heh
There's a reason why over 110 million current Americans have either in the past or currently use marijuana and why less than six million Americans have ever tried heroin and only about 750,000 use it today. And why less than 300,000 Americans use street meth and why less than that number use crack cocaine.
Quite simply, those latter drugs are not in significant demand. And with few exceptions, the people who do get into using them either quickly stop or eventually stop.
I guess some people will look at it that way. But some people think you're a criminal because you break the gambling laws. I would tend to say that breaking a minor law doesn't make you a criminal, especially since there's a 99% chance you're never going to be arrested, and even if you are, the penalties will simply be a $250 fine and 10 hours of community service. People that get those kind of sentences aren't criminals.
The concept of medicinal marijuana reminds me of the guys who come to the gym in their grandma's car and park in the handicapped spots. They get out of the car, jump up and down and run on the spot a bit to limber up for their workout, then walk briskly to the entrance. A funny sight.
What the heck. If you can get away with it, why not? If the system is already as messed up as it is, might as well milk it to the fullest.
What the heck. If you can get away with it, why not? If the system is already as messed up as it is, might as well milk it to the fullest.
DEAC and Barman hate me, and get off on stupid little childish quips.
Let's put aside all the childish rhetoric for a second, shall we children?
The medical facts below are facts, and you can pooh-pooh them all
you want. The question is, will you address them like an adult, or
will you ignore them, and continue to post your childish little quips?
To tout marijuana as some fun little harmless drug, is to do disservice
to your own brain, and a great disservice to those who end up
smoking it, and it leads as a gate-way drug to other even more
harmful drugs. Now, you can argue that marijuana isn't a gateway
drug, but if you do so - you are arguing against the American
Medical Association. Granted for some, it doesn't end up as
a gateway drug - but that doesn't address the people that it ends
up being a gateway drug.
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Effects of Marijuana
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Short-term effects of using marijuana include:
[/FONT]
Short-term effects of using marijuana include:
[/FONT]
- [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sleepiness
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Difficulty keeping track of time, impaired or reduced short-term memory
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Reduced ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Increased heart rate
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Potential cardiac dangers for those with preexisting heart disease
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bloodshot eyes
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dry mouth and throat
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Decreased social inhibitions
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Paranoia, hallucinations
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Impaired or reduced short-term memory
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Impaired or reduced comprehension
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Altered motivation and cognition, making the acquisition of new information difficult
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Paranoia
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Psychological dependence
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Impairments in learning, memory, perception, and judgment - difficulty speaking, listening effectively, thinking, retaining knowledge, problem solving, and forming concepts
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Intense anxiety or panic attacks [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Long-term effects of using marijuana include:[/FONT]
- [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Enhanced cancer risk
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Decrease in testosterone levels and lower sperm counts for men
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Increase in testosterone levels for women and increased risk of infertility
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Psychological dependence requiring more of the drug to get the same effect [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What is THC?[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] THC is the chemical in marijuana which makes you feel "high" (which means experiencing a change in mood and seeing or feeling things differently). Certain parts of the plant contain higher levels of THC. The flowers or buds have more THC than the stems or leaves.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Effect of THC [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]When marijuana is smoked, THC goes: [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] THC is the chemical in marijuana which makes you feel "high" (which means experiencing a change in mood and seeing or feeling things differently). Certain parts of the plant contain higher levels of THC. The flowers or buds have more THC than the stems or leaves.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Effect of THC [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]When marijuana is smoked, THC goes: [/FONT]
- [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]quickly into the blood through the lungs
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]to the brain (this is when the "high" is felt and can happen within a few minutes and can last up to five hours)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] THC is absorbed more slowly into the blood when marijuana is eaten as it has to pass through the stomach and intestine and can take up to one hour to experience the "high" effects which can last up to 12 hours.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] THC is absorbed quickly into body fat and is then released very slowly back into the blood. This process can take up to one month for a single dose of THC to fully leave the body.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Effects[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The effects of marijuana will vary from person to person depending on:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] THC is absorbed quickly into body fat and is then released very slowly back into the blood. This process can take up to one month for a single dose of THC to fully leave the body.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Effects[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The effects of marijuana will vary from person to person depending on:[/FONT]
- [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]How much taken
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]How strong (potent) the marijuana is
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]How the marijuana is taken (joint, bong, food)
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Size, weight, health
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mood
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Individual experience with marijuana
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If marijuana is taken with other drugs
