Are you for the legalization of Cannabis?

Legalise, tax. This would be the best thing to do by far, that way it can be kept separate from harder drugs and the whole gateway drug phenomenon wont be an issue.

[QUOTE="hamstergeddon"][QUOTE="Gnomefan"]

It is the law not to use cannibis. But you cool little rebels decide that you are going to willingly disobey it, So we should reward you by making it legal so you don't have to buy it illegally anymore. That way making you happy.

Gnomefan

No it isnt. I am croatian, and my brother died while he was on weed.

Clearly you're biased by a personal experience, and hence won't look at some of the facts.

http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/marijuana/marijuana_ff.html#healtheffectsSAGE_OF_FIRE

Listen, while it is illegal people only use it in secluded areas and stuff. But if its legal, people could be walking down streets smoking it. And Do you want the streets to be filled with high people?

[QUOTE="Gnomefan"]

[QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

Name one person who has ever died from Cannsbis overdose. Name one person ever leaglly/medically considered "addicted" to Cannabis(no rehab center in the world has a program to deal with Cannabis addiction). Name one single health problem that can be tied DIRECTLY to smoking it beyond lung problems(tobacco is legal).

Legalization will lead to reduced crime, lower expenses for our prisons, and will put an end to several drug cartels who are profiting from its sale. Prohibition has failed.

Legalize.

Wae416

So maybe you cant overdose........ But people still die from it. How about driving with it, or making a stupid decision while on it.

People do that with alcohol, too

bout to say the excact same thing, problem with it is that I've seen many of these debates where the issues presented lead me to believe that then they should ban alcohol too.

It's 100% impossible to overdose from it, making it a non-lethal drug, also I've used it but here in the netherlands where it is legal

The awesome thing about it is I never ever see anyone use any hard drugs, because cannabis is so easy to get if they have to have a drug they get that because it's legal, which also equals lower crime rates involving drugs

If you don't agree with that then at least agree with that it could be economy boosting, if they sold it in America with tax it would be such a boost to the economy

[QUOTE="SAGE_OF_FIRE"]Marijuana abuse is associated with many detrimental health effects. These effects can include respiratory illnesses, problems with learning and memory, increased heart rate, and impaired coordination. A number of studies have also shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction. Studies conducted on both people and animals suggest marijuana abuse can cause physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving. 11 Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers do, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illnesses, a heightened risk of lung infections, and a greater tendency toward obstructed airways. Cancer of the respiratory tract and lungs may also be promoted by marijuana smoke. Marijuana has the potential to promote cancer of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract because marijuana smoke contains 50 percent to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke.12 Marijuana's damage to short-term memory seems to occur because THC alters the way in which information is processed by the hippocampus, a brain area responsible for memory formation. In one study, researchers compared marijuana smoking and nonsmoking 12th-graders' scores on standardized tests of verbal and mathematical skills. Although all of the students had scored equally well in 4th grade, those who were heavy marijuana smokers, i.e., those who used marijuana seven or more times per week, scored significantly lower in 12th grade than nonsmokers. Another study of 129 college students found that among heavy users of marijuana critical skills related to attention, memory, and learning were significantly impaired, even after they had not used the drug for at least 24 hours.13 Of an estimated 113 million emergency department (ED) visits in the U.S. during 2006, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) estimates that 1,742,887 were drug-related. DAWN data indicate that marijuana was involved in 290,563 ED visits.14 source: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/marijuana/marijuana_ff.html#healtheffectsheysharpshooter

Zero cred. Any government funded research has no validity. Drug company lobbyists pay millions to keep Cannabis illegal, mostly because it is a natural pain killer that cannot be controlled.

[QUOTE="Gnomefan"]

[QUOTE="hamstergeddon"] Please tell me English isn't your 1st language.Wae416

No it isnt. I am croatian, and my brother died while he was on weed.

Clearly you're biased by a personal experience, and hence won't look at some of the facts.

Aha, well im actually not bias cause that was a total lie. So tell me some facts about it.

Listen, while it is illegal people only use it in secluded areas and stuff. But if its legal, people could be walking down streets smoking it. And Do you want the streets to be filled with high people?

