Obama is one busy dude.

[fourpawsonthefloor]

And while not everyone may like/agree with what he's doing, I for one have been pretty happy to see it. As a Canadian, what you guys do south of us does have a trickle affect. And I think things are going in a good direction.

Latest thing? No more raids on medical majunana dispenseries.

Yeah, yeah. I know. I'm from BC and pot has a certain reputation here. But I'm also a person that has chronic pain. I never EVER used pot. Would not think of it. And then...after over a year of moderate to severe pain, I tried it. I didn't work for me, but I get why people do turn to it.

And in some cases they're able to take a bit of pot rather than a ton of opiates. Opiates aren't that hot on you either. It relieves glaucoma in cases that won't respond to anything else. That's a real gift - it preserves their sight.

So, in understandable cases, where a doctor has approved it, it's silly to be fighting it. Waste of taxpayers money.

[Bamfing_Bob]

It's about freakin time....

[Ult_Sm86]

Well if I were an uptight crazy ass conservative who was the anti-medicinal drug use kind of person, and who believed in the war in Iraq was the best thing since the division of the Union, and also thought that God had chosen the president before Obama but clearly had no say in the decision of this awful "Black Beast" (as he has been publicly called) I'd probably be offended on many, many levels for seeing this.


However.... I am not and therefore, WHOO HOO! my Neighbor with M.S. got what she voted for!

[Elfdame]

I'm anti-marijuana use in most circumstances (guess I'm one o' them dreaded "uptight crazy ass ... anti-medicinal drug use kind of person"); however, I've been told that there are times when someone is unable to hold down medicines and that smoking helps deliver the needed analgesic boost. The whole outlawing drug stuff is a sticky sitch no matter how it's sliced, so I'll bow out of the discussion now.

[fourpawsonthefloor]

Well, I'm a crazy assed liberal - however I'm very anti-drug myself. I also don't like tabacco use.

You can't break that sort of thing down into conserv vrs libral. There's a wide varience in many of the stances. For example, from what I was reading, many liberals didn't like obama's plan to pull the forces out of iraq whereas a lot of conservatives did.

And I agree with Elfdame on the sticky. When do you prescribe it? How much do you prescribe? This is something I see again - I see people taking tons of opiates when really, it's doing them more harm than good and I see people suffering with none at all, when really they need some relief.

It's messed up. And nothing about it is black or white. But I'm glad for this victory.

EDIT: Forgot to say as well, that you are welcome to continue in this discussion as much as you want Elfdame or anyone who has a different opinion.

And as well...it's good to remember that the people who'd call obama a 'black beast' are the really 'out there' people. Yes, if you were of the opposing political party, you aren't going to be happy to see the other guy in office, but most people do disagree in a respectful manner. Just wanted to be clear here that it's not fair to tar all conservatives with the same brush.

[Edited on 2/3/09 by fourpawsonthefloor]

[Crocodile Hunter]

I've smoked pot and I like it.

[Elfdame]

And as well...it's good to remember that the people who'd call obama a 'black beast' are the really 'out there' people. Yes, if you were of the opposing political party, you aren't going to be happy to see the other guy in office, but most people do disagree in a respectful manner. Just wanted to be clear here that it's not fair to tar all conservatives with the same brush.

[Edited on 2/3/09 by fourpawsonthefloor]

Thanks. My hubby is pretty conservative (way more so than I), but he campaigned and voted for a black Republican Presidential candidate back in '96. Content of character mattered; color was a non-issue. Besides, lots of people don't consider Obama "Black."

[fourpawsonthefloor]

Yeah, for me he's just as white as he is black, just like I have kids that are just as white as they are indian.

But race issues unfortunately always are there and run strong and aren't limited to one political party or another. I don't think that the 'black beast' refers to his colouring though. I think they are to state that he's the anti-christ or at least that's the impression I've gotten from the articles I've read that state that.

[Ult_Sm86]

I wasn't talking about a single person in this forum lol I was referring to the people on Fox news.

They've been spinning this story all week...

[Elfdame]

'S okay, sweetums, I did not take it personally. That's the fun of the forums ... I think we all basically respect each other and understand that we don't see everything the same way.

Lord knows I don't; I was crosseyed so I see two sides of almost EVERYthing.

But be sure you answer me on the first class thread. Enquiring minds want to know ...

[Ult_Sm86]

lol

pushing me away from ethical things to comic oriented things? You don't like my logic?

