#81 ·
Joseph Kern11, look—here’s a little reality check... It isn't scientifically proven, and there isn't a single documented harmful effect—whether you want to admit that or not.
Marijuana legalization
Started by Gerald Cox38 · · 👁 10 views · 227 replies
#82 ·
When people use cannabis, you usually see two things: slightly bloodshot eyes and a little bit of a racing heart. Neither one is uncomfortable, let alone dangerous. After five thousand years of hundreds of millions of people using it globally, there isn't a shred of credible evidence that this substance has ever caused a single death.
Drug lethality is typically measured by something called LD50—basically the dose that kills 50 percent of the animals or humans taking it. We don't even have an LD50 for cannabis in humans because there's just no data to pull from. You can also gauge toxicity using the therapeutic ratio, or safety factor. That’s just the lethal dose divided by the effective dose. For something like Secanol, the safety factor is maybe 3 to 50, and for alcohol, it's a measly 4 to 10. But based on mouse data, the safety factor for cannabis is 40,000. To put that in perspective, a lot of chemo drugs have a safety factor of 1.5 or even less. In its natural form, marijuana is probably the safest therapeutically active substance ever discovered.
There are two other acute effects to consider here. First, there's the "high"—that altered state of consciousness. Recreational users describe it lasting anywhere from two to four hours when smoked, or five to twelve hours if you eat it. Most commonly, it's a mellow, slightly euphoric state where time seems to slow down and your senses—sight, sound, touch—all get dialed up.
Drug lethality is typically measured by something called LD50—basically the dose that kills 50 percent of the animals or humans taking it. We don't even have an LD50 for cannabis in humans because there's just no data to pull from. You can also gauge toxicity using the therapeutic ratio, or safety factor. That’s just the lethal dose divided by the effective dose. For something like Secanol, the safety factor is maybe 3 to 50, and for alcohol, it's a measly 4 to 10. But based on mouse data, the safety factor for cannabis is 40,000. To put that in perspective, a lot of chemo drugs have a safety factor of 1.5 or even less. In its natural form, marijuana is probably the safest therapeutically active substance ever discovered.
There are two other acute effects to consider here. First, there's the "high"—that altered state of consciousness. Recreational users describe it lasting anywhere from two to four hours when smoked, or five to twelve hours if you eat it. Most commonly, it's a mellow, slightly euphoric state where time seems to slow down and your senses—sight, sound, touch—all get dialed up.
#83 ·
Look, you’ve got people—mostly patients—who, because of their specific circumstances, end up smoking more than ten joints a day. You can't just sit there and expect that smoking won't have some kind of impact on your health. I mean, by the very definition of smoke, you're inhaling CO2—carbon dioxide—directly into your lungs. That's just physics. But let's be real: the damage from marijuana is nowhere near as bad as what you get from smoking tobacco cigarettes or drowning yourself in alcohol.
One of the biggest questions people ask these days is whether marijuana is addictive. Let me be blunt: marijuana does not cause physical addiction. There are thousands of witnesses out there confirming this fact. We're talking about people who have been using it daily for 20, even 30 years. For these folks, it left zero physical impact, and when they finally decided to quit, there wasn't a single sign of physical withdrawal or "crashing." Then there's the whole psychological addiction argument. Psychological dependency is entirely on you—it's a matter of self-control. In fact, the data shows you're much more likely to become psychologically hooked on a cigarette than on marijuana. During my own research into marijuana, I didn't run into a single case of chronic psychological addiction. And if you look at studies conducted in Jamaica or Costa Rica, the facts show that even heavy users don't actually look like they're psychologically addicted.
One of the biggest questions people ask these days is whether marijuana is addictive. Let me be blunt: marijuana does not cause physical addiction. There are thousands of witnesses out there confirming this fact. We're talking about people who have been using it daily for 20, even 30 years. For these folks, it left zero physical impact, and when they finally decided to quit, there wasn't a single sign of physical withdrawal or "crashing." Then there's the whole psychological addiction argument. Psychological dependency is entirely on you—it's a matter of self-control. In fact, the data shows you're much more likely to become psychologically hooked on a cigarette than on marijuana. During my own research into marijuana, I didn't run into a single case of chronic psychological addiction. And if you look at studies conducted in Jamaica or Costa Rica, the facts show that even heavy users don't actually look like they're psychologically addicted.
#84 ·
Hemp traces its roots back to the Old World, eventually making its way over to the Americas in the 1500s. It’s easily one of the oldest cultivated plants out there. Because people have been spreading it everywhere, it’s become a truly global species—it grows practically anywhere you throw it. Whether it's being farmed intentionally or just popping up as a weed, this stuff thrives in just about any climate or environment you can think of.
