Decriminalized Marijuana

Glaucoma..

The Mayo Clinic stated in its Aug. 25, 2006 article "Marijuana as Medicine: Consider the Pros and Cons," published on its website:
In the early 1970s, scientists discovered that smoking marijuana reduced pressure in the eyes. Exactly how the cannabinoids in marijuana produce this effect isn't known. Scientists have discovered CB1 receptors in the eyes, which may provide clues for future research on how marijuana affects glaucoma.

Your doctor can prescribe other medications to treat glaucoma, but these can lose their effectiveness over time. Researchers are working to develop medications containing cannabinoids that can be put directly on the eyes — to avoid the mind-altering side effects and other health consequences of smoking the plant.


GW Pharmaceuticals stated on its website (accessed Jan. 2004):
The ability of cannabis and THC to lower intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma was serendipitously discovered in the late 1970's by a variety of patients and researchers. Several patients in the US Compassionate Use Investigational New Drug Program maintained their vision while employing large amounts of daily cannabis in situations where standard drug therapy failed.... An emerging concept is that glaucoma represents a progressive vascular retinopathy that requires a neuroprotectant to preserve vision. Some of the resulting optic nerve damage accrues due to NMDA hyperexcitability, an effect that THC and CBD may counter as neuroprotective antioxidants.
Thus, glaucoma is an area where cannabis and cannabinoids may offer particular advantages over available single ingredient ocular anti-hypertensive agents. Delivery methods remain an exacting challenge.


Alzheimer's...Lisa M. Eubanks, PhD, Staff Scientist at the Scripps Research Institute and the Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, et al. stated in an Aug. 9, 2006 article titled "A Molecular Link Between the Active Component of Marijuana and Alzheimer's Disease Pathology," published in Molecular Pharmaceutics:
"In contrast to previous studies aimed at utilizing cannabinoids in Alzheimer's disease therapy, our results provide a mechanism whereby the THC molecule can directly impact Alzheimer's disease pathology...
It is noteworthy that THC is a considerably more effective inhibitor... than the approved drugs for Alzheimer's disease treatment, donepezil and tacrine, which reduced [protein deposits in the brain] by only 22% and 7%, respectively, at twice the concentration used in our studies...
THC and its analogues may provide an improved therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease [by] simultaneously treating both the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer's disease."


Tourette's... Kirsten R. Müller-Vahl, MD, Director of the Tourette Syndrome Clinic at the Medical School of Hannover, stated in her Oct. 2003 article "Cannabinoids Reduce Symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome," published in Expert Opinion on Pharmacology:
Currently, the treatment of Tourette's syndrome (TS) is unsatisfactory. Therefore, there is expanding interest in new therapeutical strategies. Anecdotal reports suggested that the use of cannabis might improve not only tics, but also behavioural problems in patients with TS. A single-dose, cross-over study in 12 patients, as well as a 6-week, randomised trial in 24 patients, demonstrated that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, reduces tics in TS patients. No serious adverse effects occurred and no impairment on neuropsychological performance was observed. If well-established drugs either fail to improve tics or cause significant adverse effects, in adult patients, therapy with delta-9-THC should be tried.
At present, it remains unclear whether herbal cannabis, different natural or synthetic cannabinoid CB1-receptor agonists or agents that interfere with the inactivation of endocannabinoids, may have the best adverse effect profile in TS.


Reuven Sandyk, MD, Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief at the International Journal of Neuroscience, and Gavin Awerbuch, MD, a Neurologist and Pain Management/ Sleep Disorder Specialist, stated in their Dec., 1988 letter to the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology titled "Marijuana and Tourette's Syndrome":
We recently encountered three patients with TS [Tourette's syndrome] who experienced incomplete responses to conventional anti-TS drugs but noted a significant amelioration of symptoms when smoking marijuana. [...]

It is reasonable to assume that the effects of marijuana in TS may be largely related to its anxiety-reducing properties, although a more specific antidyskinetic effect cannot be excluded.





There is three, and there are quite a few others. I want my cookie now.

 

Here's the differences between alcohol and marijuana.

Being sober and watching a bunch of drunk fucks is hilarious. You'll might just piss your pants.

Being sober and watching a bunch of high fucks is boring as shit. You'll for sure fall asleep, so not only are all the high fucks being unproductive, but now you are too.


Try working around people that get high on the job. Shit doesn't get done, they just fucking stand there. At least drunk people will pass out in a corner out of your way.

 

I say smoke it up. I cannot give any real proof outside of personal experience, but pot is the cure all. Hangover? I got a joint for that. Insomnia? I got a joint for that. Nausea? I got 2 joints for that. Headache? Yup. Constipation? Who would of thunk it? Not to mention other wierd ailments that pot seems to fix.

People can say what they want and feel how they feel on the subject. This is why I love America. People who are against it will never see it the way I see it. Stepping stone to other drugs? Give me a break.

