View Full Version : Should Marijuana Be Legalized?
There are over 10,000 scientific studies that prove marijuana is a harmful addictive drug. There is not one reliable study that demonstrates marijuana has any medical value.
Marijuana is an unstable mixture of more than 425 chemicals that convert to thousands when smoked. Many of these chemicals are toxic, psychoactive chemicals which are largely unstudied and appear in uncontrolled strengths.
The harmful consequences of smoking marijuana include, but are not limited to the following: premature cancer, addiction, coordination and perception impairment, a number of mental disorders including depression, hostility and increased aggresiveness, general apathy, memory loss, reproductive disabilities, and impairment to the immune system.
The Food and Drug Administration, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Public Health Service have rejected smoking crude marijuana as a medicine. Medical marijuana has been promoted for "compassionate use" to assist people with cancer, AIDS and glaucoma. Scientific studies show the opposite is true; marijuana is damaging to individuals with these illnesses. In fact, people suffering with AIDS and glaucoma are being used unfairly by groups whose real agenda is to legalize marijuana.
AIDS: Scientific studies indicate marijuana damages the immune system, causing further peril to already weakened immune systems. HIV-positive marijuana smokers progress to full-blown AIDS twice as fast as non-smokers and have an increased incidence of bacterial pneumonia.
Cancer: Marijuana contains many cancer-causing substances, many of which are present in higher concentrations in marijuana than in tobacco.
Glaucoma: Marijuana does not prevent blindness due to glaucoma.
Marijuana is currently up to 25 times more potent than it was in the 1960's, making the drug even more addictive.
Americans take their medicine in pills, solutions, sprays, shots, drops, creams, and sometimes in suppositories, but never by smoking. No medicine prescribed for us today is smoked.
The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, THC (Tetra Hydrocannibinol), is already legally available in pharmaceutical capsule form by prescription from medical doctors. This drug, Marinol, is less often prescribed because of the potential adverse effects, and there are more effective new medicines currently available.
While a biomedical or casual relationship between marijuana and the use of hard drugs has not been established, the statistical association is quite convincing. 12 to 17 year-olds who smoke marijuana are 85 times more likely to use cocaine than those who do not. 60% of adolescents who use marijuana before age 15 will later use cocaine. These correlations are many times higher than the initial relationships found between smoking and lung cancer.
Major medical and health organizations, as well as the vast majority of nationally recognized expert medical doctors, scientists and researchers, have concluded that smoking marijuana is not a safe and effective medicine. These organizations include: the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, National Sclerosis Association, the American Glaucoma Association, American Academy of Opthalmology, National Eye Institute, and the National Cancer Institute.
In 1994, a U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that marijuana should remain a Schedule I drug: highly addictive with no medical usefulness. The court noted that the pro-marijuana physicians had relied on non-scientific evidence.
I'm sure that this will get a lot of you all heated up but let's try and keep this on an intelligent level please.
No. Basically because its lame & ovverated (IMO) & its too overexposed.
I only would agree with it because of health purposes.
& Not for losers at school who think weed is cool.
Yes. And is has been proved that it's healthier than cigarettes.
musicmaestro10
12-03-12, 15:55
No no no no no no no no no no no no!!!!!
I only would agree with it because of health purposes.
Yes. And is has been proved that it's healthier than cigarettes.
You obviously didn't read my post.
Marijuana contains many cancer-causing substances, many of which are present in higher concentrations in marijuana than in tobacco.
For starters.
For starters.
Nevermind then http://dramadaily.net/forum/images/smilies//market_3_1317531630.gif
many of which are present in higher concentrations in marijuana than in tobacco.
AIDS: Scientific studies indicate marijuana damages the immune system, causing further peril to already weakened immune systems. HIV-positive marijuana smokers progress to full-blown AIDS twice as fast as non-smokers and have an increased incidence of bacterial pneumonia.
Yeah, It shouldn't be legal overall.
I think it should, since every man that takes drugs (in our country) buys it illegally....and the country does nothing...it should be legal.
Personally I say NO! (I'm against it) to the drugs...but I cannot forbid something like that.
Drug addicted people accepted the risk in their own life...they chose to die (and it's their choice).
I think it should, since every man that takes drugs (in our country) buys it illegally....and the country does nothing...it should be legal.
Wouldn't you rather protest the actions of the country instead of just going in favour of it being legalized?
musicmaestro10
12-03-12, 16:07
If it is legal it becomes easy to get.
If it is legal it becomes easy to get.
It already is where I live.
All I have to do is post a status on Facebook along the lines of "Who got weed?" and I'll have 30 replies in under 5 minutes.
Carbonek_0051
12-03-12, 16:09
Does it matter in the end? People are going to smoke it either way.
Does it matter in the end? People are going to smoke it either way.
It makes for interesting discussion.
While alcohol and cigarettes are legal, no Government on the Earth can present a valid argument as to why Mary Jane isn't too.
Carbonek_0051
12-03-12, 16:13
^Yup.It makes for interesting discussion.
That was my answer to the topic. :p
While alcohol and cigarettes are legal, no Government on the Earth can present a valid argument as to why Mary Jane isn't too.
Sure they can.
They can't tax it.
Sure they can.
