Marijuana

[CFrance]

I have a simple solution to most of our issues raised here.

1. Make all drug use legal and tax them just like alcohol and tobacco.
2. Repeal all gun control laws in the land.
3. If you merely take a weapon of any kind to commit a crime, automatic life sentence with no parole (weapon doesn't have to be used, just present).
4. If you purposely take the life of another person, DEATH PENALTY.
5. If you are convicted of negligent homicide, due to alcohol or drug use, automatic life sentence with parole after 25 served.
6. If anybody's constitutional rights have been violated due to weapons, alcohol, or drug use, minimum 25 years hard labor.
7. Oh, one more thing. If your weapon gets in the hands of someone who uses it in the commission of a crime, you share the sentence with the perp in the same cell!

Simple! Have a nice day.
:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

[Bucco]

I have a simple solution to most of our issues raised here.

1. Make all drug use legal and tax them just like alcohol and tobacco.
2. Repeal all gun control laws in the land.
3. If you merely take a weapon of any kind to commit a crime, automatic life sentence with no parole (weapon doesn't have to be used, just present).
4. If you purposely take the life of another person, DEATH PENALTY.
5. If you are convicted of negligent homicide, due to alcohol or drug use, automatic life sentence with parole after 25 served.
6. If anybody's constitutional rights have been violated due to weapons, alcohol, or drug use, minimum 25 years hard labor.
7. Oh, one more thing. If your weapon gets in the hands of someone who uses it in the commission of a crime, you share the sentence with the perp in the same cell!

Simple! Have a nice day.

Jim, since I began this thread, it is nice to see someone actually address that op !!! My intent was to address the degradation of our society but as happens, the thread was hijacked.

I, frankly, had not thought along the lines that you suggest, but as I read it over and over again, I am thinking I may vote for that.

[mickey100]

I recommend you pay no attention to news hype and consider the benefit to the patient. Doctors all over the world understand the medicinal value for thousands of people.
Drug abuse does and will continue to happen with prescription and illegal drugs forever. Marijuana would be just one more added to the list of thousands of drugs already on the list. Marijuana is safer than hundreds of FDA approved drugs used every day. No logical caring human should say no to anyone suffering that could be relieved of that suffering thru the use of Marijuana.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta just said something to that effect: He said - I am more convinced than ever that it is irresponsible to not provide the best care we can, care that often may involve marijuana.
I am not backing down on medical marijuana; I am doubling down.

I've always liked his common sense approach to medicine, and this is one more example.

[Bucco]

Dr. Sanjay Gupta just said something to that effect: He said - I am more convinced than ever that it is irresponsible to not provide the best care we can, care that often may involve marijuana.
I am not backing down on medical marijuana; I am doubling down.

I've always liked his common sense approach to medicine, and this is one more example.

As the OP of this thread, if it was not clear in my opening post before this thing got totally out of control, there was no mention of nor condemning of marijuana for medical reasons....was not mentioned or alluded to.

[graciegirl]

Dr. Sanjay Gupta just said something to that effect: He said - I am more convinced than ever that it is irresponsible to not provide the best care we can, care that often may involve marijuana.
I am not backing down on medical marijuana; I am doubling down.

I've always liked his common sense approach to medicine, and this is one more example.



I see your Sanjay Gupta and I raise you Nancy Sniderman.


http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mayo-clinic-teens-with-chronic-pain-should-not-use-medical-marijuana/


I would rather consult a physician associated with an accredited teaching institution that I trust for my medical information over the news media's documentaries.

[Villages PL]

I sure hope this is not considered political, and it should not be.

There are currently two states where marijuana is now legal. There is currently bi partisan legislation in our congress to actually legalize it across the country in order to tax it.

Marijuana has been proven to have very serious side affects...paranoia, anxiety etc.

I suspect I am showing my age, but what the heck are we doing in this country......we are destroying marriage with laws and morals of the country and now we are saying it is ok to take dope.....smoke something that will impair judgement so we can collect taxes !

