On Nov. 11 Michael Gardner’s opinion column said, “It is time to allow the research of marijuana …”

Some research has already been conducted which may be of interest to potential users. Here’s a quote from a wonderful book “Our Stolen Future” (1996): “The same compound that makes a pot smoker high also acts on the testicles to reduce the synthesis of testosterone and on the brain to suppress lutenizing hormone, a key hormone that cues ovulation in females and testosterone production in males.”

The author goes on to warn that heavy use may render one sterile.

I know two men who used marijuana often during their college years. Both men are married, but neither has had children in this 20-year interval since college. It is something to think about if you are thinking of using.

Eileen Mericle

Ames