Difference between revisions of "Marijuana"
Usanumberone (Talk | contribs) |
m (Reverted edits by BustinJeeber (talk) to last revision by DavidB4) |
||
| (21 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[Image:Marijuana.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Indoor Marijuana Grow (DEA photo)]] | [[Image:Marijuana.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Indoor Marijuana Grow (DEA photo)]] | ||
| − | '''Marijuana''' (colloquially known as '''"weed"''' or '''"pot"''') is the name given to the flowering buds of the cannabis sativa plant prepared for human consumption. The main active ingredient in marijuana is [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, an [[organic chemistry|organic chemical]] compound. Marijuana is harmful and generally illegal to possess, cultivate and sell in most countries, although it is legal in a few liberal jurisdictions if prescribed as medication by a physician.<ref>The sale of marijuana is illegal virtually everywhere in the world, and results in long prison sentences in many places. In Portugal, Argentina, California and South Australia, the use (rather than the sale) of small quantities of marijuana is allowed. In only one country in the world, the Netherlands, the sale of marijuana in small quantities is reportedly allowed by law enforcement.</ref> | + | '''Marijuana''' (colloquially known as '''"weed"''' or '''"pot"''') is the name given to the flowering buds of the cannabis sativa plant prepared for human consumption. The main active ingredient in marijuana is [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, an [[organic chemistry|organic chemical]] compound. Marijuana is harmful and generally illegal to possess, cultivate and sell in most countries, although it is legal in a few liberal jurisdictions if prescribed as medication by a physician.<ref>The sale of marijuana is illegal virtually everywhere in the world, and results in long prison sentences in many places. In Portugal, Argentina, California and South Australia, the use (rather than the sale) of small quantities of marijuana is allowed. In only one country in the world, the Netherlands, the sale of marijuana in small quantities is reportedly allowed by law enforcement.</ref> The crime rate in Denver has skyrocketed by 44% since marijuana was legalized in that state. |
| − | In the past two decades, the number of brain tumors has increased by up to 40% in the U.S. and Europe, particularly among men between ages of 20 and 40<ref>http://www.healthandenvironment.org/brain_cancer/peer_reviewed</ref> - the same demographic that is most likely to have smoked pot. | + | In the past two decades, the number of brain tumors has increased by up to 40% in the U.S. and Europe, particularly among men between ages of 20 and 40<ref>http://www.healthandenvironment.org/brain_cancer/peer_reviewed</ref> - the same demographic that is most likely to have smoked pot. |
The [[liberal media]] typically downplay or completely ignore the role of marijuana in [[Young mass murderers|mass killings]], horrific accidents, and other types of harm to innocent people victimized by users of the drug. For example, authorities conceal from the public how much marijuana was in the system of "College Weed Dealer" [[Young Mass Murderers|Dzhokhar Tsarnaev]] when he went on his alleged killing rampage.<ref>http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/04/dzhokhar-tsarnaev-dealing-drugs/64529/</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, which has often featured drug abusers, displayed Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on its cover in July 2013. | The [[liberal media]] typically downplay or completely ignore the role of marijuana in [[Young mass murderers|mass killings]], horrific accidents, and other types of harm to innocent people victimized by users of the drug. For example, authorities conceal from the public how much marijuana was in the system of "College Weed Dealer" [[Young Mass Murderers|Dzhokhar Tsarnaev]] when he went on his alleged killing rampage.<ref>http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/04/dzhokhar-tsarnaev-dealing-drugs/64529/</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, which has often featured drug abusers, displayed Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on its cover in July 2013. | ||
| − | The effects of marijuana can include short-term memory loss, malaise, psychosis in predisposed individuals, violence and violent fits, as well as impairment of physical and mental functioning. Some research has found that cannabis has medicinal benefits (see [[Medical marijuana]]); however many scientists contest this, and state that there are numerous federally approved medicines for the diseases that medicinal marijuana can be used to treat. | + | The effects of marijuana can include short-term memory loss, malaise, psychosis in predisposed individuals, violence and violent fits, as well as impairment of physical and mental functioning. Some research has found that cannabis has medicinal benefits (see [[Medical marijuana]]); however many scientists contest this, and state that there are numerous federally approved medicines for the diseases that medicinal marijuana can be used to treat. |
==Medicinal Harms== | ==Medicinal Harms== | ||
| − | Marijuana contains many of the same carcinogens as tobacco, thus when smoked it has the same harmful effects including potential damage to DNA, [[cancer]], respiratory diseases associated with smoke inhalation, and impaired immune system.<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615095940.htm Science Daily 6/9/2009]</ref> | + | [[File:Brain abnormalities of marijuana user.jpg|thumbnail|Areas of the brain negatively effected by THC]] |
