NZ Green

A scientist and academic (specialising in drug effects on the human brain) decides to examine the arguments for and against marijuana, both recreational and medicinal, and writes a book which sums up his findings.

What are his major conclusions?. Well he concludes that for most people, the only significant potential health danger are the effects of smoking on the lungs. (and as we all know smoking is not the only way to take it) He does recognise that MJ can cause problems for some people with certain psychiatric disorders. Noting this, he also concludes that it's senseless to continue treating users as criminals, though he doesn't recommend full legalisation to the extent that tobacco and alcohol is legally sold now. He suggests the Dutch model as close to what he would like to see.

Iversen has mixed conclusions on medical MJ - he accepts its usefulness for certain conditions (eg appetite stimulation for AIDS sufferers) but is sceptical of other claims concerning it. But he does accept that it is a comparatively safe substance which cannot kill by overdose.