They can't tax it.
Of course they could tax it. They could regulate it so that it isn't full of crap, they could also regulate its distribution to licensed sellers who they can keep tabs on, and they can tax it to hell like they do to alcohol/cigarettes/petrol.
Yeah but are they ever going to/want to?
Probably not.
It's way too taboo in their eyes.
Wouldn't you rather protest the actions of the country instead of just going in favour of it being legalized?
Of course I would...but you can't understand the way people live here and how they behave including "government" .
We are not that type of nation...we(most of the people) are calm and not interested in that.
I'm not recommending you grab a tank and waltz into the nearest government building and demand change. I just don't understand your viewpoint that you'd sooner rally for it to be legalized than rally for the government to do something about the illegality of obtaining such drugs.
Yeah but are they ever going to/want to?
Probably not.
It's way too taboo in their eyes.
Therein lies the meat of this discussion :tmb:
Personally, I don't really see any difference between pot and alcohol from a stance of whether or not one is more socially acceptable. Both have detrimental effects if abused. If anything, I'd argue that the immediate effects of alcohol on an individual, namely getting drunk, is worse and potentially more dangerous than getting stoned.
If anything, I'd argue that the immediate effects of alcohol on an individual, namely getting drunk, is worse and potentially more dangerous than getting stoned.
I agree completely.
I'm not recommending you grab a tank and waltz into the nearest government building and demand change. I just don't understand your viewpoint that you'd sooner rally for it to be legalized than rally for the government to do something about the illegality of obtaining such drugs.
:vlol: :vlol: I know...
But what can I do here...nothing...actually it'd be the same...legalized or not...people will take it unfortunately :(
No. Simple as.
Do you plan to elaborate or...?
nick styger
12-03-12, 18:00
Yes
Yes
Again, care to elaborate?
Dennis's Mom
12-03-12, 18:04
Legalize it and tax the **** out of it.
Legalize it and tax the **** out of it.
89% on the dollar. :vlol:
Yep. What I know about weed is that it's all natural and more healthy than the legal drugs. I've never known ANYONE who's died of weed or had detrimental effects and I know a lot of heavy pot smokers. And yes, I did read your first post and with those studies come a plethora of contradicting studies so I'll base it on what I know and what I've observed.
I think if properly regulated, it can be as safe as normal smoking.
But I'm not a fan of the fact that normal smoking is legal.
Nerd For Life
13-03-12, 00:05
Yes, it should. It's harmless, and cigarettes are much worse.
Should marijuana be legalized?
Yes.
patriots88888
13-03-12, 00:23
I wouldn't have much of a problem with it if it was, with one stipulation however... that those who partake in using do so within the confines of their own home. I fear that because there are many who see it as this completely harmless drug they would then in turn feel that it's okay to operate a vehicle while under the influence (regardless of studies which have shown that it does cause a level of impairment to the driver). So, much the same restrictions that are placed on alcohol and I'm cool with it.
I really don't care what anyone does behind their own walls just as long as it's not affecting me any.
Yes, it should be legal. It is a plant that grows in the ground, and it is meant for human beings to use as a tool. The brain is naturally designed to process marijuana (there are cannabinoid receptors), so no other human being has any right to tell you that you cannot use it. On the whole, I think legalising it may be beneficial to society. Crime rates will drop, as people go pretty far to get their hands on this stuff. Marijuana does in fact, calm you down. It makes you content, and more appreciative of things. It relaxes you, unlike alcohol. It allows you to think and reflect on yourself.
Also, despite what your opening post says, marijuana is not really all that dangerous. It's not even addictive. As opposed to smoking it, you can always eat it. That said, of course it has the potential to be abused, and like everything else, it should be taken in moderation (because even having too much water can hurt you). I believe pot is not something you should be smoking everyday. Once a week is enough. It is a tool that was meant to be used by us for meditational and spiritual purposes, and even recreational, as it helps you benefit from the sharing of knowledge.
The reason cannabis was made illegal is because of one greedy newspaper man who didn't want to convert all his paper over to hemp (marijuana paper), which was more expensive, and would have costed him millions of dollars to convert, so he made up stories claiming that the drug caused people to rape and murder others.
The harmful consequences of smoking marijuana include, but are not limited to the following: premature cancer, addiction, coordination and perception impairment, a number of mental disorders including depression, hostility and increased aggresiveness, general apathy, memory loss, reproductive disabilities, and impairment to the immune system.
These are all false. Marijuana has no addictive properties; the only reason one may become "addicted" is because they simply like to do it. There is no dependence factor. As for cancer; the smoke from marijuana is not toxic enough to the body to be able to cause that. Tobacco is a radiated substance, whereas marijuana is completely natural. In fact, it has been said that marijuana slows down the growth of any kind of cancerous substance in the body. And on top of that, marijuana doesn't produce any toxins that damage brain cells. Any impairment of perception is only temporary, and it is only while ON the drug. It does not make you more aggressive. It does the complete opposite. For example: If you've had a very stressful day, marijuana is what's going to be best, as it relaxes you, and helps you forget about your problems. Alcohol on the other hand, may cause you to come home and beat up your wife and kids, which is obviously not good.
