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A recent letter to the editor urges legislators to support medical cannabis users ("Legislators must support medical cannabis users," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 1). As a physician, I fully support the medical use of cannabis. To my knowledge, Hawaii was the first state in the nation to approve its medical use with a prescription from physicians.

However, the American Medical Association remains opposed to the legalization of recreational cannabis, which contains unregulated quantities of THC. This chemical has been shown to have toxic effects on youthful brains. Chronic use of recreational cannabis has a risk of addiction, dementia and psychosis. Furthermore, the use of recreational cannabis has a negative effect on the amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for risk recognition. This fact might explain the tendency for some persons to drive with excessive speed while using recreational cannabis.

I hope the public recognizes the difference between the use of cannabis for medical purposes and recreational purposes.

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