REEFER MADNESS - 2010 - Dangers of Marijuana - PART FOUR

last edited 08-29-2010

Life just doesn't seem easy... in fact, I was raised to know it isn't. It's why my own mother tried so hard (in vain) to influence (and save) me, by her aggressive efforts to influence me to take her road in life, and in doing so, strongly discouraged my own road in life. "Her Road" was in fact, as she knows it, the ONLY road in life - what she calls "the short road".

One might say, if I'd surrendered to her efforts, I'd be better off today. But I chose to rebel. Not uncommon - in fact, it's a part of growing up to be an adult - to rebel against one's parents. It was my misfortune that my mother is simply quite overbearing, without understanding of personal bounds or personal freedom. The consequence, as a result of a final battle between her and I when I was 24, I have PTSD. It's a long story.... one for another time perhaps.

My question is:  how can another person, no matter how closely related, dictate how another person lives their life? I see a lot of that type of influencing going on - which I call bullying. You may recall the story I told about the girlfriend I had during the 70's - her mother would call around 2AM, wake her up, to call her a slut and insist she had a man in her bed - which she did, that being me. So I know it's not just me, with the issues.

I took the "Road Less Traveled", based on the book by Jack Kerouac, but not solely based on the book... the whole culture was dominate during the 70's among 20-somethings... much came together in my early 20's, a renaissance of discoveries, a rebirth, a chance in life. I thrived in the 70's... and everything looked like it would happen... except, I underestimated the tenacity my mother would exert to keep me on her "short road" - job, wife, children and house. None of which I was opposed to - I simply wanted to do it my way.

I can only attribute my failures to inexperience. How was I suppose to know that I had a Constitutional Right to pursue my own road in life? It's not like they exactly covered that topic in HS. In hindsight... I should have cut off communication with what i considered a hostile antagonist in my 20's, but I didn't. I had the right to do so, I just didn't fully understand my rights. There's also the fact that I attribute much of my "awakening" to my use of cannabis. I've written about that previously, plenty of times.

But what if... the marijuana I attribute to being a great miracle in my life, instead produced a mental condition... like schizophrenia? Would that explain why my parents thought I had deviated from the "main road" in life... why I got a job as a custodial at a local community college? A disgrace of the worst kind to my mother. Was I insane???

SCHIZOPHRENIA, and Cannabis: 

In many online discussions regarding legalizing cannabis, the topic of how it "causes or enables schizophrenia" is a common concern. My opinion is that there is a lack of understanding with regards to the illness, and the potential role of cannabis.

First, the following link provides an understanding of schizophrenia: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH:

"What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that affects about 1.1 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don’t hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or become convinced that others are plotting to harm them. These experiences can make them fearful and withdrawn and cause difficulties when they try to have relationships with others."


I’ve already discussed in an earlier post, the "paranoia" a user of cannabis may experience. And that it's my opinion that the fear is real, and not a delusion. The question is, of the 1.1% of the US population, how many cases can be a direct result of the use of cannabis? Truth is, no one knows. What we do know however is that people have been using cannabis for thousands of years… and there is no factual data showing a link between it’s use and madness.

The commonly discussed attribute of cannabis used to discuss mental illness, is the THC (Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol). That's the "active psychotropic" chemical in cannabis that produces the high. It is the chemical that makes cannabis a Schedule One Narcotic, and users of cannabis subject to arrest. It is the chemical that is the source of concern that cannabis may cause, or bring out the condition known as schizophrenia. 

Although this is a major concern, this is not why cannabis is illegal in this country. It's illegal based on a series of events beginning in the early 1930's that escalated out of control. But to reign in on the misconceptions about cannabis, one needs to look closely at the mental health concerns in present day terms.

Considering all the millions of persons who have either used or are using cannabis, the percentage of disorders currently documented fail to correspond to use of cannabis. It is known that pure THC is very depressing to use. It's not enjoyable. The only reason THC works to provide a source of worth to the user is a non-psychotropic component called cannabidiol. This component of cannabis appears to be the key... to why cannabis is not only safe, but beneficial. The following into to a link from Wikipedia: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in Cannabis. It is a major constituent of the plant, representing up to 40% in its extracts.[2] CBD alone is not intoxicating but displayed sedative effects in animal tests.[3] Some research, however, indicates that CBD can increase alertness.[4] It may decrease the rate of THC clearance from the body, perhaps by interfering with the metabolism of THC in the liver. Medically, it has been shown to relieve convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, and nausea, and to inhibit cancer cell growth.[5] Recent studies have shown cannabidiol to be as effective as atypical antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia.[6]


It's the balance of the primary components - THC and Cannabidiol that makes cannabis the perfect commodity, and recreational drug, as we like to describe such things. Essentially, it is a plant with desirable characteristics. At present, outlawed and causing extreme violence in Mexico, and political suffocation in American politics. The victims - "We The People..."