Also, let's not forget that marijuana has never directly killed anyone in thousands of years of recorded history. Alcohol and cigarettes however, cause hundreds of thousands of deaths per year.
There's also the idea that driving while stoned is dangerous. It may impair your driving skills a little bit, but if anything, it will actually make you a better driver, because of the simple fact that impairment (if any) will be compensated with extra concentration.
There may be a few concerns about smoking marijuana, but until evidence is provided, I will have to take these claims only with a pinch of salt. I'm not convinced that marijuana can cause cancer, brain damage, or affect the body negatively in any way, including the reproductive system, unless you over-use it. One of my friends has been smoking it every day for the last five years, and he still seems to be completely normal.
93pvKrGNO9o
Ward Dragon
13-03-12, 03:33
I'm in the "legalize it and tax it!" group. I think it would better overall if marijuana was regulated and taxed, plus if it was legal then there wouldn't be a black market for it so hopefully some of the associated violent crimes would go away.
Cancer: Marijuana contains many cancer-causing substances, many of which are present in higher concentrations in marijuana than in tobacco.
That doesn't disprove its effectiveness when it's used to help people handle the side-effects from chemo. If someone's already dying from cancer then it doesn't make much sense to worry that the treatment might give them more cancer years down the road, and besides that, chemo is far more likely to kill the patient than marijuana is.
Having said that, if the pill form works then it doesn't make sense to smoke it. I don't know if the pill works but I imagine different people would react differently to taking it in pill form versus smoking it. So I think that smoking it should be a last resort if the patient can't stomach pills.
There's also the idea that driving while stoned is dangerous. It may impair your driving skills a little bit, but if anything, it will actually make you a better driver, because of the simple fact that impairment (if any) will be compensated with extra concentration.
Funnily enough I've heard people make the exact same rationalizations for driving while drunk. People shouldn't drive while under the influence of anything, full stop. If someone does drive while impaired and kills someone, then they should be charged with murder and spend the rest of their lives in prison.
knightgames
13-03-12, 03:38
Of course they could tax it. They could regulate it so that it isn't full of crap, they could also regulate its distribution to licensed sellers who they can keep tabs on, and they can tax it to hell like they do to alcohol/cigarettes/petrol.
If they legalized it and I smoked, I'd grow my own. I already garden with tomatoes, peppers, zucchinnis et al. I cant imagine marijuana being more difficult. Taxation would be averted. Crap they put into the drug would be non existent, and I could probably control the concentration of THC.
Should it be legal? As legal as alcahol. When I was young I smoked. I did drive, and other than forgetting exactly where I was at on ocassion I had no real problem driving. I'd actually drive more carefully because of the inherent paranoia that some feel while under the influence.
On the other hand, ashamedly I admit to driving drunk. I was traveling 105 MPH in a 50 MPH zone. The next day I was so mad at myself for taking so many other people's life (including my passenger) in my hands that I never drove after drinking again. All that to catch last call. GAWD I was stupid that night. I've never experienced or did any fooishness like that on marijuana. EVER.
The strange thing is that when my buddies and I would get together Jack would always be the DD. He had his two drinks and that was it for the night. Jack wasn't there that night I drove foolishly.
Any ways. Yes. Legalize marijuana. I'd make it age restricted. I'd not want 13 year olds having it, though realistically I know it won't stop them.
Funnily enough I've heard people make the exact same rationalizations for driving while drunk. People shouldn't drive while under the influence of anything, full stop. If someone does drive while impaired and kills someone, then they should be charged with murder and spend the rest of their lives in prison.
Except with alcohol, you cannot concentrate; you become reckless. Whereas with marijuana, you can still function and judge normally. The only thing that really changes is your mode of consiousness.
But that depends on if you smoke it or eat it. If you eat it, you're more likely to crash, because then it's a different kind of "high".
Read this.
People use marijuana to relax and, in some states, as a legal pain reliever for certain medical conditions, such as cancer. There is much debate about whether marijuana is harmful and whether it should be legalized. But when it comes to the workplace, there is no question that marijuana use is a serious problem. This is because marijuana users become so relaxed that their reflexes and judgment become impaired.
In addition, marijuana reduces coordination, affects concentration, and makes users forgetful. Marijuana use also affects perception of time and space. These effects can lower productivity, cause people to make mistakes, lead to poor decision making, and make it unsafe to operate machinery and other hazardous equipment or to drive a vehicle. The effects of marijuana can last for hours. So an employee who smokes on the way to work or during a lunch break could be impaired for at least a portion of the workday.
On the job, the negative fallout of substance abuse includes a steady deterioration in work performance, unreliability, and recklessness that can jeopardize the safety of co-workers, the integrity of company products and services, and the company’s reputation. Substance abuse in the workplace is a real and dangerous problem – one that every employee must understand and take seriously.
I'll keep it illegal, thanks.
knightgames
13-03-12, 03:55
Read this.
I'll keep it illegal, thanks.
While I understand and can agree with what you quoted. Smoking during work or even driving should be prohibited. I know I'd not want my surgeon sewing me up after smoking a fatty. But, would a person who's inclined to smoke on the job be any less inclined to drink on the job should they prefer the latter over the former? IOW. There's already alcahol related job injuries. There's already drug related production issues. I don't think making marijuana legal would spike the numbers too much.
