If Marijuana Is Legal, Will Addiction Rise?

The New York Times ^ | July 20, 2009 | The Editors

[cryptical]

A New York Times article on Sunday discussed the debate over whether more and more potent types of cannabis affect the levels of addiction to the drug. This particular issue has become part of the larger debate over whether marijuana should be legalized or decriminalized.

Antidrug activists say that if the drug is legalized, more people will use it and addiction levels, made worse by the increased potency, will rise too. Legalization advocates note that pot addiction is not nearly as destructive as, say, abuse of alcohol. What would be the effect of legalization or decriminalization on marijuana abuse and addiction?

[-YYZ-]

“Your source, please?”

Do a search on marijuana withdrawl symptoms. You can find all kinds of testimony from chronic users who have experienced insomnia, irritability, cold sweats, panic attacks, hot flashes, etc, after stopping their use. Typically seen in people who use it daily over an extended period.

Don’t get me wrong, I think MJ is a fairly harmless diversion for most people, and its continuing illegality has probably done more harm than good, but denying that it has some negative effects is not realistic, either.

[stuartcr]

As I said, why aren’t the millions of current pot smokers, doing that now?

[Jonny foreigner]

It makes people *dumber than dirt*.... no..., for real!

---

yep there is nothing like having a ingenious discussion with some one who had 10 beers for example :-)
shure marijuana influences the behavior of people but so do other “drugs”.

[EEDUDE]

Uh, Mike, they already do that. I’ve been piss tested since 1977 in the USN.

[ChrisInAR]

I have no problem w/ employers who test their employee's blood for marijuana or other recreational drugs. I say test them every day if they want to. However, I think it is disgraceful to use urine testing, because that doesn't determine whether or not an employee is under the influence @ that moment, all it does is find out if the person has used w/in the last 6 weeks or so. IMO, nobody should be fired from their jobs in late August for testing positive simply 'cuz they smoked a lil weed during a July 4th celebration.

[Star Traveler]

You said — As I said, why aren’t the millions of current pot smokers, doing that now?

—

They’re headed there now..., now that the pot smokers voted in Obama... LOL...

[stuartcr]

Sounds good.

[Lurkina.n.Learnin]

You set up a still and watch for the BATF. They are talking about tax generation not any kind of libertarian principles.

[Nevski]

I know all about marijuana, YYZ. Used to be a heavy smoker myself, as did by buddies. None of us who quit experienced physical withdrawal symptoms, and what’s more, the studies overwhelmingly indicate, in concert with our experience, that the drug is psychologically addictive only.

But you made the claim, so the burden of proof is yours, not mine: what scholarly source indicates that marijuana is physically addictive?

[ctdonath2]

Why would it rise? Anyone who wants it can get it, and does so now.

Might actually reduce, having taken away the “cool, stick it to The Man” attitude.

What makes this any different than repealing Prohibition back when?

[enraged]

I’ll agree on the booze / violence thing. But the reason weed is a “gateway” is because the scumbag dealer also has other “items” for sale too. The local liquor store only sells booze and smokes. At least around here.

[Star Traveler]

You said — yep there is nothing like having a ingenious discussion with some one who had 10 beers for example :-)

—

Ummm..., a general rule — two *dumber than dirt* people don’t even make up one *normal person*... LOL...

[poobear]

I knew a guy who was an absolute basket case until he had his mid morning duobie. Then one every two hours throughout the day and one before bedtime. Smoked the real strong stuff too.

But he wasn't addicted. /s

[stuartcr]

Home produced beer and wine isn’t taxed or illegal.

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

I use it for medical reasons, and it works well for me! I never as a teenager liked to get high that much, but I'll tell you what...with all my medical issues and when I can hardly move from the pain it is much better than the Percocet, Norco, Neurontin, Soma, Vicodin, Xanax, Ibuprofen, Prozac, Ambien, and a few others that I am prescribed just to help me get through the day. I don't take all those pain meds at the same time btw, I now just use Norco which because it is Codeine based makes me sicker than a dog. Most of the time I just can't handle it, but I have to take the pills while I'm working, but once I get home I will take a hit or two and no more pills for the rest of the night.

I am a Christian conservative, go to church, have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and I don't think He frowns upon me for my use of medicinal pot! I'm not what you would categorize as a stoner, I use it for the right reasons, not to get high!

[TSgt]

Uh, Mike, they already do that. I’ve been piss tested since 1977 in the USN.

Thank you EEDUDE for this revelation. I'm aware of this and have participated in said testing during my time in the Air Force.

My point is this: If they make it legal, they should not take away an employer's right to refuse someone who uses it.

[stuartcr]

If legal, there probably wouldn’t be any scumbag dealers.

[Jonny foreigner]

I have no problem w/ employers who test their employee’s blood for marijuana or other recreational drugs. I say test them every day if they want to.

---

you want your boss coming in every day saying “well my good employee you know it´s again time for the needle?” *lol*
;-)

[stuartcr]

The guy down the hall from me here at work, is the same, but he’s not a basket case. Top knotch engineer.

[aruanan]

But the reason weed is a “gateway” is because the scumbag dealer also has other “items” for sale too. The local liquor store only sells booze and smokes. At least around here.

The primary gateway drug is tobacco.