It doesn't destroy your lungs. For it to have big enough impact on your life, you would have to smoke damn near an oz everyday for a very long time. So, don't play that bullshit lungs card.
[FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]How is it Used?[/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Marijuana and other cannabis products are usually smoked, sometimes in a pipe or water pipe, but most often in loosely rolled cigarettes known as "joints." Some users will slice open and hollow out cigars, replacing the tobacco with marijuana, to make what are called "blunts." Joints and blunts may be laced with other substances, including crack cocaine and the potent hallucinogen phencyclidine (PCP), substantially altering effects of the drug. [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Smoking, however, is not the sole route of administration. Marijuana can be brewed into tea or mixed in baked products (cookies or brownies).[/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial] How Does it Affect You?[/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]A mild hallucinogen, marijuana has some of alcohol’s depressant and disinhibiting properties. User reaction, however, is heavily influenced by expectations and past experience, and many first-time users feel nothing at all. [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Effects of smoking are generally felt within a few minutes and peak in 10 to 30 minutes. They include dry mouth and throat, increased heart rate, impaired coordination and balance, delayed reaction time, and diminished short-term memory. Moderate doses tend to induce a sense of well-being and a dreamy state of relaxation that encourages fantasies, renders some users highly suggestible, and distorts perception (making it dangerous to operate machinery, drive a car or boat, or ride a bicycle). Stronger doses prompt more intense and often disturbing reactions including paranoia and hallucinations.[/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Most of marijuana’s short-term effects wear off within two or three hours. The drug itself, however, tends to linger on. THC is a fat-soluble substance and will accumulate in fatty tissues in the liver, lungs, testes, and other organs. Two days after smoking marijuana, one-quarter of the THC content may still be retained. It will show up in urine tests three days after use, and traces may be picked up by sensitive blood tests two to four weeks later.[/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial] The Impact on the Mind[/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Marijuana use reduces learning ability. Research has been piling up of late demonstrating clearly that marijuana limits the capacity to absorb and retain information. A 1995 study of college students discovered that the inability of heavy marijuana users to focus, sustain attention, and organize data persists for as long as 24 hours after their last use of the drug. Earlier research, comparing cognitive abilities of adult marijuana users with non-using adults, found that users fall short on memory as well as math and verbal skills. Although it has yet to be proven conclusively that heavy marijuana use can cause irreversible loss of intellectual capacity, animal studies have shown marijuana-induced structural damage to portions of the brain essential to memory and learning. [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial] The Impact on the Body[/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Chronic marijuana smokers are prey to chest colds, bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma. Persistent use will damage lungs and airways and raise the risk of cancer. There is just as much exposure to cancer-causing chemicals from smoking one marijuana joint as smoking five tobacco cigarettes. And there is evidence that marijuana may limit the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Marijuana also affects hormones. Regular use can delay the onset of puberty in young men and reduce sperm production. For women, regular use may disrupt normal monthly menstrual cycles and inhibit ovulation. When pregnant women use marijuana, they run the risk of having smaller babies with lower birth weights, who are more likely than other babies to develop health problems. Some studies have also found indications of developmental delays in children exposed to marijuana before birth.[/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial] Marijuana as Medicine[/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Although U.S. law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance (which means it has no acceptable medical use), a number of patients claim that smoking pot has helped them deal with pain or relieved the symptoms of glaucoma, the loss of appetite that accompanies AIDS, or nausea caused by cancer chemotherapy. There is, however, no solid evidence that smoking marijuana creates any greater benefits than approved medications (including oral THC) now used to treat these patients, relieve their suffering, or mitigate the side effects of their treatment. Anecdotal assertions of beneficial effects have yet to be confirmed by controlled scientific research. [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial] Teens and Marijuana[/FONT][FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial] Although dangers exist for marijuana users of all ages, risk is greatest for the young. For them, the impact of marijuana on learning is critical, and pot often proves pivotal in the failure to master vital interpersonal coping skills or make appropriate life-style choices. Thus, marijuana can inhibit maturity. [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Another concern is marijuana’s role as a "gateway drug," which makes subsequent use of more potent and disabling substances more likely. The Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found adolescents who smoke pot 85 times more likely to use cocaine than their non–pot smoking peers. And 60 percent of youngsters who use marijuana before they turn 15 later go on to use cocaine. [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]But many teens encounter serious trouble well short of the "gateway." Marijuana is, by itself, a high-risk substance for adolescents. More than adults, they are likely to be victims of automobile accidents caused by marijuana’s impact on judgment and perception. Casual sex, prompted by compromised judgment or marijuana’s disinhibiting effects, leaves them vulnerable not only to unwanted pregnancy but also to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial] Marijuana Dangers[/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Impaired perception[/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Diminished short-term memory [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Loss of concentration and coordination [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Impaired judgement [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Increased risk of accidents [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Loss of motivation [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Diminished inhibitions [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Increased heart rate [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Hallucinations [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Damage to the respiratory, reproductive, and immune systems [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Increased risk of cancer [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial Narrow, Arial]Psychological dependency[/FONT] http://www.acde.org/common/Marijana.htm