I'd also make it age restricted. I do think there's a premium on education and any kind of substance, whether drugs or alcahol, can interfere with that.
On top of that, I think the negatives of keeping it illegal far outway the positives of keeping it illegal.
Carbonek_0051
13-03-12, 04:02
In addition, marijuana reduces coordination, affects concentration, and makes users forgetful. Marijuana use also affects perception of time and space. These effects can lower productivity, cause people to make mistakes, lead to poor decision making, and make it unsafe to operate machinery and other hazardous equipment or to drive a vehicle. The effects of marijuana can last for hours. So an employee who smokes on the way to work or during a lunch break could be impaired for at least a portion of the workday.
On the job, the negative fallout of substance abuse includes a steady deterioration in work performance, unreliability, and recklessness that can jeopardize the safety of co-workers, the integrity of company products and services, and the company’s reputation. Substance abuse in the workplace is a real and dangerous problem – one that every employee must understand and take seriously.
I'm sorry but this is all assumptions, I smoke pot regularly and I function properly and am able to do things without making mistakes. Also, I have never had poor decision making when I was stoned, that's usually when I drink. I think that article fits drinking more than smoking pot.
Imagine going to school high and acing a test?
Irony.
Carbonek_0051
13-03-12, 04:07
Imagine going to school high and acing a test?
Irony.
It's been done. lol
Like I said, it doesn't make you retarded like some assume it does. Alcohol impairs your thinking far more.
Like I said, it doesn't make you retarded like some assume it does. Alcohol impairs your thinking far more.
Oh definitely.
If anything, I've noticed it actually ADDS common sense to the minds of some.
I think that marijuana has more recreational purpose than anything. I don't see how alcohol and tobacco are legal but marijuana is made to sound as if it'll kill you, when alcohol and tobacco are obviously the real killers here.
It already is where I live.
All I have to do is post a status on Facebook along the lines of "Who got weed?" and I'll have 30 replies in under 5 minutes.
who got weed lol
knightgames
13-03-12, 06:43
It already is where I live.
All I have to do is post a status on Facebook along the lines of "Who got weed?" and I'll have 30 replies in under 5 minutes.
Wait? Is this in Massachusetts or Canada? It surely isn't legal in MA, but the fines are minimal ($100) and almost unenforcable.
scoopy_loopy
13-03-12, 07:16
I don't care one way or the other.
Are there any reported deaths of Marijuana overdose?
Are there any reported deaths of Marijuana overdose?
no
patriots88888
13-03-12, 09:20
I'm sorry but this is all assumptions, I smoke pot regularly and I function properly and am able to do things without making mistakes. Also, I have never had poor decision making when I was stoned, that's usually when I drink. I think that article fits drinking more than smoking pot.
I don't doubt you but let's not forget that marijuana, like any other drug, affects people differently... tolerance can and does play a big part in that as well. xD
I have seen many people who are long-term users. You don't think it causes impairment or brain damage? You don't think the impairment is permanent? I have witnessed it personally. The damage is progressive. There are thousands of examples all over the country. Including members of congress. Do you need any more proof?
Just remember, when smoking it, you are sucking smoke from a burning plant into your lungs. How can any sane (and unbiased) person deny that this is a health risk?
Dark Lugia 2
13-03-12, 13:58
There's a big misconception that keeps being made here. Just because something is natural doesn't mean that it is harmless to your body, or that it is good for you. And if something makes you feel better it really doesn't mean that its healthy on the inside.
As for alcohol, the immediate effects of it are temporary. There are major health risks and problems if you abuse or become dependent on it but from what I've read Marijuana has more possible serious risks resulting from dependency than from Alcohol or cigarettes. That's not to say that Alcohol and cigarettes are healthy at all though. Maybe we should learn more about the effects of Marijuana before it becomes legal, if at all?
I don't know about moderate use though - substances can affect different people differently. There are people in their 80s that smoke cigarettes and haven't had major health problems or had cancer and we know that its not healthy.
Should the state have the power to stop you from doing dangerous things to yourself?
Can't think why it should if we're supposed to be free. So unless it's proven that it harms others, I think it'll be OK to legalise it. And probably most other drugs too.
:}hello friend
13-03-12, 14:13
It's pretty much already legal here. A cop could drive by and see you smoking a joint on the porch, and do absolutely nothing about it. Some probably do it theirselves. So I say, yes.
skylark1121
13-03-12, 14:15
Therein lies the meat of this discussion :tmb:
Personally, I don't really see any difference between pot and alcohol from a stance of whether or not one is more socially acceptable. Both have detrimental effects if abused. If anything, I'd argue that the immediate effects of alcohol on an individual, namely getting drunk, is worse and potentially more dangerous than getting stoned.
This. The only argument the government has on Marijuana is that it is (unlike cigarettes) mind altering. BUT,then again, so is alcohol. :/
Should the state have the power to stop you from doing dangerous things to yourself?
Can't think why it should if we're supposed to be free. So unless it's proven that it harms others, I think it'll be OK to legalise it. And probably most other drugs too.
Well... it comes to the point where drug abuse harms not only yourself, but the people around you as well.
