Comments on: ABC News Is Addicted to Reefer Rhetoric http://blog.norml.org/2009/08/06/abc-news-is-addicted-to-reefer-rhetoric/ Working to reform marijuana laws Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:36:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Drew http://blog.norml.org/2009/08/06/abc-news-is-addicted-to-reefer-rhetoric/comment-page-2/#comment-55252 Drew Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:53:38 +0000 http://blog.norml.org/?p=1325#comment-55252 Hi Candace, I am sorry to hear about your and your son's problems. I agree they view their money and power grabs as making money, even "earning" it, when clearly that's not an accurate portrayal. Does one "earn" money at gun-point? I certainly wouldn't call trying to con a kid out of $400 "earning" it, sounds shameful, and you called him it. Anyway, I don't wish to cause animosity with you over nuances of definitions. I like your suggestion of how we can re-aim various human resources as we end prohibition. I was thinking about this myself. My first brainstorm was that people who became cops due to the expectations of excitement, could go in to EMT work. Lots of life and death situations to jolt their systems with adrenaline there. Hi Candace, I am sorry to hear about your and your son’s problems. I agree they view their money and power grabs as making money, even “earning” it, when clearly that’s not an accurate portrayal. Does one “earn” money at gun-point? I certainly wouldn’t call trying to con a kid out of $400 “earning” it, sounds shameful, and you called him it.

Anyway, I don’t wish to cause animosity with you over nuances of definitions.

I like your suggestion of how we can re-aim various human resources as we end prohibition.

I was thinking about this myself. My first brainstorm was that people who became cops due to the expectations of excitement, could go in to EMT work. Lots of life and death situations to jolt their systems with adrenaline there.

]]> By: Morgan Moore http://blog.norml.org/2009/08/06/abc-news-is-addicted-to-reefer-rhetoric/comment-page-2/#comment-55248 Morgan Moore Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:31:35 +0000 http://blog.norml.org/?p=1325#comment-55248 I will just let lil wayne tell it...as said in his song dont get it on his album the carter 3 I was watching t.v. the other day right Got this white guy up there talking about black guys Talking about how young black guys are targeted Targeted by who? america You see one in every 100 americans are locked up One in every 9 black americans are locked up And see what the white guy was trying to stress was that The money we spend on sending a mothaf**ka to jail A young mothaf**ka to jail Would be less to send his or her young ass to college See, and another thing the white guy was stressing was that Our jails are populated with drug dealers, you know crack/cocaine stuff like that Meaning due to the laws we have on crack/cocaine and regular cocaine Police are only, I don't want to say only right, but shit Only logic by riding around in the hood all day And not in the suburbs Because crack cocaine is mostly found in the hood And you know the other thing is mostly found in you know where I'm going But why bring a mothaf**ka to jail if it's not gon stand up in court Cause this drug ain't that drug, you know level 3, level 4 drug, shit like that I guess it's all a misunderstanding I sit back and think, you know us young mothaf**kas you know that 1 in 9 We probably only selling the crack cocaine because we in the hood And it's not like in the suburbs, we don't have what you have Why? I really don't wanna know the answer I guess we just misunderstood hunh You know we don't have room in the jail now for the real mothaf**kas, the real criminals Sex offenders, rapists serial killers Don't get scared, don't get scared no one knows better than this guy I will just let lil wayne tell it…as said in his song dont get it on his album the carter 3

I was watching t.v. the other day right
Got this white guy up there talking about black guys
Talking about how young black guys are targeted
Targeted by who? america
You see one in every 100 americans are locked up
One in every 9 black americans are locked up
And see what the white guy was trying to stress was that
The money we spend on sending a mothaf**ka to jail
A young mothaf**ka to jail
Would be less to send his or her young ass to college
See, and another thing the white guy was stressing was that
Our jails are populated with drug dealers, you know crack/cocaine stuff like that
Meaning due to the laws we have on crack/cocaine and regular cocaine
Police are only, I don’t want to say only right, but shit
Only logic by riding around in the hood all day
And not in the suburbs
Because crack cocaine is mostly found in the hood
And you know the other thing is mostly found in you know where I’m going
But why bring a mothaf**ka to jail if it’s not gon stand up in court
Cause this drug ain’t that drug, you know level 3, level 4 drug, shit like that
I guess it’s all a misunderstanding
I sit back and think, you know us young mothaf**kas you know that 1 in 9
We probably only selling the crack cocaine because we in the hood
And it’s not like in the suburbs, we don’t have what you have
Why? I really don’t wanna know the answer
I guess we just misunderstood hunh
You know we don’t have room in the jail now for the real mothaf**kas, the real criminals
Sex offenders, rapists serial killers
Don’t get scared, don’t get scared