Gnomefan

Sounds like a blast. My brother has ADD and anger issues. he tends to be agressive and easily agitated. He was on all kinds of pills, but nothing worked(Adderal made it worse). He started smoking weed, and he is a different person. It actually makes him feel a lot better.

How Does Marijuana Affect the Brain? Scientists have learned a great deal about how THC acts in the brain to produce its many effects. When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. THC acts upon specific sites in the brain, called cannabinoid receptors, kicking off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the "high" that users experience when they smoke marijuana. Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. The highest density of cannabinoid receptors are found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thoughts, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement.1 Not surprisingly, marijuana intoxication can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory. Research has shown that marijuana's adverse impact on learning and memory can last for days or weeks after the acute effects of the drug wear off.2 As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a suboptimal intellectual level all of the time. Research on the long-term effects of marijuana abuse indicates some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term abuse of other major drugs. For example, cannabinoid withdrawal in chronically exposed animals leads to an increase in the activation of the stress-response system3 and changes in the activity of nerve cells containing dopamine.4 Dopamine neurons are involved in the regulation of motivation and reward, and are directly or indirectly affected by all drugs of abuse. Addictive Potential Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction; that is, compulsive drug seeking and abuse despite its known harmful effects upon social functioning in the context of family, school, work, and recreational activities. Long-term marijuana abusers trying to quit report irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving, all of which make it difficult to quit. These withdrawal symptoms begin within about 1 day following abstinence, peak at 2–3 days, and subside within 1 or 2 weeks following drug cessation.5 Marijuana and Mental Health A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. Some of these studies have shown age at first use to be a factor, where early use is a marker of vulnerability to later problems. However, at this time, it not clear whether marijuana use causes mental problems, exacerbates them, or is used in attempt to self-medicate symptoms already in existence. Chronic marijuana use, especially in a very young person, may also be a marker of risk for mental illnesses, including addiction, stemming from genetic or environmental vulnerabilities, such as early exposure to stress or violence. At the present time, the strongest evidence links marijuana use and schizophrenia and/or related disorders.6 High doses of marijuana can produce an acute psychotic reaction; in addition, use of the drug may trigger the onset or relapse of schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals. What Other Adverse Effect Does Marijuana Have on Health? Effects on the Heart Marijuana increases heart rate by 20–100 percent shortly after smoking; this effect can last up to 3 hours. In one study, it was estimated that marijuana users have a 4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking the drug.7 This may be due to the increased heart rate as well as effects of marijuana on heart rhythms, causing palpitations and arrhythmias. This risk may be greater in aging populations or those with cardiac vulnerabilities. Effects on the Lungs Numerous studies have shown marijuana smoke to contain carcinogens and to be an irritant to the lungs. In fact, marijuana smoke contains 50–70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke. Marijuana users usually inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do, which further increase the lungs' exposure to carcinogenic smoke. Marijuana smokers show dysregulated growth of epithelial cells in their lung tissue, which could lead to cancer;8 however, a recent case-controlled study found no positive associations between marijuana use and lung, upper respiratory, or upper digestive tract cancers.9 Thus, the link between marijuana smoking and these cancers remains unsubstantiated at this time. Nonetheless, marijuana smokers can have many of the same respiratory problems as tobacco smokers, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illness, and a heightened risk of lung infections. A study of 450 individuals found that people who smoke marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have more health problems and miss more days of work than nonsmokers.10 Many of the extra sick days among the marijuana smokers in the study were for respiratory illnesses. Effects on Daily Life Research clearly demonstrates that marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a person's existing problems worse. In one study, heavy marijuana abusers reported that the drug impaired several important measures of life achievement including physical and mental health, cognitive abilities, social life, and career status.11 Several studies associate workers' marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers' compensation claims, and job turnover. What Treatment Options Exist? Behavioral interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational incentives (i.e., providing vouchers for goods or services to patients who remain abstinent) have shown efficacy in treating marijuana dependence. Although no medications are currently available, recent discoveries about the workings of the cannabinoid system offer promise for the development of medications to ease withdrawal, block the intoxicating effects of marijuana, and prevent relapse. The latest treatment data indicate that in 2006 marijuana was the most common illicit drug of abuse and was responsible for about 16 percent (289,988) of all admissions to treatment facilities in the United States. Marijuana admissions were primarily male (73.8 percent), White (51.5 percent), and young (36.1 percent were in the 15–19 age range). Those in treatment for primary marijuana abuse had begun use at an early age: 56.2 percent had abused it by age 14 and 92.5 percent had abused it by age 18.** source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html

[QUOTE="Wae416"]

[QUOTE="Gnomefan"]

No it isnt. I am croatian, and my brother died while he was on weed.