:whi:
0IAbe89X-bk
Some of the lyrics:
Just gimme di trees and mek we smoke it yo (Smoke it yo!)
It a mek we peace so dont provoke it yo (Voke it yo!)
We nuh need nuh speed so we nah nuh coke it yo (Coke it yo!)
Set yuh mind at ease we gotta take it slow
...
Chorus:
Everyday, we be burnin not concernin what nobody wanna say
We be earnin dollars turning cau we mind deh pon we pay
Some got gold and oil and diamonds all we got is Mary J
Legalize it, time you recognize it!
xD
Indiana Croft
13-03-12, 16:46
I do think it's ridiculous that alcohol is legal but marijuana isn't, but I don't think the system needs changed. I don't think it needs to be legal. It would just be catastrophic if it was. I don't think its harmful or anything, I just don't think it's something we need to legalize. However if it saves some tax money to make it legal (ie we'd no longer be wasting jail space and investigations/court cases on the issue as there's more important things going on) sure, legalize it.
Ward Dragon
13-03-12, 19:11
Should the state have the power to stop you from doing dangerous things to yourself?
Can't think why it should if we're supposed to be free. So unless it's proven that it harms others, I think it'll be OK to legalise it. And probably most other drugs too.
Well, if the government is paying the health care bills then they take that as a justification for regulating what people are allowed to do which affects their health. And considering that most people don't smoke pot but do pay taxes which will go towards Medicaid, most people probably agree that they shouldn't have to pay someone else's health bills if that person intentionally did something dangerous and hurt themselves.
I do think it would be cheaper overall to make pot legal (eliminating the costs of police work and jail space for people using it, not to mention getting rid of dealers), regulate it (so hopefully it would be less dangerous and therefore fewer related medical bills) and tax it a bit to pay for the new safety regulations like how cigarettes are taxed (although maybe not quite that much because if the taxes are too high then it just drives people back to the black market anyway which defeats part of the reason for legalizing it).
:whi:
Some of the lyrics:
I didn't understand that song when my brother played it on Pandora, and now having read the lyrics I still don't understand it. This isn't exactly putting pot use in a good light if that's what it does to people :vlol:
Well, if the government is paying the health care bills then they take that as a justification for regulating what people are allowed to do which affects their health. And considering that most people don't smoke pot but do pay taxes which will go towards Medicaid, most people probably agree that they shouldn't have to pay someone else's health bills if that person intentionally did something dangerous and hurt themselves.What are we going to do though, ban activities like skiiing, ice-skating and most other sports where people can hurt themselves to save on health care bills? What about driving cars and motorbikes?
I don't know - to me the purpose of Life (with a capital, L) is not to make a system (society) which "saves money". It's about us experiencing ourselves as human beings. That means doing "stuff". Sometimes risky things.
Maybe instead of having a system that encourages a feeling of "Hey, that person is getting more out this than I am. I'm paying for them!!", we need to find a way to make it not matter. I'm not saying I have the answer, or that it'll be easy, but if we don't think there's an alternative way for things to work, there never will be.
We're very disapproving of certain activities in society. I'm not sure it's always justified, it just seems that way because we're conditioned in childhood to believe it. Btw, just for background info, I'm not into drugs myself (although I have had marijauna) so it's not drugs per se where I'm coming from. It's this - constant need to "control" rather than enable people to be - that bugs me.
As for alcohol, the immediate effects of it are temporary. There are major health risks and problems if you abuse or become dependent on it but from what I've read Marijuana has more possible serious risks resulting from dependency than from Alcohol or cigarettes. That's not to say that Alcohol and cigarettes are healthy at all though. Maybe we should learn more about the effects of Marijuana before it becomes legal, if at all?
That's completely false. Where'd you even get that information from? Marijauna isn't physically addicting, alcohol and tobacco are.
Actually marijuana is addictive. It's a complete myth that it isn't. I speak from personal experience here in that I know people who are/have been addicted.
Actually marijuana is addictive. It's a complete myth that it isn't. I speak from personal experience here in that I know people who are/have been addicted.
It can be pshycologically addicting. Do you even know what that means?
It can be pshycologically addicting. Do you even know what that means?No, but I know what psychologically addicting means.
In all seriouesness, that surely makes it addictive none the less, no?
I don't care, people use it anyway, legal or not so there's no reason to :p .
No, but I know what psychologically addicting means.
In all seriouesness, that surely makes it addictive none the less, no?
Anything can be psychologically addicting.
Other hard drugs and alcohol and tobacco are physically addicting, meaning you will have withdrawls because it physically alters your brain and makes you become addicted, so you become dependent on it. Marijuana doesn't do this.. it isn't dangerous.
Actually, it does do that. Somebody earlier raised the point that marijuana has different effects for different people.
Actually, it does do that. Somebody earlier raised the point that marijuana has different effects for different people.
Physically, it doesn't do that.
Physically, it doesn't do that.It does for some people.
It does for some people.
Can you prove this? If so, what percentage of users?
Can you prove this? If so, what percentage of users?Can you prove it doesn't? As I said I do know somebody who is physically addicted to marijuana, but of course not everyone who smokes it is going to be addicted.
Can you prove it doesn't? As I said I do know somebody who is physically addicted to marijuana, but of course not everyone who smokes it is going to be addicted.
