You have a point, but the real reason is that alcohol is more fun than AIDS, TB, or violence.

But not nearly as much fun as smoking the ganja.

Actually, getting AIDS can be very enjoyable. The main reasons for contracting HIV/AIDS can be traced back to someone seeking pleasure, i.e. sex & drugs.

Cheer's...Have a great weekend!!!!

It's happy hour somewhere

Wow, I have to say I have never seen so many angry potheads. Anyway I wonder what they used to base their numbers. In the title they said alcohol has a higher death rate then violence and car crashes. Then they go to say that alcohol is the cause of violence and car crashes. Then they now say it is linked to breast cancer. Are they linking anyone that drinks and commits violence, car crashes, and has breast cancer in those numbers. It sounds pretty skewed findings to me. I could see if it was just deaths related to liver problems, this sounds like yet another way to tax the public to death. It is already heavily taxed so screw it, lets tax it more. To all the people angry that pot is not legalized, it sounds like they have their sights on alcohol, so you think if pot was legal they would not turn their sights on pot and link it to things that pot probably did not cause in the first place.

The prohibition against pot is blatantly unconstitutional. The Marijuana Tax Stamp Act of 1937 was a crime committed by the right-wing against the American people.

It worked like this: The Dept of Agriculture was told that any farmer who currently grew marijuana for hemp, etc. would be required to place a special Federal stamp on any package or bale of his crop or face jail time.

The government printed 1 stamp. No more. They kept it. Since no other stamps were issued, pot became illegal. We were tricked. They got this idea as a way of circumventing the 2nd amendment.

You see, after WW1, some our boys came home with machine guns. Criminals could now get automatic weapons. The government couldn't outlaw them through legislation as that's blatantly unconstitutional. So, they issued 1 MG stamp. No more. Effectively, automatic weapons became illegal.

Who was arrested 1st for pot possession? An elderly farmer from Colorado who had been growing hemp.

That's exactly what they are doing. They do the same thing when figuring deaths and illnesses caused by smoking.

You won't ever wake up with a hangover smoking weed. That's one of the reasons it's used for medicinal purposes, because it helps to combat nausea. You don't have to go to bathroom all the time, or feel bloated. It weighs alot less to carry to your destination. Women always say they like a man who has a sense of humor, by smoking weed, almost everything someone says can be funny.

There are hundreds of more reasons I could list why pot is vastly superior to alcohol, but it will continue to fall on deaf ears in the legal community because it keeps about half of them employed.

You NEVER hear of somebody EVER getting Marijuanna poisoning!

You NEVER hear of somebody DYING from smoking too much pot. The leathal dose is 1,500 POUNDS consumed in 15 minutes.

One of this countries leading ANTI-Drug researchers, Dr. Donald Tashkin, concluded after a specific 30 year study on Cannabis .

Tashkin studied heavy marijuana smokers to determine whether the use led to increased risk of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. He hypothesized that there would be a definitive link between cancer and marijuana smoking, but the results proved otherwise.

“What we found instead was no association and even a suggestion of some protective effect,” says Tashkin, whose research was the largest case-control study ever conducted.

SO, pot is SAFER than both Tabacco and Alchohol. It's less addictive than both (ranking just under caffine). It's impossible to die form. The Cannabinoids in THC have been show to fight and prevent certain cancers.......

And YET, we flush 40 BILLION a year down the drain on what DEA Judge Francis Young legally declared to be, in its natural form, one of the most benign substances know to man!!

How many Ignorance people do we still have who believe this war on pot is a worth while venture?

Tax and Regulate it.

if there weren't so much collateral damage to innocnet people by drunks then the self destructive actions of drunks could be considered a good source of natural selection.

Only after pot is legalized, and I would venture to say that it will be in the next few years (mainly for revenue purposes) that they may look to outlaw or stiffen the penalties for alcohol related cases. As one who has done both, when drinking alcohol I can tend to get violent but on weed I'll get into serious discussions about our universe and the things of beauty in our world. Peace

Dude.. haven't you guys ever heard of Ronald Reagan? He told us "Marijuana is the single most dangerous drug known to man.." Why would you question the single best president known to man? LMFAO...

I can feel another tax increase coming..!!

I could say that by smoking Marijuana you could inhale carcinogens that could cause cancer. That being said, we don't have enough research to show any bad risks or effects of marijuana. I still think it should be legal.

Alcohol should almost be illegal. I live in Wisconsin, where there is no such thing as an alcoholic, just a professional. Everyday there are plenty of people in the hospital or jails due to alcohol. I'm not surprised alcohol kills so many people. I see obituaries all the time with people who had liver, pancreas, poisoning, dui, and other accidents.

we should re institute Prohibition, at the same time outlaw driving of motor vehicles,bicycles are also dangerous, electricity can kill people, eating meat is bad, snow skiing kills several hundred a year outlaw it, contact sports injury's are also many die each year from a heart problem, airplanes can crash, stop them from carrying people and now most of all outlaw warfare, look how many people die each year; only then can we have a safe world to live in; I have a hard time believing that they actually spent money on a study, that to much booze is dangerous !

Totally agree with you Bob. The only thing to fear with weed is fear itself. Smoking has opened my mind and actually encourages me to learn! Also, since we are on the subject everyone needs to look into DMT- "Dimethyltryptamine" Now,tell me why something that is naturally produced in our brains and has been used by cultures for thousands of years by shamans and other religions to heal people illeagal!?!? The filthy government knows that you will see the truth if you embrace these medicines. They do a fantastic job of trying to demonize them and so people become afraid to even try it and look down on people who do. Please, everyone should look at the documentary "DMT- The Spirit Molecule". I promise it will get you wondering and curious about the good it can do!

Funny, this story left out the #1 killer on the planet.

Big Pharma

You think AB and IN Bev give a flying f$%#! about alcohol abuse? It's more money for them! That's like casinos acting like they care about gambling problems, when they keep feeding drinks to people that can barely keep their heads up at the blackjack table so they keep betting.

@Steve,

Nixon actually had a the FBI do an in-depth analysis of THC during the Vietnam War. He was concerned it was single-handedly swaying the public's opinion of the war. Their conclusion, and I'm paraphrasing here, was that it caused a person to think more deeply, more profoundly about everyday issues. Well, cue the reefer crackdown !

Alcohol doesn't kill people, irresponsible people who drink to excess kill people. (or themselves) The headline is misleading. It might as well say "Guns Kill People". Well they do if mishandled or misused. I'm still waiting for the legalization of pot.

Actually Patrick the number 1 killer is life. You aren't gonna get out alive. Everything now days is bad for you. Enjoy what life you have, you can't control when you go so just enjoy the ride.

If you want a reason to keep pot outlawed, just read the majority of pro-marijuana posts. Well put, I think.

Actually, in studies conducted marijuana smoked in any variety is approximately 6 times more carcinagenic than a cigarette. As far as fighting cancer, that is, well... a pipe dream (couldn't resist).

So let's get to the point. Pot is not legal, don't do it... Next

D.Man

Thank you for the information I will definitely check that out!

Joey where do you get your information? I'm guessing anti-marijuana propaganda....

"For example, neither epidemiological nor aggregate clinical data show higher rates of lung cancer in people who smoke marijuana. The other alleged harms also remain unproven. Even if smoking marijuana is proven harmful,however, the immediate benefits of smoked marijuana could still outweigh the potential longterm harms—especially for terminally ill patients"

Lynn Zimmer and John P. Morgan, Marijuana Myths Marijuana Facts (New York: Lindesmith Center, 1997), p.115.

This is again, another issue that is not right or wrong but rather about special interests. The beer and booz folk simple do not want pot on the streets legally and they have a powerful lobby to make that so.

SmallBizGirl nailed it. Too many lobbyists against pot. Beer companies know it will cut into their profits. Hemp can be made to make paper and rope, much cheaper than wood and other products . . . bring in more lobbyists.

I personally do not smoke pot, but I think people should be "personally responsible" for their own decisions. Come on, conservatives . . . you agree with personal responsibility right? Plus legalization means smaller government. You would think conservatives would be all over this idea. Unless you don't REALLY believe in personal responsibility.

joey, lol...when we smoke weed, we load a bowl. Usually after 4 or 5 hits, we're baked...I'd say that's average...and I would say habitual pot smokers usually smoke about 3 to 5 bowls a day, on average, of course there are people who smoke more than that or less...anyway...if you're going to compare that to tobacco, think on this. The average cigarette smoker smokes more than a pack a day. That's over 20 cigarettes. How are you going to say marijuana is worse? When you know we don't smoke it over and over every half hour? Marijuana use is not as ominous as you think...and it does fight cancer:

Studies assessing the anticancer properties of cannabinoids have shown that they inhibit the proliferation of a wide range of cancers, including brain cancer, prostate cancer, oral cancers, lung cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, biliary tract cancers, lymphoma, and breast cancer.

The dual effects of delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol on cholangiocarcinoma (biliary tract cancer) cells: anti-invasion activity at low concentration and apoptosis induction at high concentration.
The anticancer effect of Delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal active component of cannabinoids has been demonstrated in various kinds of cancers.

H t t p://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19916793

Cannabinoids inhibit cellular respiration of human oral cancer cells.

H t t p://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20516734

Anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of anandamide in human prostatic cancer cell lines: implication of epidermal growth factor receptor down-regulation and ceramide production.
RESULTS: ANA induced a decrease of EGFR levels on LNCaP, DU145, and PC3 prostatic cancer cells by acting through cannabinoid CB(1) receptor subtype and this leaded to an inhibition of the EGF-stimulated growth of these cells.

H t t p ://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12746841?dopt=Abstract

Cannabinoids reduce ErbB2-driven breast cancer progression through Akt inhibition
Results
Our results show that both Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the most abundant and potent cannabinoid in marijuana, and JWH-133, a non-psychotropic CB2 receptor-selective agonist, reduce tumor growth, tumor number, and the amount/severity of lung metastases in MMTV-neu mice. Histological analyses of the tumors revealed that cannabinoids inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce cancer cell apoptosis, and impair tumor angiogenesis. Cannabinoid antitumoral action relies, at least partially, on the inhibition of the pro-tumorigenic Akt pathway. We also found that 91% of ErbB2-positive tumors express the non-psychotropic cannabinoid receptor CB2.

H t t p://www.molecular-cancer.com/content/9/1/196
Inhibition of skin tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo by activation of cannabinoid receptors
H t t p://www.jci.org/articles/view/16116/version/1

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits epithelial growth factor-induced lung cancer cell migration in vitro as well as its growth and metastasis in vivo
H t t p://www.nature.com/onc/journal/v27/n3/abs/1210641a.html
Cannabinoid Receptor-Mediated Apoptosis Induced by R(+)-Methanandamide and Win55,212-2 Is Associated with Ceramide Accumulation and p38 Activation in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
We have recently shown that cannabinoids induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a malignant B-cell lymphoma that expresses high levels of cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2).
H t tp://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/70/5/1612.abstract
Cannabinoids as potential new therapy for the treatment of gliomas (brain cancer)

H t t p://w w w.expert-reviews.com/doi/abs/10.1586/14737175.8.1.37

Cannabinoids Induce Apoptosis of Pancreatic Tumor Cells via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress–Related Genes

H t t p:// cancerres.aacrjournals.org /content/66/13/6748.abstract

Pot Compound Protects Against Alcohol-Induced Brain Damage

Researchers hypothesized that CBD is neuroprotective because it possesses anti-oxidant properties. Anti-oxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, are believed to help the body protect against the deleterious effects of free radicals (unstable atoms that can damage cells and may accelerate the progression of cancer and age-related diseases).

