Check out this latest request for applications from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
“Cannabis-related disorders (CRDs), including cannabis abuse or dependence and cannabis induced disorders … are a major public health issue. … Nearly one million people are seeking treatment for marijuana dependence every year and sufficient research has been carried out to confirm that the use of cannabis can produce serious physical and psychological consequences.
“Currently, there are no medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of CRDs. Given the extent of the use of cannabis in the general population, and the medical and psychological consequences of its use … there is a great public health need to develop safe and effective therapeutic interventions. The need to develop treatments targeting adolescents and young adults is particularly relevant in view of their disproportionate use patterns.”
In other words, the federal government is spending millions upon millions of your dollars to solicit research to find a supposed ‘cure’ for alleged ‘marijuana addiction‘ — at the same time that it is spending virtually no money on clinical trials to assess the medical value of cannabis itself.
I try my best to cut through the BS (“One million people are seeking treatment?!” Um, more like 287,933 — and six out of ten of them were referred by the criminal justice system following an arrest.) in my latest Alternet essay, “The Feds Are Addicted to Pot — Even If You Aren’t,” which you can read and comment on here.
Here’s an excerpt:
The Feds Are Addicted to Pot — Even If You Aren’t
via Alternet
Marijuana’s addiction potential may be no big deal, but it’s certainly big business.
According to a widely publicized 1999 Institute of Medicine 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). By contrast, 32 percent of tobacco users and 15 percent of alcohol users meet the criteria for “drug dependence.”
Nevertheless, it is pot — not booze or cigarettes — that has the federal government seeing red and clinical investigators seeing green.
Read the entire article here.
I did the math and the number quickly drops from 1 million to 115,173 when i took into account the government’s inflated number and people forced into treatment from an arrest. I would also like to know the actual amount of those 115,173 that are being treated for addictions to other drugs as well. I have a feeling that some of these people are in treatment for other dangerous drugs and marijuana gets thown into the mix further inflating the governments b.s. numbers. When are these government agencies going to held accountable for the flat out lies they have been feeding us? We all need to contact our representatives and let them know we don’t believe the feds lies anymore.
[Paul Armentano responds: You are correct, the actual number of people who voluntarily report to drug treatment for a primary diagnosis of cannabis is actually around 40,000. See:
http://blog.norml.org/2009/04/01/2007-treatment-episode-data-set-teds-marijuana-stats/%5D
Well now…have you ever accidentally hit your funny bone? Of course you have! In 2006 I was involved in a serious vehicle accident which almost ended my life. I was not at fault. Next two years, I struggled through life one day at a time as I went through a long period of traditional medical treatment that included physical therapy and rehabilitation for my injuries, not to mention the pharmacy of Rx prescriptions I took daily to manage everything. The short of the story is that the prescription meds had several unwanted and undesirable side effects. In 2008 I began smoking Marijuana on a semi-regular basis and titrated off my prescription medication. Gradually I began to feel a whole lot better, but of course it took some time to transition from one therapy to another therapy.
I have permanent Neuropathic pain in my left foot and leg, with a documented disability. After smoking Marijuana my pain diminishes very rapidly. That is, depending upon the strength of the Marijuana, which is always inconsistent here in Georgia, because we don’t have medical marijuana available in the South.
I, like most “Pot Heads,” became familiar w/ Marijuana at a very early age…perhaps as young as 14. Reflecting back on that early period in my life…I recall being considerably more passive since I was a very Hyperactive risk-taking child. I’ve chilled out considerably since then. I consider Marijuana less harmful than Alcohol, but on the cognitive developing mind of a child…potentially inhibiting normal development.
Nevertheless, I am older and much more mature now and can think through situations with much more clarity and understanding then I could possibly do in younger years.
What I know about Marijuana from personal circumstance and experience is that it is very therapeutic. I do not smoke in public, nor around any children. I typically hang out w/ like-minded friends because smoking Marijuana for me tends to bring out more social interaction and harmony.
I don’t want to go to Jail for smoking a flower that has medicinal benefits that helps me deal with my Neuropathic pain. By the way…I smoked a Joint before writing this comment.
Sincerely,
Michael
“”the use of cannabis can produce serious physical and psychological consequences.””
