Marijuana: it isnt as bad as you think.

[freemo]

hey this is a short article/research paper i wrote about a year ago im now trying to get published anywhere they would like to post it. Feel free to copy it as long as the contents arent changed in any way. here is a link to the pdf file: http://freemo.syncleus.com/marijuana.pdf i will copy and paste it here for you lazy people.


Marijuana: It’s Not as Bad as You Think
Written By: Jeffrey Phillips Freeman; May 20, 2003
Marijuana has been around and consumed for over a thousand years. Many people
are not well learned about the effects of marijuana and mostly rely on what they hear on
TV or from other anti-drug sources. Obviously, these sources are greatly biased and
willingly disregard the pursuit of truth in order to achieve a “drug-free” America. Over
the years these anti-drug campaigns have imbued the people with many fears and lies
about marijuana. Some of the most compelling facts that many people aren’t aware of
are, for example, that marijuana won’t cause lung cancer, isn’t addictive, wont kill brain
cells or make you dumb, doesn’t hinder driving ability, and is much less likely to cause
emphysema then cigarettes. But these facts have been twisted, hidden, or completely
falsified throughout the years and many people may find these claims surprising. I hope
to try to balance these lies with truth; however there is over 50 years of lies to overcome.
Cannabis is a weed that will grow wild in most regions and can be found growing
in the wild in the Americas and many parts of Europe. When fully mature and flowered
the flowering tops or leaves must be cut off and dried before it can be smoked. After
being smoked its effects usually take up to 10 minutes before onset. An additional 5 to 10
minutes are required for the full effects to occur; this is followed by a 15 to 30 minute
plateau. Then 45 to 60 minutes for the come down; after effects may take an additional
30 to 60 minutes1.
There has never been any evidence to suggest cannabis is physically addictive2. A
physical addiction is defined as an addiction caused by a dependence of the bodies
chemistry that requires a particular chemical foreign to the body in order to function. A
prime example is nicotine, as increasing quantities of nicotine are consumed the body
begins to use that chemical in place of other hormones. Over time the body stops
producing the chemicals replaced by the drug. In order to stop using the drug a lot of
physical discomfort must be dealt with while the body copes with this imbalance.
However, with cigarettes and many other drugs after some time of going thru withdraw
the body begins producing the chemicals it needs again in the proper dosage. With
cannabis this does not happen, our bodies never become physically dependent on it3.
However, it is possible to develop a mental addiction to marijuana. Mental addictions can
be developed with any experience, whether it is watching TV, collecting baseball cards,
or exercising. Studies tend to suggest that weed is less addictive then chocolate and more
addictive then sardines1.
1 Cannabis
2 So You Thought it was tar That Caused Cancer
3 Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts
The effects of smoke on the lungs would be the only significant drawback of
marijuana. Smoking any kind of smoke is never good for you; the healthiest choice
would be to not smoke at all. Tar and dirt build up in your lungs is the primary cause of
emphysema. When the dirt accumulates enough the alveoli of your lungs begin to die;
once enough of your lung is dead it is called emphysema. Lung Cancer, however, is
caused when radioactive isotopes, naturally occurring in cigarettes, attach to the tar in
your lungs. The way cilia of the lungs work to move the tar in your lungs up and out,
with the aid of coughing, causes the radioactive particles to collect in pre-cancerous cists
resulting in radioactive hot spots. These radioactive hot spots are what cause lung
cancer2. With cannabis however there has never been a reported case of emphysema or
lung cancer1. Marijuana tar tends to collect in the major passageways of your lungs rather
then the small areas where the alveoli are present suggesting it wont readily cause
emphysema. In addition, marijuana has a significant bronchodilator effect4, more so then
most prescription drugs used for this effect5, such as asthma inhalers. This means that
when you smoke marijuana the air passageways in your lungs open up. Because of this
you cough and are able to clean out your lungs very effectively. For these reasons
marijuana is likely not to cause emphysema. Marijuana does not contain radioactive
isotopes either eliminating cannabis as a potential cause of lung cancer. Smoking
marijuana thru a vaporizer or as pure oil called hash oil can even further reduce the health
risks1. Vaporizers heat the cannabis without burning it releasing only the active
ingredients with no tar. Hash oil is an extraction of just the active oils of the plant that
can be smoked by heating it and turning it into a steam; this method has no tar associated
with it either. By using a tar-free method you eliminate any possible health risk to your
lungs.
Since the 60’s three have been ads to try to convince the public that marijuana
kills brain cells and makes you dumb. While this claim is rarely ever used in a scientific
forum anymore the lie still seems to float around that marijuana kills brain cells; in fact it
has been shown that some cannabis derivatives actually help protect brain cells6. This
misconception is because in the 60’s there was a huge anti-marijuana campaign funded
by the government aimed at scaring the people into not useing it. This claim came form a
debunk study done by Dr. Robert Heath where three monkeys were exposed to marijuana
smoke and their brain cells were observed to have had structural damage7. These studies
have since been debunked for several reasons. The study used only three monkeys who
were exposed to enormous amounts of marijuana smoke, to the point of suffocation.
Scientists discount this study due to the low number of subjects, lack of controls, inability
to duplicate, and unsound procedure. However, these lies spread by the anti-drug fanatics
have still rooted this fear deep in the public’s psyche.
4 “Effects of Smoked Marijuana in Experimentally Induced Asthma”
5 “Bronchial Effects of Aerosolized delta 9-Tetrahydrocannibinol in Health Asthmatic Subjects”
6 “Cannabis Science: Cannabinoid Derivative Protect Neurons”
7 “Chronic Marijuana Smoke in the Rhesus Monkey”
Several well respected studies of the effects of cannabis on driving confirm that
marijuana has no negative impact on driving performance. Many studies conducted
comparing a sober individual with that of someone who is high on marijuana and even in
some cases to someone intoxicated on alcohol. While alcohol shows an obvious decline
in driving ability marijuana does not. According to “Cannabis and Driving: A Review of
the Literature and Commentary”. A government report written by Berks Crowthorne,
talking about the effects of cannabis on driving: “Whereas these results indicate a
‘change’ from the normal conditions, they do not necessarily reflect ‘impairment’ in
terms of performance effectiveness since few studies report increased accident risk”8.
One of the most realistic experiments, conducted by Dr. Casswell, tried to best evaluate
driving performance in real life situations. The study involved specific attention
evaluating aspects such as speed, ability to overtake another car, hair-pin turns, driving
thru a narrow gap, and attention. Both alcohol and marijuana intoxicated subjects where
evaluated. When intoxicated by alcohol the individual sped more often thru the narrow
gap and hair-pin turn and had trouble keeping the car straight. When intoxicated by
marijuana the individuals had no trouble keeping the car straight or any other tasks,
however, they continually drove slower9. This evidence suggests marijuana is not a
significant safety risk on the road.
Marijuana also has many positive effects and can be very beneficial if used
properly. It acts as a pain reliever, provokes creativity, reduces nausea, reduces
depression, and helps with relaxation10. While there is currently a prescription version of
THC, the most active chemical in marijuana, called Marinol® it does not have the full
effects of marijuana. Cannabis is a collection of many chemicals, just like all plants and
animals are; Marinol doesn’t contain many of these active chemicals, called
cannabinoids, which help enhance the ability of the THC to be effective in many
applications. The cheaper decision for the consumer would simply be to legalize the use
of cannabis.
Many people tend to argue that decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana will result
in an increase in use of marijuana, or worse, harder drugs. This is simply untrue; many
studies have been done to look at the statistics of areas where marijuana is illegal
compared to where it is legal. Studies have shown that areas where the penalty for
marijuana is the greatest have the greatest number of new users per year, and where laws
are the least severe the new use is the least11. Studies compare the change in the number
of users rather then the sheer volume since this shows the influence of the
decriminalization the best; since many people wont move simply because of the change
in marijuana laws. According to the Connecticut Law Review Commission in their
publication Drug Policy in Connecticut and Strategy Options: Report to the Judiciary
Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly they say “The Law revision
Commission has examined laws from other states that have reduced penalties for the
small amounts of marijuana. And the impact of those laws in those states…. Studies of
[those] states found (1) expenses for arrest and prosecution of marijuana possession
8 “Cannabis and Driving: A Review of the Literature and Commentary”
9 Cannabis and Road Safety: An Outline of the Research Studies to Examine the Effects of Cannabis on
Driving Skills and on Actual Driving Performance
10 “Review of Human Studies on Medical use of Marijuana”
11 “Canadian Cannabis Policy: The Impact of Criminalization, The Current Reality and Future Policies”
offenses were significantly reduced, (2) any increase in the use of marijuana in those
states was less then the increased use in those states that did not decrease their penalties
and the largest proportionate increase occurred in those states with the most severe
penalties, and (3) reducing the penalties for marijuana has virtually no effect on either
