Marijuana: Facts and Myths

General discussion about cannabis and coffeeshops.
imcalledstu
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Post by imcalledstu »

SoulRider wrote:... Please we have to be precise, marijuana cannot give you cancer, if you smoke it however the burning of plant material can...
As with pretty much most things.

I hate the fact that Marijuana has been shown as this big bad drug, when really there is no evidence to support these claims.

Also, that 10 part series on youtube boner posted is quite cool, watched it a while back (worse quality tho on a different channel) and it really opened my eyes. I recommend you all watch it!


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NYCBud
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Post by NYCBud »

imcalledstu wrote: Seriously dude, you are getting on my nerves ... The health problems you would experience are ONLY from tobacco, I smoke WEED regularly, with no tobacco, and I have a perfect bill of health. Your problem is with TOBACCO not WEED.

Obviously there are health risks with tobacco as has been scientifically proven, but with weed I actually haven't been given ANY evidence of weed being bad for you. Can you provide me with some? or are you just going to keep posting the same comments with the same narrow mind set?
What the hell are you talking about!? Burning any Hyrdro-carbon (basically any natural living thing) Gives off water, Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen mixes.
Cannabis is a hydrocarbon therefore when burnt gives off a mix of CO2, CO, H2O, N and NO.
Oh and heres abit of information for you:
Cannabis smoke contains the same cancer causing substances (carcinogens) as tobacco – at least 50 of them. In addition, cannabis is often mixed with tobacco when smoked.

One of these carcinogens is benzyprene. Benzyprene is in the tar of both tobacco and cannabis cigarettes. We know that benzyprene causes cancer. It alters a gene called p53, which is a tumour suppressor gene. We know that 3 out of 4 lung cancers (75%) occur in people who have faulty p53 genes. The p53 gene is also linked to many other cancers.

Cannabis also contains a substance called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is the THC in the cannabis that changes your mood and behaviour. The amount of THC in a cannabis cigarette varies considerably. Researchers have shown that THC causes benzpyrene to promote the p53 gene to change.

The way people smoke cannabis
Substances in tar cause cancer. Cannabis cigarettes don’t have a filter, so more of the tar reaches the lungs.

Also, people inhale cannabis smoke for longer than cigarette smoke. This is to get the full effect of the cannabis. But it means that the smoke is in contact with the lungs for longer.

Smokers’ lifestyles
Many people who smoke cannabis smoke tobacco cigarettes and drink alcohol too. Research evidence suggests that the combination of smoking tobacco, using cannabis and drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing a cancer even further.

Evidence on cannabis and cancer
Several research studies have shown a link between cannabis and cancer. But other studies have shown no link. This makes it difficult to say exactly what the risk is. There have been a couple of systematic reviews that have tried to draw some conclusions on this.

In 2005 a review looked at the results of several studies into marijuana use and cancer risk. The researchers looked at 2 cohort studies and 14 case control studies. The case control studies involved many different types of cancer. Results were mixed and the researchers could not make any firm conclusions about the risk of cancer. It was also difficult to draw conclusions because of limitations in the studies. They included small numbers of people, involved too few heavy marijuana users and possibly underreported marijuana use in those countries where it is illegal.

In 2006 a systematic review looked at marijuana use and lung cancer risk. Although they could not find a significant link between marijuana and cancer, the reviewers reported that smoking marijuana increased tar exposure and caused changes to the lining of the small tubes in the lungs. They recommended that, until we have more definite evidence, doctors should warn people of the possible harmful effects of marijuana smoking. A New Zealand study in 2008 compared people with lung cancer to people who did not have lung cancer and found that regular cannabis use does increase the risk of lung cancer.

In early 2006 doctors reported on a possible link between cannabis and bladder cancer. Smoking is one of the main causes of bladder cancer. This study looked at men with bladder cancer under the age of 60, who had smoked marijuana, and compared them to men who hadn’t smoked it. The study showed that marijuana may be a possible cause of bladder cancer. But as the study was small, researchers need to investigate further to find out for certain.

So at the moment the evidence isn’t clear. We do know that, like tobacco, cannabis contains cancer causing substances. Therefore it would seem likely to increase cancer risk. But we need more research to know this for sure.

Why researching cannabis is difficult
There are difficulties in researching the effects of cannabis. Many people who smoke cannabis also smoke tobacco. And users of cannabis often mix it with tobacco. This can make it difficult to know whether it is the tobacco, the cannabis, or both that has caused a cancer.

The amount of THC in cannabis also varies. Some of the cannabis available today is much stronger than it was 20 years ago. These versions contain more THC.

Another difficulty researchers have is in recruiting people who smoke cannabis into studies. Because cannabis is an illegal drug in many countries, people may be reluctant to take part in research. And if they do agree to take part, they may not say how much cannabis they actually smoke.
Taken from http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/defau ... 22473#carc

How about you open your narrow mind set about weed not being harmful
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sh@dy
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Post by sh@dy »

NYCBud wrote:
imcalledstu wrote: Seriously dude, you are getting on my nerves ... The health problems you would experience are ONLY from tobacco, I smoke WEED regularly, with no tobacco, and I have a perfect bill of health. Your problem is with TOBACCO not WEED.