| − | + | Marijuana contains many of the same carcinogens as tobacco, thus when smoked it has the same harmful effects including potential damage to DNA, [[cancer]], respiratory diseases associated with smoke inhalation, and impaired immune system.<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615095940.htm Science Daily 6/9/2009]</ref> However, these effects have not been linked directly to alternate methods of marijuana use. Marijuana use can impair short term memory while intoxicated. THC has slight negative affects on long term memory and thus, in chronic users (approximately 1g/24Hrs),<ref name="AskMen: Benefits of Marijuana">[http://www.askmen.com/sports/health/20_mens_health.html AskMen: Benefits of Marijuana]</ref> complications with long term memory are a risk. If smoked, marijuana leads to a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure while intoxicated. For this reason, there is a slight increase in the risk for heart related problems including heart attack during the time of intoxication.<ref name="AskMen: Benefits of Marijuana"/> Chronic smokers often suffer from mild withdrawal symptoms, however marijuana is not physically addictive.<ref>[http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/201012/is-marijuana-addictive Psychology Today: Is Marijuana Addictive?]</ref> Marijuana can impair judgment, motor skills, and balance.<ref>[http://www.acde.org/common/Marijana.htm]</ref> Marijuana has also been linked to impaired learning and developmental diability in unborn children.<ref>[http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v31/n10/full/1301068a.html Neuropsycopharmacology: High-Potency Marijuana Impairs Executive Function and Inhibitory Motor Control]</ref> If marijuana is consumed heavily and on a daily basis by children around the age of 12 for a period of years, even liberal scientists have been forced to conclude that humans have a 1/4th random chance of developing psychosis, based on a random genetic trait.<ref>[http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/schizophrenia/cannabis-psychosis-link]The Cannabis-Psychosis Link</ref> | |
| − | + | ||
==Medicinal Benefits== | ==Medicinal Benefits== | ||
| Line 18: | Line 17: | ||
In addition to the positive effect on cancer treatment symptoms and cancer itself, marijuana is used to try to help patients afflicted with [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis|ALS]].<ref>[http://ajh.sagepub.com/content/18/4/264.short American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine]</ref> | In addition to the positive effect on cancer treatment symptoms and cancer itself, marijuana is used to try to help patients afflicted with [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis|ALS]].<ref>[http://ajh.sagepub.com/content/18/4/264.short American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine]</ref> | ||
| − | Marijuana is an [[antispasmodic]] and is used in the treatment of seizures.<ref>[http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9586&page=106 National Academies Press: Marijuana and muscle spasticity]</ref> Marijuana is also used in the treatment of migraines, arthritis<ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.1780090304/abstract Online Library: Treatment of adjuvant arthritis in rats with anti-inflammatory drugs]</ref> | + | Marijuana is an [[antispasmodic]] and is used in the treatment of seizures.<ref>[http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9586&page=106 National Academies Press: Marijuana and muscle spasticity]</ref> Marijuana is also used in the treatment of migraines, arthritis,<ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.1780090304/abstract Online Library: Treatment of adjuvant arthritis in rats with anti-inflammatory drugs]</ref> depression,<ref name="interestingfacts.org">[http://www.interestingfacts.org/fact/facts-about-marijuana Interesting Facts: Facts about marijuana]</ref> and glaucoma. However the effect of marijuana on intraocular pressure (IOC) is not as effective as those offered by other drugs on the market.<ref>[http://www.nei.nih.gov/news/statements/marij.asp National Eye Institue: Glaucoma and Marijuana use]</ref> |
There have not been many in-depth and widely distributed studies into the possible medicinal effects of marijuana. However, with pressure from [[liberal]] advocates of marijuana, more otherwise accredited institutions are conducting research on the drug. | There have not been many in-depth and widely distributed studies into the possible medicinal effects of marijuana. However, with pressure from [[liberal]] advocates of marijuana, more otherwise accredited institutions are conducting research on the drug. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Medicinal marijuana is used by proper doctors as a last-resort in states where it is legal or semi-legal (with a prescription, honored only by the state), and abused by perfectly healthy people who simply want to get high. Medicinal marijuana, however well-intentioned, will obviously lead to abuses in that system. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Marinol== | ||
| + | Marinol (medically named Dronabinol) is a Schedule III controlled substance, only prescribed in truly remarkable situations. It is essentially Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol isolated into a capsule in accordance with the Single Convention, very similarly in the manner in which morphine is a controlled substance used as a pain-killer by isolating the active chemicals in the opioid plant. Liberals advocating for medicinal marijuana are quickly stifled by the very mention of this drug. It is primarily used as an appetite-stimulant for cancer patients enduring chemotherapy, as well as those diagnosed with terminal AIDS. Doctors are extremely cautious in prescribing Marinol, due to the potential of lawsuits; as such, healthy people looking for a "legal high" will not get it. | ||
