Let medical professionals, experts decide on marijuana

In response to a recent column by Adam Sullivan ('Proposed medical cannabis expansion is good, not great,” April 5) and the open question by Rep. Jeff Shipley, R-Fairfield: 'How many people have died from marijuana overdose?” The Week magazine April 12 provided an answer.

As quoted from page 21: 'Researchers look at thousands of marijuana-related emergency room visits in Denver from 2014, when the drug was legalized in Colorado, to 2016 … While edibles represented only .3 percent of the total weight sold of THC - the psychoactive compound in weed - they accounted for 10 percent of cannabis-linked ER admissions.”

The article notes delivery can make a difference, with three Colorado deaths linked to marijuana involving edibles. Experts believe this is because edibles take longer to produce desired effects, which means some may mistakenly consume more.

And this is why only professionals and experts in related fields have the answers and should be making the decisions on any medical cannabis program.

Dee Delaney

Cedar Rapids