What is Alcohol? Alcohol is a potentially harmful depressant of the central nervous system. There are three basic types of alcoholic drinks: beer, wine and hard liquor. All three forms of alcohol have the same potential for intoxication and addiction. One "drink" is defined as: * 12-ounces of beer * A 5-ounce glass of wine * A 1.5-ounce shot of hard liquor (distilled spirits) In theory, one drink contains the same amount of alcohol and, therefore, has an equal effect on the drinker. However, because glass sizes vary, and many mixed drinks contain multiple shots, it is often difficult to gauge how much alcohol is in a single drink. How Does Alcohol Affect the User? The effects of alcohol are dependent on a variety of factors, including a person's size, weight, age, and sex. Alcohol is a depressant, but initially, in small quantities, alcohol has a disinhibiting effect which stimulates the drinker, and may produce feelings of talkativeness, euphoria or dizziness. A larger amount of alcohol will cause slurred speech, disturbed sleep, nausea, vomiting and resulting dehydration and hangover. Too much alcohol will depress brain activity, slow down breathing and heart rate -- and can ultimately be fatal. Alcohol, even at low doses, significantly impairs the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely. Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse Alcohol Use and Intoxication: * Smell of alcohol on breath * Irritability * Euphoria * Loss of physical coordination * Inappropriate or violent behavior * Loss of balance * Unsteady gait * Slurred and/or incoherent speech * Slowed thinking * Depression * Impaired short-term memory * Loss of consciousness * Blackouts * Hallucinations Alcohol Withdrawal, experienced by alcoholics and problem drinkers: * Tremors * Agitation * Anxiety and panic attacks * Paranoia and delusions * Hallucinations (usually visual) * Nausea and vomiting * Increased body temperature * Elevated blood pressure and heart rate * Seizures * Delirium tremens * Auditory/Visual Hallucinations What are the Dangers of Alcohol Abuse? In addition to the risk of injury or death as a result of accidents, violence, or alcohol poisoning, long-term alcohol abuse can cause or worsen many physical and mental disorders. Negative effects of alcohol abuse include: * Seizures * Brain damage * Elevated blood pressure * Increased heart rate * Heart failure * Risk of stroke * Risk for Pneumonia * Risk for Tuberculosis * Liver disease (fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis) * Duodenal ulcers * Acid reflux * Diarrhea * Malnutrition * Suppressed immune system * Associated traumatic injury * Unsupervised withdrawal can be life threatening * Delirium tremens What is Alcoholism? The definition of alcoholism is often debated. In simple terms, alcoholism is an addiction to alcohol. An alcoholic is a person who cannot control their drinking, even when it is having a negative effect on his or her life. There are an estimated 10 to 15 million alcoholics or problem drinkers in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the disease, also known as alcohol dependence, includes the following symptoms: * Craving: A strong need, or urge, to drink alcohol. * Loss of control: Not being able to stop once drinking has begun. * Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking. * Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to feel drunk, or even just normal. The support group Alcoholics Anonymous states that alcoholism is a progressive illness which can never be cured, but can be treated. How Much is Too Much? There is no hard and fast answer to this question. An alcoholic cannot be defined by the quantity of alcohol he or she consumes. It is more important to consider the negative consequences of drinking than to focus on the specific amounts of alcohol or the frequency with which alcohol is consumed. Alcohol and Pregnancy Alcohol is especially dangerous for pregnant women. Drinking during pregnancy slows the natural growth of the fetus and increases the risk of the baby being born at a low birth-weight. This can increase the risk of infection, cause feeding difficulties, and result in long-term developmental problems. Drinking during pregnancy can result in the birth of babies with fetal alcohol syndrome and other fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. These infants are likely to have irreversible physical defects and experience developmental delays. Treatment Options There are many different ways to quit drinking. Some people require close medical supervision in a hospital or detox as they withdrawal from alcohol. Others may use medications prescribed by a doctor to help the process. For many, residential or outpatient alcohol abuse treatment can offer the necessary support to quit drinking. Ongoing support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are also a tremendous source of support for former alcoholics. There are also a number of medications that can help one achieve sobriety. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, email Phoenix House at drughelp@phoenixhouse.org to find out more about our treatment programs, ask for a referral or get a professional assessment. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately. See? I can copy/paste too! The fact is that there are far more known harmful effects with alcohol compared to marijuana, and alcohol is (as everyone knows) legal. Your article's claim that "no solid evidence that smoking marijuana creates any greater benefits than approved medications" is utter nonsense, and leads me to believe that the entire organization we cited is funded by the pharmaceutical companies that would stand to loose out on big money if a natural remedy for patients who are suffering from disease were to become legal. The same pharmaceutical companies that, in the specific case of alcoholism, dole out "medications prescribed by a doctor to help the process".