==Interesting Facts== | ==Interesting Facts== | ||
| − | *Carl Sagan used recreational marijuana to help "open his mind".<ref>[http://boingboing.net/2009/10/07/carl-sagan-spaced-ou.html Boing Boing: Carl Sagan Spaced Out]</ref> | + | *[[Carl Sagan]] used recreational marijuana to help "open his mind".<ref>[http://boingboing.net/2009/10/07/carl-sagan-spaced-ou.html Boing Boing: Carl Sagan Spaced Out]</ref> |
| − | *Cannabis was first cultivated in China around 4000 B.C.<ref | + | *Cannabis was first cultivated in China around 4000 B.C.<ref name="interestingfacts.org"/> |
| − | *U.S. Declaration of Independence was not written on hemp paper, despite | + | *U.S. [[Declaration of Independence]] was not written on hemp paper, despite popular belief by liberals.<ref>[http://www.usconstitution.net/constfaq_q145.html Constitutional FAQ Answer #145 - U.S. Constitution Online]</ref> |
| − | *George Washington grew marijuana. <ref>[http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/a/gwtheman.htm The President and the Cabinet: George Washington the Man]</ref> | + | *[[George Washington]] grew marijuana.<ref>[http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/a/gwtheman.htm The President and the Cabinet: George Washington the Man]</ref> |
| − | * | + | *An average human will pass out after consuming 1/14 of the LD-50 of weed, which is why no overdoses have ever been reported. Driving while high, however, is extremely dangerous.<ref>[https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/drugged-driving]</ref> |
| − | *President Obama has admitted to use of marijuana. Former President Clinton has also admitted to smoking marijuana, but claims that he 'did not inhale'. Former President George W Bush privately admitted to smoking marijuana, but stated he wouldn't state it publicly "'Cause I don't want some little kid doing what I tried." | + | *[[President Obama]] has admitted to use of marijuana. Former [[President Clinton]] has also admitted to smoking marijuana, but claims that he 'did not inhale'. Former President [[George W Bush]] privately admitted to smoking marijuana, but stated he wouldn't state it publicly "'Cause I don't want some little kid doing what I tried." |
==Legal Status== | ==Legal Status== | ||
| Line 38: | Line 42: | ||
Many [[American]] [[conservative]]s, especially social conservatives, oppose legalization of marijuana in any form due to its perceived harmful medical and psychological effects and its likelihood of harm to third parties due to drug-related crime and reckless driving. A few libertarian-leaning conservatives, most notably [[Ron Paul]], [[William F. Buckley]], and [[Larry Elder]], have advocated the decriminalization of this drug. Some [[liberal]]s support legalization, but most instead advocate for drug treatment and rehabilitation. [[Libertarian]]s are usually the biggest supporters of marijuana legalization. [[Gary Johnson]], a former Republican and 2012 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate for President, is the highest ranking US politician to advocate for marijuana legalization. He was a two-term Governor of [[New Mexico]]. | Many [[American]] [[conservative]]s, especially social conservatives, oppose legalization of marijuana in any form due to its perceived harmful medical and psychological effects and its likelihood of harm to third parties due to drug-related crime and reckless driving. A few libertarian-leaning conservatives, most notably [[Ron Paul]], [[William F. Buckley]], and [[Larry Elder]], have advocated the decriminalization of this drug. Some [[liberal]]s support legalization, but most instead advocate for drug treatment and rehabilitation. [[Libertarian]]s are usually the biggest supporters of marijuana legalization. [[Gary Johnson]], a former Republican and 2012 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate for President, is the highest ranking US politician to advocate for marijuana legalization. He was a two-term Governor of [[New Mexico]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Legalization on a Federal level is virtually impossible, since the United States was a major leader in the international treaty known as the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs<ref>[url=https://www.unodc.org/pdf/convention_1961_en.pdf]</ref> of 1970. Said treaty is defined by the Constitution as carrying equal weight to an Amendment to the Constitution; therefore, the only way marijuana could ever be legal on a Federal level is if we withdrew from a treaty of our own creation as a prerequisite to legalization. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
| − | [[Category:Illegal | + | [[Category:Drugs]] |
| + | [[Category:Illegal Substances]] | ||
[[Category:Illegal Drugs]] | [[Category:Illegal Drugs]] | ||
Revision as of 22:53, October 18, 2016
Marijuana (colloquially known as "weed" or "pot") is the name given to the flowering buds of the cannabis sativa plant prepared for human consumption. The main active ingredient in marijuana is THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, an organic chemical compound. Marijuana is harmful and generally illegal to possess, cultivate and sell in most countries, although it is legal in a few liberal jurisdictions if prescribed as medication by a physician.[1] The crime rate in Denver has skyrocketed by 44% since marijuana was legalized in that state.