Obviously there are health risks with tobacco as has been scientifically proven, but with weed I actually haven't been given ANY evidence of weed being bad for you. Can you provide me with some? or are you just going to keep posting the same comments with the same narrow mind set?
What the hell are you talking about!? Burning any Hyrdro-carbon (basically any natural living thing) Gives off water, Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen mixes.
Cannabis is a hydrocarbon therefore when burnt gives off a mix of CO2, CO, H2O, N and NO.
Oh and heres abit of information for you:
Cannabis smoke contains the same cancer causing substances (carcinogens) as tobacco – at least 50 of them. In addition, cannabis is often mixed with tobacco when smoked.

One of these carcinogens is benzyprene. Benzyprene is in the tar of both tobacco and cannabis cigarettes. We know that benzyprene causes cancer. It alters a gene called p53, which is a tumour suppressor gene. We know that 3 out of 4 lung cancers (75%) occur in people who have faulty p53 genes. The p53 gene is also linked to many other cancers.

Cannabis also contains a substance called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is the THC in the cannabis that changes your mood and behaviour. The amount of THC in a cannabis cigarette varies considerably. Researchers have shown that THC causes benzpyrene to promote the p53 gene to change.

The way people smoke cannabis
Substances in tar cause cancer. Cannabis cigarettes don’t have a filter, so more of the tar reaches the lungs.

Also, people inhale cannabis smoke for longer than cigarette smoke. This is to get the full effect of the cannabis. But it means that the smoke is in contact with the lungs for longer.

Smokers’ lifestyles
Many people who smoke cannabis smoke tobacco cigarettes and drink alcohol too. Research evidence suggests that the combination of smoking tobacco, using cannabis and drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing a cancer even further.

Evidence on cannabis and cancer
Several research studies have shown a link between cannabis and cancer. But other studies have shown no link. This makes it difficult to say exactly what the risk is. There have been a couple of systematic reviews that have tried to draw some conclusions on this.

In 2005 a review looked at the results of several studies into marijuana use and cancer risk. The researchers looked at 2 cohort studies and 14 case control studies. The case control studies involved many different types of cancer. Results were mixed and the researchers could not make any firm conclusions about the risk of cancer. It was also difficult to draw conclusions because of limitations in the studies. They included small numbers of people, involved too few heavy marijuana users and possibly underreported marijuana use in those countries where it is illegal.

In 2006 a systematic review looked at marijuana use and lung cancer risk. Although they could not find a significant link between marijuana and cancer, the reviewers reported that smoking marijuana increased tar exposure and caused changes to the lining of the small tubes in the lungs. They recommended that, until we have more definite evidence, doctors should warn people of the possible harmful effects of marijuana smoking. A New Zealand study in 2008 compared people with lung cancer to people who did not have lung cancer and found that regular cannabis use does increase the risk of lung cancer.

In early 2006 doctors reported on a possible link between cannabis and bladder cancer. Smoking is one of the main causes of bladder cancer. This study looked at men with bladder cancer under the age of 60, who had smoked marijuana, and compared them to men who hadn’t smoked it. The study showed that marijuana may be a possible cause of bladder cancer. But as the study was small, researchers need to investigate further to find out for certain.

So at the moment the evidence isn’t clear. We do know that, like tobacco, cannabis contains cancer causing substances. Therefore it would seem likely to increase cancer risk. But we need more research to know this for sure.

Why researching cannabis is difficult
There are difficulties in researching the effects of cannabis. Many people who smoke cannabis also smoke tobacco. And users of cannabis often mix it with tobacco. This can make it difficult to know whether it is the tobacco, the cannabis, or both that has caused a cancer.

The amount of THC in cannabis also varies. Some of the cannabis available today is much stronger than it was 20 years ago. These versions contain more THC.

Another difficulty researchers have is in recruiting people who smoke cannabis into studies. Because cannabis is an illegal drug in many countries, people may be reluctant to take part in research. And if they do agree to take part, they may not say how much cannabis they actually smoke.
Taken from http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/defau ... 22473#carc

How about you open your narrow mind set about weed not being harmful
I dont mean this sarcastic or anything, but how comes there are so many studies about Weed being good AGAINST cancer? I dont really understand this, would be nice if someone had an answer
imcalledstu
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Post by imcalledstu »

NYCBud wrote:...What the hell are you talking about!? Burning any Hyrdro-carbon (basically any natural living thing) Gives off water, Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen mixes.
Cannabis is a hydrocarbon therefore when burnt gives off a mix of CO2, CO, H2O, N and NO. ...
Then I'll start Vaporizing! lol. Sorry, I just got annoyed as I thought you where getting cannabis and tobacco confused. Now I see you wern't and that you just have something against weed (which is strange when being a member on this forum!)

Please accept my most sincere apologies NYCBud. I wish for you that 2009 brings happiness and hope into your heart and home. And good luck for whatever New Year's Resolutions you may have made. Have a good Easter, A pleasant Summer, a great Halloween, and Awesome Christmas and Happy Fucking Birthday! May Every penny you drop in the water well of life make every wish come true within your very soul!

Much Love!

.
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NYCBud
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Post by NYCBud »

imcalledstu wrote:
Then I'll start Vaporizing! lol. Sorry, I just got annoyed as I thought you where getting cannabis and tobacco confused. Now I see you wern't and that you just have something against weed (which is strange when being a member on this forum!)

