DEAR DR. GOTT: If what I read in the paper is correct regarding drug consumption in America, a lot of people must smoke pot. Since I am one of them and am now past 60, I would like your comments on what potential health problems might be in the future for those of us who have indulged throughout our lives.

DEAR READER: You have presented me with an awkward question that I will attempt to answer objectively. There are two sides to every story, and this issue falls into that category.

The active ingredient in marijuana is THC, which travels through the brain and body. Within a short time following inhalation, the heart begins to beat rapidly, sometimes 50 beats per minute more than it had prior. One study indicates a person’s risk of heart attack within the first hour following smoking is four times greater than normal. Further, bronchial passages enlarge, and the blood vessels in the eyes expand.

THC affects the portion of the brain that regulates coordination, balance, posture and reaction time. Perhaps this is the reason that up to 11 percent of all people fatally injured test positive for THC. Marijuana smoke contains up to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does ordinary tobacco smoke — and we know that tobacco smoke is tied to numerous health issues.

People who smoke marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have a greater number of health problems and miss more days at work. Even infrequent use can cause a cough, burning of the mouth and throat, acute chest illness, lung infections and airway obstruction. Marijuana smoking doubles and triples the risk of cancer of the head, neck and lungs, and the more one smokes, the greater the risk. This may occur because THC impairs the immune system’s natural ability to fight off cancer and infectious diseases.

As people age, their ability to remember becomes diminished. Laboratory testing has shown THC exposure may hasten the process. So long-term use impairs memory, increases the risk of emphysema and other lung conditions, affects our ability to make rational decisions and may lead to dependence.

On the positive side, THC has been useful in treating a variety of medical conditions and is legally recognized in some states for that purpose. It is prescribed under strict control for the nausea involved with chemotherapy, stimulates the appetites of AIDS patients and reduces spasticity from multiple sclerosis.

While I do not endorse the use of recreational marijuana, I am cognizant of the fact that I cannot impose my standards on others. I must admit I would be undone were I to be stopped by the police because I had a minor traffic violation and was found to be in possession of the drug. The legal implications are simply too stringent in my state. According to NORML, The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (www.norml.org), anything less than 4 ounces for a first offender is a misdemeanor with a fine of $1,000 and/or incarceration of one year. A subsequent offense is a felony with a fine of $3,000 and incarceration of five years. Were I in possession of marijuana and within 1,500 feet of a school, the minimum mandatory sentence would be two years. Possession of 4 ounces or more for an initial offense is a felony subject to a $2,000 fine and five years’ incarceration. Subsequent offenses of a like amount raise the ante to $5,000 and incarceration to 10 years! I don’t know about you, but I’m simply too old for such nonsense and get more satisfaction from smoking an occasional pipe filled with tobacco. Therefore, I can only recommend you weigh the facts and implications and make the right choice regarding future use.

Now consider this: 20 U.S. states have tax-stamp laws covering illicit drugs. Those in possession are required to purchase and affix stamps issued by the state onto any contraband, with the cost of the stamp determined by the quantity held. Few citizens observe the law, fearing incrimination. Since there is no tax assessed at the time of purchase, tax-evasion penalties are imposed on drug offenders following their arrest. If a stamp is obtained and someone is arrested for possession, he or she will be fined based only on the amount held. Without the stamp, taxes and a fine will be imposed. Go figure!

Because the respiratory tract is extremely vulnerable with marijuana use, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Living with Chronic Lung Disease.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Peter Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet,” available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook.”