#86 ·
Jerry Wood21 said:Cannabis actually traces its roots back to the Old World, and by the 1500s, it had already made its way over to the Western Hemisphere. It’s easily one of the oldest cultivated plants out there. Because people have been growing it everywhere, it’s spread to pretty much every corner of the globe—you could really call it a true cosmopolitan plant. It’s incredibly hardy, too, thriving in all sorts of different climates and environments. You see it popping up everywhere, whether it's being intentionally farmed or just growing wild like a weed.
Do you honestly think where the plant originally came from matters when we're talking about legalization?
Let's try to stay on topic here.
#87 ·
Jerry Wood21 said:Joseph Kern11—look, I’ve got a theory here... even if you don't want to admit it, there isn't a single scientifically proven harmful effect.
withdrawal from cannabinoids in animals with chronic exposure results in heightened stress-response activation and alters the activity of specific nerve cells.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html
#88 ·
Jerry Wood21 said:Joseph Kern11, I've got a little theory for you... whether you want to admit it or not, there isn't a single scientifically proven harmful effect.
Are we just going to ignore schizophrenia, permanent psycho-social disorders, addiction, and an increased openness to other substances? Are those not considered harmful effects?
By that logic, since there hasn't been a recorded fatal overdose from LSD, should we just legalize that too?
Look, why don't you go find a specialist who has dedicated their entire life to the fight against drug abuse and ask them if it's actually harmless.
#89 ·
Jerry Wood21 said:Cannabis originated in the Old World before being brought over to the Western Hemisphere during the 16th century. It stands as one of the most ancient cultivated plants in history. Because it has been spread through farming to nearly every corner of the globe, you could truly call it a cosmopolitan plant. It thrives in almost any climate or ecological setting, appearing both as a common weed and as a carefully cultivated crop.
Just like opium. So what's your point?
#90 ·
Samuel Brown6 said:you don't necessarily have to smoke marijuana with tobacco😉
It's like saying you don't have to mix wine with water.
Samuel Brown6 said:let me ask you something: are you an addict?
About what?
#91 ·
1. Cannabis, in its essence, is not inherently bad.
2. It offers various benefits, particularly regarding historical industry applications, medicine, and spirituality.
3. There are downsides; it can act as a trigger for individuals predisposed to schizophrenia, and excessive, irresponsible use may impair cognitive functions.
4. Ideally, those who enjoy it should be free to do so. That is not the reality, and therein lies the issue.
First, examine who is actually profiting from drug trafficking. Once you do, the reasons behind the current status quo become obvious.
There are simply too many vested interests involving powerful lobbies, intelligence agencies, and other elites using drugs for money laundering.
The role cannabis plays in this entire scheme is truly tragicomic.
Potential progress regarding personal liberty could come through decriminalization. However, given the questionable piety of American society, progress will be slow.
Here are a few relevant links:
Advocates for the legalization of all drugs - www.leap.cc
Cannabis in medicine www.farmakologija.com (search for "hemp")
Jesus used cannabis http://legalizacija.org/?p=33 (browse the site for more information)
2. It offers various benefits, particularly regarding historical industry applications, medicine, and spirituality.
3. There are downsides; it can act as a trigger for individuals predisposed to schizophrenia, and excessive, irresponsible use may impair cognitive functions.
4. Ideally, those who enjoy it should be free to do so. That is not the reality, and therein lies the issue.
First, examine who is actually profiting from drug trafficking. Once you do, the reasons behind the current status quo become obvious.
There are simply too many vested interests involving powerful lobbies, intelligence agencies, and other elites using drugs for money laundering.
The role cannabis plays in this entire scheme is truly tragicomic.
Potential progress regarding personal liberty could come through decriminalization. However, given the questionable piety of American society, progress will be slow.
Here are a few relevant links:
Advocates for the legalization of all drugs - www.leap.cc
Cannabis in medicine www.farmakologija.com (search for "hemp")
Jesus used cannabis http://legalizacija.org/?p=33 (browse the site for more information)
#92 ·
wanderingmaker8 said:It’s a misconception to claim that anything creating dependency is a drug... I mean, look at a diabetic who relies on insulin—that isn't a drug in the way people usually mean it. You can't define a drug simply by its ability to cause addiction, because there are plenty of substances out there that don't create that kind of cycle. A drug should be defined based on... The impact... On the body...
Addiction is ultimately just what happens when you start messing with the body's natural chemistry...
There are various kinds of drugs out there...
Since I don't really feel like digging around too much right now, I found this definition on WebMD...
Drugs encompass any substance capable of triggering addiction...