no one knows better than this guy

]]> By: Candice Howren http://blog.norml.org/2009/08/06/abc-news-is-addicted-to-reefer-rhetoric/comment-page-2/#comment-55186 Candice Howren Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:21:12 +0000 http://blog.norml.org/?p=1325#comment-55186 You have made some very points Drew. But taxpayers pay for these huge prison systems. and these young kids are thrown into "the system" for minor infractions..ie; possession, paraphenila, underage drinking, and it is very hard for them to crawl out once they've been "tagged". It took my son delivering pizzas for 6 months to pay off a lawyer (800.00) for possession of less than 1/8 MJ because he already had a prayer for judgement for carrying a concealed weapon. Get this, he was pulled in the backseat of another person's car and the officers asked if they had any weapons, my son said I only have this and pulled out a pocket knife. Granted a large one (but still a pocket knife) but he was charged with carrying a concealed weapon. He didn't know it was illegal to have it in his pocket. The officer told him had it been on the seat he wouldn't have been charged. My son was terrified that would come back up because of the prayer for judgement,so he hired a lawyer for the minor possession charge, who took total advantage of him, told him he would take care of it, that he didn't even need to go to court. Then we recieve a letter saying he is contempt of court for failure to appear and there is a warrent for his arrest. He calls the lawyer who then tries to extract another 400.00 from him to "fix it". He finally tells me and I call the lawyer and theaten to turn him over to bar assoc., he hung up on me. Then he called back and said he would handle it for no extra cost. Next thing my son is taking a walk on the sidewalk in our neighborhood one night because he couldn't sleep and is stopped by a cop who runs him through the system and sees a warrant for his arrest. He spent almost two days in jail because we didn't have the money to post bond. The lawyer did finally produce proof that he infact did have it dismissed prior to this. But somehow the warrant was never purged from their files and so it was inforced.The police dept. apologized for making a mistake, but the damage was done. He described his experience in jail to me and it was horrible.I am only telling you how innocently it can all start. The beginnings of a rap sheet. Add a couple of speeding tickets in there and maybe whatever it is that they trump up because perhaps the youth is alittle beligerent to the cop, it starts looking pretty bad for the kid. And he is spending all his money on court fees and fines and can't get back on his feet. These incidents kept my son tied up for almost two years. Our jails & prisons are full of young kids(my son is now 20)because MJ is the "gateway drug" to jail better know as "the system" and if you don't think they make money you're kidding yourself. They get federal and state money from taxpayers plus the fines and fees and the lawyers all get money and the judicial system moves along profiting everybody they employ off these kids. And they are ruining their lives. Many go through this kind of thing with no parental support and end up on the streets, trying to claw their way out often by turning to crime and violence. The system becomes a revolving door. I am saying that drugs should be an issue for the health care community not the judicial system. They should be legal and if someone feels they are addicted they should be offered an opportunity to voluntarily enter rehab facilities. All thoes prison guards and lawyers can then become rehab counselors. And the tax money spent on housing these drug offenders can be spent on rehab facilities. This would create a redistribution of funds that would benefit our youth and society at large. As long as violence or other crimes are not involved, NO ONE should go to jail for drugs alone.Watch the documentaries on the prison systems and listen to the stories. It is so sad and such a burdon on society, how many lives are ruined this way. America must decide, do we want a society that is compassionate and helping it's citizens to become productive members of society or do we want to continue our trend of jailing more people than every other country in the world.It's only going to get worse too, as this country's economy continue to decline.Health care reform should start by allowing MJ as an option to replace many pharmecuticals patients are forced to use ie, pain killers, anti-deppressants, anti-anxiety,etc..Establishing drug dependency issues between doctors and their patients and re-hab facilities, which should be voluntary, and mandated only when crimes or violence are involved.We have the pharmacuetical companies who don't want this, we have the prison systems who don't want this (have you any idea how many people it takes to run a prison) they don't want to loose their jobs, neither do the DEA, FDA etc..The idea is to transition the money and jobs from the judicial sector to the medical sector when it comes to drugs.Drug use should be a matter of personal choice. My life, my right to injest or inhale anything I want to. Do you know these kids who can't get or afford MJ often turn to glue and huffing paint, and God knows what else. Trying to self medicate or escape the reality that this country is going to hell in a handbasket. Somehow I believe the pharmecuetical companies are the ones who stand to loose the most and they need to get out of the Doctor's pockets. They push thier drugs on my Doctor who then pushes them on me because he has no other choice. I am Bi-Polar and on a tremendous amount of drugs. MJ works better for me than any of thoes drugs that have terrible side effects, some of which are also addictive and are probably ruining my liver if not more. But MJ is illegal & expensive so I am forced to take these drugs to manage my