New Federal Report on Marijuana Use is Misleading, Groups Say

(SALEM, Ore.) - A new federal government report on the ill effects of marijuana on teens may be a last ditch effort to demonize the medical weed before it sees its own day of emancipation. As it stands, even the most hardcore marijuana legalization advocates do not support children using anything that causes intoxication.

"Don't be fooled into thinking that pot is harmless," said Dr. Drew Pinksy, internist, addiction expert, and host of VH1's Celebrity Rehab. "Marijuana is an addictive drug. Teens who are already depressed and use marijuana may increase their odds of suffering from even more serious mental health problems."

But medical marijuana and pharmacology experts like Dr. Phil Leveque of Molalla, Oregon, who writes regularly for Salem-News.com, suggest that there is no truth to the statement and that most of those who ultimately suffer from mental illness already would have.

"One of the biggest claims from the federal government is that marijuana causes 'euphoria' and if anyone needs that explained to them, it means the opposite of depression," Leveque said.

He and most other advocates say kids should stay free and clear of marijuana use unless it is medically necessary, but it is a pussycat next to more deadly things like alcohol, prescription drugs, heroin and meth that potentially lead to death. Marijuana has no lethal quality; it can't kill a person. It seems like a waste of time to get people listening, and then only tell them the bad data on marijuana. It seems very irresponsible.

Marijuana is a natural herb that is cultivated to have better potency. The herb is the same that it has always been, and the ability of people to grow it well and to learn about the agricultural significance has improved. In the 1970's most marijuana was sold under the name "commercial" and it all came from Mexico. In that country the male and female plants are not separated, and the result is a below average grade of marijuana packed with seeds.

When the government tries to suggest that marijuana is "different today", they are suggesting that a human process has changed marijuana into something it didn't used to be. This is scientifically impossible. No doubt far more money is invested in other types of ag research and so far fruit is about the same as it used to be; except maybe for the addition of human added poisons to increase its marketability.

But this study, like others that benefit the pharmaceutical companies that don't want to compete with marijuana as a medical product, is more of the same, "The potency of smoked marijuana has risen consistently over the past decades and higher potency translates into serious health consequences for teens."

They also stated, "Some studies show that higher potency marijuana may be contributing to an increase in the number of American teens seeking treatment for marijuana dependence."

Marijuana dependence? This in and of itself is extremely debatable. For the most part, doctors agree that marijuana is only mildly addicting and that relates to a mental addiction, not a physical addiction. One interesting fact always deleted from the federal studies is that for many years, marijuana was considered the best substance for getting people off hard drugs. Heroin addicts given marijuana, can kick their deadly habit.

Of course funding all of those taxpayer funded, court ordered "marijuana addiction" programs is another concern of the federal government. They make money from marijuana being illegal, plain and simple. The notion of "marijuana addiction" is very unique to the groups and agencies and courts that profit directly from it.

The new federal report suggests that marijuana use can cause a small percentage of users to consider "suicide." Perhaps if this is true, it is more based on the stigma that the federal government, fully in bed with the pharmaceutical groups, gives to marijuana.

It is not very different from the so-called "Gateway Theory" that marijuana leads to harder drugs. Many believe that the seed is planted by the theory, and that kids feel compelled to "move to harder drugs" because that is what the government and the D.A.R.E. officer told them would happen. It is a simple notion called "programming" that has undeniable impact on a person's mode of thinking, their overall knowledge, and ultimately their actions.

Those willing to face the truth on a daily basis know that half of what is wrong with people in this country is a result of adverse and negative programming.

It happens when clergy sexually abuse children and tell them they will go to hell if they ever talk to their families or police. It is the conditioning applied to people in Communist nations that makes them believe Americans and western countries are all evil, and it is the same poison given to Islamic fundamentalist radicals whose lives are entirely based on fear. Our government needs to give it up and move into the light of truth.

Marijuana may not be "great" to anyone except a medical patient who directly benefits from it, but it is a plant and a flower that God placed on the earth and it is entirely vain and ironic of our society to place what is probably the single most useful plant on the planet in an illegal criminal category with heroin and meth. It reflects our own ignorance as a nation.

The nation's second largest association of doctors, the American College of Physicians, stated in a report that marijuana has been smoked for its medicinal properties for centuries, and preclinical, clinical, and anecdotal reports suggest numerous potential medical uses for marijuana. (see: American College of Physicians Position Takes Aim at Marijuana Laws)

They confirm that the use of medical marijuana in treating HIV wasting and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting has been well documented, and they believe additional research is needed to clarify marijuana’s therapeutic properties and determine standard and optimal doses and routes of delivery.

Reports like this new one from the federal government do not help doctors learn the real facts about medical marijuana.

In fact, the oldest continuously published pediatric journal in the country, a Journal of the American Medical Association called the "Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine", released new information in November '07 (see: Study Shows Surprisingly Few Negative Impacts on Kids Who Use Marijuana) indicating that pot smoking teens tend to function at better levels than teens who also smoke tobacco, and better in some ways than kids who abstain from both.

