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I don't have time to hunt for articles and get into a big debate about the harms of marijuana to the body, but some of it is just common sense. Inhaling anything into the lungs that isn't clean air is harmful to your lungs if you do it often enough. Whether it is pollution, inhalants, cigarettes or marijuana. Our bodies have to process those toxins and it's tough on all the organs involved. If it goes from the lungs to the urine and you know a little about physiology you can figure out how many organs have to work harder to rid yourself of them. Someone will, I'm sure, come up with an arguement to this next statement but.. In my experience, I've yet to see anything that alters the way the brain works be something "healthy" for people.
As for articles that will counteract this, sure, they are out there. There are also studies that alcohol (a glass of wine a day) can be helpful in preventing heart disease too, but alcohol also has toxic effects to the body. I've also seen articles about how doctors treated cigarettes years ago and I've even seen articles from the early 20's where doctors were recommending smoking to reduce stress! We know more now.
I happen to be a smoker and think that if we choose to abuse our bodies, it's our choice but there are factions out there who think if you suffer health problems related to smoking that government funded health insurance shouldn't cover it because you chose to do that to yourself. The amount of money in health care spent on smoking related health issues is astronomical.
I don't think the government or big corporations are going to take on the risks of legalizing marijuana.
I can see some advantage in having it regulated because marijuana bought on the street is often laced with other things and regulating it would ensure that a user would know what they are getting.
Dee
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