@Omnius – Rarely do I find myself agreeing with you but on this particular issue I do.
I think this becomes a Freedom/Liberty issue and most Republicans are on the wrong side on this. As long as drug users are willing to take responsibility for their actions they should be allowed the Freedom to make their own choices.
The war on drugs has been an expensive Boondoggle.
HQ I know facts confuse you, but here are some. Morgan and Zimmer (1991) compiled existing literature and data into a single document in order to discredit what they felt were widespread myths about marijuana. One of these myths was that marijuana damages brain cells, and that this damage causes memory loss, cognitive impairment, and learning difficulties. They report that this claim is based on a study by Heath et. al (1980), in which structural changes in several regions of the brain were found in two rhesus monkeys exposed to THC, the active chemical in marijuana. These changes occurred primarily in the hippocampus, the area of the brain known to play an important role in learning and memory, which suggested that exposure to THC in humans would yield similar negative results.However, according to Morgan and Zimmer, in order to achieve these damaging results, doses of up to 200 times the psychoactive dose in humans would have to be given. Even studies in which subjects were given 100 times the human dose failed to cause any structural impairment of the brain. Additionally, in a more recent study of rhesus monkeys by Slikker et. al (1992), in which the monkeys were exposed to the equivalent of 4-5 joints per day through face-mask inhalation for an entire year, seven months later there was no observed change in hippocampal structure, cell size, cell number, or synaptic configuration. As a result of these studies, Morgan and Zimmer concluded that the claim that marijuana causes physiological damage to brain cells is incorrect.A study by Block et. al (1999) yielded similar results, finding that “frequent marijuana use does not produce clinically apparent MRI abnormalities or detectable global or regional changes in brain tissue volumes of gray or white matter, or both combined”. However, the study notes that anatomical abnormalities could occur at a microscopic level that cannot be measured by an MRI, so the true results of the study remain somewhat unclear.Despite this, Morgan and Zimmer acknowledge that there is evidence that marijuana, especially in high doses, can interfere with users’ ability to transfer new information into long-term memory. Thus, although while under the influence of marijuana, learning is less efficient, there is no evidence that marijuana users suffer permanent structural impairment.
I could probably find this out on my own easily enough, but has there been significant change in the laws concerning industrial hemp? The relative availability of hemp-based products at street fairs and specialty shops indicates to me that, at the very least, a blind eye is being turned, but I haven’t heard of any farmers plowing under their surplus corn fields (for instance) to start raising hemp on a large scale…
I really don’t want to get bogged down in this argument but here are a few now known facts and observations on pot:
Marijuana smoked is at least, and potentially more hazardous to one’s health than tobacco is. It is a carcenogen and can cause most of the same problems tobacco can when smoked. Because it is unfiltered and usually smoked down closer to the end of the joint, blunt, whatever, it also gives the user a far larger dose of the bad stuff that is essentially the same as a cigarette.
Long term use causes a near 19% increase in the chances of developing a bi-polar disease. While it can alleviate some symptoms of schitzopherena it aggrevates conditions like manic depression severely.
Because THC can be retained in the body up to 30 days there is also going to be a major problem in its legalization over legal issues like effects on a user operating a vehicle, or machinery at a place of employment.How would a scenario with legal recreational marijuana be handled if say a commercial pilot or driver were in an accident? Since THC could be present up to 30 days after use even very occasional use could cause legal issues over liability.
With that said, I could see reducing the criminal penalities on it substancially while keeping serious civil penalities in place.
As for its comparison to alcohol this is just a post hoc promter hoc logical fallacy. The two are two seperate issues and trying to compare them is an irrelevancy. Yes, alcohol creates social and legal problems but those are seperate from the ones marijuana causes.
Medically: marijuana is safer and more effective than most any opiates in relieving pain and spasticity in spinal chord injury patients. It’s also viable and valuable for many other medical conditions, like glaucoma and chronic pain syndromes. PEriod.
“Refer Madness” was an idiotic film, and mind-set in America. Having seen the real effects of marijuana, from a law-enforcement standpoint, legalization, licensing and taxing, with restraints the same as alcohol, makes perfect sense. It would also close down all the illegal grows from the “cartels” (actually not Mexicans, but our own home grown profit makers in the main), and save many acres of public lands and forests from damage. The indication is the massive “Rim Fire” reaching now into Yosemite, may have been started at an illegal growing operation.
