Given the enormity and ubiquity of the use of marijuana, I wish to utilize this forum to bring some rather recent findings to the attention of the medical community. The early papers on marijuana were the results of studies done in the 1960s when the use of THC (marijuana) became widespread. The potency of the marijuana available at that time was about 1/10th that in use today.

 A group of 40 mathematicians was given a number of very complicated mathematical problems. Only 12 of the group were able to solve all of the problems. These 12 were then given one marijuana cigarette 3 times a week for 3 months (very mild use by 1980s standards). After 3 months they were given the same problems. None of the 12 were able to successfully solve the problems they once had solved before. Three months later they again failed to solve the problems. They have been tested at intervals and it is now more than 5 years since the experiment and none has regained the capacity to solve the problems.

 The significance of the study is alarming, since it indicates that even moderate use of marijuana may permanently impair the highest level of abstract thinking. We may have already lost many of the Einsteins, Flemings and Salks of the next generation. It is time that medical scientists make every effort to keep themselves well-informed about the effects of mind-altering substances and on the basis speak out authoritatively to the public.

(A note From the past - By Abraham Twerski, M.D. Editorial ACMS Bulletin Nov.24/84)

 Potency of marijuana in the 1990s is generally upward of 24% compared to 1-3% in the 1960s and 16-24% in the 80s. This increase in potency also increases the rate and extent of damage caused by the drug to the brain, reproductive system and other parts of the body. - A.B.SEAL . (CWD Intl. Newsletter Quarterly 1994).