H t t p://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/314/2/780.abstract?sid=4498b396-f35c-49c8-9709-900ffa17e299

Read between the lines. This is a tax looking for a reason to exist. Since we already have taxes on alcohol, this new tax would be an additional separate tax claimed to be for alcohol prevention/awareness initiatives. This may very well become the catalyst needed to invigorate the bootlegging industry. Can a modern day Eliot Ness be far behind?

Give it a rest. Being illegal isn't stopping you is it?

If taxed it would cost more. Do you WANT to pay more?

I wish they'd legalize it and tax you to the hilt. We need a source of revenue.

Yes I do want to pay more. At least then I wouldn't worry about handcuffs and judges and unemployment because of the resulting criminal record. The trade-off's totally worth it.

False - Marijuana can be addictive. Heavy users suffer from withdrawals.

It's unclear why it causes damage to brain cells. But why use something that will diminish your performance in life to feel relaxed for a short time?

Don't escape life, deal with it.

overextended...that's the point, being illegal doesn't stop anything. Prohibition didn't stop people from drinking. Gun control doesn't stop violence. War on drugs hasn't stopped users or trafficers, but it does cost billions in taxpayer $$.

And to answer your question, Yes, tax it if it means I can openly startup a legit small business for its cultivation and sale. Then I will pay state and federal taxes, as will my customers. Source of revenue...check. Legal recreational activity...check. Win Win!!

Amen brother! It's a shame that you can smoke weed a month ago and come up positive on a drug test, but you can do crack and have it not show up in 2-3 days. It boggles the mind.

nate...what are your sources? Prove your points. Otherwise you're just blowing hot air just like a politician...who's escaping life? There are facts concerning marijuana...from valid sources...that show everything you just posted was wrong, even if you already know all that. Deal with that. Who's living in reality and who's living in a fantasy world?

Just throwing this out there... regarding the "is marijuana dangerous or not" discussion. One of the most dangerous things about marijuana (from what I've read) is not the drug itself but what has been added to it or what it is typically smoked in (ie a blunt). I haven't heard anything harmful about marijuana in its pure form though.

I'd think that smoking ANYTHING is never good for your lungs; however, what about ingesting marijuana through food? Is that dangerous?

natemesis, how many pot smokers do you actually know?

I know plenty, and while all studies show that pot is not physically addictive, and some conclude it is psychologically addictive, not one single person I know goes through "withdrawal" when they hit a dry spell. No joke.

cj, you can eat it or make tea with it...it won't harm you unless you ate massive amounts of bud, and who's gonna want to down 200 dollars in one sitting?

Also, with legalization and regulation, we wouldn't have to worry about anything being added to marijuana, which doesn't really happen that much, btw.

cj check out Whittle, B., et.al., “Prospects for new cannabis-based prescription medicines,” Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics. Vol.1, No.3/4, 2001. pgs 183-205.

the section on dosage form selection is a good place to start

I find it funny that pro-pot smokers have countless studies and facts to support their position. While anti-pot smokers have nothing . . . zero . . . zitch . . . no studies, facts, or evidence to back them up. Just worthless opinions based on wrong information.

Now I do not smoke, but given what I have learned . . . studies and facts vs. misinformed opinions . . . which side should I support? Gee, that's a tough one.

joe420er: Thanks for the info. That's what I've been told before -- makes sense! I don't smoke or eat it, primarily because I don't want to be fired from my job for failing a drug test :) but I've always been curious about this whole debate.

"it won't harm you unless you ate massive amounts of bud, and who's gonna want to down 200 dollars in one sitting?"

It would take a lot more then 200 bucks to eat the leathal dosage... not saying 200 bucks worth would be pleasant... there is such thing as too high... sometimes

lol...ya, you're right, it would take more than around an oz...I don't know how much would be lethal, but I think it becomes lethal at like over a pound...:

Marijuana Overdose - Lethal Marijuana Overdose Amount

In order for a human to consume enough marijuana to be fatal, they would have to consume nearly 40,000 times the amount of THC required to intoxicate them. In contrast, it only requires about 5 to 10 times the amount of alcohol required for intoxicate to be fatal. For example, if it requires 3 beers to intoxicate you, it only requires 15 to 30 beers to kill you. However, if it takes you 3 'hits' of marijuana to intoxicate you, it would require 120,000 hits to kill you. Thus, it is virtually impossible to die of a marijuana overdose.

According to current research, the lethal dose of marijuana is about one-third your body weight consumed all at once. In one research experiment, ingestion of enormous doses of Delta 9 THC and concentrated marijuana extract by mouth were unable to produce death or organ pathology in large mammals but did produce fatalities in smaller rodents due to profound central nervous system depression.

The non-fatal consumption of 3000 mg/kg of THC by a dog or monkey would be comparable to a 154-pound human eating approximately 46 pounds (21 kilograms) of 1%-marijuana or 10 pounds of 5% hashish at one time. In addition, 92 mg/kg THC intravenously produced no fatalities in monkeys. These doses would be comparable to a 154-pound human smoking almost three pounds (1.28 kg) of 1%-marijuana at one time or 250,000 times the usual smoked dose, and over a million times the minimal effective dose assuming 50% destruction of the THC by smoking.

Thus, evidence from animal studies and human case reports appears to indicate that the ratio of lethal dose to effective dose is quite large. This ratio is much more favorable than that of many other common psychoactive agents including alcohol and barbiturates (Phillips et al. 1971, Brill et al. 1970).

Interesting overdose info.

Another thing that affects my views on alcohol vs. marijuana is that, though I know almost as many pot smokers as I do alcohol drinkers, I personally have known four people that have died alcohol related deaths - three in my family alone - (and that's just off the top of my head), yet zero who have died marijuana related deaths.

natemesis

False - Marijuana can be addictive. Heavy users suffer from withdrawals.

It's unclear why it causes damage to brain cells. But why use something that will diminish your performance in life to feel relaxed for a short time?

Don't escape life, deal with it.

I have withdrawals if I dont drink coffee every day.

As far as brain damage from MJ, thats just wrong. When the Dr's that came up with that result finally revealed how the tests were done it was clear they made the monkeys wear gasmasks and pumped them full of smoke while depriving them of oxygen.

Marijuana + adequate oxygen = safe.

Anything + inadequate oxygen = bad.

joe420er, Pam Montegomery, Thoughts from Cali

Oh my word, such voracious defense of something that you've studied so little, or heard what you want to hear. Am I your paid researcher? You have a computer do a google search and you'll find plenty of studies. Example - http://www.schizophrenia.com/prevention/streetdrugs.html

Read the post, I said heavy users - here's more info on withdrawals http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_withdrawal

I don't care much about the legalization debate, I'm more adamantly against people saying it's not addictive or harmful.

cannonballer - Cool story about the monkeys, study on. I'm not doubting that's how that study was done, but there are other studies...

natemesis.... Please don't post links to wikipedia and call them sources... it makes you look ignorant and does little to support your point. Try checking the sited sources from the wiki article and start your research there. I once posted that Henry Winkler was voted by time magazine as the coolest person of all time on wikipedia and it satyed there for a year...

Cannabis "Withdrawal" Syndrome Short-Lived, Affects Few, Study Says

Symptoms associated with so-called "cannabis withdrawal" among marijuana "dependent" subjects are relatively mild, short-lived, and "may only be expected in a subgroup of ... patients," according to the results of a prospective clinical study to be published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Investigators at four separate German universities assessed the self-reported withdrawal symptoms of 73 subjects diagnosed with "cannabis dependence."

"The intensity of most self-reported symptoms peaked on day one and decreased subsequently," authors reported. "Most symptoms ranged on average between low to moderate intensity. The most frequently mentioned physical symptoms of strong or very strong intensity on the first day were sleeping problems (21 percent), sweating (28 percent), hot flashes (21 percent), and decreased appetite (15 percent). ... Other often highly rated psychological symptoms included restlessness (20 percent), nervousness (20 percent), and sadness (19 percent)."

Overall, less than 50 percent of the trial subjects reported physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms.

A 1999 review by the US National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine reported that marijuana's withdrawal symptoms, when identified, are typically "mild and subtle" compared to the profound physical and psychological syndromes associated with most other intoxicants, including alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.

RESULTS: 73 subjects (61.3%) completed all assessments over the observation period. Most symptoms peaked on day 1. Model-based analyses revealed a high and low intensity CWS group. Less than half of the patients belonged to the high intensity craving, psychological, or physical withdrawal symptoms group. Symptom intensity decreased almost linearly over time. Indicators of cannabis consumption intensity as well as personality dimensions, but not recalled withdrawal were related to membership in the high intensity CWS group.

h t t p : / / w w w .ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19783382

Joe, you're the better man for doing that work, thanks for posting. It is very safe compared to other drugs, I agree.

Thanks for the story Concerned Criminal. I guess I figured people would check those sources if interested.

lol, I don't know about that nate...I'm just a college student who knows the value of research! ;)

Also, regarding schizophrenia:

Latest Research On Pot and Schizophrenia Runs Contrary to Mainstream Media Hype

May 26th, 2010
Such is the case with a pair of just-published studies slated to appear in the journal Schizophrenia Research. The first study, conducted by a team of researchers at various New York state hospitals, the Yale University School of Medicine, and the National Institutes of Mental Health assessed whether there exists a causal association between cannabis use and the age of onset of psychosis in patients hospitalized for the first time for an episode of schizophrenia.

Despite previous media claims to the contrary, researchers concluded:
"Although the onset of cannabis use disorder preceded the onset of illness in most patients, our findings suggest that age at onset of psychosis was not associated with cannabis use disorders. Previous studies implicating cannabis use disorders in schizophrenia may need to more comprehensively assess the relationship between cannabis use disorders and schizophrenia, and take into account the additional variables that we found associated with cannabis use disorders."

h t t p : / / w w w .ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20471224

A separate study slated for publication in the same journal assessed the cognitive skills of schizophrenic patients with a history of cannabis use compared to non-users. Authors reported that patients with a history of marijuana use "demonstrated significantly better performance on measures of processing speed, verbal fluency, and verbal learning and memory" compared to abstainers. Marijuana use was also associated with better overall GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning) scores compared to those of non-users.

Authors concluded: "The results of the present analysis suggest that (cannabis use) in patients with SZ (schizophrenia) is associated with better performance on measures of processing speed and verbal skills. These data are consistent with prior reports indicating that SZ patients with a history of CUD (cannabis use disorders) have less severe cognitive deficits than SZ patients without comorbid CUD. … The present findings also suggest that CUD in patients with SZ may not differentially affect the severity of illness as measured by clinical symptomatology."

h t t p : / / w w w .ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20483565

That's because marijuana makes you stupid and lazy. Alcohol just makes you stupid.

Kel - You beat me to the punch. I'm still pi**ed -off that conservative a-holes don't get that! My work forces me to take urine test, (a violation of the forth amendment -unreasonable search and seizure). Prior to this I would take a few hits of natural herb and run 10 miles because I was in a zone. Now because I can't smoke natural herb, I drink alcohol and have gained weight , have higher blood pressure and higher cholesterol. All those dopes that will say abstain, have no clue the difference in the "high."

alcohol not only makes you stupid, but more prone to violence, creates greater loss of balance and motor function, and even greater diminished capacity to make sound decisions....alcohol is worse for you in every possible sense...except that its legal where as pot is not...but as far as detrimental effects its worse on EVERY possible point.

Not really true Urmon Sahor, studies suggests that IQ is not diminished permanently with marijuana use verses

And then there is that hangover time, not too many drunks are moving or operating at competent rates.