In NO WAY does marijuana meet the scientific test to be a schedule I narcotic, period.
Much of the resistance to marijuana legalization IS the opposition from drug companies, and perhaps a few marketing the most dangerous legal drugs, alcohol and tobacco.(usually in combination!)
It’s LONG PAST TIME to consider the war on drugs a war on marijuana. Now, if they’re selling coke (any form), heroin and opiates, illegal prescription drugs, or meth, make the dealer ingest his entire supply upon arrest, then book them into the morgue. I am NOT soft on the sales of hard drugs, but we need to recognize the real danger, and get rid of DEALERS, at EVERY LEVEL, even at the TOP of that “food chain”, and starting treating, not jailing, users.
Sorry, Harley. That’s an urban legend.If you smoke a lot, then suddenly lose significant weight, you could fail a drug test because of THC compounds being released from fat cells, but it’s not enough to get high.Both alcohol & pot have severe, adverse effects on your brain if consumed in large quantities, especially before adulthood. If we actually include effects on the entire body, alcohol abuse is almost certainly worse.But, you’re right about legalizing & treating abuse. It’s cheaper than what we’re doing.
Dangerous or not dangerous is not the issue. Pissing on an electric fence is kinda dangerous and I advise you not to do it. The most dangerous thing in this issue is our Prohibition Laws. They a have infected our Judicial System to a point that it has no value for what it is proposed. I think the AG backing of some of these laws in states that have voted to regulate not prohibit is very smart. Other states will do the same in the near future.
“Pot has a 22 hour half life. Alcohol flushes from the system.”There is nothing to back up that statement. Drink a bottle of tequila & get back to us on whether you are affected the next day.
Enoki over 10 years ago
I guess ignorance really is bliss…
Mephistopheles over 10 years ago
@Omnius – Rarely do I find myself agreeing with you but on this particular issue I do.
I think this becomes a Freedom/Liberty issue and most Republicans are on the wrong side on this. As long as drug users are willing to take responsibility for their actions they should be allowed the Freedom to make their own choices.
The war on drugs has been an expensive Boondoggle.
Spyderred over 10 years ago
HQ I know facts confuse you, but here are some. Morgan and Zimmer (1991) compiled existing literature and data into a single document in order to discredit what they felt were widespread myths about marijuana. One of these myths was that marijuana damages brain cells, and that this damage causes memory loss, cognitive impairment, and learning difficulties. They report that this claim is based on a study by Heath et. al (1980), in which structural changes in several regions of the brain were found in two rhesus monkeys exposed to THC, the active chemical in marijuana. These changes occurred primarily in the hippocampus, the area of the brain known to play an important role in learning and memory, which suggested that exposure to THC in humans would yield similar negative results.However, according to Morgan and Zimmer, in order to achieve these damaging results, doses of up to 200 times the psychoactive dose in humans would have to be given. Even studies in which subjects were given 100 times the human dose failed to cause any structural impairment of the brain. Additionally, in a more recent study of rhesus monkeys by Slikker et. al (1992), in which the monkeys were exposed to the equivalent of 4-5 joints per day through face-mask inhalation for an entire year, seven months later there was no observed change in hippocampal structure, cell size, cell number, or synaptic configuration. As a result of these studies, Morgan and Zimmer concluded that the claim that marijuana causes physiological damage to brain cells is incorrect.A study by Block et. al (1999) yielded similar results, finding that “frequent marijuana use does not produce clinically apparent MRI abnormalities or detectable global or regional changes in brain tissue volumes of gray or white matter, or both combined”. However, the study notes that anatomical abnormalities could occur at a microscopic level that cannot be measured by an MRI, so the true results of the study remain somewhat unclear.Despite this, Morgan and Zimmer acknowledge that there is evidence that marijuana, especially in high doses, can interfere with users’ ability to transfer new information into long-term memory. Thus, although while under the influence of marijuana, learning is less efficient, there is no evidence that marijuana users suffer permanent structural impairment.
fritzoid Premium Member over 10 years ago
I could probably find this out on my own easily enough, but has there been significant change in the laws concerning industrial hemp? The relative availability of hemp-based products at street fairs and specialty shops indicates to me that, at the very least, a blind eye is being turned, but I haven’t heard of any farmers plowing under their surplus corn fields (for instance) to start raising hemp on a large scale…
Enoki over 10 years ago
I really don’t want to get bogged down in this argument but here are a few now known facts and observations on pot:
Marijuana smoked is at least, and potentially more hazardous to one’s health than tobacco is. It is a carcenogen and can cause most of the same problems tobacco can when smoked. Because it is unfiltered and usually smoked down closer to the end of the joint, blunt, whatever, it also gives the user a far larger dose of the bad stuff that is essentially the same as a cigarette.