RIGHT. I’M A 65 YEAR OLD RETIRED GUY , I JUST SPLIT AND LOADED ABOUT A CORD OF FIREWOOD.I OPERATED MY OLD JOHN DEERE, A CHAINSAW, LOG SPLITTER, AND NOW THAT MY WORK IS DONE I AM GOING TO ENJOY A BOWL AND ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFUL DAY HERE IN THE GREAT N.W. DIDN’T REALIZE THAT I WAS A THREAT TO SOCIETY,,,,,,sorry.
I am going to imagine that big pharma is currently developing “intervention” drugs, the federal government is working on a “cure” for marijuana users, and both will soon announce that marijuana users can now be “cured” with a combination of pharmacy drugs and psychological treatment and/or group support. How absurd!
I give-up on this country. Even if marijuana received legal recognition for individual users it will never receive acceptance. They have too big of a business going between the criminal justice system and the medical field. I really give-up. Perhaps it is time to stop revealing that I’ve smoked for 34 years, on and off depending on other life issues, as all it does is give them ammunition, at least in their own warped minds.
“sufficient research has been carried out to confirm that the use of cannabis can produce serious physical and psychological consequences”
We’re still waiting for the results of said research. It will probably be buried or blown wildly out of proportion. It sickens me how much our government operates like a business, protecting its own interests and its own paycheck. I want a government that tells the truth whether it’s politically popular or not. Is that too much to ask? Apparently so.
“CRDs…are a major public health issue.”
So major it’s on the lips of every American, right? Hardly. That’s because they’re virtually non-existent. And any adverse affects cannabis MAY ACTUALLY HAVE are, indeed, ignored by most users (and society as a whole) either because they are not significant enough to garnish attention or because we don’t believe a fucking thing the government says about cannabis anyways! So government, TELL THE TRUTH, CONSISTENTLY, and maybe we’ll start believing you! If you really care about the American people, you won’t care about whether or not non-users believe your propaganda. It’s the users themselves whose trust you need. And you don’t have one ounce of our trust. Because you put out bullshit like this. How fucking stupid do they take us to be?
Jeez,if a million people are “seeking” rehab,exactly how many are not? I know hundreds of people that smoke,and have never known any that sought rehab. I have only known a few that were required to seek rehab,from a judge or work related requirements.
This is another of their “spin” moves,trying to throw dust in the air to block our movement,but it ain’t going to work,and since the NIH is under the ONDCP umbrella,it is just their way of fighting legalization,in any way necessary. Lies,false statistics and fke studies,these people will never give up 1/@ their budget without a fight.
[Paul Armentano responds: “A million” people aren’t seeking rehab. Keep reading the post for the actual figure and explanation.]
So pissed,can’t even type.
“Lies,false statistics and fake studies,these people will never give up 1/2 their budget without a fight.”
We should start asking all these Prohibitionists if they think that Alchohol & Tobacco should be reviewed by the FDA and scheduled according to their margins of safety. What would they say? If the goal of Government is to “protect” its citizens from the negative consequences of substances, then I want to hear their defense as to why they think that the current policy of taxing, regulating and educating the public of two drugs Alchohol & Tobacco, is superior to an “arrest and incarcerate policy” for users and sellers of these two definitively Toxic Drugs that have been proven to have high chance for abuse. Obviously an arrest and incarcerate policy should be superior since it has been SOO effective with the war on Cannabis RIGHT???
Unfortunately the roller coaster ride is increasingly difficult for me to handle. Those who come here know the truth and yet we’re bombarded by near constant lies from those supposedly in the know, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Thanks for the article Mr. Armentano however I don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel anymore with getting cannabis re-legalized.
Doesn’t this “search for marijuana disorders” fly in the face of the AG’s directive not to prosecute legitimate medical users in the precious 14 states?
What is the point of such a study when article after article has shown medical BENEFITS of the drug? What’s next? Aspirin?
Ummmmmm…? Is this some sort of joke? For goodness sakes, why must politics always come before the well-being of our fellow man? The US is acting like a teenager with their first credit card the way they’re blowing all this money on useless things that benefit nothing but their own stubborn opinion.
I would like to start by saying marijuana isn’t addicting. Pain pills are! I know this becouse I have had 3 back surgerys and 3 times i was hooked. I went through withdrawl, cold sweats, thoughts of succide. 90% of my family are additicted to booze and cigerettes. I had to quit smokeing marijuana on May 5, 2009 becouse the cops came in my home and arresting me. Terms of bond was to stay clean. That was no problem cause the marijuana didn’t give me the same side effects as the pills. Unfortuantly i have been clean of marijuana ever since. Marijuana was the only med. i could take and actually feel releif from pain. Now i am forced to live in pain. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. The people of the United States of America needs to stand up and say enough is enough. I know that it is hard to do when they convict us of felony’s and we are unable to vote anymore. We Still have a Voice ….so SPeak UP AMERICA!
