'Medicinal' grass

[Katz]

Interesting thread.

I look at it this way: If, for some, cannabis offers something of value, as it clearly does, then why the prohibition? Is it a big brother issue, as in the Government and can dictate what is moral or ethical behaviour on a "fine" scale? (Face it - we are not talkling murder or child abuse here).

I think we need to divorce ourselves from the emotional elements of this argument and look at what inevitabley might actually work at reducing abuse of drugs and the corruption and crime keeping them 'illegal' actually encourages.

Here is a site which I hope is visited with an open mind. It does not advocate the use of drugs but looks at the problem in a very pragmatic way:
LEAP

Explore this site, the members are courageous to say the least as they voice their opinion against the status quo.

 

[Curiosity]

Katz

Interesting link on the problem.

I have only one issue with the legalization of marijuana or cannabis or whatever it's 'legal' name should be....

....that pharmaceutical companies would be in line to take on its development, separation into different uses.... control the grow-ops, etc.etc.

To date American Pharmaceutical companies may be even worse than illegal purchases being made at the present time.

There are huge profits to be made and either the government is going to open the door to the corporations taking over.... or they will continue with this 'Little Prohibition" which negates all the lessons learned when that nation took on the booze industry and advanced the cause of criminals.

I would like to see the crop developed however but have no idea who should take it on.... certainly not a government entity but I can't see it being legalized and awarded to any other group than a company already licensed to do research, modification, refinement and distribution.

 

[Katz]

Katz

Interesting link on the problem.

I have only one issue with the legalization of marijuana or cannabis or whatever it's 'legal' name should be....

....that pharmaceutical companies would be in line to take on its development, separation into different uses.... control the grow-ops, etc.etc.

To date American Pharmaceutical companies may be even worse than illegal purchases being made at the present time.

There are huge profits to be made and either the government is going to open the door to the corporations taking over.... or they will continue with this 'Little Prohibition" which negates all the lessons learned when that nation took on the booze industry and advanced the cause of criminals.

I would like to see the crop developed however but have no idea who should take it on.... certainly not a government entity but I can't see it being legalized and awarded to any other group than a company already licensed to do research, modification, refinement and distribution.

Hi Curiousity, it is indeed an interesting link, and you bring up even more interesting considerations. Very good points all.

If our lawmakers have the courage and fortitude to actually start looking at Law as something to serve Man, as opposed to Man serving Law as it is now, then we need to look at exactly the questions you propose. *If* we legalise Cannabis (for starters) exactly who can distribute it in a legal way and what kind of safeguards will there be in that industry must be defined. I agree that global pharmaceutical companies will be drooling - their only problem being patents on life forms (which it seems they are beginning to be able to establish). That however is a point of contention, whether we discuss Cannabis or any other agriculturaly viable crop, which IMO is how both Cannabis and Hemp should be treated.

IMHO, I think that legalisation, if it were to be introduced for the benefit of all, would have to automatically allow for personal cultivation as with any other kind of medicinal herb. (Though that in and of itself is threatened currently with the introduction of Codex Ailmentaris (sp) to both the FDA and Health Canada - watch out for your favourite vitamins increasing in price). We certainly have a problem even if we as Canadians decide to de-criminalize and fully legalise the use of cannabis, since so many other herbs are now slated for outright corporate control. (kinda going backwards to what certain interests want). Not to mention the silly agreements we've signed with the UN. So, you raise valid points - all these things make it difficult to rectify a total failure of a system which we all now experience.

I'm not usre I have any answers other than everyone keeping an open mind and digging when they see a situation which makes no sense. Legalisation of currently prohibited substances would go a long way to break the cycle of criminal involvment - but only if it is done in a very transparent and open way. IOW clearly out of any kind of corruptable institution.

 

[Locutus]

Has everybody missed the entire point here?

The topic isn't intended to elicit verbal jousting between those that love to splash around in the pot is good, pot is bad debate. It's that 'if you feel stressed', this is what you should do. The crutch aspect of the lame ad suggests just that. Run to the weed if you can't stand the heat or your feelings get hurt. :roll:

 

[Curiosity]

Locutus

I understand what you are saying - there are other ways of finding relief from anxiety, etc.

