Several studies have shown that marijuana dependence is real and causes harm. We know that more than 30 percent of past-year marijuana users age 18 and older are classified as dependent on the drug, and that the lifetime prevalence of marijuana dependence in the US population is higher than that for any other illicit drug. Those dependent on marijuana often show signs of withdrawal and compulsive behavior.

People have been saying all sorts of things about the "dangers" of marijuana for a very long time. But the reality of the situation is nowhere near as dire as it is made to seem. Indeed, the government's own data show that 98 percent of past year marijuana users do not end up in the ER to "mention" that they use marijuana, and similarly, that only a small percentage of users end up in rehab (mostly referred through the legal system). And the potency issue can't be all that significant given that synthetic THC (marijuana's principle psychoactive agent) is available by prescription. If THC in natural marijuana is scary and dangerous (DEA Schedule I), it seems illogical that it can be obtained in near 100 percent strength as an FDA approved "safe and effective" medicine (DEA Schedule III). See for yourself: it's called Marinol. And why in the world would so many people try marijuana -- and keep using it -- if it were truly "dangerous?" The data consistently show that marijuana is simply not that dangerous and over 100 million Americans already know that, because they've used it themselves. I put together a tri-fold brochure to capture the essence of this page -- I like to mail out copies of it in those postage paid envelopes we all get in our junk mail.