The plant, cannabis, is a miracle in my opinion... very safe to use, beneficial in many ways, an art to grow, and a major commodity that is needed for our society to prosper. Providing alcohol and tobacco as the only recreational drugs is stupidity. Not only are they both difficult to control, but tobacco alone is simply a highly addictive poison. Society needs a safer alternative - one that is not simply intoxicating or feeds an addiction. Cannabis has shown anti-cancer potential, helps with pain in a much safer way that opiates, and users of recreational cannabis tend to be far less prone to violent behavior than their sober or alcohol infused counterparts.

The argument that legalizing cannabis will result in an increase in schizophrenia, is simply unproven, and unlikely in my opinion. This is not to say there aren't people who may experience psychological problems when using cannabis. I'm simply saying if cannabis use caused schizophrenia, the percentage of individuals suffering from the various forms of the illness would be substantially higher.

As they say on the popular Myth Buster's TV show, the "myth is busted", in my opinion. The danger still remains, however, in that the potency of THC, and the balancing effects of cannabidiol, the cannabis that's distributed illegally is more dangerous to society than if it were legal. From years of experience I can tell you stoners, those who use cannabis, are by far more comfortable to be around than a keg party. Hey, not knocking you if you prefer the keg party, just saying...

The solution is to legalize and provide controlled sources of the plant, much like we do with alcohol products. Permitting individuals to grow their own with clearly specified strains of the plant. Legalization would also help reduce the stigma associated with use, and make it far less likely that those with psychological issues would avoid seeking professional help. Cannabis users aren't made "stupid", and to assume an individual can't make a decision when selecting the variety of plant they prefer, is unrealistic.

The current problem with cannabis is that it's illegal, fueling violence in the area of growth and distribution, and creating a sub-culture that has no choice but to take what they can find, and shut-up about it. The majority of cannabis users I've known over the years would never tell their doctor they use cannabis. And this same sub-culture has no idea usually where their cannabis came from, or what the THC level is. It's a commodity, one that would benefit our society, give us a break from the hard stuff, a choice.

To Be Continued...

REEFER MADNESS - 2010 - Dangers of Marijuana - PART THREE

In my last post I focused on the topic of the paranoid feelings users of cannabis report. I summarized by saying it's not an illusion... I think, if one went back to the 20's, with alcohol prohibition, you'd find plenty of paranoid people.

The "dangers" I list; well, some of them may appear odd at first glance; it does depend upon your current point of reference.

About those dandelions growing in your yard? If you haven't been spraying them with weed killer, do you realize the leaves have as much or more nutrients than spinach. It's not a weed. That's a myth.

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"Dangers of marijuana, marihuana, ganja, ganjah..." (common and historic references for cannabis - common - sativa/indica):

Insane Laughter: Nothing sticks with a person more than the nervous, insane laughter of the actor(s) in the original 1930's, "Reefer Madness" film, considered a public safety warning at the time, to become, an hilarious comedy years later. True, when first using cannabis and getting buzzed or high, laughter is usually part of the experience - and for someone who literally had a childhood and teenagehood without laughter, the second time I tried cannabis in the 1970's, I laughed till I really hurt. So too, my two friends. The laughter part of it is nothing like the film mentioned earlier, it's simply a relaxation of a "primal fear" to laugh. After awhile the laughter part of it goes away, and the more mellow, meditative experience begins.

The Munchies: If there's one basic argument for keeping cannabis illegal, it's the fact that I last heard a report on NPR (National Public Radio) that stated 1 in 4 person's in the US are obese. Apparently, the reason people get the munchies is a drop in blood glucose levels. Need to feed the need. So eat. For myself, with a BMI under 20, eating is a very good thing, and for that reason alone, I should have the right to use a medicinal plant of my choosing. I don't.For those in the 1 in 4, do you think ruining people's lives for having cannabis is any more reasonable than arresting you for buying 6 cheeseburgers, 10 bags of fries, and a Super Colossal diet soda? Hey... I do need to eat...

Tobacco: Yes this is a danger... because, if you smoke cannabis you do so either through a pipe or a joint, though many may use a vaporizer these days. Except they have to buy it and everything is data-mined these days. So they probably don't. Point is, to smoke cannabis, you need fire - like matches, or a lighter. But, if you don't smoke cigarettes, why do you have a source of fire? Someone like your boss or nosy neighbor might ask you that question. Solution: Tobacco! However, it contains the poison nicotine, which is very much physically addictive, unlike cannabis. It's only practical use is as an insecticide, by the way. And killing human beings.

