See other Editorial Articles
Title: America ill-prepared for marijuana mayhem
Source:
Fox News
URL Source: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014 ... -for-marijuana-mayhem/#content
Published: Jan 12, 2014
Author: Dr. Keith Ablow, M.D.
Post Date: 2014-01-12 19:06:01 by scrapper2
Keywords: legal recreational use of mari, mayhem in society?
Views: 374
Comments: 17
With many states legalizing medical marijuana, and Colorado legalizing recreational marijuana, we are about to learn what I already know as a practicing psychiatrist: Marijuana is not harmless and will lead many millions of people into addiction, depression, psychosis, anxiety and lack of motivation. I support legalizing marijuana, because I do not support the government making the decision whether people use it or not. I also don’t like jailing people for the same behavior (drug use) that so many of our elected officials have engaged in. And I believe strongly that, in carefully selected cases, marijuana (and other potentially addictive drugs, by the way) can be very useful, medically. Here’s the big trouble, though: We are way behind the curve educating people about the risks of marijuana abuse and dependence—which could cost us many billions of dollars and ruin many, many lives. I know this sounds alarmist, but it is true, and we are completely unprepared for the fallout. Research studies show that cannabis users are at a 40 percent increased risk of psychosis. Research studies show that marijuana may well be a risk factor for schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders. And research shows that marijuana is linked to a syndrome in which people have little motivation to pursue goals and interests that they once found compelling. In my own practice, I find that people addicted to marijuana can have lives veering out of control—without the energy to pursue employment, with relationships failing, with grades dropping—yet insist that their chronic, daily marijuana use has nothing to do with it. And this kind of disregard for cause and effect, even a disregard for the broken parts of one’s existence—a new drug-induced variant of the philosophical posture which the French call la belle indifference—may now become epidemic. There is no chance, whatsoever, that the states which have legalized medical marijuana (never mind recreational marijuana) are policing its use in any real way. Prescription mills are offering medical marijuana certification to anyone who claims any kind of chronic pain, or any symptoms of a number of other ill-defined conditions. Millions will become frequent users and will become less than they were. Just as disturbing, marijuana will join Facebook and iPhones and video games in removing people from reality, making them less empathetic and less autonomous. Is it an accident, a meaningful coincidence or part of a toxic slippery slope that we have a disempowering government in Washington and a new way to stay weak wafting like a smokescreen over the land? Poster Comment: Dr. Ablow raises some good points. One definite good thing about the legalization of marijuana is that proper research studies can be conducted on the use and potential negative or positive side effects of marijuana.
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: scrapper2 (#0)
Dr.Ablow blows. Cannabis was used here, legally, until the '30s, since forever. It should immediately be legalized. Stop the mindless WOD! “The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
Dr. Ablow agrees with you - he says: "I support legalizing marijuana, because I do not support the government making the decision whether people use it or not."
This article is written so as to frighten and enflame the uninformed. Back when I was in my early teens, "research" indicated cannabis (marijuana is a racist term popularized by prohibitionists back in the '30's) caused men to grow enlarged breasts. Agenda-based "research" studies are a dime-a-dozen. The field of psychology has, since its inception, been the most biased and corrupt area of medicine. With oncology running a close second. That being said, moderation is the key element of any recreational activity. And much more research is necessary to establish the efficacy of cannabinoids in their many, many medicinal applications. (the rhyming is too easy on this one) Marijuana is not harmless and will lead many millions of people into addiction, depression, psychosis, anxiety and lack of motivation. See X-15's posting of the clinical study and deep research named you'll learn a lot there. ;-) “The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
"Many, many" comes from your vast medical experience and medical training, I suppose? Look you like to smoke marijuana. Fine. I get it. But please don't try to present a "Buzzard" Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval as anything more than it is. Carry on.
Buy maybe cannabis is a stabilizing factor and risk would be greater without it for some people.
?
In the 90s I was told habitual pot usage would make a man sterile. That got proven a lie quick. ______________________________________ Suspect all media / resist bad propaganda/Learn NLP everyday everyway ;) If you don't control your mind someone else will.
I am a professional horticulturist and I have been studying this issue for a number of years, both pro and con. I am well versed in the medicinal aspects of the cannabis plant as well as its utilization for fiber, fuel and food. Most of the current medical research is being done in foreign countries. The DEA doesn't allow universities or corporations to do so in the US. Cannabis has been utilized medicinally for thousands of years. It was one of the first plants listed in the Chinese pharmacopia (along with ginseng). Tinctures of cannabis were prescribed here in the US prior to its prohibition in the 1930s. My hort. specialization is in fruit & vegetable production. I can speak to the nutritional and medicinal value of over 100 different food plants, as well as to their production, harvesting, packaging, shipping, sale, post harvest physiology, etc. I'd be happy to have a pleasant conversation with you in order to alleviate some of your concerns and misconceptions in regard to cannabis. There's no need to be snide here on 4um. Actually you don't. I may have smoked as many as eight times in 2013. All in conjunction with migraine headaches and the associated nausea / vomiting. I do not smoke recreationally, although I have no problem with adults doing so. Should it become relegalized in a state that I would like to live, my intention is to selectively breed the plant for specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles in order to better treat those wishing to utilize cannabis in their healthcare. "Buy" a typo; should read But.
http://www.activistpost.com/2010/07/marijuana-conspiracy-reason-hemp-is.html
Arguing that Americans aren't ready for legalization and the consequences of it is like arguing against abolishing slavery in the mid-19th century because of the economic disruption that would result. Even if the arguments were true, they don't justify holding back freedom. John Howard says: There are 4 schools of economics: Democrats don't mind war as long as they can have big government. Republicans don't mind big government as long as they can have war. Am hoping the Seahawks and Broncos play the big game, we could call it "The Marijuana Bowl".
