Dennis RomeroAn Army official says Tucson massacre suspect Jared Loughner, who wanted to sign up for military service two years ago, was a “habitual drug abuser.”
The revelation brings up the question of whether marijuana played a role in an apparently troubled man's life. While cannabis is legal in California and is sometimes seen as a medicinal panacea in L.A., the pot shop capital of the nation, some say it has a dark side, especially for daily users.
The Army official told Time magazine that Loughner “admitted that he smoked marijuana to such an extent that we said, 'No, thank you.'”
He was rejected.
We can almost hear your comments already. Cannabis is a cure. Sure.
But addiction medicine specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky of Celebrity Rehab has said repeatedly that daily marijuana use triggers deep depression.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse agrees:
“A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.”
Loughner is suspected of opening fire on a crowd that had gathered Saturday to see Rep. Gabrielle Giffords speak at a Safeway in Tucson. Six were killed and 14, including Giffords, were injured.
What do you think: Could marijuana have had an impact on a suspect's state of mind?
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