[/FONT] - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Whether alone or with other people, at home or at a party. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Coming Up[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Because marijuana users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana smoke contains some of the same carcinogens and toxic particulates as tobacco, sometimes in higher concentrations. Long-term users of cannabis may develop psychological dependence and require more of the drug to get the same effect. The drug can become the center of their lives. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] The Effects on the Male: [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Marijuana is the most common drug used by adolescents in America today. Marijuana affect the parts of the brain which controls the sex and growth hormones. In males, marijuana can decrease the testosterone level. Occasional cases of enlarged breasts in male marijuana users are triggered by the chemical impact on the hormone system. Regular marijuana use can also lead to a decrease in sperm count, as well as increases in abnormal and immature sperm. Marijuana is a contributing factor in the rising problem of infertility in males. Young males should know the effects and potential effects of marijuana use on sex and growing process before they decide to smoke marijuana.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Effects on the Female: [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Just as in Males, marijuana effects the female in the part of the brain that controls the hormones, which determines the sequence in the menstrual cycle. Its been said that females who smoked or used marijuana on a regular basis had irregular menstrual cycles, the female hormones were depressed, and the testosterone level was raised. Even though this effect may be reversible, it may take several months of no marijuana use before the menstrual cycles become normal again. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Mothers who smoke marijuana on a regular basis have been reported of having babies with a weak central nervous system. These babies show abnormal reactions to light and sound, exhibit tremors and startles, and have the high-pitched cry associated with drug withdrawal. Occurring at five times the rate of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Marijuana Syndrome is a growing concern of many doctors. Furthermore, doctors worry that children born to "pot-head" mothers will have learning disabilities, attention deficits and hormonal irregularities as they grow older, even if there are no apparent signs of damage at birth. Pregnant or nursing mothers who smoke marijuana should talk to their doctors immediately.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Effects of Marijuana on the Brain:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Researchers have found that THC changes the way in which sensory information gets into and is acted on by the hippocampus. This is a component of the brain's limbic system that is crucial for learning, memory, and the integration of sensory experiences with emotions and motivations. Investigations have shown that neurons in the information processing system of the hippocampus and the activity of the nerve fibers are suppressed by THC. In addition, researchers have discovered that learned behaviors, which depend on the hippocampus, also deteriorate.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Recent research findings also indicate that long-term use of marijuana produces changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs of abuse.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Effects on the Lungs:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers have. These individuals may have daily cough and phlegm, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and more frequent chest colds. Continuing to smoke marijuana can lead to abnormal functioning of lung tissue injured or destroyed by marijuana smoke.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Regardless of the THC content, the amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers. This may be due to the marijuana users inhaling more deeply and holding the smoke in the lungs.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Effects on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Recent findings indicate that smoking marijuana while shooting up cocaine has the potential to cause severe increases in heart rate and blood pressure. In one study, experienced marijuana and cocaine users were given marijuana alone, cocaine alone, and then a combination of both. Each drug alone produced cardiovascular effects; when they were combined, the effects were greater and lasted longer. The heart rate of the subjects in the study increased 29 beats per minute with marijuana alone and 32 beats per minute with cocaine alone. When the drugs were given together, the heart rate increased by 49 beats per minute, and the increased rate persisted for a longer time. The drugs were given with the subjects sitting quietly. In normal circumstances, an individual may smoke marijuana and inject cocaine and then do something physically stressful that may significantly increase risks of overload on the cardiovascular system.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Effects of Heavy Marijuana Use on Learning and Social Behavior:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] A study of college students has shown that critical skills related to attention, memory, and learning are impaired among people who use marijuana heavily, even after discontinuing its use for at least 24 hours. Researchers compared 65 "heavy users," who had smoked marijuana a median of 29 of the past 30 days, and 64 "light users," who had smoked a median of 1 of the past 30 days. After a closely monitored 19- to 24-hour period of abstinence from marijuana and other illicit drugs and alcohol, the undergraduates were given several standard tests measuring aspects of attention, memory, and learning. Compared to the light users, heavy marijuana users made more errors and had more difficulty sustaining attention, shifting attention to meet the demands of changes in the environment, and in registering, processing, and using information. The findings suggest that the greater impairment among heavy users is likely due to an alteration of brain activity produced by marijuana.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Longitudinal research on marijuana use among young people below college age indicates those who used have lower achievement than the non-users, more acceptance of deviant behavior, more delinquent behavior and aggression, greater rebelliousness, poorer relationships with parents, and more associations with delinquent and drug-using friends.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Effects on Pregnancy:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Any drug of abuse can affect a mother's health during pregnancy, and this is a time when she should take special care of herself. Drugs of abuse may interfere with proper nutrition and rest, which can affect good functioning of the immune system. Some studies have found that babies born to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy were smaller than those born to mothers who did not use the drug. In general, smaller babies are more likely to develop health problems.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] A nursing mother who uses marijuana passes some of the THC to the baby in her breast milk. Research indicates that the use of marijuana by a mother during the first month of breast-feeding can impair the infant's motor development (control of muscle movement). Research also shows more anger and more regressive behavior (thumb sucking, temper tantrums) in toddlers whose parents use marijuana than among the toddlers of non-using parents.[/FONT]
Marijuana is Gateway Drug
New research confirms that marijuana is a gateway drug for most teens who use it.