condition. I need to move to Callie but can't afford to. What is wrong with this picture??? Wake up America...this is where healthcare should begin. You have made some very points Drew. But taxpayers pay for these huge prison systems. and these young kids are thrown into “the system” for minor infractions..ie; possession, paraphenila, underage drinking, and it is very hard for them to crawl out once they’ve been “tagged”. It took my son delivering pizzas for 6 months to pay off a lawyer (800.00) for possession of less than 1/8 MJ because he already had a prayer for judgement for carrying a concealed weapon. Get this, he was pulled in the backseat of another person’s car and the officers asked if they had any weapons, my son said I only have this and pulled out a pocket knife. Granted a large one (but still a pocket knife) but he was charged with carrying a concealed weapon. He didn’t know it was illegal to have it in his pocket. The officer told him had it been on the seat he wouldn’t have been charged. My son was terrified that would come back up because of the prayer for judgement,so he hired a lawyer for the minor possession charge, who took total advantage of him, told him he would take care of it, that he didn’t even need to go to court. Then we recieve a letter saying he is contempt of court for failure to appear and there is a warrent for his arrest. He calls the lawyer who then tries to extract another 400.00 from him to “fix it”. He finally tells me and I call the lawyer and theaten to turn him over to bar assoc., he hung up on me. Then he called back and said he would handle it for no extra cost. Next thing my son is taking a walk on the sidewalk in our neighborhood one night because he couldn’t sleep and is stopped by a cop who runs him through the system and sees a warrant for his arrest. He spent almost two days in jail because we didn’t have the money to post bond. The lawyer did finally produce proof that he infact did have it dismissed prior to this. But somehow the warrant was never purged from their files and so it was inforced.The police dept. apologized for making a mistake, but the damage was done. He described his experience in jail to me and it was horrible.I am only telling you how innocently it can all start. The beginnings of a rap sheet. Add a couple of speeding tickets in there and maybe whatever it is that they trump up because perhaps the youth is alittle beligerent to the cop, it starts looking pretty bad for the kid. And he is spending all his money on court fees and fines and can’t get back on his feet. These incidents kept my son tied up for almost two years. Our jails & prisons are full of young kids(my son is now 20)because MJ is the “gateway drug” to jail better know as “the system” and if you don’t think they make money you’re kidding yourself. They get federal and state money from taxpayers plus the fines and fees and the lawyers all get money and the judicial system moves along profiting everybody they employ off these kids. And they are ruining their lives. Many go through this kind of thing with no parental support and end up on the streets, trying to claw their way out often by turning to crime and violence. The system becomes a revolving door. I am saying that drugs should be an issue for the health care community not the judicial system. They should be legal and if someone feels they are addicted they should be offered an opportunity to voluntarily enter rehab facilities. All thoes prison guards and lawyers can then become rehab counselors. And the tax money spent on housing these drug offenders can be spent on rehab facilities. This would create a redistribution of funds that would benefit our youth and society at large. As long as violence or other crimes are not involved, NO ONE should go to jail for drugs alone.Watch the documentaries on the prison systems and listen to the stories. It is so sad and such a burdon on society, how many lives are ruined this way. America must decide, do we want a society that is compassionate and helping it’s citizens to become productive members of society or do we want to continue our trend of jailing more people than every other country in the world.It’s only going to get worse too, as this country’s economy continue to decline.Health care reform should start by allowing MJ as an option to replace many pharmecuticals patients are forced to use ie, pain killers, anti-deppressants, anti-anxiety,etc..Establishing drug dependency issues between doctors and their patients and re-hab facilities, which should be voluntary, and mandated only when crimes or violence are involved.We have the pharmacuetical companies who don’t want this, we have the prison systems who don’t want this (have you any idea how many people it takes to run a prison) they don’t want to loose their jobs, neither do the DEA, FDA etc..The idea is to transition the money and jobs from the judicial sector to the medical sector when it comes to drugs.Drug use should be a matter of personal choice. My life, my right to injest or inhale anything I want to. Do you know these kids who can’t get or afford MJ often turn to glue and huffing paint, and God knows what else. Trying to self medicate or escape the reality that this country is going to hell in a handbasket. Somehow I believe the pharmecuetical companies are the ones who stand to loose the most and they need to get out of the Doctor’s pockets. They push thier drugs on my Doctor who then pushes them on me because he has no other choice. I am Bi-Polar and on a tremendous amount of drugs. MJ works better for me than any of thoes drugs that have terrible side effects, some of which are also addictive and are probably ruining my liver if not more. But MJ is illegal & expensive so I am forced to take these drugs to manage my condition. I need to move to Callie but can’t afford to. What is wrong with this picture??? Wake up America…this is where healthcare should begin.

