cannabisnews.com: Legalizing Pot Would Hurt Kids, and Here's Why





Legalizing Pot Would Hurt Kids, and Here's Why
Posted by CN Staff on August 27, 2006 at 09:34:35 PT
By Cindy Rodriguez, Denver Post Staff Columnist
Source: Denver Post
Denver, CO -- People who smoke pot - including a few friends of mine - are not going to like this column. But their desire to legally light up is less important to me than the effect that legalization would have on kids. For that reason, I hope Amendment 44 - the state ballot initiative that would allow adults to legally possess up to an ounce of marijuana - fails.
If it passes in November it will allow adults to smoke without fear of getting arrested. But the upshot is many young people will take it as evidence that marijuana is not dangerous - something many already believe. Young people often say that because marijuana comes from a plant, it is "natural" and "organic," therefore not harmful. But it is toxic. If it weren't there would be no high. "Of course marijuana intoxication impairs intellectual functioning," says Dr. Harrison Pope, a Harvard professor of psychiatry who has spent a decade researching the effects of marijuana use. "You don't need brain scans to tell you that." Heavy marijuana smokers are not only less academically accomplished, they tend to have lower incomes than nonsmokers, Pope said. But he said science cannot yet answer whether it's due to marijuana use or whether people who choose to smoke marijuana tend to have lower cognitive functioning and/or less drive to begin with.  Snipped:Complete Article: http://www.denverpost.com/style/ci_4220993Newshawk: Global_WarmingSource: Denver Post (CO)Published: August 26, 2006 Copyright: 2006 The Denver Post CorpWebsite: http://www.denverpost.com/Contact: openforum denverpost.com Related Articles & Web Site:Safer Choicehttp://www.saferchoice.org/Colorado Voters To Consider Marijuana Legalizationhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22097.shtmlMarijuana Amendment Will Be On Ballothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22079.shtmlSAFER Pushing To Legalize Marijuana Statewidehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21638.shtml 
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Comment #45 posted by John Tyler on August 29, 2006 at 19:58:52 PT
Look at your PC
Another thing…It was the stoner slackers that invented the multi billion dollar PC industry. Have you ever looked at Windows Media Player and the light show that goes with it? There is no technical reason for that at all. It is just pure enjoyment cannabis style.
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Comment #44 posted by John Tyler on August 29, 2006 at 19:40:21 PT
unconvinving reason
I can’t believe this author is using the worn out excuse of “what about the children?” argument. Can’t he come up with anything more convincing? This is ridiculous. The kids that want to are already using cannabis now and they think it is OK. Removing the prohibition against adults legally possessing a small amount of cannabis is not going to change their minds one way or the other.   
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Comment #43 posted by Storm Crow on August 28, 2006 at 15:32:58 PT
A little pot sharpens the mind!
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/166/7/887 Current marijuana use was significantly correlated (p Heavy use = lose 4.1 points
non-users = gain 2.6 points
former users = gain 3.5 points (residual effect?)
light users = gain 5.8 points of IQ. So if you want smart kids letr them have a toke now and then! LOL
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Comment #42 posted by Hope on August 28, 2006 at 13:21:55 PT
You.....Observer...
are... No Doubt...one of the sharper tools in the shed!
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Comment #41 posted by Hope on August 28, 2006 at 13:20:47 PT
Hmmmm
Wonder about all those that never used a bit of cannabis and still aren't the sharpest tool in the shed.Oh well.
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Comment #40 posted by observer on August 28, 2006 at 12:53:06 PT
analysis
[1]
Legalizing pot would hurt kids, and here's why  By Cindy Rodriguez  Denver Post Staff Columnist   People who smoke pot - including a few friends of mine - are not going to like this column . 
(Sentence 1) re: "hurt" - Drugs, claim the prohibitionist, cause insanity, violence, and terrible sickness. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "kids" - "Chemicals have long been inextricably linked in prohibitionist literature with the ... corruption of young people." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) re: "Legalizing" - With God on Their Side (prohibitionists assure us), only the continued rooting out of the sinful drug users (total prohibition) will do. All else is portrayed as the slippery slope to total legalization of all drugs for toddlers. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[2]
But their desire to legally light up is less important to me than the effect that legalization would have on kids . 
(Sentence 2) re: "kids" - "The inflaming of this fear about the fate of our own children [makes] it difficult if not impossible for most Americans to take a careful and reasoned look at our drug policies."[W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[5]
But the upshot is many young people will take it as evidence that marijuana is not dangerous - something many already believe . 
(Sentence 5) re: "young people" - "Since the Harrison Act of 1914, the user and the seller of illicit drugs have both been characterized as evil, criminal, insane, and always in search of new victims, the victims are characterized as young children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[6]
Young people often say that because marijuana comes from a plant, it is "natural" and "organic," therefore not harmful . 