Some will tell you marijuana is a harmless drug, but the Journal of the American Medical Association isn't one of them.
Young people who smoke marijuana are two to five times more likely to move on to harder drugs. That is the formal opinion of researchers, who published their conclusions from a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
It is also the informal conclusion of two recent high school graduates who talked with Family News in Focus. The two, who asked that their names remain anonymous, said they no longer smoke marijuana, but that most of the kids they smoked pot with in high school went on to harder drugs and aren't able to hold jobs.
One of the young persons said she started smoking pot because of peer pressure, but she stopped out of concern for her parents.
"I realized how bad it disappointed my parents," she said. "My dad cried and so I stopped."
The JAMA study followed 311 sets of identical twins � one smoked pot while the other did not. Twins were chosen to help rule out a genetic or social explanation for the gateway effect. Almost half of the young people who started smoking marijuana before 17 went on to use harder drugs later in life. The study is the latest to suggest the link between marijuana and other drugs like cocaine and heroin. However, Howard Simon, of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, said regardless of the evidence some still dispute the findings.
"But the one thing everyone should be able to agree on is that for young kids, to be even 'dabbling' with marijuana is just not a good idea," Simon said.
He added he still thinks "Just Say No" is the best policy.
"Regardless of the first drug that is used, what we want to see is kids choosing not to use any of these substances," Simon said.
But experts say a good drug policy isn't enough. They say parents need to be open and consistent with an anti-drug message.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, a non-profit group founded by the nation's advertising industry to fight drug use among teens and children, has a Web site with information for parents.
The Journal of the American Medical Association is a subscription-based periodical. Temporarily, the online version of the Journal is offering free access to the drug study article. Please be advised that JAMA, however, reserves the right to change free access to paid access at any time.
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</td></tr></tbody></table><table style="border: 1px solid rgb(49, 99, 156);" width="160" align="center" bgcolor="#dfdfdf" border="0"><tbody><tr><td>Marijuana; Does it's use lead to stonger drugs such as crack cocaine?</td></tr><tr><td>Marijuana is considered a gateway drug, and Guy Gurley of ...
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New research confirms that marijuana is a gateway drug for most teens who use it.
Some will tell you marijuana is a harmless drug, but the Journal of the American Medical Association isn't one of them.
Young people who smoke marijuana are two to five times more likely to move on to harder drugs. That is the formal opinion of researchers, who published their conclusions from a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
It is also the informal conclusion of two recent high school graduates who talked with Family News in Focus. The two, who asked that their names remain anonymous, said they no longer smoke marijuana, but that most of the kids they smoked pot with in high school went on to harder drugs and aren't able to hold jobs.
One of the young persons said she started smoking pot because of peer pressure, but she stopped out of concern for her parents.
"I realized how bad it disappointed my parents," she said. "My dad cried and so I stopped."
The JAMA study followed 311 sets of identical twins � one smoked pot while the other did not. Twins were chosen to help rule out a genetic or social explanation for the gateway effect. Almost half of the young people who started smoking marijuana before 17 went on to use harder drugs later in life. The study is the latest to suggest the link between marijuana and other drugs like cocaine and heroin. However, Howard Simon, of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, said regardless of the evidence some still dispute the findings.
"But the one thing everyone should be able to agree on is that for young kids, to be even 'dabbling' with marijuana is just not a good idea," Simon said.
He added he still thinks "Just Say No" is the best policy.
"Regardless of the first drug that is used, what we want to see is kids choosing not to use any of these substances," Simon said.
But experts say a good drug policy isn't enough. They say parents need to be open and consistent with an anti-drug message.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, a non-profit group founded by the nation's advertising industry to fight drug use among teens and children, has a Web site with information for parents.
The Journal of the American Medical Association is a subscription-based periodical. Temporarily, the online version of the Journal is offering free access to the drug study article. Please be advised that JAMA, however, reserves the right to change free access to paid access at any time.
<table width="176" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td valign="top" align="center"> <center> </center> </td></tr> <tr><td>
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</td></tr></tbody></table><table style="border: 1px solid rgb(49, 99, 156);" width="160" align="center" bgcolor="#dfdfdf" border="0"><tbody><tr><td>Marijuana; Does it's use lead to stonger drugs such as crack cocaine?</td></tr><tr><td>Marijuana is considered a gateway drug, and Guy Gurley of ...</td></tr></tbody></table>
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