]]> By: Drew http://blog.norml.org/2009/08/06/abc-news-is-addicted-to-reefer-rhetoric/comment-page-2/#comment-55077 Drew Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:15:02 +0000 http://blog.norml.org/?p=1325#comment-55077 <i>It’s a money maker for Government from the Federal level (DEA) all the way down to every local police department.</i> I understand many people say and think this, but I am not convinced. Certainly when the DEA grabs a whole bunch of money from others, it may seem they've "made money." But really, like casinos, all that happened was the transfer of money. To me, the only way money is made is when something of value is created/assembled, something that wasn't there before. I.e. growing a crop, taking a bunch of knowledge, having an idea, and educating others. The organizations pointed out above will realize they are not actually making money or wealth, but <b>destroying</b> it, as society sinks deeper and deeper in debt (no matter how much money shoots out of the printing presses), due to 1) putting people in prison at enormous cost instead of leaving them alone or helping them be productive 2) treating (at least) marijuana, mushrooms, peyote, etc… as a blight instead of the blessings they are 3) DEA and cops are serious consumers of resources, not producers! No insults intended, but they do not create a thing. 4) the costs to grow our own poppies, legitimize the cocoa growers, and treat addicts with compassion, is MINISCULE compared to the bank-busting costs of acting on the Devil's wishes to murder and wipe out entire plant species. It’s a money maker for Government from the Federal level (DEA) all the way down to every local police department.

I understand many people say and think this, but I am not convinced.

Certainly when the DEA grabs a whole bunch of money from others, it may seem they’ve “made money.” But really, like casinos, all that happened was the transfer of money.

To me, the only way money is made is when something of value is created/assembled, something that wasn’t there before. I.e. growing a crop, taking a bunch of knowledge, having an idea, and educating others.

The organizations pointed out above will realize they are not actually making money or wealth, but destroying it, as society sinks deeper and deeper in debt (no matter how much money shoots out of the printing presses), due to
1) putting people in prison at enormous cost instead of leaving them alone or helping them be productive
2) treating (at least) marijuana, mushrooms, peyote, etc… as a blight instead of the blessings they are
3) DEA and cops are serious consumers of resources, not producers! No insults intended, but they do not create a thing.
4) the costs to grow our own poppies, legitimize the cocoa growers, and treat addicts with compassion, is MINISCULE compared to the bank-busting costs of acting on the Devil’s wishes to murder and wipe out entire plant species.