The study, completed in Switzerland, did not have an obligation to demonize marijuana on behalf of the pharmaceutical companies as the U.S. seem to. The report should actually make parents feel much better about teens and marijuana. The study compared students who smoked both pot and cigarettes, with kids who smoke marijuana only.

The study revealed that those who use only cannabis were more socially driven, and showed no more psychosocial problems than those who had never taken either of the substances.

As far as marijuana leading to harder drugs, the authors of the study say an accurate listing of the problems actually fall in a different order, and that cancer related illnesses suffered by cigarette smokers are the biggest risk of all.

The government report suggests that "Not only are adolescents at greater risk for drug abuse, but they may suffer more consequences," said Nora D. Volkow, M. D., Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. "There is also some evidence that in vulnerable teens-because of genetic factors-the abuse of marijuana can trigger a schizophreniform disorder."

Groups involved in marijuana laws and policy say the report is misleading. U.S. News and World Report quoted Bruce Mirken, director of communications at The Marijuana Policy Project, saying "We agree that kids shouldn't smoke marijuana, but we simply have to be honest to teens and parents. This report [is] deliberately confusing correlation with causation." (see: Teen Depression Worsened by Marijuana, Government Says)

The Washington-based group Mirken represents intends to remove criminal penalties for marijuana use and make medical marijuana available to seriously ill patients with doctor's approval.

"This very week the British government's official scientific advisors on illegal drugs issued a report saying they are 'unconvinced that there is a causal relationship between the use of cannabis and any affective disorder,' such as depression." Mirken also questions the lack of warning about alcohol's relationship to depression, which is completely left out of their new report.

"Data linking alcohol to depression is much stronger and alcohol use by teens is greater than marijuana use," he notes.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have each been clear that they do not see marijuana as a problem in our society that requires federal money and intervention and incarceration. Perhaps this new federal report represents the death throes of a movement that began in the 1930's as an effort to remove hemp rope from the commercial marketplace.

Hemp, the industrial marijuana plant, provides the strongest natural fiber known to man. Dow Chemicals, Dupont and the Hearst Newspaper chain were the biggest foes of marijuana at the time. They funded the movie "Reefer Madness." Today the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture addictive "prescription drugs" are enlisting the federal government's help to produce more fiction presented as fact.

The list of marijuana opponents is different in this century, but the corporate spirit of greed that made it illegal in the first place is alive and well.

Salem-News.com Marijuana Coverage

Where and How to Smoke Legal Marijuana without Fear of Arrest in the U.S.

Eulogy of a Great Warrior: Hoss Plourde

The Ripple Effect How Marijuana Laws Are Impacting Society

Audit the Audit

Welcome Home, Tom

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The Rev February 22, 2009 8:14 am (Pacific time)

I've been smoking pot for nearly 30 years, nearly every single day. In that time I've had doctors who have told me flat out that they would prescribe marijuana to their patients if they could, I've had police officers and DEA agents agree that pot should be legalized and even a psychiatrist who told me that she would choose marijuana over most of the dangerous antidepressants for some of her patients. I've never known a single, solitary person who was violent on pot, never known a person who checked into a rehab solely because of smoking this herb (though several who have been court ordered to do so), nor have I had any real side effects besides maybe a few extra pounds due to the munchies and a love of bad Godzilla flicks. I actually know some hard drug users who wish they could use pot to get off of these far more dangerous drugs but elect not to as pot shows up in their urine way longer than heroin, speed or coke. Take it from someone on the front lines and long entrenched with "the troops" folks... if you are still supporting the criminalization of marijuana, you are definitely aiding in the destruction of our youth, supporting drug dealers (most of whom, from my own experience, have been Republican and major contributors to Just Say No campaigns, etc in order to keep marijuana - and all drugs - illegal. Call it job security at it's worst). I know that growers certainly don't want it to be legal any time soon.. their profits will dwindle overnight. But so long as there is fear (an emotion that is almost always unfounded), we will have a citizenry that will not let go of the lies of the past and will hold tightly to the belief of throwing more people in jail, adding more cops to the streets and throwing money at programs that make them feel good and little else. There is NO doubt that drug abuse is a terrible thing. I have horror stories galore... so don't think for a moment that I think everyone should light up. Not in the least. But before you can even address such a huge beast, you must first cut off it's food supply and it's many heads. You can not do that by adding a million new cops to the streets, or by jailing thousands of more people... you do it with the stroke of a fountain pen. You legalize marijuana and you've immediately (and effectively) just destroyed an empire of decades of crime and injustice. You make our kids safer, you make the crime go down, you get real case studies, you get the drug free neighborhood (or at least the neighborhood free from cars and strangers coming and going and shooting at each other in some cases)... with the stroke of a pen. Sounds simple... and it is. Now if only fear would get out of the way and some politician (Obama anyone?) would have the balls to stand up and say "no more"... I'm not holding my smoke waiting... but there is your answer. (I won't even begin to suggest how legalizing marijuana could save us from the economic crisis we're now wallowing in....)