Gnomefan

Clearly you're biased by a personal experience, and hence won't look at some of the facts.

Aha, well im actually not bias cause that was a total lie. So tell me some facts about it.

If that was a lie, why should we believe ANYTHING you're saying is true?

[QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

[QUOTE="SAGE_OF_FIRE"]Marijuana abuse is associated with many detrimental health effects. These effects can include respiratory illnesses, problems with learning and memory, increased heart rate, and impaired coordination. A number of studies have also shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction. Studies conducted on both people and animals suggest marijuana abuse can cause physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving. 11 Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers do, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illnesses, a heightened risk of lung infections, and a greater tendency toward obstructed airways. Cancer of the respiratory tract and lungs may also be promoted by marijuana smoke. Marijuana has the potential to promote cancer of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract because marijuana smoke contains 50 percent to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke.12 Marijuana's damage to short-term memory seems to occur because THC alters the way in which information is processed by the hippocampus, a brain area responsible for memory formation. In one study, researchers compared marijuana smoking and nonsmoking 12th-graders' scores on standardized tests of verbal and mathematical skills. Although all of the students had scored equally well in 4th grade, those who were heavy marijuana smokers, i.e., those who used marijuana seven or more times per week, scored significantly lower in 12th grade than nonsmokers. Another study of 129 college students found that among heavy users of marijuana critical skills related to attention, memory, and learning were significantly impaired, even after they had not used the drug for at least 24 hours.13 Of an estimated 113 million emergency department (ED) visits in the U.S. during 2006, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) estimates that 1,742,887 were drug-related. DAWN data indicate that marijuana was involved in 290,563 ED visits.14 source: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/marijuana/marijuana_ff.html#healtheffectsjimmyjammer69

Zero cred. Any government funded research has no validity. Drug company lobbyists pay millions to keep Cannabis illegal, mostly because it is a natural pain killer that cannot be controlled.

I do not trust government funded research regarding Cannabis. Its all funded by lobbyist from Drug coroprations who want it illegal. If independent research syas the same thing, then I would take it seriously.