Yet Cannabis has medicinal properties for pain relief and anxiety associated with physical impairment - as well as a multitude of other disorders - and why shouldn't people have it available for their treatment if it is successful?

My nephew wasn't anxious at all - he had much of one side of his body blown up when the Humvee he was transported in was bombed in Iraq.... it's been a year and he's still in pain.... if marijuana is giving him some relief as a medicine - I think it should be considered as available and necessary a treatment as many other pain meds....

He is carefully monitored by the doctors and even if there is some addiction - at this point I think it is the lesser of the two evils...the spinal nerve pain and having to get off weed eventually (if he heals as hoped)...into a lesser pain management system.

 

[triedit]

There are lots of really bad ways of dealing with stress (back to OP). Most people under stress don't make good choices. Pot, cigarettes, alcohol, affairs, driving too fast, screaming at or beating the kids and spouse....It's much easier to think of a bad way of dealing with it than a good way!

 

[Twila]

While rereading what I typed I'm astounded that I somehow erased the person of which I was talking about.

It's my father who is suffering. I don't know what happened to that portion of my post, I'm sure I typed it originally. I must have attempted to edit my post and deleted the most important parts.

This is what happens when one posts from work on a friday just before quiting time. Sorry

 

[Dreadful Nonsense]

While rereading what I typed I'm astounded that I somehow erased the person of which I was talking about.

It's my father who is suffering. I don't know what happened to that portion of my post, I'm sure I typed it originally. I must have attempted to edit my post and deleted the most important parts.

This is what happens when one posts from work on a friday just before quiting time. Sorry

no apologies needed Twila..Heck it must be very hard on you...I really hope I did not come off as some rightous twit......
hugs if i may
Doc

 

[Twila]

I really hope I did not come off as some rightous twit......
hugs if i may

You didn't. That's what forums are for. Sharing opinions.

 

[Twila]

then why the prohibition?

There was a fascinating documentary on the why's marijuana became illegal. Because it wasn't always. Grass- it was an interesting watch. Sheds some light on the Dupont company and Mr. Anslinger who worked for the federal narcotics commission.

that pharmaceutical companies would be in line to take on its development, separation into different uses.... control the grow-ops, etc.etc.

They'd have to make the growing of all vegetables and herbs in family gardens illegal then. Because they'd never get away with being the only ones allowed to grow it. If I Can grow st. Johns wart in my garden I can grow marijuanna.

 

[Curiosity]

Twila

But you make too much sense for any government to comprehend luv....

 

[Minority Observer84]

LOL every try watching a comedy while high ? One of the most pleasurable experiances ever .
I don't know anything about the medical effects of weed all i can say is that i've been somking it on and off since i was 18 and so far nothing is broken .

 

[Unforgiven]

There was a fascinating documentary on the why's marijuana became illegal. Because it wasn't always. Grass- it was an interesting watch. Sheds some light on the Dupont company and Mr. Anslinger who worked for the federal narcotics commission.

They'd have to make the growing of all vegetables and herbs in family gardens illegal then. Because they'd never get away with being the only ones allowed to grow it. If I Can grow st. Johns wart in my garden I can grow marijuanna.

A most excellent commentary on the subject. Woody Harelson has been an advocate for some time now.

A major factor preventing drug companies from getting involved with pot is:
1. that American regulations punish severely any attempt to experiment or research marijuana. Regardless even of State regulations and laws.

2. in it's most usable form, it grows very very easily and a vast range of climates and grow zones.

3. as a common plant it can't be patented. With so many strains already trade marked in other countries, it would be impossible to genetically change the plant and corner the market, thus removing the chance to give a drug company all the cards.

4. anyone who promotes the removal of Marijuana from a list of restricted substances, is demonized in the eyes of a gullible public.

This list goes on and on but I think you can get the point already.

 

[daisygirl]

While rereading what I typed I'm astounded that I somehow erased the person of which I was talking about.

It's my father who is suffering. I don't know what happened to that portion of my post, I'm sure I typed it originally. I must have attempted to edit my post and deleted the most important parts.

This is what happens when one posts from work on a friday just before quiting time. Sorry

I thought I had read that it was your father, Twila, but my memory being what it is, I didn't want to put my foot in my mouth.

Again, I am just so very, very sorry that he is in so much pain.