Peter Tosh February 6, 2009 12:50 am (Pacific time)

"Legalize it.. dont criticize it.. Legalize it and I'll advertize it"

mario May 15, 2008 3:33 am (Pacific time)

well...thanks a lot for a dumb report that once again proves theres nothing wrong with marijuana. I am a teenager i love smoking pot. im sick of these idiots so "concerned" with america's youth they will do just about anything to take the fun out of life but no thanks i know how to take care of myself im not retarded. yes i smoke for fun i am 100% healthy i exercise and eat right and i do not have schizophrenia and no one in my family has and oh yeah i have a job and go to school which means i am a productive member of society. im also tired of people speaking of marijuana and legalizing it like they are talking about sex to a 7 year old for craps sake just grow up.

Sigismond May 14, 2008 9:48 am (Pacific time)

From my own experience and that of my Morocan psychiatrists friends (their hospitals are full up with such cases), cannabis is a very dangerous cause of shizophrenia. American physicians are perfectly right to warn the people about it.

John Chase May 14, 2008 3:52 am (Pacific time)

I am glad to see that so many people are willing to go public on this contentious topic. After listening to the drug czar, and his critics, we conclude that marijuana is probably not risk free. But we already knew that; no drug is. The drug czar has wasted our time. It would have been more constructive if he had initiated a conversation asking how prohibition compares to other forms of regulation for its efficacy, its net cost to the taxpayer, and its unintended consequences.

Me May 13, 2008 10:44 pm (Pacific time)

Mandaue, you're right Pot has affected me however I’m aware of it. I didn't try marijuana until conventional medication/ treatment FAILED. I don’t have to take 20 plus pills a day anymore. And those pills really didn’t work that well. All they did was make me drowsy. I only take 2 pills now days thanks to marijuana. Thanks to the medical use of marijuana, I can eat and can keep it down. It helps me control my Fibromyalgia (a chronic pain condition), PTSD, Arthritis, Restless Leg Syndrome, Muscle spasms, and IBS just to name a few. I got the IBS along with an ulcer scare from 2 pharmacy prescriptions that never should have been taken at the same time, but my old doc (a nurse practitioner) wasn't aware of this. I count myself lucky considering my doctor (a MD) told me I should be dead.

Goldcase May 12, 2008 6:00 pm (Pacific time)

I think it is so funny that Republicans are for "less government," but when it comes to our body they try to deny us basic human rights. When are we going to wake up.

James May 12, 2008 5:23 pm (Pacific time)

Wow Mr. Johnson. I really thought you would bite on the evil corporations winning in the end angle. I guess your just too smart for the likes of liitle old me. I prefer to self medicate with raw opium, another of God's gifts to the natural world, so can you get that legalized for me as well. Thanks.

Titus May 12, 2008 1:22 pm (Pacific time)

How many kids did the government use in this study? How many were given the placebo?

Titus May 12, 2008 12:54 pm (Pacific time)

If pot makes kids depressed, why are do they giggle so much?

Ecstacy May 12, 2008 11:02 am (Pacific time)

Correction. Sorry. Elizabeth Cohen, who reported the White House's revelations on CNN is NOT a Medical Doctor. "This professor" suggests a doctor, PhD Matthew Robinson's videos.Very good. Google him.

Matt Johnson May 12, 2008 9:45 am (Pacific time)

Hey James, have you sat down and gone to the bathroom lately? It's like this: cool people understand and people like you, "squareheads", don't. Marijuana will be completely legal and the nonsense is hellbent for the door. Unlike Bush and his war policies, we have an end game plan and are we ever winning the game. You can make it up but your theory and supposition strike me as uneducated and out of touch. But hey, good try... it is just really hard to try that kind of attack without looking like a total dumb ass, better luck next time little dreamer.

James May 12, 2008 9:38 am (Pacific time)

Here is one for you anti big business, anti government people to think about. If, by some miracle, marijuana is completely legalized, who do you think will be providing the marijuana to the masses. My guess is the Marijuana division of every major drug company in the nation. End result is that you get your weed, but you must sacrifice your soul to the evil corporations you so love to hate! Just a thought. Grow your own you say. Not so Fast, because growing your own will not be legal due to FDA sanctions. So, you can have your weed to smoke, brought to you by PFISER, but the clandestine personal marijuana grows will still be raided by Ferderal, State and local authorities!

Ecstacy May 12, 2008 7:58 am (Pacific time)

Main Stream Media includes CNN as mouthpiece. First heard this report by their handsome Dr. Elizabeth Cohen. I hoped for some balance but there was no challenge, just the White House revelation.