Diminished Job Opportunities: This danger is divided into two parts; 1) drug testing at the work-place and 2) a drug conviction on your record.

1) During the 90's I worked at a public school - an elite school with lots of wealthy tax-payers in town. I forget the exact year, but it was when the drug-testing surge took place. The school principal announced one day that all employees would be subject to a random drug test. The teacher's union, of which I wasn't a member, opposed the rule. We had a meeting, and was I surprised to hear nearly every teacher was opposed. The rule never took effect, it was dead. But that was then and this is now.

Now, nearly every large school, company, state or federal job tests for illegal drugs. They ignore alcohol and tobacco. Since most illegal drugs are processed and quickly out of one's system, marijuana is the exception -  that's what "they" call it - marijuana. So since cannabis "ash" can linger in fat cells for up to 30 days, it is the drug routinely tested for. Other drugs, two, three days, stop use. The obvious lean toward singling out cannabis users is obvious, and a danger.

2) Beginning after the terrorist attack on the WTC, personal privacy disappeared. If you've ever been busted for cannabis, aka marijuana, it's on your record forever. As you stand in line for a job you'll notice those ahead of you could have a history of assault, rape, murder, but the good news is the pedophiles are behind you. Comforting thought as you try and be a productive member of society.

Freedom of Expression: I admit, this is an odd danger... but it's true. During the 50's through the 70's, while cannabis use was actually quite illegal, it was not yet quite on the forefront of law-enforcement's priority list; that happened, from my perspective, in the mid 70's to 80's. Nancy Reagan's "Just Say NO" speech galvanized the world... but to what end? To demonize cannabis users? Since it's popularly pushed that marijuana is the stepping stone to harder drugs? How much harder can you get, then from the legal ones already available?

Much of the personal expression part of cannabis use during the 60's and 70's gave way to hushed silence on the subject. During that time cannabis was widely used and talked about by artists of all kinds... until the last few years.

Head-Shops, mostly forced to close down these days, were very popular during the 70's. Good for the economy and a friendly environment. They sold art, exotic clothing, herbs and lots of cannabis related gear like pipes, bongs, and papers. They usually had incense burning, so the atmosphere was usually surreal. But unlike Haiti, where colors are everything - they paint their buses in wild floral colors, in the US, drab black and white is still the norm.

Freedom of expression is a significant victim to the "Just Say No" mentality. Considering the alternatives... and the danger that your cannabis incurs is that you have to censor what you'd like to say or do, like start up a head-shop.

Loss of Personal Freedom, Pursuit of Happiness: Let's face it... use cannabis and your opportunities in life diminish. This is a result of laws and stigma about cannabis, and has a "catch-22", in that, if you appear to be complacent or relaxed under duress, or between jobs, it's easy to blame the marijuana. I'm surprised the "experts" don't realize with current discriminations and laws directed towards cannabis users, it's a no-brainer that they appear to be slackers.

The best part about cannabis is it's not physically addictive. And over time, less is enough... not more. With regards to psychological addiction, it depends upon the individual. Many people use it on only occasionally, easy enough to do. Others use a small amount each day for pain, relaxation, or meditation. It is a natural medicine... one used for thousands of years. I admit, still others seem to go through an ounce a day... but the thing is, unlike alcohol where the more you use the more intoxicated you get, it's the opposite with cannabis - you only get so high. Mostly, those who use an ounce a day simply like smoking it.

There is no hang-over, just a relaxing night no matter how much one consumes.

To Be Continued...  Next: More dangers, like schizophrenia - is it myth or reality?

"REEFER MADNESS" - 2010 - Dangers of Marijuana - PART TWO

I concluded "Part One" with the phenomenon generally known as a paranoia; after using cannabis, seems after smoking it, rather than when eating it in a brownie. The paranoia is usually passive, non-specific, produces anxiety of varying degrees - usually depending upon one's environment at the time. It can be most acute in the early period of use, before an individual understands the link to their environment. I wouldn't say I've ever found this effect to to very common. 

But it inspires concerns with another, well published concern: Schizophrenia. I read that this fear is the number one concern if cannabis becomes legal. I sympathize with you, however, far better that cannabis is legal and non-stigmatized, than illegal, and those with a problem are afraid to come forwards. The other problem with this fear is that it's now quite official-

The person who experiences this side-effect may decide to stop using it for awhile, with a bonus in that there are minor to no withdrawal symptoms. And that may become that user's past... imagine, being able to say "no thanks", after a personal decision. Try making a list of legal substances that you can try and easily say "no" to? Tobacco???