How Does Marijuana Affect the Brain? Scientists have learned a great deal about how THC acts in the brain to produce its many effects. When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. THC acts upon specific sites in the brain, called cannabinoid receptors, kicking off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the "high" that users experience when they smoke marijuana. Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. The highest density of cannabinoid receptors are found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thoughts, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement.1 Not surprisingly, marijuana intoxication can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory. Research has shown that marijuana's adverse impact on learning and memory can last for days or weeks after the acute effects of the drug wear off.2 As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a suboptimal intellectual level all of the time. Research on the long-term effects of marijuana abuse indicates some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term abuse of other major drugs. For example, cannabinoid withdrawal in chronically exposed animals leads to an increase in the activation of the stress-response system3 and changes in the activity of nerve cells containing dopamine.4 Dopamine neurons are involved in the regulation of motivation and reward, and are directly or indirectly affected by all drugs of abuse. Addictive Potential Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction; that is, compulsive drug seeking and abuse despite its known harmful effects upon social functioning in the context of family, school, work, and recreational activities. Long-term marijuana abusers trying to quit report irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving, all of which make it difficult to quit. These withdrawal symptoms begin within about 1 day following abstinence, peak at 2–3 days, and subside within 1 or 2 weeks following drug cessation.5 Marijuana and Mental Health A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. Some of these studies have shown age at first use to be a factor, where early use is a marker of vulnerability to later problems. However, at this time, it not clear whether marijuana use causes mental problems, exacerbates them, or is used in attempt to self-medicate symptoms already in existence. Chronic marijuana use, especially in a very young person, may also be a marker of risk for mental illnesses, including addiction, stemming from genetic or environmental vulnerabilities, such as early exposure to stress or violence. At the present time, the strongest evidence links marijuana use and schizophrenia and/or related disorders.6 High doses of marijuana can produce an acute psychotic reaction; in addition, use of the drug may trigger the onset or relapse of schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals. What Other Adverse Effect Does Marijuana Have on Health? Effects on the Heart Marijuana increases heart rate by 20–100 percent shortly after smoking; this effect can last up to 3 hours. In one study, it was estimated that marijuana users have a 4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking the drug.7 This may be due to the increased heart rate as well as effects of marijuana on heart rhythms, causing palpitations and arrhythmias. This risk may be greater in aging populations or those with cardiac vulnerabilities. Effects on the Lungs Numerous studies have shown marijuana smoke to contain carcinogens and to be an irritant to the lungs. In fact, marijuana smoke contains 50–70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke. Marijuana users usually inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do, which further increase the lungs' exposure to carcinogenic smoke. Marijuana smokers show dysregulated growth of epithelial cells in their lung tissue, which could lead to cancer;8 however, a recent case-controlled study found no positive associations between marijuana use and lung, upper respiratory, or upper digestive tract cancers.9 Thus, the link between marijuana smoking and these cancers remains unsubstantiated at this time. Nonetheless, marijuana smokers can have many of the same respiratory problems as tobacco smokers, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illness, and a heightened risk of lung infections. A study of 450 individuals found that people who smoke marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have more health problems and miss more days of work than nonsmokers.10 Many of the extra sick days among the marijuana smokers in the study were for respiratory illnesses. Effects on Daily Life Research clearly demonstrates that marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a person's existing problems worse. In one study, heavy marijuana abusers reported that the drug impaired several important measures of life achievement including physical and mental health, cognitive abilities, social life, and career status.11 Several studies associate workers' marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers' compensation claims, and job turnover. What Treatment Options Exist? Behavioral interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational incentives (i.e., providing vouchers for goods or services to patients who remain abstinent) have shown efficacy in treating marijuana dependence. Although no medications are currently available, recent discoveries about the workings of the cannabinoid system offer promise for the development of medications to ease withdrawal, block the intoxicating effects of marijuana, and prevent relapse. The latest treatment data indicate that in 2006 marijuana was the most common illicit drug of abuse and was responsible for about 16 percent (289,988) of all admissions to treatment facilities in the United States. Marijuana admissions were primarily male (73.8 percent), White (51.5 percent), and young (36.1 percent were in the 15–19 age range). Those in treatment for primary marijuana abuse had begun use at an early age: 56.2 percent had abused it by age 14 and 92.5 percent had abused it by age 18.** source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html

SAGE_OF_FIRE

China called, they want their wall back.

[QUOTE="Wae416"]

[QUOTE="Gnomefan"]

So maybe you cant overdose........ But people still die from it. How about driving with it, or making a stupid decision while on it.

carlandcarl

People do that with alcohol, too

bout to say the excact same thing, problem with it is that I've seen many of these debates where the issues presented lead me to believe that then they should ban alcohol too.

It's 100% impossible to overdose from it, making it a non-lethal drug, also I've used it but here in the netherlands where it is legal

The awesome thing about it is I never ever see anyone use any hard drugs, because cannabis is so easy to get if they have to have a drug they get that because it's legal, which also equals lower crime rates involving drugs

If you don't agree with that then at least agree with that it could be economy boosting, if they sold it in America with tax it would be such a boost to the economy

First of all. I agree with you. They should make alcohol illegal. Secondly America is already doomed. Do you think Selling marijuana and putting tax on it can help us? We are trillions of dollars in dept.

source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html

SAGE_OF_FIRE

fail again.

Listen, while it is illegal people only use it in secluded areas and stuff. But if its legal, people could be walking down streets smoking it. And Do you want the streets to be filled with high people?

Gnomefan

Listen, while it is illegal people only use it in secluded areas and stuff. But if its legal, people could be walking down streets smoking it. And Do you want the streets to be filled with high people?

Gnomefan

That would actually be pretty cool. There would be one hell of a line up for dominos, though :P

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"][QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

Zero cred. Any government funded research has no validity. Drug company lobbyists pay millions to keep Cannabis illegal, mostly because it is a natural pain killer that cannot be controlled.

heysharpshooter

I do not trust government funded research regarding Cannabis. Its all funded by lobbyist from Drug coroprations who want it illegal. If independent research syas the same thing, then I would take it seriously.

