([1] is the first one I remember reading), so his recommendation that his kids avoid it until they're older is probably sound. That being said, yes, I'm glad there's a higher profile scientist speaking out in favor of marijuana legalization, or at least more even-handed research of it. [1] http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201208/study-finds-regular-marijuana-use-damages-teenage-brains http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201208...

eikenberry 13y ago
Long term longitudinal studies like the one referenced are inconclusive when taken in isolation. They really only work in relation to other studies, tracking already known traits. This study most likely indicates a correlation one or more other unknown traits in the individual and can in no way be taken to indicate what it claims in that article.
kyro 13y ago
But legalizing it for recreational and medicinal use are two completely different issues. This piece is about how he didn't believe in the therapeutic efficacy of marijuana as medical treatment and weighed too heavily the research outlining its side-effects. This is not about letting kids and adults smoke bowls and bowls of weed on their leisure time.
- chc 13y ago
  I'm not sure it isn't. His argument in favor of legalization is centered around the medical benefits, but that doesn't mean he believes it should be blocked for other uses.
- gavinlynch 13y ago
  But let's also be honest: The only reason most average people care about the issue of medical marijuana is because of their feelings attached to the recreational use of marijuana.
  - stelonix 13y ago
    Yeah, it's not like people care about a (mostly) harmless illicit drug - specially when compared to a poisonous licit drug as alcohol - is illegal based on factors of which none are scientific. I mean, why not make things illegal just for the hell of it, right? It's not like there's a whole industry benefiting from people going to jail.
  - hexagonc 13y ago
    I think most people, whether they like marijuana recreationally or not, are outraged that the federal government can prosecute a patient that is suffering from excruciating pain for using marijuana for relief. I find this application of the law immoral in the strongest terms and any DEA agent that executes this law morally culpable in its negative effects.
- kevincrane 13y ago
  I'd actually argue that he was referring to recreational use when he was discussing his kids smoking it, based off this quote: "Much in the same way I wouldn't let my own children drink alcohol, I wouldn't permit marijuana until they are adults. If they are adamant about trying marijuana, I will urge them to wait until they're in their mid-20s when their brains are fully developed." I'm assuming he's not referring to them medically smoking marijuana because he talks about a more appropriate age to start, implying that they'd be smoking it voluntarily rather than under necessity from chronic pain.
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eikenberry 13y ago

Long term longitudinal studies like the one referenced are inconclusive when taken in isolation. They really only work in relation to other studies, tracking already known traits. This study most likely indicates a correlation one or more other unknown traits in the individual and can in no way be taken to indicate what it claims in that article.

kyro 13y ago

But legalizing it for recreational and medicinal use are two completely different issues. This piece is about how he didn't believe in the therapeutic efficacy of marijuana as medical treatment and weighed too heavily the research outlining its side-effects. This is not about letting kids and adults smoke bowls and bowls of weed on their leisure time.

chc 13y ago
I'm not sure it isn't. His argument in favor of legalization is centered around the medical benefits, but that doesn't mean he believes it should be blocked for other uses.
gavinlynch 13y ago
But let's also be honest: The only reason most average people care about the issue of medical marijuana is because of their feelings attached to the recreational use of marijuana.
- stelonix 13y ago
  Yeah, it's not like people care about a (mostly) harmless illicit drug - specially when compared to a poisonous licit drug as alcohol - is illegal based on factors of which none are scientific. I mean, why not make things illegal just for the hell of it, right? It's not like there's a whole industry benefiting from people going to jail.
- hexagonc 13y ago
  I think most people, whether they like marijuana recreationally or not, are outraged that the federal government can prosecute a patient that is suffering from excruciating pain for using marijuana for relief. I find this application of the law immoral in the strongest terms and any DEA agent that executes this law morally culpable in its negative effects.
kevincrane 13y ago
I'd actually argue that he was referring to recreational use when he was discussing his kids smoking it, based off this quote: "Much in the same way I wouldn't let my own children drink alcohol, I wouldn't permit marijuana until they are adults. If they are adamant about trying marijuana, I will urge them to wait until they're in their mid-20s when their brains are fully developed." I'm assuming he's not referring to them medically smoking marijuana because he talks about a more appropriate age to start, implying that they'd be smoking it voluntarily rather than under necessity from chronic pain.

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