Issue 10 of COSMOS

Credit: Andrew Lee

Marijuana – how dangerous is it really? Many argue that smoking it can cause psychosis and schizophrenia and is a gateway to harder drugs.

Others say that cannabis has pain-relieving properties and is a lifeline to those suffering from terminal conditions such as HIV or cancer.

There are many who choose to smoke it 'recreationally', simply because they enjoy the sensation of being "stoned". So are they committing a heinous crime that deserves severe punishment or merely partaking in a relatively mild and harmless substance of their choosing?

According to science writer editor Elizabeth Finkel, no death has ever been attributable to smoking marijuana whereas cigarettes and alcohol are responsible for 12% of deaths globally.

So why does the use of this drug polarise members of our community? Elizabeth Finkel casts the hype aside and takes a rational look at the debate.

As she tells Carole Whitelock of 891 ABC Adelaide, it's an issue that has been hijacked and politicised completely.