Get high and shrink the deficit...

Jeanwah

http://www.drugpolicy.org/drug-facts/10 ... -marijuana

10 Facts About Marijuana

Fact #1: Most marijuana users never use any other illicit drug.

Marijuana does not cause people to use hard drugs. Marijuana is the most popular illegal drug in the United States today. Therefore, people who have used less popular drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD, are likely to have also used marijuana. Most marijuana users never use any other illegal drug and the vast majority of those who do try another drug never become addicted or go on to have associated problems. Indeed, for the large majority of people, marijuana is a terminus rather than a so-called gateway drug.[1]

Fact #2: Most people who use marijuana do so occasionally. Increasing admissions for treatment do not reflect increasing rates of clinical dependence.

According to a federal Institute of Medicine study in 1999, fewer than 10 percent of those who try marijuana ever meet the clinical criteria for dependence, while 32 percent of tobacco users and 15 percent of alcohol users do. According to federal data, marijuana treatment admissions referred by the criminal justice system rose from 48 percent in 1992 to 58 percent in 2006. Just 45 percent of marijuana admissions met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for marijuana dependence. More than a third hadn’t used marijuana in the 30 days prior to admission for treatment.

Fact #3: Claims about increases in marijuana potency are vastly overstated. In addition, potency is not related to risk of dependence or health impacts.

Although marijuana potency may have increased somewhat in recent decades, claims about enormous increases in potency are vastly overstated and not supported by evidence. Nonetheless, potency is not related to risks of dependence or health impacts. According to the federal government's own data, the average THC in domestically grown marijuana – which comprises the bulk of the US market – is less than 5 percent, a figure that has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. In the 1980s, by comparison, the THC content averaged around 3 percent. Regardless of potency, THC is virtually non-toxic to healthy cells or organs, and is incapable of causing a fatal overdose. Currently, doctors may legally prescribe Marinol, an FDA-approved pill that contains 100 percent THC. The Food and Drug Administration found THC to be safe and effective for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and wasting diseases. When consumers encounter unusually strong varieties of marijuana, they adjust their use accordingly and smoke less.[3]

Fact #4: Marijuana has not been shown to cause mental illness.

Some effects of marijuana ingestion may include feelings of panic, anxiety, and paranoia. Such experiences can be frightening, but the effects are temporary.

That said, none of this is to suggest that there may not be some correlation (but not causation) between marijuana use and certain psychiatric ailments. Marijuana use can correlate with mental illness for many reasons. People often turn to the alleviating effects of marijuana to treat symptoms of distress. One study demonstrated that psychotic symptoms predict later use of marijuana, suggesting that people might turn to the plant for help rather than become ill after use.[4]

Fact #5: Marijuana use has not been shown to increase risk of cancer.

Several longitudinal studies have established that even long-term use of marijuana (via smoking) in humans is not associated with elevated cancer risk, including tobacco-related cancers or with cancer of the following sites: colorectal, lung, melanoma, prostate, breast, cervix. A more recent (2009) population-based case-control study found that moderate marijuana smoking over a 20 year period was associated with reduced risk of head and neck cancer (See Liang et al). And a 5-year-long population-based case control study found even long-term heavy marijuana smoking was not associated with lung cancer or UAT (upper aerodigestive tract) cancers.[5]

Fact #6: Marijuana has been proven helpful for treating the symptoms of a variety of medical conditions.

Marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the nausea induced by cancer chemotherapy, stimulating appetite in AIDS patients, and reducing intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. There is also appreciable evidence that marijuana reduces muscle spasticity in patients with neurological disorders. A synthetic capsule is available by prescription, but it is not as effective as smoked marijuana for many patients. Learn more about medical marijuana. [6]

Fact #7: Marijuana use rates in the Netherlands are similar to those in the U.S. despite very different policies.