Evil Wicked Mean Nasty May 12, 2008 7:54 am (Pacific time)

Words and music by John Kay of Steppenwolf circa 1968 Starin' at the boob tube, turnin' on the big knob Tryin' to find some life in the waste land Fin'ly found a program, gonna deal with Mary Jane Ready for a trip into hate land Obnoxious Joe comes on the screen Along with his guest self-righteous Sam And one more guy who doesn't count His hair and clothes are too far out While pushin' back his glasses Sam is sayin' casually "I was elected by the masses" And with that in mind he starts to unwind A vicious attack on the finest of grasses Well it's evil, wicked, mean and nasty (Don't step on the grass, Sam) And it will ruin our fair country (Don't be such an ass, Sam) Well, it will hook your Sue and Johnny (You're so full of bull, Sam) All will pay that disagree with me (Please give up you already lost the fight, alright) Misinformation Sam and Joe Are feeding to the nation But the one who didn't count counted them out By exposing all their false quotations Faced by a very awkward situation This is all he'd say to save the day Well it's evil, wicked, mean and nasty (Don't step on the grass, Sam) And it will ruin our fair country (Don't be such an ass, Sam) Well, it will hook your Sue and Johnny (You're so full of bull, Sam) All will pay that disagree with me (Please give up you already lost the fight alright) You waste my coin Sam, all you can To jail my fellow man For smoking all the noble weed You need much more than him You've been telling lies so long Some believe they're true So they close their eyes to things You have no right to do Just as soon as you are gone Hope will start to climb Please don't stay around too long You're wasting precious time Repeat Chorus © Copyright MCA Music (BMI) All rights for the USA controlled and administered by MCA Corporation of America, IN

RED May 12, 2008 6:27 am (Pacific time)

Is it any wonder why kids are depressed nowadays? Their government is a transPARENT fraud, and they know it.RE-LEGALIZE!

deZ May 12, 2008 6:23 am (Pacific time)

www.norml.org weed doesn't kill, but cops do.

this professor May 12, 2008 6:09 am (Pacific time)

This professor already examined the claims by ONDCP about marijuana and called it scare tactics: http://www.justiceblind.com/whatsnew/herewegoagain.html

StRain May 12, 2008 5:59 am (Pacific time)

The ag reports reveal Cannabis is the #1 ag product in the US, that says alot about its importance. Both as it's economic impact, and health benifits. Yes our government will lie to us, just think about how they keep the price boosted by keeping Cannabis illegal. Who is filling there pockets from these laws?

shrdlu May 12, 2008 2:25 am (Pacific time)

Why is this asinine bit of trash from a bought government agency been running for three days now? There is some hard news out there but the media, which seems to be more under the control of this administration is under great pressure to become mindless tabloid journalism. When I tried sending a post to the Boston Herald critical of the government report they refused to publish it, saying that I had gotten the security code wrong. Tried three times with the same result but when, as an experiment, I sent in two posts commending the agencies findings they were posted. Of course the Boston Herald, that beacon of reason has a rep for shaping rather than reporting the news but they are pretty clumsy when it comes to hiding the fact that their paper doesn't employ journalists but people who will do anything they are told to do regardless of the damage printing lies does.

Chico May 12, 2008 1:00 am (Pacific time)

Great article, honestly, i spend a lot of time crying just thinking about how corrupt everything is.. even at a fundamental level. and weed allows me to sit back and think about it without freaking out. is it a crutch? that's for sure. but it's showing me how to open doors i couldn't before. yay weed.

Joey May 11, 2008 10:37 pm (Pacific time)

FANTASTIC ARTICLE! Keep up the good work.

May 11, 2008 9:43 pm (Pacific time)

I just want to thank Tim King & Salem-News.com for this refreshingly truthful article. The article was very well written! I was blown away to see such an article on such a MSM site!

Fizzle Berry May 11, 2008 9:45 pm (Pacific time)

I'm 45 years old. Was diagnosed Bi-Polar/Severe Depression/OCD, etc. for the past 13 years. I've been under constant Dr. care for the duration. I've been on every known medication and/or combination to control my depression. Nothing has really helped with any longevity. I have a question for Dr. Ganj, potgirl, or anyone... "Where do I get some Marijuana from so I can try it"? I've never inquired with my doctor. Perhaps that is where I should start. It's not like you can go to a list somewhere and find "suppliers". I'm middle-class, stay at home mom. Any advice anyone could offer would be helpful. Thanks!

Jesus May 11, 2008 8:33 pm (Pacific time)

If the Jews could make money off a weed anyone can grow in their backyard, that stuff would be legal. They would be advertising it on television!

Ecstacy May 11, 2008 8:10 pm (Pacific time)

We have had enough of the lying anti-pot propaganda. No one has died as far as we know. No one really gets addicted in the strict sense and can put it down without life or death craving of the hard drugs. Pot is delightful in that everything you do resonates and fascinates. Is this bad? What's wrong with moments of personal euphoria and ecstasy one enjoys while flowing with the dreamy ambient music on somafm.com? This is all the religion I need. Maybe that's what they fear: direct experience with your higher intelligence.

Kaylie May 11, 2008 6:17 pm (Pacific time)

The American government only cares about making money. You don't actually think the government cares about...what are they called? Oh yeah, CITIZENS!

John May 11, 2008 1:28 pm (Pacific time)

Look up an organization called LEAP. You might be surprised. This is one of their promo videos: leap.cc/Multimedia/audiovideo/csdp_promo.wmv
It's very worth your time.