Why are we discussing gun control.......a person smoking marijuana would be acceptable to buy guns with the current trend.

I am confused about the direction of this country for sure, and wanted to hear what anyone else feels about it.

I suspect I am alone, and not "with it"...seems most on here want this kind of stuff which they call being......I wont use the word I was going to as it would seem political.

But, the legalization of marijuana in a few states and more moving in that direction, the discussion that we should make it legal so we can tax it.......am I the only one who sees serious problems in the future. Marriage means nothing, you can smoke dope legally, BUT WE will have made sure that we can't load our guns quickly !!

I see problems too. I've been reading and hearing stories about marijuana users. There was a story in the Daily Sun about a woman who was stopped by the police. She was driving at night with her headlights off and a police dog sniffed and found marijuana.

There was another story about a woman who left her baby in a car seat on the roof of her car, then she drove off forgetting to put the baby inside. Thankfully, it was discovered before the baby had a chance to fall off. It turned out that she was a marijuana user.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. People have been smoking pot at work and that's nothing new I suppose. But I believe there will be more workplace accidents in the future as this becomes more widespread. Think about factory, construction, and truck driving jobs etc..

[Bucco]

I see problems too. I've been reading and hearing stories about marijuana users. There was a story in the Daily Sun about a woman who was stopped by the police. She was driving at night with her headlights off and a police dog sniffed and found marijuana.

There was another story about a woman who left her baby in a car seat on the roof of her car, then she drove off forgetting to put the baby inside. Thankfully, it was discovered before the baby had a chance to fall off. It turned out that she was a marijuana user.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. People have been smoking pot at work and that's nothing new I suppose. But I believe there will be more workplace accidents in the future as this becomes more widespread. Think about factory, construction, and truck driving jobs etc..

I am just taken back by the ease in which a drug with some proven serious side affects is lionized and approved of. And I cannot even say God be with you, because that is not politically correct. I realize that folks will chuckle at me, but I am a frustrated old guy who is scared of the future. There is a country, Syria, where children are being shot in the street.....so much pain in the world and I suppose I am overreacting but legalizing this drug is not even close to MY own top fifty lists of things this country should be doing. What prompted my initial post was discussion of gun permits, which if this drug thing continues, we will have folks with possible paranoic side effects packing. WOW

And again, this is not about the medical debate.

Sorry

PS: I just get frustrated when I read the thread on the little girl who was shot with a gun not locked properly....a true tragedy and one that should not happen. We need to control all of that, but in Tampa about two weeks ago, a guy on alcohol got on 275 drunk...drove the wrong way....going south on a northbound lane...ran head on into a car with 4 college students and killed everyone.....ALL five folks. Not a word that I saw about that....I have trouble differing these tragedies. We lionize and adore victims of a gun incident.....and just shrug these kind of things off.

sorry again

[mickey100]

I see your Sanjay Gupta and I raise you Nancy Sniderman.


Mayo Clinic: Teens with chronic pain should not use medical marijuana - CBS News (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mayo-clinic-teens-with-chronic-pain-should-not-use-medical-marijuana/)


I would rather consult a physician associated with an accredited teaching institution that I trust for my medical information over the news media's documentaries.

Well, let's see. According to Wikipedia, Nancy Snyderman has been chief medical editor for NBC news, along with being on the staff at University of Pennsylvania. She specializes in head and neck cancer.

Sanjay Gupta is a neurosurgeon, assistant professor of neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine as well as as associate chief of neurosurgery at Grady Memorial hospital. And he is of course CNN's chief medical correspondent, and was offered the position of Surgeon General of the United States.

These two physicians both are associated with accredited teaching hospitals, and both are medical correspondents. I'd say it is a tie.

[graciegirl]

Well, let's see. According to Wikipedia, Nancy Snyderman has been chief medical editor for NBC news, along with being on the staff at University of Pennsylvania. She specializes in head and neck cancer.