Please accept my most sincere apologies NYCBud. I wish for you that 2009 brings happiness and hope into your heart and home. And good luck for whatever New Year's Resolutions you may have made. Have a good Easter, A pleasant Summer, a great Halloween, and Awesome Christmas and Happy Fucking Birthday! May Every penny you drop in the water well of life make every wish come true within your very soul!

Much Love!

.
I dont have anything against weed at all were just trying to iron out the facts and myths of cannabis.
And a very happy new year to you too Stu!
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SoulRider
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Post by SoulRider »

NYCBud wrote:
What the hell are you talking about!? Burning any Hyrdro-carbon (basically any natural living thing) Gives off water, Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen mixes.
Cannabis is a hydrocarbon therefore when burnt gives off a mix of CO2, CO, H2O, N and NO.
Oh and heres abit of information for you:
Cannabis smoke contains the same cancer causing substances (carcinogens) as tobacco – at least 50 of them. In addition, cannabis is often mixed with tobacco when smoked.

One of these carcinogens is benzyprene. Benzyprene is in the tar of both tobacco and cannabis cigarettes. We know that benzyprene causes cancer. It alters a gene called p53, which is a tumour suppressor gene. We know that 3 out of 4 lung cancers (75%) occur in people who have faulty p53 genes. The p53 gene is also linked to many other cancers.

Cannabis also contains a substance called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is the THC in the cannabis that changes your mood and behaviour. The amount of THC in a cannabis cigarette varies considerably. Researchers have shown that THC causes benzpyrene to promote the p53 gene to change.

The way people smoke cannabis
Substances in tar cause cancer. Cannabis cigarettes don’t have a filter, so more of the tar reaches the lungs.

Also, people inhale cannabis smoke for longer than cigarette smoke. This is to get the full effect of the cannabis. But it means that the smoke is in contact with the lungs for longer.

Smokers’ lifestyles
Many people who smoke cannabis smoke tobacco cigarettes and drink alcohol too. Research evidence suggests that the combination of smoking tobacco, using cannabis and drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing a cancer even further.

Evidence on cannabis and cancer
Several research studies have shown a link between cannabis and cancer. But other studies have shown no link. This makes it difficult to say exactly what the risk is. There have been a couple of systematic reviews that have tried to draw some conclusions on this.

In 2005 a review looked at the results of several studies into marijuana use and cancer risk. The researchers looked at 2 cohort studies and 14 case control studies. The case control studies involved many different types of cancer. Results were mixed and the researchers could not make any firm conclusions about the risk of cancer. It was also difficult to draw conclusions because of limitations in the studies. They included small numbers of people, involved too few heavy marijuana users and possibly underreported marijuana use in those countries where it is illegal.

In 2006 a systematic review looked at marijuana use and lung cancer risk. Although they could not find a significant link between marijuana and cancer, the reviewers reported that smoking marijuana increased tar exposure and caused changes to the lining of the small tubes in the lungs. They recommended that, until we have more definite evidence, doctors should warn people of the possible harmful effects of marijuana smoking. A New Zealand study in 2008 compared people with lung cancer to people who did not have lung cancer and found that regular cannabis use does increase the risk of lung cancer.

In early 2006 doctors reported on a possible link between cannabis and bladder cancer. Smoking is one of the main causes of bladder cancer. This study looked at men with bladder cancer under the age of 60, who had smoked marijuana, and compared them to men who hadn’t smoked it. The study showed that marijuana may be a possible cause of bladder cancer. But as the study was small, researchers need to investigate further to find out for certain.

So at the moment the evidence isn’t clear. We do know that, like tobacco, cannabis contains cancer causing substances. Therefore it would seem likely to increase cancer risk. But we need more research to know this for sure.

Why researching cannabis is difficult
There are difficulties in researching the effects of cannabis. Many people who smoke cannabis also smoke tobacco. And users of cannabis often mix it with tobacco. This can make it difficult to know whether it is the tobacco, the cannabis, or both that has caused a cancer.

The amount of THC in cannabis also varies. Some of the cannabis available today is much stronger than it was 20 years ago. These versions contain more THC.

Another difficulty researchers have is in recruiting people who smoke cannabis into studies. Because cannabis is an illegal drug in many countries, people may be reluctant to take part in research. And if they do agree to take part, they may not say how much cannabis they actually smoke.
Taken from http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/defau ... 22473#carc

How about you open your narrow mind set about weed not being harmful
How about you provide some evidence? I have already come across this particular information, as it is a cut and paste job and appears on many different websites. Can I ask one question.. Where is the proof. Where are the details of the scientific studies that brought about these comments? Because they are in direct contradiction to these folowing reports, which include the original scientific poiont as reference so you can check for yourself. Yours however has no links to scientific studies which confirm them:

CANCER - STOPPED BY MARIJUANA!
10:21 PM PDT, July 20, 2008

This WONDERFUL NEWS ought to be headlined around the globe. The studies are clear: THC of Cannabis Sativa - the unjustly demonized and thoroughly misunderstood molecule that causes the “high,” actually is dissolving cancer tumors right before the eyes of the scientists. This is humungous news! “Medical Marijuana can be effective treatment for Cancer” announced doctors: “clarification of the mechanism of cannabinoid action may help investigators to explore its therapeutic benefit “cannabinoids… shown to reduce the invasiveness of cancer cells… cannabinoids may offer therapeutic options in highly invasive cancers.” “Journal of National Cancer Institute Advance Access / online on December 25th 2007. AND it is completely safe!! Marijuana (leaves and flowers of Cannabis Sativa) has been medicine for ten thousand years. Modern research is in complete agreement with the 10,000-year admiration, appreciation and even adoration of the benefits of marijuana. Yes, it is ASTOUNDING. We have a natural medicine that is completely in sync with our beings. It restores balance to the whole organism. And it grows like a WEED. It is easy to distribute, easy to administer, and just by luck – it imparts a feeling of well-being!! (
Institute of Medicine in describing its effects).

