Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Autism

2021-03-08T22:14:26Z

Wardle77:

[[File:Autismbrain.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Autism affects the [[amygdala]], [[cerebellum]], and multiple other parts of the brain.]]
'''Autism''' is a type of pervasive developmental disorder. It is characterized by difficulties with social interaction; difficulties with verbal communication, especially pragmatic language; difficulty processing nonverbal communication such as facial expression; intense, narrow interests; difficulty adjusting to changes in routine; and repetitive behaviors. Other signs include lack of eye contact, delayed or unusual play skills, hypo- or hyper-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and anxiety.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/development-disorder?page=2</ref> It is usually detected by the time a child is four years old but in some cases, autism goes unnoticed into adulthood. There are many intelligent and talented autistic individuals.<ref>Temple Grandin, "Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism" amazon link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307275655/ref=wl_it_dp/103-3432247-4184629?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1CWNFSEUCIXQL&colid=49VN3HJC5OQK</ref> The term '''autism''' was first used in 1912.

Diagnoses of autism has increased from 1:10,000 in 1988 to as high as 1 in 150 people,<ref>https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/faq_prevalence.htm</ref> and it has been rising. Four times as many boys suffer from autism as girls.<ref name="Clinic Stats">http://www.iupui.edu/~psycdept/autism/autism.htm</ref> Among boys, 1 in 94 has the disorder. In New Jersey, which has the highest rate in the nation, 1 in every 60 boys has autism and 1 in every 94 children is affected. There is a seizure disorder in about one-third of those who have autism.<ref name="Clinic Stats"/>

Autism is said to exist on a "spectrum;" that is, there is a wide range of how this disorder affects people. Other pervasive developmental disorders on the "autism spectrum" include [[Asperger's syndrome]], Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome. There are many degrees of functioning in individuals with autism. Because of this, all individuals diagnosed with autism will not exhibit the same characteristics, or exhibit them to the same degree.

Autism was first identified clinically in 1943 by Dr. [[Leo Kanner]]. Dr. Hans Asperger also did some research into autism at about the same time and discovered Asperger's syndrome. As early as the 1990s, many intervention strategies, including Applied Behavioral Analysis ([[ABA therapy]]), were used to treat autism or mitigate its symptoms.

==How does autism develop?==
[[File:US autism 6 17 1996-2007.svg.png|thumbnail|200px|left|In the United States, reports of autism cases per 1,000 children grew dramatically from 1996 to 2007. It is unknown how much, if any, of that growth came from changes in autism's actual prevalence.<ref>
*Prevalence and changes in diagnostic practice:Fombonne E. The prevalence of autism. JAMA. 2003;289(1):87–9.
*Wing L, Potter D. The epidemiology of autistic spectrum disorders: is the prevalence rising? Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2002;8(3):151–61.</ref>]]
In 2011, Jonathan Rabinovitz published in ''Scope'', a publication of [[Stanford University|Stanford]] Medicine: "Autism has sometimes been described as a disease of industrialized high-technology societies."<ref name="Autism in Africa">[http://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2011/09/14/autism-in-africa/ Autism in Africa?], Jonathan Rabinovitz published in ''Scope'', a publication of [[Stanford University|Stanford]] Medicine, 2011</ref> For example, evidence suggest that environmental toxins are a causal factor of autism.<ref>[https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/autism-and-toxic-chemicals-are-pollutants-fueling-rising-prevalence Autism and Toxic Chemicals: Are Pollutants Fueling Rising Prevalence?]</ref> See also: [http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/basics/causes/con-20021148 Causes of Autism - Mayo Clinic].

In 2013, the ''Washington Times'' said about the causes of autism: "The causes of autism are not understood, and recent studies have found associations between childhood autism and multiple births, preterm births, low birthweights, maternal obesity, having a full sibling with autism and having older parents."<ref>[https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/16/rate-of-autism-rises-in-us-hits-plateau-in-uk/?page=all Autism rates rise in U.S., plateau in U.K.]</ref>

Although there have been no formal epidemiological studies, the evidence suggests that autism is rare in the economically developing continent of Africa and mainly exists within elite families.<ref name="Autism in Africa"/><ref>[http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/11/out-of-africa-a.html Out of Africa and Into Autism: More Evidence Illuminates the Somali Anomaly in Minnesota], By Mark F. Blaxill, AgeofAutism.com website (I don't agree with the anti-vaccine portion of the article)</ref> In addition, the traditional [[Africa]]n diet is healthier than many Western World invividuals' diets and Africa has some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.<ref>
*[https://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html World's fattest countries]
*[http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030612p26.shtml Traditional African diets are healthier than Western diets], Today's Nutrition</ref> Furthermore, Africa is a religious continent with high birth rates.

=== Low rate of autism among the Amish ===

The American Amish have a low autism rate which may be due to their healthy and simple lifestyle, their genetic makeup or both.<ref>
*[https://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/12/04/4-healthy-habits-to-steal-from-amish.html 4 healthy habits to steal from the Amish], Fox News Health, December 04, 2014
*"[http://www.internalmedicine.osu.edu/genetics/article.cfm?id=5307 Amish Have Lower Rates of Cancer, Ohio State Study Shows]". Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Medical Center. January 1, 2010. Retrieved January 6, 2010.
*Puffenberger, EG; Jinks, RN; Wang, H; Xin, B; Fiorentini, C; Sherman, EA; Degrazio, D; Shaw, C; Sougnez, C; Cibulskis, K; Gabriel, S; Kelley, RI; Morton, DH; Strauss, KA (Dec 2012). "A homozygous missense mutation in HERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder". Human Mutation 33 (12): 1639–1646
*Jackman, C; Horn, ND; Molleston, JP; Sokol, DK (Apr 2009). "Gene associated with seizures, autism, and hepatomegaly in an Amish girl". Pediatric Neurology 40 (4): 310–313.
*Alarcón, Maricela; Abrahams, Brett S.; Stone, Jennifer L.; Duvall, Jacqueline A.; Perederiy, Julia V.; Bomar, Jamee M.; Sebat, Jonathan; Wigler, Michael; Martin, Christa L.; Ledbetter, David H.; Nelson, Stanley F.; Cantor, Rita M.; Geschwind, Daniel H. (10 January 2008). "Linkage, Association, and Gene-Expression Analyses Identify CNTNAP2 as an Autism-Susceptibility Gene". American Journal of Human Genetics 82 (1): 150–159</ref> Due to their high levels of physical activity, the Amish have low rates of obesity.<ref>
*[https://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/12/04/4-healthy-habits-to-steal-from-amish.html 4 healthy habits to steal from the Amish], Fox News Health, December 04, 2014</ref>

