What does that say about our young people using cannabis if it’s in the same federal substance control category as heroin? My goal is to balance the benefits of weed and the logical reasons we should discourage its use.
It’s no lie that medicinal cannabis is helpful. We all know someone who uses some form of the plant for knee pain, migraines, insomnia, anger issues, etc. It’s a gift from the earth. But even with the benefits of using the plant, should we allow teens, young adults and adults to have access to it if it also causes harm?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, users of weed have lower performance at their workplace, showing that “studies of cannabis have demonstrated effects that include sedation, disorientation, impaired judgment, lack of concentration and slowed fine motor skills.” There are more workplace accidents, absenteeism and injuries related to cannabis use. Similarly, young adults consuming weed may increase risky behavior and mental health issues and could reduce cognitive performance.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the percentage of marijuana-positive drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes has increased significantly.
Even if it’s a product of the earth and helpful, the negative impacts of cannabis use are nothing to ignore. Lower workplace performance, increased risky behavior and decreased mental health are legitimate concerns for Michigan citizens.
Zoe Russo
Sterling Heights
What really makes a country great?
What makes a country great is not economic success or the policies of a leader. Doing what is right and kind in our own lives makes America great. Each time we reach out to another in need, we are making America great.
We have an opportunity to help someone daily. Even the smile or compliment to a stranger passing by makes America great. Willingness to work hard and do more than what is expected makes America great.
Tragedy continues to strike in the U.S., and with every loss, there is an outpouring of individuals that answer the call to aid, assist or support, from the Texas tragedy to the California fires. My heart breaks at their pain, yet is warmed by the volunteers. We have to ask ourselves daily: How we can help others and offer the gifts we have been given? That is what will continue to make America great.
Kathryn Gross-Jacek
Westland
Do better for disabled Americans
As July marks Disability Pride Month and the 35th anniversary of the ADA, I urge Michigan readers to reflect on how far we’ve come — and that our work is far from finished. As a disability advocate and parent of a child with spina bifida, I’ve seen how our systems fail disabled people. We experience challenges of navigating medical care, schools, insurance and a world not built for people like my son.
This isn’t a niche issue — it’s all of us. It affects 1 in 2,875 children. Yet critical programs like IDEA have never been fully funded, Medicaid and Medicare are under threat and public spaces still exclude disabled people. Accessibility is inconsistent and inclusion is treated as a favor.
Let’s go beyond remembrance. Ask: Who’s missing from the room? Are we listening to lived experiences?
Let’s honor the ADA not just by remembering it — but by doing better.
Kasey Hilton
Fenton
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: I’m worried about our kids using too much weed | Letters
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