Oh, I see.
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyn1h7Hhki1r5vpr0.png
You "know someone who is physically addicted", you say, so then weed must be physically addicting in some way, so can you prove to me how you know they are physically addicted and not mentally?
Oh, I see.
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyn1h7Hhki1r5vpr0.png
You "know someone who is physically addicted", you say, so then weed must be physically addicting in some way, so can you prove to me how you know they are physically addicted and not mentally?Because they can't give up?
Now I know you're going to say "but they're just psychologically addicted", except that said person also has withdrawal symptoms as well.
My own limited personal experience with this is pretty meaningless though, as a quick Google search on the subject does reveal that for some people marijuana is physically addictive.
Yes, people who smoke it will do.
People who don't, won't.
Any other drugs, no.
Because they can't give up?
Now I know you're going to say "but they're just psychologically addicted", except that said person also has withdrawal symptoms as well.
My own limited personal experience with this is pretty meaningless though, as a quick Google search on the subject does reveal that for some people marijuana is physically addictive.
A quick google search also brought this up.
A very small minority of people (heavy chronic users) who use marijuana can find that they have developed a psychological addiction. This can be as mild as some difficulty sleeping, slight irritability, and moodiness. Since most people who use marijuana are not heavy chronic users, this is not common at all. If you are concerned about any possibility of psychological addiction it is very easily avoided by taking time off from regular use. For instance, if you use it every day, you should take one day off per week or take one week off every three months. Even without taking this time off from use, the majority of people using marijuana report that they have no difficulty stopping usage.
Marijuana has the lowest risk of dependence and withdrawal potential if you compare it to other substances, such as alcohol, opiates (like Vicodin), caffeine, and other psychoactive drugs. Many of the anti-depressants (currently being prescribed abundantly) have very severe physical withdrawal symptoms which most patients are not warned about.
Marijuana is very low-risk.
What gives you the impression that it's low risk?
What gives you the impression that it's low risk?
Because I know for a fact if I wanted to try it, there won't be any immediate health risks. What about cigarettes and alcohol? Alcohol impairs your judgement and abilities like no other, do you know how many people die per day from drunk driving? And tobacco is very addicting, I'd rather smoke weed than cigarettes. Do you know how difficult it is to stop smoking cigarettes after you're addicted? This isn't the case with weed. It is low risk and it doesn't pose any dangers that other hard drugs would, which I would never do in the first place.
Ward Dragon
13-03-12, 20:44
A quick google search also brought this up.
Marijuana is very low-risk.
Even if it's lower risk than most other drugs, the risk is still there. It's dangerous to pretend that it's totally risk-free because then those people who are vulnerable to being addicted to it will not realize the possibility until it's too late.
Even if it's lower risk than most other drugs, the risk is still there. It's dangerous to pretend that it's totally risk-free because then those people who are vulnerable to being addicted to it will not realize the possibility until it's too late.
Who's vulnerable to become addicted? What risks are you speaking of?
Because I know for a fact if I wanted to try it, there won't be any immediate health risks. What about cigarettes and alcohol? Alcohol impairs your judgement and abilities like no other, do you know how many people die per day from drunk driving? And tobacco is very addicting, I'd rather smoke weed than cigarettes. Do you know how difficult it is to stop smoking cigarettes after you're addicted? This isn't the case with weed. It is low risk and it doesn't pose any dangers that other hard drugs would, which I would never do in the first place.How do you know there wouldn't be any immediate health risks without trying it?
What's your point about alcohol and smoking?
Ward Dragon
13-03-12, 20:45
Who's vulnerable to become addicted? What risks are you speaking of?
For starters, the people in the article you posted.
How do you know there wouldn't be any immediate health risks without trying it?
What's your point about alcohol and smoking?
How do you know I haven't tried it?
If alcohol and tobacco and legal but much more dangerous, addictive, and risky than marijuana, then why is it illegal?
For starters, the people in the article you posted.
The article stated it was the chronic users that became addicted, meaning the heavy long-term smokers.
Ward Dragon
13-03-12, 20:49
The article stated it was the chronic users that became addicted, meaning the heavy long-term smokers.
Yeah, that's usually who gets addicted to everything XD I'm sure they didn't think going into it, "I'm going to become a chronic user and get addicted!" It just kind of creeps up on some people because they don't realize what's happening.
How do you know I haven't tried it?
If alcohol and tobacco and legal but much more dangerous, addictive, and risky than marijuana, then why is it illegal?I don't, but you said "if I wanted to try it", which kind of implies that you have yet to try it.
I guess because they've always been legal (well, except for prohibition). Governments make a mint off taxing alcohol and smoking so they're never going to be made illegal.
Yeah, that's usually who gets addicted to everything XD I'm sure they didn't think going into it, "I'm going to become a chronic user and get addicted!" It just kind of creeps up on some people because they don't realize what's happening.
I don't think it's a case of the addiction 'creeping' up on them, like I said, these are the very heavy smokers. It doesn't gradually happen and you continue to smoke more and more because of it. The said addiction occurs after the heavy use.
I don't, but you said "if I wanted to try it", which kind of implies that you have yet to try it.