(Sentence 6) re: "Young people" - Drug war propaganda plays on parental fears for the well being of their kids. If drug users are not jailed, says the prohibitionist, then your children will surely suffer. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[10]
Harrison Pope, a Harvard professor of psychiatry who has spent a decade researching the effects of marijuana use . 
(Sentence 10) re: "marijuana use" - Prohibitionist propagandists repeatedly assert that "use is abuse." Details about "using" as opposed to "abusing" drugs are ignored. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
 
[12]
Heavy marijuana smokers are not only less academically accomplished, they tend to have lower incomes than nonsmokers, Pope said . 
(Sentence 12) re: "marijuana smokers" - Drug war propaganda insinuates drugs are evil, because they are linked with hated groups. (Hated Groups (propaganda theme 1) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme1.htm#1 ) 
 
 
[13]
But he said science cannot yet answer whether it's due to marijuana use or whether people who choose to smoke marijuana tend to have lower cognitive functioning and/or less drive to begin with . 
(Sentence 13) re: "marijuana use" - Any use of an illegal drug is deemed to be "abuse," weasels the propaganda of prohibition. (After all - it is illegal!) (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
 
[15]
Studies have shown that drunks are prone to violence . 
(Sentence 15) re: "violence" - Prohibition propaganda rarely misses an opportunity to link crime, violence, and insanity with "drugs". The propagandist insinuates that prohibited drugs cause evil, and if it weren't for "drugs" bad things would not exist. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[20]
But for teens especially, the short- term effects on memory and comprehension are enough to mean the difference between success and failure, and between staying in school and dropping out. 
(Sentence 20) re: "teens" - Prohibitionists forever claim that children are corrupted by drugs, and this is why adult users must be punished harshly. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[22]
Paula Riggs, a child psychiatrist who specializes in addiction . 
(Sentence 22) re: "addiction" - The rhetoric of prohibition asserts that insanity, crime, and violence are caused by drugs, or are controlled by prohibition. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "child" - "Nothing can so excite an adult population as can anything which appears to threaten their own children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[25]
Passage of the law would not only send a message to our youths that it is OK to smoke pot, it also could ultimately lead to more people in the state possessing marijuana . 
(Sentence 25) re: "youths", "message" - Prohibitionist propaganda continually whips up parental fear, invoking lurid images of children corrupted by drugs. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[26]
As it stands, marijuana addiction is the No. 1 reason kids are referred for drug treatment, Riggs said . 
(Sentence 26) re: "addiction" - Prohibitionist propaganda claims that horrible dangers are caused by "drugs." (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "kids" - Prohibitionists are champions of "the child", "kids", "children", etc. Only continued or increased punishments of all adults caught using "drugs" will send the correct "message" to children. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[27]
People who smoke every day but say they are not addicted are in denial . 
(Sentence 27) re: "addicted" - Drugs, scream prohibitionists, cause all bad things in life: crime, violence, insanity, etc. If not for prohibition (i.e., jailing drug users), then criminality, violence and psychotic behavior would explode upon the land, the prohibitionist assures us. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "in denial" - The rhetoric of prohibition will assume that "use" and "abuse" are identical. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
 
[28]
Experts say the studies are clear: The more access kids have to marijuana, the greater the likelihood that they will use it . 
(Sentence 28) re: "kids" - Being a prohibitionist means you can never shed too many crocodile tears for the "children". (As you lustily jail or kill their parents for using drugs.) (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[29]
Mark Kleiman, director of the Drug Policy Analysis Program at UCLA, said research shows that when marijuana began being sold legally in smoke shops in Amsterdam, teen use surged - even though it was illegal for minors to possess or smoke the drug . 
(Sentence 29) re: "teen", "minors" - Drug war propaganda plays on parental fears for the well being of their kids. If drug users are not jailed, says the prohibitionist, then your children will surely suffer. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[34]
But that's no argument for legalizing marijuana . 
(Sentence 34) re: "legalizing" - Any mention of lessening the harshness of drug laws is portrayed as a sinful "legalization". Only total prohibition (or more jailings) will be righteous. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[35]
Not when the minds of kids are at stake . 
