Stick to summaries
I regularly read Boulder Weekly, and I would like to make a comment on Mr. Brendza’s most recent article about using marijuana for pain. (“Swapping poppies for chronic,” Nov. 30, 2023)
To clarify, I am not a marijuana user myself, but I find Weed Between the Lines fascinating.
I think Mr. Brendza does good writing for the most part, but this last article needs to be addressed due to some spurious claims about marijuana. Unless Mr. Brendza is a medical professional, I think he should steer clear of making medical recommendations for the treatment of pain.
The first claim he makes is that “marijuana is used to treat insomnia, depression and anxiety,” hinting that marijuana should be used to offset chronic opioid symptoms. He then writes, contradicting his first statement, that “physicians in the U.S. will not prescribe marijuana by virtue of the fact that it is illegal.”
If Brendza says marijuana is not prescribed by doctors for being illegal yet claims marijuana is used to treat insomnia, depression and anxiety, who is the one treating? Brendza should have simply said, “Chronic pain patients have used marijuana anecdotally to self-treat their symptoms related to insomnia, depression and anxiety,” followed by a citation of research consulted.
The most important criticism I have for Brendza’s article is where he says plainly that “marijuana is non addictive.”
That is outright nonsense that has no basis in research and makes it seem as if he is a puppet of the marijuana industry.
It is well established that marijuana is psychologically addictive and, while certainly less so than opioids and other substances, also physically addictive. According to the CDC, approximately 30% of frequent marijuana users suffer from dependence, whether psychological or physical.
I believe good journalism should take a balanced view, and I do not think it is acceptable for Mr. Brendza to be making biased and inaccurate claims pertaining to the use of psychoactive substances.
Brendza should have just stuck to summarizing the research study in this article without interjecting his own personal thoughts.
— Austin Lear, Lafayette
Ho-hum advice
I admit that for a while my general curiosity voyeuristically enjoyed the titillating stuff from Savage Love, even though I’m heterosexual. But now it’s become monotonous and repetitive. I’d rather read Dear Abby now — at least it has a variety of subject matter.
I assume that this is your ode to the LGBT+ community, which is not a problem in and of itself to me. However, how about a columnist who addresses hetero issues and/or those of the heart as well as sex?
— Don Koplen, Boulder
Still in need
This is a response to your letter discussing potential cleanup and respect for Native heritage (“The ghosts of Valmont Butte,” Jan. 26, 2012). I understand this letter is over 10 years old, but the land is still radiated and in need of cleanup.
Valmont Butte holds immense historical and spiritual value, particularly for the Native American communities, and its preservation is of utmost importance. Over the years, Valmont Butte has unfortunately been subjected to the adverse impacts of European settlement and industrial activities, notably mining, which have not only polluted the area but also marred its sacredness.
I believe the Colorado Historic Cemetery Association has a crucial role to play in this matter. It is not only about conserving a physical site but also about respecting and acknowledging the cultural and spiritual significance it holds for the Native American people.
Consider taking action to ensure that Valmont Butte is preserved in a manner that honors its historical and spiritual importance. This could involve cleaning up the pollution, implementing protective measures to prevent further degradation, and working with Native American groups to understand and incorporate their perspectives and needs in the preservation efforts.
— Willow Jon Collamer, Boulder
Peace for the holidays
Plastic bags, a soda can and a large plastic banner were floating in Boulder Creek beneath the bridge at 23rd and Pearl. They reminded me of people on inner tubes, waiting for a chance to ride the waves. They didn’t. My friend James pulled out all of this trash. Giving to by taking from. Removing trash from our waterways is one way we can celebrate the holidays. There are many others.
One is very simple. Please call your representatives and tell them that you want a long ceasefire in Gaza. Children in Boulder might be dreaming of sparkling sugarplum fairies. Children in Gaza are dying from exploding bombs.
Let’s “give peace a chance.”
— Kristen Marshall, Boulder
Adopt, don’t shop
There are millions of good dogs that need homes. They might not have a stylish orange fur coat or a designer dog breed-look, but all dogs are full of love and loyalty.
You don’t need to buy a dog when there are millions that need homes. Don’t buy a dog for his perfect, inbred fur coat. Inbred dog breeds have shorter lives, recessive gene health conditions, cancer etc.
The so-called mutts are good dogs, have always been — that’s why we fell in love with them thousands of years ago. The designer dogs have only been with us in the last century or two through inbreeding with its side effects.
Adopt a sweetheart canine companion, just a mutt, who you will love.
— Jane Kenyon, Mammoth, Calif. (Boulder resident in the ’80s and ’90s)
