q43

My apologies in advance if this is poted in the wrong forum (it's been a couple years since I've been here).

Anyway, I was wondering how ya'll handle the situation when an argument starts and you realize your dealing with some ignorant people who can't even backup their claims (for instance, the claim that weed kills brain cells). Should I even bother correcting them? I would love to spread the truth, but some people are so stubborn they won't even listen. Any advice?

BTW, the argument I speak of is online on a running website, so it's easy to see why there would be a lot of opposition, since runners are generaly helath freaks and very anal about things. Anyway, if anyone would like to chip in, that would be great. Here's the link: Marijuana!

AnimalChin

its always tough when people believe the propaganda. it seems some people on there really buy into the propaganda too. like %100. its sad.

anyways, i guess i would suggest that you keep calm and collected and try to give them as much good, organized, reputable facts. for example:

"Cannabis is the best natural expectorant to clear the human lungs of smog, dust and the phlegm associated with tobacco use. Marijuana smoke effectively dilates the airways to the lungs, the bronchi, opening them to allow more oxygen into the lungs. It is also the best natural dilator of the tiny airways of the lungs, the bronchial tubes - making cannabis the best overall bronchial dilator for 80% of the population."

Volume 346, November 1995. The Lancet, The British Medical Journal established in 1823. http://www.parklandtrading.com/users...s/evildrug.pdf


there is not much that they can do about a journal of medicine saying that weed opens up your lungs.

__________________
"Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded."

-Abraham Lincoln

Greenbud

For some good links to medical marijuana research, see this thread

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Virus356

also newscientist.com has a section on marijuana, theyre pretty unbiased too so theres not much slant

just get lots of credible sources with lots of information so you have plenty of ammo in the argument.

FitShaced

i was gonna go there and post some ****,but i have to wait for my account to activate,and ill probably forget about this later lol

VicFerrari

One of the great things about arguing is that you get to pick your battles. It's hard to change people's mind but you can always make compromises. This is called politics.
For example, you said that ignorant people will tell you things like "marijuana causes brain damage" (or whatever they said).
It's a good discussion topic. Do you want them to believe that marijuana causes no damage or do you want them to vote to legalize marijuana?
Truth is, no one has the definitive facts on either side of this discussion. I would try to find truth in their thinking and then determine your agenda.
Don't call someone ignorant unless they can't see both sides of an issue (this goes for everyone!). Conversation as follows:

You: "There's not conclusive evidence that marijuana causes brain damage"

IgnorantPerson: "Sure it does - it's bad for you and that's why it's illegal"

You: "I agree with you in sorts, it's probably not the most healthy habit in the world, but there's many studies that show it doesn't have the exaggerated health effects that are claimed by some. Don't you think the brain damage rumor might be exaggerated?"

IgnorantPerson: "Well, that's why it should stay illegal - I don't want people to have brain damage."

You: "Sure, neither do I. But I don't think that a drug that may or may not be moderately dangerous should eat up billions of dollars in law enforcement. Wouldn't you rather see that kind of money used for things like schools?"

IgnorantPerson: "Well, yes, but drug dealers are bad people that cause other crimes"

You: "I agree, but wouldn't you rather see your tax dollars spent catching those bad people and leave alone ordinary people who are casual users of a drug that doesn't necessarily cause bad behavior?"

And so on. Anyway, you get the idea....

WNB

Eh, vic, why compromise when they're wrong? It makes them think they know more about the issue than they really do, and makes them think the propoganda is true. Show them how much you know on the issue, and explain why the propoganda claims are wrong, or at least unfounded.

Here is a great page on why mj is illegal, with links to many other good pages.

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Ignorance is Strength

StewScum

Having a conversation about marijuana with a person who has been put through decades of propaganda is very difficult because they have come to believe what they have heard for so long. It is the same situation with religion. People have been taught to believe in certain things, no matter how ridiculus they sound, (I'm not going to name any, but everyone has an idea im sure). But if you have a conversation with that person, it is almost impossible for them to concede a point, because it means that their beliefs have been wrong or mislead for so long. A person will fight to the death for their beliefs, that much has been proven throughout the ages (Ahem, the crusades), but the best thing to come at people with is fact. Anything that has been proven time and time again in medical journals and such are your best weapons. The opposing side cannot argue with fact, or else they sound stupid ie: racism.
The pure and simple fact, however, is if someone is stubborn enough to stick with their beliefs then there is little chance of changing their mind. All you can do is make them sound stupid to others.
Can't convince everyone but you can use someone else's ignorance to strengthen your arguements.

VicFerrari

Yeah, I guess I didn't mean for anyone to compromise their position. I could care less who's right and wrong; it's a neverending argument.
All I want it for them to vote "yes" for legalization of marijuana next time it's on a ballot.
They may think marijuana is dangerous and that's fine. They should understand that I like to smoke. I understand that they don't smoke. That's compromise.

We (smokers) need to really focus our efforts on the important things. I don't want to make anyone look stupid. We need them to help us by voting - e.g. State of Nevada voters defeated a 2002 amendment proposal that would have legalized it!!!

Anyhow, to end the ramble, as you mentioned, we do need to be informed on the subject and also choose our battles. Good links, BTW

GelTab

I take comfort in knowing that disagreements orginate from one or all parties involved being unable to remove themselves from their own perspective and view the situation from the other's perspective. That being said, I also realize that when that is the case, there is not much you can say to someone unwilling to be extrospective. You can't blame a cat for being a cat. The most rational action in such a hypothetical circumstance would be to explain your position, ask the other person to consider it (not necessarily agree), and then move on. The only person that can change me, is me.