choice or frequency of the use of alcohol or illegal ‘harder’ drugs such as cocaine”12.
That study evaluated the effects of use in decriminalized states in the United States. It
made a good point at the end as well. If the use of marijuana lowered and there was no
effect on the use of harder drugs, that would suggest there is no statistical correlation
between the two and therefore marijuana cannot be called a gateway drug. The same
results concerning decimalization has been seen internationally, where marijuana use has
always held lesser penalties, on average, then the United States. According to Donnelly,
N. et al. for the National Drug Strategy Committee. A government publication, Effects of
the Cannabis Expiation Notice Scheme on Levels and Patterns of Cannabis use in South
Australia: Evidence from the National Drug Strategy Household surveys 1985-1995,
“There is no evidence to date that the CEN [decriminalization] system… has increased
levels of regular cannabis use, or rates of experimentation among young adults. These
results are broadly in accord with our earlier analysis of trends in cannabis use in
Australia… The are also consistent with the results of similar analyses in the United
States and Netherlands”13. If there is no impact due to the laws against marijuana, we are
wasting millions of dollars each year in processing these innocent people.
Marijuana has been illegal long enough. It is one of the safest drugs with little
potential for harm, yet it remains illegal out of ignorance. Cigarettes and alcohol are still
legal yet it has been shown time and time again that these drugs are far more dangerous
then marijuana can be, even when you compare them to very high doses of marijuana.
Even with no significant risk to health or any risk to the general public, it keeps its
stigma. Until we reform our laws we will continue to dump millions on unnecessary laws,
imprison innocent people, and forfeit liberty. It is time for a change.
12 Drug Policy in Connecticut and Strategy Options: Report to the Judiciary Committee of the Connecticut
General Assembly
13 Effects of the Cannabis Expiation Notice Scheme on Levels and Patterns of Cannabis Use in South
Australia: Evidence from the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys 1985-1995
Works Cited
Chesher, Dr G.B. Cannabis and Road Safety: An Outline of the Research Studies to
Examine the Effects of Cannabis on Driving Skills and on Actual Driving
Performance. Department of Pharmacology University of Sydney and National
Drug and Alcohol Research Centre University of New South Wales. 2001.
Chesher, Dr. G. and M. Longo. “Cannabis and Alcohol in Motor Vehicle Accidents.”
Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic
Potential. New York: Haworth Press, 2002.
Crowthorne, Berks. UK Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (Road
Safety Division). “Cannabis and Driving: A Review of the Literature and
Commentary” 2000.
Connecticut Law Review Commission. Drug Policy in Connecticut and Strategy Options:
Report to the Judiciary Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly.
Hartford (1997): State Capitol
Donnelly, N. et al. for the National Drug Strategy Committee. Effects of the Cannabis
Expiation Notice Scheme on Levels and Patterns of Cannabis use in South
Australia: Evidence from the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys 1985 –
1995. Australia, Canberra (1997): Australian Government Publishing Service.
Erickson, P. and B. Fischer. “Canadian Cannabis Policy: The Impact of criminalization,
The Current Reality and Future Policies.” Cannabis Science: From Prohibition to
Human Right. 1997: 227-42
Erowid. Cannabis. May 18, 2003 < http://www/erowid.org/plants/cannabis/ >
Fishman, Rachelle H.B. “Cannabis Science: Cannabinoid Derivative Protect Neurons.”
The Lancet 348 (Nov. 23, 1996)
Gieringer, Dale Ph.D. NORML’s Marijuana Health Mythology, June, 1994.
Gieringer Dale H. Ph.D. “Review of Human Studies on Medical use of Marijuana.” Aug
1996 < http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=4294 >
Granquist, Lamont. So You Thought it was Tar That Caused Cancer. University of
Massachusetts, Cannabis: Amherst, 2000.
Kloeden, C. and A. McLean “Marijuana’s effects on actual driving performance.”
Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety. Australia, Adelaide, 19995.
NORML: National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. “Marijuana and
Driving: A Review of the Scientific Evidence.” Dec. 7 2002
<http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5450>
Reiss, S. et al. “Bronchial effects of aerosolized delta 9-tetrahydrocanibinol in healthy
and asthmatic subjects.” American Review of Respiratory Disease 115.1 (Jan.
1977): 57-65
Saveland, W. and D. Bray. American Trends in Cannabis Use Among States with
Different Changing Legal Regimes. Ottawa, 1980
Slikker, Wilam Jr. et al. “Chronic Marijuana Smoke Exposure tin the Rhesus Monkey.”
Fundamental and Applied Toxicology 17 (1991):321-32
Tashkin, D.p. et al. “Effects of Smoked Marijuana in Experimentally Induced Asthma.”
American Review of Respiratory Disease 112.3 (Sep. 1975):377-86
Vaan, Simon. Prescription Cannabinoids: Should Cannabis Be a Medical Drug?
Westmont College, Neuroscience: Nov. 2000.
Zimmer, Lynn Ph.D. and John P. Morgan, M.D. Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts. New
York 1999.

