Readers' views: marijuana legalization, reaction to Merritt op/ed and virtual learning

Here's what community members had to say in three recent letters to the editor we received. Submit your own thoughts here.

Marijuana presents too many health issues for Hoosiers

Reefer Madness, the 1936 film about the mental health risks of smoking marijuana, has provided a lot of giggles for subsequent generations; however, it seems to have contained at least some truth.

Today’s cannabis contains far more THC than that used in the 1930s or by the Woodstock generation. In the 1970s, marijuana typically contained less than 2% THC, today it routinely contains from 20 to 25%.

This has caused a significant increase in marijuana-related problems. Research in recent years has shown a causal connection between marijuana use and an increased risk for developing schizophrenia. This is not an insignificant finding. Serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, is not easily cured and frequently destroys peoples’ lives.

An increase in violence among users has been reported as well, which may be associated with paranoid reactions. Marijuana use has also been shown to result in dependence by some users and leads to use of other licit or illicit substances, such as tobacco or morphine. Studies have also shown that marijuana’s negative effects on attention, memory and learning can last for days after the acute effects of the drug wear off. This is not good for work or academic performance.

Pregnant women who are heavy smokers of cannabis have been found to have low birth weight babies. Their children are also at higher risk of impulse control problems, attention disorders, behavioral issues and lower IQ scores when compared to children of nonusers. This can lead to learning problems and low achievement.

Children of users frequently become users as well; however, this may be a consequence of being raised by those users. Chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems have also been related to smoking marijuana. There are those who dismiss the above issues, particularly mental health disorders, as only correlations and not causative factors and promote its legalization. I question their motives.

Do they intend to use it, market it or generate tax revenue from its sale?  Legalizing and promoting the use of medical marijuana, I believe, is a mistake as well because it normalizes it and therefore promotes its use. Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana is a big mistake. It is not good for us or our children’s mental or physical health.

Let’s not go down this path.    

Don Scott 

Greenfield

Socialized medicine is not something to be feared, Jim Merritt

I read Jim Merritt's op-ed piece in the Star with an eye roll.

He contends that bills like the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2023 is bad for consumers. Actually, it's bad for pharmacy companies and large health care companies because it would force them to be upfront with consumers.

Merritt twice mentions Sen. Bernie Sanders and "socialized medicine" as obvious reasons to reject this bill. I disagree. Using the term socialized medicine is a dog whistle to folks afraid of too much government.

However, Medicare, a form of socialized medicine, works for millions of seniors who have paid into the system for decades. Canada, France, England, Finland, Norway, Japan, etc., all have so-called socialized medicine. Those countries and many more enjoy better health care than that available to many Americans who are either without insurance, pay through their employers or buy something merely adequate to stave off financial disaster.

Do not let Merritt fool you. Socialized medicine is not something to be feared; it is a program that could alleviate physical, emotional and financial pain for millions of Americans. If only the United States could catch up to the rest of the civilized world.

Pamela Jackson

Noblesville

Here's why students with dyslexia should have virtual education access

I graduated from the Indiana Digital Learning School in May 2023 and am now completing my first semester at IUPUI. I also have dyslexia. My experience in virtual education led me to excel on Indiana's ILEARN exams and earn 18 college credits while still in high school. It also prepared me for my transition to college life and for a successful future.

Virtual education provides many benefits over traditional public schools for students with dyslexia. One benefit is that classroom lectures are recorded. Many students with dyslexia struggle to take notes and listen to a lecture at the same time. With recorded lectures, I was able to learn in a way that made sense to me.

For students with dyslexia, having access to assistive technology is critical. A virtual platform has this accessibility built in.

Students with dyslexia often have ADHD. Virtual education limits distractions, allowing the student to concentrate and learn in a comfortable environment.

Virtual education is a proven option for students of all learning styles. Without virtual education, my outcome would likely have been different than it is today. As our state legislators grapple with whether to fund virtual schools equitably, they need to remember that all children learn differently. We should support education options that allow all students to reach their potential.

Caleb Clemens

Greenwood

Prior authorization can make necessary healthcare tricky

I recently read Jim Merritt's article regarding Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) as a target of certain proponents of socialized medicine.

I am an optometrist practicing in Indianapolis. While I love my work of 40 years in our community, one frustrating aspect for all of us involved in health care is a process known as prior authorization.

I have no issues with prescribing generic drugs. They usually work well for most eye diseases, while saving money to the patient and healthcare system. However, there are many new great and often necessary drugs particularly in the area of glaucoma and dry eye disease that are often nearly impossible to obtain approval through the prior authorization process. This creates extreme frustration for patients, pharmacy providers and prescribing health care providers.

I'm hoping that PBMs may find a better way for the benefit of the citizens of Indiana.

Larry Koval

Carmel