Some people gradually are able to conceptualize the origin of their fears when using cannabis to come to terms with issue. Some call a mental health center, to come to terms with what they now realize is a problem - and I don't mean the cannabis. inhibits both a person with problems seeking help, and providing a hostile environment for people who want to use cannabis.

The problem as I see it is that the environment that a cannabis user lives within, regardless if it's their "castle", is in this country a pretty hostile one, one where I've seen the push to close "head-shops", the so called hippie shops businesses that sold tie-dyed t-shirts, bongs, Indian apparel and other unusual clothing, exotic t-shirts, jewelry, rolling papers, cards  and pipes. They always had incense burning. I loved going into a head-shop. 

In NH I consider whatever the state had to do with prohibiting or closing down such shops operating legally, to be violation of NH Article 84. I believe it's time to Get together openly all of us in America and form forums of discussion and promote actions. We will have our differences. That's human nature. But we're intelligent people - without threat, we should be able to make a big difference in what this country is supposed to be about.

It is ironic that we have so much public support to legalize cannabis, all the obvious medicinal benefits; the great musicians who found inspiration using it; Movies, TV shows, and countless, thousands of books on the subject. Some of the topics are amazingly funny and there are parts where the actors outright mock the prejudice and laws against cannabis users as quite ludicrous. A couple movie suggestions:  "Harold and Kumar", "Cheech and Chong",; Cable TV: "Weeds", Comedians: Sarah Silverman.

My biggest disappointment was Michael Phelps, Winner of 8 Olympic Gold Metals - who failed to stand up against his accusers; Kellogg Co., and the "anti-drug" establishment. This photograph of him after he'd won the gold medals could have been a turning point in understanding, that smoking pot is not by nature a crime. He might just as well be having a beer; since in my opinion there's not much difference in pursuit of happiness, in the act. It does not harm people, nor apparently, if he actually inhaled, let alone if he ever used cannabis. But this photo, available here tells it all:

SOURCE:

This photo, more than anything, speaks about the prejudice born and now grown up about cannabis. We have blind drunk actors, unfaithful Presidents, perfectly sober terrorists, sinfully corrupt Wall Street Exec's... so WHY IS MICHAEL PHELPS THE BAD GUY??? What did he do? Why is it Michael Phelps felt the need to apologize? It's a picture of him with a bong, that's it!

Getting back to number one, what is now called marijuana, is really the target of the  "drug reform policy"  - the federal government and many state governments depend on it as the weather station. It's one of a few recreational drugs that leaves behind a signature tell-tale by-product that can be found in many people up to 30 days after it's use. This makes cannabis the ideal "tracking cookie" for the millions who prefer it to the potentially more harmful legal alternatives - alcohol and tobacco.

The "by-product is not THC - meaning the by-product itself is not psychotropic (producing a high). It's simply stored in fat cells much as ash left in an old campfire can be used to determine there once was a camp-fire. What makes this dangerous is the common misconception that cannabis use is associated with hard drug use, like crack, opiates, etc. ... which in my opinion is what scared Michael Phelps into apologizing and disappearing from the public light.

The federal government refuses to acknowledge the reality about cannabis, that it's essentially harmless when used responsibly. They refuse to reschedule it, from currently being a Schedule One Drug, which is simply bogus, and which laughs in the face of California residents, and millions of other supporters of legalization. The Obama administration did at least decide to let California do what it wants to do with minimal federal intrusion. So far he seems to be true to his word. And I appreciate that. But it's not enough. Not nearly enough.

I discovered after posting a reference to this phenomena on another blog, that not everyone is aware of the paranoia cannabis users may experience. I would like to point out it's generally temporary, and really does depend a lot of the person's environment. Cannabis users simply becoming more aware of their surroundings, and the people they're with. The fear general inspires a flight response, unlike alcohol which would more likely inspire a fight response.

These two phenomenon extent to the problem of driving an automobile. The person using alcohol tends to feel invulnerable and compelled to get in a car and show off, speed, push the petal. The cannabis user might be lulled into a sense that a car is an extension of freedom. Fine if they're the passenger, but not fine if you think driving 35 in a 55 is okay, or waiting an hour (an exaggeration of course - but even waiting 30 seconds is not okay) to make your turn. Some individuals believe they drive better under the influence of cannabis - and they'd be wrong. They are the people who should be subject to arrest, not those using it in the privacy of their home or with others. Know your plans for the next few hours after consuming any recreational drug. I strongly suggest you consider having a designated driver - a friend that doesn't indulge.