Sanjay Gupta is a neurosurgeon, assistant professor of neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine as well as as associate chief of neurosurgery at Grady Memorial hospital. And he is of course CNN's chief medical correspondent, and was offered the position of Surgeon General of the United States.

These two physicians both are associated with accredited teaching hospitals, and both are medical correspondents. I'd say it is a tie.


No, It is a clear win on your part, You are right about their credentials and the value of marijuana for some medical conditions............ And you spelled Nancy's name correctly, but I just can't see voting for medical marijuana because in my opinion it will soon become a huge mess and far more easily available for anyone who just wants it. We have enough people driving impaired and becoming pregnant impaired and shooting impaired and even breaking gate posts impaired.


I don't drink alcohol anymore and there is nothing worse than a reformed anything.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I have a simple solution to most of our issues raised here.

1. Make all drug use legal and tax them just like alcohol and tobacco.
2. Repeal all gun control laws in the land.
3. If you merely take a weapon of any kind to commit a crime, automatic life sentence with no parole (weapon doesn't have to be used, just present).
4. If you purposely take the life of another person, DEATH PENALTY.
5. If you are convicted of negligent homicide, due to alcohol or drug use, automatic life sentence with parole after 25 served.
6. If anybody's constitutional rights have been violated due to weapons, alcohol, or drug use, minimum 25 years hard labor.
7. Oh, one more thing. If your weapon gets in the hands of someone who uses it in the commission of a crime, you share the sentence with the perp in the same cell!

Simple! Have a nice day.

I thought you were on to something until I read #7.....what? You need to think about that one a bit. Oh you are anti gun 2nd amendment guy!

[rubicon]

I am just taken back by the ease in which a drug with some proven serious side affects is lionized and approved of. And I cannot even say God be with you, because that is not politically correct. I realize that folks will chuckle at me, but I am a frustrated old guy who is scared of the future. There is a country, Syria, where children are being shot in the street.....so much pain in the world and I suppose I am overreacting but legalizing this drug is not even close to MY own top fifty lists of things this country should be doing. What prompted my initial post was discussion of gun permits, which if this drug thing continues, we will have folks with possible paranoic side effects packing. WOW

And again, this is not about the medical debate.

Sorry

PS: I just get frustrated when I read the thread on the little girl who was shot with a gun not locked properly....a true tragedy and one that should not happen. We need to control all of that, but in Tampa about two weeks ago, a guy on alcohol got on 275 drunk...drove the wrong way....going south on a northbound lane...ran head on into a car with 4 college students and killed everyone.....ALL five folks. Not a word that I saw about that....I have trouble differing these tragedies. We lionize and adore victims of a gun incident.....and just shrug these kind of things off.

sorry again

Bucco: spot on. Its exactly where I am coming from... why is this issue getting this amount of attention given our nation's need for prioritizing? The answer in my view is that its a populist bone politicians can throw at people in these days were politicians are not popular or effective. It is getting attention because these same politicians will tax the heck out of it spend it on junk projects and still increase taxes on middle America.

You mentioned at last twice that when you started this thread it was not to address legalized medicinal marijuana. However, it is unavoidable because its this canard and red herring tool that is key to getting recreational marijuana approved.

If we look back everyone was in favor of the Iraq and Afghan wars. How long did that last and by time some of the realities unfolded it was too late

I mean who could say "no"to relieving the pain of people. But people forget drugs have side effects that are worse than the cure they claim.

I am convinced that marijuana legalization will occur across the country and everyone will be rejoicing but the Iraq reality will eventually come to the surface and then well it will be too late

[Bucco]

Bucco: spot on. Its exactly where I am coming from... why is this issue getting this amount of attention given our nation's need for prioritizing? The answer in my view is that its a populist bone politicians can throw at people in these days were politicians are not popular or effective. It is getting attention because these same politicians will tax the heck out of it spend it on junk projects and still increase taxes on middle America.

