posted on September 5, 2002 11:36:15 AM new
18 months ago, Canada appointed a special task force to study the effects of marijuana. This committee had to come up with a finding of whether pot was harmful or not as Canada is looking to legalize or decriminalize. Their finding were released yesterday, claiming marijuana should be LEGAL and people with prior marijuana convictions should have their records cleared.
posted on September 5, 2002 01:18:16 PM new
As a previous marijuana user, I have to say that I am biased - against it. If taken too often, it can permanently damage both short-term memory and long-term memory. When the unrefined leaf is smoked, the tar and other carcinogens inhaled equal one or more packs of cigarettes. It is a health hazard.
That being said, I think that marijuana has some great applications. I know of several dysfunctional families where the mother and/or father are encouraged to smoke marijuana regularly. They had a bad upbringing and lots of unresolved anger that they tend to act out violently. They all stopped drinking alcohol, because it always lead to violence in the family. Instead, by smoking marijuana when tense, upset, or high-strung, the marijuana does a terrific job of calming them down and putting them into a good mood. It is a folk-remedy that does not need the large pharmaceutical companies to mass-produce.
I think that marijuana, then, should legally be prescribed for a list of medical conditions where the benefits of marijuana outweigh the harmful effects. Before we make it as legal as candy, we really ought to consider the consequences of an entire society doped-up. We did not have this opportunity with alcohol and tobacco, but that does not excuse us from making the attempt to make smart decisions with marijuana.
posted on September 5, 2002 02:17:49 PM new
An entire society doped up Borillar??? LoL! Do you know of anyone that isn't taking some kind of prescribed medication? That's part of the problem imho. People are taking all sorts of processed, refined chemical compounds to relieve the same symptoms for which a plant in its natural form can relieve, without the side effects or long term effects. It's a myth that long term memory is affected. Short term memory IS affected but only while you're high on the drug. This has been studied for years. Of course anything used chronically will produce cancer causing agents, etc., but so far, the worst part of smoking pot is the tar. 1 joint equals up to 7 times the tar of a cigarette, but is smoked less frequently.
Here's some information and a quick read if you have time. It might clear up some of the myths about marijuana.
posted on September 5, 2002 03:13:35 PM new
I think it's certainly a step forward. Just think what legalization of marijuana would do for Canadian tourism.
posted on September 5, 2002 05:40:23 PM new
OK, I looked over the Myths, but I have to disagree with part of it. People that I know that have smoked it almost daily, usually a puff or two after work to relax, have shown diminshed short-term memory and a long-term memory impariment. These people, after getting off the drug for six months or more, regained a non-significant amount of use that they lost. In fact, several of these people still have difficulty using shirt-term memory and long-term seems to have huge gaps in those years where they smoked the drug. This is no myth, it is damaging to the memory. I think that other, long-term studies concentrating on this one aspect ought to be done.
posted on September 5, 2002 06:16:42 PM new
The Newfies(natives of Newfoundland for the uninitiated) are already the subject of too many stupid jokes. Getting stoned might make them smart! Example- Did you hear the Newfie public service announcement? "It's 10:00, do you know what time it is? PostPot version- It's 10:00, do you know where your twinkies are?"
posted on September 5, 2002 06:19:11 PM new
I personally don't want to use the stuff, but I know a person with MS that should be allowed to use it, and I would be thrilled not to have to financially support a multi-billion dollar never ending futile "war on drugs".
posted on September 5, 2002 08:01:55 PM new
I am a 20+ year daily smoker. My memory is great, my health is normal and I have a semi-sucessful business. If I don't tell people I am a smoker they could never guess.
I am known by everyone as a smart and quick person. I am not lazy, slow, spacey or ill. I am a responsible person and well respected in my community. I am always an election judge and I carried the Olympic torch in 1996. My children go to private school and they are now all well into their teens. They have great grades, are popular and don't drink or smoke. How has marijuana effected me or my family badly? I am not alone, there are many of us out there. Believe it or not, there are people who can smoke marijuana AND function well in the world. People who can't function on pot are the ones who can't function normally anyway. Drugs are not the problem, mental illness is.
[ edited by kyms on Sep 5, 2002 08:03 PM ]
posted on September 5, 2002 08:03:12 PM newDo you know of anyone that isn't taking some kind of prescribed medication
I don't. It startled me to think that this might not be the norm.
Oh, and I've never used marijuana or tried any sort of drug for recreational use. I guess that wouldn't be considered normal either. In fact, I've never even smoked an ordinary cigarette.
Well, I've always been a rebel. As a teenager I rebelled against peer pressure. On the bright side, my memory is excellent, I never get headaches, and can't remember the last time I was sick with even an cold.
posted on September 6, 2002 07:21:06 AM new
"D'ya think once it's legal, that we can sell it on eBay.ca"
LOL, I don't think so... but if it does become legal up there, have fun crossing the border.