With legalization comes education and quality control; with prohibition comes ignorance, buoyed by unhelpful government funded propaganda. Sweeping the problem 'under the carpet' doesn't help anyone – lets accept that drugs exist and provide the necessary education for responsible usage.

Just out of curiosity, what do we actually gain from keeping it illegal? Do you guys really think that discourages most kids from smoking it? In my experience that just makes things more interesting, being a kid that's told something is dangerous. Legalizing the drug wouldn't make it legal to drive high or get stoned in public.

[QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"] So you won't believe anything that could have been funded by this administration either? Or is it only government funded research which concludes there may be risks that you'll call unreliable?jimmyjammer69

I do not trust government funded research regarding Cannabis. Its all funded by lobbyist from Drug coroprations who want it illegal. If independent research syas the same thing, then I would take it seriously.

If you do, post a link. You can tell if they are government funded or not through the Freedom of Information Act.

[QUOTE="SAGE_OF_FIRE"]

source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html

heysharpshooter

fail again.

[QUOTE="Gnomefan"]

[QUOTE="Wae416"]

Clearly you're biased by a personal experience, and hence won't look at some of the facts.

Wae416

Aha, well im actually not bias cause that was a total lie. So tell me some facts about it.

If that was a lie, why should we believe ANYTHING you're saying is true?

I dont understand. That was the first thing i stated. Everything before was just questions.

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"][QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

I do not trust government funded research regarding Cannabis. Its all funded by lobbyist from Drug coroprations who want it illegal. If independent research syas the same thing, then I would take it seriously.

heysharpshooter

If you do, post a link. You can tell if they are government funded or not through the Freedom of Information Act.

If it were to be legalized, hypothetically, it ought to stay within the confines of private residence. To smoke in public is to force those around you to be subject to the object or your own machinations. I do not want to get high.Vandalvideo

but i do think if it was legal it should be done only in allocated areas.

[QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"] So if I found other research suggesting a link between marijuana and illness, you'd believe it? Or would you say that it was covertly funded by a drug company?jimmyjammer69

If you do, post a link. You can tell if they are government funded or not through the Freedom of Information Act.

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"][QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

If you do, post a link. You can tell if they are government funded or not through the Freedom of Information Act.

needled24-7

[QUOTE="Wae416"]

[QUOTE="Gnomefan"]

Aha, well im actually not bias cause that was a total lie. So tell me some facts about it.

Gnomefan

If that was a lie, why should we believe ANYTHING you're saying is true?

I dont understand. That was the first thing i stated. Everything before was just questions.

By admitting that you were lying, EVERYTHING that you've said in this thread before or after the incident in question may be a lie.

[QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

[QUOTE="SAGE_OF_FIRE"]

source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html

SAGE_OF_FIRE

fail again.

[QUOTE="needled24-7"]

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"] Right... but that's not really answering my question. Would you believe research showing a link between marijuana use and eg. schizophrenia if it wasn't listed as government funded?jimmyjammer69

Ok. Every one who believes it should be legalized won't change their opinions. And i wont either until some one comes up with a list like ive been asking for saying all the good things that will happen if we legalize it. And once you post it I will know and will leave.

[QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"] So if I found other research suggesting a link between marijuana and illness, you'd believe it? Or would you say that it was covertly funded by a drug company?jimmyjammer69

If you do, post a link. You can tell if they are government funded or not through the Freedom of Information Act.

assuming it is a cerdible source with the proper private funding(non drug comapines) and is of the proper size, I would take it into consideration. however, studies can be countered with other studies.

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"]If it were to be legalized, hypothetically, it ought to stay within the confines of private residence. To smoke in public is to force those around you to be subject to the object or your own machinations. I do not want to get high.needled24-7

but i do think if it was legal it should be done only in allocated areas.

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"]If it were to be legalized, hypothetically, it ought to stay within the confines of private residence. To smoke in public is to force those around you to be subject to the object or your own machinations. I do not want to get high.needled24-7

but i do think if it was legal it should be done only in allocated areas.

[QUOTE="needled24-7"]

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"]If it were to be legalized, hypothetically, it ought to stay within the confines of private residence. To smoke in public is to force those around you to be subject to the object or your own machinations. I do not want to get high.SAGE_OF_FIRE

but i do think if it was legal it should be done only in allocated areas.