Marijuana is even demonstrating an ability to PREVENT CANCER. That marijuana prevents cancer – especially lung cancer (of heavy smokers of tobacco and marijuana) comes from a
US government study trying to prove how bad smoking marijuana is for your lungs. BUT - Lo and behold, the results were positive for marijuana!! Marijuana smokers, even if they were also heavy tobacco smokers, had the same results as the non-smoking population. Actually, if you smoked marijuana and tobacco, you got less cancer (of the lung) than if you had smoked nothing. Could that be? It seemed too good to be true, so it was not reported. But by knowing how Marijuana Therapy balances the biological systems of the human organism, we can see it makes perfect sense. www.benefitsofmarijuana.com

And marijuana is palliative! It helps the horrendous symptoms caused by chemo. It takes away the nausea; the depression; the lack of appetite. Marijuana has enormous health benefits!! BUT we can’t use it – even if we are dying of cancer. In the
US – using marijuana to have a feeling of well being is against the law! Using marijuana is allowed in a few states for chemotherapy reactions and for pain. But marijuana is never allowed to prevent cancer or to stop cancer.

This is syndicated from Ask Joan, and written by Joan Bello.

The truth about the benefits of marijuana is drowning out the lies. Finally! The arrogance of a nation that would deliberately cover up the truth is showing through all the evil propaganda. This shameful government agenda of deceiving the public has endured for more than 60 years. But the old guard is dying out. The scientists of today are the children of the baby boomers of yesterday. How interesting that modern science is finally proving, beyond a shadow of a doubt, not only the absolute complete harmlessness of this ancient plant, but – for just about anything that it is tested for, marijuana is displaying unexpected magnificent health advantages for human biology.



Clinical Studies - not reported! Marijuana helps to prevent cancer. Tests show that marijuana actually prevents cancer! for Breast Cancer, Brain Cancer, and now possibly Skin Cancer – specific marijuana compounds have cured cancer! The diabolic fact: in the 60’s, a government study in
New Mexico proved marijuana prevented cancer. The Lynn Pearson Study was hidden for nearly 40 years by the government. Ten years ago, it was found. Modern science shows these same wonderful results. But it is still not making headlines, not on radio or TV. But the truth can’t be hidden. Clinical studies are all over the internet. While most Americans don’t read professional journals, most of us do read the truth about marijuana on the internet.



Well this is just a blog. The way that marijuana makes for health and happiness is all in my book. Today I am posting just a bit of recent science on the “bliss molecule” which is turning out to agree with the ancients who called marijuana “gift of the gods.”



*A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 1999, reported that lifetime use of cannabis was associated with a reduced risk of adult, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. *2004 issue of the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics: administration of cannabidiol (CBD) (a marijuana compound) significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneously glioma cells. (THAT’S BRAIN CANCER) “In conclusion, CBD was able to produce a significant antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a possible application of CBD as an antineoplastic agent (an agent that inhibits the growth of malignant cells.)” *Last year, Pacif. Med. Research Inst.- “administration of THC on human glioblastoma multiforme cell lines decreased the proliferation of malignant cells and induced apoptosis (programmed cell death).” *Cannabidiol as a novel inhibitor of Id-1 gene expression in aggressive breast cancer cells. Mol Cancer Ther, 2007, Nov; 6(11):2921-7. PMID: 18025276 [PubMed indexed for MEDLINE] *Cannabinoids selectively inhibit proliferation and induce death of cultured human glioblastoma multiforme cells. J Neurooncol. 2005 Aug;74(1):31-40. PMID: 16078104 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



BTW: 94 studies on Brain Cancer and Marijuana (Cannabis) can be found on PubMed – the government’s own Medical database.

This is syndicated from Ask Joan, and written by Joan Bello.
While were on the subject of Health, lets here Joan talk about Migraines:

The cost of a migraine headache:

In the
United States, more than 30 million people suffer from debilitating Migraine Headaches. With the stressors of modern living, that number keeps growing as do the billions of dollars migraine sufferers spend on prescription drugs. In addition, forty seven percent of migraine victims also suffer from Clinical Depression, an even bigger multi-billion dollar industry. Obviously, anything that threatens such a lucrative cash cow is understandably to be feared, denied, denigrated and, of course, prohibited!! Such is the case with Marijuana Therapy which has been employed throughout the world for thousands of years as an effective treatment for Migraines. Its safety, economy, ease of administration, and immediacy of action is denied via propaganda of the multi-national machine. Meanwhile, we have all been duped to accept the ludicrous idea that concentrated poisons concocted in laboratories of profit-oriented corporations are more compatible with the human body than an ancient, healing, earth plant. We even accept that prescribed drugs can cause permanent organ damage! or that an over-dose can kill. The “medical model” of swallowing what the doctor prescribes – however dangerous is shamefully entrenched in the robotic mentality of today’s passive population. (Marijuana alters this conditioning of unconsciousness by its innate consciousness-raising quality so that the person thinks for her/him self. (another Blog entirely)What is a migraine? How does marijuana help? How do prescription drugs work? A migraine is caused by enlargement of blood vessels, especially in the artery below the temple. The inflamed vessels interfere with neighboring nerves, which react by releasing inflammatory chemicals. Pain ensues. Further dilation of blood vessels follows. There is yet stronger pain. The Sympathetic Nervous System becomes over-activated causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme sensitivity to light and sound and blurred vision.Marijuana Balances the Autonomic Nervous System. For nearly twenty years, the scientific community has known that the Cannabinoid Network in humans (and other mammals) is the modulating, moderating, and regulating system responsible for balance throughout the body. THC and other compounds (called cannabinoids) unique to marijuana, mimic, with uncanny precision and even with increased efficacy and enthusiasm, the natural brain chemical responsible for balancing the Autonomic Nervous System! Cannabis is anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-emetic. It is a muscle relaxant and a mild vasodilator that lowers blood pressure. No wonder it helps a Migraine! It soothes the over-activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System almost immediately, with utmost safety! Rather than smoking it, marijuana can be vaporized so that just pure balancing cannabinoids are inhaled, i.e. – no carcinogenic substances. This insures that we breathe better. The Migraine fades as Autonomic Balance is restored. If marijuana is administered regularly, Migraine Headaches are usually a thing of the past – a really frightful scenario for the Drug Companies. Prescription Drugs suppress, anesthetize, and poison the body – just a little. Scientists don’t know exactly how Migraine Drugs work. One theory is that they somehow change interactions between specific brain hormones. Another theory: the drugs affect the arteries directly. And yet another theory: decreased production of specific, inflammatory hormones. Rather than breathing better as with Marijuana Therapy, these “medications” have warnings of inhibited breathing. Heart rate can become too fast or dangerously slowed. Drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, loss of stamina, insomnia, nausea, depression, memory loss, impotence, dry mouth, difficulty urinating and blurred vision are all listed as side effects. Marijuana Therapy has no such discomforts or dangers. It is safe, effective, proven over millennia, easily grown, simply administered, economical, and has, as its most prominent side effect (according to the Institute of Medicine) a general feeling of well-being – which is forbidden!!

This is syndicated from Ask Joan.
Let's hear a bit about how it treats depression:
Precious (esoteric) knowledge is not to be given indiscriminately: it may be wasted, defiled and distorted to the point of permanently damaging its future good. The truth about the benefits of marijuana has been so distorted. This ancient, most useful plant of higher consciousness has most assuredly been defiled. Its myriad uses in the past as well as its apparently limitless future applications are wasted by the apathy of the public and the fiendish practices of the profit-mongers. Now is the time for Change!! Our culture is exhibiting unmistakable signs of decline. The population is suffering from escalating chronic disease. The environment is compromised further each day. Clinical Depression is rising to dangerous, unprecedented levels. We must face the truth!

Marijuana Therapy Dissolves the Depression:

Every year approximately 15 million people are diagnosed with Clinical Depression. Women suffer the most, then men, then the elderly, and then the teens and finally even little kids. Brain chemistry is blamed; Or past history; Or present problems; Or future worry; Or personality; Hereditary; Drugs, Isolation; Loneliness; Lack of Self-Esteem; even Spiritual Alienation. Medical Treatments suppress the symptoms via legal, prescribed, profit-producing drugs (poisons). The results are dismal. Less than half obtain relief. “Possible Side Effects” include addiction, digestive problems, permanent organ damage, mental confusion and possibly suicide? Psychological Counseling is another popular avenue for dealing with Depression. It is really just talking about yourself and paying someone who is trained to listen. Its track record for helping Chronic Depression is itself depressing. New Age Idealism claims to diminish negativity with aroma therapy and positive thoughts. Sometimes this is effective in the short term, but loses its glamour quickly. Simply put: The basic cause of Depression is not addressed because it is not known by modern Western Medicine. Ergo: The lay population continues to be plagued with the debilitation and despair of Clinical Depression, without an effective remedy. Depression occurs when the system is sluggish, i.e. depressed!!! The organism is not in balance and not properly energized!! Depression is the description of diminished oxygenation to the organism – which of course can present as chemical imbalance, accompanied by worry, feelings of isolation, inferiority, and isolation. Clinical Depression is actually built into the character of the subject and has definite underpinnings of past unpleasantness. It presents as imbalance in the ANS. (No need to psychoanalyze. No doubt there were painful situations.) Breathing became habitually, invisibly slightly diminished which equals less than optimal functioning. In Western medicine, the nuances of the breath are not studied. In the East, the intricate subtleties of “the breath” have a profound effect on personal experience. Diminished oxygenation to the organism, especially to the brain is immediately remedied with marijuana. “Specifically, the brain receives more richly oxygenated blood and simultaneously receives a greater supply of that blood because of the dilation in all brain capillaries…”*) and so much more. Too much for a Blog. Marijuana actually helps the brain to grow new cells. When fully oxygenated through The Marijuana Response – the brain thrives and expands!! Along with appropriate exercise, diet, moderation in lifestyle, over the long term, Marijuana Therapy is a most basic and beneficial remedy for Clinical Depression. [Reference: Journal of Clinical Investigation, Nov 1, 2005 – Cannabinoids promote embryonic and adult hippocampus neurogenesis (brain cell growth) and ….anti-depressant-like effects.” ]
I like that you keep trying NYCBUD, and now your actually quoting work on the internet. Soon you will begin learning that you don't have to be clever to read, you do have to be clever when learning what to read. Anything that is unsubstantiated is good as a basis to begin questioning, but when you come across evidence that points to harm from Marijuana, I will be interested. So far, of 00,000's of studies into Marijuana, not one has proven there is any harm from it. In fact, as far as I have found so far, and obviously I haven't read all the studies which is why I am prepared to accept there may be others out there which prove me wrong, there isn't a single report that actually finds Marijuana is harmful.