There is suggestion that marijuana is a gateway drug from the close to placebo affect. If you are not affected by the THC in marijuana it is a placebo. No one has ever been known to kill themselves from a bong-a-thon.

urmom, did you even read the article? Alcohol kills....in every possible way....I didn't even know there was a link between breast cancer and alcohol! Alcohol contributes to most homicides, car wrecks, sex crimes, etc. etc. the list goes on.....alcohol just makes you stupid? Did you just hit a bottle or something? Maybe you're having an psychotic breakout....alcohol does cause psychosis too...

AND....marijuana doesn't kill! The only reason why there are deaths related to marijuana is because it's illegal! Crime pays, that's what everyone knows....there's money in marijuana and criminals are willing to kill for that...

Alcohol is the gateway drug, maybe tobacco, both kill more troops than the Taliban could ever hope too.

Str8Shot,

While i agree with your and Kel's general sentiment (and note: I'm a hard core Conservative a-hole), I have to note that it is not againt your 4th amemdment rights.

Your employer is not the government and therefore not obligated under the Bill of Rights. Sucks, I know, but drug testing by your employer comes under contract law, not constituational law. If an employee doesn't like the testing, they can move on.

Urmom- Alchohol makes you lazy too in fact it's worse. No matter what I've never smoked too much and not been able to make it to work the next day due to being hung over. In fact I can go in after smoking and I'm more productive and less strained by my workload. Only those not used to the buzz may struggle some at first to function but when your used to it no amount makes you dysfuctional. With alchohol you cannot perform under even a small amount, the more you've had the more difficult it becomes to function, and you suffer from heavy use the night before.

the American work force is already lazy and fat, it does not need to add HIGH and stupid to that pathetic list......

Pot is less harmful than alcohol. I like tequilla and pot and don't care.

My work forces me to take urine test, (a violation of the forth amendment -unreasonable search and seizure).

You have the common misundersatnding about the constitution. You have no rights at work. You have a right to be paid for the work you perform and to be treated as company policy states. You also have a right to quit if you don't like those policies.

Str8Shot: Not all conservatives oppose legalization of pot. Legalization lost the vote in California, and CA is far from being a conservative state. Liberal politicians in my state also are against legalization. They claim it's a health issue.

Damn it you beat me to it!!! NORML!!!!

That's because marijuana makes you stupid and lazy. Alcohol just makes you stupid.

Killing brain cells is not a pre-requisite for getting `high.' Marijuana contains a chemical which substitutes for a natural brain chemical, with a few differences. This chemical touches special `buttons' on brain cells called `receptors.' Essentially, marijuana `tickles' brain cells.

The legal drug alcohol also tickles brain cells, but it will damage and kill them by producing toxins (poisons) and sometimes mini-seizures. Also, some drugs will wear out the buttons which they push, but marijuana does not.

Scientific studies have proven that marijuana can actually protect brain cells. http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/references/journal/1996_fishman_lancet_1/1996_fishman_lancet_1_text.shtml

Melatonin, a cancer fighting chemical that is released when you sleep is contained in marijuana.

The more you know...

Read more: What kills more brain cells, marijuana or alcohol? | Answerbag http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/3445#ixzz1Dfe6ui00

The brain acts differently to each substance.
Alcohol inhibits the brains functioning speed and slows reaction as well as offsets the equilibrium therefore leading to falling, confusion, and poor coordination and slurred speach.
Marijuana slows the synapsis' ability to send and receive messages, leading to drowsiness and lack of motion in the body. Each does its damage to the body but only alcohol kills brain cells marijuana actually promotes brain cell growth

Dr.Damien Clark, MD

I'm still pi**ed -off that conservative a-holes don't get that!

Evidently the liberal a-holes don't get it either. Prop 19 was roundly derided by liberal editorial staffs and politicians throughout California. Not that you're wrong about the conservatives.

...D-OH! I'll drink to that.

Actually, I've yet to meet a single habitual pot smoker who isn't irresponsible, lazy and borderline sociopathic as hell. That said, if alcohol and tobacco are legal, I still see no reason why weed shouldn't be legal, too. Tax and regulate it like these other dangerous drugs, and all will be well. It'll also free up a lot of prison beds and save us a ton of money.

JLK- Thank you for your candor response. I apologize for lumping all conservatives and conservative agendas together; I was just venting. I agree with you that being I work for a private corporation, this is their prerogative. However, what I don't like is the precedent this ruling by a conservative Supreme Court (under Ronald Reagan I believe) has set.
This is a slippery slope. Who is to say what can be tested next, cigarette smoke, high fat volume, genetics, etc. We are getting off the subject, but I'm just saying....

Yes, pot is illegal and non-addictive while alcohol is highly addictive, as addictive as heroin, and so very deadly, and it is legal. Awww, the American mind.

Hey L.J. Rhodes... Let me introduce my self. I'm a "habitual pot smoker who isn't irresponsible, lazy and borderline sociopathic as hell". I feel so special to be the first pot smoker who can honestly smash your stereotypical assessment of an individual that enjoys the mary-jane. To prove my point, I stand on my soap box to say that by the age of 24 I had graduated with a B.S. degree double majoring in geology and chemistry, with a minor in pure mathematics. Then by 26 I had a M.S.degree in geochemistry, where in both undergrad and graduate school I graduated summa cum laude, and in grad school #1 in my graduate program class...

Ok, I'm off the soap box, but I needed to prove the point that society'smarijuana hysteria and stereotypical assumption that all users are replicates off Cheech and Chong characters is what is prohibiting what you proclaim in your second (and more important point) of legalizing the plant and keeping non-violent "offenders" out of jail.

Society needs to wake up and ditch the "Reefer Madness" mentality. Then once we wake up, we can wake-and-bake, and chill the F-out.

Interesting thread. Everyone's going to have an opinion on marijuana. L.J., I appreciate your opinion the most but it isn't necessarily correct. Yes there are stoners, and oh man they're dumb AND slow. There are those who do not revolve around Marijuana. I smoke, a LOT. I do not, however, allow it to control me like a pothead would. For example, mike made mention about how he's smoked pot this whole time and has managed to earn himself a good life. I also smoke a lot and live a pretty good life. I'm not grouchy when I run out and it's just nice to get high. Ironically, I can't do alcohol like most people. I'm a light-weight and will admit it, get too drunk too easily and usually ALWAYS vomit so I just don't drink.

As for the 'gateway' conversation, people seem to lack logic of the brain. Anything can be a gateway drug. You get that one gullible kid who wants to 'live on the edge' he'll try anything after a cigarette, or after pot, ect. ect. Gateway drugs are a silly concept. Weak minds is what creates that concept. I never once hit a pipe or a cigarette and thought "Now lets do some heroin!" I also never had the same thought process with alcohol. In fact with alcohol I already don't feel well, lol, no point in adding to that.

"the American work force is already lazy and fat, it does not need to add HIGH and stupid to that pathetic list......" actually The american work force is regarded as one of the Most effiecient and goal oriented work forces in the modernized nations... Have you ever worked in Spain, Switzerland, Italy, or pretty much any other country in europe besides Germany? It is far more laid back. In spain you get a nap time, the swiss work about 4 hours out of the day, and dont get me started on the French... they may work hard but they do everything backwards

Why is that backwards? They also live longer, have less stress, are healthier, and happier.

I would rather be those things than "efficient".

Agree!

Marijuana does kill. It does harm the body. It can cause cancer and mental disorders. With that said, it still should be up to an individual to use or not use, just like tobacco and alcohol. Any body who says that a cannabis is good for you is completely wrong. I guess they look at research from pro-pot agenda websites. Real scientific journals greatly disagree.

Examine a persons lungs that has been smoking pot for any length of time They have black lungs. Which leads to emphesema. And thats how people are dying. It makes your brain lazy, don't care. Go ahead smoke it if you are crying around but it will be a castasophe in the end.

Insurance still pays for it. I dont think alcohol abuse should be covered by insurance unless it's for rehab.

Nick-2183231

Marijuana does kill. It does harm the body. It can cause cancer and mental disorders. With that said, it still should be up to an individual to use or not use, just like tobacco and alcohol. Any body who says that a cannabis is good for you is completely wrong. I guess they look at research from pro-pot agenda websites. Real scientific journals greatly disagree.

What is this based upon? I know, "The Marijuana Tax Stamp Act of 1937", which was based on blatant ignorance!

Diane 2562010, the bus driver that hit me in the crosswalk was clean and sober according to the drug test. What you state happens more because the driver was on cell phones while driving.

Nick- I can truthfully say pot is good for me. It completely rids myself from the stress of the weekly grind set forth by the establishment, helps me sleep like a baby waking up feeling fantastic and also I can sit there and feel like I just fell in love staring at a flower for an hour. I know you meant it is physically bad for you but so is a cheeseburger. I wonder how many people who claim it's so bad have actually done it? I guess you took your research from t.v. ads.

As for p*ss test, ALL Government employees should be tested. Cops, Judges, all elected officials as well. One would be very surprised by the number of closet cannabis users. It's the best way to kick back and review your day in total relaxation. Egypt youth have it right, just protest what should change and BOOM life is looking better! I wonder if the Fed would use force on pot supporters? After all, pot is the most dangerous drug ever....not, its alcohol. Just look at the number (of all ages) killed every year.

Steve44- I bet your single.

Cootdog

You should find your way to Boulder, Colorado on 420 at the CU campus. Its a massive gathering of people and of course our good friend Mary and the cops just watch you do it! Of course we get attacked because that is also the anniversary of the Columbine shooting and people are all over us for that. That is exactly what happened when the Vietnam war was going on. They claim we don't address the "real" issues of our day. The government is full of crafty SOB's.

Ivanho-75

Thank you for proving every pro legalization persons point.

Ugh, f*** Boulder. >.< "Let's get high and save the environment man." "Good idea dude, maybe we should produce biodegradable pipes." "Genius. And beer with THC!" I hate Boulder. Ashamed to say I live near it.

I didn't know about that being the harassment from Columbine commemorators, though, you'd think they'd want to get high too :-/

ANYWAY! I agree with the 1st post. They should tax the crap out of alcohol and cigarettes. I smoke cigarettes and agree. :P We should tax taboo's like that and put it towards national debt. (I know wouldn't work, maybe, please dont chew me out)

Nick...plenty of real scientific journals disagree with you. As does the Congress Research Service (doubt they're pro-pot, considering it's a gov't agency). Food and Drug Law Journal, Birth Defects Research, Cannabis Therapeutics in HIV/AIDS, etc. real medical journals not pro-pot websites.

I have no doubt, that if you chain smoke joints all day long, it will have a negative effect on your lungs.

Burning marijuana does create carcinogens, but in smaller amounts than mass produced cigarettes have(most American grown pot has less chemicals than tobacco does too).

You don't have to smoke marijuana, you can eat foods containing cannabis butter, which doesn't contain carcinogens.

The lighter fluid used to light a joint or bowl, is worse for humans, than the marijuana itself.

I'd rather smoke 1 hit(vaporized for less harmful resin production, no butane or sulfur from matches) of marijuana when I have back spasms, migraines, nausea or insomia(which happens maybe once or twice a year), than use a pharma drug that has way worse side effects(usually liver damage).

Most of you who are so set against marijuana, have no problem using other things that are proven to be more harmful(like prescribed drugs,tobacco and alcohol).