Wow I can not even finish reading this. I have been smoking cannabis for a long time and I am completely fine and a very productive member of society who is fully employed. My mind is not crippled or contorted in any way what so ever from the use of cannabis. I held a 3.5 gpa in college and go for regular check ups to the doctor and have cancer tests “every year” and I am fine, thats what I have to say about that. Thanks
We all know or those of us who educate our selves to learn the truths from the lies of the self righteous in this federal drug control debate of a medicinal herb. Our president is not pulling out of the wars of choice. I will not vote for him again. We know where the best indica and the best opium come from yet our pig headed congressmen won’t invest in that bridge that has a benefit and need in all of the world for better and cheaper opiate based medications as well at looking at and researching why there hasn’t been a single documented death from the use of indica or for that matter, sativa cannabis.Law makers who deny their people the truth and take no efforts to fund research, need to be tarred and feathered and run out of town. But that might violate the lying law making a–hole rights, so we just get to vote them OUT OF OFFICE. Please vote.
I think this is because when people are arrested with marijuana charges they are usually court ordered to seek drug treatment. Anyone who gets busted must LIE and tell the people are the rehab(usually outpatient centers) that they are abusing marijuana which everyone knows is BULLCRAP! You cant get addicted to pot!
No No no s s sta sta sta sto sto stp STOP IT !!
I ca ca Ha Ha Har Har Hee Hee Ho ho Hee Ha Ha ca can can I CAN’T Sta Sta s s Sto St hee Ha Hee Hee Ha Har Ho ho Tee Hee Sto sto He Hee Ha Har I Can’t STOP La la Ha Ha Hee He Ha Ho I CANNOT STOP La La ho Ha Ha Hee He ha Ho Ho I Can’t Sto Sop Ha Ha Hee He Ha STOP LAUGHIN….. Ha Ha Har Ho Ho Hee Har Har Pl Pl PLEAS Ha ha STOP Ha Hee Hee Ha Ho I Can’t Ha Ha He Hee Ha I can’t stop Ta Hee hee Ha Ha Har Har Ho Ho Tee …NO REALLY PLEASE Ha Ha Ha Hee !!!! I CAN”T STOP LAUGHING…..Ha Ho Ho Ha Hee He Ho Ho PLEASE STOP IT . Ha Ha
Ain’t that rich! They order you to treatment then say YOU were looking for treatmnet to a non-existant addiction.
Humm… funny, I didnt have an addict til law told me I did. I know addiction, being a recovered alcoholic. Dont need to be told when I have a problem, I’ll admit it.
Besides, Its hard to be an addict to something you can drop like a rock.
Oh well, I guess these ridiculous statements are for citizens that dont know any better . Thats ok we’ll educate them to the truth.
my friend just completed an in-patient treatment for marijuana addiction,he said the withdrawals were nasty allmost killed him this stuff is real dangerous.Go find and alternative to help you unwind on friday evening try a good helping of booze and tobacco!
Of course THC can be delivered transdermally by an ointment containing cannabis, myrrh, cassia and cinnamon in an olive oil base. And in doing so it ought to be protected by the first amendment, because this is a recipe right out of the book of Exodus.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_anointing_oil
Why is cannabis prohibited again?
What the fuck. Where is their proof of addiction. I have smoked for months on end and at times quit for years and the only erge I ever felt to smoke herb was no different then then saying to myself, “gee, I havent had a hostes cup cake in awhile” so i buy one and consequentially may binge on them for a week but then not touch them for a few months or more. I have never gone through any physical withdrawal or what the fed seems to be confusing as psycological dependence with just plain use. what constitues prolong use as a dependencey issue? Why is it, continued use of cannabis is a desiese that needs to be treated (with my tax dollars, btw) and a craving for spigehetti 4 times a week, or better yet my “hobby” of collecting hockey jerseys? Am I “addicted” to collecting hockey jerseys too? Or is that not an issue because it’s not against someones beliefs, just a drain on my wallet and/or credit cards.