I guess because they've always been legal (well, except for prohibition). Governments make a mint off taxing alcohol and smoking so they're never going to be made illegal.
I was speaking theoretically, I guess.
You know there's something wrong when alcohol and tobacco are legal and marijuana, compared to the two, is very low risk.
Yes.
Contrary to popular belief, marijuana has many health benefits, and was not designed to be abused, or used maliciously like pop culture or society portrays it to be.
Ward Dragon
13-03-12, 20:53
I don't think it's a case of the addiction 'creeping' up on them, like I said, these are the very heavy smokers. It doesn't gradually happen and you continue to smoke more and more because of it. The said addiction occurs after the heavy use.
How are you so sure of the cause and effect though? Even though there's a very high correlation between chronic users and addiction, you can't tell which caused the other. It could just as easily be that some people are susceptible to addiction and that's why they are chronic users in the first place.
How are you so sure of the cause and effect though? Even though there's a very high correlation between chronic users and addiction, you can't tell which caused the other. It could just as easily be that some people are susceptible to addiction and that's why they are chronic users in the first place.
Maybe some people are susceptible to addiction, who knows? I don't, but you can be pretty sure that when addiction occurs, it's with heavy use.
Even if some people are susceptible to addiction, so what? Alcohol and tobacco are addicting but they are legal. What difference would it make if weed, which is maybe physically addicting to some and not deadly in the slightest, was made legal?
Ward Dragon
13-03-12, 20:58
Maybe some people are susceptible to addiction, who knows? I don't, but you can be pretty sure that when addiction occurs, it's with heavy use.
Even if some people are susceptible to addiction, so what? Alcohol and tobacco are addicting but they are legal. What difference would it make if weed, which is maybe physically addicting to some and not deadly in the slightest, was made legal?
I think it should be legal. I just disagree with this popular sentiment that it's totally harmless. Everything has side effects, even if it isn't as bad as some other drugs.
Tombraiderx08
13-03-12, 20:59
I think it should be legalized and regulated just like alcohol. I mean, if there's parts of the world where it's moderated, legal, and it's NOT turning everyone into asshats... if it works there then why can't it work here?
Dark Lugia 2
13-03-12, 21:01
That's completely false. Where'd you even get that information from? Marijauna isn't physically addicting, alcohol and tobacco are.
I said dependency, not addiction.
I said dependency, not addiction.
How do you become dependent on it without addiction?
Chocolate has more addictive substances in it than marijuana. :rolleyes:
Chocolate has more addictive substances in it than marijuana. :rolleyes:
I've smoked more times than I can count on my fingers and toes, usually several weeks or months inbetween each time. No sign of addiction or withdrawls, side-effects or symptoms yet.
its funny because there is way more legal UN-HEALTHY stuff, to which makes weed safer. cigarettes and alcohol for example are more dangerous than weed. its been proven you can function better high on weed then drunk off alcohol. and weed barely has any health problems.
i think it should be legal, its a good stress reliever and pain reliever with very little health issues. hell its safer then eating your sugary fats.
also the fact that its illegal makes people want to do it more.
Dark Lugia 2
13-03-12, 21:20
How do you become dependent on it without addiction?
You could depend on it for any major benefits you feel it has for yourself and still not be addicted.
I have no stance on this btw. Just my thoughts on the possible health risks.
You could depend on it for any major benefits you feel it has for yourself and still not be addicted.
I have no stance on this btw. Just my thoughts on the possible health risks.
What type of benefits, though?
Dark Lugia 2
13-03-12, 21:27
What type of benefits, though?
Reducing anxiety, pain relief, aiding depression?
Reducing anxiety, pain relief, aiding depression?
That's not a bad thing.. as long as it's used in moderation, they'll be fine. I think it's good that marijuana can help with that.
Dark Lugia 2
13-03-12, 21:40
That's not a bad thing.. as long as it's used in moderation, they'll be fine. I think it's good that marijuana can help with that.
I never said that they were bad things... you asked me how people can be dependent on Marijuana without addiction and I just answered. :p
I'm just thinking about how everyone seems so confused on the effects of it. If we don't know for sure then is it a good idea to legalize it when it could be damaging us in other ways? Allowing it for medicinal purposes is a different thing as you would follow a course prescribed to you to ensure that it is used in moderation.
Carbonek_0051
13-03-12, 22:01
Loving all the misconceptions and assumptions. :tmb:
It's really not addicting like people think it is. I know from not only my own experience but the experiences of my friends. None of us depend on it or "need" it. I have gone months and even a year without smoking. The only thing I've ever been addicted to is cigarettes.
Loving all the misconceptions and assumptions. :tmb:
It's really not addicting like people think it is. I know from not only my own experience but the experiences of my friends. None of us depend on it or "need" it. I have gone months and even a year without smoking. The only thing I've ever been addicted to is cigarettes.
If people can become addicted to eating couch cushions they can get addicted to weed.
Duh.
skylark1121
13-03-12, 23:59
Loving all the misconceptions and assumptions. :tmb:
It's really not addicting like people think it is. I know from not only my own experience but the experiences of my friends. None of us depend on it or "need" it. I have gone months and even a year without smoking. The only thing I've ever been addicted to is cigarettes.