David N. Brown indicated: "In March 2006, Drs. Kevin Strauss, Holmes Morton and others documented 9 autistic Amish children, which could raise the autism rate of the Lancaster Amish community Olmsted supposedly investigated to almost 1/5,000 which is still a fraction of the US average of 1/68."<ref>Puffenberger, EG; Jinks, RN; Wang, H; Xin, B; Fiorentini, C; Sherman, EA; Degrazio, D; Shaw, C; Sougnez, C; Cibulskis, K; Gabriel, S; Kelley, RI; Morton, DH; Strauss, KA (Dec 2012). "A homozygous missense mutation in HERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder". Human Mutation 33 (12): 1639–1646</ref><ref>Jackman, C; Horn, ND; Molleston, JP; Sokol, DK (Apr 2009). "Gene associated with seizures, autism, and hepatomegaly in an Amish girl". Pediatric Neurology 40 (4): 310–313.</ref><ref>Alarcón, Maricela; Abrahams, Brett S.; Stone, Jennifer L.; Duvall, Jacqueline A.; Perederiy, Julia V.; Bomar, Jamee M.; Sebat, Jonathan; Wigler, Michael; Martin, Christa L.; Ledbetter, David H.; Nelson, Stanley F.; Cantor, Rita M.; Geschwind, Daniel H. (10 January 2008). "Linkage, Association, and Gene-Expression Analyses Identify CNTNAP2 as an Autism-Susceptibility Gene". American Journal of Human Genetics 82 (1): 150–159</ref>

=== Maternal obesity ===

Case Adams, N.D. declared:
{{cquote|Recent research from the University of California at Davis has found autism to be linked with the accumulation of toxins within fat cells. This finding corresponds with previous research linking autism to immunosuppression, toxin antibodies and environmental exposures for the mother, which links to toxicity and immunosuppression.

The new research, led by Paula Krakowiak, PhD candidate, analyzed 1,000 children and found that autism was 67% more likely among children from obese mothers.<ref>[http://www.realnatural.org/moms-obesity-autism-linked-to-toxins/ Autism Linked to Toxin Exposure During Pregnancy]</ref>}}

=== Other physical Factors: Additional information ===

The Autism Society says, "Researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals." [http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatcauses]

There are claims that environmental toxins increase the risk of autism, just as they increase the risk of cancer. [[New Jersey]] has the highest rate of cancer in the nation, presumably due to a heavy concentration of environmental toxins, and it also has the highest rate of autism. Autistic patients are observed to have higher levels of metals and other toxins.

=== Genetics ===

Some experts suspect that there is a genetic susceptibility to autism.<ref>http://healthland.time.com/2011/06/09/studies-new-clues-to-the-genetic-roots-of-autism/</ref><ref>https://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/11/autism-adhd-share-genetic-similarities/</ref><ref>https://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-autism-20110815,0,3154651.story</ref><ref>Happé F, Ronald A. The 'fractionable autism triad': a review of evidence from behavioural, genetic, cognitive and neural research. Neuropsychol Rev. 2008;18(4):287–304</ref><ref>Freitag CM. The genetics of autistic disorders and its clinical relevance: a review of the literature. Mol Psychiatry. 2007;12(1):2–22. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001896. PMID 17033636</ref> The genetics of this condition are not fully understood; perhaps caused by complex interactions between multiple genes which would account for the "spectrum" like differences in the severity of many cases <ref>http://66.102.1.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:7kMNqvTgRtoJ:www.ikhebeenvraag.be/mediastorage/FSDocument/52/Freitag-2.pdf+</ref><ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764594</ref>

Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at the [[University of Cambridge]] (U.K.) says that males and females are hardwired for different behavior, with boys tending to be stronger at mechanics, categorizing and systemizing information, mathematics, etc. and girls stronger at emotionalizing and empathizing. He has proposed that autism is merely an extreme version of the [[male brain type]], in which the (female) urge to empathize is nearly absent and the brain is almost entirely hardwired for the (male) tasks of systemizing.<ref>Baron-Cohen, Simon. ''The Essential Difference'', Basic Books 2003.</ref>

Leo Kanner in a 1949 paper identified "parental coldness" and a "lack of maternal warmth" in the parents of autistic children, leading to the term ''refrigerator mother''. The theory here is autism is caused by incomplete [[socialization]] during early childhood because of emotionally cold parents. The book ''Toxic Psychiatry'' by Peter Briggin notes that the frigid mother theory of autism was abandoned in recent years due to pressure groups.<ref>Briggin, Peter R. ''Toxic Psychiatry'', New York: St. Martin's Press, 1991.</ref>

Lenny Schafer, editor of the ''Schafer Autism Report'', rejects outright the current characterization of mild social retardation (such as "[[Asperger syndrome|Asperger's syndrome]]") as forms of autism. He notes that autism is a disability, and if a person is not disabled from participation in society by their condition, in such areas as being able to hold a job or communicate, including communication over the Internet, they are not autistic and should not be diagnosed as such. He accordingly rejects that there can be such a thing as autistic self-advocacy, as anyone who is truly autistic would not have that ability.<ref>http://www.sarnet.org/</ref> This view is highly controversial in the field, and has led to the development of the "autistic spectrum" to better characterize and diagnose autism and autism-like disorders.

''Wired'' magazine has referred to autism as a "geek syndrome", or essentially as a form of identity-politics-for-computer-nerds.<ref>https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html</ref> Those favoring this interpretation of autism have coined new terminology, including "neurodiversity" for a population with and without autistic individuals, and using the term "neurotypical" for those without autism.

==Signs and Symptoms==
[[File:Simon Baron-Cohen.jpg|right|thumbnail|200px|The [[autism-spectrum quotient]] is a questionnaire published by [[Simon Baron-Cohen]] and his coworkers at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, UK. The questionnaire consists of fifty questions and aims to determine whether adults of average intelligence have symptoms of autism or one of the other autism spectrum conditions.<ref>Woodbury-Smith MR, Robinson J, Wheelwright S, Baron-Cohen S (2005). "[http://docs.autismresearchcentre.com/papers/2005_Woodbury-Smith_etal_ScreeningAdultsForAS.pdf Screening adults for Asperger Syndrome using the AQ: a preliminary study of its diagnostic validity in clinical practice]" (PDF). J Autism Dev Disord 35 (3): 331–5.</ref>]]
According to the DSM-IV, autism is characterized by the following:

1. A significant impairment is social interactions.
:::a. Impaired non-verbal communication.
:::b. Failure to develop age-appropriate social relationships
:::c. Lack of emotional reciprocity

2. Impaired communication.
:::a. Delay or lack of age-appropriate verbal communication.
:::b. If speech development is age-appropriate, an impaired ability to initiate or sustain conversation.
:::c. Repetitive or idiosyncratic speech patterns.
:::d. Absence of, or significantly reduced engagement in, age-appropriate social play.

3. Repetitive, stereotyped, or "obsessive" behavior.
:::a. Abnormal preoccupation with a limited interest or interests.
:::b. Abnormal adherence to behavioral routines and rituals.
:::c. Repetitive mannerisms or movements.