The Netherlands' drug policy is one of the most nonpunitive in Europe. For more than twenty years, Dutch citizens over age eighteen have been permitted to buy and use cannabis (marijuana and hashish) in government-regulated coffee shops. This policy has not resulted in dramatically escalating marijuana use. For most age groups, rates of marijuana use in the Netherlands are similar to those in the United States. However, for young adolescents, rates of marijuana use are lower in the Netherlands than in the United States. The Dutch government occasionally revises existing marijuana policy, but it remains committed to decriminalization.[7]

Fact #8: Marijuana has not been shown to cause long-term cognitive impairment.

The short-term effects of marijuana include immediate, temporary changes in thoughts, perceptions, and information processing. The cognitive process most clearly affected by marijuana is short-term memory. In laboratory studies, subjects under the influence of marijuana have no trouble remembering things they learned previously. However, they display diminished capacity to learn and recall new information. This diminishment only lasts for the duration of the intoxication. There is no convincing evidence that heavy long-term marijuana use permanently impairs memory or other cognitive functions.[8]

Fact #9: There is no compelling evidence that marijuana contributes substantially to traffic accidents and fatalities.

At some doses, marijuana affects perception and psychomotor performance – changes which could impair driving ability. However, in driving studies, marijuana produces little or no car-handling impairment – consistently less than produced by low to moderate doses of alcohol and many legal medications. In contrast to alcohol, which tends to increase risky driving practices, marijuana tends to make subjects more cautious. Surveys of fatally injured drivers show that when THC is detected in the blood, alcohol is almost always detected as well. For some individuals, marijuana may play a role in bad driving. The overall rate of highway accidents appears not to be significantly affected by marijuana's widespread use in society.[9]

Fact #10: More than 800,000 people are arrested for marijuana each year, the vast majority of them for simple possession.

Police prosecuted 858,408 persons for marijuana violations in 2009, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual Uniform Crime Report. Marijuana arrests now comprise more than one-half (approximately 52 percent) of all drug arrests reported in the United States. A decade ago, marijuana arrests comprised just 44 percent of all drug arrests. Approximately 46 percent of all drug prosecutions nationwide are for marijuana possession. Of those charged with marijuana violations, approximately 88 percent (758,593 Americans) were charged with possession only. The remaining 99,815 individuals were charged with “sale/manufacture,” a category that includes virtually all cultivation offenses.[10]

aerial

Jeanwah wrote:

http://www.drugpolicy.org/drug-facts/10-facts-about-marijuana

10 Facts About Marijuana

Fact #1: Most marijuana users never use any other illicit drug.

Marijuana does not cause people to use hard drugs. Marijuana is the most popular illegal drug in the United States today. Therefore, people who have used less popular drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD, are likely to have also used marijuana. Most marijuana users never use any other illegal drug and the vast majority of those who do try another drug never become addicted or go on to have associated problems. Indeed, for the large majority of people, marijuana is a terminus rather than a so-called gateway drug.[1]

Fact #2: Most people who use marijuana do so occasionally. Increasing admissions for treatment do not reflect increasing rates of clinical dependence.

According to a federal Institute of Medicine study in 1999, fewer than 10 percent of those who try marijuana ever meet the clinical criteria for dependence, while 32 percent of tobacco users and 15 percent of alcohol users do. According to federal data, marijuana treatment admissions referred by the criminal justice system rose from 48 percent in 1992 to 58 percent in 2006. Just 45 percent of marijuana admissions met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for marijuana dependence. More than a third hadn’t used marijuana in the 30 days prior to admission for treatment.

Fact #3: Claims about increases in marijuana potency are vastly overstated. In addition, potency is not related to risk of dependence or health impacts.