Please, keep trying, as your attempts to find a flaw get better, hopefully I will be able to explain better the reason why Marijuana is still safe.
Just trying to be 'En Vogue'
scully
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Post by scully »

yo I know that u get diffrent high depending on what u smokin but belive that u can only get high 2 a certain point when smokin one particular strain, saw quote on this site any 1 agree? 'when stoned dont smoke any more, u b no more stoned, just have less weed'
b happy get high
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lampshade
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Post by lampshade »

Wow now this is an interesting thread, I've just spend the last hour or so reading through it! :) Thanks for bringing this up Andy.

Now I have a similar quest for knowledge, or to be more accurate wisdom because as you say, there is no right or wrong. As Socrates once said "The only thing I know for sure, is that I know nothing". My quest began due to smoking (actually eating first off :) ) cannabis - viewing the world from another perspective leaves more questions than answers.

My observations

I have all but given up on scientific evidence, largely due to studying philosophy at uni. Instead, I tend to sit on the fence and just observe. What I have observed about cannabis includes the following:

- Thoughts are either sped up in my mind, and/or MY ability to observe thoughts is diminished and/or time itself is effected (the latter being unlikely!).

- Cannabis should only be smoked regularly by a strong, or psychologically trained mind. It is easy to let the drug take over my thoughts.

- If I enjoy the feeling of cannabis too much without keeping my mind ticking over, my memory suffers.

I have used a first person perspective but predict that the above three points are generally "true" for everyone.

Cannabis / madness

Here is a link to a subjective study of cannabis carried out by a mystic known either for his genius or wickedness:

http://users.lycaeum.org/~sputnik/Ludlo ... psych.html

Here are two excerpts from this work:
COMPARABLE to the Alf Laylah wa Laylah itself, a very Tower of Babel, partaking alike of truth both gross and subtle inextricably interwoven with the most fantastic fable, is our view of the Herb -- Hashish -- the Herb Dangerous. Of the investigators who have pierced even for a moment the magic veil of its glamour ecstatic many have been appalled, many disappointed. Few have dared to crush in arms of steel this burning daughter of the Jinn; to ravish from her poisonous scarlet lips the kisses of death, to force her serpent-smooth and serpent-stinging body down to some infernal torture-couch, and strike her into spasm as the lightning splits the cloud-wrack, only to read in her infinite sea-green eyes the awful price of her virginity -- black madness.
and:
The fear of being swept away in the tide of relentless images is a terrible experience. Woe to who yields!
If you are interested in the real effects of cannabis, I recommend reading this and following the links in the text. It took me a while to deciver his complex and sometimes poetic language, but from my experiences, I largely agree with his analysis on the psychology of hashish. Given a chance, cannabis can lead to psychological problems or "black madness" as Crowley calls it. I have seen many of my friends lose the plot, however, many have also smoked copius amounts of hash with no negative effects. I believe this comes down to the will power of the smoker to keep control, in a similar way to the drunk becoming agressive or keeping control.

Cannabis / anxiety

From a personal viewpoint, there was a time when I would suffer from extreme anxiety if I smoked a lot of cannabis, which made me wonder why it happened to me and not others. After intensive meditation I realised that a lot of my unconscious processes were being left unchecked, including unreasonable fears and rediculous conclusions.

As Soulrider mentioned, the increase of sensory information caused by cannabis can be overwhelming and cause confusion to your perception of surroundings. Unless you train your mind to filter through your thoughts and feelings whilst high, it is likely that you will become confused! :shock:

Cannabis / Depression

With regard to depression, I now do not believe that cannabis causes it. Yes ecstacy does, but a lot of cannabis smokers take other drugs and may be lead to believe that it's the cannabis which is to blame. I have stopped taking all other drugs for a few years now (except the odd shroom session :wink: ), and whilst still smoking cannabis, I no longer feel depressed.

Cannabis / memory

On a last note about memory, I recall reading another subjective study carried out which suggests that cannabis can actually be used to reinforce memories. It helps to "burn" memories into your mind so that they are harder to forget. I'll add the link to this if I manage to find it again.

