Don’t be fooled by marijuana support

Recently, the National Institute on Drug Abuse organized the fourth annual National Drug Facts Week. The official observance ended, but the conversation should continue. For several months, media outlets have flooded us with stories about marijuana legalization, whether for medical or recreational use.

If your world is far from the drug culture, like mine, it’s easy to overlook it. For most of us, it seems nonexistent. However, in my professional life, I see the reality more clearly. Many people actively use drugs. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 8.9 percent of full-time workers use illicit drugs. Among part-time workers, that number rises to 12.5 percent. People rarely discuss it, likely because of the stigma attached.

As a parent of three teenagers who understands the issue well, I don’t worry much about them. My real concern is for the very young or unborn, who will grow up in a world where society fully accepts marijuana. They won’t see any stigma attached to it.

Recent press coverage has made many people indifferent to marijuana’s harmful effects. Discussions mainly focus on its medicinal properties. The President’s recent comments aside, several federal agencies warn about marijuana’s dangers. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Transportation, Department of Labor all confirm these risks. Even the White House’s official website makes it clear. Marijuana is the only “medicine” approved not by the FDA but by voters and legislators.

So what’s the fuss?

Regardless of public opinion, the following come from the White House Office of Drug Control Policy:

  • It is physically addictive for one in 11 users.
  • It causes numerous health problems.
  • It lowers users’ IQs by as many as eight points.
  • It stays in a us­er’s body for weeks and can cause cognitive impairment at least seven days after use, and,
  • When perception of risk drops, usage increases.

As a parent, I am concerned about the message associated with removing the stigma of drugs in general, and marijuana in particular. And in my business, I see first hand the issues of safety, productivity and pilferage that go with substance abuse in the workplace. Companies that test have fewer of those issues. Parents, schools and students should have similar concerns.

Tim Thoelecke Jr., Glenview resident

President, InOut Labs