I kid.

BTW
I'm not particularly fond of drugs being used as drugs, but I think it the government controlled the prices, beat out the dealers, and regulated it, they'd be taking a chunk out of crime, out of this recession, and out of rehab visitations.

[Angelique]

Here's my only beef with it. As abused as prescription drugs already are, how on earth is the ability for someone to get marijuana for a minor football injury from a glorified vending machine not going to lead to abuse?

And yet I have to go to the pharmacist, show him or her my ID, and sign paperwork for nonprescription decongestants my doctor recommends on account of my history of chronic sinusitis and nasal tumors.

[fourpawsonthefloor]

You still need a prescription for it from your dr. So it's just that the 'pharmacist' and the method of dispensal is different. And though I'm not aware of it being prescribed for a minor football injury, the same can be said of any drug from antibiotics on up. Some dr's overprescribe, some under.

I think in 99% of the cases with it you'll see it being used appropriately via a prescription at least. Ie - glaucoma, chronic pain, nausea reduction/appetite stimulant.

[Angelique]

Actually, as federal law is still against marijuana and there is no FDA approval for the drug, you can't even legally get a prescription for it in the US, if I remember correctly.

[Edited on 2/3/2009 by Angelique]

[Ult_Sm86]

But that's going to change, as it should.

I feel that Marijuana being a "dangerous" thing is a lie fed from government funded groups. It's a gateway drug, sure. Let's people think that "if I can do this, I can do this or that" and there you got my friend who's dabbling in X...
However; I sincerely believe any prescribed drug could be a gateway drug. This same friend started on sleeping medication. It would make so much more sense to regulate marijuana use. You'd get farmer/grower jobs, distribution jobs, vending machine jobs apparently, and it frees up the streets from skanky dirty sellers who put people in harmful situations or surroundings to get something they may *physically* need.

People find it so hard to believe a blunt can make someone with MS feel better but they don't even dispute something like Vicodin.
Here's some side effects of an FDA approved, government "Regulated", and frequently prescribed drug:

Side effects for Vicodin are most commonly upset stomach, nausea, constipation, and altered mental status (eg. dizziness, light headedness). Other more rare side effects include allergic reaction, seizures, clammy skin, severe weakness, dizziness, hyperventilation, unconsciousness, jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin), unusual fatigue, bleeding, bruising, stomach pain, constipation, dry mouth, decreased appetite, muscle twitches, sweating, hot flashes, itching, tinnitus, hearing loss, decreased urination, and decreased sex drive. Vicodin also has depressant effects on the central nervous system. However, some of the less mundane effects can be desirable effects that are sought after by some. Those effects include euphoria and drowsiness, as well as slowing of the pulse. Vicodin may also be a cause of stomach ulcers, although this is assumed to be due to the addition of other non-narcotic analgesics to hydrocodone preparations (e.g., aspirin, and ibuprofen). Unlike NSAIDS, Paracetamol does not cause ulcers. However, severe liver damage can occur in patients consuming more than 4 grams of acetaminophen per day. This liver damage can range from abdominal pain to outright liver failure, and can necessitate a liver transplant to avoid death.

Now I don't know about any of you guys, but the worst side effect I know of from Pot is a fit of the giggles, a fit of the munchies, or at worst if your body is just one of those bodies, a splitting head ache. I'm sure documented cases of someone falling over after swallowing the water from a bowl have been taken, or other such things.
But let's face it. A blunt has never killed anyone. People kill for the blunt however. Even cops beat people brutally. I'd think it would make a lot more sense to be rid of some of the nonsense.

[fourpawsonthefloor]

Ah, my mistake. In Canada we regulate it like a medication...because used appropriately it is one. A lot of drugs that are used for treatment are also abused to get 'a high'. Why the whole over the topness about MJ...I don't know. I mean it's like it's more of a symbol of something that people are fighting for and against than the actual drug. Here we have sprays that you can put under your tongue that give you the effects without the high - which is even better imho.

Honestly, I get that there is a criminal element to it and this for certain we should be fighting - just as we should be concerned about other drugs. But for people who are using it for pain control? There are better ways to waste taxpayers money.

