Posted by Buffet on October 24, 2000, at 1:19:38
In reply to UK : Cannabis Less Harmful Than Aspirin, Says Scie, posted by stjames on October 22, 2000, at 19:24:51
Here are my thoughts on some of these findings...
>found many "myths" surrounding marijuana use,
> such as extreme addictiveness, or links with mental illness or infertility
> are not supported by science.
I agree somewhat with the infetility part, as this is not proven. The addictiveness still shouldn't be overlooked, even though its not 'extreme'. I do believe there is no withdrawal symptoms with occasional use.
> He also found cannabis is an inherently "safe drug" which does not lead to
> cancer, infertility, brain damage or mental illness. Legalisation of the
> drug for medical conditions should be considered, he says.Probably no brain damage, especially when used in a manner other than smoking (carbon monoxide, etc.). Will not cause any mental illness, unless abused, and these could include - depression and mental addiction, apathy and boredom.
> Dr Iversen's findings will increase pressure on the Government to reopen
> the debate about the decriminalisation of marijuana.
Still not sure I agree with total decriminalization. Schedule one? Absolutely not!
> The author, a fellow of the prestigious Royal Society, found cannabis was
> far less toxic than other drugs and had "an impressive record" compared
> with heroin, cocaine or tobacco and alcohol.
Umm, i think it is definitely safer than alcohol, and the others.
> His study showed that the active element of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol
> (THC), which made users high, had a lot of potential as a safe drug to
> treat Aids patients and people suffering severe pain.True
> He also found "stoned" drivers were less dangerous and able to co-ordinate
> than people who were drunk.I found myself unable to drive the speed limit because it scared me. It seemed so fast when under the influence of cannabis. This leads me to believe that pot slows reaction time somehow (just like alcohol), but is still a little safer because it does not make me more agressive and feel invincible like alcohol does. Still dangerous to drive on though.
> Keith Hellawell, the drug tsar, also agrees cannabis use does not lead to
> heroin addiction.I don't think it has anything to do with heroin addiction. However, when I used to use it, I did enjoy opium/pot combo.
It is still a VERY powerful mind altering drug. It needs to be treated with respect. And, I did find it a little bit addictive. It made me more anxious and paranoid when on it, but those effects waned after the high.
Just my 2 cents,
Buffet
poster:Buffet
thread:47112
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001022/msgs/47225.html