(Sentence 35) re: "kids" - Prohibitionists play on parental fears by exaggerating the dangers to children of drugs. Adults must be jailed (reason prohibitionists), because kids might be corrupted with drugs. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 asserted: $propaganda_theme1 at 100% ("marijuana smokers"), 1 hitsasserted: $propaganda_theme2 at 60% ("violence" "hurt" "addiction" "addicted" "damage" "damaging" "dangerous" "impairs"), 9 hitsasserted: $use_is_abuse at 100% ("in denial" "marijuana use"), 3 hitsasserted: $propaganda_theme4 at 100% ($use_is_abuse)asserted: $propaganda_theme5 at 80% ("child" "kids" "teens" "teen" "minors" "youths" "young people" "message"), 13 hitsasserted: $propaganda_theme7 at 100% ("Legalizing" "legalization" $legalization), 3 hitsasserted: $drugwar_propaganda at 100% ("campaign" $propaganda_theme1 $propaganda_theme2 $propaganda_theme5 $propaganda_theme7 $propaganda_theme4), 2 hits=== summary: drugwar_propaganda = 100%
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Comment #39 posted by Storm Crow on August 28, 2006 at 10:44:05 PT
cut & paste
Yes, I know how to cut and paste, but for some of them with the shorter URLs, I just typed them in, rather than look it up and C&P. I'm just never sure that I've done things right or good enough (a psychological "gift" from my late, alcoholic, bipolar mom). My personal computer isn't hooked to the internet, so I use the hubby's, but I don't have my abstracts saved (I don't want to clutter his computer up) I just keep paper copies with the URLs printed on them.
Just picked up 2 more abstracts on the anti-inflamatory and immuno-modulatory abilities of cannabis (would relate to MS,IBS, atherosclerosis, asthma and diabetes) Get your note books started and send copies (anonymously, if need be) to your doctor and maybe your congressperson! 
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Comment #38 posted by zandor on August 28, 2006 at 08:42:03 PT
Or maybe?????
"Heavy marijuana smokers are not only less academically accomplished, they tend to have lower incomes than nonsmokers, Pope said. But he said science cannot yet answer whether it's due to marijuana use or whether people who choose to smoke marijuana tend to have lower cognitive functioning and/or less drive to begin with"It could just be the high cost of paying club prices is why they have little less money.BTW...I have 2 advanced degrees from UCLA so saying I am "academically accomplished" is bull. All the time this guy I bet is downing 3 martini lunches and playing grab ass with students for their grades.This guy is only looking for money to waste on faulted research and not real science. He lives in free school provided housing like so many other professors so there is no way he will up set the status quo and looses his meal ticket. Then he would need to get a real job and they expect facts to back his findings and they want results.
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Comment #37 posted by Truth on August 28, 2006 at 08:10:29 PT
Cindy Rodriguez
How will you feel when your "few friends" spend a great part of their life in a cage for using something that is far safer then coors?
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Comment #36 posted by potpal on August 28, 2006 at 05:38:51 PT
storm crow, lombar, all foms...
Thanks for the effort and the great links and facts...I'll run with them...keep you posted on the resulting quiz fo sorts.Storm Crow, from your reply, I've surmised that you actually typed out those links you were kind enough to dig out and include...2 words...cut and paste...if you aren't aquainted with the process...Highlight any text by holding your left mouse button while you drag your mouse over the text you wish to capture, in your case it may have been the 'address' slot at the top of your browser in which case you need to position in the form by clicking on it, okay, once, now highlight the text you wish to capture, once highlighted, do a ctrl C, this copies it to your clipboard, now you go to where you wish to 'place' it (can be anyplace, not restricted to the application you're in, like go from html to a Word doc or Excel spreadsheet, just about anywhere, click to be sure you're there, a blinking curser is the giveaway, then ctrl V to paste it in. Try it.Aloha!
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Comment #35 posted by Toker00 on August 28, 2006 at 04:54:43 PT
DEAth Jihad
This WoSD is nothing less than a Jihad waged by the DEAthians against the Cannabistians. It is based on a "belief" system. They believe in their own Lies to protect their propagandized "reality", we rely on "Truth" to defend ours. We believe Cannabis is the Answer, not the Problem. "Tvert is right when he says that alcohol abuse is damaging. More people die of alcohol- and nicotine-related illnesses than any other diseases. It also can make people unruly and aggressive. But that's no argument for legalizing marijuana."I honestly cannot think of a Better Argument. Shouldn't we do everything we can to find SAFER alternatives to Alcohol/death/disease Tobacco/death/disease? Here's one we can LIVE with AND eleminate the other TWO. Cannabis/life/healing.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!
