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Marijuana: 'A major threat to public health, and society'

Broadcast Date: April 24, 1980

Many people use marijuana, but that doesn't mean it's harmless. As more research is conducted, scientists find disturbing side effects of prolonged use: lung damage, impotence, psychological problems, cerebral atrophy. Dr. Charles Messer is a psychiatrist and crusader against what he calls "the pot gospel" and "the crap attitudes of suggestible kids." He's sounding the alarm, and has plenty of science to back it up. And he believes that anyone who disagrees with him...must be on drugs.

Marijuana: 'A major threat to public health, and society'

Health Canada says the signs of chronic, heavy marijuana use may include:
• decreased motivation and interest
• difficulties with memory and concentration
• respiratory system damage from smoking
• developmental delays in children whose mothers used drugs heavily during pregnancy

• Some of the mental difficulties associated with marijuana use clear up when heavy use stops, but research suggests there is a risk of permanent mental damage from prolonged use.
• Smoking a marijuana joint deposits four times as much tar in the respiratory tract as smoking a comparable amount of tobacco.

Marijuana: 'A major threat to public health, and society'

Medium: Television

Program: Today From...

Broadcast Date: April 24, 1980

Host: Kris Purdy
Reporter: Sherv Schragge

Duration: 12:00

Last updated:
Aug. 9, 2011