Carehn
Member
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2008
- Messages
- 3,635
Dear Chase:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the legalization of marijuana. I appreciate the opportunity to respond.
After a decade of consistent progress during the Reagan and Bush Administrations, almost every available indicator shows the United States is now losing ground in its efforts to reduce illegal drug use, especially among young people. Since 1992, the number of 12 to 17 year-olds using marijuana has almost doubled to 2.9 million, compared with the 1992 level of 1.6 million. One in three high school seniors now smokes marijuana, and 48.4 percent of the Class of 1995 had tried drugs by graduation day.
Further, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) marijuana contains known toxins and cancer-causing chemicals that are stored in fat cells for up to several months. Marijuana users experience the same health problems as tobacco smokers, such as bronchitis, emphysema and bronchial asthma. Marijuana use also causes increased heart rate, dryness of mouth, reddening of the eyes, impaired motor skills and concentration, and frequent hunger. Extended use increases risks to the lungs and reproductive system, as well as suppression of the immune system. Hallucinations, fantasies and paranoia are also occasionally reported. The use of marijuana often leads to the use of other more dangerous illegal drugs. According to a survey conducted by Phoenix House, an organization that runs drug abuse treatment centers and conducts extensive research, 60 percent of adolescents in treatment agreed that using marijuana made it easier for them to consume other drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamines, and LSD.
It is for these reasons I am not a supporter of the legalization of marijuana. The legalization of marijuana would lead to increased use at a time when we are trying to reduce the use of drugs in our nation -- especially among young people. Such an act would send the wrong message. While I appreciate and respect your views on this matter, I do not currently support the legalization of marijuana and believe that if such a law were enacted, it would have dramatic unintended consequences.
Once again, thank you for taking time to write to me with your concerns. The thoughts and opinions of Idahoans are important to me as your Representative in the United States Congress. I
also encourage you to visit my website at www.house.gov/simpson to sign up for my weekly e-newsletter and to read more about my views on a variety of issues.
Sincerely,
S
Mike Simpson
Member of Congress
Thank you for contacting me regarding the legalization of marijuana. I appreciate the opportunity to respond.
After a decade of consistent progress during the Reagan and Bush Administrations, almost every available indicator shows the United States is now losing ground in its efforts to reduce illegal drug use, especially among young people. Since 1992, the number of 12 to 17 year-olds using marijuana has almost doubled to 2.9 million, compared with the 1992 level of 1.6 million. One in three high school seniors now smokes marijuana, and 48.4 percent of the Class of 1995 had tried drugs by graduation day.
Further, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) marijuana contains known toxins and cancer-causing chemicals that are stored in fat cells for up to several months. Marijuana users experience the same health problems as tobacco smokers, such as bronchitis, emphysema and bronchial asthma. Marijuana use also causes increased heart rate, dryness of mouth, reddening of the eyes, impaired motor skills and concentration, and frequent hunger. Extended use increases risks to the lungs and reproductive system, as well as suppression of the immune system. Hallucinations, fantasies and paranoia are also occasionally reported. The use of marijuana often leads to the use of other more dangerous illegal drugs. According to a survey conducted by Phoenix House, an organization that runs drug abuse treatment centers and conducts extensive research, 60 percent of adolescents in treatment agreed that using marijuana made it easier for them to consume other drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamines, and LSD.
It is for these reasons I am not a supporter of the legalization of marijuana. The legalization of marijuana would lead to increased use at a time when we are trying to reduce the use of drugs in our nation -- especially among young people. Such an act would send the wrong message. While I appreciate and respect your views on this matter, I do not currently support the legalization of marijuana and believe that if such a law were enacted, it would have dramatic unintended consequences.
Once again, thank you for taking time to write to me with your concerns. The thoughts and opinions of Idahoans are important to me as your Representative in the United States Congress. I
also encourage you to visit my website at www.house.gov/simpson to sign up for my weekly e-newsletter and to read more about my views on a variety of issues.
Sincerely,
S
Mike Simpson
Member of Congress
If i start to be rude he won't even read my emails. Just think, if i keep it up and am showing him respect i may be able to pull him from "the dark side".