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Comment #34 posted by lombar on August 28, 2006 at 00:21:25 PT
Hey
At least she didnt mention the gateway lie. She has taken it upon herself to attempt to protect the 'minds' of children while leaving their bodies to the police. Where is her crusade to protect the minds of children that witness their government war upon people under false pretenses? Destroy more freedom than 10 Osama bin Ladens could ever hope too?Legal cannabis for adults does not endorse its use by teenagers. I can't remember which fallacy that is but like her other conclusion about the damage cannabis does not cause, her logic is faulty and her information is limited.Legal Findings of Fact The findings of fact that have been accepted by the Ontario Court of Appeal would provide a standard for factual information about cannabis:  1. Consumption of marijuana is relatively harmless compared to the so-called hard drugs and including tobacco and alcohol;  2. There exists no hard evidence demonstrating any irreversible organic or mental damage from the consumption of marijuana;  3. That cannabis does cause alteration of mental functions and as such, it would not be prudent to drive a car while intoxicated;  4. There is no hard evidence that cannabis consumption induces psychoses;  5. Cannabis is not an addictive substance;  6. Marijuana is not criminogenic in that there is no evidence of a causal relationship between cannabis use and criminality;  7. That the consumption of marijuana probably does not lead to “hard drug” use for the vast majority of marijuana consumers, although there appears to be a statistical relationship between the use of marijuana and a variety of other psychoactive drugs;  8. Marijuana does not make people more aggressive or violent;  9. There have been no recorded deaths from the consumption of marijuana;  10. There is no evidence that marijuana causes amotivational syndrome;  11. Less than 1% of marijuana consumers are daily users;  12. Consumption in so-called “de-criminalized states” does not increase out of proportion to states where there is no decriminalization.  13. Health related costs of cannabis use are negligible when compared to the costs attributable to tobacco and alcohol consumption. http://www.ontariocourts.on.ca/decisions/2000/july/clay.htm 
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Comment #33 posted by Wayne on August 27, 2006 at 22:26:48 PT
oh poor confused Cindy
She must be under attack or something, she's just lashing out in all directions. Here's some other snippets from her article:"Mason Tvert, campaign organizer of the ballot initiative, is correct when he says that in many ways marijuana is a safer alternative to alcohol. Studies have shown that drunks are prone to violence. But the campaign's moniker, Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation, and its acronym, SAFER, imply that marijuana is safe to use. It's not."--OK, WHY NOT?? She is saying he's correct that marijuana is safer to use than alcohol, but it's still not safe?? You should be lashing out at alcohol, ma'am, you're impaired logic clearly points in that direction. And the acronym doesn't imply that it's safe...it implies that it's SAFER! Nimrod!"Although experts tell me there are no studies that show conclusively that marijuana causes long-term damage to the brain, that only proves how difficult it is to conduct these studies. Researchers can't ethically test a control group by giving them marijuana, and longitudinal studies of people who smoke marijuana on their own are difficult and cost-prohibitive."--WHHHAAAAT??? There are NO studies that show marijuana causes long-term damage. That is what it proves, lady. Period! And if researchers want to study the effects of marijuana, and the participants are aware of any risks and willing to use it, then yes it IS completely ethical. That's what a study is! And the studies wouldn't be difficult or cost-prohibitive...I bet there's thousands of pot-smokers out there who would do it for dirt-cheap just to advance the cause! (myself included)"Tvert is right when he says that alcohol abuse is damaging. More people die of alcohol- and nicotine-related illnesses than any other diseases. It also can make people unruly and aggressive. But that's no argument for legalizing marijuana."--Sure it is! People could use marijuana INSTEAD of alochol and nicotine, and it won't KILL anyone!!I try to be understanding and open-minded, and as such this is a very rare occurrence for me. But it is possible for someone to make so little sense that it actually makes me red-faced, hands-shaking, teeth-gritting angry. This idiot has accomplished that with flying colors.
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Comment #32 posted by Storm Crow on August 27, 2006 at 22:03:14 PT
A few more and a humble request,
(I'm going to use the word pot- it's quicker to type. I have mostly medical stuff. I'll try to get you ones that are less technical. Tell me if I made a mistake on any URLs and I'll fix them. I have a touch of dyslexia when it comes to numbers and I switch them sometimes.)*Pot affects your immune system. False! Pot has been shown not to adversely affect the immune system in HIV patients- and their immune system is very weak. If it doesn't hurt them, it's unlikely to harm a normal person's immune system. http://paktribune.com/news/print.php?id=139255*Pot messes up your sex hormones. False http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=1935564&query_hl=lIf you are at risk for diabetes, you shouldn't use pot. False (1) http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6909 (prevents diabetes)
(2) http://www.mcg.edu/news/2006NewsRel/Liou022706.html (prevents diabetic retinopathy a major cause of blindness)*Pot causes brain cancer. False (quite the opposite!)
(1) http://www.hempworld.com/HempPharm/articles/milanstudy.html
(2) http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/61/15/5784*Pot can give you a heart attack/high blood pressure. False (it protects your heart if you have an attack! It also against stroke damage)
(1) http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6972
(2) http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/16444588*Pot destroys kids brains. False (a favorite of mine- moderate users actually gained the most IQ points!)