Although marijuana potency may have increased somewhat in recent decades, claims about enormous increases in potency are vastly overstated and not supported by evidence. Nonetheless, potency is not related to risks of dependence or health impacts. According to the federal government's own data, the average THC in domestically grown marijuana – which comprises the bulk of the US market – is less than 5 percent, a figure that has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. In the 1980s, by comparison, the THC content averaged around 3 percent. Regardless of potency, THC is virtually non-toxic to healthy cells or organs, and is incapable of causing a fatal overdose. Currently, doctors may legally prescribe Marinol, an FDA-approved pill that contains 100 percent THC. The Food and Drug Administration found THC to be safe and effective for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and wasting diseases. When consumers encounter unusually strong varieties of marijuana, they adjust their use accordingly and smoke less.[3]

Fact #4: Marijuana has not been shown to cause mental illness.

Some effects of marijuana ingestion may include feelings of panic, anxiety, and paranoia. Such experiences can be frightening, but the effects are temporary.

That said, none of this is to suggest that there may not be some correlation (but not causation) between marijuana use and certain psychiatric ailments. Marijuana use can correlate with mental illness for many reasons. People often turn to the alleviating effects of marijuana to treat symptoms of distress. One study demonstrated that psychotic symptoms predict later use of marijuana, suggesting that people might turn to the plant for help rather than become ill after use.[4]

Fact #5: Marijuana use has not been shown to increase risk of cancer.

Several longitudinal studies have established that even long-term use of marijuana (via smoking) in humans is not associated with elevated cancer risk, including tobacco-related cancers or with cancer of the following sites: colorectal, lung, melanoma, prostate, breast, cervix. A more recent (2009) population-based case-control study found that moderate marijuana smoking over a 20 year period was associated with reduced risk of head and neck cancer (See Liang et al). And a 5-year-long population-based case control study found even long-term heavy marijuana smoking was not associated with lung cancer or UAT (upper aerodigestive tract) cancers.[5]

Fact #6: Marijuana has been proven helpful for treating the symptoms of a variety of medical conditions.

Marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the nausea induced by cancer chemotherapy, stimulating appetite in AIDS patients, and reducing intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. There is also appreciable evidence that marijuana reduces muscle spasticity in patients with neurological disorders. A synthetic capsule is available by prescription, but it is not as effective as smoked marijuana for many patients. Learn more about medical marijuana. [6]

Fact #7: Marijuana use rates in the Netherlands are similar to those in the U.S. despite very different policies.

The Netherlands' drug policy is one of the most nonpunitive in Europe. For more than twenty years, Dutch citizens over age eighteen have been permitted to buy and use cannabis (marijuana and hashish) in government-regulated coffee shops. This policy has not resulted in dramatically escalating marijuana use. For most age groups, rates of marijuana use in the Netherlands are similar to those in the United States. However, for young adolescents, rates of marijuana use are lower in the Netherlands than in the United States. The Dutch government occasionally revises existing marijuana policy, but it remains committed to decriminalization.[7]

Fact #8: Marijuana has not been shown to cause long-term cognitive impairment.

The short-term effects of marijuana include immediate, temporary changes in thoughts, perceptions, and information processing. The cognitive process most clearly affected by marijuana is short-term memory. In laboratory studies, subjects under the influence of marijuana have no trouble remembering things they learned previously. However, they display diminished capacity to learn and recall new information. This diminishment only lasts for the duration of the intoxication. There is no convincing evidence that heavy long-term marijuana use permanently impairs memory or other cognitive functions.[8]

Fact #9: There is no compelling evidence that marijuana contributes substantially to traffic accidents and fatalities.

At some doses, marijuana affects perception and psychomotor performance – changes which could impair driving ability. However, in driving studies, marijuana produces little or no car-handling impairment – consistently less than produced by low to moderate doses of alcohol and many legal medications. In contrast to alcohol, which tends to increase risky driving practices, marijuana tends to make subjects more cautious. Surveys of fatally injured drivers show that when THC is detected in the blood, alcohol is almost always detected as well. For some individuals, marijuana may play a role in bad driving. The overall rate of highway accidents appears not to be significantly affected by marijuana's widespread use in society.[9]

Fact #10: More than 800,000 people are arrested for marijuana each year, the vast majority of them for simple possession.

