Of course it should be legalized, like every other drug.
Of course it should be legalized, like every other drug.
So with the courage of a clown, or a cur, or a kite jerkin tight at it's tether
Clopin, I agree that it should be legalised and it's very clear that Marijuana has great momentum at this moment behind it, however I am concerned for people who use it for anxiety/depression. Questions must be asked about this particular medicinal use: how much? When? What happens when you are having anxiety at work(it's a long damn day) - what then? Do you just use it when you finish the day to kind of 'cool the engines'
The issue can easily become this: In the absence of marijuana your body may crave marijuana as it contains cannaboids blocking the emotional receptors in the brain. At this point usage may go up. This writer knows that usage and effects vary wildy from person to person.
As for my knowlege of this topic: it is extensive.
I will put aside the argument for physical illness - hell, if you're sick at home/bed: do what you have to do to make it. I just wanted to initially focus on anxiety and depression for functioning people, both conditions are extremely common in creative types such as writers and artists i.e. many many people on this board.
Nobody should self-medicate with anything for chronic anxiety and/or depression, much less alcohol and/or marijuana. Both can be fine tonics in moderation to soothe the edge, but neither are appropriate medicinal treatments for the psychiatric/biological conditions of anxiety or depression. Alchohol is particularly bad since it is itself a depressant. And I would be surprised if marijuana had any serotonal value, despite my personal like for the herb, so it would probably have little medicinal value in that area as well.
So, the problem isn't alcohol or marijuana per se. They are both excellent substances in which to moderately partake. The problem lies in the abuse of them, and neither legalization or illegalization themselves are going to solve those problems. Education will.
I have become interested in the studies that indicate cannabinoids producing increased activity in the neurons that produce serotonin, but do not think it should be used as a treatment for anxiety and or it's sibling, depression.
I am beginning to become a bit concerned over the last year or so when I see marijuana being prescribed (as a primary treatment) for people with anxiety and PTSD. The US media (and UK) has frequently showed veterans of the latest wars using marijuana as prescribed and it's clear to this writer that these individuals are consuming quite alot of marijuana - (although they are never explicit about this and the reporters rarely ask).
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1023183937.htm
Cannabinoids produce increased activity in the neurons producing serotonin? I knew there was a reason I liked it so much. Now I have another reason to convince my wife I shouldn't give it up.
As to people misusing the prescribed cannabis, that is a problem with all medications, particularly painkillers. If it is actually medically approved to help with anxiety and PTSD, and it actually helps their sufferers, than misuse alone shouldn't be enough reason to stop the prescription. Misuse of marijuana is actually less harmful than misuse of ADHD medications or painkillers like oxycodone...and nobody wants to get rid of them for good.
The Ten Best Movies to See Stoned:
1. Pee Wee's Big Adventure
2. Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory (skip to the factory)
3. The Wizard of Oz (played to Dark Side of the Moon)
4. Time Bandits
5. Mulholland Drive (except for the freaky ending)
6. 2001
7. Monty Python's Holy Grail
8. Zardoz
9. Ferris Beuller's Day Off
10. Moulin Rouge
Ten Movies to Never See Stoned:
1. Eraserhead
2. Freaks
3. Akira
4. Brazil
5. The Exorcist
6. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me
7. After Hours
8. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
9. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
10. Spice World
The Candy Man at the start of Willy Wonka is not to be missed!
Before sunlight can shine through a window, the blinds must be raised - American Proverb
That's lovely, Delta. Thank you for the ardent and informative recommendation.
My pleasure. Willy Wonka is a classic movie and a fine suggestion by you.
Before sunlight can shine through a window, the blinds must be raised - American Proverb
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Last edited by tonywalt; 05-02-2015 at 09:34 PM.