Legalize Marijuana?

[kyled7]

The debate will go on and on regardless of the outcome. I used a couple times in college, but have never been a big pot smoker until prescribed it for my situation. I don't honestly know how much harm I'm doing to my body, but at only 3-4 hits right before bedtime, I'm honestly not doing as much as people who smoke more. But, I also know that I'm definitely a non-functioning weed smoker as opposed to some who function perfectly while high.

As far as sides go, I haven't noticed any at all except I'm pain free when I go to bed and fall asleep extremely fast. Again, for me it works wonders. It's definitely better than relying upon hydro or alcohol for 11 years to simply be able to dull the pain enough to fall asleep.

I understand all arguments except keeping it illegal universally. I can see both legalizing for medical purposes and legalizing it completely. On my reservation, each summer we usually see anywhere around 10 kids (21 y/o and younger) die of alcohol related car crashes. I've spoken with EMS personnel locally and they say they never respond to fatal accidents where weed is the cause. Obviously there is some instances where it could have contributed, but for the most part, alcohol is far more of a dangerous drug in my area.

I think if MJ became legal, all the "criminal growers" simply become regular horticulturalist and any government becomes richer by taxing it. In all honesty, I don't think most people don't do it because it's illegal, they don't do it because they don't want to. If you legalize it, there will be some that were sitting on the fence that will try it and maybe become users, but for the most part, I don't really see it changing numbers too much between who currently uses and who would use if it were legal. What I don't see is it being widely available such as in a bar setting. If that were true, I think user numbers would go up, but I think if it does become legal, it would be somewhat regulated.

PS, LOL at mhoward147 "I think the legalization of marijuana will happen, and it will be the beggining to the end of our country and probably the world."

[Travis28]

I agree Kyle, the debate will go on and on. Still, hopefully we'll realize that prohibition doesn't work and the drug war is misgiven.

btw - caught this over the weekend:

First U.S. marijuana cafe opens in Portland

reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE5AD06O20091114?rpc=64

and this is a quick read:

5 MJ Myths:

coedmagazine.com/2009/11/12/the-5-biggest-marijuana-myths-debunked/

and now The American Medical Assn. has changed its policy to promote clinical research and development of cannabis-based medicines and alternative delivery methods:

latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-marijuana-ama11-2009nov11,0,3003312.story?track=rss

[heckycom]

There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the effects of marijuana. It is illegal within the United States, and does have some potentially negative effects, including possible impairment of short and long term memory. However, many argue that the benefits outweigh the negatives of marijuana, and that marijuana is a relatively safe drug. According to an administrative law judge with the DEA, Francis Young, marijuana may be safer than many common foods. Furthermore, marijuana has been used in Chinese and Indian medicine for more than 3000 years to treat various conditions.

Health Benefits of Marijuana

THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, has proven effective as a pain reliever. It is also able to control nausea and minimize vomiting, particularly in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatments. It is also useful as an appetite stimulant for those suffering from cancer or AIDS. Finally, it can aid in the treatment of glaucoma by reducing pressure on the eyes.

Some claim that marijuana may also inhibit tumor growth, reduce the severity of asthma attacks, control seizures, and function as an anti-bacterial agent. These claims have not been as widely supported.

Marijuana and Nausea

According to Cancer.org, studies published between 1975 and '96 demonstrate hat THC is at least as effective, if not more so, than anti-nausea drugs prescribed to manage the side effects of chemotherapy. Cancer.org cautions that these studies also mention the potential toxic side effects of marijuana, and warn that the benefits and risks must be weighed.

Studies published since 1996 that address the anti-nausea properties of marijuana are conflicting; some suggest marijuana does not work better than other anti-nausea treatments but other studies suggest that specific chemicals in marijuana may be helpful in treating nausea.

Marijuana and Multiple Sclerosis

In 2004, patients with MS (multiple sclerosis) were given a liquid extract based on cannabis, and containing two ingredients found in marijuana (cannabidiol and THC). Patients receiving the marijuana extracts experienced less spastic movement than those dosed on a placebo extract. However, a smaller study focused on arm tremors and the effects of marijuana did not find a correlation.

Marijauna and Pain

In 1996, the National Drug Control policy requested the Institute of Medicine (IOM) do a study to assess marijuana's potential risks and benefits. The IOM report stated that marijuana has the potential to relieve and control pain and/or anxiety. However, the IOM cautioned that there are many different compounds in marijuana and that the specific compounds that relieve pain should be isolated.