[QUOTE="12345678ew"][QUOTE="nimatoad2000"]setsa, salvia can freak you out. my friend tried it, he thought he was becoming part of the grass he was sitting on, said he couldnt sleep for days afterward. weed only causes happyness, not freak outs. look up some salvia vids on youtube. 50% of ppl freak the F out. im too afraid to try it personally especially after seeing my friend on it.snowman6251

Also, with the schizophrenia/psychosis thing there is conflicting evidence, so if you ask me its best for people who are at risk for schizophrenia to just not smoke. Better safe than sorry. This shouldn't, however, prevent the rest of us from toking legally and safely.

Ok. Every one who believes it should be legalized won't change their opinions. And i wont either until some one comes up with a list like ive been asking for saying all the good things that will happen if we legalize it.

Gnomefan

• Prisons cost millions and millions of dollars to run, and yet the vast majority of its population is filled with minor drug offenders. It saves tax dollars.
• It generates tax dollars through the taxation of the drug.
• It puts a stop to the black market trade of Cannabis, hitting drug cartels and gangs in the wallet and reducing crime.
• It has obvious health BENEFITS for cancer patients, those with depression, those with chronic pain, etc.
• It reduces the workload of our law enforcement, allowing them to focus on DANGEROUS individuals.

How Does Marijuana Affect the Brain? Scientists have learned a great deal about how THC acts in the brain to produce its many effects. When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. THC acts upon specific sites in the brain, called cannabinoid receptors, kicking off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the "high" that users experience when they smoke marijuana. Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. The highest density of cannabinoid receptors are found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thoughts, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement.1 Not surprisingly, marijuana intoxication can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory. Research has shown that marijuana's adverse impact on learning and memory can last for days or weeks after the acute effects of the drug wear off.2 As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a suboptimal intellectual level all of the time. Research on the long-term effects of marijuana abuse indicates some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term abuse of other major drugs. For example, cannabinoid withdrawal in chronically exposed animals leads to an increase in the activation of the stress-response system3 and changes in the activity of nerve cells containing dopamine.4 Dopamine neurons are involved in the regulation of motivation and reward, and are directly or indirectly affected by all drugs of abuse. Addictive Potential Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction; that is, compulsive drug seeking and abuse despite its known harmful effects upon social functioning in the context of family, school, work, and recreational activities. Long-term marijuana abusers trying to quit report irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving, all of which make it difficult to quit. These withdrawal symptoms begin within about 1 day following abstinence, peak at 2–3 days, and subside within 1 or 2 weeks following drug cessation.5 Marijuana and Mental Health A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. Some of these studies have shown age at first use to be a factor, where early use is a marker of vulnerability to later problems. However, at this time, it not clear whether marijuana use causes mental problems, exacerbates them, or is used in attempt to self-medicate symptoms already in existence. Chronic marijuana use, especially in a very young person, may also be a marker of risk for mental illnesses, including addiction, stemming from genetic or environmental vulnerabilities, such as early exposure to stress or violence. At the present time, the strongest evidence links marijuana use and schizophrenia and/or related disorders.6 High doses of marijuana can produce an acute psychotic reaction; in addition, use of the drug may trigger the onset or relapse of schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals. What Other Adverse Effect Does Marijuana Have on Health? Effects on the Heart Marijuana increases heart rate by 20–100 percent shortly after smoking; this effect can last up to 3 hours. In one study, it was estimated that marijuana users have a 4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking the drug.7 This may be due to the increased heart rate as well as effects of marijuana on heart rhythms, causing palpitations and arrhythmias. This risk may be greater in aging populations or those with cardiac vulnerabilities. Effects on the Lungs Numerous studies have shown marijuana smoke to contain carcinogens and to be an irritant to the lungs. In fact, marijuana smoke contains 50–70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke. Marijuana users usually inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do, which further increase the lungs' exposure to carcinogenic smoke. Marijuana smokers show dysregulated growth of epithelial cells in their lung tissue, which could lead to cancer;8 however, a recent case-controlled study found no positive associations between marijuana use and lung, upper respiratory, or upper digestive tract cancers.9 Thus, the link between marijuana smoking and these cancers remains unsubstantiated at this time. Nonetheless, marijuana smokers can have many of the same respiratory problems as tobacco smokers, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illness, and a heightened risk of lung infections. A study of 450 individuals found that people who smoke marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have more health problems and miss more days of work than nonsmokers.10 Many of the extra sick days among the marijuana smokers in the study were for respiratory illnesses. Effects on Daily Life Research clearly demonstrates that marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a person's existing problems worse. In one study, heavy marijuana abusers reported that the drug impaired several important measures of life achievement including physical and mental health, cognitive abilities, social life, and career status.11 Several studies associate workers' marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers' compensation claims, and job turnover. What Treatment Options Exist? Behavioral interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational incentives (i.e., providing vouchers for goods or services to patients who remain abstinent) have shown efficacy in treating marijuana dependence. Although no medications are currently available, recent discoveries about the workings of the cannabinoid system offer promise for the development of medications to ease withdrawal, block the intoxicating effects of marijuana, and prevent relapse. The latest treatment data indicate that in 2006 marijuana was the most common illicit drug of abuse and was responsible for about 16 percent (289,988) of all admissions to treatment facilities in the United States. Marijuana admissions were primarily male (73.8 percent), White (51.5 percent), and young (36.1 percent were in the 15–19 age range). Those in treatment for primary marijuana abuse had begun use at an early age: 56.2 percent had abused it by age 14 and 92.5 percent had abused it by age 18.** source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html