You mentioned at last twice that when you started this thread it was not to address legalized medicinal marijuana. However, it is unavoidable because its this canard and red herring tool that is key to getting recreational marijuana approved.

If we look back everyone was in favor of the Iraq and Afghan wars. How long did that last and by time some of the realities unfolded it was too late

I mean who could say "no"to relieving the pain of people. But people forget drugs have side effects that are worse than the cure they claim.

I am convinced that marijuana legalization will occur across the country and everyone will be rejoicing but the Iraq reality will eventually come to the surface and then well it will be too late

Thanks for the post. I do not hear agreement much.

I think we like more soap opera and drama anymore. We have stopped listening to others, and are always searching for an angle.

I am old enough it MAY not impact me, but the kids and grand kids...well, as they say..the chickens come home to roost. Been a number of warnings just in the past month or so, but we are at the mercy of not truth, but a convenient and easy "semi truth".

[mickey100]

I recommend you pay no attention to news hype and consider the benefit to the patient. Doctors all over the world understand the medicinal value for thousands of people.
Drug abuse does and will continue to happen with prescription and illegal drugs forever. Marijuana would be just one more added to the list of thousands of drugs already on the list. Marijuana is safer than hundreds of FDA approved drugs used every day. No logical caring human should say no to anyone suffering that could be relieved of that suffering thru the use of Marijuana.

I think you've made the case quite clearly, and many posters on this thread agree with you. It will be interesting to see how things go in actual voting.

[ilovetv]

Any other legal drug has to have FDA approval. Marijuana is not FDA approved.

Why is that?

Hmmm.......

".....the scientific evidence to date is not sufficient for the marijuana plant to gain FDA approval, and there are a number of reasons why:

First, there have not been enough clinical trials showing that marijuana’s benefits outweigh its risks in patients with the symptoms it is meant to treat. The FDA requires carefully conducted studies in large numbers of patients (hundreds to thousands) to accurately assess the benefits and risks of a potential medication.

Second, to be considered a legitimate medicine, a substance must have well-defined and measureable ingredients that are consistent from one unit (such as a pill or injection) to the next. This consistency allows doctors to determine the dose and frequency.

What’s the difference between medical and “street” marijuana?

There is no difference between “medical-grade” marijuana and “street” marijuana. The marijuana sold in dispensaries as medicine is the same quality and carries the same health risks as marijuana sold on the street.
Along with THC, the marijuana plant contains over 400 other chemical compounds, including other cannabinoids that may be biologically active and vary from plant to plant. This makes it difficult to consider its use as a medicine even though some of marijuana’s specific ingredients may offer benefits.

Finally, marijuana has certain adverse health effects that also must be taken into account. Because it is usually smoked, marijuana can cause or worsen respiratory symptoms (e.g., bronchitis, chronic cough). It also impairs short-term memory and motor coordination; slows reaction time; alters mood, judgment, and decision-making; and in some people can cause severe anxiety (paranoia) or psychosis (loss of touch with reality).

And marijuana is addictive—about 4.5 million people in this country meet clinical criteria for marijuana abuse or dependence."

DrugFacts: Is Marijuana Medicine? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine)

[Bucco]

Any other legal drug has to have FDA approval. Marijuana is not FDA approved.

Why is that?

Hmmm.......

".....the scientific evidence to date is not sufficient for the marijuana plant to gain FDA approval, and there are a number of reasons why:

First, there have not been enough clinical trials showing that marijuana’s benefits outweigh its risks in patients with the symptoms it is meant to treat. The FDA requires carefully conducted studies in large numbers of patients (hundreds to thousands) to accurately assess the benefits and risks of a potential medication.

Second, to be considered a legitimate medicine, a substance must have well-defined and measureable ingredients that are consistent from one unit (such as a pill or injection) to the next. This consistency allows doctors to determine the dose and frequency.

What’s the difference between medical and “street” marijuana?