You are HYPOCRITES.

im going to folsom on 420! boulder is a great town i love pearl street and the hil

Nick, and Geri for that matter, why not try doing what the pro-pot people on this vine have done, cite your sources, provide links. Don't just sit there and spout "what you heard". If you cannot provide a factual basis to what you have stated, then it is opinion, and has no weight as a counter argument.

it aint about killing, c h i l d p o r n doesnt kill either.

being a drug addict is not how this economy becomes TOP DOG again.

Pot is not addictive but alcohol is.

Coffee is addictive too...and it is a psychoactive substance that alters your mood and can even cause overdoses and hallucinations as well....there are even some caffeine rage cases out there...come on now...you're an addict and you don't even know it...and I know you drink coffee...don't lie, bs.

Let's make this easy. Everything that is bad for you in any way, anything that can alter your mood or anything that somebody else doesn't like is now illegal. There debate over. Everyone will live for 100's of years and the world will be overpopulated in another generation. Oh no wait that can't happen because sex causes too much stress on the body and can be bad for you.

bspurloc-your statement is ridiculous-unfortunantely children get hurt and killed by sick perverts who produce and watch child pornography-We become TOP DOG-by being a country rich in morals not $!

And M&M's are addictive too. Put a bowl of those in front of me and I just cant stop eating them. But I hear the goverment is getting read to start taxing them more to. And I'm sure they arent good for my health either.

sugaraddict - the only thing pot has killed is a bag of chips? I'd like to see you tell that to the husand who lost his wife and their 3 young children who lost their mother in my city last summer because some pothead ran a stop sign and mowed her down as she was crossing the street (legally) pushing a stroller. Her last brave act was to shove the stroller across the street to save her children.

Come on! Even sober drivers kill! Just had this guy crossing the street yesterday in my city and was killed...and nobody was high or drunk....hmmm, that's really goddamned ominous, huh?

Overdose on coffee? Are you for real?

Diane,

If you are talking about the case I think you are, he was drunk also! Blood alcohol was .14

Overuse:
In large amounts, and especially over extended periods of time, caffeine can lead to a condition known as caffeinism.[100][101] Caffeinism usually combines caffeine dependency with a wide range of unpleasant physical and mental conditions including nervousness, irritability, anxiety, tremulousness, muscle twitching (hyperreflexia), insomnia, headaches, respiratory alkalosis, and heart palpitations.[102][103] Furthermore, because caffeine increases the production of stomach acid, high usage over time can lead to peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.[104] Caffeine may also increase the toxicity of certain other drugs, such as paracetamol.[105]

There are four caffeine-induced psychiatric disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition: caffeine intoxication, caffeine-induced anxiety disorder, caffeine-induced sleep disorder, and caffeine-related disorder not otherwise specified (NOS).

Caffeine intoxicationCaffeine overdose can result in a state of central nervous system over-stimulation called caffeine intoxication (DSM-IV 305.90),[106] or colloquially the "caffeine jitters". The symptoms of caffeine intoxication are not unlike overdoses of other stimulants. It may include restlessness, fidgetiness, nervousness, excitement, euphoria, insomnia, flushing of the face, increased urination, gastrointestinal disturbance, muscle twitching, a rambling flow of thought and speech, irritability, irregular or rapid heart beat, and psychomotor agitation.[103] In cases of much larger overdoses, mania, depression, lapses in judgment, disorientation, disinhibition, delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis may occur, and rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue) can be provoked.[107][108] Extreme overdose can result in death.

Are YOU for real? Keep drinking the mocha lattes.

Oh the irony of habitual pot smokers continually saying through a purple haze as they vegetate on their 20 year old sofa in their one bedroom apartment. - "It's non-addictive, man."

I'm a habitual pot smoker, so is my wife. We live in a three bedroom house with a front and back yard. Our kids are healthy and doing good in school. I've been smoking it since I was 12, my wife since she was 14. We're in our thirties. We're both responsible, tax paying, contributing members of society. We have two cars, I got a motorcycle, all paid for, and we're healthy as hell...not overweight and we take the kids out all the time. But my wife and I always smoke weed too...day in, day out....there are times when we need to stop for a little, and we do. It's easy, all you have to do is just stop thinking about smoking a bowl. Do something else, luckily we have alot to do in our lives that makes it easier to stop for a while. Basically, I'm just saying, potheads are not like what you said, ivanho. All I can do is just shake my head at your post. Oh yeah....our couch is actually two years old, btw...

actually heroin and cocaine are schedule II, while marijuana is still schedule I (has to do with "medicinal merit"). oh but THC, the active ingredient, is schedule II as well....weird ain't it??

joe although I agree alcohol is much more dangerous, pot does cause lung cancer. I know that smoking cigarettes is actually more deadly than alcohol, so where does that put pot? Right up there with cigs. I might also note that you do lose motivation with pot, so it's not something you want to do on a regular basis, not worse than gaming, but not "good" for you. And as far as teaching your kids, do you really want them to think that they can to put themselves above the law? There are so many other things they could do that would bring happiness.

Other than a social occasion and with moderation, booze sucks. So does any recreational drug that harms, including pot. Life is so complicated already, why do you want to make it worse? I am sensitive to the fact that many people need to escape once in a while, so I can't say I blame whoever indulges... but to go out and say it's a good thing? come on, who ya fooling?

Painkillers are for people who need them, booze is worthless and so it pot. My father died from booze, my ex is a "disabled" boozer who put me in danger, and my family member has an pot problem. At every family function, they can be found either outside smoking it or sleeping it off in the guest room. EVERY TIME

It's not right up there with cigs. There is no connection to lung cancer and marijuana. None whatsoever. Prove me wrong. As for my kids, I'm not trying to teach them anything. Hopefully before they get any older, it will be legalized and there will be no more questions on my being "above the law." I made a choice and I'm not above the law. The law is above me, and it's wrong. Even hemp is illegal? Come on now. States that have legalized hemp farming have not even issued a single hemp license for growing it. Why? They say because it is still illegal under federal regulations. Canadian hemp farmers grow hemp legally and get 200-300 dollars per acre while our american farmers get a @!$%#ty 50 dollars per acre for corn and wheat. And we're wondering why we're struggling? The law against marijuana just flies against science and facts and just plain common sense. I'd rather be stoned than drunk around my kids. Everyone would rather have a stoned driver than a drunk driver, if they had to choose. Study after study have proven that marijuana is a benign plant, hell, even a DEA judge said that in 1989 in court after being presented with all the evidence, but of course the feds wouldn't hear of it! Same thing with the Shafer Committee, and every study out there. These are people with Ph.D's! How are you not going to listen to them instead of a fear mongering politician?

Jenny, why don't you look up my other posts and prove them wrong....pot is not worthless.

Plain and simple, Pot is illegal! Next topic!

Blackwell Publishing (2008, January 27). Marijuana Smokers Face Rapid Lung Destruction -- As Much As 20 Years Ahead Of Tobacco Smokers.

ProIndividaul, no one says legal = ethical, but remember that if you get caught, everything is affected... work, family, etc. You may end up without a job and unfortunately in a s****y situation. Just like paying taxes... you gotta do what you gotta do, and if it means keeping your family financially safe, then so be it. Don't get yourself all in a muck because you think you are above it. There is a lot of things we don't like to do that we do.

Actually you should use the bible...Genesis 1:11-12:
11And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

12And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

Any guess on what herb yielding seed we're debating here? Any guess on who saw it was GOOD?

jenny:
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which supported Tashkin's marijuana-related research over the decades, readily gave him a grant in 2002 to conduct a large, population-based, case-controlled study that would prove definitively that heavy, long-term marijuana use increases the risk of lung and upper-airways cancers.

What Tashkin and his colleagues unexpectedly found, however, disproved their hypothesis.
Tashkin's team interviewed 1,212 cancer patients from the Los Angeles County Cancer Surveillance program, matched for age, gender, and neighborhood with 1,040 cancer-free controls. Marijuana use was measured in "joint years" (number of years smoked times number of joints per day).

It turned out that increased marijuana use did not result in higher rates of lung and pharyngeal cancer, whereas tobacco smokers were at greater risk the more they smoked. Tobacco smokers who also smoked marijuana were at slightly lower risk of getting lung cancer than tobacco-only smokers.

Despite several lines of evidence suggesting the biological plausibility of marijuana use being carcinogenic (1), it is possible that marijuana use does not increase cancer risk, as suggested in the recent commentary by Melamede (26). Although the adjusted ORs <1 may be chance findings, they were observed for all non-reference exposure categories with all outcomes except oral cancer. Although purely speculative, it is possible that such inverse associations may reflect a protective effect of marijuana.

Results: Although using marijuana for ≥30 joint-years was positively associated in the crude analyses with each cancer type (except pharyngeal cancer), no positive associations were observed when adjusting for several confounders including cigarette smoking.
h t t p : / / cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/15/10/1829.full#sec-7

Despite several lines of evidence suggesting the biological plausibility of marijuana use being carcinogenic (1), it is possible that marijuana use does not increase cancer risk, as suggested in the recent commentary by Melamede (26). Although the adjusted ORs <1 may be chance findings, they were observed for all non-reference exposure categories with all outcomes except oral cancer. Although purely speculative, it is possible that such inverse associations may reflect a protective effect of marijuana.

Results: Although using marijuana for ≥30 joint-years was positively associated in the crude analyses with each cancer type (except pharyngeal cancer), no positive associations were observed when adjusting for several confounders including cigarette smoking.

h t t p : / / cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/15/10/1829.full#sec-7

So Joe something rather interesting is what most likely caused the cancer in those that smoked pot vs those that smoked cigarettes. One of the leading causes of cancer in cigarette use is the radioactive elements introduced to the tobacco plants from fertilizers. One element that has gotten much of the attention is polonium 210. Not only is polonium absorbed from the fertilizer, but it can also be absorbed from the air due to the sticky tobacco plant leaves.

Here's an article with links to pubmed articles.

http://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org/2008/08/29/radioactive-polonium-in-cigarette-smoke/

I would guess that what caused the difference between cigarette and marijuana cancer rates is probably the difference between radiation exposure from what they smoked. Another possible cause would be the difference between habits. A pot and cigarette smoker may not smoke as many cigarettes as compared to a full time cigarette smoker and be exposed to less radiation over time.

dog....good points....

also, jenny...marijuana worthless? Please....get real:

Marijuana Called Top U.S. Cash Crop
Marijuana Takes the Pot as Most Valuable Cash Crop in the Country
Contrasting government figures for traditional crops -- like corn and wheat -- against the study's projections for marijuana production, the report cites marijuana as the top cash crop in 12 states and among the top three cash crops in 30.

The study estimates that marijuana production, at a value of $35.8 billion, exceeds the combined value of corn ($23.3 billion) and wheat ($7.5 billion).

"The fact that marijuana is America's No. 1 cash crop after more than three decades of governmental eradication efforts is the clearest illustration that our present marijuana laws are a complete failure," says Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington D.C., a group that focuses on removing criminal penalties for marijuana use.

Kampia, whose comments were included in the study's press release, adds, "Our nation's laws guarantee that 100 percent of the proceeds from marijuana sales go to unregulated criminals rather than to legitimate businesses that pay taxes to support schools, police and roads."
A 2005 analysis by Harvard visiting professor Jeffrey Miron estimates that if the United States legalized marijuana, the country would save $7.7 billion in law enforcement costs and could generated as much as $6.2 billion annually if marijuana were taxed like alcohol or tobacco.

h t t p : / / abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=2735017&page=1

No one is going to change your mind, just as i couldn't keep my Dad from killing himself over booze, and my relative is pretty much absent from being high all the time. Like I said, I totally understand why it is attractive, it just has nothing positive to offer other than self medication. I do believe that your study did mention emphysema as still being a risk. Can you argue that it's better than exercise, sex or education? I just think spending the majority of my free time on those things is more productive. You are free to do what you want, but you have failed to convince me why it is so great. Our society restrains pain sufferers from receiving pain medication, why would we favor recreational use over medicinal? It blows me away that we promote boozing it up over taking pain meds for bona fide conditions.