[Bamfing_Bob]

My deal is this: I don't do drugs. But I see much more benefits of making marijuana legal (for medicinal purposes or otherwise) than I do disadvantages. Ult_Sm86 grasps the concept. Legalizing it would lower crime rates, clean out prisons, help the economy, further medical advancement, and maybe even remove the taboo placed on pot smoking. Because, in my opinion, tobacco and alcohol are much more dangerous than marijuana. We need to tax and regulate pot so that it's treated as cirgarettes are. Still frowned upon by the general public, yet open to those who want to make that choice. Cuz hell, 20 and 30 years ago, too many tattoos and piercings were a sign of going against the system and teen pregnancy was highly frowned upon. Now, both are widespread and fairly common. The same could hopefully be said about the use of marijuana in some years. People are going to use it regardless. The question is whether we can live with it being legal.

[Slarti]

I mean it's like it's more of a symbol of something that people are fighting for and against than the actual drug.

That's it exactly. It's very ingrained in some people that it's just one of those things that's wrong. Why? Well, because it just is.

And people are slow to change unless they're given a reason -- like glaucoma, cancer treatment, etc...

[fourpawsonthefloor]

Yup. Easy enough to judge on it (as I know I did - the medical applications didn't even occur to me - I swore up and down there was no way I'd ever do that) until you're in crunch time and it's affecting you or a loved one directly. Then things don't become so black and white.

Lord knows I've had enough humble pie passed to me over the years and I have no doubt that I'll have more to swallow. So...I try to judge less now. I still am working on that one. LOL

[Angelique]

Now I don't know about any of you guys, but the worst side effect I know of from Pot is a fit of the giggles, a fit of the munchies, or at worst if your body is just one of those bodies, a splitting head ache. I'm sure documented cases of someone falling over after swallowing the water from a bowl have been taken, or other such things.

People have been known to experience full blown panic attacks on marijuana. Also many people with allergies to cigarette smoke or other respiratory irritants can react rather unpleasantly to marijuana smoke. Some people suffer severe allergic reactions even to touching or ingesting it, like hives, throat swelling, and anaphylaxis. This is why marijuana should be regulated as tightly as any other drug, subjected to FDA approval before being placed on the market, available only by prescription, and under no circumstances should it be used recreationally. These effects are not just giggles and munchies, so you know.

[Slarti]

I think everybody needs to keep in mind all posters are expected to maintain a respectful and civil tone when posting.

Thanks.

[Bamfing_Bob]

People have been known to experience full blown panic attacks on marijuana. Also many people with allergies to cigarette smoke or other respiratory irritants can react rather unpleasantly to marijuana smoke. Some people suffer severe allergic reactions even to touching or ingesting it, like hives, throat swelling, and anaphylaxis. This is why marijuana should be regulated as tightly as any other drug, subjected to FDA approval before being placed on the market, available only by prescription, and under no circumstances should it be used recreationally. These effects are not just giggles and munchies, so you know.

While I don't disagree, this could be said about pollen, cheese, peanuts, or anything else a person may be allergic to. Most people can handle and do enjoy the use of marijuana. Just cuz one kid pukes on the tilt-a-whirl doesn't mean you shut the whole ride down... same can be said about marijuana. If you don't wanna use it, don't. But I'm not one to keep anyone from what they think makes them happy.

[Crocodile Hunter]

People have been known to experience full blown panic attacks and other crazy shit while consuming alcohol. Also many people with allergies to cigarette smoke or other respiratory irritants can react rather unpleasantly to cigarette smoke. Some people suffer severe allergic reactions even to touching or ingesting it, like hives, throat swelling, and anaphylaxis. This is why tobacco and alcohol should be regulated as tightly as any other drug, subjected to FDA approval before being placed on the market, available only by prescription, and under no circumstances should it be used recreationally. These effects are not just giggles and munchies, so you know.

Call me hypocrite, but that's never going to happen.
Imo pot is on the same level with tobacco and booze.
The two latter just make more money and thus are legal.

And I concur with TPAM.

[Edited on 3/3/2009 by Crocodile Hunter]

[Angelique]

I'm just saying that medical marijuana should be regulated like any other prescription medication, and there are side-effects to the drug that are worse than munchies and giggling fits.

Pollen, cheese, and nuts aren't medications and so cannot and should not really be regulated as such. Otherwise, it would be illegal for mold to grow anywhere near me, rather than merely illegal or at least a serious case of medical malpractice to give me penicillin.

[fourpawsonthefloor]

Now he's signed a UN Declaration endorsing Gay Rights.

To me? This is just catching up to what a good percentage of the world has already done and is supporting. Discrimination shouldn't have a place in society.