Can’t say that I’m surprised. One question. If they indeed do the research worldwide and leave no rock unturned then they would obviously know about the positive effects of this commodity. Why don’t we ever hear these institutes speak of the positives? Either they really believe that cannabis is a threat to everyone’s health and has no value what-so-ever, know this to be false. Or, that cannabis is actually a threat to their job status. Positives outweigh the negatives is my guess. No one wants to be labeled a false prophet, especially if you are doing it from an institution that is suppose to be looking out for our best interests. Truth is their not looking out for us, their looking out for themselves and the company that they keep. So I’m just suppose to believe the NIH and NIDA on the validity of their statements cause they decided to speak up about cannabis and no other substances that are far and away more of a risk and less beneficial than this herb? To me this speaks volumes on what they think they can get away with because of who they are. Sounds to me like their the ones loosing brain cells.
I have smoked marijuana on a regular basis since I was 15-years-old. I had a 3.0 gpa throughout high school, was an active member of the track team, the cross country team, and swim team for three years of my high school career. I am now 19 and in the delayed entry program for the marine corps and have recently quit smoking without any signs of withdrawal or feeling like I NEED to smoke. It is appalling how the government I will one day protect would try to shove these lies down the throats of it’s citizens without regret.
C.R.D ? Poleeease ! Yeah We got crd alright, — A tyranical out of control government that could’nt tell the truth if their lives depended on it ! Hey uncle sam you listening ?….FUCK YOU ! Were commin after you fucks very soon ! LOOKOUT !!!!! We the people will have the last laugh ! Crd, give me a fuckin break ! Give me liberty or give them death !!!
I love the hypocrisy of our government regarding this issue. They claim Marijuana causes addiction and physical and psychological conditions unique to cannabis use, so in an effort to “treat” these so called issues they spend millions searching for other drugs to counter these effects.
Sounds a whole lot like how heroin got started to treat people who were addicted to opium, that turned out great didn’t it!
And AGAIN! even if all of these claims of theirs ARE TRUE (which they are not) NONE of these effects they claim cannabis has on users even holds a candle to alcohol let alone Tobacco and this society encourages us to drink. Lets not forget the already abundant and growing problem of pharmaceutical addiction and OD. So what gives the government the right to tell me what I can and can’t do when they already let me do the worst.
At least we have Paul Armentano and NORML here to keep these lies in check. Keep up the good work guys, thanks!
Ho hum…
All I feel like I can do sometimes is just shake my head in disgust and sadness when I hear about this stuff. When I eventually feel angry enough about it, I write letters to my state and government reps about what I know and what they don’t know. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m even on the same planet as these guys though. I feel like they’re not listening to me. I don’t even know that the letters they send me come from them, or some computer program designed to pick out key words so that it can create the usual blanket responses to my otherwise detailed inquiries. Maybe I should stop using email and hand write everything from now on.
Also subtract those who went through treatment as a condition for receiving treatment for anxiety and depression due to unemployment.
I’ve been in court rooms for driving violations non pot related and all you hear from the judge in there for drug possession, pay the baliff, when are you going to have the money for the drug/alcohol program, pay the baliff, pay the baliff! It’s like a big business between the courts and the rehab centers. They threaten to hold a criminal record over your head for a first time pot arrest unless you volunteer to go to rehab. A year later they erase your court record if you complete the program and stay out of trouble but the arrest sheet will always be there. Then they give the whole probation and urine in a cup process along with the fines and money for the drug/alcohol programs.
What would people do? Many will take the drug treatment program than have a stupid pot charge on their criminal record.
ya? so what is tobacco and booze and other drugs? they are legal and people are addicted to those. obama needs to find a cure for the addiction of those substances first. he needs to look in his own back yard.
Also people will volunteer to go to rehab as a way to avoid a jail sentence. It’s not like every single person who was caught with a little pot is addicted to it. That would be like saying every single person that drinks a alcoholic beverage is a alcoholic. The only people who are treated as an alcoholic is usually the people arrested for drunk driving and then they too are put in the position in court to go to a drug/alcohol program for their drunk driving charges or maybe if the court sees that they are being a problem in society when they drink.
I don’t think this will make me quit. Maybe I need to check myself into rehab,I have only been smoking the reefer for 30+ years.
Our leaders dont listen to US, all they know is dollar signs and re-election. This whole game called politics looks rigged to me. Rigged in their favor.
How common is drug testing in schools now? Even though they do not “arrest” the kid, they still undoubtedly encourage and refer them into treatment. I’m in no way saying I want teens using cannabis. But this could be another boon to the treatment industry that slips through the statistical cracks.