4. Bedwetting is particularly prevalent in children who have autism spectrum.<ref>[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10882-012-9308-y Behavioral Treatment of Bedwetting in an Adolescent with Autism], Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, June 2013, Volume 25, Issue 3, pp 313–323</ref>

==Interventions and Treatments==

*Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - This is a behavioral intervention which applies the study of behavioral analysis, as well as the tools of this study, toward assisting behaviors of social significance in individuals of many different populations, including children with autism.<ref>http://www.centerforautism.com/getting_started/aba.asp</ref> Applied behavior analysis is used to increase positive behaviors, decrease interfering behaviors, maintain positive behaviors, teach new skills, and generalize new positive behaviors across many different settings, not just in a restrictive classroom or therapy setting. Therapists begin by observing the behaviors of the individual, focusing on skills and behaviors to reinforce or teach, and identifying interfering behaviors to be minimized. They then develop an intervention plan to reinforce the positive behaviors and skills, by using a system of rewards when the individual receiving the therapy exhibits the behavior that the therapist wants to observe. As the individual incorporates more positive behaviors, the therapist may decrease or change the reinforcement as necessary.

*Developmental, Individual difference and Relationship-based (DIR/Floortime) model - This is a relationship-based intervention, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, which focuses on developing a connection with the individual with autism, emphasizing the role his or her interests, emotions, and preferences play in developing an effective treatment.<ref>http://www.icdl.com/dirFloortime/overview/index.shtml</ref> This model emphasizes individual differences in children with autism, and requires caregivers and therapists to approach each child accordingly. It begins with understanding the child's developmental stage, understanding the ways in which the child understands and learns information and processes sensory stimuli, and developing relationships between the child and his or her caregivers and therapists, who tailor their affect and interactions to the child's needs. This model especially emphasizes the importance of parents and caregivers in the process of their child's treatment, because of their unique relationship to the child.

*Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) - This approach was developed in the early 1970s by Eric Schopler and colleagues, and focuses on skil development, as well as fulfillment of human needs such as communication, social interaction, increasing feelings of safety and reducing anxiety, and engaging in productive and enjoyable activities.<ref>http://www.teacch.com/whatis.html</ref> The principles of the TEACCH method of intervention include: understanding the "culture" of autism (what characterizes individuals with autism, such as their thinking patterns and behaviors), developing an individualized approach to intervention for each individual, structuring the physical environment for effective learning, and using visual supports to assist in understanding and retaining routines, structures, and schedules, as well as to make individual tasks understandable.

==Homeschooling==

As with many other children with special needs, homeschooling autistic children can provide a special environment which allows them to flourish.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/autism.htm

A large body of assistance is available for parents who wish to homeschool their autistic children, including [[homeschooling|here]] on Conservapedia.

==Autism and atheism==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and autism]]

In 2011, the University of Boston published a study on the correlation between [[atheism]] and high-functioning/mild autism.<ref>[http://csjarchive.cogsci.rpi.edu/proceedings/2011/papers/0782/paper0782.pdf Religious Belief Systems of Persons with High Functioning Autism], Catherine Caldwell-Harris, Caitlin Fox Murphy and Tessa Velazquez at the Department of Psychology - Boston University); Patrick McNamara (Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine)</ref><ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2039690/Atheism-autism-Controversial-new-study-points-link-two.html Is atheism linked to autism? Controversial study points to relationship between the two], ''Daily Mail'', 20 September 2011</ref>

On September 19, 2011, the ''Discover Magazine'' website had an article indicating that there were empirical results showing a positive correlation between atheism and high functioning autism and the article declared:
{{cquote|This is why the empirical results on the [http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2011/09/atheism-as-mental-deviance/ correlation between atheism and high functioning autism] are important...

...some people were angry that I seemed to suggest that atheists were antisocial weirdos. Well, [http://www.gnxp.com/blog/2007/08/religiosity-and-personality-how-are.php there is some data to back that up].<ref>[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2011/09/what-atheism-and-autism-may-have-in-common/ What atheism and autism may have in common] By Razib Khan, September 19, 2011</ref>}}

==Autism and vaccinations: is there a link?==
On April 29, 2019, in a speech on the floor of the [[Louisiana]] State Senate, [[John Milkovich]], a strongly pro-life [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] from [[Shreveport]], flatly declared that [[vaccination]]s are linked to autism. In his remarks, Milkovich recalled that “autism did not exist” when he was growing up in [[Montana]]: "Did you know tissue from aborted babies is now used in vaccines. Did you know that vaccines use [[aluminum]], which is shown to be a neurotoxin? Did you know vaccines in America [are] preserved often with [[mercury]], which is beyond neurotoxic?”<ref name=autism>{{cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_0c13f5ea-6ad7-11e9-876a-b3|title=Louisiana senator links vaccines, autism on Senate floor; officials say 'myth' causes measles resurgence|author=Sam Karlin|date=April 29, 2019|publisher=''The Baton Rouge Advocate''|accessdate=April 30, 2019}}</ref> Dr. Joe Kanter, the assistant state health officer, disputed Milkovich's claim as "a myth." Kanter said that the issue of autism and vaccination has been “incredibly well studied”, and no correlation has been found.<ref name=autism/>

==See also==

*[[Evidence of Harm]]
*[[Asperger syndrome]]
*[[Symptoms of autism]]
*[[Autism Society of America]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
#http://www.autismdigest.com/
#http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/
#http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
#http://www.autismlink.com/
#[http://www.opposingviews.com/questions/are-autism-and-vaccines-linked Opposing Views: Are Autism and Vaccines Linked?]
#[http://www.neurodiversity.com/main.html Neurodiversity - An Incredible Resource for Autism Related Information]
#http://homeschoolaustralia.com/index/specialneeds.html Homeschooling Australia's Autism Page

[[Category:Psychology]]
[[Category:Medicine]]
[[Category:Autism]]

Autism

2021-03-08T22:10:47Z

Wardle77:

[[File:Autismbrain.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Autism affects the [[amygdala]], [[cerebellum]], and multiple other parts of the brain.]]
'''Autism''' is a type of pervasive developmental disorder. It is characterized by difficulties with social interaction; difficulties with verbal communication, especially pragmatic language; difficulty processing nonverbal communication such as facial expression; intense, narrow interests; difficulty adjusting to changes in routine; and repetitive behaviors. Other signs include lack of eye contact, delayed or unusual play skills, hypo- or hyper-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and anxiety.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/development-disorder?page=2</ref> It is usually detected by the time a child is four years old but in some cases, autism goes unnoticed into adulthood. There are many intelligent and talented autistic individuals.<ref>Temple Grandin, "Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism" amazon link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307275655/ref=wl_it_dp/103-3432247-4184629?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1CWNFSEUCIXQL&colid=49VN3HJC5OQK</ref> The term '''autism''' was first used in 1912.