In the past two decades, the number of brain tumors has increased by up to 40% in the U.S. and Europe, particularly among men between ages of 20 and 40[2] - the same demographic that is most likely to have smoked pot.
The liberal media typically downplay or completely ignore the role of marijuana in mass killings, horrific accidents, and other types of harm to innocent people victimized by users of the drug. For example, authorities conceal from the public how much marijuana was in the system of "College Weed Dealer" Dzhokhar Tsarnaev when he went on his alleged killing rampage.[3] Rolling Stone magazine, which has often featured drug abusers, displayed Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on its cover in July 2013.
The effects of marijuana can include short-term memory loss, malaise, psychosis in predisposed individuals, violence and violent fits, as well as impairment of physical and mental functioning. Some research has found that cannabis has medicinal benefits (see Medical marijuana); however many scientists contest this, and state that there are numerous federally approved medicines for the diseases that medicinal marijuana can be used to treat.
Contents
Medicinal Harms
Marijuana contains many of the same carcinogens as tobacco, thus when smoked it has the same harmful effects including potential damage to DNA, cancer, respiratory diseases associated with smoke inhalation, and impaired immune system.[4] However, these effects have not been linked directly to alternate methods of marijuana use. Marijuana use can impair short term memory while intoxicated. THC has slight negative affects on long term memory and thus, in chronic users (approximately 1g/24Hrs),[5] complications with long term memory are a risk. If smoked, marijuana leads to a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure while intoxicated. For this reason, there is a slight increase in the risk for heart related problems including heart attack during the time of intoxication.[5] Chronic smokers often suffer from mild withdrawal symptoms, however marijuana is not physically addictive.[6] Marijuana can impair judgment, motor skills, and balance.[7] Marijuana has also been linked to impaired learning and developmental diability in unborn children.[8] If marijuana is consumed heavily and on a daily basis by children around the age of 12 for a period of years, even liberal scientists have been forced to conclude that humans have a 1/4th random chance of developing psychosis, based on a random genetic trait.[9]
Medicinal Benefits
Pot-promoters claim that the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, has been shown (in disputed studies) to produce some short-term psychological and medicinal benefits, which are probably more than offset by the medical harm. For example, Harvard University conducted a study on the effect of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on certain lung cancers, concluding that THC might help reduce a lung cancer tumor size by as much as half.[10] In addition to a significant reduction in tumor size, there was a reduction in lesions on the lungs by 60%, and a reduction in protein markers associated with the progression of cancer.[11] But even if true, those results are only in cases of very ill people, who have nothing to lose with respect to the long-term harm caused by marijuana.
In addition to the positive effect on cancer treatment symptoms and cancer itself, marijuana is used to try to help patients afflicted with ALS.[12]
Marijuana is an antispasmodic and is used in the treatment of seizures.[13] Marijuana is also used in the treatment of migraines, arthritis,[14] depression,[15] and glaucoma. However the effect of marijuana on intraocular pressure (IOC) is not as effective as those offered by other drugs on the market.[16]
There have not been many in-depth and widely distributed studies into the possible medicinal effects of marijuana. However, with pressure from liberal advocates of marijuana, more otherwise accredited institutions are conducting research on the drug.
Medicinal marijuana is used by proper doctors as a last-resort in states where it is legal or semi-legal (with a prescription, honored only by the state), and abused by perfectly healthy people who simply want to get high. Medicinal marijuana, however well-intentioned, will obviously lead to abuses in that system.
Marinol
Marinol (medically named Dronabinol) is a Schedule III controlled substance, only prescribed in truly remarkable situations. It is essentially Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol isolated into a capsule in accordance with the Single Convention, very similarly in the manner in which morphine is a controlled substance used as a pain-killer by isolating the active chemicals in the opioid plant. Liberals advocating for medicinal marijuana are quickly stifled by the very mention of this drug. It is primarily used as an appetite-stimulant for cancer patients enduring chemotherapy, as well as those diagnosed with terminal AIDS. Doctors are extremely cautious in prescribing Marinol, due to the potential of lawsuits; as such, healthy people looking for a "legal high" will not get it.