No @!$%#! I know...big alcohol lobbyists paid money against legalization in cali last year...@!$%#ing hypocrites...

alcohol lobbyists and the cops were the only ones that gave money against legalization prop 19

Wow, let's blame corporate America for the fact that some people ABUSE alcohol. No individual responsibility involved here -- it's all the fault of the big, bad corporation.

I consume alcoholic beverages on occasion -- beer, wine, scotch. I do not drive while intoxicated. I don't get hung-over. I show up at work every day. I have raised a family of three college graduates, and paid all my bills on time. And I drink. How in the world did that happen?

I took responsibility for my own actions, and didn't wait for the government to take care of me or declare me a victim.

Wow, dcs...sounds just like pretty much every responsible pothead out there....

For all the pot smokers. If you came up with a simple roadside test that could check your level as easily as alcohol you might develop a case for legalization. One of the major concerns is the ability to verify or regulate the amount of pot that could/should be in your system while operating a vehicle. Find a proper way to regulate it and your case for legalization will grow stronger.

Or maybe we can just all realize that potheads don't cause accidents! Hmmm....duuuuh! Potheads have no higher incidents of vehicular accidents than the non-using population...that's a fact. Look it up sometime. There is no real effect on coordination. There are studies that show that recreational regular smokers of marijuana have no higher incidents of crashes than the non using population. Marijuana does effect you, but not to a point where you are absolutely incapable of doing anything...

Neurophysiological and cognitive effects of smoked marijuana in frequent users.

Results: Overall performance accuracy was not significantly altered by marijuana

"[In] cases in which THC was the only drug present were analyzed, the culpability ratio was found to be not significantly different from the no-drug group."

REFERENCE: G. Chesher and M. Longo. 2002. Cannabis and alcohol in motor vehicle accidents. In: F. Grotenhermen and E. Russo (Eds.) Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Potential. New York: Haworth Press. Pp. 313-323.

"Cannabis leads to a more cautious style of driving, [but] it has a negative impact on decision time and trajectory. [However,] this in itself does not mean that drivers under the influence of cannabis represent a traffic safety risk. … Cannabis alone, particularly in low doses, has little effect on the skills involved in automobile driving."

REFERENCE: Canadian Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs. 2002. Cannabis: Summary Report: Our Position for a Canadian Public Policy. Ottawa. Chapter 8: Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis.

"This report has summarized available research on cannabis and driving.
… Evidence of impairment from the consumption of cannabis has been reported by studies using laboratory tests, driving simulators and on-road observation. ... Both simulation and road trials generally find that driving behavior shortly after consumption of larger doses of cannabis results in (i) a more cautious driving style; (ii) increased variability in lane position (and headway); and (iii) longer decision times. Whereas these results indicate a 'change' from normal conditions, they do not necessarily reflect 'impairment' in terms of performance effectiveness since few studies report increased accident risk."

REFERENCE: UK Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (Road Safety Division). 2000. Cannabis and Driving: A Review of the Literature and Commentary. Crowthorne, Berks: TRL Limited.

"Overall, we conclude that the weight of the evidence indicates that:
1) There is no evidence that consumption of cannabis alone increases the risk of culpability for traffic crash fatalities or injuries for which hospitalization occurs, and may reduce those risks.
2) The evidence concerning the combined effect of cannabis and alcohol on the risk of traffic fatalities and injuries, relative to the risk of alcohol alone, is unclear.
3) It is not possible to exclude the possibility that the use of cannabis (with or without alcohol) leads to an increased risk of road traffic crashes causing less serious injuries and vehicle damage."

REFERENCE: M. Bates and T. Blakely. 1999. "Role of cannabis in motor vehicle crashes." Epidemiologic Reviews 21: 222-232.

"In conclusion, marijuana impairs driving behavior. However, this impairment is mitigated in that subjects under marijuana treatment appear to perceive that they are indeed impaired. Where they can compensate, they do, for example by not overtaking, by slowing down and by focusing their attention when they know a response will be required. … Effects on driving behavior are present up to an hour after smoking but do not continue for extended periods.
With respect to comparisons between alcohol and marijuana effects, these substances tend to differ in their effects. In contrast to the compensatory behavior exhibited by subjects under marijuana treatment, subjects who have received alcohol tend to drive in a more risky manner. Both substances impair performance; however, the more cautious behavior of subjects who have received marijuana decreases the impact of the drug on performance, whereas the opposite holds true for alcohol."

REFERENCE: A. Smiley. 1999. Marijuana: On-Road and Driving-Simulator Studies. In: H. Kalant et al. (Eds) The Health Effects of Cannabis. Toronto: Center for Addiction and Mental Health. Pp. 173-191.

Im all for the legalization of pot however you shouldnt be able to drive while high. i mean come on if your tripping out you shouldnt be in a moving vehicle which could kill someone.

Please! I just showed proof that pot doesn't contribute to fatal car wrecks....and you don't trip out on marijuana! WTF! You're still thinking all these negative stuff about marijuana that just has no basis in fact! Tripping out?!? What is wrong with you?

So you ass... You think their are no detrimental effects from using MJ. You are pretty smart.... Not... The stuff floats you higher than a kite. It's a mood alliterating drug. It has side effects. It doesn't matter if it's better or worse than Booze. It's still not good.

Actually it is good....why else is there medical marijuana and no medical alcohol to drink or medical cigarettes to smoke?

But joe there was a time when you drank alcohol as medicine but some say they were wrong about that. And when I get a cold I make myself a hot toddie with a healthy shot of whiskey in it. Helps everytime.

I'm ok with the legalization of marijuana with the restrictions that there are on alcohol, but not because I think it's some miracle herb with mystical properties and no side effects.

Yeah...but back then, they didn't know so much about the chemical makeup of ANYTHING like we do nowadays, isn't that right? And with our modern highly advanced scientific technology, we still can't determine that it's bad? Yet we've already determined that time and time again with alcohol...are you saying with everything we know about marijuana, we're stupid just like people was back in the day when they didn't even have technology like we know it? After all the studies? All the doctors? You're seriously saying the doctors are wrong cuz you know the facts yourself?

"Im all for the legalization of pot however you shouldnt be able to drive while high. i mean come on if your tripping out you shouldnt be in a moving vehicle which could kill someone"

as a common smoker and a past user of psycidellics... No one is "Tripping Out" when smoking weed. MJ doesnt have anywhere near the "trippy" effects of acid, mushrooms or cough syrup for that matter. Let alone perscription drugs such as Painkillers or amphetamines. Ever stay awake for 24 hours straight... you'll be "tripping" harder then you would be smoking weed.

I'm not saying anybody is wrong now. Marijuana may be perfectly safe. All I'm saying is as technology advances we learn new things. And as I said I don't have a problem with the legalization of it with restrictions.

But hey what's it matter, in a hundred we'll all be dead and gone and we won't care. The only thing that will definitely kill you is life, 100% fatality rate. If you want to do it, have it.

The trick is, while driving stoned, to REMEMBER that you're stoned, and compensate accordingly. Some people can do that -- I can't. When I was 19, driving home from a friend's house, I sailed through a red light. Luckily it was 2 a.m., and no one around, but I remember pulling over and shaking at what might have happened due to my being oblivious of my surroundings. Made a vow that night to NEVER drive on pot, and never have since. Have had years when I smoked, years when I didn't -- mostly when I had a young child to raise -- and see nothing wrong with legalizing & taxing the crap out of pot. A friend, a month before his 21st birthday, was arrested with less than 2 grams in Nevada -- if he had been 30 days older and 30 miles to the west, in CA, it would have been a traffic ticket, instead it was a night in jail, thousands for a lawyer and then a year's probation -- and that's because the judge was lenient, could have been much worse! With "Three Strikes," IF it had been a third offense, he would have ended up with 25 years to life, no exceptions, go straight to prison for most of his life. Stupidest law EVER. Meanwhile, my father and little brother both died of alcohol-related diseases. I only drink a margarita when we go out for Mex, otherwise, have NO interest in alcohol. Sorry, digression. (No, not stoned. In a "dry" period -- and not going through withdrawal, imagine that!) Still, interesting discussion.

Joe420er, I have a movie recommendation for you. It explains all the hazards of pot. I believe its called "Reefer Madness" why not watch that while blazing it up. Should be quite educational(/satire)

lol...good comedy...seen it...

also to note, aids is the #1 killer in South Africa, dude needs to check the facts before writing an article...

Sono,

Facts baby, facts.

Quit hatin' on guns and drugs.

We fear what we don't understand, hate what we fear.

The following is called sarcasm:

This article is a bunch of lies, how could alcohol be dangerous if it's a legal product? The real killers are marijuana, energy drinks and legally purchased fire arms.

I know it's hard to detect at times when you're reading something, but I kind of figured that the inclusion of energy drinks & using the words 'legally purchased' in front of firearms would've been a dead giveaway. Sorry you missed that one, but I too love my firearms and drugs; just not at the same time.

You ARE defending smoking, and non-smokers don't care for breathing your used smoke. It could only be hypocrisy if those complaining about smoking indoors were smokers. And drinking and driving don't have ANYTHING to do with a smoking ban in bars.

Whatever is your drug of choice, its rendered you completely illogical. You're ready to be a congressman now.

You are correct, Mike in Portland, but this talk of "3rd hand smoke" and other ways that smoking is harmful to the general public seems to be another "weapon of mass distraction". They are so many pollutants that have caused humans terrible harm that we are not even aware of yet. We are trying to find out why Alzheimer's and Autism is so prevalent today, and I'll bet a million dollars that industrialization is the main reason in some way or another. Cancers too. They are attacking smokers which is reasonable, but it shouldn't be done to divert attention and resources away from finding the cause of these new killers that we have no control of nowadays.

Eugene Oregon two accidents in the past year ended in fatalities for one each accident. One was smoking a cigerette and droping it in his lap (he was also high nothing else in his system). Also a girl was so wasted on weed she hit a family that was walking home from the grocery store and killed a four year old girl and injured two others in the family. She was so baked out of her mind she could not even speak to the officers when they arrived. Blood tests showed only THC in her blood nothing else. I was a Firefighter on seen at both of them!

I do agree that the laws against smoking in public and drinking in public seem pretty stupid when compared to one another, but as a non-tobacco smoker I do find it pretty gross to have to breathe it in public places. I understand that it does not bother some, so it is difficult to decide who is right.

Well, I can understand the laws against smoking, the chances of getting cancer is higher with secondhand smoke...

ok, fix it....so you've seen two cases....which is not the norm at all with potheads....lemme ask you something....how many fatal car accidents involving alcohol did you respond to? Hmm? Oh, I bet more than two.....hell, even more than twenty, right???

No, I'm not advocating driving while high, I'm advocating getting the facts out there....there is proof that potheads do not even cause fatal car wrecks any more than the non using population...so stop all the talking about how potheads are killing people behind the wheel, because IT'S NOT TRUE! Stop the witch hunt and recognize the facts...that's it. So why make a case against marijuana cuz...gee, drugged driving is dangerous...damn potheads! Come on now....most drugged driving cases in America is thanks to big pharma....not pot...just recognize that, for gods sake.

