As a retired physician, psychiatrist, and psychoanalyst, I want to express my concerns about cannabis use even though I support its decriminalization. Pot’s subtle perils, in my opinion, render decriminalization as very different from the widespread social acceptance that liberal Democrats like Kamala Harris advocate.

(1) Medical Use of Cannabis -- When cannabis use is necessary to assist terminally ill cancer patients with nausea or pain and a qualified physician or nurse practitioner is supervising, then oral cannabis preparations are appropriate. Other established medical uses of marijuana need to be carefully supervised as well. Marijuana is not useful as an antidepressant, tranquilizer, or psychiatric medication though many people try to use it that way.

(2) The “Gateway Hypothesis” -- is the correct idea that marijuana is often an early gateway towards the future use of harder drugs by a middle school or high-school-aged person. It too often turns out to be true and not a mere hypothesis.

Widespread acceptance of marijuana use in America is not without perils for our youth and adults with mental health issues.

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