Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized: An Expert's Perspective

Summary

In this insightful transcript, retired pharmacology professor John Morgan shares his expertise on marijuana, co-authoring 'Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts.' He addresses common misconceptions, asserting that marijuana is the safest psychoactive drug despite its risks. Morgan advocates for legalization not due to safety, but to better control its dangers through regulation, emphasizing that even if new evidence emerged, it would strengthen his argument for legalization.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker, John Morgan, is a retired professor of pharmacology with 28 years of experience teaching at the City University of New York Medical School.
• 🌿 He has a special interest in the pharmacology, toxicology, and regulation of marijuana, having spent many years studying these aspects.
• 📖 In 1997, he co-authored a book titled 'Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts', which aimed to debunk common misconceptions about marijuana.
• 🔍 The book critically examines arguments against marijuana legalization, including the gateway effect, pulmonary damage, and effects on the fetus and immune system.
• 💊 Professor Morgan acknowledges that marijuana, like all drugs, has some hazards but considers it to be the safest among psychoactive drugs.
• 🚫 He advises against performing certain activities, such as driving or making important decisions, while under the influence of marijuana.
• 🚫 Despite no medical evidence, there is a common belief that marijuana might cause cancer, which the professor does not support.
• 🚗 He argues that marijuana is not a significant contributor to vehicular accidents, as impaired drivers tend to drive more cautiously.
• 🔑 The professor is a strong advocate for the legalization of marijuana, not because it is safe, but because it is dangerous and should be regulated.
• 🙏 He expresses a willingness to apologize and change his stance if new evidence shows that marijuana is more harmful than he has believed for 28 years.
• 🛑 The speaker concludes that the potential dangers of marijuana are a better reason for legalization and regulation to control its use and remove criminality associated with it.

Q & A

Who is Miss John Morgan?

Miss John Morgan is a retired professor of pharmacology at the City University of New York Medical School, with 28 years of experience teaching medical students about the effects of drugs.

What is the title of the book Miss Morgan co-authored with Glenn Zema?

The book is titled 'Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts', which addresses common misconceptions about marijuana.

How many copies of 'Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts' are available in the United States?

There are 40,000 copies of the book available in the United States.

What was the main purpose of writing 'Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts'?

The main purpose was to challenge the arguments often made by those opposed to the legalization, regulation, and reform of marijuana.

What topics were covered in the book regarding marijuana?

The book covered topics such as the gateway effect, pulmonary damage, damage to the fetus and pregnancy process, and damage to the immune system.

What is Miss Morgan's opinion on the safety of marijuana compared to other psychoactive drugs?

Miss Morgan believes that marijuana is by and large the safest among psychoactive drugs, despite acknowledging that all drugs have some hazards.

What is Miss Morgan's stance on the gateway effect of marijuana?

She does not believe that marijuana is a gateway drug, despite anecdotal evidence to the contrary.

What does Miss Morgan think about the potential harms of marijuana, such as cancer and lung disease?

Miss Morgan does not believe that marijuana causes cancer or chronic lung disease, based on the current scientific evidence.

How does Miss Morgan view the impact of marijuana on driving ability?

She acknowledges that marijuana impairs driving ability, but notes that users tend to slow down and be more cautious, reducing the risk of vehicular accidents.

Why does Miss Morgan advocate for the legalization of marijuana?

She advocates for legalization not because marijuana is safe, but because it is dangerous and would benefit from a regulated system that removes criminality and allows for better control.

What would Miss Morgan do if new evidence contradicted her views on marijuana?

She would apologize for misinterpreting the science and adjust her stance, but also argue that the new evidence would be a better reason to legalize marijuana through regulation.