POT-YOU-MENTARY.COM May 11, 2008 12:08 pm (Pacific time)

NO PARENT WANTS THEIR TEENAGER TO DO ANYTHING HARMFUL THAT WILL HINDER THEIR CHANCES OF A NORMAL ADULTHOOD.AND THAT INCLUDES GOING TO WAR.IT IS GREAT TO SEE THE COMMENTS FROM THE READERS THAT REFLECT THAT WE SHOULD ALLOW TAX PAYING CITIZENS TO HAVE THE FREEDOM TO DECIDE IF THAT PLANT GOD PUT ON THIS EARTH IS SOMETHING THEY WANT TO USE OR REFRAIN FROM USING.IT IS ALSO WE THE PEOPLE THAT CAN CHANGE THE LAWS FOR OUR SAKE,NOT THE SAKE OF THE POLITICANS.IT IS REALLY THE DIVERSE ARRAY OF PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE PRODUCED FROM POT THAT KEEP THE DEBATE BECOMING MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE TRUTH.HISTORY SHOWS THAT THE DUPONT COMPANY DID NOT WANT ANYTHING TO HINDER THEIR HOLD ON THE OIL AND CHEMICAL BUSINESS.AND HEMP BY-PRODUCTS WERE DOING JUST THAT.IT HAS MORE TO DO THAN JUST GETTING HIGH.JUST LOOK AT WHAT THEY CANADIANS HAVE DONE WITH THAT GOD GIVEN PLANT.EDWARD R. MORROW PREDICTED THAT ONE DAY THE MEDIA WOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO SEND FALSEHOOD HALF WAY AROUND THE WORLD,BEFORE THE THRUTH GOT IT'S SHOES ON.SO LET'S PUT OUR SHOES ON AND VOTE TO END THE DEBATE.HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

Michele May 11, 2008 8:19 am (Pacific time)

I have a very good friend who is a disabled (mentally) vet. He came back from war torn Bosnia an emotional wreck and turned into a meth addict. The VA has him on presription drugs that cause worse side effects than the problems they were designed to treat in the first place. (A certain article from Dr. Leveque comes to mind). But you know what? Thanks to marijuana--my friend has been Meth free for more than 3 years now.

hawkind May 10, 2008 6:48 pm (Pacific time)

50 percent of all people is US prisons are there on drug charges. That is scary and terrible.

q4znf May 10, 2008 6:00 pm (Pacific time)

It makes sex feel great, so it must be bad. Marijuana is bad, mmkay.

doobie howser May 10, 2008 4:48 pm (Pacific time)

Yeah Man!..Rock ON!....Toke up!....YeehaW!!!

herbman May 11, 2008 9:48 am (Pacific time)

I've used cannabis now for almost 40 years and have found it to be a wonderful friend. If people only knew they could grow one plant in the backyard and all year use it's wonderful medicine to help with depression, nausea, erectile dysfunction, menstraul cramps, migraines, chronic pain etc etc. it's non-lethal and very safe with very few side effects. What more could you ask for? And they want to put us all in prison for that.........

potgirl May 11, 2008 9:02 am (Pacific time)

I had really bad depression all my young life. I did alcohol and almost lost my life.Could not take care of myself or my family. Pot has saved my life and has made me a better person.I no longer have depression problem and have a good life.Thank you GOD.

Not Ready Yet May 11, 2008 8:45 am (Pacific time)

I remember back in the 60's if one got picked up for having even the tiniest amount in Texas or Oklahoma you were looking at 20 years. So the laws have softened some, but until you get a majority in congress who pass a bill along with a president who will sign that bill it will never become legalized. The Veterans Administration will take in people for alcohol and drug treatment who are positive for MJ at the start of an addiction program, but if any substance shows up later during the program that is not prescription related then the patient gets the boot. The military also has hard and fast rules, though that is an absolute neccesity for very obvious reasons. So until the D.C. folks make it legal it does not matter what a state legislature does. I say pin down the presidential candidates and see where they are at. I believe no matter which one you ask, you will be disappointed. It all hinges on the congress, and that's it.

Vic May 11, 2008 8:28 am (Pacific time)

" People who self medicate to feel better have serious problems." Yeah...what kind of self-centered person wants to feel better? What an weird comment! So, only medication that is forced upon you by another person is acceptable? If you do it willingly, it is all self-medication, be it pot or Paxil, coffee or Cerebrex. Virtually all my really foolish decisions were made under the influence of alcohol...the worst thing I have done on pot is procrastinate.

Change May 11, 2008 8:22 am (Pacific time)

Sure the government will have a harder time taxing all use of pot when you can "grow your own". If it is priced affordably, has exotic imported selections from around the world like the "coffee shops" in Holland, many will simply buy the retail stuff. Some will become horticultural hobbyists just like many do home-brewing of beer which hasn't really hurt taxing or the big brewers. Certainly the energy companies would prefer you get all your power through their pipeline as opposed to disconnecting from the grid and going solar. Dependency on Big Eenergy is giving way to the new paradigm of self-sufficiency and rugged individualism.