]]> By: Candice Howren http://blog.norml.org/2009/08/06/abc-news-is-addicted-to-reefer-rhetoric/comment-page-2/#comment-54989 Candice Howren Sat, 15 Aug 2009 21:24:02 +0000 http://blog.norml.org/?p=1325#comment-54989 As a former healthcare professional I can tell you how the pharmacuetical companies "wine & dine" doctors and their staffs. We had big catered lunches brought to our clinic several times a week by the various pharm. drug reps. Plus we were given tons of free goodies. I was part of this clinic for years. The pharmacuetical companies are most certainly "in bed" with AMA and FDA. And obviously for the most part they all believe they could stand to loose alot of revenue if MJ & or other drugs were legalized. And don't kid yourself, they all have very strong and powerful lobbyist in Washington. Additionally, The stats on drug arrests & incarcerations in this country indicate that aprox. half are because of MJ. So that means the judicial system also stands to loose alot of revenue if MJ were legalized. LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition)will tell you that honestly. It's outrageous to me that our country already incarcerates more of it's citizens than any other country. It's a money maker for Government from the Federal level (DEA) all the way down to every local police department. I think what people don't understand is that it is our tax dollars that are funding the incarceration and prosecution of our own citizens because of drugs, and that money is going right back into the system. Money that would be better spent on the deficit or healthcare reform. Until thoes that are profiting off the prohibition of MJ see that they can profit more from the ending of prohibition it will continue to be illegal. Unfortunatly everything ALWAYS boils down to money. Thankfully & finally there is more and more information being released in the media about the fact that the war on drugs is loosing the battle. And the drug cartels are making more money off the prohibition of drugs than Govt. is. If the Govt. could reap these profits instead they would probably end prohibition immediately. Therefore but unfortunately we can probably only hope for the end of prohibition to be subject to some govt. regulations or atleast taxes. With the exception of our founding fathers, who's agenda was all about liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness, the Govt. has since become a money hungry beast full of corruption & often without regard to it's citizens civil liberties and constitutional rights. Actually, I personally believe anybody should be able to do whatever they want to themselves as long as they aren't harming any body else or infringing on someone else's rights. What are they going to make suicide illegal next? LOL. What isn't funny is they have already caused atleast one suicide (Robin Posser)by denying her the one substance that helped her cope with her terrible illness. The whole argument of "is it addictive or not" is irrelavent. It is the citzens right to injest or smoke whatever they want to, even if it's draino. Do we really need or want the Govt. holding our hands and telling us what we can have and what we can't. They allow us to pierce and tatoo our bodies. To have abortions. All regulated by health agencies, as they should be, because they are not self administered. They trust citizens to behave responsibly with guns (again regulated for the most part) but not with MJ. Does this make sense? Of course not. But the NRA is also a powerful lobbyist in Washington. MJ is a weed or an herb. It grows wild on this planet. As do mushrooms, the coco plant, and poppies that contain opiates some of which really alter an individual's perceptions and some of which the pharmacutical companies already use to make their pain killers. Many of which are highly addictive. All of these plants have been used by humans since the beginning of time for various reasons. As medicine, for pleasure, for spiritual enlightenment, etc...This country was founded on the principle of each individual's freedom to worship however they wish, and our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Sadly it's the american people who have given our own rights away by electing officals who vote the way they do. Why? Because they believe the propoganda that is consistantly thrown at us through the media which is also controlled heavily by Govt. & special interest groups. They often use fear tatics to maintain their control on the public. MJ prohibition is only one symptom of a Govt. that has gone terribly wrong. Propoganda & Fear tactics are what Hitler used to rise to power and control Germany. Are the American people going to continue to believe the BS or stand up for their rights as Americans to enjoy freedom & liberty & justice. Perhaps if all the MJ advocacy groups were to join together and launch a huge media campain to educate people about the facts, we might stand a fighting chance. It's going to take a very strong public outcry to make a change. Otherwise prohibition will remain the staus quo because sadly in this country now, the only thing that walks and talks is Money... My opinion & my right to freedom of speech guaranteed by the 1st amendment of the Constitution...Are they even still teaching it in our schools??? I have to wonder... As a former healthcare professional I can tell you how the pharmacuetical companies “wine & dine” doctors and their staffs. We had big catered lunches brought to our clinic several times a week by the various pharm. drug reps. Plus we were given tons of free goodies. I was part of this clinic for years. The pharmacuetical companies are most certainly “in bed” with AMA and FDA. And obviously for the most part they all believe they could stand to loose alot of revenue if MJ & or other drugs were legalized. And don’t kid yourself, they all have very strong and powerful lobbyist in Washington.
Additionally, The stats on drug arrests & incarcerations in this country indicate that aprox. half are because of MJ. So that means the judicial system also stands to loose alot of revenue if MJ were legalized. LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition)will tell you that honestly. It’s outrageous to me that our country already incarcerates more of it’s citizens than any other country. It’s a money maker for Government from the Federal level (DEA) all the way down to every local police department. I think what people don’t understand is that it is our tax dollars that are funding the incarceration and prosecution of our own citizens because of drugs, and that money is going right back into the system. Money that would be better spent on the deficit or healthcare reform. Until thoes that are profiting off the prohibition of MJ see that they can profit more from the ending of prohibition it will continue to be illegal. Unfortunatly everything ALWAYS boils down to money. Thankfully & finally there is more and more information being released in the media about the fact that the war on drugs is loosing the battle. And the drug cartels are making more money off the prohibition of drugs than Govt. is. If the Govt. could reap these profits instead they would probably end prohibition immediately. Therefore but unfortunately we can probably only hope for the end of prohibition to be subject to some govt. regulations or atleast taxes. With the exception of our founding fathers, who’s agenda was all about liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness, the Govt. has since become a money hungry beast full of corruption & often without regard to it’s citizens civil liberties and constitutional rights. Actually, I personally believe anybody should be able to do whatever they want to themselves as long as they aren’t harming any body else or infringing on someone else’s rights. What are they going to make suicide illegal next? LOL. What isn’t funny is they have already caused atleast one suicide (Robin Posser)by denying her the one substance that helped her cope with her terrible illness. The whole argument of “is it addictive or not” is irrelavent. It is the citzens right to injest or smoke whatever they want to, even if it’s draino. Do we really need or want the Govt. holding our hands and telling us what we can have and what we can’t. They allow us to pierce and tatoo our bodies. To have abortions. All regulated by health agencies, as they should be, because they are not self administered. They trust citizens to behave responsibly with guns (again regulated for the most part) but not with MJ. Does this make sense? Of course not. But the NRA is also a powerful lobbyist in Washington. MJ is a weed or an herb. It grows wild on this planet. As do mushrooms, the coco plant, and poppies that contain opiates some of which really alter an individual’s perceptions and some of which the pharmacutical companies already use to make their pain killers. Many of which are highly addictive. All of these plants have been used by humans since the beginning of time for various reasons. As medicine, for pleasure, for spiritual enlightenment, etc…This country was founded on the principle of each individual’s freedom to worship however they wish, and our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Sadly it’s the american people who have given our own rights away by electing officals who vote the way they do. Why? Because they believe the propoganda that is consistantly thrown at us through the media which is also controlled heavily by Govt. & special interest groups. They often use fear tatics to maintain their control on the public. MJ prohibition is only one symptom of a Govt. that has gone terribly wrong. Propoganda & Fear tactics are what Hitler used to rise to power and control Germany. Are the American people going to continue to believe the BS or stand up for their rights as Americans to enjoy freedom & liberty & justice. Perhaps if all the MJ advocacy groups were to join together and launch a huge media campain to educate people about the facts, we might stand a fighting chance. It’s going to take a very strong public outcry to make a change. Otherwise prohibition will remain the staus quo because sadly in this country now, the only thing that walks and talks is Money… My opinion & my right to freedom of speech guaranteed by the 1st amendment of the Constitution…Are they even still teaching it in our schools??? I have to wonder…

