88,000: The number of deaths attributable to excessive consumption of alcohol each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two: The number of deaths allegedly attributable to excessive consumption of cannabis in the US … ever.
Marijuana, like any other mind-altering substance, needs to be regulated and used in moderation. However, it is a gross overreaction of local authorities to prohibit the Colorado Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) summer series, entitled “Classically Cannabis: The High Notes Series.”
The intention of the CSO is to have three private performances throughout the summer: May 23, July 18 and August 15. The Colorado Symphony is eager to celebrate the increase in tax revenue that will be produced by the budding industry of recreational marijuana, but has placed an age limit and an “invite-only” regulation on attendees.
Two recent deaths associated with the overconsumption of THC have caused increased suspicion and caution by the public and authorities. The first of these deaths was the case of Levy Thamba, a nineteen year-old student from Wyoming, who threw himself off of a hotel balcony while visiting Denver. He is reported to have consumed one edible cookie that contained the THC content of six joints. The second death was the homicide of a local 44-year-old woman who was shot by her husband after he allegedly ate a marijuana candy and began hallucinating. The Denver Post also reported that he may have been taking painkillers in conjunction.
Though it is imperative that we recognize the varying effects THC can have on different individuals, according to Psychology Today, “It [Cannabis] can be classified in a number of ways such as … a drug that causes an altered state of consciousness with mild euphoria, relaxation, perceptual alterations and enhanced sensory experiences.”
The effects are generally harmless, not only to the individual consuming the THC, but to those around them. On the other hand, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that studies show the percentages of violent offenders who were drinking at the time of the offense are as follows: 86 percent of homicide offenders, 37 percent of assault offenders, 60 percent of sexual offenders, 57 percent of men and 27 percent of women involved in marital violence and 13 percent of child abusers. With these statistics we should be more concerned with recreational alcohol consumption than with that of marijuana.
Beyond people smoking on semi-public property, the fact that there are people consuming marijuana at an event should not cause any greater concern than when alcohol is allowed. Marijuana is not associated with increased aggression, and classical music is probably considered a sedative by a large portion of the population. Therefore, what is the harm in allowing three contained and private concerts for which people must purchase a ticket and consent to being in the presence of marijuana?
The city of Denver needs to prioritize. Canceling the concerts will not control the consumption of cannabis. Regulate, I implore and encourage them to do so, but do not waste time, effort and resources attempting to prevent a concert that will probably result in the calmest and most content audience of all time.
