Just read Carl Ochsner’s (4/24/25) cautionary tale regarding chronic cannabis use. There are indeed psychological and somatic medical problems associated with prolonged, heavy use of cannabis; the earlier the age of initiation, the greater the risks for serious adverse events, even schizophrenia.

The last non-technical medical article I published was in 2012 entitled: “Marijuana: Modern Medical Chimaera.” It was in the Journal of Drug Education and is readily available on-line (Pub Med) and provides a summary of legitimate medical dangers extant at that time.

Though dated, most of the risks elaborated in that piece are relevant in today’s more libertine environment. What we knew about the dangers of cannabis in the 20th century is magnified today by the exceptionally high levels of THC in many, now legal, consumer products; please note, senior citizens may be especially vulnerable.

Marijuana may not be physically addictive but can be psychologically habit forming. There are significant risks upon withdrawal as enumerated in my article. The severity of withdrawal symptoms is related to the duration and frequency of use. Many potential health risks are explained in the article.

This is not intended as a conservative prohibition of psychedelic drug use. I have been a long-time proponent for clinical use of psychedelic therapies including LSD and MDMA (ecstasy) but our venal tendencies must sometimes be constrained by dangerous realities.

As an aside, for aficionados, I recommend “LSD: My Problem Child” by the late, brilliant, organic chemist, Dr. Albert Hofmann.

— Roland Lamarine, Chico