Interesting Facts
- Carl Sagan used recreational marijuana to help "open his mind".[17]
- Cannabis was first cultivated in China around 4000 B.C.[15]
- U.S. Declaration of Independence was not written on hemp paper, despite popular belief by liberals.[18]
- George Washington grew marijuana.[19]
- An average human will pass out after consuming 1/14 of the LD-50 of weed, which is why no overdoses have ever been reported. Driving while high, however, is extremely dangerous.[20]
- President Obama has admitted to use of marijuana. Former President Clinton has also admitted to smoking marijuana, but claims that he 'did not inhale'. Former President George W Bush privately admitted to smoking marijuana, but stated he wouldn't state it publicly "'Cause I don't want some little kid doing what I tried."
Legal Status
Marijuana is a Schedule I Controlled Substance in the United States of America, meaning that it is illegal under federal law of the United States, and considered to have no redeemable medical value. According to the FBI, in 2012, there were 658,000 arrests for marijuana possession compared with 256,000 for cocaine, heroin and their derivatives.[21] In several countries, particularly in Western Europe, it is has been decriminalised. However, in many other countries, particularly those in the Middle East and Asia, possession of even small amounts of cannabis can be punishable by death. In 2012, the states of Washington and Colorado adopted voter referenda to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. At the same time, Oregon voters rejected a similar proposition. Federal officials said that they would contest state laws that would legalize marijuana.[22]
The Netherlands decriminalized the use of marijuana in 1976. As a result, marijuana use among the 18-25 age group doubled, however, despite its availability, marijuana use in the Netherlands is lower than the European average. The Netherlands also saw an influx of "drug tourists" and other undesirables, as well as an increase in crime. This has since levelled out, leaving the Netherlands with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.
Many liberals have advocated for decriminalization.[23][24] On July 26, 2014, the New York Times published an editorial calling for removing federal controls over marijuana for people 21 and older, leaving the question to individual states.[21]
Many American conservatives, especially social conservatives, oppose legalization of marijuana in any form due to its perceived harmful medical and psychological effects and its likelihood of harm to third parties due to drug-related crime and reckless driving. A few libertarian-leaning conservatives, most notably Ron Paul, William F. Buckley, and Larry Elder, have advocated the decriminalization of this drug. Some liberals support legalization, but most instead advocate for drug treatment and rehabilitation. Libertarians are usually the biggest supporters of marijuana legalization. Gary Johnson, a former Republican and 2012 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate for President, is the highest ranking US politician to advocate for marijuana legalization. He was a two-term Governor of New Mexico.
Legalization on a Federal level is virtually impossible, since the United States was a major leader in the international treaty known as the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs[25] of 1970. Said treaty is defined by the Constitution as carrying equal weight to an Amendment to the Constitution; therefore, the only way marijuana could ever be legal on a Federal level is if we withdrew from a treaty of our own creation as a prerequisite to legalization.
References
- ↑ The sale of marijuana is illegal virtually everywhere in the world, and results in long prison sentences in many places. In Portugal, Argentina, California and South Australia, the use (rather than the sale) of small quantities of marijuana is allowed. In only one country in the world, the Netherlands, the sale of marijuana in small quantities is reportedly allowed by law enforcement.
- ↑ http://www.healthandenvironment.org/brain_cancer/peer_reviewed
- ↑ http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/04/dzhokhar-tsarnaev-dealing-drugs/64529/
- ↑ Science Daily 6/9/2009
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 AskMen: Benefits of Marijuana
- ↑ Psychology Today: Is Marijuana Addictive?
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ Neuropsycopharmacology: High-Potency Marijuana Impairs Executive Function and Inhibitory Motor Control
- ↑ [2]The Cannabis-Psychosis Link
- ↑ Science Daily 4/7/2007
- ↑ Science Daily 4/17/2007
- ↑ American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
- ↑ National Academies Press: Marijuana and muscle spasticity
- ↑ Online Library: Treatment of adjuvant arthritis in rats with anti-inflammatory drugs
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Interesting Facts: Facts about marijuana
- ↑ National Eye Institue: Glaucoma and Marijuana use
- ↑ Boing Boing: Carl Sagan Spaced Out
- ↑ Constitutional FAQ Answer #145 - U.S. Constitution Online
- ↑ The President and the Cabinet: George Washington the Man
- ↑ [3]
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Repeal Prohibition, Again", New York Times, July 26, 2014. Retrieved on July 27, 2014.
- ↑ Dobuzinskis, Alex. "Marijuana legalization victories could be short-lived", Nov 7, 2012. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.
- ↑ Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
- ↑ http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml
- ↑ [url=https://www.unodc.org/pdf/convention_1961_en.pdf]
