Posted on 06/10/2005 2:32:31 PM PDT by Nachum
It is this reporter's opinion that each generation in turn takes a new look at the marijuana question. Now it's this generation's turn. In a 6-to-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal anti-marijuana statutes overrule the laws in ten states that allow the use of marijuana plants to ease pain or nausea.
Fifty years ago, as a much younger television reporter, I did a series of interviews with Dr. Hardin B. Jones, Professor of Medical Physics and Physiology at the University of California Berkeley. Dr. Jones, in his thorough study, raised disturbing questions about marijuana's effects on the vital systems of the body, on the brain and mind, on immunity and resistance, and on sex reproduction.
Dr. Jones addressed such problems of society as the hazards to non-smokers, crime, the law, and the effect of widespread smoking among the military – including atomic weapons personnel. And he didn't stop there. The good doctor included telling comments from interviews conducted with scores of marijuana users and ex-users.
I concluded, after this exhaustive study, that the very idea of legalizing marijuana is to follow a senseless, immoral, perilous path – a slippery slope, that the use of marijuana is dangerous on many fronts, that it impairs memory, alters time perception, reduces coordination, damages the immune system, is psychologically habit-forming and creates a wide range of effects on moods and behavior.
Dr. Jones offered an open letter to parents. Following are the main points discussed in his letter:
Marijuana is not a benign drug. Use of this drug impairs learning and judgment and may lead to the development of mental health problems.
Smoking marijuana can injure or destroy lung tissue.
Teens who are high on marijuana are less able to make safe, smart decisions about sex, including knowing when to say "no."
Marijuana can impair perception and reaction time, putting young drivers and others in danger.
Marijuana use may trigger panic attacks, paranoia, and even psychoses.
Marijuana can impair concentration and the ability to retain information during a teen's peak learning years.
Recent research indicates a correlation between frequent marijuana use and aggressive or violent behavior.
Dr. Jones concludes: MARIJUANA IS ADDICTIVE, and says that more teens are in treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illicit drugs combined.
Personally, I recall one visitation to a rehabilitation center where we interviewed recovering heroin addicts. We had to interview 25 hard-core drug users before we found a single one who had not started with marijuana!
As for those who say they must rely on marijuana to treat their pain, Dr. Jones cited a Washington University School of Medicine study on the subject: the experiment on twenty young men who were experienced marijuana smokers. Before and after they smoked reefers, electric impulses of different strengths were applied to their fingers and pain thresholds recorded. It was a method that earlier had verified the pain-killing effects of morphine, aspirin and codeine. MARIJUANA NOT ONLY FAILED TO LESSEN PAIN, IT ACTUALLY INCREASED IT! That finding casts doubt on the usefulness of marijuana as an analgesic.
The same facts and conclusions are repeated generation after generation with the same conclusion: DON'T EVER LEGALIZE POT!
Most can figure what good from bad is, but for those who can't figure it out, there is the laws to introduce those that need it to boundries.
"I don't necessarily acknowledge your number, but I would improved on ANY future number by putting the dealers, growers and distributors away and confiscating all the wealth they accumulated in life."
You need to take a break and sober up! You're losin it!
Destroying the lives of growers, dealers and distributers who feed this crud to the innocent is a great thing.
I'm sure you totally agree.
"Most can figure what good from bad is, but for those who can't figure it out, there is the laws to introduce those that need it to boundries."
Sober up cowboy! Then get back to us.
"I'm sure you totally agree."
No, not at all. Right now, the only lives I wish to destroy are the lives of terrorists. Because if they win, dopers, and you, and millions upon millions of us will be beheaded for some reason or another.
Have you ever been arrested for anything in connection to illegal drug self medication? I haven't...
"Have you ever been arrested for anything in connection to illegal drug self medication? I haven't..."
I have arrested people, but I have never been arrested.
"I find America capable of doing more than one thing at a time. I bet they can go after terrorist and enforce law at home as well."
"They?" Are you some sort of alien? Which do you mean? Which can "they" enforce at the same time? The laws of California, or the laws prescribed from Washington DC? And which laws do your prefer? The laws as prescribed by the people of CA., or the laws passed down from DC to be inflicted (enforced) upon the citizens of CA inspite or their vote and their will?
And taking my words out of context is not so smart either. Don't pi$$ me off unless you've got another moniker handy.
So one in three American adults is F-ed up? Chicken Little nonsense.
And you're still dodging my point that on the evidence marijuana prohibition is failing just as alcohol prohibition failed.
I just reflected the history of your posts here at FR
You "just" lied about me, and you continue to try to defend your lie. Give me a pot-head over a shameless liar any day.
Hey, takenoprisoner, I see that you also are Mr LeRoy. Welcome to the club!
That's a lie.
is not so smart either. Don't pi$$ me off unless you've got another moniker handy.
*snicker* More puffed-up blowhardry.
Does "this crud" include alcohol and tobacco? If not, why not?
Asked and answered before in detail, go read back.
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