Marijuana isn't physically addictive. However, it is one of the MOST mentally and emotionally addicting drugs on the market--that's a fact. ;)
Marijuana is all abut perception. It can be less addicting or "needed" by someone who is healthy mentally and emotionally, but it can get quite out of hand for people that are especially emotionally challenged.
That's where the true addiction lies in marijuana use.
Marijuana isn't physically addictive. However, it is one of the MOST mentally and emotionally addicting drugs on the market--that's a fact. ;)
Marijuana is all abut perception. It can be less addicting or "needed" by someone who is healthy mentally and emotionally, but it can get quite out of hand for people that are especially emotionally challenged.
That's where the true addiction lies in marijuana use.
Same goes for chocolate and ice cream.
Carbonek_0051
14-03-12, 00:43
Same goes for chocolate and ice cream.
Those things should be illegal!
skylark1121
14-03-12, 01:02
Same goes for chocolate and ice cream.
Chocolate and ice cream aren't mind altering. :ton:
Well.... not in the same way at least.
Those things should be illegal!
:vlol:
Chocolate and ice cream aren't mind altering. :ton:
Well.... not in the same way at least.
:vlol:
But the mind thinks ice cream chocolate and weed are good and that's where the addiction (may) come from, not the fact that it alters your mind.
skylark1121
14-03-12, 04:25
But the mind thinks ice cream chocolate and weed are good and that's where the addiction (may) come from, not the fact that it alters your mind.
Exactly. I guess that's why it should be illegal, because it's not good to be addicted to something mind altering.
Marijuana either needs to be legalized, or drinking needs to be made illegal. :/
It's not fair to have one addictive mind altering substance legal and one not. IMO, Marijuana is the lesser of two evils, considering as how alcohol is physically addictive and tends to have more of a negative impact.
Exactly. I guess that's why it should be illegal, because it's not good to be addicted to something mind altering.
Marijuana either needs to be legalized, or drinking needs to be made illegal. :/
It's not fair to have one addictive mind altering substance legal and one not. IMO, Marijuana is the lesser of two evils, considering as how alcohol is physically addictive and tends to have more of a negative impact.
If marijuana needs to stay illegal then everything good needs to be illegal.
skylark1121
14-03-12, 16:57
If marijuana needs to stay illegal then everything good needs to be illegal.
:rolleyes:
:rolleyes:
Why the eye roll? You can get addicted to anything that's good. But marijuana addiction is more like a fruit addiction than anything. Even the addiction of chocolate bears more resemblance to a crack addiction.
Even if we assume that you can get addicted to marijuana just like you can get addicted to other things, so what?
Is that a reason to ban it?
TombRaiderFan.
15-03-12, 03:56
Legalize it, that way we can tax it and fund our schools and public services. ;) Seriously, potheads will find a way to find their drugs no matter how "illegal" you want to make it, so you might as well legalize it and take advantage of it. I mean, tobacco and alcohol are bad for your health and can cause cancer, but I don't see anyone making them illegal any day soon. Last time the US made alcohol illegal it didn't go so pretty.
I say try it and see how it goes, you can always make it illegal again if things don't pan out.
We are surrounded by filth and our body is full of crap.
We seem to be from another world.
I guess they do not want to lose that part of the pie.
Anyway I think that today, are those tentacles of state, who sells drugs. Do not think any police structure in those called "civilized countries" is unrelated to how where, when and who sell drugs.
All this scale of values...
The bungee should be outlawed?
I never would want to jump off a bridge.
Is that healthy?
Go into outer space should be outlawed.
Astronauts returning looks emaciated.
Elite athletes ...
They do not seem to finish their challenges in good condition.
Bla, bla, bla,...
Surely I'm wrong.
_Awestruck_
15-03-12, 11:42
Yes, because a) The Government can tax the **** out of it and actually benefit from it, and b) People are going to use it anyway.
I also say yes with a bit of skepticism because I've known it in my personal life to be a bit of a "gateway drug". But I know that there is no direct relationship between pot and other hard drugs, so ultimately I think it should be legalized.
TRULuverzz
20-03-12, 01:38
Yes it should, people are still going to want it if kept illegal, and I believe it isn't a harmful drug. Legalise it please! :D
Ora Dagger
20-03-12, 01:52
aw but sneaking around trying to hide it wouldn't be fun :p
Carbonek_0051
20-03-12, 02:07
aw but sneaking around trying to hide it wouldn't be fun :p
:vlol:
TRLegendLuver
20-03-12, 06:09
Those things should be illegal!
I love chocolate though... ;__;
I think it should be legalized, yes. Its no better for you than anything legal out there (when overused, like alcohol and cigarettes are) AND Ive never heard of anyone being killed in an auto accident because of a "high" driver, just normall drunk drivers.
Also, Ive tried it, and here I am today not doing cocaine nor am I addicted to weed. Cigarettes, on the other hand, took one time and now Im trying every way I can to stop.
And besides, with as much as people want it around here, Im sure half the debt in America could be solved by legalizing it in this state alone.... Of course thats an exaggeration but probably not far from the truth.
All in all, it either needs to be legalized and managed safely so people cant put all this extra crap in to it, or things like alcohol should also be illegal.
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