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/abstract/166/7/887A pregnant woman should never use pot. False ( I know I'm going to get some flack from this one- but if you've ever had severe morning sickness, you'll agree)
(1) http://www.medpot.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=19462
(2) http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6797&wtm_format=print*Pot does not interact with other drugs. False http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/303/1/340* Pot causes irreversable brain dammage. False
http://marijuana.researchtodat.net/archive/3/3/664.htmPot causes Alzheimer's. False (it may prevent it!)
(1) http://www.erowid.org/references/refs_view.php?ID=6544
(2) http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n307/a10.html
(3) http://www.hempworld.com/HempPharm/articles/cannabisalzheimers01.htmlFolks, I managed to get over 200 pages (mostly 1 or 2 page abstracts) of how cannabis is medicinal. It has taken me 6 months of off and on research. If you want to start your own notebook, just do a search on --cannabis abstract and ANY major disease. Try the word "cancer" with cannabis abstract- just the number of responses is enough to blow your mind! It's not just gliomas that cannabis attacks! Breast, prostate, colo-rectal, and leukemia cells- all can be killed or slowed by cannabis or its synthetic analogs. I only gave you a couple- there a lot more. See for yourself! When all this research finally gets to the common people, we are going to see such an outcry of rage that it may topple the government! We have to get the word out! P.S. please visit Http://FREERANDYBRUSH.com Randy is a MMJ user who got 3 years for 4 plants. He uses a wheelchair. It was his first offense. His ex turned him in and he got a "hangin' judge". He'd love to hear from you! Randy Brush # 502945,
PCI,
POB 209,
Orient, Ohio 43146 
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Comment #31 posted by afterburner on August 27, 2006 at 21:28:48 PT
stupidus as stupEre goes
stupor
One entry found for stupor.
 Main Entry: stu·por 
Pronunciation: 'stü-p&r, 'styü-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, from stupEre
1 : a condition of greatly dulled or completely suspended sense or sensibility 
2 : a state of extreme apathy or torpor resulting often from stress or shock : DAZE
synonym see LETHARGY &&&stupid
2 entries found for stupid.Main Entry: 1stu·pid 
Pronunciation: 'stü-p&d, 'styü-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French stupide, from Latin stupidus, from stupEre to be numb, be astonished -- more at TYPE
1 a : slow of mind : OBTUSE b : given to unintelligent decisions or acts : acting in an unintelligent or careless manner c : lacking intelligence or reason : BRUTISH
2 : dulled in feeling or sensation : TORPID 
3 : marked by or resulting from unreasoned thinking or acting : SENSELESS 
4 a : lacking interest or point  b : VEXATIOUS, EXASPERATING  
- stu·pid·ly adverb 
- stu·pid·ness noun
synonyms STUPID, DULL, DENSE, CRASS, DUMB mean lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions. STUPID implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary  . DULL suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock . DENSE implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas . CRASS suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy . DUMB applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension . Seriously, what "drug" do you think of when you hear the word "stupor"? Alcohol? Sedatives? Why is cannabis always the scapegoat, the fallguy, the patsy?Maybe, this is what former Canadian Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan meant when she said that marijuana smokers are stupid. Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan said, [exact quote] "The message, whether it's from me, whether it's from the minister of justice, the minister of health, is that marijuana continues to be illegal in this country, and you're pretty stupid, in most cases, if you smoke it." [--POT USERS 'STUPID,' SAYS PUBLIC SAFETY MINISTER 
http://www.mapinc.org/newstcl/v04/n1568/a04.html ]They call it science. We call it demonization. "dulled or completely suspended sense or sensibility"?
"dulled in feeling or sensation"?
"lacking intelligence or reason"? Cannabis veterans, do these descriptions sound like your experience with cannabis? Enhanced feeling or sensation or reason is more like it, and more aesthetics, more intuition (which may temporarily distract a novice from serious logic steps). The human cerebral cortex has a logical hemisphere and an intuitive hemiphere. Is it so bad that a cannabis consumer uses the whole brain instead of half-witted logic only? SAFER means safer, not safe. Get a clue. No thing, nothing is 100% safe, nothing is harmless! Get over it.
 
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on August 27, 2006 at 21:27:53 PT
potpal
I know I am very middle of the road now for sure. I'm just a citizen. LOL! Thanks
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Comment #29 posted by lombar on August 27, 2006 at 21:17:50 PT
I'm a revolutionary ..
9 out of 9!
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Comment #28 posted by potpal on August 27, 2006 at 19:02:42 PT
Storm Crow's 2 cents...
Priceless. I've been wanting to create a flash thang, the idea was/is 'fact or fiction'...what you started here could form the foundation. Give me nine of 'em, propaganda/bs vs link to the truth/contrary and I'll turn them into a little quiz of sorts and post them on a site I have...http://www.gotestyourself.comWhachathink? You already have a few right here...