Samuel Brown6 Asks:
Wait, are you actually suggesting the police are going to come knocking on my door just because I mentioned using illegal substances? Give me a break... I can't really put an exact number on how often I use it... it varies quite a bit, honestly. But if I had to give an average, I’ve been doing it a few times a week for several months now...
It’s true that the odds are slim... but they always used to come knocking over much smaller things than this...
Samuel Brown6 said:And where exactly are you getting the idea that marijuana causes addiction?... Wait, don't tell me you're one of those people who just fell for the hype... 😲 😲 ??? I’ve honestly never experienced any kind of withdrawal... if anything, I feel more of a crash after eating something greasy or having enough beers to make someone want to stage an intervention... 😬
If you take the time to read through all my posts on this thread, you'll find the answer to that question...
You might not have hit a wall just yet, but you definitely will if you keep pushing your luck with that kind of consumption...
People who smoke constantly... they'll always claim they never feel the cravings...
Samuel Brown6 said:Just let me add one thing, everyone... this whole debate feels pretty pointless at this stage. Everyone jumping in here seems to have already made up their minds, coming in with so many biases that no matter what anyone else says, you aren't going to budge an inch. Even if you can't find a way to argue back... it’s just stuck. That goes for both sides, really. It would be much better if we all just stuck to the raw facts instead of trying to force our opinions on each other... I don't know, that's just how I see things...
It’s certainly pointless.
I mean, why would anyone actually change their mind just because of some debate on an American web forum?
The people who constantly push "evidence" regarding the benefits of weed... they already know there are far more studies highlighting its downsides.
Just because I don't have the intention or the spare time to hunt down those specific studies online, nor do I plan on trying to lecture certain people about the risks—since I'm pretty sure they'll figure out the reality of it all in a few years anywaydoesn't mean they don't exist.
I truly admire your dedication, though... trying so hard to convince us of something that almost the entire world rejects.
Joseph Kern11 said:You're just sending me links to legalization websites that are incredibly biased and not scientific at all. Besides, I see people all around me using weed, and they're all falling apart.
I couldn't agree more!
Could you maybe provide links to articles that weren't written by users of the drug?
I could easily send you sites claiming there's "scientific" proof of alien or Masonic conspiracies, but I doubt you'd believe those either... just being hyperbolic.
#93 ·
Kevin Ramirez4 said:First, you have to look at who’s actually moving the product... then it becomes pretty obvious why things are the way they are.
There are just too many interests involved—various lobbies, intelligence agencies, and other powerful players using drugs for money laundering.
The role marijuana plays in this whole mess is honestly almost tragicomic.
Any real progress toward freedom might start with decriminalization. But given how "pious" certain parts of America can be, that’s going to be an uphill battle...
And here we go again, back to the grand global conspiracies...
Kevin Ramirez4 said:Jesus used marijuana http://legalizacija.org/?p=33 (check out the site)
So what?
Even if he did, what does that have to do with anything?
Are you trying to suggest that every follower of Jesus Christ should suddenly embrace marijuana?
#94 ·
Look, James Turner80, you can go back to whatever topic you want, but this is just how it is.
As for the idea that Jesus was anointed with cannabis-based oils...
I am not suggesting his followers should be using marijuana; I am saying that realization raises an entire set of questions about who the hell we actually know.🙂
Honestly, just take a look at the world we live in.
If one of the primary institutions responsible for morality—let’s call them that—demonizes the very plant their central figure used,
then this isn't some trivial detail, like losing a tenner on a bad bet. This ought to be a major point of study in core theological fields like soteriology or christology.
As for the idea that Jesus was anointed with cannabis-based oils...
I am not suggesting his followers should be using marijuana; I am saying that realization raises an entire set of questions about who the hell we actually know.🙂
Honestly, just take a look at the world we live in.
If one of the primary institutions responsible for morality—let’s call them that—demonizes the very plant their central figure used,
then this isn't some trivial detail, like losing a tenner on a bad bet. This ought to be a major point of study in core theological fields like soteriology or christology.
#95 ·
This is such a solid read http://leap.cc/Dedication/friedman.php.
It really breaks down how prohibition actually ends up driving crime rates through the roof.
The core issue here isn't just debating whether certain substances are bad for you; it’s about the whole argument for legalization.
Look, sure, some things might be harmful—but then again, car exhaust, charred BBQ meat, and mountains of processed sugar aren't exactly winning any health awards either.
In my opinion, we should legalize these things and instead pour massive resources into education.
It feels pretty pointless to criminalize marijuana when you've got people spending half their paycheck on regular cigarettes, not to mention the massive issue of alcoholism out there.
p.s. When I talk about education, I’m specifically talking about teaching people about addiction and providing tools for psychological self-help.
It really breaks down how prohibition actually ends up driving crime rates through the roof.