I would also guess that some other considerations by Georgie would becoming around.
Of course I think I already read somewhere, where the US has told the Canadian Govt. that legalizing something we find illegal would not be a "smart" thing an their part.
Ain't Life Grand...
[ edited by twelvepole on Sep 6, 2002 07:21 AM ]
posted on September 6, 2002 07:39:02 AM new
Had to say HI to twelvepole!
Just think, they won't care how we spell Kebek in Montreal (the new world Amsterdam).
Is it a step forward? IMO, yes. Alcohol is legal, and it is a liver poison. Has some nasty side effects too. I've never seen anyone in the ER with a pot overdose. Pot smokers aren't as prone to the agressive behaviors seen with alcohol. And it has some legitimate medical uses.
And I take no prescribed or OTC medication. You have the right to an informed opinion -Harlan Ellison
posted on September 6, 2002 07:46:49 AM new
I'm surprised that George hasn't considered legalized doping of America. With the citizens zoned out on pot, he could funcition unfettered...like Brave New World.
posted on September 6, 2002 07:51:43 AM new
Helen, Prozac et al enriches the prescription drug corps coffers. Pot could be homegrown, therefore, no money to be made by the gov.
bynotbut
You have the right to an informed opinion -Harlan Ellison
[ edited by snowyegret on Sep 6, 2002 07:52 AM ]
posted on September 6, 2002 10:11:26 AM new
snowy & Helen -
One of my friends from Alberta emailed me about this latest finding and said he wished Canada would legalize it just long enough so we can enjoy it before we all get obliterated by Bush.
The only real pressure to NOT legalize/decriminalize will come from the U.S. That's what everyone is worried about. Will the U.S. bully us because of the effect it will have on the U.S. and its borders?
Although not legal there, do Americans rush over the Mexican border to get pot? It's readily available and cheap and I don't hear about people clambering to the borders. What will be the difference if the country the pot comes from legalizes it or not? Just a thought.
posted on September 6, 2002 10:16:22 AM new
That's exactly right, Snowy....Cheap soma!!! Even Congress could take a pot break before voting on George legislation. And all the poor uninsured citizens of America who can't afford Prozac could zone out on cheap pot and not really give a dam.
posted on September 6, 2002 10:20:38 AM new "One of my friends from Alberta emailed me about this latest finding and said he wished Canada would legalize it just long enough so we can enjoy it before we all get obliterated by Bush."
LOL!!!
This may become a Global phenomena...an answer to Bush anxiety.
posted on September 6, 2002 10:38:08 AM new
Gives Bushwatch a new meaning.
Kraft, Americans caught in Mexico with pot are Definitely SOL. While the use by curanderos doesn't make waves, Americans going over the border for pot are dealt with extremely harshly, and pot has been planted on vehicles in Mexico. It takes a lot of money to get out of a Mexican jail for an American. You have the right to an informed opinion -Harlan Ellison
posted on September 6, 2002 10:45:20 AM new
Kraftdinner..I'll repost your question since my post didn't answer the second part.
Although not legal there, do Americans rush over the Mexican border to get pot? It's readily available and cheap and I don't hear about people clambering to the borders. What will be the difference if the country the pot comes from legalizes it or not? Just a thought
Legalized marijuana will probably come with many strings attached...the price will go up and planting your own may stil be verboten.
I don't smoke it but in my neighborhood, it's available at the local convenience store.
posted on September 6, 2002 10:45:26 AM new
K.D,You said:
"Although not legal there, do Americans rush over the Mexican border to get pot? It's readily available and cheap and I don't hear about people clambering to the borders. What will be the difference if the country the pot comes from legalizes it or not? Just a thought"
Many have tried and still do bring it a cross.If you get caught,You may be in prison the rest of your life.
Some of the dealers there will sell you the pot,call the Mexican border guards,and you get busted before crossing over.The dealer
gets his product back,keeps your money and gets a reward from the guard(extra money or your watch)and you play hell trying to get out of a Mexican prison.
Its legal for the Mexicans,Not for the Gringos who come over.And there are drug sniffing dogs at the crossings and at the different State inspection stops(TX.CA.AZ.
You have no rights in Mexico,Many are there that found out the hard way.
[ edited by junquemama on Sep 6, 2002 10:50 AM ]
posted on September 6, 2002 11:09:41 AM new
They used to brag that the US - Canadian border was unguarded but now we have national guard and a very different atmosphere. I would not be surprised if it becomes way too much of a hassle to go across for a day trip of shopping or to have dinner because the politicians are having a flaming puppy over the fear you may go to have some pot.
On the bright side, my memory is excellent, I never get headaches, and can't remember the last time I was sick with even an cold.