There's no reason for a user of cannabis, a natural plant with many beneficial uses, to be paranoid, and subject to the mayhem and indirect deaths that occur as a result of inappropriate government prohibition. Cannabis heightens awareness... and I must emphasize the paranoia one may feel is generally simply that - heightened awareness, of how a person feels. Fears of getting busted is a real fear. It's not an illusion.

To Be Continued...

"REEFER MADNESS" - 2010 - "DANGERS of MARIJUANA" - PART ONE

In my "introduction" I concluded with two links, 1) The Wall Street Journal - "Strapped Police Run on Fumes, and Federal Pot-Fighting Cash" and 2) Fox News - "Strapped U.S. Police Turn to Marijuana Busts for Cash".

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My goal here, is to present my view of the real dangers of what's called marijuana. In the early 1900's, Congress strongly pursued "Drug Reform and Enforcement". Opium was very easy to buy and very addictive... as was cocaine and a variety of other "personal medicines". The federal government passed two very strict regulations against "dangerous drugs" in the early 20th century:

I) 1906, Pure Food and Drug Act; which did more to "control drugs" than ensure pure food.

II) 1914, Harrison Narcotics Tax Act; to aggressively control opiates and cocaine.

Cannabis, was not among those considered... or, it was not considered a narcotic at the time, nor a dangerous drug.

Why? Because there really wasn't anything dangerous noted about it's use.

BUT NOW... thanks to an ongoing era of "Reefer Madness", started in the early 1930's and the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, THERE ARE NOW DANGERS. Mostly manufactured dangers, to support the fulfillment  of political prophecy, the likes of which make no sense to me. One danger, that it "causes brain-damage and death, quite unlikely, was served up after "researchers" did experiments on monkeys where the story goes, they put the monkeys in masks and forced them to breath cannabis smoke. Only cannabis smoke! Of course they either died or suffered brain-damage. Thus was born, "This Is Your Brain on Drugs".

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In one of the articles the law enforcement spokesperson stated it was "likely Mexicans growing the marijuana" in Northern California. Huh??? Is that statement suppose to justify eradication efforts - that it's "likely Mexicans, and NOT Americans?

What does it matter? It's illegal currently whoever is growing it, but to point at Mexican's in N. CA, is ludicrous. What is it about the anti-Mexican sentiment in this country??? Personally I'm opposed to the way I hear most Americans talking about Mexicans. It reminds me of my Native American studies and the way New America viewed Native Americans, calling them "Indians and savages", in colonial times, to justify eradication and theft of them and their lands.

Of course, though racism, is bad, is not like a cancer; it is more like a mold, or fungus, that is hard to prevent or remove, especially when so much money goes instead towards eradicating cannabis! And blaming the Mexicans.

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States also depend on "cannabis criminals" to provide money to their coffers too. It's become, what pays us more - putting generally harmless, peace-loving people through the judicial process, or taxing it as a medicine? And since when were "medicines" taxed?

Take NH for example... a state that is traditionally conservative, which feels marijuana is a danger to children, and ignores the fact two very dangerous drugs are already legal, that they endorse those, but cannabis - more return on making it's use a criminal offense.

In NH, possession of an ounce or under is a misdemeanor crime... it is considered similar to you suddenly attacking someone and nearly killing them! It's like a assault... or man-slaughter, and it doesn't take much marijuana to be subjected to this crime... just a pipe will do with residue in the pipe-bowl, days old - it can result in a punishment of a year in jail and a $2000 fine. Somehow the image of a person or persons smoking pot, passing a joint, doesn't seem like an assault to me, or it's equivalent..

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But, for those of you out there now smoking a joint (cannabis cigarette), or eating cannabis brownies, you might consider these current attitudes and penalties. Of course you don't have to, but then consider the fact that law enforcement and states need a lot of money right now, and cannabis is, their (pun intended) pot of gold. You are their livelihood.

Paranoid using the ganja? I don't wonder why. You have a right to be paranoid!!!

And that, is Danger # 2 with cannabis use!

"Paranoia".

Cannabis "heightens and enhances" awareness and attention to details. It seems to make one less hostile... more likely to avoid dangerous or risky situations. That's not a bad thing...  I  found I was more focused when studying for an exam, if stoned. Not scientific fact, of course, just my opinion, but the 3.9 gpa I got with my last college degree, in a "Medical Assistance" degree program, compared with the 2.0 gpa I averaged in high school, should amount to some degree of discounting the general myth that cannabis causes stupidity. I'd used cannabis nearly 20 years by then - so plenty of time for brain damage to occur, if it ever would.

To Be Continued