Marijuana

[burkhartdesu]

Regulation is much different than a complete federal ban on its usage.

But I'm glad to see you have a realistic perspective on the issue, MMM.

[Barone1551]

Originally Posted by MMM

I don't think I understand the question.

And just to say it, I don't have particularly strong feelings either way on this issue, but do think the marijuana laws are based more on fear-mongering than fact and are probably outdated.

Here in Portland the very first cannabis cafe just opened where medical marijuana card holders can go and smoke and not feel like criminals hiding at home. I think it's progress.

But to get back to my point, we talk about making it legal, but booze, cigarettes, porn and gambling are all highly regulated "sins" and so I hope pro-legalize folks aren't thinking weed would be any different.

Im only saying this becuase Im trying to make clear that marijuana itself has no addictive chemicals in it. I know and fully understand that people can get addicted to it. It should and I think will be highly regulated, just like all of the other things listed.

[burkhartdesu]

It's proven and been accepted here that Marijuana is no more dangerous than caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs, right?

Then you must ask yourself, "why is marijuana, of all these things, illegal?"

The truth is, the lumber industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the textile industry had a HUGE hand in it's prohibition, and still do today.

So apparently we just agree to disagree:

Some of us think it's okay for the Government to regulate what we eat, smoke, and do for fun -- others think it's the responsibility of the individual...


As compared to most drugs, Marijuana is the least dangerous. Pot is, chemically speaking, not an addictive drug. For those who claim it is, anything is theoretically addictive, and there are some people who can become addicted to exercise, food, and essentially ANYTHING.

In my experience, Pot is less addictive than coffee. I have become addicted to coffee myself and have broken the habit. You get mild headaches for a few days. I have never had any symptoms for withdrawal from Marijuana.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Barone1551

Im only saying this becuase Im trying to make clear that marijuana itself has no addictive chemicals in it. I know and fully understand that people can get addicted to it. It should and I think will be highly regulated, just like all of the other things listed.

But THC, like alcohol or nicotine can be very addictive. If it wasn't addictive there wouldn't be marijuana users in drug addiction treatment programs.

[burkhartdesu]

Originally Posted by MMM

But THC, like alcohol or nicotine can be very addictive. If it wasn't addictive there wouldn't be marijuana users in drug addiction treatment programs.

But, MMM, you're missing the point.

Alcohol and Nicotine are chemically addictive -- THC itself isn't. Like I said before, ANYTHING IS THEORETICALLY ADDICTIVE. People go to rehab and counseling for any addiction.

As compared to most drugs, Marijuana is the least dangerous. Pot is, chemically speaking, not an addictive drug. For those who claim it is, anything is theoretically addictive, and there are some people who can become addicted to exercise, food, and essentially ANYTHING.

In my experience, Pot is less addictive than coffee. I have become addicted to coffee myself and have broken the habit. You get mild headaches for a few days. I have never had any symptoms for withdrawal from Marijuana.

[MMM]

How come I am finding so many studies on the Internet telling me the opposite?

[Corvin]

The fact, that THC can be addictive, like alcohol or nicotine, is not a reason to ban the marijuana. Any reason to ban the weed doesn't exist. Even hard drugs should be legal.

[burkhartdesu]

Originally Posted by MMM

How come I am finding so many studies on the Internet telling me the opposite?

Will you cite some pages?


Okay, here is what addictionhelpline.com had to say about Marijuana's addictive qualities.

Long-term marijuana use can lead to addiction for some people; that is, they use the drug compulsively even though it interferes with family, school, work, and recreational activities. Drug craving and withdrawal symptoms can make it hard for long-term marijuana smokers to stop using the drug. People trying to quit report irritability, sleeplessness, and anxiety(38).



This is essentially what we're saying about it's addictiveness... The above could apply to anything with addictive qualities.

It's funny that they say they report irritability, sleeplessness, and anxiety - because Marijuana is used to cure irritability, sleeplessness, and anxiety.

[MMM]

Substance Abuse 101: Is marijuana physically addictive?

http://www.ubersite.com/m/59501

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying it is or isn't physically addictive, I am just saying it doesn't appear to a a question that has been fully resolved.

[burkhartdesu]

Quotes from the websites you listed:


"However, marijuana does have medical uses, and that is fully understandable, especially when considering that the benefits probably outweigh the risks."


"Young adults, teens, or anyone else smoking it for non-medical reasons are suspect. Why? Because these people feel an overwhelming desire to alter their reality on a daily basis because they can’t stand the one they’re in, or themselves for that matter."


"It is more addictive mentally, because of the drugs snail-like release rate from fat cells. Marijuana is lipophillic, meaning it has a tendency to deposit in fats cells, and can hang out in the body for a few days, (infrequent users), to several weeks for chronic long-term users."

"If a chronic user experienced the rapid release of THC from the body like narcotics, and benzos do, they would likely experience similar withdrawals as if doing harder drugs."


What is this saying? This is just explaining why it doesn't have the effect of other addictive drugs.


And the other site mentions the same withdraw symptoms that are commonly cured by Marijuana.