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Comment #27 posted by Hope on August 27, 2006 at 17:34:13 PT
Outstanding as usual.
Way to go, Stan.Very good.Thank you.
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Comment #26 posted by The GCW on August 27, 2006 at 16:08:50 PT
Cindy Rodriguez,
US KY: PUB LTE: Cannibis Less a Problem Than People Think...It is commendable helping youth resist cannabis, drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, sex and coffee until they are older and responsible for themselves, but caging adults for using cannabis is the wrong way to do it...More:Pubdate: Wed, 23 Aug 2006Source: Central Kentucky News Journal (Campbellsville, KY)http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1129/a13.html?253971
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Comment #25 posted by Storm Crow on August 27, 2006 at 14:15:30 PT
A Bashing, with studies to back it!
*From my little desk dictionary-- toxic adj.- poisonous
  Well, we all know that pot isn't a poison. No fatalities! *"marijuana intoxication impairs intellectual functioning," says Dr. Harrison Pope" 
  He should read "Current and former marijuana use"-      http://cmaj.ca/cgi/content/abstract/166/7/887
   It seems moderate cannabis use can actually improve IQ!
 Also "Long term effects of frequent cannabis use on working memory and attention" http://marijuana.researchtoday.net/archive/3/3664.htm*"they tend to have lower incomes than nonsmokers,"
  Since the only ones that they know for sure are smoking  are the ones who are arrested, perhaps this may explain it! "NYPD Targets Black, Hispanic And Poor Neighborhoods For Arrests"
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-08/bc-ntb080106.php *"and its acronym, SAFER, imply that marijuana is safe to use. It's not."
   Show me one death caused by cannabis toxicity!*"there are no studies that show conclusively that marijuana causes long-term damage to the brain,"
   Because cannabis can cause neuroregeneration      "..Embryonic and adultneurogenisis.." (long title)
http://www.jci,org/cgi/content/abstract/JCI25509v1 * "marijuana addiction is the No. 1 reason kids are referred for drug treatment,"
   Court ordered as a way to avoid putting a kid in jail!*"The more access kids have to marijuana, the greater the likelihood that they will use it."
   Then why is adolescent cannabis use lower in the Netherlands than in the US? Forbidden fruit is always sweeter! Cannabis use among teens has gone down in every state that has allowed medical use!
http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2575 Yeah, it's all about the children (who would gain more IQ points smoking a little than their straight counterparts!), (who would use less if MMJ were legal in all states)(who are court ordered to take drug rehab, which the prohibs cite as proof of addiction)(who often have their lives ruined for smoking or growing a plant). Yes, it's all about the children--including Jordan who is 16 now and smokes pot. At 13, he was a total behavior problem when he was straight (ADHD). The days I smelled pot on him were his GOOD days. He was only an average student then, but that was a great improvement! On the whole, I don't approve of kids this young using pot, but for Jordan, it was a good thing! Without pot, Jordan would certainly have been a drop out. Pot kept him in school with passing grades! OK, that's my 2 cents worth on this idiot woman's diatribe!
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on August 27, 2006 at 13:04:51 PT
Whig
Conquer the world doesn't mean the world but our own world.
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Comment #23 posted by museman on August 27, 2006 at 12:59:57 PT
whig
I actually wasn't thinking of 'stupidity' in those terms. What 'society' labels stupid is invariably ignorance of the various individual sensitivities that they encounter. I too resemble those things, but Forest Gump said it best;"My Momma always said, 'Stupid is as stupid does.' " 
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Comment #22 posted by whig on August 27, 2006 at 12:59:57 PT
FoM
Conquer the world? No. I just want to carve out my little place to survive, and help others do the same if possible. I want the world to be a better place, yes, but I don't want to rule it. I don't want to be a leader except that I want to be one of many voices who are all saying we need peace.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on August 27, 2006 at 12:37:29 PT
Whig
I understand. I was a lot like you when I was younger. You remind me of a young colt. A young colt is so full of himself he wants to conquer the world. The problem is that without knowing how to conquer the world the young colt goes round and round trying different things until he gains a little wisdom from the things he tried. Then he can be a leader. We never have all the answers. There is no earthly utopia even if we look hard for it. Happiness yes but utopia no.
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Comment #20 posted by whig on August 27, 2006 at 12:30:19 PT
FoM
Yes, I feel I need approval. But more than that I feel I need advice. I feel that when I don't get approval I must be doing something wrong, and maybe someone can clue me in. I don't understand quickly on my own.I feel like I don't want to do the wrong thing and mess up what I believe in, but at the same time I need to find a way to make my time not a complete waste, and I need to be able to not be a burden to my family.
