cannabisnews.com: The Great Pot Debate





The Great Pot Debate
Posted by CN Staff on January 27, 2005 at 07:47:22 PT
By Michelle Keller, Health & Innovation Editor 
Source: Stanford Daily
The line dividing recreational drugs and legitimate medical drug is growing increasingly blurry. Legal drugs can be abused, and illicit drugs can often be successfully used to treat medical conditions. Heroin, for example, was once sold by the Bayer Corporation for use as a cough suppressant and to aid recovery from morphine addiction. Of course the drug was rapidly banned once health officials and doctors recognized that it was highly addictive. Most would argue that this was a smart move, but perhaps the arguments are not so clear for other drugs.
For instance, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved a study at Harvard that will look into whether or not ecstasy can improve the emotional health of terminally ill patients. Other researchers have investigated the active ingredients in “magic mushrooms” and how they can help people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. So where does one draw the line between helping a select group of sick patients and creating a national drug abuse problem?Nowhere is this controversy more alive than in the debate over the legalization of medical marijuana — a battle based right here in California. State Proposition 215, enacted in 1996, allows doctors to recommend medical marijuana on a case-by-case basis. The drug is typically used to relieve patients with chronic pain, increase appetite in AIDS patients, treat mood disorders and reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy. Many doctors believe it works. One Harvard study of 2,000 physicians found that over 40 percent of oncologists recommend the use of marijuana following chemotherapy treatments.Prop. 215 allows patients to claim exemption from the law if they can provide evidence of special medical circumstances. However, since buying marijuana is still illegal in California, patients must grow their own. In Sonoma County, for example, those who are exempt may cultivate up to 99 plants and can possess up to three pounds of marijuana at any one time. Those who cannot grow their own supply often make special arrangements through “Cannabis Clubs,” using a special “club card.”Despite Prop. 215, tension still exists between law enforcement and medicinal marijuana users, particularly because marijuana is illegal under federal law, which is interpreted by some to trump state law. As a result, cannabis clubs and even patients’ homes continue to be raided by police.Yet this spring, one Supreme Court case might change everything. The case concerns a California mother of two, Angel McClary Raich, who suffers from a number of medical problems, including tumors in her brain and uterus. She began using marijuana when no other medication allowed her to function. In 2002, Raich, along with another patient and two caregivers, sued the United States government to prevent federal authorities from interfering with her use of medical marijuana. If the Supreme Court rules against Raich, the federal government will have the final say on the legalization of the drug.But enough legal talk. This is a health page, and the real question remains: Do the benefits of medical marijuana outweigh the costs?To start off, let’s go over what happens to your body when you smoke a joint. Marijuana is composed of thousands of chemical compounds. The one that causes users to feel “high” is called delta-9-tetrahydrocannibol, also known as THC. When you inhale from a pipe or a joint, THC enters your lungs, dissolves into your bloodstream and eventually makes its way to your brain. THC binds to specific sites known as cannabinoid receptors, which are found in regions of the brain related to pleasure, thought, concentration, memory, perception of sensations and time and movement. As a result, when you feel high, your memory, thought and concentration are also impaired.Additionally, with each inhalation, carcinogenic compounds make their way into your body, many of which can irritate your mouth, throat and lungs. Marijuana is unique in that it is nowhere near as addictive as other drugs — including legal drugs. Even so, long-term use has the potential to lead to addiction.What about the medical benefits? As mentioned, marijuana can help people with severe pain, cancer patients suffering from side effects of chemotherapy and AIDS patients who have no appetite. In some cases, marijuana can help people conquer a day full of pain, nausea or extreme fatigue.Law enforcement and public health officials fear that if medical marijuana is completely legalized across the nation, use — both prescribed and recreational — will skyrocket. There is evidence to support this concern. After Oregon made use of medical marijuana legal in 1998, the number of users spiked much higher than expected. Today, 10,000 Oregonians hold medical marijuana cards. Some question whether all cases are legitimate — and whether patients share their marijuana with non-patients.But do a few people abusing the system justify denying everyone who needs the drug for legitimate medical reasons? If a handful of people overdose on morphine, should this important analgesic be banned entirely?The decision no longer lies in the hands of Californians — or any other common citizens, for that matter. We can only watch and wait to see what the court decides this spring.Michelle Keller is a senior human biology major. Note: Fight over medical marijuana goes national.Source: Stanford Daily (CA Edu)Author: Michelle Keller, Health & Innovation Editor Published: Thursday, January 27, 2005 Copyright: 2005 The Stanford DailyWebsite: http://daily.stanford.org/Contact: letters daily.stanford.eduRelated Articles & Web Site:Angel Raich v. Ashcroft Newshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/raich.htmMedical Pot Case Has Pueblo Linkhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20131.shtml'I Really Consider Cannabis My Miracle'http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20078.shtmlHigh Expectations - San Francisco Bay Guardianhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20069.shtml
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on January 28, 2005 at 21:30:27 PT
ekim 
I looked in the AARP Magazine and I didn't see a poll in it. Maybe we are going to get another one soon and it might be in that one.