There is no difference between “medical-grade” marijuana and “street” marijuana. The marijuana sold in dispensaries as medicine is the same quality and carries the same health risks as marijuana sold on the street.
Along with THC, the marijuana plant contains over 400 other chemical compounds, including other cannabinoids that may be biologically active and vary from plant to plant. This makes it difficult to consider its use as a medicine even though some of marijuana’s specific ingredients may offer benefits.

Finally, marijuana has certain adverse health effects that also must be taken into account. Because it is usually smoked, marijuana can cause or worsen respiratory symptoms (e.g., bronchitis, chronic cough). It also impairs short-term memory and motor coordination; slows reaction time; alters mood, judgment, and decision-making; and in some people can cause severe anxiety (paranoia) or psychosis (loss of touch with reality).

And marijuana is addictive—about 4.5 million people in this country meet clinical criteria for marijuana abuse or dependence."

DrugFacts: Is Marijuana Medicine? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine)

Do not start confusing folks with facts !!!!

[buggyone]

I know the OP did not mean a discussion on marijuana for medical purposes but for recreational purposes. I am against the recreational use of marijuana. I would have to say I am against it for medical purposes based on items I have read about how easy it is for would be abusers to get a "prescrption" from some doctors like those able to get the "prescriptions" from the pain pill mill doctors.

If there was strict regulations (yes, we all hate that word) on getting a prescription for medical usage of marijuana, I would be very much in favor for it's use.

[ilovetv]

I know the OP did not mean a discussion on marijuana for medical purposes but for recreational purposes. I am against the recreational use of marijuana. I would have to say I am against it for medical purposes based on items I have read about how easy it is for would be abusers to get a "prescrption" from some doctors like those able to get the "prescriptions" from the pain pill mill doctors.

If there was strict regulations (yes, we all hate that word) on getting a prescription for medical usage of marijuana, I would be very much in favor for it's use.

Yes! And in order for there to be prescription medical usage of marijuana, it would have to go thru all the standard FDA approval processes, and the article about that I linked above tells why that's not happened.

[buggyone]

Yes! And in order for there to be prescription medical usage of marijuana, it would have to go thru all the standard FDA approval processes, and the article about that I linked above tells why that's not happened.

Google the laws and regs in Maine on medical marijuana. It is able to be prescribed and there are legal marijuana dispensaries in Maine - as well as in other states.

If Florida can control medical marijuana, I would be in favor.

[rubicon]

Yes! And in order for there to be prescription medical usage of marijuana, it would have to go thru all the standard FDA approval processes, and the article about that I linked above tells why that's not happened.

ilovetv: Very good information and if I may remind posters of how many times the FDA has been criticized for not moving along cancer treating and others drugs that have hold great promise. Yet viola! in an instant marijuana is the miracle cure of the last 1000 years and its just because someone said so.

This issue reeks of hypocrisy

[Golfingnut]

ilovetv: Very good information and if I may remind posters of how many times the FDA has been criticized for not moving along cancer treating and others drugs that have hold great promise. Yet viola! in an instant marijuana is the miracle cure of the last 1000 years and its just because someone said so.

This issue reeks of hypocrisy

I believe this issue is filled with compassion. The benefits far out way the maybe, possibly, perhaps guess work of things that might happen. What is a known fact is that it helps many people in miraculous ways.

[rubicon]

I believe this issue is filled with compassion. The benefits far out way the maybe, possibly, perhaps guess work of things that might happen. What is a known fact is that it helps many people in miraculous ways.

golfingnut: I understand and believe that your basis for support here is compassion for people in need of relief. However, I believe you are letting your caring ways overtake sound judgment. I believe profiteers are overselling this issue. As I mentioned in a previous post I see the push for marijuana the same as support for the Iraqi war and like the Iraqi war when the body count begins to rise and the cost of maintaining the war drains our pocket books people will begin to see the reality of it all and the absurdity of listening to populist politicians and money hunger profiteers . EvenGov jerry Brown (D-CA) sees through this issue and there is many more liberal leaning people than Brown

[Barefoot]

[B]
Any other legal drug has to have FDA approval. Marijuana is not FDA approved.