Diagnoses of autism has increased from 1:10,000 in 1988 to as high as 1 in 150 people,<ref>https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/faq_prevalence.htm</ref> and it has been rising. Boys are four times as likely to receive a diagnosis than girls, as girls are often underdiagnosed. Among boys, 1 in 94 has the disorder. In New Jersey, which has the highest rate in the nation, 1 in every 60 boys has autism and 1 in every 94 children is affected. There is a seizure disorder in about one-third of those who have autism.<ref name="Clinic Stats"/>

Autism is said to exist on a "spectrum;" that is, there is a wide range of how this disorder affects people. Other pervasive developmental disorders on the "autism spectrum" include [[Asperger's syndrome]], Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome. There are many degrees of functioning in individuals with autism. Because of this, all individuals diagnosed with autism will not exhibit the same characteristics, or exhibit them to the same degree.

Autism was first identified clinically in 1943 by Dr. [[Leo Kanner]]. Dr. Hans Asperger also did some research into autism at about the same time and discovered Asperger's syndrome. As early as the 1990s, many intervention strategies, including Applied Behavioral Analysis ([[ABA therapy]]), were used to treat autism or mitigate its symptoms.

==How does autism develop?==
[[File:US autism 6 17 1996-2007.svg.png|thumbnail|200px|left|In the United States, reports of autism cases per 1,000 children grew dramatically from 1996 to 2007. It is unknown how much, if any, of that growth came from changes in autism's actual prevalence.<ref>
*Prevalence and changes in diagnostic practice:Fombonne E. The prevalence of autism. JAMA. 2003;289(1):87–9.
*Wing L, Potter D. The epidemiology of autistic spectrum disorders: is the prevalence rising? Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2002;8(3):151–61.</ref>]]
In 2011, Jonathan Rabinovitz published in ''Scope'', a publication of [[Stanford University|Stanford]] Medicine: "Autism has sometimes been described as a disease of industrialized high-technology societies."<ref name="Autism in Africa">[http://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2011/09/14/autism-in-africa/ Autism in Africa?], Jonathan Rabinovitz published in ''Scope'', a publication of [[Stanford University|Stanford]] Medicine, 2011</ref> For example, evidence suggest that environmental toxins are a causal factor of autism.<ref>[https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/autism-and-toxic-chemicals-are-pollutants-fueling-rising-prevalence Autism and Toxic Chemicals: Are Pollutants Fueling Rising Prevalence?]</ref> See also: [http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/basics/causes/con-20021148 Causes of Autism - Mayo Clinic].

In 2013, the ''Washington Times'' said about the causes of autism: "The causes of autism are not understood, and recent studies have found associations between childhood autism and multiple births, preterm births, low birthweights, maternal obesity, having a full sibling with autism and having older parents."<ref>[https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/16/rate-of-autism-rises-in-us-hits-plateau-in-uk/?page=all Autism rates rise in U.S., plateau in U.K.]</ref>

Although there have been no formal epidemiological studies, the evidence suggests that autism is rare in the economically developing continent of Africa and mainly exists within elite families.<ref name="Autism in Africa"/><ref>[http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/11/out-of-africa-a.html Out of Africa and Into Autism: More Evidence Illuminates the Somali Anomaly in Minnesota], By Mark F. Blaxill, AgeofAutism.com website (I don't agree with the anti-vaccine portion of the article)</ref> In addition, the traditional [[Africa]]n diet is healthier than many Western World invividuals' diets and Africa has some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.<ref>
*[https://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html World's fattest countries]
*[http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030612p26.shtml Traditional African diets are healthier than Western diets], Today's Nutrition</ref> Furthermore, Africa is a religious continent with high birth rates.

=== Low rate of autism among the Amish ===

The American Amish have a low autism rate which may be due to their healthy and simple lifestyle, their genetic makeup or both.<ref>
*[https://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/12/04/4-healthy-habits-to-steal-from-amish.html 4 healthy habits to steal from the Amish], Fox News Health, December 04, 2014
*"[http://www.internalmedicine.osu.edu/genetics/article.cfm?id=5307 Amish Have Lower Rates of Cancer, Ohio State Study Shows]". Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Medical Center. January 1, 2010. Retrieved January 6, 2010.
*Puffenberger, EG; Jinks, RN; Wang, H; Xin, B; Fiorentini, C; Sherman, EA; Degrazio, D; Shaw, C; Sougnez, C; Cibulskis, K; Gabriel, S; Kelley, RI; Morton, DH; Strauss, KA (Dec 2012). "A homozygous missense mutation in HERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder". Human Mutation 33 (12): 1639–1646
*Jackman, C; Horn, ND; Molleston, JP; Sokol, DK (Apr 2009). "Gene associated with seizures, autism, and hepatomegaly in an Amish girl". Pediatric Neurology 40 (4): 310–313.
*Alarcón, Maricela; Abrahams, Brett S.; Stone, Jennifer L.; Duvall, Jacqueline A.; Perederiy, Julia V.; Bomar, Jamee M.; Sebat, Jonathan; Wigler, Michael; Martin, Christa L.; Ledbetter, David H.; Nelson, Stanley F.; Cantor, Rita M.; Geschwind, Daniel H. (10 January 2008). "Linkage, Association, and Gene-Expression Analyses Identify CNTNAP2 as an Autism-Susceptibility Gene". American Journal of Human Genetics 82 (1): 150–159</ref> Due to their high levels of physical activity, the Amish have low rates of obesity.<ref>
*[https://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/12/04/4-healthy-habits-to-steal-from-amish.html 4 healthy habits to steal from the Amish], Fox News Health, December 04, 2014</ref>

David N. Brown indicated: "In March 2006, Drs. Kevin Strauss, Holmes Morton and others documented 9 autistic Amish children, which could raise the autism rate of the Lancaster Amish community Olmsted supposedly investigated to almost 1/5,000 which is still a fraction of the US average of 1/68."<ref>Puffenberger, EG; Jinks, RN; Wang, H; Xin, B; Fiorentini, C; Sherman, EA; Degrazio, D; Shaw, C; Sougnez, C; Cibulskis, K; Gabriel, S; Kelley, RI; Morton, DH; Strauss, KA (Dec 2012). "A homozygous missense mutation in HERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder". Human Mutation 33 (12): 1639–1646</ref><ref>Jackman, C; Horn, ND; Molleston, JP; Sokol, DK (Apr 2009). "Gene associated with seizures, autism, and hepatomegaly in an Amish girl". Pediatric Neurology 40 (4): 310–313.</ref><ref>Alarcón, Maricela; Abrahams, Brett S.; Stone, Jennifer L.; Duvall, Jacqueline A.; Perederiy, Julia V.; Bomar, Jamee M.; Sebat, Jonathan; Wigler, Michael; Martin, Christa L.; Ledbetter, David H.; Nelson, Stanley F.; Cantor, Rita M.; Geschwind, Daniel H. (10 January 2008). "Linkage, Association, and Gene-Expression Analyses Identify CNTNAP2 as an Autism-Susceptibility Gene". American Journal of Human Genetics 82 (1): 150–159</ref>

=== Maternal obesity ===

Case Adams, N.D. declared:
{{cquote|Recent research from the University of California at Davis has found autism to be linked with the accumulation of toxins within fat cells. This finding corresponds with previous research linking autism to immunosuppression, toxin antibodies and environmental exposures for the mother, which links to toxicity and immunosuppression.