Police prosecuted 858,408 persons for marijuana violations in 2009, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual Uniform Crime Report. Marijuana arrests now comprise more than one-half (approximately 52 percent) of all drug arrests reported in the United States. A decade ago, marijuana arrests comprised just 44 percent of all drug arrests. Approximately 46 percent of all drug prosecutions nationwide are for marijuana possession. Of those charged with marijuana violations, approximately 88 percent (758,593 Americans) were charged with possession only. The remaining 99,815 individuals were charged with “sale/manufacture,” a category that includes virtually all cultivation offenses.[10]

You think they make more money off the fines than they would in taxes?

josevolution

pandora wrote:

pot is unhealthy

I would love to see a movement away from all unhealthy living and
a new generation that takes personal responsibility to heart.

I think this can be done but it's going to take a few generations...
maybe more.

Yeah it's unhealthy i jog 3 miles everyday i swimm two miles everyother day i work out 3 times a week i'm 52 look like 40 . i've never gotten a DUI while high yeah it's unhealthy ...

hedonist

josevolution wrote:

Yeah it's unhealthy i jog 3 miles everyday i swimm two miles everyother day i work out 3 times a week i'm 52 look like 40 . i've never gotten a DUI while high yeah it's unhealthy ...

Go, Jose! :thumbup:

Jeanwah, thanks for the facts posted. Important for some people to fully digest them.

As to the questions about fines vs taxes, I just don't know. I would imagine the potential for taxes - reasonable ones - is greater when compared with the fines plus the costs for court hearings, incarcerations, etc.

I wish that the monetary factor were secondary to the act of making it fully legal.

chadwick

i wanna help the fed reduce our national deficit. sign me up.

chadwick

pandora wrote:

pot is unhealthy

I would love to see a movement away from all unhealthy living and
a new generation that takes personal responsibility to heart.

I think this can be done but it's going to take a few generations...
maybe more.

alcohol is worse for you than any marijuana brownie or joint. you know this already, pandora. you two burn one down every now & again, right?

Jeanwah

aerial wrote:

Jeanwah wrote:

Fact #10: More than 800,000 people are arrested for marijuana each year, the vast majority of them for simple possession.

Police prosecuted 858,408 persons for marijuana violations in 2009, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual Uniform Crime Report. Marijuana arrests now comprise more than one-half (approximately 52 percent) of all drug arrests reported in the United States. A decade ago, marijuana arrests comprised just 44 percent of all drug arrests. Approximately 46 percent of all drug prosecutions nationwide are for marijuana possession. Of those charged with marijuana violations, approximately 88 percent (758,593 Americans) were charged with possession only. The remaining 99,815 individuals were charged with “sale/manufacture,” a category that includes virtually all cultivation offenses.[10]

You think they make more money off the fines than they would in taxes?

I don't know. I do think it would free up some space in the overcrowded jails...

pandora

josevolution wrote:

pandora wrote:

pot is unhealthy

I would love to see a movement away from all unhealthy living and
a new generation that takes personal responsibility to heart.

I think this can be done but it's going to take a few generations...
maybe more.

Yeah it's unhealthy i jog 3 miles everyday i swimm two miles everyother day i work out 3 times a week i'm 52 look like 40 . i've never gotten a DUI while high yeah it's unhealthy ...

so glad you take great care of yourself now quit smoking pot

God I hope you didn't just jinx yourself ... my kids always say I jinx things
and it is funny bout the time a person is all smug about something the shit hits the fan.
A buddy just got a DUI back in Milwaukee. No fun is that. Careful. We've been fortunate
and now never ever drive under the influence of anything. Too much at risk.

pandora

chadwick wrote:

pandora wrote:

pot is unhealthy

I would love to see a movement away from all unhealthy living and
a new generation that takes personal responsibility to heart.

I think this can be done but it's going to take a few generations...
maybe more.

alcohol is worse for you than any marijuana brownie or joint. you know this already, pandora. you two burn one down every now & again, right?

yes a bit but health as you know has never been a top priority for me ...

