Cannabis: scientists call for action amid mental health concerns

The Guardian ^ | Friday 15 April 2016 | Ian Sample Science editor

[familyop]

The call for action from scientists in the UK, US, Europe and Australia reflects a growing consensus among experts that frequent cannabis use can increase the risk of psychosis...In the UK, cannabis is the most popular illegal drug, and according to Public Health England data, more young people enter treatment centres for help with cannabis than any other drug, alcohol included.

[ameribbean expat]

Explains why Jeb Bush was always standing on his tippy toes at the debates.

[Ken H]

So are you all willing to let the states make the decision rather than fedgov, as the Tenth Amendment says? Both Trump and Cruz have taken that position.

[familyop]

"I say that all those who want to smoke dope should be provided, free of charge all the most potent cannabis and it's derivatives they want, in unlimited quantities. AFTER they sign a legally binding document that says they SHALL NOT REQUEST, SHALL NOT USE, SHALL NOT ACCESS THROUGH ANY THIRD OR OTHER PARTIES, ANY GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF ANY TYPE FOR ANY REASON."

That may be the second reason for so many state and local government employees and pensioners campaigning against Scott Walker. They don't want their drug-addled, grown kids moving back in with them. Their first reason, of course, would be Walker's efforts to cut government spending.

Scott Walker to propose drug tests for Medicaid, food stamps
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/scott-walker-to-propose-drug-tests-for-medicaid-food-stamps/article_3e8daab4-31e9-55b7-802b-8d981d6c1f24.html

Scott Walker’s drug-testing for welfare plan makes list of year’s worst policy ideas
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/writers/pat_schneider/scott-walker-s-drug-testing-for-welfare-plan-makes-list/article_1e1fbe86-81b4-517e-a829-8d775e266916.html

[Art in Idaho]

Very interesting re the Boys being 4 inches shorter article. High levels of Coritsol associated with chronic anxiety, depression, fatigue, mood swings too. Elevated Cortisol symptoms People smoke pot, elevated Cortisol, feel "nervous", smoke it again and vicious cycle? Another research project. : ) I'm sure there's been studies on this. Will check into it.

[familyop]

"I guess the pro-dope thing will have to run its course until it becomes in-your-face obviious to even the dope heads that it is bad stuff, ruins lives, ruins brains, ruins conscience, ruins persnal integrity and EBT cards and SSI stop and people will have to actually work to eat."

Well said. That, and until the default process runs its course in the various levels of government to remove support for drug abuse and drug-ring-supported enforcements of violations against neighbors' rights.

[The_Media_never_lie]

I have known a couple who thought they were (geniuses).

[little jeremiah]

drug-ring-supported enforcements of violations against neighbors' rights.

Not sure what the above means?

[cherry]

the libs and the elites have once again created a crisis so they can extract more money and control more people...

I can see it now....a national commission for figuring out what the problem is and then another fed agency to take care of all the people braindead from smoking their brains out..

this.after cleverly pusing the legalization of weed by not protesting it....

[cherry]

my dtr takes a huge amt of klonopin and baclofen every day for dystonia....enough to make several of us sleep for many hrs....but her body is used to it....

I don't like it that she takes it, because I fear tolerance, and ever growing need for more, but until the drs can figure something better to do, she is on it...(she also gets botox}

[cherry]

when my dtr first started on Klonpin, she went to bed, and downstairs in the morning comes this perfectly relaxed smiling at ease person....she has Asperger's too and is uptight and OC'ish as well...

I think that was the best night's sleep she ever had in her life...

[cherry]

alcohol was used by Jesus....it has its place...it is natural....it is enjoyable...and lots of different types to choose from....

when used in moderation, it can have some healthy effects...

[cherry]

I live in Washington and you would think the local media has a stake in the pot business the way they feature so many stories about the "business"....

biggest thing they like to trump...is all the money being spent and all the taxes they're collecting....

I think crime is up....it hasn't stopped the heavy drug users at all, and we seem to have had a lot of very strange violent crimes in the whole area lately....

of course, look who's in the white hut....of course people are becoming insane...

[dp0622]

You have my prayers and sympathies.

yeah, it’s the only thing that works for me. Baclofen, Neurontin and 10 other things did nothing.

I am on 4 mgs a day. Also hydroxyzine, which is not addictive, and helps a little too.

the max for klonopin is 20 mgs a day.

They have been doing deep brain stimulation for a while amd I’ve thought about it, but I don’t know.

Anyway, you’ve got a FRiend on FR who somewhat can relate to what you’re going through, so always feel free to drop me a FReemail :)

[jmacusa]

The same could be said for marijuana. However some 16 million Americans have an alcohol problem and the physical, economic and sociocultural damage it causes is tremendous. I know. It damned neared killed me.

[Go_Trump_2016]

The rs2494732 locus is the site of two SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in the AKT1 gene (encoding a serine/threonine-protein kinase) which influences the risk of developing a psychotic disorder in regular cannabis users. C/C carriers have a sevenfold increase in the odds of psychosis compared to T/T carriers when they use cannabis on a daily basis.

Some SNP genotyping companies have added the rs2494732 locus to their test chips so that customers can find out if they have an increased risk of developing cannabis psychosis and many other genetic disorders by sending just one small sample of saliva for testing:

http://isogg.org/wiki/List_of_personal_genomics_companies

These tests will help genetically vulnerable individuals by encouraging them to avoid experimenting with cannabis.

Keep in mind that cannabis will always be a 'gateway' drug if it's illegal because the criminals who sell it also peddle other illegal drugs.

[Sawdring]

What did you say to your friend the next day?

[Pelham]

the Choom Gang disagrees

[Art in Idaho]

Interesting information. Thanks for sending, and the link. Do you happen to know which US company is best?

Keep in mind that cannabis will always be a 'gateway' drug if it's illegal because the criminals who sell it also peddle other illegal drugs.

Interesting point and probably true. I just have seen so much personal destruction I'm still very mixed about legalization.

[Go_Trump_2016]

That depends on what information you want and how much you are prepared to spend. I cannot comment on every available personal genotyping service in the US but some stand out:

For just genealogy research "Ancestry.com" currently has the largest collection of historical records and internet searchable databases. They offer autosomal DNA analysis testing of over 700,000 SNPs across the entire genome, rather than just analysis of the Y chromosome (male line) and mitochondrial DNA (female line). The testing cost is very affordable.

To get a mix of less detailed genealogy data plus some health/inheritable disease data at a sensible price then "23andMe" are good.

To get your whole genome sequenced "Veritas Genetics" are the cheapest at $999: https://www.veritasgenetics.com/mygenome-panel

In a couple of years the cost of entire genome sequencing will be a fraction of the current price.

[Chgogal]

Who would have thought that dope makes you dopey? Really, are we that stupid?
; (