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Comment #19 posted by whig on August 27, 2006 at 12:28:09 PT
Work and misery
I don't understand why people think you have to be miserable to support yourself. The idea that you are supposed to work for people who hate you and people like you? Insane.crossposted: http://cannablog.wordpress.com/2006/08/27/work-and-misery/
Please visit cannablog
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on August 27, 2006 at 12:24:27 PT
Whig
Let me ask you this and don't take it wrong but listen to me. Do you feel you need approval? 
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Comment #17 posted by whig on August 27, 2006 at 12:11:23 PT
FoM
Thanks, but the social dysfunction is real or else I'm just too self-critical to realize otherwise.Like I went to the BPG and it was patients and I was happy to be there and not getting that the vibe was like, not sociable. At least at the time I was there, and at least as the new guy who nobody knows, and at least given my inappropriate state of mind. It's not a place of joy, but one of relief at best.And I understand it, understood it right away, after I left. Maybe a few blocks up the road, just sort of thinking about what it was like. I feel like maybe some people think I'm too much of a loose cannon because I get so excited until I calm myself down. I want to be doing something productive and helpful here in Berkeley to make things better, but I don't even know anyone to work with. So all I can do right now is blog, and go out and meet people when the opportunity exists. Maybe eventually it will work out that I can even find a way to support my lunch habit.(My lunch habit is my deal that if I'm blogging then I need to go out and do something every day and not sit at home and do nothing but type on the computer. I need a reason to do that so I go out for lunch. I will gladly do good things that I can feel happy about for ten dollars a day. That's my lunch.)
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Comment #16 posted by whig on August 27, 2006 at 11:59:25 PT
gw 
Just my opinion if someone is offended or disagrees.In other words Cannabis is not the Christ. It is what makes the Christ the Christ.I call it the Eucharist for this reason, but until it is consumed and becomes part of your person, it is only bread. It is transubstantiated WITH YOU to become what you are.
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Comment #15 posted by whig on August 27, 2006 at 11:56:03 PT
gw 
It bothers me a bit when you say "Hail Cannabis."I don't feel comfortable at all with worship OF cannabis.Cannabis is a tool, to me. It is an important aspect of religious practice, but not the goal and object itself.
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Comment #14 posted by global_warming on August 27, 2006 at 11:38:37 PT
so many stories
to be told as witness who has struggled at the foot of the crossthere is hope and their is changethere is Grace and Understandinggood people who can read good people who want to come alongon this Eternal JourneyTo the Everlasting UniverseWelcome and be seatedPrepare your soulYou have been chosenTo ride that rocket to EternityOpen your HandOpen your MindIt gets sublimeMystical and Wonderful
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Comment #13 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on August 27, 2006 at 11:26:51 PT
Adding To What Lumbar Said
When marijuana laws end up putting kid's parents in jail and their possessions stolen from them, it is far more harmful to kids.
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Comment #12 posted by global_warming on August 27, 2006 at 11:22:59 PT
SS are you afraid?
There are footpaths that Light the WayJoin Us, we can change this worldYou can move your hand Receive your placeStand up and be countedThe many are waitingRejoice in this wonderBow, to EternityBrother and SisterHail Cannabis
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on August 27, 2006 at 11:19:14 PT
Whig
You bless my heart! I just love you! You're great young man!
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Comment #10 posted by SoberStoner on August 27, 2006 at 11:13:04 PT
Whig
Right on man, I am the same way. I have Social Anxiety Disorder, which makes social gatherings with people I don't know extremely uncomfortable for me, and it's only when I smoke that I don't have an immediate urge to leave the room right away.
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Comment #9 posted by global_warming on August 27, 2006 at 11:08:40 PT
there is no cure for stupidity
there is no cure for Godlessnessfor the Light Is, and you can stay close and follow it,or you can remain in total and Eternal Darkness,choose, some secular existenceor some incredible universethat 'twinkles
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Comment #8 posted by whig on August 27, 2006 at 11:04:52 PT
Graehstone
Interesting video.You know what would be really really good?A video about cannabis for friends and family members of medical cannabis patients.
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Comment #7 posted by whig on August 27, 2006 at 10:38:40 PT
museman
If there's no cure for stupidity, I'm in trouble,I feel really stupid a lot of the time. Especially when I think about what I didn't understand when it was happening, and I acted like a fool in some situation. Going into a place where I don't know the social rules is difficult for me. Maybe I have a touch of Aspergers (autistic spectrum disorder).I can function much better on a keyboard and monitor than in a lot of social settings. I can carefully read and consider the words, and how to respond. If I misunderstand I can back up and edit, or write a correction if I've already posted something. But sitting in a place with people I cannot unsay or undo whatever mistakes I make.If there's no cure for stupidity I don't know what my chances are. But cannabis definitely helps. It makes me more socially comfortable, even if I'm still an idiot I don't *feel* as awkward about it. Because it makes me more comfortable talking, I'm more likely to open my mouth and *say* stupid shit, though.I do figure things out eventually, I hope. It's just a slower process for some people. It's especially slower for people who were brought up being told how incredibly smart they are. We're some of the dumbest social twerps you can imagine.
