Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2008)
b weed, or not to weed^ Marijuana sparks conversation about proposed act C alley L athrop __________ Staff Reporter Is marijuana really as bad our health teachers say? Or there more to the plant than ?ets the eye? Bad or good, egonians will be choosing les on the issue, as an act in 10 could legalize marijuana Oregon. "I smoke every day, metimes multiple times, hink those who are so ;ainst it wouldn't be if ey were better educated... should be legal because it ie sale] would stimulate regon's economy and cops ould be able to focus on ore important things," an tonymous student said. Cannabis is the little green ant from which marijuana is ade. Tetrohydrocannibinol Iso known as THC,) is e chemical in marijuana at affects the brain and uses "psychoactive" effects, easure, memory, thoughts id concentration are all tered after consumption of larijuana, according to the ational Institute on Drug buse. Some argue that this drug is beneficial properties, hile some simply regard it a harmful, toxic substance. \e truth? It is neither. While arijuana contains harmful gredients like tar, and noking it in any amount damaging to the lungs, it in help relieve symptoms diseases like cancer and :her conditions by producing ^petite and relaxing the luscles of the user. "I see people in my ractice all the time who are iffering because of long term use. It tends to cause a lack of motivation and productivity. It's a way that people cope with stress and other problems. They become dependant upon it and do not Student Survey: "How easy is it to obtain marijuana in the West Linn community^" take whatever consequences come from it, they have the right to use it," Kevin Bagetta, senior, said. "Some people think it's not, but it really is dangerous. You're losing brain cells, and more and more is needed to obtain the 'high' each time, which can lead to addiction and use of more dangerous drugs," Alex Hutchinson, senior, said. Legalization is an option some would opt for, most on the basis of control, regulation and taxation to produce profit and make it harder to afford. In 2010, Oregonians will vote on the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, which, if passed, will legalize marijuana to be sold to those over 21 in a liquor- store environment. 83,000 signatures are needed by 2010 to get the measure on the Oregon ballot. Supporters of the bill say that, if passed, 90% of the states proceeds will go into the Oregon General Fund-- that could add up to m illions of dollars. work out their problems.," Douglas Pullin, counselor, said. Possession of any amount of marijuana is currently illegal in Oregon. However, a 2006 survey by the National Bureau of Mortality showed that an average of 42% of high school students have used marijuana at least once. A staggering 84% say that it is "easy to get." "I'll use it once or twice on weekends, but not every weekend. A lot of times it helps me to concentrate, honestly. I think it is much West Linn High School, 5464 West A Street, West Linn, OR 97068 (503) 673-7843 «fax: (503)657-8710 • wlhs-amplifier@wlhs.wlwv.kl2.or.us ■ ¡111 § The Amplifier is published approximately every’ four weeks by the West Linn High School Advanced Journalism class. Opinions expressed in commentaries and editorials represent only those of the writer, and are not necessarily the opinions of West Linn High School, its administration, faculty, staff, or student body. Editors-in-Chief Adam Holmes Calley Lathrop Managing Editor: Zack Mueller Business Editors: Avery Breyne-Cartwright Mary Wood Section Editors News: Jennifer Sitton Forum: Calley Lathrop Features: Valorie Wallace, Lexi Welp Sports: Max Hays better than using alcohol because you can still function on a fairly normal level," an anonymous student said. Obviously, laws need to be changed. No one has ever Entertainment: Adam Holmes Photo Editor: Hannah Zaayer Staff Reporters Austin Cummins, Chris Erbin, Dillon George, Carly Halverson, Sydney Hongo, Cole Hulden, Dylan Lotspeidh, Sarah Lund, Mary Mathes, Erin Robertson, Tamra Schelot, Jackie Steeh Photographers Avery Breyne-Cartwright, Chris Erbin, Zack Mueller Cartoon Artist Sarah Lund Adviser: Ann Breyne overdosed on marijuana and it is considered the "least addictive drug" by many experts, but the fact remains that it has 20 times as much tar in it as cigarettes, as well as many other harmful chemicals. Not only is marijuana use rampant across the United States, it also can and has had negative impacts on the lives of students, according to Sue Raivio, English teacher. "A great number of kids experiment with drugs. A great many don't know when to draw limits, so for some the cycle [of use] becomes very hard to break. We, as parents, don't often recognize it, but regardless it can lead to serious problems in school and at home," she said. "MANY people in this school have used or regularly use marijuana, and it is often no secret," an anonymous student said. "I know a ton of people who use it, and even more who have at least tried it. It's so easy to get, many people don't even think about the fact that it's illegal." However, many opt to never experiment with the drug. "It's a person's choice whether they want to do it or not. I should not be able to make that decision for them. Yes, it's bad, but as long as they are not negatively affecting others because of their use and are willing to "It [legalization] would stop illegal trade and we could put a tax on it to produce revenue. If it were legalized, it should be heavily regulated and expensive, because using it in large amounts can mess up people's productivity and health. Another possibility would be to keep records of its sale for individuals, that way people are not buying a ton of it. The use of it should be a personal choice, so why not make money off it?" an anonymous student said. However, one must ask whether or not the money is worth the possible and supposed harmful effects of the drug. People with debilitating medical conditions, after applying with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, can obtain a state-issued card stating that they may smoke marijuana for relief of their symptoms (in moderation, of course). Medical marijuana should be legalized in all states. It relieves nausea and relaxes ones muscles, which can be very hard to do with just a pill. Legalization of marijuana for the public is a different matter entirely. It can have very negative side effects, but also has been shown to be the least addictive drug and been found to contain more protein, omega fatty acids and fiber than any other plant on earth, according to the Campaign for The Restoration and Regulation of Hemp. continued on page 6 TRUTH about marijuana ,na arrests in the United States have increased by over •DOO since 2 0 0 0 * A Ithough US lavi/ classifies marijuana as a Schedule I con trolled /»substance. which means it is potentially addictive and has no acceptable medical use. a number of patients with chronic illnesses claim that smoking it has helped with nausea and relaxed their m uscles I R egular smoking of m arijuana has shown to cause lung damage, however, moderate use has shown little impact on the lungs and other organs I t contains the same potency today as in the l%Os and 70s. when marijuana usage was also common. J (J ane. Mary Jane. One of many slang terms for marijuana. including; ganja, dank, hooch, chronic and blunt rine tests can d etect THC metabolites in urine for various am ounts o f time based on height, weight and metabolism. /V common reaction to marijuana is "acute panic anxiety." one /Vpsychoactive" effect that is caused by T H C reactions with THC receptors in the brain. onusers o f m arijuana usually have the sam e grades and productivity in college than periodic users Among highr schoolers, marijuana use is usually paired with difficulty in school N A small minority o f Americans, less than I percent, smoke /»m arijuana on a daily basis An even smaller minority develop a dependence on marijuana. However. 4 2 2 of high'schoolers say that they have tried or used marijuana. Ml statistics from National Institute on Drug Addiction and MaryuanaFactsor