Big pharma. They have a pill for everything. Even nothing!
Contrast the myriad of side effects listed for FDA-approved medications with that of cannabis. We could only HOPE that pharmaceuticals were this tame in their “side effects.”
Know when I don’t use cannabis? Whenever I don’t feel like it. No withdrawl. No sweats. No dip in appetite. What a load NIDA is pushing. Hopefully, this is not the “research” that the AMA is pushing for!
People don’t have to be arrested to be coerced into ‘treatment’. Lots of employers have policies requiring employees who test positive to be able to enter treatment and subsequently keep their job. That or start sending out a resume with a termination for cause as your latest job experience.
Then there’s parents who discover their kids are using cannabis. Gosh, my parents forced me to see a shrink when I was a teenager. I didn’t actually start using cannabis much before I was 18 but I can say for certain that had I done so and they found out I would have been forced into treatment.
Very telling is the availability of Marijuana Anonymous meetings. Seriously, check the schedule in you local area. Chances are if you wanted to go to a meeting each day of the week you would have to travel 100s of miles to do so unless you live in the SF Bay area. If you want to go to 7 AA or NA meetings a day you can likely do it traveling less than 10 miles.
Yea again this is so off the wall, i have a form of muscular dystrophy and using cannabis is the only thing that has ever helped me and if i don’t have it i don’t feel like i will die. The narcotic pain pills are a serious problem, The side effects from the pills are unbearable to say the least and have added problems i never had before. I only use cannabis now and have for a very long time. And the comment from #18 i hope is joking because that is a lie anyway you look at it. you can die coming off of pills, alcohol and other things. you CAN’T from using cannabis. I am from a state currently awating a vote from the house for medicinal cannabis use. But it is getting very tiring to make representitives understand the benefits of the use. They say they are open to the idea but how open? The federal government needs to stop lying and just admit they have made wrong decsions in the past. But of course they would never admit they were wrong. Things must change we should not have to live in fear and suffer for political gains.
Who actually sits down one day and says “Damn, my life is so messed up because of pot. I think I’ll go to treatment?”
Cannabis Related Disorder???…..there is no such thing!
NIH and NIDA is scamming for money. How sad.
I used to think the government had some sort of ulterior motive in regards to their strictly anti-marijuana perspective, but the more I think about it, it seems like it’s really just a handful of social Nazis that can’t accept the concept of people who use cannabis living positive and productive lives. Cannabinoids are drugs just like caffeine and nicotine and ethanol are drugs, and yes, when abused, can produce negative effects. But to go off the deep-end stating people are seeking professional treatment? Man, you might have a little trouble sleeping when you stop smoking, you’re not going to go into convulsions or die. Without honesty and education, how can future generations develop informed opinions on these topics? Being an 80’s baby and growing up being told how murderously horrible marijuana was, when I tried it and realized it wasn’t such a horrible thing, of course I assumed heroin and crystal meth were just as harmless. When will the government realize that unnecessary demonization and false information is only going to cause more problems down the road?
Tylenol,(acetaminophen) remains the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S., sending 56,000 people to the emergency room annually FDA.http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529578,00.html
that being said…
Calling cannabis consumers potheads and drug fiends somehow reeks of Down Syndrome my friends.
Lisa Ling, National Geographic Explorer: “I really think that its time that our lawmakers and drug enforcement officials, perhaps scientists and intellectuals actually sit down and scrutinize this issue and figure out a way to possibly better regulate it, possibly decriminalize it. And there is a way, I think, because relative to methamphetamines and cocaine, its not as extreme a drug. And maybe there’s a way to liken it to our laws vis-à-vis alcohol…I do know that the arguments for legalization are very strong.”
Wow! they want to make new drugs cure marijuana addiction and related disorders but they still don’t have a cure for addiction and related disorders for opiates, cocaine, meth, alcohol, tobacco etc. etc. Oh that’s right I forgot what they tried so hard to teach me in treatment; that the only way to successfully stay clean was to avoid any and all mind or mood altering substances. So….?
The war on marijuana is in many ways a war on lifestyle choices. Marijuana users are often seen as people who dare to be a little different, think independently and creatively, and challenge authority at times. Prohibition is the government’s effort to punish that type of behavior, here in the Land of the Free.
Aaaaahahahahaha! “cannabis related disorder” are you serious? Wow.