I say regulate and tax it like alcohol. 21+ to use. Laws almost like booze. Oh that's right it is ok to drink it up. Never heard of a somebody who just smoked a joing killing anyone in a accident.

Laugh at me as you may, but pot will save the american economy. Do you have ANY idea how much revenue could be had if they just allowed people to smoke some doob in thier own home? Oakland, CA reported a ridiculouse amount of revenue from medical MJ. Not even the happy smokers like myself, just medical. I wanna say somewhere around $24million. Oakland, not all of Cali. Think about that? The resources needed to combat pot could actually go to getting bad guys off the street. You know bad guys, people who harm others.

By no means do I think anyone under 21 should be allowed to purchase. Nor do I think pot is for everyone. However, niether is booze. I love it when people say "getting high" and have a laugh on me and then proceed to drink like a fish and act like a idiot (no reference to anyone is this thread) . Who really is the loser? Pot was banned in 1918 I think. Something early. How much could they have really studied the subject? Think prohibition. How did that work out?

I always wonder how many people would smoke pot if it were legal? Everyone knows somebody who got drunk underage because they felt cool it was illegal rather than actually enjoying the buzz. (if you do not enjoy the buzz, why would you drink?) I smoke pot because I like the way it makes me feel. I break my stones every day at work, come home enjoy my family and at the end of the day a nice hot shower and a bone. If you can tell me what the difference is between that and somebody who does the same exact thing as me except has a few drinks I might listen to an argument on pot being bad in some way.

Moderation is the key here. I am not saying that going into worked stoned or anything like that should be tolerated. What would happen if the same thing transpired but they were drunk and not stoned? Would it any less of an issue? People can eat too much, sleep too much, drink too much, etc. Smoking too much is just as bad.

How many pot smokers have gotten cancer from smoking? I can't think of an instance. In fact, there was just a 20 year study done on that very fact if I am not mistaken and there was no connection. None. Yet I can go buy a pack of Malboros and spark that up.

Why is pot really illegal? Is it because it is so bad that nobody should EVER pack that green leafy substance up? Are you kidding me? Politics is the answer. A lot of money from powerful corners throw some serious wieght. American politcs is about the 'Good 'Ol Boys'. Has been for a looong time now. People shun they idea because legalizing it might empty the pockets of some close allies that one day might be needed.

The facts are there about the uses of MJ. Whether medical or recreational, all these reports cannot be denied. It may not be "official" where some overpaid leading government doctor says it is kosher, but I will take the thousands who report beneficial gains.

Each thier own and it is all cool with me as long it is cool with you.

 

It's funny how people throw the words habit around yet consume alcohol. Unless they have never taken a drink. Education is the answer, not ignorance.

 

I agree with using Marijuana, and when their is a vote to make it legal i will vote for it to be legal, im not a user now but was back in high school. I never got addicted never woke up in the middle of the night with cold sweats from not having it. But i wish i can say the same about tobacco. Believe me i felt much happier and healthier when i was using instead of using tobacco. Honestly though for the people that dont like Marijuana so what just cause you dont like something why make it illegal for someone elese.

 

I say legalize it because it is one of the most profitable cash crops in our country. Its already in our country so why not tax it and regulate it to make it safe. Our jails are being over crowed with people who have a minor possession charges. I don't see how someone goes to jail for smoking weed in there own home and not harming anyone.

 

Keep the shit illegal. Im happy playing my dealer for grade A, TAX FREE, cronic. The only thing that would change if it became legal is lesser quality, higher prices and a warning label "this joint will make you hungry and sleepy. Do not operate heavy machinery"

Decimalized is what they should do. Come again, im from Canada, and think it will never happen in the US. You guys have some silly drug laws. Im not going to get any further into this, because this debate always turns out to those who burn, and those who dont.

Just a note thou, being a professional driver (sure, part time trucking, but i like the professional ring to it), don't drive and puff. I know, it effects every one differently, but your just asking for trouble. Just ask the flying hippo in the lane next to you, he knows whats good.

 

youtube, run from the cure

 

Legalize It!!!!!!!!!!

Supporter/Connoisseur

 

I think you will see it decriminalized very soon. In Mass that have done it for small amounts. Civil crime now I believe. In RI, there is a study being conducted onthe benefits of pot from a medical and economical standpoint.

As for paying a dealer, they are jacking the prices up. Especially for grade A. Unless you are close to a top dog. If it were legal, there could be grades just like the proof on booze. Drink 1 beer at 4.7% and drink 1 beer at over 9% and tell me if you feel a difference. If it were legal, there could be shopping centers where the individual gets to chose whether to spend his hard earned cash on the good stuff and the medium stuff. Hemp can be used in tons of applications. I know there are items now from hemp but why not include more?

People who say to keep it illegal, give me one good reason to keep it that way? Outside of "its a drug" or "it's for losers".

I have never know anyone to get addicted to pot. They might like it alot, but never DT's like with other hard drugs. Cold sweats? What are they doing heroin? Crack?

If RI had taxable pot sales, we would have our answer to our crushing budget problems. (well, until the greedy phucks up here get thier hands into it).

 

I dont care one way or another. I dont use it now and wouldnt use it if they made it legal. Telling people it owuld raise alot of tax money is BS though. It would be just more money for the government to blow on stupid things. Look at California back when they decided to make the lotto here. It was going to go to schools, fire and police. Well we all know how that turned out!!!!

 

In MA we got to vote on it and made it a simple fine for up to a specific amount, so that's a start. I don't understand the reasoning behind this, but in RI you are legally allowed to use medical MJ but you aren't legally allowed to buy it......ummmmm, anybody see a problem here? Anyway, IMO if you drink alcohol of any sort, or if you smoke cigs, you shouldn't really have a problem with pot. When's the last time somebody with a pot high did anything bad, beat their wife or something?

 

i like doing sports high, riding bmx and snowboarding

snowboarding blazed could be the best life has to offer

 

legalize it, and put your normal sin tax on it. The maxican gangs here in colorado are pissed medical marijuana was just legalize. The gangs are raiding the dispensaries, and paying off politicians. It's fun to watch the gov't corruption work it's magic.

 

Damn it must be true cause my good friend here in florida told me the same thing after a trip to CO

and ENDS: when is the last time you honestly halucinated after smoking bud?

 

I don't know about doing sports or anything like that high. I mean each person is different and will react to the effects of marijuana diffferently but your coordination and reaction time are effected, even slightly. I've played baseball high and let me tell you, it just makes the game that much more difficult to play.

I don't know whether marijuana should be made legal or not. I am a smoker but i have not heard enough on both sides of the debate to make a comfortable decision. I have obviously made a decision to smoke but that doesn't mean it should be made legal. But what kind of country are we if we don't listen to the majority of our citizens?? All i say is give medical marijuana and the endless people it could benefit a chance. Study and research the matter more and then come up with an answer. Don't turn your back on it from the get-go.

 

rb11701, Not to sure about the laws where you are, however, in Canada (Ontario) weed was decriminalized for a small amount of time, then the whole idea was dropped. I really don;t know all the info on it, because it is generally accepted up here. I smoke it like its legal, and have been stopped by the cops. Perhaps just luck, never got a possession ticket (95bucks or something, possible jail time down south?)

Back on topic, i think the whole decriminalized thing let you have x amount on you, for personal use. Anymore or selling, then you have problems. I just think that north america, and the US are just too up tight, and any view of a liberal stance on weed can be flipped as "losing the war on drugs" by any politician.

The whole idea this great free market of cronic will never fly here. Don't get me wrong, it would be great if it did, but there are many more places in the world, who have better chances. Its a dream to think that everyone will take a amsterdam approach to this weed free market, let alone canada or the US.

As for cost, again, no idea what americans pay, but im sure your getting ripped off. All the good stuff is grown in Canada, and even our "cheap" stuff is 100X better than what comes up from mexico (i can only guess here) Would be cool to compare what we pay?

Anywho, i say keep it illegal, there are just too many variables that can not be defined, and would need to be for any substance in order for it to be legal. How could we say if someone was stoned or not? It effects everyone differently. THC stays in the system for up to 30days. Could you have a one joint and drive, but not 3? Ontario also had this THC patch, where cops would put it on your neck, if they thought you were high. The program was also tossed.

I have no idea what im trying to say, im high.
Ese Loco, easy now, i was making a joke. To answer your question, never. Thats what zoomers or saliva is for. But i have tripped out on lights and stuff while driving at night (had my space ship moment) If you want to burn and drive, go for it. I know a tone of people who say "it makes me a better driver". Like i said again, it effects everyone differently. Some people are rocks, and some trip out on nothing.

It would be cool if someone who knew dutch laws on the subject. I don't even think its 100% legal in Holland, but just tolerated there.

That being said, i think understanding and tolerance on the substance is our best bet, and the next step.

 

Dont criminalize.. legalize!!

Supporter/Connoisseur/Patient

 

Here is a good read that I found in Reuters this morning while getting my daily dose of world market news. A good and interesting read. Nothing new in here, but just a reminder of the fundamental failure that the war on drugs has been since the great Richard Nixon began the 'war' way back in 1969.

 

Old man here...

I can't afford to smoke this stuff - It costs way too much! Lost belongings, missed opportunities, missed commitments, can't think straight for days, damage to cars, depression that won't be admitted, pot hangover attitude, damage to relationships, can't find my keys, etc, etc, etc.

Don't get me wrong. I love a good laugh.

I say if we are going to decriminalize it lets wait until the economy is going real well so that our basic economy is in tact. Making it easier to be slow in a slow time is silly IMO.

Edit: War on drugs - just one more example of a government program that has failed. I am saving my money to pay for my future illegal, grey market healthcare!

BTW did anyone find my keys to my 1965 Dodge Dart?