So thats what I've learnt about cannabis off the top of my head. I believe it has a lot more to offer with regard to exploring the abilities of the mind. Crowley noted that during his visit to India, he noticed that the yogis were using cannabis to assist with their meditation.

Yes it can impare memory, but only if you choose to let it do so. It's not the drug which is the problem, it's the choices you make :).
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ed the head
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Post by ed the head »

This a a great thread SoulRider, kudos to you on taking the initiative to post it.

I think this topic will generate a lot of interest, and I was glad to read NYCBud’s candor about the horrible issues his friend encountered. I sincerely hope everything turns out well for the poor soul.

I think NYCBud’s post was important because, let’s face it, we humans have a tendancy to get very creative in finding justifications for truths they hold dear when they are brought into question. I know I am guilty of this myself, and I see it often in others. I think it’s fair to say that the vast majority of particpants here on ACD are huge cannabis fans. I am merely suggesting that creates a bias in us that makes us tend to dismiss information which doesn't conform to our existing belief system. I found myself falling into this trap when I first read NYCBud’s post, thinking ‘no way, weed never hurt anyone’. One of the many beautiful things I find about weed is it’s ability to open my mind. So, thanks again NYCBud, that wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but it is good to know nonetheless.

The second observation I wanted to make on this topic was that, in my experience, there is no ABSOLUTE good or ABSOLUTE EVIL. Again, I am as big a weed fan and your likely to find, but it’s simply not realistic for me to trick myself into believing that cannabis is absolutely good. I think that in everything there is some good and some bad. Ok, so I am hard pressed to come up with something bad about weed, except maybe it runs out too quickly ;)

I’ve personally been smoking for 33 years on and off (mostly on :D ), but almost daily now for at least the last 2 years. After my acrimonious divorce, I found a lot of solace in cannabis. Perhaps I am being guilty of doing some justification here, but I find it very effective in reducing stress. In my mind, I am medicating myself for stress management. I would also like to relate that in 2005 (before my divorce) an eye doctor diagnosed me with the beginning stages of glaucoma. As I mentioned before, shortly after this time I began to use on a daily basis. Six months ago when I revisited the eye doctor there was no longer any evidence of glaucoma. Coincidence? I think not. http://www.geocities.com/medicalmarijua ... fact15.htm My google search for this pervious link also yielded 4 sites dismissing this assertion. Again, I may here be guilty of justification and prejudice, but then again the medical establishment certainly has an incentive to oppose an effective treatment that grows naturally.

I look forward to reading more in this post, thanks again SoulRider, nice work!
He who tries to shine dims his own light
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Roots Daughter
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Post by Roots Daughter »

"WebMD
Marijuana Does Not Raise Lung Cancer Risk
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
By Salynn Boyles
People who smoke marijuana do not appear to be at increased risk for developing lung cancer, new research suggests.
While a clear increase in cancer risk was seen among cigarette smokers in the study , no such association was seen for regular cannabis users.
Even very heavy , long-term marijuana users who had smoked more than 22,000 joints over a lifetime seemed to have no greater risk than infrequent marijuana users or nonusers.
The findings surprised the study ’s researchers, who expected to see an increase in cancer among people who smoked marijuana regularly in their youth.
“We know that there are as many or more carcinogens and co-carcinogens in marijuana smoke as in cigarettes,” researcher Donald Tashkin, MD, of UCLA’s Dav id Geff en School of Medicine
tells WebMD. “But we did not find any evidence for an increase in cancer risk for even heavy marijuana smoking.” Carcinogens are substances that cause cancer.
Tashkin presented the findings today at The American Thoracic Society ’s 102nd International Conference, held in San Diego.

Boomers Reaching Cancer Age
The study population was limited to people who were younger than 60 because people older than that would probably not have used marijuana in their teens and early adult years.
“People who may have smoked marijuana in their youth are just now getting to the age when cancers are being seen,” Tashkin says.
A total of 611 lung cancer patients living in Los Angeles County , and 601 patients with other cancers of the head and neck were compared with 1,040 people without cancer matched for
age, sex, and the neighborhood they lived in.
All the participants were asked about lifetime use of marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol, as well as other drugs, their diets, occupation, family history of lung cancer, and socioeconomic
status.
The heaviest marijuana users in the study had smoked more than 22,000 joints, while moderately heavy smokers had smoked between 11,000 and 22,000 joints.
While two-pack-a-day or more cigarette smokers were found to have a 20-fold increase in lung cancer risk, no elevation in risk was seen for even the very heaviest marijuana smokers. The more tobacco a person smoked, the greater their risk of developing lung cancer and other cancers of the head and neck. But people who
smoked more marijuana were not at increased risk compared with people who smoked less and people who didn’t smoke at all.