The new research, led by Paula Krakowiak, PhD candidate, analyzed 1,000 children and found that autism was 67% more likely among children from obese mothers.<ref>[http://www.realnatural.org/moms-obesity-autism-linked-to-toxins/ Autism Linked to Toxin Exposure During Pregnancy]</ref>}}

=== Other physical Factors: Additional information ===

The Autism Society says, "Researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals." [http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatcauses]

There are claims that environmental toxins increase the risk of autism, just as they increase the risk of cancer. [[New Jersey]] has the highest rate of cancer in the nation, presumably due to a heavy concentration of environmental toxins, and it also has the highest rate of autism. Autistic patients are observed to have higher levels of metals and other toxins.

=== Genetics ===

Some experts suspect that there is a genetic susceptibility to autism.<ref>http://healthland.time.com/2011/06/09/studies-new-clues-to-the-genetic-roots-of-autism/</ref><ref>https://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/11/autism-adhd-share-genetic-similarities/</ref><ref>https://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-autism-20110815,0,3154651.story</ref><ref>Happé F, Ronald A. The 'fractionable autism triad': a review of evidence from behavioural, genetic, cognitive and neural research. Neuropsychol Rev. 2008;18(4):287–304</ref><ref>Freitag CM. The genetics of autistic disorders and its clinical relevance: a review of the literature. Mol Psychiatry. 2007;12(1):2–22. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001896. PMID 17033636</ref> The genetics of this condition are not fully understood; perhaps caused by complex interactions between multiple genes which would account for the "spectrum" like differences in the severity of many cases <ref>http://66.102.1.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:7kMNqvTgRtoJ:www.ikhebeenvraag.be/mediastorage/FSDocument/52/Freitag-2.pdf+</ref><ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764594</ref>

Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at the [[University of Cambridge]] (U.K.) says that males and females are hardwired for different behavior, with boys tending to be stronger at mechanics, categorizing and systemizing information, mathematics, etc. and girls stronger at emotionalizing and empathizing. He has proposed that autism is merely an extreme version of the [[male brain type]], in which the (female) urge to empathize is nearly absent and the brain is almost entirely hardwired for the (male) tasks of systemizing.<ref>Baron-Cohen, Simon. ''The Essential Difference'', Basic Books 2003.</ref>

Leo Kanner in a 1949 paper identified "parental coldness" and a "lack of maternal warmth" in the parents of autistic children, leading to the term ''refrigerator mother''. The theory here is autism is caused by incomplete [[socialization]] during early childhood because of emotionally cold parents. The book ''Toxic Psychiatry'' by Peter Briggin notes that the frigid mother theory of autism was abandoned in recent years due to pressure groups.<ref>Briggin, Peter R. ''Toxic Psychiatry'', New York: St. Martin's Press, 1991.</ref>

Lenny Schafer, editor of the ''Schafer Autism Report'', rejects outright the current characterization of mild social retardation (such as "[[Asperger syndrome|Asperger's syndrome]]") as forms of autism. He notes that autism is a disability, and if a person is not disabled from participation in society by their condition, in such areas as being able to hold a job or communicate, including communication over the Internet, they are not autistic and should not be diagnosed as such. He accordingly rejects that there can be such a thing as autistic self-advocacy, as anyone who is truly autistic would not have that ability.<ref>http://www.sarnet.org/</ref> This view is highly controversial in the field, and has led to the development of the "autistic spectrum" to better characterize and diagnose autism and autism-like disorders.

''Wired'' magazine has referred to autism as a "geek syndrome", or essentially as a form of identity-politics-for-computer-nerds.<ref>https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html</ref> Those favoring this interpretation of autism have coined new terminology, including "neurodiversity" for a population with and without autistic individuals, and using the term "neurotypical" for those without autism.

==Signs and Symptoms==
[[File:Simon Baron-Cohen.jpg|right|thumbnail|200px|The [[autism-spectrum quotient]] is a questionnaire published by [[Simon Baron-Cohen]] and his coworkers at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, UK. The questionnaire consists of fifty questions and aims to determine whether adults of average intelligence have symptoms of autism or one of the other autism spectrum conditions.<ref>Woodbury-Smith MR, Robinson J, Wheelwright S, Baron-Cohen S (2005). "[http://docs.autismresearchcentre.com/papers/2005_Woodbury-Smith_etal_ScreeningAdultsForAS.pdf Screening adults for Asperger Syndrome using the AQ: a preliminary study of its diagnostic validity in clinical practice]" (PDF). J Autism Dev Disord 35 (3): 331–5.</ref>]]
According to the DSM-IV, autism is characterized by the following:

1. A significant impairment is social interactions.
:::a. Impaired non-verbal communication.
:::b. Failure to develop age-appropriate social relationships
:::c. Lack of emotional reciprocity

2. Impaired communication.
:::a. Delay or lack of age-appropriate verbal communication.
:::b. If speech development is age-appropriate, an impaired ability to initiate or sustain conversation.
:::c. Repetitive or idiosyncratic speech patterns.
:::d. Absence of, or significantly reduced engagement in, age-appropriate social play.

3. Repetitive, stereotyped, or "obsessive" behavior.
:::a. Abnormal preoccupation with a limited interest or interests.
:::b. Abnormal adherence to behavioral routines and rituals.
:::c. Repetitive mannerisms or movements.

4. Bedwetting is particularly prevalent in children who have autism spectrum.<ref>[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10882-012-9308-y Behavioral Treatment of Bedwetting in an Adolescent with Autism], Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, June 2013, Volume 25, Issue 3, pp 313–323</ref>

==Interventions and Treatments==

*Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - This is a behavioral intervention which applies the study of behavioral analysis, as well as the tools of this study, toward assisting behaviors of social significance in individuals of many different populations, including children with autism.<ref>http://www.centerforautism.com/getting_started/aba.asp</ref> Applied behavior analysis is used to increase positive behaviors, decrease interfering behaviors, maintain positive behaviors, teach new skills, and generalize new positive behaviors across many different settings, not just in a restrictive classroom or therapy setting. Therapists begin by observing the behaviors of the individual, focusing on skills and behaviors to reinforce or teach, and identifying interfering behaviors to be minimized. They then develop an intervention plan to reinforce the positive behaviors and skills, by using a system of rewards when the individual receiving the therapy exhibits the behavior that the therapist wants to observe. As the individual incorporates more positive behaviors, the therapist may decrease or change the reinforcement as necessary.

*Developmental, Individual difference and Relationship-based (DIR/Floortime) model - This is a relationship-based intervention, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, which focuses on developing a connection with the individual with autism, emphasizing the role his or her interests, emotions, and preferences play in developing an effective treatment.<ref>http://www.icdl.com/dirFloortime/overview/index.shtml</ref> This model emphasizes individual differences in children with autism, and requires caregivers and therapists to approach each child accordingly. It begins with understanding the child's developmental stage, understanding the ways in which the child understands and learns information and processes sensory stimuli, and developing relationships between the child and his or her caregivers and therapists, who tailor their affect and interactions to the child's needs. This model especially emphasizes the importance of parents and caregivers in the process of their child's treatment, because of their unique relationship to the child.

*Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) - This approach was developed in the early 1970s by Eric Schopler and colleagues, and focuses on skil development, as well as fulfillment of human needs such as communication, social interaction, increasing feelings of safety and reducing anxiety, and engaging in productive and enjoyable activities.<ref>http://www.teacch.com/whatis.html</ref> The principles of the TEACCH method of intervention include: understanding the "culture" of autism (what characterizes individuals with autism, such as their thinking patterns and behaviors), developing an individualized approach to intervention for each individual, structuring the physical environment for effective learning, and using visual supports to assist in understanding and retaining routines, structures, and schedules, as well as to make individual tasks understandable.

==Homeschooling==

As with many other children with special needs, homeschooling autistic children can provide a special environment which allows them to flourish.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/autism.htm

A large body of assistance is available for parents who wish to homeschool their autistic children, including [[homeschooling|here]] on Conservapedia.

==Autism and atheism==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and autism]]

In 2011, the University of Boston published a study on the correlation between [[atheism]] and high-functioning/mild autism.<ref>[http://csjarchive.cogsci.rpi.edu/proceedings/2011/papers/0782/paper0782.pdf Religious Belief Systems of Persons with High Functioning Autism], Catherine Caldwell-Harris, Caitlin Fox Murphy and Tessa Velazquez at the Department of Psychology - Boston University); Patrick McNamara (Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine)</ref><ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2039690/Atheism-autism-Controversial-new-study-points-link-two.html Is atheism linked to autism? Controversial study points to relationship between the two], ''Daily Mail'', 20 September 2011</ref>

On September 19, 2011, the ''Discover Magazine'' website had an article indicating that there were empirical results showing a positive correlation between atheism and high functioning autism and the article declared:
{{cquote|This is why the empirical results on the [http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2011/09/atheism-as-mental-deviance/ correlation between atheism and high functioning autism] are important...

...some people were angry that I seemed to suggest that atheists were antisocial weirdos. Well, [http://www.gnxp.com/blog/2007/08/religiosity-and-personality-how-are.php there is some data to back that up].<ref>[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2011/09/what-atheism-and-autism-may-have-in-common/ What atheism and autism may have in common] By Razib Khan, September 19, 2011</ref>}}

==Autism and vaccinations: is there a link?==
On April 29, 2019, in a speech on the floor of the [[Louisiana]] State Senate, [[John Milkovich]], a strongly pro-life [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] from [[Shreveport]], flatly declared that [[vaccination]]s are linked to autism. In his remarks, Milkovich recalled that “autism did not exist” when he was growing up in [[Montana]]: "Did you know tissue from aborted babies is now used in vaccines. Did you know that vaccines use [[aluminum]], which is shown to be a neurotoxin? Did you know vaccines in America [are] preserved often with [[mercury]], which is beyond neurotoxic?”<ref name=autism>{{cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_0c13f5ea-6ad7-11e9-876a-b3|title=Louisiana senator links vaccines, autism on Senate floor; officials say 'myth' causes measles resurgence|author=Sam Karlin|date=April 29, 2019|publisher=''The Baton Rouge Advocate''|accessdate=April 30, 2019}}</ref> Dr. Joe Kanter, the assistant state health officer, disputed Milkovich's claim as "a myth." Kanter said that the issue of autism and vaccination has been “incredibly well studied”, and no correlation has been found.<ref name=autism/>

==See also==

*[[Evidence of Harm]]
*[[Asperger syndrome]]
*[[Symptoms of autism]]
*[[Autism Society of America]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
#http://www.autismspeaks.org/
#http://www.autismdigest.com/
#http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/
#http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
#http://www.autismlink.com/
#[http://www.opposingviews.com/questions/are-autism-and-vaccines-linked Opposing Views: Are Autism and Vaccines Linked?]
#[http://www.neurodiversity.com/main.html Neurodiversity - An Incredible Resource for Autism Related Information]
#http://homeschoolaustralia.com/index/specialneeds.html Homeschooling Australia's Autism Page

[[Category:Psychology]]
[[Category:Medicine]]
[[Category:Autism]]

Marijuana

2021-03-08T22:09:17Z

Wardle77:

[[Image:Marijuana.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Indoor Marijuana Grow (DEA photo)]]
'''Marijuana''' (also spelled '''marihuana''', and colloquially known as "chronic", "ganja", "joint", "kush", "pot", "reefer", "hash", "cannabis" and "weed") is the name given to the flowering buds of the ''Cannabis'' genus of plant, divided into the species ''Sativa, Indica'' and ''Ruderalis'', prepared for human consumption. The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is [[tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, an [[organic chemistry|organic chemical]] compound which imitates natural cannabinoids produced in the human body. Because THC is considered harmful, marijuana is generally illegal to possess, cultivate and sell in most countries, although it is "legal" in some [[liberal]] states.<ref>The sale of marijuana is illegal virtually everywhere in the world (other than Uruguay, and as of mid-2018 Canada), 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 the United States it remains illegal under federal law, though the law is generally enforced only when dealing with large quantities indicating intent to distribute.</ref> In some extremely liberal jurisdictions, you can even buy it in a vending machine.<ref>E.g. [[Seattle]]</ref>

The media downplays or even conceals the role of marijuana in murders that result from extreme paranoia. There were many media reports about the brutal random murder of the 22-year-old rookie police officer Natalie Corona in Davis, [[California]] in January 2019, by Kevin Douglas Limbaugh, a white man aged 48. The toxicology report on Limbaugh showed that he had THC in his blood, which demonstrates his marijuana use.<ref>https://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/opinion/2019/04/17/dont-ignore-mental-illness-ties-marijuana/3491146002/</ref> Yet media reports about the murderer's marijuana use are very hard to find.

