National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse

Marihuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding

Chapter III

Social Impact of marihuana use

ASSESSMENT OF PERCEIVED RISKS

The Commission believes that marihuana. is perceived by the American public to present the following risks to the public health:

• lethality
• potential for genetic damage or teratogenicity
• immediate adverse physical or mental effects
• long-term physical or mental effects including psychosis and "amotivation" syndrome
• "addiction" potential
• progression to other stronger drugs, especially heroin