The THC Connection
Studies suggest that marijuana smoke contains 50 percent higher concentrations of chemicals linked to lung cancer than cigarette smoke. Marijuana smokers also tend to inhale deeper than cigarette
smokers and hold the inhaled smoke in their lungs
longer.
So why isn’t smoking marijuana as dangerous as smoking cigarettes in terms of cancer risk?
The answer isn’t clear, but the experts say it might have something to do with tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is a chemical found in marijuana smoke.
Cellular studies and even some studies in animal models suggest that THC has antitumor properties, either by encouraging the death of genetically damaged cells that can become cancerous or by restricting the development of the blood supply that feeds tumors, Tashkin"
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Roots Daughter
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Post by Roots Daughter »

AUGUST 10, 2009 12:48AM
New study affirms smoked marijuana anti-cancer properties

In 1974, University of Virginia researchers discovered something very unlikely. Cannabis, banned in the United States in 1937, and further demonized by the Nixon administration in 1968, had an unexpected property: it inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells. But, even more surprising was the response from the government: an apparent complete absence, even discouragement of any follow-up studies. The results were briefly mentioned in news reports at the time, but with the end of the Carter administration, cannabis became a step-child as far as scientific research was concerned.

Like any unloved step-child cannabis was treated with different rules, and made a scape-goat for social ills.

There was still research being done on cannabis, but funding was only available if the intent was to prove harm. In fact, it wasn't until the pioneering work done by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, in Israel, and Dr. Manuel Guzman in Spain, that this startling anti-cancer property of cannabis sativa became public again.

What is even more troubling is that the United States Government actually did a secret follow up-study on the Virginia findings, in the mid '90's. When it only served to confirm the results of the 1974 research, and showed that THC (one of the main active ingredient in cannabis – and the one the government loves to hate), when administered to mice, protected them against malignancy, true to form, our government attempted to bury the results. Fortunately, a draft copy of the study was leaked to the journal, AIDS Treatment News, and the media covered the story. An excellent article by Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, covers this part of our shameful history.

By 2003, the cat was pretty much out of the bag, and a quick search on PubMed brings up at least 262 results when you put in "cannabis and cancer" in the search string. But, as late as this year, the US Government was still funding research meant to prove that cannabis causes cancer. The extremely flawed survey which attempted to link cannabis smoking with testicular cancer falls into this category. In fact, in 2008, two years after Dr. Donald Tashkin research which showed that not only does cannabis not cause lung cancer, but appears to protect against it, three respected doctors from the cannabis research group felt compelled to write a letter to the European Respiratory Journal debunking a New Zealand study which claimed that smoking cannabis led to an increased risk of lung cancer.

Now, this month in Cancer Prevention Research Journal one can find a study demonstrating that chronic, long term of cannabis actually reduces the incidence of head and neck cancer. Specifically:

"10 to 20 years of marijuana use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of HNSCC" [head and neck squamous cell carcinoma].

_________________________________

Requests for reprints of the study cited above can be made here: Karl T. Kelsey, Department of Community Health, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI. Phone: 401-863-6420; Fax: 401-863-9008; E-mail: Karl_Kelsey@brown.edu.
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Roots Daughter
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Post by Roots Daughter »

Http://mercycenters.org/libry/i_ASTH.html

Asthma --- For the past 3,000 years or more, cannabis has provided welcome relief for countless numbers of asthmatics. It was widely used for that purpose in the 19th century. The inhalation of marijuana smoke causes bronchial dilation lasting up to 1 hour. The bronchodilator effect of orally-ingested THC lasts up to 6 hours, but it is not so powerful as smoking marijuana. THC aerosols are not so effective as smoking marijuana because aerosolized THC has an irritating effect on the air passages. (29) L. Vachon, et al., reported that 0.7 mg. THC in a micro-aerosol proved to be up to 60% effective as a bronchodilator, with minimal mental effects and no parasympathetic effects. J. Hartley, et al., found that administration of minute doses (50-200 micrograms) of THC by inhalation increased the peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory volume in 1 second in a dose-related manner. The effects last 4 hours. D. Tashkin, et al., explored the anti-asthmatic effect of THC, and found it to be useful against the encroachment of emphysema. R. Gordon, et al., confirmed the anti-tussive effect. Cannabis also has been used with success in the treatment of whooping cough. In 1955, J. Sirek reported on the importance of hempseed in tuberculosis therapy, but the discovery has been largely ignored since then. (30-34) Visit - http://www.rexresearch.com/hhusb/hmphlth.htm#hhl2c
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Roots Daughter
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Post by Roots Daughter »

Bob Marley didn't die from throat cancer. It started in his foot as a malignant tumour-- acral lentiginous melanoma, which is a slow spreading but very tenacious type of cancer. (I believe Andy Kauffman died from the same type that started in his neck.)
It starts somewhere in your body and then spreads to the lungs and brain.
Immediate amputation is first treatment... to prevent it from spreading as soon as possible. Bob Marley delayed treatment until it was too late.

According to the lead researcher in the world on cannabis and lung function, Dr. Donald Tashkin's 30 years+ research shows how cannabis helps prevent lung, throat, neck and head cancers.--Roots Daughter
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Cudi_420
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Location: Melbourne, Australia

Post by Cudi_420 »

You can get cancer from eating too much white bread. If someone eats half a loaf a day for 30 years, I wonder if it would have had the same negative affect on the body as smoking 1 joint every day for 30 years would. lol sorry, just took a hit from the bong,
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Iko
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Location: West

Post by Iko »

IMO smoking anything is not good for you.
Can be chemicals in weed, for joints add the chemicals from paper etc etc etc.
That being said there are alot worse things than smoking a joint.
Personally speaking my body really enjoys taking breaks from smoking pot.
YMMV
Once In A while You Get Shown The Light
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