CNN is after marijuana again. It was a little more than a month ago when they ran a story citing a White House press release and the reporter connected marijuana to suicide.

This time they cite the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, which says that between 1992 and 2006 marijuana saw a 175-percent increase in potency, 492-percent increase in abuse and 136-percent increase in ER visits. The best part about the increase in ER cases? CNN’s Elizabeth Cohen said it best herself:

“You know what’s interesting? The thing that’s sending them there is really paranoia. In other words, people are smoking this very powerful pot and becoming very paranoid; they’re basically freaking out. And that’s why they end up in the ER. They’re not there because they’re actually physically ill, it’s really all in their head.” [emphasis mine]

She goes on to explain that the problems are more long-term with marijuana use, citing impaired memory, attention, judgement and balance along with increased risk of chronic cough, bronchitis, emphysema, and cancers of the head, neck and lungs.

Here’s the thing: it’s not the marijuana that’s increasing the risks of emphysema and lung cancer, it’s the smoke. Take smoke out of the equation by using a vaporizer or ingesting it orally, and you don’t really have any worse effects than a mild concussion.

I find it hilarious that marijuana continues to be illegal in this country (aside from the 10 or so states that allow medicinal use and have decriminalization) even though there has never been a case of death by marijuana overdose. Conversely, between 30,000 and 100,000 people die yearly due to adverse reactions from FDA-approved drugs prescribed by their doctor.

It’s kind of mind-blowing to think that the U.S. government can’t figure out a way to legalize, tax and distribute a naturally occurring plant that has proven benefits, yet they will continue to put the Vioxxes, Accutanes, Stratteras, and other “approved” drugs out there that can kill you.