John May 11, 2008 3:14 am (Pacific time)

Look up an organization called LEAP. You might be surprised. This is one of their promo videos:

leap.cc/Multimedia/audiovideo/csdp_promo.wmv

It's very worth your time.

herbert marcus May 11, 2008 3:10 am (Pacific time)

We, the people, shall win the war against Marijuana, God and human rights.

Tony May 11, 2008 12:41 am (Pacific time)

I don't smoke Marijuana myself by did several times when I was younger. It didn't make me either depressed or suicidal or aggressive. The effects of alcohol seem to me to much worse then marijuana in that thousands are killed each year on our highways due to drunk drivers and families are ruined by alcoholism. I have never known a single person using marijuana to become violent or to have killed anyone on the highway, maybe get the munchies and overeat and excessively giggle but that's about it. Cigarettes kill over 400,000 per year yet it remains legal, how many people die from the use of pot?

marx2k May 10, 2008 11:03 pm (Pacific time)

"I just think about all the cops that lose their lives to get drugs off the streets and we have people who think they are heros because they sell or use drugs." So then we both agree that legalizing marijuana would remove the criminal element from the substance and would remove the danger to authorities who no longer would have to pursue individuals who are only criminals because of an absurd and self-serving prohibition? Good. I'm glad you could see some reason. "People who self medicate to feel better have serious problems. Go get mental health help." So self-medicating is bad, but being medicated by 'mental health help' is good? You seem a bit confused.

FrankD May 10, 2008 9:44 pm (Pacific time)

"The continued prohibition of cannabis jeopardizes the health and well-being of Canadians much more than does the substance itself." - Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs, 2002 Cannabis: Our Position for a Canadian Public Policy http://www.senatereport.ca -FrankD CannabisFacts.ca - http://www.CannabisFacts.ca Essential information for an informed debate on cannabis policy.

dbreeze May 10, 2008 8:48 pm (Pacific time)

http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11280301 Use this link to send a message to your representative in support of H.R. 5843(remove federal penalty for personal use of marijuana)

420Friendly May 10, 2008 8:03 pm (Pacific time)

Anonymous, the cops that lose their lives to get "drugs" off the street... Hmmm, first off, they know what they are getting into when they sign up for the job.... Secondly, I hear of drunk drivers, meth addicts and those with "real" drug addictions are the ones causing the problems... If you partake in the natural herb that god put on this planet, everyone (including yourself) would be mellow! The world would be such a better place! Medical marijuana is much better than taking any perscription pills to cloud your brain!

Michael Sartor May 10, 2008 7:55 pm (Pacific time)

I agree, except for use of Priests as a metaphor... Priest have been doing this for millenia, not just centuries. And only recently, have we become open enough to accept that it happens. No comparison to MJ, in any way, in my opinion.... Mike Sartor

420Friendly May 10, 2008 7:54 pm (Pacific time)

God made weed, man made beer... Who do you trust??

Anonymous May 10, 2008 7:40 pm (Pacific time)

I just think about all the cops that lose their lives to get drugs off the streets and we have people who think they are heros because they sell or use drugs. People who self medicate to feel better have serious problems. Go get mental health help.

Matt Johnson May 10, 2008 7:19 pm (Pacific time)

Mandaue, this is a mainstream news site that just doesn't cow down to the forces that almost all other media does. They go to war and cover the actions of our military people with pride and reason. They are not "potheads" any more than you are a sellout and an idiot. But "pothead" is just an ugly word that your small mind uses to belittle people. I'll bet you are a real punk to your children, and you would forsake them and cast them out and let them suffer and be abused if you "caught them" using this plant God put on the earth, how totally ridiculous and preposterous. Where are you from, Kansas? The whole point is that this is THE only media site that isn't CLOSED MINDED. For your information, that means sticking to old knowledge and refusing to believe fact when it is presented. You are the very thing you cry foul on.

wish May 10, 2008 6:58 pm (Pacific time)

It's not just pot, but any drug use is a health issue and not a criminal one. If someone is depressed and on drugs why would you send them to jail??? Does the stigma of a criminal record help them overcome their illness? Tell me, where is the logic there? Are we barbarians?

Marisa Landau May 10, 2008 6:56 pm (Pacific time)

Excellent article! Gosh, how can you outlaw a plant?? A plant thas has been used for millenia all over the world to help cure or soothe a whole lot of diseases. When will this ridiculous prohibition end? It only serves to keep many people in their jobs with the "anti-drug war". Alcohol and tobacco are the real killers, and where is the 'war' against them?

Mandaue Mactan May 10, 2008 6:54 pm (Pacific time)

Well, from the messages and replys I see,this is a pro-pot site so reason goes out the window. You wouldn't believe evidence if it hit you in the head. So no more comments from me. It's a waste of time on you guys. I'll go to a site when a little more "non drug induced minds" prevail. Go ahead and somke yourselved to death and bring your children right along with you. Your attitude will do that even if you're not aware. Have a great life you close minded, distorted individuals. Pot has affected you and you don't even know it.

hawkind May 10, 2008 6:48 pm (Pacific time)

50 percent of all people is US prisons are there on drug charges. That is scary and terrible.

