Posted on 06/22/2011 11:34:42 PM PDT by AustralianConservative
Government Senator Marc Bean recently called for a debate on the merits of decriminalising drugs in the wake of a report from the Global Commission on Drug Policy. A distinguished panel that wrote the report said the war on drugs had failed and recommended partial legalization as a solution to the blight of the illegal drugs trade on communities around the world.
Not so fast, warn medics.
Side effects of marijuana can include a heightened risk of psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, damage to memory and judgement and heart problems. Neurologist Dr Keith Chiappa said: “The use of marijuana, especially in younger age groups, should not be encouraged by any legalisation and should continue to be discouraged by specific programmes.”
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Chantelle Simmons said: “Cannabis use has been shown to be associated with difficulties in thought processes in 15-20 year olds.
“When you have a young adult, whose brain is still developing, there is a five times greater risk of schizophrenia.”
“It particularly adversely affects the developing brain and it’s also closely associated with psychosis.”
The Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute doctor added: “As a clinician, I try to focus on medical implications only, but I would have concerns that decriminalization would send a message that it was okay to encourage marijuana use.”
Dr Simmons added that studies had shown that marijuana use caused higher rates of depressive illness in adult women – four times the rate of depression found in non-users.
Teenage marijuana smokers have also been found to be less likely to complete high school and more likely to make poor career and life choices.
Dr Simmons said: “People say ‘it’s only weed, it’s natural’. It is a natural substance, but it can have significant adverse effects. It can not only cause psychosis, but exacerbate existing phychoses.”
(Excerpt) Read more at bermudasun.bm ...
People who make money from the sales of drugs are called drug dealers. You want them in charge of your country?
And I am profoundly sorry and apologize, ansel12, if my "throw-away" remark about "even" the Indians being able to grow tobacco caused offense (it was NOT my intent).
But the whole topic ("how difficult to manufacture," "taxable?") is a side-issue. The fact is that the "War on (Certain) Drugs" has promoted the growth of an, at best, morally ambiguous, para-military drug-law enforcement agency with vast police powers in this country (with extensive activities in OTHER countries!) whose powers deserve being clipped.
Regards,
I am no expert that is why I gave you my estimate which is many millions for both alcohol and marijuana.
How many deaths do you require?
Good night, I hope you wake up wiser.
That is the greater point. No doubt about it.
Hmmm, let me see: How many millions do lobbyists for the drug industry (Bayer, etc.) and the alcohol industry, and the tobacco industry currently spend to influence our legislators?
I'd say that the REAL drug dealers are ALREADY in charge of our country!
Regards,
LoL!
I tend to not answer flames.
But I do so now, because in the other thread you admonished me for referencing your cop hater attitude from another thread with your pro marijuana agenda.
Now, you are bringing up another thread yourself.
You do remember that don’t you?
It’s only been about two hours ago.
Yes, and they just forced a healthcare law on us to make trillions, and not a single politician in this country will protect us. I for one, am not ready for more.
Wow. Where’ve you been?
That's very funny. On a half dozen thread on a half dozen topics you begin with an ad-hominem to me and then find yourself looking like a fool. I guess you don't learn too quickly.
Conium maculatum (hemlock) is a sedative and antispasmodic, and in sufficient doses acts as a paralyser to the centers of motion. It has been recommended as an antidote to Strychnine poisoning, and in tetanus, hydrophobia, etc. On account of its peculiar sedative action on the motor centers, Hemlock juice is prescribed as a remedy in cases of undue nervous motor excitability, such as teething in children, epilepsy, cramps, in the early stages of paralysis, in spasms of the larynx and gullet, in acute mania, etc. As an inhalation it is said to relieve cough in bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, etc.
American Poison Ivy (Rhus Toxicodendron) is one of the species of Sumachs. The bark is tonic, astringent, and antiseptic - the berries refrigerant and diuretic. The bark, in decoction or syrup, has been found useful in gonorrhea, leucorrhoea, diarrhea, dysentery, hectic fever, scrofula and profuse perspiration from debility. A diluted fluid extract affords an agreeable gargle in angina. The berries may be used in infusion in diabetes, bowel complaints, and febrile diseases; also as a gargle in ulcerations of the mouth and throat, and as a wash for ringworm, offensive ulcers, etc.
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Oops wrong guy i think.
The pot that actor Martin Milner’s kids used came from a couple of bushes in my front yard in Southern California.
Growing quality plants is easy, the plant is very attractive, and the resulting pot has a long shelf life (years). Guys will grow all the free pot they want, and they will try to outdo each other, the nation will be saturated with free pot.
If one single tomato plant could give you all the tomatoes that you needed, and keep you high for the entire year, and tomatoes were heavily taxed like booze and cigarettes, then everyone would plant a tomato plant every year, and if they didn't, there would be plenty of surplus from friends and neighbors.
I’m still rereading your post. I guess I’m not deep enough to understand you.
From what I understand...a small amount of marijuana or even a plant at home...is a ticketed offense. Much like smoking a cigarette in a restaurant. (at least it is where I live). You may not have to worry about being raped.
Now....if you have a field growing..you may need to be worried.
Since I am a wino..I really don’t care. ;)
“Correlation does not equal causation”? Good red herring there. No evidence is ever good enough for potheads: from brain scan imaging to potheads defecating in parks.
Actually I didn't say a word about you breaking forum rules by doing that. I simply responded by reminding you how corrupt your thinking was on that thread. Cute how you sneak in another ad-hominem though. And another lie at that. That makes two lies in your latest post.
His point was not that it is “natural” and therefor “safe”, but that alcohol has similar health risks, yet is legal. Tobacco also has health risks, yet is legal. Glue and spray paint huffing by children is also a health risk, yet the sale of those products is legal.
Free people are expected to evaluate the potential consequences of their actions, and they generally do pretty well at it without a nanny-state eliminating their choices. If individuals make poor choices and eliminate themselves from the gene pool, well, the species will be better off in the long run.
Dude, let’s legalize LSD lollipops for kids too. Pass me some more Doritos. Jimi Hendrix served his country, what’s your point?
You are the master of red herrings. Substantive debate is beyond your abilities.
Yeah same old arguments – so let’s be good libertarians and censor debates. Actually, I find the science very interesting as do many people.
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