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Comment #17 posted by ekim on January 28, 2005 at 21:20:19 PT
where are the clergy 
did anyone see the AARP mag this month that has the med cannabis poll being asked of older adults 
i wonder how many live in SD and how this jives with this 11 to 1 vote ----as this is not supported by all polls that have been taken on the issue. who does this one lone Lawmaker represent, ----the farmers----the Native Indians -------those with out med insurance----- the GOP who is for smaller Gov't intrusion.
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on January 28, 2005 at 11:11:41 PT
News Article from The Associated Press
Medical Marijuana Bill FailsBrad Perriello, Associated PressJanuary 28, 2005PIERRE, S.D. - Marijuana should not be legalized for medical purposes in South Dakota, legislators decided Friday.The House Health Committee voted 11-1 against a bill that would have allowed people with certain debilitating illnesses to use pot.HB1109 would have given doctors permission to prescribe up to 5 ounces of marijuana for those who suffer from such diseases as cancer, glaucoma and AIDs, and for people with chronic pain, nausea or seizures.Rep. Gerald Lange, D-Madison, said the bill provides a necessary alternative for patients who do not get relief from traditional medications."There are certain debilitating medical conditions that are rather untreatable by contemporary medical practices," said Lange, prime sponsor of the bill.The measure would have required doctors to certify in writing that patients suffer from qualifying diseases and explain the risks and benefits of marijuana use to them. In addition, both doctors and patients would have had to register with the Health Department.Charlie McGuigan, an assistant state attorney general, urged legislators to reject the bill. He said marijuana use would still be a federal crime if the bill became state law.Marijuana causes many adverse health effects, McGuigan said, adding that the active ingredient in marijuana is currently available in prescription form.The state lawyer also said such a law would encourage illegal drug traffic because people would need to buy it somewhere."Where is this marijuana going to come from?" he asked.South Dakota lawmakers have rejected similar bills numerous times in recent years.The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to consider a medical marijuana case this summer.Copyright: 2005 The Associated Presshttp://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/10759565.htm
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on January 27, 2005 at 22:28:32 PT
ekim
Thank you for the information. I'll check it out. I don't read books very often. I never was good at reading. Now my eye sight slows me up. It's not nice when you have a 19 inch LCD Monitor and glasses on and still strain to see. That's bad! LOL!
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Comment #14 posted by ekim on January 27, 2005 at 21:57:27 PT
amazon.com 
Reefer Madness - Sex, Drugs, and Cheap Labor in the American Black Market by Eric Schlosser (Author) (Paperback - 2003) 
Books: See all items 
Used & new from $9.99  Usually ships within 1-2 business days.  
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on January 27, 2005 at 21:46:55 PT
ekim
I'm sorry but I don't have a section on books. I guess I could make a page if I knew where to start. I saw a little of the interview with Robert Redford on HardBall tonight. It was good. 