Long term use causes a near 19% increase in the chances of developing a bi-polar disease. While it can alleviate some symptoms of schitzopherena it aggrevates conditions like manic depression severely.
Because THC can be retained in the body up to 30 days there is also going to be a major problem in its legalization over legal issues like effects on a user operating a vehicle, or machinery at a place of employment.How would a scenario with legal recreational marijuana be handled if say a commercial pilot or driver were in an accident? Since THC could be present up to 30 days after use even very occasional use could cause legal issues over liability.
With that said, I could see reducing the criminal penalities on it substancially while keeping serious civil penalities in place.
As for its comparison to alcohol this is just a post hoc promter hoc logical fallacy. The two are two seperate issues and trying to compare them is an irrelevancy. Yes, alcohol creates social and legal problems but those are seperate from the ones marijuana causes.
mackenzie0158 over 10 years ago
You’re so boring and predictable Benson. This is the last time I read one of your toons.
Dtroutma over 10 years ago
Medically: marijuana is safer and more effective than most any opiates in relieving pain and spasticity in spinal chord injury patients. It’s also viable and valuable for many other medical conditions, like glaucoma and chronic pain syndromes. PEriod.
“Refer Madness” was an idiotic film, and mind-set in America. Having seen the real effects of marijuana, from a law-enforcement standpoint, legalization, licensing and taxing, with restraints the same as alcohol, makes perfect sense. It would also close down all the illegal grows from the “cartels” (actually not Mexicans, but our own home grown profit makers in the main), and save many acres of public lands and forests from damage. The indication is the massive “Rim Fire” reaching now into Yosemite, may have been started at an illegal growing operation.
In NO WAY does marijuana meet the scientific test to be a schedule I narcotic, period.
Much of the resistance to marijuana legalization IS the opposition from drug companies, and perhaps a few marketing the most dangerous legal drugs, alcohol and tobacco.(usually in combination!)
It’s LONG PAST TIME to consider the war on drugs a war on marijuana. Now, if they’re selling coke (any form), heroin and opiates, illegal prescription drugs, or meth, make the dealer ingest his entire supply upon arrest, then book them into the morgue. I am NOT soft on the sales of hard drugs, but we need to recognize the real danger, and get rid of DEALERS, at EVERY LEVEL, even at the TOP of that “food chain”, and starting treating, not jailing, users.
pam Miner over 10 years ago
Finally they have started to come to their senses!
pam Miner over 10 years ago
I can think of hundreds of things much more dangerous. How about a racist in a truck with a gun VS a teen wearing a hoodie?
pam Miner over 10 years ago
true.
Uncle Joe Premium Member over 10 years ago
Sorry, Harley. That’s an urban legend.If you smoke a lot, then suddenly lose significant weight, you could fail a drug test because of THC compounds being released from fat cells, but it’s not enough to get high.Both alcohol & pot have severe, adverse effects on your brain if consumed in large quantities, especially before adulthood. If we actually include effects on the entire body, alcohol abuse is almost certainly worse.But, you’re right about legalizing & treating abuse. It’s cheaper than what we’re doing.
Weirdharold over 10 years ago
Dangerous or not dangerous is not the issue. Pissing on an electric fence is kinda dangerous and I advise you not to do it. The most dangerous thing in this issue is our Prohibition Laws. They a have infected our Judicial System to a point that it has no value for what it is proposed. I think the AG backing of some of these laws in states that have voted to regulate not prohibit is very smart. Other states will do the same in the near future.
Uncle Joe Premium Member over 10 years ago
“Pot has a 22 hour half life. Alcohol flushes from the system.”There is nothing to back up that statement. Drink a bottle of tequila & get back to us on whether you are affected the next day.