]]> By: Anonymous http://blog.norml.org/2009/08/06/abc-news-is-addicted-to-reefer-rhetoric/comment-page-2/#comment-54936 Anonymous Sat, 15 Aug 2009 06:37:33 +0000 http://blog.norml.org/?p=1325#comment-54936 Who ever did the report for ABC made a few mistakes. In part they say that 9% of users become dependent, but then they say for daily users that number soars to 50%. That's not really remarkable, because those 50% of daily users who become dependent still only fall into 9% of the total users. That person must not know how to use statistics. lol It was like they where trying to make the numbers larger to impress people or something. lol In another section the ABC report says that the 7% rise in THC has meant more visits to the emergency room because of accidents, but then uses a car accident involving alcohol as an example. That's a horrible example if she meant to highlight that the marijuana itself caused the accident. lol She then says that THC is used orally to treat symptoms of aids and cancer. That reminded me of the story on the Drug Czar when he said that the FDA has yet to recognize smoked marijuana as having medicinal value. Are the effects different when THC is administered orally? Because it sounds like the reporter is saying that there is medicinal benefit when taken orally. I'm trying to figure out if marinol and that spray they came out with are federally legal to prescribe in the U.S. Does anyone know? If they are legal then the FDA needs to do something so that people stop getting arrested for having cannabis that is prescribed to them and so that the medical shops in California don't get raided anymore. It seems like it's taking forever on this issue. Who ever did the report for ABC made a few mistakes. In part they say that 9% of users become dependent, but then they say for daily users that number soars to 50%. That’s not really remarkable, because those 50% of daily users who become dependent still only fall into 9% of the total users. That person must not know how to use statistics. lol It was like they where trying to make the numbers larger to impress people or something. lol

In another section the ABC report says that the 7% rise in THC has meant more visits to the emergency room because of accidents, but then uses a car accident involving alcohol as an example. That’s a horrible example if she meant to highlight that the marijuana itself caused the accident. lol

She then says that THC is used orally to treat symptoms of aids and cancer. That reminded me of the story on the Drug Czar when he said that the FDA has yet to recognize smoked marijuana as having medicinal value. Are the effects different when THC is administered orally? Because it sounds like the reporter is saying that there is medicinal benefit when taken orally. I’m trying to figure out if marinol and that spray they came out with are federally legal to prescribe in the U.S. Does anyone know? If they are legal then the FDA needs to do something so that people stop getting arrested for having cannabis that is prescribed to them and so that the medical shops in California don’t get raided anymore. It seems like it’s taking forever on this issue.