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Comment #6 posted by nuevo mexican on August 27, 2006 at 10:35:38 PT
The Cure for Stupidity!, I GOD IT!
I love what Museman said, and would like to add:that if you are stupid before you smoke pot and get high for the first time, you might get smarter, but the odds are against it, because as far as I knnow there is no cure for stupidity.Are you sure Cannabis isn't the cure for stupidity too? LOL!(Since Cannabis usually prevents us from doing stupid things, and forgetfulness is part of the Euphoric effect, and is temporary, the mind seems to work like a mental lazy susan, I always remember what it appears I forgot.....a minute or two later!)Just following up on your wonderful line of thinking!
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Comment #5 posted by mai_bong_city on August 27, 2006 at 10:33:57 PT
this
just makes me want to vomit.
i am so effing sick to death of it.
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Comment #4 posted by Graehstone on August 27, 2006 at 10:23:13 PT
More Idiots
Well now we know where Autism comes from.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyK1-tT3TEk
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Comment #3 posted by museman on August 27, 2006 at 10:07:08 PT
cognate your own function please
"Heavy marijuana smokers are not only less academically accomplished, they tend to have lower incomes than nonsmokers, Pope said. But he said science cannot yet answer whether it's due to marijuana use or whether people who choose to smoke marijuana tend to have lower cognitive functioning and/or less drive to begin with."Maybe 'science can't answer' because the 'scientists' (paid government lackies) have no sound basis for such a socialogical judgement?I have to admit, that smoking marijuana decreases my drive. It decreases my desire to be a competetive asshole that violates every known code of right and true behavior as exemplified in Y'shua be Yoseph's life and teachings. It decreases my drive to waste my life as a slave on the bottom of the pyramid, so the lucky few can not only smoke pot if they want, but own people for sex-slaves,,and do any form of 'drug' their money can buy-Hell they can even buy the doctors to prescribe it to them.My drive to want to be part of that incrediblely corrupted rat-race called consumerism, is severely thwarted every time I light up.Of course the fact that my drive to be a better person shooots up about 40% doesn't enter into the equation.The fact that THE MOST INTELLIGENT STUDENTS ON CAMPUS SMOKE MARIJUANA demonstrates the kind of 'scientific research' these shallow-minded bigots are fond of -none in actual evidence.It's true that I myself never finished college, but that was more linked to Tim Leary's 'Tune in , turn on, and drop out' philosophy. When I did go back in my 40's studying electronics, I was on the national honor roll with a GPA of 3.8 AND I SMOKED EVERY DAY.I have a daughter who just finshed getting her masters at Oslo Univerity in Norway. She started smoking (herb) when she was 18. She also speaks 5 languages, and by the merits of her own 'cognitive function.' I have a son who currently is in his second year, and I have met his friends. They got me high in the shower in their dorm. This Cindy, like her Prohibition friends, is grasping at straws. When will those people get over it and move on? Imperical evidence. Truth that is to be avoided at all cost -that is the nature of prohibition, and this article and person is cetainly no exception.I'd like to also add, that if you are stupid before you smoke pot and get high for the first time, you might get smarter, but the odds are against it, because as far as I knnow there is no cure for stupidity.
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Comment #2 posted by lombar on August 27, 2006 at 10:00:55 PT
Truth is not on their side... only fear
Mark Kleiman, director of the Drug Policy Analysis Program at UCLA, said research shows that when marijuana began being sold legally in smoke shops in Amsterdam, teen use surged - even though it was illegal for minors to possess or smoke the drug.
Ok but why not mention that overall drug use is far less than the USA? The numbers of people in jail are fewer. Not when the minds of kids are at stake.Jail is far more harmful to 'kids' than cannabis. Once again, cannabis is held to an impossible standard of 'harmlessness' and the harms of prohibition are ignored. For the children who never grow up...Drug warrriors have punishment fetishes...
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Comment #1 posted by cannabliss on August 27, 2006 at 10:00:52 PT
Mysteries of the Universe #4256
How does someone with the reasoning skills of a ten-year old get a full-time paid gig at a newspaper?These arguments are so shopworn that you wonder if there's a functioning human mind behind it, or if it's an autogenerated nonsense column like the viagra spam emails.
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