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Comment #12 posted by ekim on January 27, 2005 at 21:26:49 PT
com on Sundance
FoM do you have a section on Books. 
was watching hardball and cris was interviewing 
Robert redford and he was talking about documtaries and the subject of fast food came up and he said Eric slossenger (sorry i can not s[pell it ) was his son in law.ok -- so please Robert make a film about the Prohibition of Cannabis and use your son in laws book to do it. 
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on January 27, 2005 at 13:16:40 PT
AgaetisByrjun
That's a good point. 
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Comment #10 posted by AgaetisByrjun on January 27, 2005 at 12:48:01 PT
Error in Tommy Chong article
"I tell him that I am recovering from Leukemia and feel lucky to live in a country where marijuana is not slotted into the same category as crack or heroin."We also live in such a country: marijuana is schedule I; crack and morphine are schedule II.
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on January 27, 2005 at 11:40:12 PT
potpal
Thank you for the link. We had a big discussion on this thread about that very issue. You might want to check it out. http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread20161.shtml
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Comment #8 posted by potpal on January 27, 2005 at 11:32:58 PT
Legal combustibles...whachathink
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4213441.stm 
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on January 27, 2005 at 11:18:15 PT
I Really Like Tommy Chong
I think the movie will be good. I also agree with EJ that this is serious and it seems kidding about Cannabis brings out the antis in full force. When I think of the laws and how wrong they are I don't go beyond Angel Raich, Mike and Valerie Corral and their mission. I laugh at pot jokes but this is serious now and hard to move forward because of this administration. This administration has taken it so far that it isn't a laughing matter for me.
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Comment #6 posted by E_Johnson on January 27, 2005 at 10:59:33 PT
His new film should be interesting
I hope he's going to aim for sharp social commentary and not fall back into the same seventies humor about irresponsible stoners detached from reality only seeking their next high.The typical pothead of the 21st century is a political and cultural activist, not a self-serving hedonist.I'm really eager to see whether he will be able to adapt his comedy for the times.
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on January 27, 2005 at 10:42:31 PT
ekim
I missed it too. Thanks for posting the link. 
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Comment #4 posted by ekim on January 27, 2005 at 10:40:31 PT
guess i missed this 
CN ON: Around The Bong With Tommy ChongURL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n134/a04.html 
After almost ten years apart, the pair are getting set to release a new film called Grumpy Old Stoners, which catches up to the bakers 30 years later. Chong says this is just the beginning. 
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on January 27, 2005 at 10:08:44 PT
Thanks JR
That's good to read.
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Comment #2 posted by JR Bob Dobbs on January 27, 2005 at 10:00:52 PT
UK Poll
Should cannabis be legalized? Currently 2/3rds yes!
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/
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Comment #1 posted by siege on January 27, 2005 at 09:57:48 PT
potential 
Even so, long-term use has the potential to lead to addiction.  There is some epidemiological evidence that substitution
  of marijuana for alcohol and other drugs tends to reduce drug abuse and
  accident costs.62 Many cannabis buyers club members say they use
  marijuana as a substitute for prescription narcotics.63  62 Frank Chaloupka and Adit Laixuthal, "Do Youths Substitute Alcohol and
  Marijuana? Some Econometric Evidence," National Bureau of Economic Research
  Working Paper No. 4662, Cambridge, Mass. 1993; Karyn Model, "The Effect
  of Marijuana Decriminalization on Hospital Emergency Room Episodes,"
  Journal of the American Statistical Association 88:423 737-47 (1993) ;
  see also Peter Passell, "Less Marijuana, More Alcohol?," New York Times
  June 17, 1992, p. C2.
  63 Dr. Tod Mikuriya, personal communication.Law enforcement and public health officials fear that if medical marijuana is completely legalized across the nation, use — both prescribed and recreational — will skyrocket.(After Prohibition alcohol use when up and then drop back any thing new will be this way for a short time.)There is evidence to support this concern. After Oregon made use of medical marijuana legal in 1998, the number of users spiked much higher than expected. Today, 10,000 Oregonians hold medical marijuana cards. Some question whether all cases are legitimate — and whether patients share their marijuana with non-patients.(Are you saying that the MEDICAL doctors don't KNOW what they are doing!)
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