]]> By: A rope leash http://blog.norml.org/2009/08/06/abc-news-is-addicted-to-reefer-rhetoric/comment-page-2/#comment-54238 A rope leash Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:18:13 +0000 http://blog.norml.org/?p=1325#comment-54238 Let's have a little fun with my old Merriam-Webster thesaurus...page 11... ADDICT n a person who by habit or strong inclination indulges in something <a> syn afficiando, buff, devotee, fan, habitue, hound, lover, votary. hmmm...nothing about physical withdrawal symptoms there...let's see what onelook has to say... http://www.onelook.com/?w=addiction&ls=a Ooops! There's that word "dependency"! It means the same thing as addiction! NORML is making a semantic arguement and losing. Okay, the medical definition of "addiction" might be something quite different, but does the average person see it that way? Probably not. Well, I'm satisfied with my declarations. Now NORML is implying that if you don't donate, you aren't viable in the marijuana law reform movement. (#81) NORML has been around for years, and reefer law has changed somewhat, but how much of that is attributable to NORML I cannot say. All I know is that the insanity of our drug laws continues, and if it ever ended, NORML would be out of business and some folks would be out of a job. I really hate to hit below the belt, but frankly, you have asked for it. Marijauna will never be legal until the millions that smoke it get off their asses on onto the streets in a consistant fashion until such time as our elite government capitulates on the matter. NORML, are you planning these large protests and urging your contributors to participate? Hey, most smokers I know have never heard of you. What do you do, lobby Congresspersons? They haven't represented the people since about 1909. Take it to the streets, NORML...big time...every day...it's the only way you will ever get any attention, or have any major effect. The more smokers that see other smokers protesting, the larger the protests will be. It's called civil disobedience, and some will suffer, but eventually the war will be won. I'm a pothead...let's look that up... http://www.onelook.com/?w=pothead&ls=a [<strong>Editor's note</strong>: 13 states have decriminalized cannabis possession...13 states have medical cannabis laws, none possible without NORML. Tens of thousands of cannabis consumers a year are assisted by NORML in their moment of need for arrests, drug testing, child custody, forfeiture, etc...the webpage you're replying on is the most popular cannabis-related webpage on the Internet. NORML's podcast is one of the most popular on iTunes... NORML is getting the word out about reform! Tens of thousands of concerned citizens will attend NORML-sponsored public rallies (ie, Seattle Hempfest this weekend, Portland Hempstalk and Boston Freedom Rally in Boston this September, etc...) NORML's 150 chapters in the US are 'taking to the streets'. Are you? You can declare yourself victor in the debate with yourself on whether or not you're 'addicted' and a 'pothead'...NORML, the media, policymakers, medical researchers, will stick with medical definitions when describing medical conditions rather than literary definitions.] Let’s have a little fun with my old Merriam-Webster thesaurus…page 11…

ADDICT n a person who by habit or strong inclination indulges in something

syn afficiando, buff, devotee, fan, habitue, hound, lover, votary.

hmmm…nothing about physical withdrawal symptoms there…let’s see what onelook has to say…

http://www.onelook.com/?w=addiction&ls=a

Ooops! There’s that word “dependency”! It means the same thing as addiction!

NORML is making a semantic arguement and losing. Okay, the medical definition of “addiction” might be something quite different, but does the average person see it that way? Probably not.

Well, I’m satisfied with my declarations. Now NORML is implying that if you don’t donate, you aren’t viable in the marijuana law reform movement. (#81)

NORML has been around for years, and reefer law has changed somewhat, but how much of that is attributable to NORML I cannot say. All I know is that the insanity of our drug laws continues, and if it ever ended, NORML would be out of business and some folks would be out of a job.

I really hate to hit below the belt, but frankly, you have asked for it. Marijauna will never be legal until the millions that smoke it get off their asses on onto the streets in a consistant fashion until such time as our elite government capitulates on the matter. NORML, are you planning these large protests and urging your contributors to participate? Hey, most smokers I know have never heard of you. What do you do, lobby Congresspersons? They haven’t represented the people since about 1909.

Take it to the streets, NORML…big time…every day…it’s the only way you will ever get any attention, or have any major effect. The more smokers that see other smokers protesting, the larger the protests will be. It’s called civil disobedience, and some will suffer, but eventually the war will be won.

I’m a pothead…let’s look that up…

http://www.onelook.com/?w=pothead&ls=a

[Editor's note: 13 states have decriminalized cannabis possession...13 states have medical cannabis laws, none possible without NORML. Tens of thousands of cannabis consumers a year are assisted by NORML in their moment of need for arrests, drug testing, child custody, forfeiture, etc...the webpage you're replying on is the most popular cannabis-related webpage on the Internet. NORML's podcast is one of the most popular on iTunes...

NORML is getting the word out about reform!

Tens of thousands of concerned citizens will attend NORML-sponsored public rallies (ie, Seattle Hempfest this weekend, Portland Hempstalk and Boston Freedom Rally in Boston this September, etc...)