"The Best Way to Control the Opposition is to Lead it." Vladimir Lenin "I am not a Marxist." Karl Marx
Brilliant insight !! I like the way you think. hahahaha. good one! nice to see a post from you, DCW. To question is to value the ideal of truth more highly than the loyalties to nation, religion, race, or ideology.
I am a professional horticulturist Well, doh, that's why I said proper research is the upside to legalizing marijuana. By professional horticulturist, I assume you're a landscaper. You are not an M.D. You have migraines and marijuana helps you. Fine. So you get a medical certificate off the net and you're good to go. Lots of older folks, who grew up in the 60's and 70's, who have lived their lives have nothing to lose now like the idea of toking up - it reminds them of their youth - their children are grown, there's no need for ambition. But for youth in their teens now - to take away their ambition is criminal and that's what marijuana does. You know it. And in some susceptible individuals marijuana can cause damaging episodes. But you don't care because it helps your migraines. Why stop at marijuana? Why not make all drugs legal? I'd be up ok with that - tax it, sell it from gov't run stores in malls - why not? freedom and liberty need to be freed. It makes more sense to me than specific fan favorite drugs of byegonedays.
I don't understand why you continue to be impolite and attempt to be insulting I haven't treated you in that manner. Again with the insults, hmmm. You know what they say about assuming things. I've done a significant amount of post grad work and am trained / experienced in the most sophisticated aspects of horticulture. (In one of my previous positions I designed horticulture therapy programs for special needs children.) No. But I'm literate, extremely well read and possess a working knowledge of this subject which would exceed that of the average physician. To the best of my understanding that is not possible. When I was in California, I first addressed the possibility with my MD & she responded positively. I then went to another physician who concurred with the first and she (the 2nd MD) wrote a recommendation. It may very well contribute to a lack of motivation, in adults as well as youth - especially Cannabis indica strains which contain an abundance of the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) which has more sedative and pain relieving properties. Minors should not be smoking cannabis recreationally. On that point we have common ground. But a lack of ambition (and the propensity for making bad choices) can also be attributed to parents not properly instilling productive values in their children. Good examples, roll models, developing a sense of personal responsibility and setting high expectations can go a long way in that regard. Gee, more hostility & bearing false witness to boot. You really shouldn't jump to conclusions. It inhibits ones credibility. That's where I part company with my more Libertarian friends. I have a difficult time with a plant being illegal. But I have yet to hear a convincing argument for complete legalization of those lethal white powders. The cannabis plant has industrial and culinary uses as well, which are completely independent of any medical or recreational aspects. Ethanol, biodiesel, fiber. The seeds provide a very good amino acid profile. The American farmer could benefit greatly even by growing a non-smokable cultivar. But misguided federal politicians won't even allow that yet. If you would like to continue a polite exchange, I'll be happy to respond to your thoughts and concerns.
#2. To: Lod (#1)
It should immediately be legalized.
#3. To: scrapper2 (#0)
Research studies show that cannabis users are at a 40 percent increased risk of psychosis. Research studies show that marijuana may well be a risk factor for schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders.
#4. To: scrapper2 (#2)
here's where he blows, imo
#5. To: Buzzard (#3)
And much more research is necessary to establish the efficacy of cannabinoids in their many, many medicinal applications.
#6. To: scrapper2 (#0)
cannabis users are at a 40 percent increased risk of psychosis.
#7. To: Tatarewicz (#6)
#8. To: scrapper2 (#0)
#9. To: scrapper2 (#5)
"Many, many" comes from your vast medical experience and medical training, I suppose?
But please don't try to present a "Buzzard" Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval as anything more than it is.
Look you like to smoke marijuana. Fine. I get it.
#10. To: scrapper2 (#7)
#11. To: All (#0)
(Edited)
#12. To: scrapper2 (#0)
Marxism: steal everything
Keynesianism: steal by counterfeiting whenever needed
Chicago school (Milton Friedman): steal by counterfeiting at a steady, predictable rate
Austrians: don't steal
'Wiped off the Map' – The Rumor of the Century
#13. To: All (#12)
#14. To: Dead Culture Watch (#13)
we could call it "The Marijuana Bowl
#15. To: Dead Culture Watch (#13)
Am hoping the Seahawks and Broncos play the big game, we could call it "The Marijuana Bowl".
#16. To: Buzzard (#9)
Most of the current medical research is being done in foreign countries. The DEA doesn't allow universities or corporations to do so in the US.
#17. To: scrapper2 (#16)
Well, doh,
By professional horticulturist, I assume you're a landscaper.
You are not an M.D.
So you get a medical certificate off the net
But for youth in their teens now - to take away their ambition is criminal and that's what marijuana does.
But you don't care because it helps your migraines.
Why stop at marijuana? Why not make all drugs legal?
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest