VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1 - Spring 2013
THE IMPACT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL: II
The topic of substance abuse is a controversial and complex subject. There are few issues today that cause such stir and/or create such strong, passionate feelings and opinions as do the themes surrounding this topic. Although the science and data can be misinterpreted, few could or would deny the overwhelming scientific and anecdotal evidence that supports the conclusion that drugs negatively impact the mind, body and soul of the abuser, their families and communities. In this edition of the Journal, our subject matter experts further explore the complex themes surrounding the world of substance abuse.
Included in this issue is an article about the use of cannabis for medical purposes, often termed “medical marijuana”. This topic is of concern throughout the world, on many levels: health, policy, society and economy. The authors discuss the history of “medical marijuana” and the current research on marijuana, the most used illegal drug globally.
Also included in this edition are two commentaries. The first commentary is a look at marijuana from a historical perspective, and as yet another failed human experiment; comparing it to other drugs in years past, that have become normalized and widely used, such as over-the-counter heroin, smoked opium, and morphine.
The second commentary piece offers an explanation of and perspective on the controversial subject of using mycoherbicides, naturally occurring fungi, to control illicit drug crops. The author discusses the how and why, plus the politics, of the potential use of these living organisms in the fight against the growth of illicit narcotic plants. |