I'm thinking of future generations. I would think we would want the best for our kids
a chance at less diseases and dependency. Why on Earth would we want more?

chadwick

marijuana doesn't effect a athlete. if they a runner, they a runner. if they a wrestler they a wrestler. if they a swimmer they a swimmer.

I smoke before swimming if I have the plant. it makes zero negative difference in my performance. it makes me swim just as strong if not stronger.

I know a dude who rides a bicycles like 50 miles a day. he smokes a lot of grass as he is riding. he is a triathlon athlete. I know lawyers & businessmen & women who use the plant on a daily basis & run & balance incredible lives & businesses. I know a cop who uses marijuana with his wife at the end of the day as they lay in bed talking & cuddling.

chadwick

if we want a better earth, quit showing kids how to drink

catefrances

exactly how much weed do they think americans are capable of smoking... cause that's a mighty deficit you all got going on over there?

Jeanwah

http://idealistrevolution.blogspot.in/2 ... 2Bfacebook

42 reasons to legalize marijuana

brianlux

With all due respect to those who cite smoking marijuana as being unhealthy I have to say, so? The stuff that's out there is potent and there is no need to smoke a whole bag of it like in the old days. And if it makes someone feel better, the slight drawbacks are worth dealing with. Besides, it often makes people laugh and laughter is very good for one's health!

Jeanwah

The only bad thing about marijuana is the gaining weight part. Damn, the munchies!!

brianlux

Jeanwah wrote:

The only bad thing about marijuana is the gaining weight part. Damn, the munchies!!

How to become a millionaire: Become a botanist and genetics expert and create a munchy-free marijuana hybrid and come up with a fancy name like "Slim Jims" or "Slim Janes". The ad would read: "Smoke Slim Janes for a thinner, funnier, happier and healthier you!"

For those who need the weight gain create a double-munchy hybrid called "Put on the Blitz" "Having a hard time eating? Try our new 'Put on the Blitz' and munch away to your hearts content!"

Jeanwah

brianlux wrote:

Jeanwah wrote:

The only bad thing about marijuana is the gaining weight part. Damn, the munchies!!

How to become a millionaire: Become a botanist and genetics expert and create a munchy-free marijuana hybrid and come up with a fancy name like "Slim Jims" or "Slim Janes". The ad would read: "Smoke Slim Janes for a thinner, funnier, happier and healthier you!"

For those who need the weight gain create a double-munchy hybrid called "Put on the Blitz" "Having a hard time eating? Try our new 'Put on the Blitz' and munch away to your hearts content!"

And there would be a hybrid that just puts one to sleep called "Mo' Doze" "Insomniac? Nerves keeping you awake? This potion will have you drooling on your pillow in no time."

brianlux

Jeanwah wrote:

And there would be a hybrid that just puts one to sleep called "Mo' Doze" "Insomniac? Nerves keeping you awake? This potion will have you drooling on your pillow in no time."

I love it!

hedonist

I do believe there are various strains for what you want/need as well as for what ails ya

The stuff we currently have seems to be a food-trigger, dammit.

Last night had me fixated on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives while indulging in a few (small!) bites of white chocolate with hazelnuts.

Also, agreed on laughter! Almost a panacea.

BinauralJam

pandora wrote:

BinauralJam wrote:

pandora wrote:

pot is unhealthy

I would love to see a movement away from all unhealthy living and
a new generation that takes personal responsibility to heart.

I think this can be done but it's going to take a few generations...
maybe more.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE MY WEED!!!

Me too BJ, me too... but it's not good for us but it's also too late for us

Not for the kids though, future generations might have a chance at less disease.
If pot sticks around like cigs and alcohol abuse has we will see just how unhealthy it is.

I'm still wondering if that's what the rise in pancreatic cancer is all about.
I read some articles about pot studies, researching awhile back,
they are all relatively new and few.

There are some drawbacks, but i like the exchange rate.