Kerby Anderson

A new study of marijuana is in the news. And since we dislike people who tell you “I told you so,” I will merely remind radio listeners that we have had this conversation before.

The editors of The Wall Street Journal write that “More Marijuana Users Are Crash Dummies.” They cite research from Wright State University that analyzed driver autopsy results of car crashes. More than 4 in 10 tested positive for THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) with an average level of 30.7 nanograms. That is more than six times the level most states use to define impairment.

As you may already know, breathalyzers used by law enforcement don’t detect recent marijuana use. That makes it difficult for police to catch a person who is driving while high. The editors also remind us of the fact that: “Today’s marijuana is five times more potent than the weed that Boomers smoked when they were young.”

The editors also mention that: “Auto fatalities have increased over the last decade even as cars have become safer and alcohol consumptions has fallen.” You can also look at individual states and find what appears to be a correlation.

As I have mentioned in previous commentaries, just as various governments are rushing to legalize and thus increase marijuana use, we are also learning more of its dangers. A decade ago, when I had a reporter on my program who documented the link between cannabis and schizophrenia, I received many complaints from the audience. Now the National Institutes of Health is reporting the same connection.

A rational society would debate both the pros and cons of a policy. Unfortunately, the negative concerns about marijuana use are mounting up, and yet few seem to be paying attention.