..."when drinking in bars and at sporting events, where people must drive home is still allowed"

Um, last time I checked, drinking and driving is still illegal - the opposite of allowed. Also, people who go out to have a drink (no matter where it is) have a responsibility to find safe transportation back home. They are not required to operate their vehicles after drinking. It is not a must that they do so - it is a selfish, incredibly dangerous and ultimately stupid CHOICE they make if they decide to drive after drinking.

please, chris....you actually think I can't live without weed for even a week!? Get outta here...you are crazy! Insane! Come on.....I haven't had any bud for a week now, just smoked my bud last monday right before I had to go to college. Been doing nothing but living life like usual, taking care of business and this friday, I'm gonna get some bud...oh yeah! Idiots always think people just can't put the spliff down....its not THAT addictive...let me tell you something. I have a major addiction problem...I can't even quit for one day...guess what I'm talking about? Cigarettes! and they're about 8 bucks a pack where I live! I don't even buy them from safeway! They sell them for $9.80 a pack! And I still can't stop buying them! Now that's insane...but I can't stop myself! It's crazy...I go in to buy something, always find myself saying....pack of camels too...and everytime I walk out of the store I'm always like, "dammit! not again!" Marijuana is not so addictive that I can't even live without it for a month. Once I went a year....its not that hard to stop, it's just better than alcohol and legal prescription drugs IMO and I'd rather not poison myself.

Yeah man.... I mean bud....Er...a bud man. Crap your stoned right now

Right...sure I am. All I can say is I'm disappointed...Your preconceived perceptions of potheads have allowed you to judge me in the same idiotic context...and I'm not even high. Jesus Christ, typical...

For god sake Mike in Portland. I'm so tired of others who want to infringe on my rights. If you don't want to be in a bar that has smokers than don't go into it. The same goes for me...If I don't want to go into a bar that has nonsmokers because I find them offensive then I don't go in...It's really pretty simple. When it comes down to it it's about one person or group pushing their agenda on to another individual or group.

I'm not defending smoking as being healthful. I know that it's not a healthy habit but to tell me I can't smoke something that is still legal and that I pay a premium price for is an affront to a free society. I have heard that in Boulder CO one can't even smoke in their own car...really? If that is not infringing on our freedoms I don't know what is. When are you going to tell me I can't watch a certain TV program because it's harmful to the moral fabric of society? When will you tell me I have to believe in the way you believe because you are right and I'm wrong?...Oh wait a minute...you already are.

Look, all I'm saying is that I will respect your rights when you start respecting mine. I have no intention of forcing smoking on to you just as I would hope that you would not force your right not to smoke on to me.

Alcohol is legal, tobacco is legal, pot is not. It's all about the $$$$ and some peoples belief that they are right and the rest of society is wrong. Get over yourselves. Exercise a little judgement and use your mind instead of following the rest of the idiots. That is the problem we have in America these days. We are complacement and willing to let others dictate our behaviors. Stand up people and take our freedoms back! They are slowly being taken away under the guise of Political Correctness.

It's a sad day for America when we let others take our individual freedoms away.

Fix It,

About the girl and her THC results, since it (usually) takes weeks for the blood results to come back, and I'm sure you had many other calls in the meantime, did you just happen to take a personal interest in this case and ask detectives / investigators about the results?

As far as the banning smoking in bars.... What if i own a bar and i want to allow people to smoke in my bar? Shouldnt i be allowed to decide the rules in the building and buisness i own? If I own a bar and i dont what cigs smoked there i should be able to say no smoking in here as well. But Why does the government get to make that choice for me? What if i dont care about the buisness i would lose by not catering to people who are offended by smoke?

I agree with you there concerned criminal...Welcome to Civil Rights that everyone thought was such a great thing and anybody that disagreed with how it encroached on a person's Private business was labeled as a Racist. It provided the government the key to regulate every which way a "private business" is run.

For those of you that want to blame the Pot being illegal issue on Conservatives...THINK AGAIN...Most all of the Pot laws were passed by Democratic legilatures and Presidents. Welcome to Socialism...the government can't take care of everyone from cradle to grave, unless they are controlling you like the well entertained, well fed slaves that we are. The "Conservatives" you are referring to are actually "Neo-Conservatives" that over time have moved closer and closer to the Left. A TRUE CONSERVATIVE (See Libertarian) is against prohibition of pretty much anything that is not a result of Force or Fraud.

Zmann, you had me until you until you hated civil rights dude... in no way a comparison... people who weren't letting other people in WERE racist and i have no problem with the government telling ignorant @!$%#s to @!$%# off

And due to the Civil Rights act....those racists remain in business today and you and me both gladly provide them our money without knowledge of their bigotry. I'm I white? Yes, but I also attended a majority black college.

I have no problem with Civil Rights in regard to Public companies; but why Force a Private individual in the way they run their business. Do you enjoy giving your money to Bigots? I DON"T. I wish the signs were still up refusing to serve certain people. As such; they would NEVER, see my business, I'm sure they would never see yours, and they would not see a lot of other's either, eventually forcing them out of business. Instead, I have no idea (nor do you) that the business you are frequenting is owned by a Bigot that hates you...and yet you walk in a willfully provide profit for them without ever knowing.

Thank you for clarifying... makes sense now Rock ON

I smoke weed and drive all the time. I've been in a couple accidents now. In the case of my first accident I was side swiped by a sober driver who ran a red light, I was high as f@$*, that is up until the point in which my car was clipped by the negligent sober driver. The second accident was my fault. I was sober and needlessly in a rush to get somewhere. When I drive high I am calm, happy, and not in as much of a rush. When I'm sober I'm anxious, angry, and trying to get to where I'm going way too fast. The road rage that unconsciously comes over me when driving sober is nonexistent when I drive high. I think weed makes me a safer driver. Notice I speak only for myself in this regard.

As for marijuana making one more lazy or stupid then the general non pot smoking public I can again only speak for myself. I am currently a junior in college with a 3.47 GPA. I do homework and study for tests mostly while high and I am consistently praised by my teachers for the work I do. The stereo type that pot makes you lazy or unable to think clearly is, for me at least, completely backward. I am more motivated to achieve my goals and can focus much more clearly when I smoke. When I'm not studying for school I read, play/listen to music, paint/draw, occasionally watch movies, and go hiking(all while high of course). For what it's worth most of my friends who smoke are the same way. If you've never smoked weed I would definitely recommend it.

A great insight by "thoughts form cali" here

"I find it funny that pro-pot smokers have countless studies and facts to support their position. While anti-pot smokers have nothing . . . zero . . . zitch . . . no studies, facts, or evidence to back them up. Just worthless opinions based on wrong information."

Though I have presented no studies in my comment it is based on personal experience with marijuana and provides more insight on the subject than ignorant stereotypes which many mindlessly post on these message boards.

pro, I'm with you there...except remember joe camel? He got his little cameltoe claws into me back when I was around 13-14...what? It was a frickin cartoon character! I'm an artist, and back then I wanted to draw the picture of joe camel, so i got a pack. Then I wanted to smoke a cigarette while drawing joe camel. the rest is history. Not so sure about the advertizing thing, but definately agree with you when you're sayin we're like, child-proofing the world for the kids when it's a man's world...well, man/woman's world...not never neverland like you said....totally agree...

Hello Chris,

I appreciate your comments and humor concerning my first accident in which my car was side swiped and spun 180 degrees before coming to rest sideways in a ditch. My girlfriend and I were luckily able to walk away from it unharmed. It's a good thing that the witnesses to the accident and the police report didn't express the doubt you do as to who's fault the accident was. In regard to the pretentious stoner college student remark I'm sorry you missed the point of my comment(that sounds a little pretentious I know). To be honest a 3.47 GPA is not much to brag about nor does it make me feel as though I am above anyone else for achieving as much. The reason I mentioned my GPA and the positive comments I receive from my teachers was an attempt to dispel the stereotype that all people who smoke weed are lazy and stupid. To make my point perfectly clear to accomplish what I have one of two things must be true. Either colleges have lowered their standards so that lazy and stupid people can get a 3.47 GPA or it is possible to be a motivated and intelligent pot smoker. Obviously I tend to think the latter is more accurate but if you have any doubts Carl Sagan is a great example of someone who smoked weed and accomplished much more in his life than you or I. I really don't know what you have accomplished but since you're taking the time to post comments on this website giving hard facts to pretentious college stoners it's hard to believe that you have done anything in your life that you could compare to Carl Sagan's. I don't mean to insult you, that's just a hard fact. I'm glad to hear that you were once a stoner as well but it makes me sad that you've become more "mature" and I assuming have quit smoking. I love weed and plan on smoking for the rest of my life and I think it would be great if you started smoking again(please let me know if you do). As far as coming to work stoned that is not something that I would personally do. I don't go to school stoned; though, I do enjoy smoking when I get home. By the way I do plan on going to graduate school and as you mentioned my teachers opinions will count for something in that regard:). Thanks again for commenting on my post I really do appreciate it.

More than alcohol, marijuana impairs people mental attentiveness and acuity long even after the drugs effects have worn off. It's doesn't have the same physical addictive dangers but it does have strong psychological additive hold on many. The idea that pot is a panacea without risk is ludicrous.

Vegas... You are woefully uninformed...

Vegas, you need to stimulate your mind in the worst way, baby!

@ddaryl, no I'm not, I have significant experience and expertise on the topic. Quit reading high times and pro-pot websites for your scientific information.

The only people who show up to debate this topic are pot smokers, ponder that folks.

I'll take a joint over a beer any day of the week

@cannabinoids thanks for proving my point.

Vegas - your 12 step crap is all in your head. Just because you can't handle smoking weed doesn't mean everyone else can't. Alcohol kills people, but some people can handle it. Weed has never killed anyone directly. Putting weed in the same category as all your other 12 step "no-no's" is your problem, not everyone's.

vegas, you are in fact wrong. pot doesn't last more than a couple of hours unless used VERY infrequently. alcohol regularly causes hangovers.

And it doesn't affect everyone the same. maybe you had bad experiences but that doesn't mean it's the same for others. Why do we have multiple options for medications? A pill for ADD, or cholesterol, or birth control might work great for one person and have debilitating side effects for another. You can't point to anecdotal evidence and make a sweeping generalization like that.

as for psychological addiction, maybe farmville should be outlawed? It has far more addicts and reduces productivity. Oh right, it's ridiculous to outlaw things for strictly pschological addiction because just about anything can be psychologically addictive.

everybody laughs about a hangover but it is really brain damage

I agree dogtato - we are comparing weed and alcohol, and for Vegas to try and say that weed is as harmful to society as a whole is just hogwash. I think Vegas is cunning, baffling, and ridiculous!

Why is marijuana still illegal? It does no harm to the human body

Wishful thinking. When you inhale the smoke from any burnt substance, you are inhaling all sorts of carcinogens. It's called air pollution.

what kind of palin stupidness told u weed doesnt harm the body.....

Ah yeah thats right the BRAIN isnt part of the human body.... time for u to quit your drug addiction and learn some facts if yor brain isnt fried beyond learning anything

jobseeker.....marijuana has CBD's in it....they're anti-carcinogenic...that means any carcinogen inhaled is washed out by CBD's...they're also anti-psychotic...why else does the government hold a patent on it? Check it for yourself...patent # 6630507...

Cannabis, of course, is more than THC. Other ingredients provide additional benefits and mitigate the adverse effects of THC.

Cannabidiol, for example, reduces dysphoria and depersonalization provoked by THC while contributing its own anxiolytic, antipsychotic, analgesic, antiemetic, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects.

The more you know....!

Weed does do some harm to the human body. Because some people claim there is no tar or carcinogens they are lying to you. Now if you vaporize your weed you are almost completely cutting those factors out, but as you and I know most people smoke from joints, pipes and bongs. Ever boiled a pipe after use and seen all that black stuff floating around. Yep that's tar, also the same stuff that will and does collect in your lungs. The carcinogen part, well anything that is burnt will produce a carcinogen of what levels of toxicity varies though.

No lie, my friend....it's from a valid science source...

Cannabis, of course, is more than THC. Other ingredients provide additional benefits and mitigate the adverse effects of THC.

Cannabidiol, for example, reduces dysphoria and depersonalization provoked by THC while contributing its own anxiolytic, antipsychotic, analgesic, antiemetic, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects.

Please show me how I'm wrong and these scientists with the PH.D's are all liars...

Joe420er.

While you are correct that marijuana has CBD's in it, it is most profound in the leaves of the plants not the big buds that are commonly picked for smoking. It is also not enough to completely scrub out all of the carcinogens from burning the weed. The simple solution is to just bake it in a brownie or vaporize it.

I'm sorry folks, but deeply inhaling ANY type of burning material into your lungs is harmful. And dudes, until they can find some way to do a legally admissible "breathalyzer" type test for THC/Pot, they should not legalize it. The last thing we need to do is fill the roads with stoned drivers because there are already enough drunk ones out there.

It doesn't matter if you smoke tobacco or marijuana, you get black lung. You addicts are in full denial.

yeah well, I vaporize my bud....I have the arizer extreme...and for the last time, potheads are not dangerous drivers!

I don't understand why but the forum won't let me post the website address...going to try it one more time....here it is:

In case it doesn't appear again, here it is....h t t p : / / w w w . n c b i . n l m . n i h . g o v / p u b m e d / 2 0 6 0 0 2 5 1 ? d o p t = A b s t r a c t

Just type the letters together without the spaces and look it up for yourselves...it is valid fact.

Again I say, any who bothered stopping here to argue in favor of pot, smoke pot. No one else has a dog in this fight.

Alcohol is very addictive... however, marijuana is not. It can be habit forming but it can be stopped without serious physical withdrawal.

@LogicalMinded Yes Alcohol, and a small handful of other drugs are among the worst because you can die from the withdrawal effects. However you misunderstand addiction, addiction has little to do with the drug as much as a does behavior pattern. Narcotics which cannabis is among has been shown to possess strong mood altering psychological effects which lends itself well to those with addictive traits. You are only defending pot because you like to smoke it.

No, I am defending it because it makes sense to. I do not smoke anything. Don't be so quick to judge.

While you're right that pot is mentally addictive but not physically, you still have yet to make a valid point as to why pot should still be illegal. Fatal wrecks? No, in fact you'll be hard pressed to find a single accident caused by pot alone. Violence? Yet again, nothing. Self damaging acts? Well if you listen to DARE then smoking pot makes you think you can flay and you'll jump off a house and die. Wild claims aside there is still little, if any evidence to support that also. Does it make people stupid? Some but they were probably not that productive or bright to begin with. I know a few stoners that do things most people don't have the clue how to even begin.

Alcohol on the other hand is a different matter. It does all of that and worse. Not that I'm saying i should be illegal, just more controlled and with the courts making people responsible for their choices.

There's also studies that actually shows marijuana helps stimulate new brain cells....

VegasRage - Pot is not an opioid; it is not derived from the poppy. I know the American politicians have been trying to say that pot is a narcotic, but that's just a war of words to make it sound like pot is as dangerous as opioids like heroin, morphine, etc. Pot is not a narcotic.

John Doe & joe420- With regards to, "Does it make people stupid? Some but they were probably not that productive or bright to begin with." or "There's also studies that actually shows marijuana helps stimulate new brain cells."

First, why are we arguing about studies??? Someone can bring up that a study on broccoli is now bad for your brain or that reading can do harm... So let's just drop the whole studies factor.

Second, and more importantly, I have two friends who were NOT stupid to begin with; They were both 4.0 students in high school, sharp, athletic, with strong interpersonal sensitivity, and now, after 11 straight years of smoking weed, their intelligence, perception, and their overall mental state has dropped significantly! They're my friends, I know they're not doing any other drugs, so I'll stop that debate before it starts, without question pot CAN and DOES damage to the brain! I can't believe we are even arguing this!!!

I'm not saying pot doesn't have health benefits, but come on, are we really going to argue the undeniable fact about how it affects the brain!?!

HOWEVER!!!

Let me make it clear that I know pot doesn't affect everyone the same, just like alcohol. I know people who drink AND smoke weed responsibly; thus, if the usage of legalized pot were to be well regulated, and better steps should be made towards alcohol as well, I WOULD SUPPORT IT.

So lets just stop the stupid, ignorant, and false arguments already! Either support it or don't; If you feel there is much need to give your reason why please let it be legitimate.

I've been smoking bud for twenty years, bub. It doesn't affect the brain. Why would you dismiss the studies if they were preformed by actual graduates of ivy league medical schools? Why would you say, oh, yeah, the politicans are right. Damn, that sarah palin sure hit it on the head! Keep it illegal! The FACTS are in from our highly trained physicians and scienctists:

Government experts now admit that pot doesn't kill brain cells.
1. This myth came from a handful of animal experiments in which structural changes (not actual cell death, as is often alleged) were observed in brain cells of animals exposed to high doses of pot. Many critics still cite the notorious monkey studies of Dr. Robert G. Heath, which purported to find brain damage in three monkeys that had been heavily dosed with cannabis.
2. This work was never replicated and has since been discredited by a pair of better controlled, much larger monkey studies, one by Dr. William Slikker of the National Center for Toxicological Research
3. and the other by Charles Rebert and Gordon Pryor of SRI International.
4. Neither found any evidence of physical alteration in the brains of monkeys exposed to daily doses of pot for up to a year. Human studies of heavy users in Jamaica and Costa Rica found no evidence of abnormalities in brain physiology. Even though there is no evidence that pot causes permanent brain damage, users should be aware that persistent deficits in short-term memory have been noted in chronic, heavy marijuana smokers after 6 to 12 weeks of abstinence.
5. It is worth noting that other drugs, including alcohol, are known to cause brain damage.
Footnotes
1. Dr. Christine Hartel, Acting Director of Research, National Institute of Drug Abuse, cited by the State of Hawaii Dept of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division in memo of Feb. 4, 1994.
2. For an overview, see NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Report, op. cit., pp. 81-2. R.G. Heath et al, "Cannabis sativa: effects on brain function and ultrastructure in Rhesus monkeys," Biol. Psychiatry 15: 657-90 (1980).
3. William Slikker et al., "Chronic Marijuana Smoke Exposure in the Rhesus Monkey," Fundamental and Applied Toxicology 17: 321-32 (1991).
4. Charles Rebert & Gordon Pryor - "Chronic Inhalation of Marijuana Smoke and Brain Electrophysiology of Rhesus Monkeys," International Journal of Psychophysiology V 14, p.144, 1993.
5. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Report, pp. 82-7.
6. "Cannabis and Memory Loss," (editorial) British Journal of Addiction 86: 249-52 (1991)

The Oregon Board of Pharmacy actually moved cannabis to schedule 2 last year acknowledging that cannabis is medicine. They don't need to wait for their lawmakers to approve their action. Is Oregon's very own Board of Pharmacy run by dope smoking hippies living in communes? Doubt it.
In Iowa a fellow named Carl Olsen submitted a petition to the Iowa Board of Pharmacy to study whether cannabis should be rescheduled with the ultimate goal of allowing research into its medical efficacy. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy pooh-pooh'd his petition. Evidently it's not legal for them to refuse as Mr. Olsen, with the help of the Iowa ACLU, sued and a Court ordered the Iowa BoP to perform the study. After doing the study they recommended 6-0 that cannabis should be reclassified to schedule 2. From pooh-pooh to unanimously in favor. I think it reasonable to infer that there's a mountain of evidence that cannabis is medicine from this action alone. Something caused them to do a 180 and I doubt it's because the Iowa BoP is staffed by hippies similar to the ones running Oregon's BoP. Iowa's lawmakers don't share the same opinion because though because they've refused to reschedule. Par for the course though for government lawmakers to ignore studies they don't like when it comes to cannabis.
The governments of Holland, Canada and Israel have all recognized cannabis as medicine and provide their patients directly.
Rhode Islands legislature codified into State law that cannabis is medicine, and overrode the Governors veto of that bill. They had no regrets because after a year or two they voted for and passed an expansion of the program including authorizing dispensaries. They once again had the supermajority needed to override yet another veto from the know nothing Governor.
New Mexico's legislature studied the issue and then legalized cannabis as medicine. The State licenses dispensaries and cultivation centers to meet the patients needs.
New Jersey's legislature codified into State law that cannabis is medicine this year.
The DC City Council voted unanimously to codify cannabis as medicine earlier this year.
Maine's voters last year approved an expansion of their medical cannabis law and authorized licensed dispensaries to meet the needs of their patients.
The American Medical Association this year recommended that cannabis be moved to Schedule 2 and be recognized as medicine.
The British Medical Association recognizes cannabis as medicine.
The California Medical Association has recognized cannabis as medicine for over a decade.
The American College of Physicians recognizes cannabis as medicine.

Has anyone reading this ever woke up sick and thought, 'well I'm sick, I'd better call a politician'? Perhaps you go to a doctor, but make sure to get a second opinion from a politician? If not, have you ever known anyone who did think that? Then why are we letting politicians with a political agenda decide what is medicine and what is not? The decision should be left up to accredited scientists and licensed medical professionals. Did you know that doctors can prescribe cocaine and methamphetamine? Look up the brand name Desoxyn and google "prescription cocaine" if you don't believe me. But the fact that so many know nothings have no clue that there already is medical cocaine and medical meth seems to me to support the notion that doctors do a pretty good job of dispensing these substances appropriately.

Joe420er- did you even read what I wrote??? Your entire argument you just made was not against a single thing I said! ha ha.

You have been smoking for 20 years without side effects? Good for you. Do you remember the part in my comment " Let me make it clear that I know pot doesn't affect everyone the same, just like alcohol. I know people who drink AND smoke weed responsibly."

You also argue for days on how so many scientist say pot is medicine. That's great, but when did I ever say pot wasn't medicine? If you read what I wrote I specifically said, " I'm not saying pot doesn't have health benefits."

I'm not arguing against you either for that matter. For the last time read what I wrote! I said I would support legalization under the right context.

You know for someone who knows so much you're really not that good a listener. It must be selective.

One more thing: Yes many professionals have concluded that pot has medicinal purposes, but as you said so do cocaine and meth. I don't believe anyone is arguing against the fact the pot has health benefits; I believe people are concerned that once it's legal people will abuse the medical benefits of pot, just like many do with current legal drugs, and take heavy doses of pot. No matter how good any medicine is for you too much is bad for you, and that is where the problem and the brain damage argument of pot comes in. I'M NOT SAYING EVERYONE WILL! I'm just saying that is a concern for opponents of pot legalization.

It's not that good a concern for opponents of pot legalization. I just want to smoke it up...that's it...can't any of you just leave me the @!$%# alone without judging me? I have been smoking it up for 20 years, and you all are going to label me a criminal? I'm a family man, I pay taxes, I make damn sure my family is doing good, and you're all still going to say it's still no good? So bad, in fact, that you're gonna have to crack down on ME? Come on now. Just legalize it. A small percentage of people who smoke bud go crazy, just like a small percentage of people who drink alcohol go crazy. WTF?

I mean, my god! Life is more fatal than marijuana! Come on now...

To everyone who just had to stop by and defend their pot smoking, it's your life, if you want to blow by reality by smoking your brains out, by all means do so. You all went to great efforts to defend your toking, gee what's that all about? Are you trying to convince me, or yourselves? I don't care I'm not the one who has to live with you.

Yes, we're trying to convince you, einstein...what else do you think this was all about? After seeing all the evidence, you're still going to vote against legalization, aren't you? Now that's bull@!$%#. @!$%# yeah, we're trying to convince you...can't you even think for yourself?

We're the ones who have to live with YOU....

Besides that, the studies I've shown also shows the recreational aspect of marijuana and how it affects us, not only the medical marijuana aspect. If you're unwilling to open your mind and see the facts, then all I can do is shake my head. It's just too sad. Beyond words.

good thing the morning after pill is available

and birth defects (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, for example-the # 1 cause of mental retardation)

whereas pot hasn't been linked to birth defects and helps massively with morning sickness for women who have it particularly badly. It's outright cruel to punish women for having a healthy pregnancy by smoking pot. Think I'm full of it? Do a search and you'll find countless accounts.

Rule of thumb for pot, if it were as bad as people say there would be some strong conclusive evidence. Lots of money is spent searching for such evidence but it usually backfires and the media has to jump through hoops to make a negative story.

That's right....three kids...my wife smoked it up during each pregnancy....All three kids are happy and doing really good in school and have no deformaties whatsoever....both my wife and I are deaf too, and not a single one is deaf....

Oh oh oh, but dogato, what about the fact that pot may accelerate the onset of mental illness in people who are already prone to mental illness? Everyone is going to go nuts smoking the stuff. At least that's what the anti proponents would lead you to believe. Despite the fact that the authors of the study don't have conclusive evidences, and cannot definitively link the early onset of schizophrenia and psychosis in pot smokes who are prone to those illnesses because they still don't know what causes. And that the authors of the study are not anti pot, and only said that it might apply to those prone to the aforementioned mental problems, and not to worry if you were not at risk, and only advised that those who were prone to wait till they were older.

Do people die from being strung out from MJ? Its more than just an OD factor...

This is just a few. A drug is a drug...

Effects on the Heart

Within a few minutes after smoking marijuana, the heart begins beating more rapidly and the blood pressure drops. Marijuana can cause the heart beat to increase by 20 to 50 beats per minute, and can increase even more if other drugs are used at the same time.

Because of the lower blood pressure and higher heart rate, researchers found that users' risk for a heart attack is four times higher within the first hour after smoking marijuana, compared to their general risk of heart attack when not smoking.

Effects on the Lungs

Smoking marijuana, even infrequently, can cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat, and cause heavy coughing. Scientists have found that regular marijuana smokers can experience the same respiratory problems as tobacco smokers do, including:

• Daily cough and phlegm production
• More frequent acute chest illnesses
• Increased risk of lung infections
• Obstructed airways

Most marijuana smokers consume a lot less cannabis than cigarette smokers consume tobacco, however the harmful effects of smoking marijuana should not be ignored. Marijuana contains more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke and because marijuana smokers typically inhale deeper and hold the smoke in their lungs longer than tobacco smokers, their lungs are exposed to those carcinogenic properties longer, when smoking.

What About Cancer?

Although one study found that marijuana smokers were three times more likely to develop cancer of the head or neck than non-smokers, that study could not be confirmed by further analysis.

Because marijuana smoke contains three times the amount of tar found in tobacco smoke and 50 percent more carcinogens, it would seem logical to deduce that there is an increased risk of lung cancer for marijuana smokers. However, researchers have not been able to definitively prove such a link because their studies have not been able to adjust for tobacco smoking and other factors that might also increase the risk.

Studies linking marijuana smoking to lung cancer have also been limited by selection bias and small sample size. For example, the participants in those studies may have been too young to have developed lung cancer yet. Even though researchers have yet to "prove" a link between smoking pot and lung cancer, regular smokers may want to consider the risk.

Other Health Effects

Research indicates that THC impairs the body's immune system from fighting disease, which can cause a wide variety of health problems. One study found that marijuana actually inhibited the disease-preventing actions of key immune cells. Another study found that THC increased the risk of developing bacterial infections and tumors.

Effects of Exposure During Pregnancy

Several studies have found that children born to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy exhibit some problems with neurological development. According to those studies, prenatal marijuana exposure can cause:

• Altered responses to visual stimuli
• Increased tremulousness
• Problems with sustained attention and memory
• Poor problem-solving skills

dude... you get "strung out" from physically adictive substances like cocaine or heroin... you dont get "strung out" from weed. and i believe the only only noncrime related death caused by MJ was a kid choking on his baggy while trying to run from the cops and eat his stash at the same time... that might be conjecture

No one gets strung out from smoking cannabis. Get real.

RockDoctor I remember that case. If you look at pending state legislation you will see the GOP is busy introducing bills that will let a state seize your car for DUI drugs and alcohol

Yeah but if you throw the judge some money via a lawyer - those 17 convictions never happened.

Money is more important than human life these days. It's more important that the Hollywood peeps get their $250k for copying a movie they made hundreds of millions on. It is not important that our citizens be protected from drunk drivers. I mean, who in their right mind thinks that protecting sober drivers from drunk drivers, will save anyone's lives? The most appalling thing is the lack of money going into Hollywood's pocket.

This country could save so much money by just kicking pot smokers out of jail. The worst a pot smoker ever did was.... nothing at all.

There probably aren't that many people in jail for just smoking pot. For dealing, transporting, smuggling, etc., sure, but not for just smoking it.

What about the crap going on in Mexico? Do you all really think all that drug fueled violence will stop if they legalize pot? Of course it won't! The US Government will tax pot just like they do alcohol. It will still be cheaper to buy pot smuggled in from Mexico, so the violence will continue. It's not the pot smokers who incite the violence, it's those people who are killing to supply them!

Might be surprised. You remember the argument about pot being a gateway drug? Its because of drug pushers who first sell pot, and then either lace it with something else, or start pushing harder and harder stuff. Take away pot, you take away the so-called gateway effect. Yes you will always have those people who are end up turning to hard drugs no matter what, but I doubt it would be at the levels we see now. Something that I would love to see though, is a study of everyone currently locked up for hard drugs, and see who started out on pot, and were eventually pushed the harder stuff by their dealer(by the way I have known quite a few pot only dealers in my life. They are some of the most non-violent people I have ever met, and they hate people who try and get them to push harder stuff, or try to get them to sell harder stuff, they won't touch it). To that point, and I can't remember their name, there is a coalition of law enforcement members who are pushing to legalize all illicit substances, and end the war on drugs permanently.

No need for smugglers. You can grow the best buds in the world at home, under lights, 60 days from seed, to sticky, sweet and spicy buds. For free.

Chuck, you are absolutely right: Life is a sexually transmitted disease that is 100% fatal.

The amount of people who consume alcohol in the world is far greater than those who smoke pot. Of course it will be more dangerous. More people are killed in car wrecks than by guns in the US every year, that doesn't mean that a gun in the wrong hands is safe. I'm sure there have been people who died while high on weed. It probably wasn't the weed that killed them, but something they did due to impaired judgement.

This article lumped all alcohol related deaths into one catagory. They didn't seperate out the alcohol poisoning vs. the drunk driving deaths vs. the drunk suicides, etc.

I have nothing against decriminalizing pot if they can come up with a reliable roadside test for it and everyone who buys it must sign a waiver of all liability against the government (I think tobacco users should sign the same thing). That way 20 years from now when they figure out that smoking pot can cause lung conditions the taxpayers don't get stuck paying the bill like we are for cigarettes.

Sorry, you're wrong. Cannabis is known to be the most widely used drug in the world. It has been for many years.

Cannabis is also the single most studied plant on the face of the earth. It has NEVER been associated with cancer of ANY body part, and there is current research that shows that is it a cancer fighting substance. The US senate did two studies back in the early 70's to show that cannabis would kill you. What they found, after studying both the Rastas in Jamaica and the Coptics in Costa Rica, both of whom smoke LARGE amounts, and frequently in joints, was that both groups lived an average of 1.5 years LONGER than their next door neighbors who didn't smoke anything. They NEVER tell you about those tests, do they?

The thing about humans is that we generally do NOT do well with stress, especially the types we can't control. Stress has been shown to be a MAJOR life shortener, and cannabis helps one deal with stress remarkably well. One thing that we could all use is a way to unwind and destress after the BS that the average day puts us through. Cannabis is very good at that, either smoked or eaten. It's never killed a single human being in the 10,000 years that we know of it being used (4700 of those years medicinally), and it doesn't make one crazy or violent. Sounds to me like this country could use a bit MORE of it than to keep it illegal.

The dispensary? What?!

I'll drink to that too!

Have to disagree. If alcohol were made illegal again, it would just lead to EXACTLY the same kind of crap we went through in the 20's. Organized crime would get another strong foothold and ruin as much of what is left of our society as it could.

We can either get smart, or we can keep on doing what we are doing. We can either recognize that people will do what they want, regardless of the legality of it or not, and deal with it that way. As it is, we made a MUCH bigger problem for ourselves when we made a plant illegal, and now we are paying for it. AND PAYING for it. And PAYING for it.

It's time to end the stupidity.

The Prohibition is a perfect example of what happens when a legal substance becomes illegal, and then becomes legal again.

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it

Knowing this joke of a country the government would label protestors as terrorists.

How in the world will we hold elections when 85% of our population is behind bars.

It's gonna take nearly everyone hitting the streets one day all at once. Those that can will march on D.C. those that can't get there will march on the nearest federal building in their city, state capitol, or town even if it's a post office. If it's done peacefully we will halt this faulty system right then and there with no injuries. The military and police are our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, and cousins. When everyone is out there they aren't going to fire on or harm the public because they wouldn't hurt their own family and friends especially for doing whats right. In fact if the government tried to order such a thing, I'm positive they will refuse and may even defect. The time is drawing near and the world is going to rise up against the opression of this Capitalist ruling system diguised as democracy.

Gee, @Laced, I think you need to check the Constitution again. We are NOT a Democracy -- we are a Democratic Republic.

There's a big difference between the two.

REVOLUTION anyone?

Y'all are too stoned and lazy to actually put yourselves in harms way. Why would you want to overthrow the government that is probably supporting most of you pot heads anyway? No more government means no more welfare and unemployment checks!

Scott, your mommy called; it's time for your nap.

Um, Egypt is a nominally Muslim country. Islam bans alcohol. Maybe for good reason. Pot would just add to the misery.

DCS, despite the misconception(for the record a true democracy would have the citizens of this country of legal voting age voting for every piece of legislation propose by congress, nobody would get any work done that way, but we would probably have a lot more progress, and if this country weren't in the crapper educationally, it might work one day), it does not change the fact that the course of this country is primarily dictated by the capitolists, unless you can get a few true representatives in office who actually cares about their constituency, and not their contributors.

People who drink are often violent and act stupidly. But people who smoke pot are docile, peaceful, mild, enlightened. Yet pot is illegal! Methinks the governmnent just wants violent people to fight their stupid and unnecessary wars. All wars are mass-murder, and totally unnecessary. Just get the world leaders to sit at the summits and smoke some California sinsemillia. There would be no more wars for natural resources like OIL, instead they would all want to unwrap the zero-point energy devices and gravity control systems theyve been supressing for 75 years. No more oil spills, and pollution from carbon based fuels. And put everyone to work instead of keeping people unemployed in the name of greed. No more wars, full employment, tax revenues, and clean air, water and organic food. A sane person's dream, and a greedy exec or politicians nightmare. They care not for people, only money.