Sally Ann Wise: Dangers in legalizing weed far outweigh any benefits

Reasons to Vote no on Proposition 64: I have read about states that have legalized recreational use of marijuana. Marijuana-related traffic deaths increase; marijuana-related hospitalizations increase; calls to poison control increased in Colorado by 72 percent; fatal car crashes with drivers testing positive for THC, etc.

Marijuana over-activates parts of the brain that contain the highest number of certain receptors, causing the “high” users feel. Other effects include: altered senses (seeing brighter colors, etc.), altered sense of time, changes in mood, impaired body movement, difficulty in thinking and problem-solving, impaired memory.

Marijuana also affects brain development. Research has shown that when marijuana use begins during teen years, the drug can reduce thinking, memory and other learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. Colorado teenagers now rank No. 3 in the nation for marijuana use and 56 percent higher than the national average. Colorado college-age group now rank No. 2 in the nation for marijuana use and 54 percent higher than the national average. Edible versions of marijuana are accidentally ingested by children. Sure, legalizing marijuana might add revenue, but at what cost to health and safety?

This story was originally published October 25, 2016 at 10:54 AM with the headline "Sally Ann Wise: Dangers in legalizing weed far outweigh any benefits."