Ralph May 10, 2008 6:45 pm (Pacific time)

Yes just legalize it. The government can make lots of money with a pot tax. A whole new industry will emerge within the US market providing jobs and security. Legal herb shops on every street corner. They will probably sell it at Starbucks. There will also be fewer crimes because folks will be more laid back and contented and wont want to commit them. People who drink alcohol are far more likely to be dangerous then someone on herb. There is a reason why it grows naturally... it’s good. Fewer taxes will be wasted to incarcerate harmless pot users too. The lists of benefits could go on and on.

In Correspondence May 10, 2008 6:43 pm (Pacific time)

I don't believe the government either. I think they use scare tactics. I think they are working for their own benefit and not the people's. I think one of the reasons so many countries resent us is because we have so many restrictions on personal freedom- which makes us all look like total hypocrites, if freedom is what we're supposed to be standing for. WORD.

Mike May 10, 2008 6:42 pm (Pacific time)

As along as the public can be duped, generation after generation into thinking that pot is the eeville weed that the media and corpo-pharma paint it to be, there will be generation after generation of otherwise innocent Americans sent to jail, burdening not those corpos... but the taxpayer.

Dr Ganj May 10, 2008 6:41 pm (Pacific time)

I've been growing marijuana for 34 years. I consider myself one of the top five growers in the world. My wife and I ran a cannabis club in Oakland, California for three years with
pride.
As with any drug, caution and respect is in order.
All drugs can be misused, but I know in my heart, I have caused more good than bad over the years. I've probably directly affected thousands of people, and I can not recall one incident where one user was deleteriously affected.
I have a trophy displayed on my wall for first place
in a northern California cannabis cup.
That is all the proof I need to continue what I love so much.

no drunks May 10, 2008 6:30 pm (Pacific time)

Mandaue wants someone to blame for his own inadequacy. We all have problems, but at some point, you have to realize, maybe you just never were the brightest bulb in the box. Maybe it wasn't the pot, maybe you just don't remember that you were a kid back then, and the harsh adult world's realities are a big difference from your "before pot" days. I don't suppose alcohol ever entered into your picture? I guess you'd probably blame that on pot too...being that you aren't responsible for making decisions for yourself.

Wakeup May 10, 2008 6:18 pm (Pacific time)

If you think weed caused your son to attempt suicide, I am sorry to inform you that it is YOU that caused your son to attempt suicide. Weed prob prolonged it. Weed causes the opposite of depression. Don't blame a drug, and realize your sons life and issues is his problem, not a plant.

Kathie May 10, 2008 6:15 pm (Pacific time)

I worked on an ambulance in a major municipality for over 20 years. Not once in all those years did I ever see someone injured or dead as a result of smoking pot. Of course, I cannot even count how many horrible tragedies that I witnessed as a result of alcohol ingestion. Marijuana is the most benign substance out there. If you ask me, those who smoke it obviously have quite a few more brain cells (not to mention class) than the slobbering drunks (from all walks of life) that we scrapped off the ground.

Kyle May 10, 2008 6:14 pm (Pacific time)

Were you planning on including any facts in your vitriol? Of course human agricultural practices can change the qualities of plants; fruit today is wildly different from fruit of centuries past, through both breeding and GM.

Tim King: "Wildly different" eh Kyle? No it isn't. It is slightly different but not wildly. I know man tweeks and injects what it can into the flow of nature; a good example would be honey bees which we know as "Africanized bees" also known as "killer bees" - hybrids developed by men So your point is taken but it still doesn't apply. The idea that marijuana is "different" is still wrong. You can say it is refined, bred, defined, but not different. There were strains in the 60's and 70's and long before that had all the potency of today, that is the truth. Good try Kyle.

John May 10, 2008 6:08 pm (Pacific time)

Thanks for the pro-Stoner propaganda.

Mandaue Mactan May 10, 2008 6:00 pm (Pacific time)

I have to agree with this finding. I have suffered from anxiety and depression ever since my days of smoking pot. I was a very positive, healthy individual with a very good outlook on life. After a few years, I was depressed, had high anxiety, and had a very poor outlook on life in general. I absolutely believe smoking pot has the worst effects possible for developing minds. You might think it's ok but it take a while to see it's negative effects. I wish I'd never taken the first puff. I'm still paying for it 40 years later. How I wish I could convince others of its dangers.

"DISABLED-VETERAN" May 10, 2008 5:59 pm (Pacific time)

100% P.T.S.D. Thank you "GOD"

Older person May 10, 2008 5:52 pm (Pacific time)

While they are promoting drugs that have hardly been tested and have side effects worse than the condition to be treated and yet tell lies about marijuana, that has to tell you something. In government they tell lies so often that the general public dulls down to what the truth is behind the lies. I just recently gave up smoking marijuana for no particular reason. I'd been smoking it for 40 years with no harmful effects.