The core issue here isn't just debating whether certain substances are bad for you; it’s about the whole argument for legalization.
Look, sure, some things might be harmful—but then again, car exhaust, charred BBQ meat, and mountains of processed sugar aren't exactly winning any health awards either.
In my opinion, we should legalize these things and instead pour massive resources into education.
It feels pretty pointless to criminalize marijuana when you've got people spending half their paycheck on regular cigarettes, not to mention the massive issue of alcoholism out there.
p.s. When I talk about education, I’m specifically talking about teaching people about addiction and providing tools for psychological self-help.
#96 ·
Looking back at some of these threads, I realize we’re all drifting pretty far off topic... We spend our time bickering over the supposed harms of cannabis and other nonsense, yet we haven't actually weighed what would happen if it were decriminalized (since legalization seems a lost cause anyway).
To be clear, when I say "decriminalization," I mean that if you get caught with, say, 30 grams, you wouldn't face arrest. Instead, you might be allowed to grow 4 or 5 plants for personal use—similar to how they handle things in certain parts of Europe—provided you register them. Of course, any action involving minors would still be strictly prohibited.
My thought is—and I suspect most would agree—that initially, a fair number of people would try it once and then move on. Crime rates would likely drop, and the police could focus their resources on dealers peddling much harder substances and tackling more significant issues. It wouldn't make it any more accessible to kids than it already is, but this time, the authorities could actually catch the lowlifes selling to them, if you catch my drift. So, there... I don't see the downside.
People, this is simply a matter of personal choice, just like alcohol. Even though alcohol is arguably more harmful, it's certainly more available to minors. Do I have an issue if tsomeone gets drunk as a pig or cuts back on their drinking? No. I couldn't care less, and I will probably do it myself quite often. Should you really care if I light one up with friends and mess around in my own home or backyard without being aggressive or erratic? I don't think so... 🙂
To be clear, when I say "decriminalization," I mean that if you get caught with, say, 30 grams, you wouldn't face arrest. Instead, you might be allowed to grow 4 or 5 plants for personal use—similar to how they handle things in certain parts of Europe—provided you register them. Of course, any action involving minors would still be strictly prohibited.
My thought is—and I suspect most would agree—that initially, a fair number of people would try it once and then move on. Crime rates would likely drop, and the police could focus their resources on dealers peddling much harder substances and tackling more significant issues. It wouldn't make it any more accessible to kids than it already is, but this time, the authorities could actually catch the lowlifes selling to them, if you catch my drift. So, there... I don't see the downside.
People, this is simply a matter of personal choice, just like alcohol. Even though alcohol is arguably more harmful, it's certainly more available to minors. Do I have an issue if tsomeone gets drunk as a pig or cuts back on their drinking? No. I couldn't care less, and I will probably do it myself quite often. Should you really care if I light one up with friends and mess around in my own home or backyard without being aggressive or erratic? I don't think so... 🙂
#97 ·
Can someone please point me toward a person who actually quit weed for good and genuinely believes life is better without it? It’s just like people at a party claiming they’re having the time of their lives. Every addict insists their habit is perfectly fine right up until they hit rock bottom and finally have to face the consequences.
#98 ·
Kevin Ramirez4 said:I think we really need to stop and ask ourselves what kind of world we’re actually living in...
if one of the leading institutions tasked with upholding morality—let's call them that—is demonizing a plant that their own central figure used...
And look, this isn't just some minor detail, like someone handing over a ten-dollar bill. This should be a massive point of discussion in major theological studies, things like soteriology, christology, and so on...
First off, they demonize everything, even using the symbol of an inverted cross, and we all know exactly who was crucified on that cross...
Secondly, why would this specific fact matter in deep theological research?
Soteriology is, as far as I understand, the study of the concept of resurrection...
What does that have to do with cannabis oil?
Christology focuses on Jesus as a person...
The only thing we can really conclude is that Jesus might have consumed marijuana, which perhaps eventually contributed to his unique personality...
So, maybe Jesus was nothing more than, as most folks in rural America might put it, a "burnt-out junkie"...🙏
#99 ·
Joseph Kern11 said:Try finding me one person who quit weed forever and actually claims it was a great decision. It’s just like people at political rallies claiming certain ideologies are perfect. Every addict insists their habit is fine right up until they hit rock bottom and reality finally catches up with them...
Fine. Now read my post again and give me your actual opinion on decriminalization. Tell me exactly why you think it shouldn't happen—or perhaps you do think it should...
#100 ·
Gerald Cox38 said:Me and the rest of the cannabis community are out here "fighting" for marijuana legalization.
Tell us what you think—should marijuana be legalized, even if it’s just for medical use?
Is there an actual organization running this? Because I am 100% behind this movement!
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