This is gonna piss you off, Squidhands (aka pot head): Where I live (UK), Cannabis is being reclassified as a Class B drug. Which is stupid, because comparing RadiantRain's evidence against cannabis use, and your evidence against alcohol use, Alcohol seems capable of causing the much worse side effects. There is a "Legalise cannabis" third party election candidate in Britain. Doesn't look good for them now. The only thing wrong with them pot heads though are bad teeth and reduced lung capacity (side effects similar to smoking)
Everything that I left in your quote is bullshit. You shouldn't be allowed to come into this thread anyways. You don't know what the hell you are talking about and you just know how to copy and paste. Get some real knowledge and come back then.
Nor for cigs. You can't prove either (cigs or marijuana) because it's unethical to do an experiment like that. *edited for clarification
You just made yourself look like an idiot. If you know of ONE case of marijuana being the leading cause of cancer in someone, then you prove it. Otherwise you get out of this thread too.
Irony. Because you obviously didn't get it; the reason there are no cases is because it's unethical and illegal to conduct an experiment like that to prove it. You can only go off observed data, which is what (rain's) cases go use. I'm not saying these results aren't skewed though.
Isn't that what I just did... I clearly read what I copied and pasted so I did learn something. And I am trying to support myself by posting links because It would not be a debate if I did not bring up sources and excuses for my way of thinking. Unlike you... EDIT: Also, read the first post... Sources are Appreciated.
Dissenting opinions are certainly allowed here, or else it wouldn't be much of a debate now would it? If you're not going to debate someone in a mature appropriate manner, YOU are the one who won't be welcome here. Counter their argument, don't insult them for having a view that doesn't match your own.
Everything I know about on the subject of marijuana has come from many documentaries I have watched, debates I have been involved in at school, a few letters to my state's legislators that I have been apart of, and discussions with people who study this for a living. I have been learning everything there is to know about marijuana since I was fourteen. I don't go to random websites and copy and paste, like you. I can't really give sources for the latter, now can I? Obviously you don't know what you are talking about when pertaining to this subject. You went to one website and didn't even put in your own input. Like I said before, get out or gain some knowledge.
Would have been nice if you stated that earlier... But how can I trust you... All you have is words but no proof. Yes I copy and pasted, but what could I have added, in my previous posts I already posted by opinion and got yelled at. Now I post facts and get yelled at.
Try a combination of both next time. Construct an argument, and back it up with the source material. And if people don't heed my warnings and you continue to get yelled at, they'll suffer the same temporary fate as Mr Frappuccino.
I have really nothing against it. As far as the whole dealer argument goes, If "your" dealer is out of weed because he is sold out or there is a drought in town, maybe at that point a person might be pissed and settle on buying some other drug he has available. If it were legal and available at a gas station like cigs are then you would not need to make a million calls trying to score a bag. Pot has never been direclty linked to lung cancer. Cigs have. Cigs contain 4,000 un-natural chemicals. Pot has chemicals in it but all are natural and not man made like the chemicals in cigs. Tobacco co. put in all the extra chemicals so as to make the cigs more addictive. As far as the DWI argument.. Drinking and driving is illegal as far as I remember. So if pot were legal, then one should not dirve untill the effects ware off. Drinking effects your driving a lot more than weed. When you go to buy cigs you have to be at least 18. Weed would be no different. You would have to be like 21 or something.
And it is not the fault of illegal drugs (as illegal as they may be) or cigarettes and alcohol, its the obtainees addiction that ends there lives.
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=uJo9W7ndnh4&e Check this **** out... At least watch to :50 and up. Where she actually talks to the mayor / council of El Paso, Texas. A place where the use of marijuana in not only prohibited, but it is looked down upon by the city, and the rest of the state. (Don't get me wrong, there are those who smoke in Texas).
I can't truly prove everything unless you knew me in real life, but I can give you a few links to things that I am currently involved with. This is where I learn how to contact my state's officials and help on getting the war on drugs ended. A documentary about many different aspects of marijuana. Great video to learn about hemp. Great website to learn about different scientific studies on marijuana. Those are just a few links to some websites with information. To really immerse yourself into the knowledge of the subject, you will have to do your own research and talk to people that know what they are talking about.
Very interesting articles. If it actually happens, it would be awesome for a lot of people who fear going to jail for partaking of a substance that grows naturally upon this planet. Legalize It: Ammiano to Introduce Legislation Monday to Allow Pot -- and Tax It Get Up, Stand Up: Ammiano Introduces Marijuana Legalization Bill to the Press
wow and I thought the recent decriminalization of Marijuana in Massachusetts was a big step. People are finally getting the right idea.
Ya, I took a look at the comments, one in particular: It may not be the best way to explain it, but he's pretty spot on.