Anthony May 10, 2008 5:50 pm (Pacific time)

This government report comes on the heels of recently introduced legislation by Barney Frank and cosponsored by Ron Paul. Check
H.R. 5843: "Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults". White House expert is John P. Walters, the fellow who called growers of marijuana "violent criminal terrorists."

Editor: Thanks Anthony, and here is Salem-News.com coverage of what he references: Congressman Frank to Introduce Federal Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

realdoc May 10, 2008 5:46 pm (Pacific time)

when a close patient or friend has cancer, and anorexia, nausea, pain, etc. A few puffs let them eat, not vomit, relax for a while. Yes, its true they may not get into heaven if they do something against the law while alive, but it makes their days less like hell. I can not legally recommend it. Tobacco has done more damage to the world than any marijuana, but the big companies and gov can not tax something you can grow.

Frank May 10, 2008 5:35 pm (Pacific time)

Well Relieved I'm very sorry your son has a deep depression issue, but to say you believed weed was a huge influence in those suicide attempts just means you are uninformed. 28 million PLUS americans use weed. and they aren't all trying to commit suicide. Your SON made your son almost commit suicide. It's obvious he was unable to handle whatever it was that bothered him, and did NOT discuss it in length with anyone to get help. I suspect if your son was a heavy drinker, you'd have blamed it on booze? or if he chewed too much gum? looks like you were just looking for someone or something to BLAME for your son's issues. So as not to face reality!

QBeam May 10, 2008 5:35 pm (Pacific time)

its a vice that can be overcome with healthy living, and avoidance. still, in this still free to me America, it should be held in no worse regard than alcohol, which will forever be part of our society. it also has nice effects.

Tony May 10, 2008 5:34 pm (Pacific time)

Dr. Carl Sagan smoked pot. Millions have. It's permitted in Holland where it's sold inexpensively in coffee shops. It's tolerated elsewhere in Europe.It is pleasant and benign but most will agree, like any mood altering substance or even movies, youth probably shouldn't be indulging. Their brains have to prune out a bit and develop some ego strength, a recipe for life itself.

John May 10, 2008 5:32 pm (Pacific time)

Not an article, more like an editorial with no data.

Tony May 10, 2008 5:29 pm (Pacific time)

I am in my 60s. I haven't smoked marijuana in decades. I thought, why not try it again? What I found was I could pee with ease. I mean, my prostate has been tightening and peeing has been more difficult. Us older guys face this issue. My first pee when stoned was with wonderful ease. It flowed so smoothly. I am not kidding. OK to snicker but it's true!

Roseann May 10, 2008 5:22 pm (Pacific time)

My very dear friend has Multiple Sclerosis, a very small amount of marijuana relieves many of her symptoms better than so many prescriptions that her doctors give her, but she has such a hard time getting marijuana. By the way, she is 52 yrs old, not a teenager who will be DRIVEN TO HARDER DRUGS BY MARIJUANA!!!

Julie May 10, 2008 5:18 pm (Pacific time)

I believe that some folks have a mental problem, and when they smoke weed, it becomes more apparent. That doesn't mean they didn't already have the problem. I'm sorry about your son, Relieved, but "Quacks"? That's a new one. PLEASE let us all know what doctor you know of in Oregon signing permits for teenagers without good cause. There are NONE. Also, you say there is a prescription for marijuana. NO there is not. They don't prescribe it, or give it to them. As for teens just using weed to get high, yes they do. So what? How many people do you know that used it in high school (most) and are productive, high-achieving adults? It doesn't lead to anything unless the kid wants to go that way. Would you rather they just get drunk? Now, there's a gateway drug! "Hey Junior, go get me a beer." That's a great way to lead by example.

Tim in San Diego May 10, 2008 5:17 pm (Pacific time)

My GOVERNMENT gives me depression. Why don't we make it illegal, too?

Relieved May 10, 2008 4:59 pm (Pacific time)

I am convinced that it almost cost my oldest son his life. Some teens may pass throught it as a phase, but more and more seem to have difficulty limiting usage and moving on. Our son tried to take his life twice before the age of 22 and there is no doubt in our minds that marijuana use was a huge factor. I long ago voted for it's legalization for medical use but never will again. Not until all the quacks out there are reigned in and stop writing teenagers scripts for a fee!

Jim May 10, 2008 4:47 pm (Pacific time)

Nice article. Exposing the chemical and industries propaganda against a natural herb that would take billions out of their pockets. They much rather dope the world on synthetic drugs and chemicals. It's the American way.

jim May 10, 2008 4:47 pm (Pacific time)

my friend said he had to start smoking cigerrattes cause he couldn't afford weed cause its so expensive... and now he has cancer from cig's

Paul May 10, 2008 4:47 pm (Pacific time)

I don't believe the Government report. They are trying to restrict Ill people from getting safe alternative herbal medicines. Help stop this Government disinformation policy, and keep Cannabis accessible to responsible adults. Thank you. Peace

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New Federal Report on Marijuana Use is Misleading, Groups Say

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