No one should take marijuana lightly. If someone treats it casually, they will become deeply entangled and there will be serious consequences. It is extremely important to properly convey the danger to young people.
In mid-October, Tokai University announced that multiple members of its baseball team had been using marijuana. The shock was great because the team is a powerhouse in the top division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area University Baseball League. The use of marijuana by members of Kinki University's soccer team was also discovered. Both cases are now being investigated by the police on suspicion of violations of the Cannabis Control Law.
The team members and others reportedly told the universities that they used it out of curiosity. Both teams have already been suspended indefinitely. The universities must proceed with their investigation into such matters as whether other members used marijuana and try to prevent a recurrence.
The spread of marijuana use is not limited to college sports circles.
The number of people who have been arrested or questioned in marijuana-related incidents has risen for six years in a row, and the figure stood at a record high of 4,321 last year. Those under 30 accounted for 60%. In particular, the number of such people under 20 totaled 609, nearly eight times the level five years before, and this year's number is growing at an even faster pace than last year.
The spread among young people has been spurred by social media. Marijuana is being trafficked, with marijuana called a "vegetable" and in-person delivery a "hand push," among other terms. In some cases, marijuana is mixed into cookies or gummies to be sold.
All these are clever tactics to weaken the resistance of buyers and avoid detection. Investigative authorities should crack down on antisocial forces, such as gangs, that use marijuana as a source of funding, and step up surveillance on social media.
It is important to correct misconceptions about marijuana. There are postings on the internet that say things like "it's not addictive." The majority of minors apprehended in marijuana cases have stated that they thought it was "not harmful" or "rather healthy."
This is a terrible mistake. According to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, abuse of marijuana can lead to hallucinations, memory impairment and reduced learning ability. Younger people also tend to become more dependent on marijuana.
In a survey of inmates in stimulant cases, more than 40% of those under the age of 30 said that marijuana was the first drug they used. It is important not to forget that marijuana is a gateway to stronger illegal drugs.
Some people mistakenly think it is not a crime to use marijuana. This is probably because there is a provision in the current law that prohibits the possession and transfer of marijuana, but there is no criminal provision for use of the drug. Legislative measures must be considered.
There are countries that have legalized marijuana, and some young Japanese people experience it on such occasions as overseas trips. If people succumb to temptation, there is a high price to pay. The dangers of using marijuana must be thoroughly taught at home and at school.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on Nov. 1, 2020.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