A study from New Zealand conducted in part by researchers at Duke University showed that people who started smoking marijuana heavily in their teens and had an ongoing marijuana use disorder lost an average of 8 IQ points between ages 13 and 38. The lost mental abilities didn't fully return in those who quit marijuana as adults. Those who started smoking marijuana as adults didn't show notable IQ declines. <ref>https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana</ref>

As of early 2019, only two countries have legalized recreational use of marijuana, as in 2013 socialist [[Uruguay]] legalized the drug, and [[Canada]], under Trudeau's Liberal Party, legalized marijuana in October 2018. In the United States, nine states have "legalized" the recreational use of marijuana: Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada, Vermont and Washington, along with Washington D.C., but not all allow sales of marijuana. All but three conservative states have either decriminalized marijuana or allowed limited medical usage for specific medical conditions. However, due to the Supremacy Clause, federal law, under which marijuana is illegal, overrules those states which have legalized or decriminalized, so their "legalization" is only de facto effective to the degree to which the federal government refrains from enforcing federal law.

==Legal History==
===United States===
Marijuana was first restricted in the United States on the federal level in 1937, with [[Franklin Delano Roosevelt]]'s signing of the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act.<ref name="Kidd1970">{{cite book|author=Jeannette Kidd|title=Marihuana Tax Act of 1937: Its Causes and Effects|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DStZAAAAMAAJ|year=1970|publisher=University of Wisconsin--Madison|page=57}}</ref> On May 19, 1969, the Supreme Court declared the Marihuana Tax Act unconstitutional due to illegal self-incrimination, a violation of the Fifth Amendment, in the case of Leary v. United States.<ref>https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/395/6/#tab-opinion-1948101</ref> As a result, President Richard Nixon signed into law the Controlled Substances Act on October 27, 1970, renewing the ban on marijuana.<ref>https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/21usc/811.htm</ref> From 1973 to 1978, several US states "decriminalized" marijuana, meaning that they would not enforce state laws against minor marijuana use and possession. This began with Oregon, and was joined with Alaska, California, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Nebraska.<ref name="Dufton2017">{{cite book|author=Emily Dufton|title=Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qo6YDgAAQBAJ|date=5 December 2017|publisher=Basic Books|isbn=978-0-465-09617-6}}</ref> In 1996 in California, a voter referendum legalized the use of marijuana for medical usages, allowing it to be used for any condition for which a patient presented a doctor's recommendation.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Balzar|first1=John|title=Voters Approve Measure to Use Pot as Medicine|url=http://articles.latimes.com/print/1996-11-06/news/mn-62740_1_voters-approve-measure|accessdate=February 9, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 6, 1996}}</ref> [[Arizona]] also passed a medical cannabis ballot measure, but it was rendered ineffective on a technicality.<ref>{{citation|title=State-By-State Medical Marijuana Laws|url=https://www.mpp.org/issues/medical-marijuana/state-by-state-medical-marijuana-laws/state-by-state-medical-marijuana-laws-report/|publisher=Marijuana Policy Project|date=December 2016}}</ref> Other states followed, and in 2014 Utah became the first state to legalize only some derivatives of marijuana, not the full drug itself.<ref>{{cite news|title=First-of-its-kind medical marijuana law signed in Utah|url=https://www.rt.com/usa/utah-charlees-law-marijuana-409/|accessdate=February 10, 2018|work=RT|date=March 26, 2014}}</ref> In 2012, Washington and Colorado "legalized" recreational marijuana by voter initiative;<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/11/07/psychological-impact-legalizing-marijuana.html</ref> by early 2018 the number of recreational legal states reached nine with the addition of Vermont.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/article/us-vermont-marijuana/vermont-senate-passes-bill-to-legalize-marijuana-use-idUSKBN1EZ2KS</ref>

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.<ref name=nyt>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/high-time-marijuana-legalization.html?_r=0|title=Repeal Prohibition, Again|work=New York Times|date=July 26, 2014|accessdate=July 27, 2014}}</ref>

Many liberals have advocated for decriminalization, including National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, Marijuana Policy Project, and Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.<ref>[http://www.leap.cc Law Enforcement Against Prohibition]</ref><ref>http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml</ref> 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.<ref name=nyt/> 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.

The [[H.R. 3884|Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act]] was passed through the U.S. House of Representatives on December 4th, 2020. Passage in the Senate is very unlikely.

===Overseas===
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. In 2013, the government of the Netherlands enacted a new toleration rule regarding the use of marijuana in order to combat drug tourism, essentially restricting access of marijuana to citizens<ref>https://www.government.nl/topics/drugs/toleration-policy-regarding-soft-drugs-and-coffee-shops</ref>. Crime has since leveled out, leaving the Netherlands with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe until recently<ref>https://www.osac.gov/Country/Netherlands/Content/Detail/Report/5854ae95-5573-449f-a294-1865caaef8ae</ref>.

In several countries, particularly in [[Western Europe]], cannabis use has been decriminalized. 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 2013, Uruguay initiated nationwide legalization of recreational marijuana, becoming the first developed nation to do so in the modern era.<ref name="FijnautRuyver2015">{{cite book|author1=Cyrille J.C.F. Fijnaut|author2=Brice de Ruyver|title=The Third Way: A Plea for a Balanced Cannabis Policy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bCdACgAAQBAJ&pg=PA57|date=24 July 2015|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-90-04-29319-9|pages=57–}}</ref> Canada legalized recreational cannabis in October 2018, allowing "pot shops" that sold marijuana under the ruse of "medicinal" purposes to drop the pretense and begin selling marijuana openly for recreational purposes.

In December 2020, the United Nations voted to reclassify marijuana from the most restrictive Schedule IV classification (equivalent to the US Schedule I) to the less restrictive U.N. Schedule I, indicating that marijuana has a valid medicinal value, while still being highly addictive<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/world/europe/cannabis-united-nations-drug-policy.html</ref>. Should liberals have their way, this opens the window for the U.S. to classify marijuana as Schedule II without violating the Single Convention.