SAGE_OF_FIRE

Ok. Every one who believes it should be legalized won't change their opinions. And i wont either until some one comes up with a list like ive been asking for saying all the good things that will happen if we legalize it. And once you post it I will know and will leave.

Gnomefan

KEYWORD: DOT GOV. Next.conspirethis

I agree it should be legal but I think that the penalty for driving while high/drunk should be increased. SAGE_OF_FIRE

Nothing wrong with that. Driving While Under the Influence: DUI. Doesn't seem to specify alchohol does it?

well like i promised once i get a list i would leave.

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"]If it were to be legalized, hypothetically, it ought to stay within the confines of private residence. To smoke in public is to force those around you to be subject to the object or your own machinations. I do not want to get high.needled24-7

but i do think if it was legal it should be done only in allocated areas.

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"][QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

If you do, post a link. You can tell if they are government funded or not through the Freedom of Information Act.

heysharpshooter

assuming it is a cerdible source with the proper private funding(non drug comapines) and is of the proper size, I would take it into consideration. however, studies can be countered with other studies.

[QUOTE="needled24-7"]

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"]If it were to be legalized, hypothetically, it ought to stay within the confines of private residence. To smoke in public is to force those around you to be subject to the object or your own machinations. I do not want to get high.Vandalvideo

but i do think if it was legal it should be done only in allocated areas.

[QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

[QUOTE="SAGE_OF_FIRE"]

source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html

SAGE_OF_FIRE

fail again.

Every drug has an adverse affect – coffee and alcohol included - however promoting such scare tactics has shown not to work – people will make their choices regardless. That's why it's more important to educate individuals in responsible usage rather than employ archaic 'boogey man' tactics.

Secondly, if we choose to lump marijuana in with the broader spectrum of 'illegal drugs', then its highly likely that people who take that first puff of a joint will be exposed to and likely to experiment with other, potential more harmful substances.

Again with this point we must return to education, as prohibition is responsible for ignorance as well as huge variances in quality and potential harmful impurities added. Ultimately it's often ignorance that kills and prohibition itself which is harmful.

[QUOTE="snowman6251"][QUOTE="12345678ew"] my friend did salvia once. we were in my living room that has huge glass windows. about 30 seconds in he screamed werewolf, and ran out of the room. apparently into my kitchen. he ran back in about 10 seconds later with this 10 inch knife i use for beef, DOVE THROUGH MY WINDOW, and this thing is like 20 feet by 18 feet, and slashed the air for a bit. then came back in and said it was just a cat. there was nothing on my porch.pis3rch

Also, with the schizophrenia/psychosis thing there is conflicting evidence, so if you ask me its best for people who are at risk for schizophrenia to just not smoke. Better safe than sorry. This shouldn't, however, prevent the rest of us from toking legally and safely.