[finetree]

That was an excelent Job you have done there......kudoes to you.
I hope you got an A+ on that. it is well deserved

[dontask]

If there was a greater way for me to thank you, I would.

Instead I say only this: Thank you.

[Zilos]

Im suprised that after over a month since you posted it, only 2 people have replied, and no high ranking people on this forum have replied with what they think of it.

But I thinks its great! would like to download the PDF of it, but the link doens't work

[dooby]

amen to that article.ill sleep better tonight

[dooby]

it is not harmful to me at least.i have smoked every day for the last 4 years.the only side effect i had was memory loss and i quit for about 3 months and got my memory back almost instantly.but of course im back to smoking the reffer again.

[zarvex]

you should post that on totse/other info sites.

[freemo]

Hi everyone, im the above author. Im shocked all this time there were so few responses. I guess it wasnt so great. Id invite any negativw comments too, i can talke it.

[1tokeovertheline]

Originally Posted by freemo

Hi everyone, im the above author. Im shocked all this time there were so few responses. I guess it wasnt so great. Id invite any negativw comments too, i can talke it.

Wow!!!!!! After almost 3 years the OP comes back and resurrects his thread. That is impressive. Welcome back. Honestly I have never seen the post until now. To be honest again, it's too long for me to read. I don't think I have ADD but long posts on forums are hard for me to read. I lose interest fast.

The thing that I did notice was the title. That was pretty short so I did read that.

I don't think many people that are on a marijuana legalization forum think that marijuana is bad. Those that think it is bad probably wouldn't register so they could reply anyway. Maybe that was the problem, but don't get discouraged. Stick around, I am sure things have changed since you have been gone.

[freemo]

Well, I didnt intend to ressurect it exactly. Just wanted to reply, since i noticed i never gave a response to all the people who took the time to read it and reply, which i do appreciate.

I agree, i dont expect many people to hate the idea the article represents. What im more concerned with is if anyone can add any constructive critisism to make the article better, or clarify points.

As for it being too long. Perhaps I should have written a paragraph concerning Amotivational Syndrom, a common effect of pot in high regular doses.