".....the scientific evidence to date is not sufficient for the marijuana plant to gain FDA approval, and there are a number of reasons why.
..... (snipped).... It also impairs short-term memory and motor coordination; slows reaction time; alters mood, judgment, and decision-making; and in some people can cause severe anxiety (paranoia) or psychosis (loss of touch with reality). And marijuana is addictive—about 4.5 million people in this country meet clinical criteria for marijuana abuse or dependence."

Quoting: Beverage alcohol (ethyl alcohol) is a drug. But exactly what is a drug? A drug is simply “Any substance which when absorbed into a living organism may modify one or more of its functions.”

Did alcohol require FDA approval? It is also very addictive and has myriad side effects including aggressive behavior.

Sometimes drugs like alcohol and marijuana are best regulated. I would rather see marijuana sold in a facility that requires ID from teenagers, than sold by drug pushers in school parking lots.

[Golfingnut]

Quoting: Beverage alcohol (ethyl alcohol) is a drug. But exactly what is a drug? A drug is simply “Any substance which when absorbed into a living organism may modify one or more of its functions.”

Did alcohol require FDA approval? It is also very addictive and has myriad side effects including aggressive behavior.

Sometimes drugs like alcohol and marijuana are best regulated. I would rather see marijuana sold in a facility that requires ID from teenagers, than sold by drug pushers in school parking lots.

Well said, and I can only imagine what other chemicals are added to street marijuana to enhance the effect of it on the brain. If we could say its bad and that would be the end of it, I would vote that way. Fact is, pot is never going away, so legalize it for medical use, tax it for income and stop putting criminal records on our children and grandchildren for using it.

[TexaninVA]

...What is a known fact is that it helps many people in miraculous ways.

This is a most interesting assertion for anyone to make.

Just to be clear ... do you really mean to say that pot, in effect, possesses "miraculous" capabilities?

[TexaninVA]

Well said, and I can only imagine what other chemicals are added to street marijuana to enhance the effect of it on the brain. If we could say its bad and that would be the end of it, I would vote that way. Fact is, pot is never going away, so legalize it for medical use, tax it for income and stop putting criminal records on our children and grandchildren for using it.

I agree that pot is never going away and that's unfortunate.

I truly hope that I can provide effective guidance to my grandkids to simply stay away from using all mind-altering drugs because they are basically a crutch. I have no idea if they will listen (still very young anyway) and the impulsive forces of the culture (go ahead and use dope, be cool, no problem, everyone does it etc) will be huge and almost impossible to overcome.

But, that's how I feel and what I will try to do.

[JourneyOfLife]

Is too!

Is Not!

Is Too!

Is NOT

IS TOO!

IS NOT!

OK Stalemate!

How about... we just let the voters decide?

[Golfingnut]

I agree that pot is never going away and that's unfortunate.

I truly hope that I can provide effective guidance to my grandkids to simply stay away from using all mind-altering drugs because they are basically a crutch. I have no idea if they will listen (still very young anyway) and the impulsive forces of the culture (go ahead and use dope, be cool, no problem, everyone does it etc) will be huge and almost impossible to overcome.

But, that's how I feel and what I will try to do.

We did for our daughters and they for the grandchildren. That is what is so missing in society today.

Also, why do we not hear about extracting the chemical from pot that has the medical properties. I also don't want to see my bartender lean on the counter and say HEEEY MAAN WHAT YAA HAAVEN.

[TexaninVA]

Is too!

Is Not!

Is Too!

Is NOT

IS TOO!

IS NOT!

OK Stalemate!

How about... we just let the voters decide?

I hear you! :)

Btw, is there any mechanism to actually conduct a vote of some type here on TOTV? Would be interesting to see what it would be.