==Adverse effects==
[[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, and some research suggests that when smoked, it shares the same risk of lung cancer<ref>[https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615095940.htm Science Daily 6/9/2009]</ref> If smoked, marijuana also leads to a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure resulting is a slight increase in the risk for heart related problems including heart attack.<ref>[http://www.askmen.com/sports/health/20_mens_health.html AskMen: Benefits of Marijuana]</ref> Chronic smokers often suffer from mild withdrawal symptoms, however marijuana is not believed to be 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> Prenatal exposure to marijuana has also been linked to impaired learning and developmental disability in 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> However, all of these adverse effects, which have been the motivation for making recreational use of marijuana illegal, are typically ignored by the liberal advocates of recreational marijuana use, who use deceitful and dismissive arguments (including the creation, publication and use of fraudulent "studies" which claim to "debunk" the science proving the negative effects of marijuana, without offering any legitimate proof behind their "debunking" claims) against keeping marijuana use illegal to justify its use and are motivated both by politics and simply by doing what they want at the expense of public health and safety.<ref name="pot debate">[https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/marijuana-legalization-debate-prompts-a-new-high-in-democratic-hypocrisy Marijuana legalization debate prompts a new high in Democratic hypocrisy] at Fox News</ref><ref>[https://canadafreepress.com/article/legalize-marijuana-be-careful-what-you-wish-for Legalize Marijuana? Be Careful What You Wish For!] at [[Canada Free Press]]</ref>

===Crime===
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 killing rampage.<ref>http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/04/dzhokhar-tsarnaev-dealing-drugs/64529/</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://canadafreepress.com/article/can-marijuana-fuel-jihad|title=Can Marijuana Fuel Jihad?|last=Kincaid|first=Cliff|date=|newspaper=Canada Free Press|access-date=February 17, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|work=|language=en|via=}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, which has often featured musicians who abuse drugs, put Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on its July 13, 2013 cover. The magazine's article described him as "a dedicated pot smoker" and local dealer who "always had big Tupperware containers of weed in his fridge." <ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/jahars-world-20130717|title=Jahar: The Making of a Monster|last=Reitman|first=Janet|date=July 17, 2013|newspaper=Rolling Stone|access-date=February 17, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|work=|via=}}</ref>

The current trend of marijuana becoming legal on the state level has lead to increased supply in the United States, which in turn has lead to Mexican drug cartels choosing to switch to heroin and methamphetamine, both far deadlier drugs, due to marijuana commanding a lesser profit margin.<ref>https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/02/20/mexican-cartels-switch-gears-after-u-s-states-relax-u-s-states-legalize-marijuana-mexicos-cartels-sw/343389002/</ref><ref>https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Heroin#section=Human-Toxicity-Values</ref><ref>https://inhomelandsecurity.com/mexican-cartels-marijuana-profit</ref><ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3145326/</ref>

==Medical benefits==
Advocates of marijuana claim that the active ingredient in marijuana, [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], has been shown 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, claiming that THC might help reduce a lung cancer tumor size by as much as half.<ref>[https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm Science Daily 4/7/2007]</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm Science Daily 4/17/2007]</ref>

Marijuana is used to relieve symptoms experienced by 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 [[anticonvulsant]] 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> In states where marijuana is legal (either completely or via medication), parents of young children have been known to seek out strains that are high in Cannabidiol (CBD) and low in THC; Cannabidiol is known to counteract the "high" of THC, and is believed to be the cause of the anti-seizure effects when consumed.

There have not been many in-depth and widely distributed studies into the possible medicinal effects of marijuana. However, with political pressure from [[liberal]]  advocates of marijuana, more accredited institutions are conducting research on the drug.

Despite state legality, physicians are reluctant to prescribe "medicinal" marijuana fearing it may jeopardize their DEA license to prescribe controlled substances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/810356|title=Medical Marijuana: The Imperative of Educating Physicians|last=Schatman|first=Michael|date=September 6, 2013|website=Medscape|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> "Medicinal" marijuana is used by physicians as a last-resort in states where it is legal or semi-legal (under state law), but also misused by people who simply want to get high. "Medicinal" marijuana, however well-intentioned and beneficial, will also lead to abuses in that system.

===Marinol===
''Marinol'' (a brand formulation of dronabinol)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.drugscience.org/Archive/bcr3/n3_Marinol.html|title=The Bulletin of Cannabis Reform|website=www.drugscience.org|access-date=2017-02-17}}</ref> is a schedule III controlled substance, approved for relief of nausea and vomiting in persons undergoing cancer chemotherapy and to improve appetite in persons with AIDS. It is dispensed in gelatin capsules containing synthetic Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol dissolved in sesame oil. Liberals advocating "medicinal" marijuana do their best to ignore this drug. A 1998 survey of physicians, addiction specialists and police demonstrated no evidence or concern about the abuse, dependence or diversion of Marinol.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Calhoun|first=S. R.|last2=Galloway|first2=G. P.|last3=Smith|first3=D. E.|date=1998-04-01|title=Abuse potential of dronabinol (Marinol)|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=9692381|journal=Journal of Psychoactive Drugs|volume=30|issue=2|pages=187–196|doi=10.1080/02791072.1998.10399689|issn=0279-1072|pmid=9692381}}</ref> About this time, the DEA moved the drug from schedule II to the less restrictive schedule III.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/1998/fr1105.htm|title=Proposed Rules - 1998 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of Synthetic Dronabinol (Martinol®; (-)-Δ9-(trans)-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Sesame oil and Encapsulated in Soft Gelatin Capsules) From Schedule II to Schedule III.|website=www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-17}}</ref>

===Cannabidiol (CBD)===
CBD is chemically extracted from the cannabis plant. It is legal in most states, and its oil has been proven to be effective in certain cases of epilepsy and insomnia. So far, any other effects have been demonstrated to be snake-oil. While CBD itself is safe, oils claiming to contain CBD are currently unregulated by the FDA.<ref>https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476</ref>

== Atheism, marijuana usage and amotivational syndrome ==

*[[Atheism and amotivational syndrome]] (Marijuana usage is associated with amotivational syndrome)

==Tax Revenue==
Marijuana advocates, ignoring the adverse health, cultural, and societal effects of legalized marijuana, point to increased tax revenue in states where it is legal and heavily taxed.<ref>https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewdepietro/2018/05/04/how-much-money-states-make-cannabis-sales/#19f8144af181</ref> Colorado alone has made over $1 billion in tax revenue over the course of its five years of legalization, roughly the same amount that the seven states where marijuana is both legal and taxed made in 2018.<ref>https://wjla.com/news/nation-world/colorado-made-1b-in-marijuana-tax-revenue-what-could-this-mean-for-federal-legalization</ref><ref>https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2019/03/26/which-states-made-the-most-tax-revenue-from-marijuana-in-2018-infographic/#6f3f0bc17085</ref>

==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>
*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 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>
*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>
*[[Barack Hussein Obama|Barack Obama]] has admitted to use of marijuana. Former President [[Bill 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."
*Marijuana was originally a slang name, and as such, it is the only drug to be legally defined by its slang name
*Industrial marijuana was briefly made legal in World War II in order to keep up with the demand of rope, canvas and other materials traditionally made from hemp<ref>https://ministryofhemp.com/blog/hemp-for-victory-disappear</ref>
*Marijuana is called "weed" because it grows like one- heterogeneous marijuana grows in every part of the world except for the Arctic poles. In the United States, one can report the accidental growth of marijuana on ones' property to law enforcement without fear of criminal penalty
*Like many plants, marijuana was selectively bred over the course of millennia in order to increase its potency. Primitive marijuana plants, if smoked, would induce a headache rather than the desired "high"

==References==
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[[Category:Drugs]]
[[Category:Illegal Substances]]
[[Category:Illegal Drugs]]
[[Category:Hollywood Values]]