NORML's 150 chapters in the US are 'taking to the streets'.

Are you?

You can declare yourself victor in the debate with yourself on whether or not you're 'addicted' and a 'pothead'...NORML, the media, policymakers, medical researchers, will stick with medical definitions when describing medical conditions rather than literary definitions.]

]]> By: NeuroGenesis1:29 http://blog.norml.org/2009/08/06/abc-news-is-addicted-to-reefer-rhetoric/comment-page-2/#comment-54229 NeuroGenesis1:29 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:02:44 +0000 http://blog.norml.org/?p=1325#comment-54229 RE: #83 Drew, Ten-four!!! 8) RE: #83 Drew,
Ten-four!!! 8)

]]> By: Drew http://blog.norml.org/2009/08/06/abc-news-is-addicted-to-reefer-rhetoric/comment-page-2/#comment-54193 Drew Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:37:34 +0000 http://blog.norml.org/?p=1325#comment-54193 <i>… I think there was just a misunderstanding …</i> How does the bridge get built? The lawyers or the structural engineers or futuristic planners trying to think 10 years ahead? Legalize the stuff, regulate it intelligently, encourage self-reporting of use, log, do all of the aforementioned again and at the same time. :-) Monitor trends. Build understanding. Over and out. … I think there was just a misunderstanding …

How does the bridge get built? The lawyers or the structural engineers or futuristic planners trying to think 10 years ahead?

Legalize the stuff, regulate it intelligently, encourage self-reporting of use, log, do all of the aforementioned again and at the same time. :-)

Monitor trends.

Build understanding.

Over and out.

]]> By: Heath http://blog.norml.org/2009/08/06/abc-news-is-addicted-to-reefer-rhetoric/comment-page-2/#comment-54149 Heath Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:58:19 +0000 http://blog.norml.org/?p=1325#comment-54149 NORML, Regarding all of the threads by "A Rope Leash" the comment by "Ed" and the comment by "Kevin", I believe there is a misunderstanding with the word "addiction". I think "A Rope Leash" is using the word "addiction" in a much broader sense. What he probably means is "psychological dependence". Overall, I agree with Norml. Like your article says, "According to the IOM’s 267-page report, fewer than 10 percent of those who try cannabis ever meet the clinical criteria for a diagnosis of “drug dependence” (based on DSM-III-R criteria). I think the issue is that "A Rope Leash", "Ed" and/or "Kevin" fall into this psychologically dependent group and are hurt when you say Marijuana is not addictive. My guess is that they incorrectly believe that "addiction" and "psychological dependence" are synonymous. I would suggest they seek psychological counseling or a therapist, as I am. Granted, my therapist says that I am "addicted", but I also have an addictive personality so maybe it gets a little hazy there. Maybe my therapist is using the word "addiction" incorrectly too and just means "psychologically dependent". My point is that I don't think "A Rope Leash", "Ed", or "Kevin" were attacking NORML, I think there was just a misunderstanding regarding the word "addiction" and that they really meant "psychological dependency". [<strong>Editor's note</strong>: Yep...."psychological dependency" was immediately brought up by NORML...and the three 'addicted amigos' continue to confuse the definition of addiction....Yep.] NORML,

Regarding all of the threads by “A Rope Leash” the comment by “Ed” and the comment by “Kevin”, I believe there is a misunderstanding with the word “addiction”. I think “A Rope Leash” is using the word “addiction” in a much broader sense. What he probably means is “psychological dependence”. Overall, I agree with Norml. Like your article says, “According to the IOM’s 267-page report, fewer than 10 percent of those who try cannabis ever meet the clinical criteria for a diagnosis of “drug dependence” (based on DSM-III-R criteria). I think the issue is that “A Rope Leash”, “Ed” and/or “Kevin” fall into this psychologically dependent group and are hurt when you say Marijuana is not addictive. My guess is that they incorrectly believe that “addiction” and “psychological dependence” are synonymous. I would suggest they seek psychological counseling or a therapist, as I am. Granted, my therapist says that I am “addicted”, but I also have an addictive personality so maybe it gets a little hazy there. Maybe my therapist is using the word “addiction” incorrectly too and just means “psychologically dependent”.

My point is that I don’t think “A Rope Leash”, “Ed”, or “Kevin” were attacking NORML, I think there was just a misunderstanding regarding the word “addiction” and that they really meant “psychological dependency”.

[Editor's note: Yep...."psychological dependency" was immediately brought up by NORML...and the three 'addicted amigos' continue to confuse the definition of addiction....Yep.]

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