Supposed dangers of marijuana exaggerated

By Alex Bradley

You're 8 years old again and you're in the middle of your playground's field, spinning around as fast as you can. You laugh as you collapse onto the ground, unable to stand, as the world spins all around you. We all did this when we were kids because it's fun to feel dizzy and alter one's state of mind. It is an occurrence known as "sensation seeking," in which a person tries to experience a change in ones mental or physical perceptions.

Many people have attempted to determine why our generation is so attracted to the use of marijuana. Some have noted that our generation seems to have a particular aversion to risky behavior, and this alone should keep us from using the substance.

However, an argument has arisen suggesting that the reason young children spin until they are too dizzy to stand, "sensation seeking," can also be attributed to the motivation behind marijuana use. This idea opposes the other widely accepted arguments, such as peer pressure, in which users only wish to try marijuana for social acceptance or in order to "be cool." This pleasure principle serves as an explanation that defies the ever-blamed depression or lack of self-worth.

Frankly, the argument regarding a desire to shift one's state of mind or physical reality seems the most logical; simply put, many people find marijuana use to be an enjoyable way to at least somewhat change how they act, feel or perceive the world. Much like alcohol consumption, skydiving or racing 200 mph on a motorcycle, marijuana causes the user to experience extraordinary sensations that they find enjoyable. It is a simple theory, but probably the most sound one when trying to determine why individuals use marijuana.

Many argue as well that the aforementioned activities, with the exception of drinking, are safe and normal, while marijuana use will ruin one's life and is extremely risky. Undoubtedly there are risks with marijuana use since studies show that marijuana smokers are subject to increased occurrences of unprotected sexual contact, "anti-motivational syndromes" and the possibility of harder drug use.

But consider this: It is human nature to have the desire to experience new things, either by altering one's state of consciousness, physical being or sensory perceptions.

Also, every activity carries some sort of risk or potential negative consequences, whether in mental harm, social stigma, physical impairment or death.

It is up to each person to make the decisions they feel suit their best interests because different people are attracted to different kinds of experiences, and they must weigh the risks associated with those activities when deciding to try them.

û Alex Bradley is a freshman.