I started smoking marijuana around the age of 14 and cigs around 12 and drank a little alcohol didn’t care for that hang over’s suck. Since about fourteen just smoked now at 45 after some dental work last year I stopped smoking both. Pot for about six months till I wanted some (not needed some). I recently stopped again for the past three months just because I can. But for the last year I wake up and feel that I need a cigarette every day. It’s a constant battle not to light up. In other words pot is easy to stop when you want to and cigs and prescriptions’ are not. I have several friends that are hooked on oxy a nasty debilitating drug that have truly ruined their lives. But the doctors keep prescribing it (to keep their kickbacks coming from the pharmaceutical co.)And it’s the same with all these (legal) drugs that cause so many dangerous side effects including death. If doctors could get some kickbacks from pot there would be a lot more of them in favor of medical marijuana. (Whether they believe in it or not).
Interesting the many comments for, and the one or two against. I smoked pot for 19 years. From wake up at 6am to midnight i would have smoked maybe between 10 to 20 “chillums” a clay smoking pipe of Asian origin. During that time I was ran my own business, played music in a band, brought up two lovely kids. I gave up on my daughters 8th birthday because I realised I would have to start hiding it from the kids as the local narcotics squad was giving them lectures at school and asking them to report anyone using. I’m now 60 years old and now that my kids are married and have moved on I really enjoy a smoke now and again.My IQ was 135 the last time I had a test. It was easy to give up then and I don’t have an urge to smoke all the time now. But I can’t give up the tabacco habit. Wish I could.
Help!!! I’m suffering froma Crap Related Disorder induced by a lifetime of B.S. being forced into my system by my Big Brother and his cousins Corperate Greed and Major Media. We all know the symptoms because we discuss them here and other places all the time; feelings of daily violation, percecution and oppression, etc. etc.
Will somebody please develop a drug that will cure this awful disorder that hundreds of millions are suffering from? It has become a worldwide epidemic that is eroding the very core of humanity.
I fear there isn’t enough truth out there to treat the problem so Big Pharm is our only hope.
Is Andy Stern and SEIU trying to undermine Medical Marijuana Laws? You decide. I will start at the top and work my way down. Andy Stern leader of SEIU has made 22 visits to the White House since President Obama took over the White House. SEIU members include Law enforcement officers and prison guards. Bear in mind SEIU Has members such as nurses and others that want to reform health care. If you go to different blogs that about medical marijuana or clinics you will find at least 1 law enforcement officer that will come out against Medical marijuana. until someone mentions SEIU. they will then back off. My question is what did President Obama promise Andy Stern and SEIU? And what did Andy Stern and SIEU promise President Obama? My gut tells me they are trying to undermine the Medical marijuana at the very least. And possibly the Constitution. If you look at it marijuana being illegal equals More people to be arrested more people being put into prison.I may be totally out in left field. But it seem to me some thing is just not right. You decide.
Dangerous addiction
This latest article has reminded me of some things I have seen over the last few months.
One is the interview when the president said yes ‘I did inhale that was the point.’ And when the question was asked to several other politicians in response to Obama’s answer all but one admitted they had also smoked. If it’s so addictive and harmful that a cure must be found at a cost of millions. How did these politicians’ become cured after their college years? I guess without a cure they must still be addicted and in great danger. And what kind of disorders they must have.
Well if they are still addicted? Hey wait these addicted people are in charge of our country. We must all be in DANGER!!!!!!!!
But if we are to be told by a foreign Power … what we shall do, and what we shall not do, we have Independence yet to seek, and have contended hitherto for very little.
George Washington, letter to Alexander Hamilton, May 8, 1796
hello. inundate the system with homegrown product until the system collapses from unenforceability- and make good money in the meanwhile. you can not beat the corrupt hypocrites that control the laws- so join them. grow all you can everywhere. overwhelm the local forces and tax base with 10 more plantings for every bust. force all their efforts on enforcement until reality sets in on the people with the power- and legalise all cannabis.
And, now it seems….SKUNK weed is EVEN more risky to inhale than reg. bud. Gimme a fucking break……
YEA….I got a Cannabis Related Disorder. It’s called Prohibition Paranoia. And can only be cured by Bill,…not a Pill, of Legalization.
Thank U & Goodnite,
Saint RICO
You should read the DEA Position on Marijuana published 3 years ago in 2006 but still has some great points. They have done , and are doing research on the effects of marijuana. Along with The Center of Medicinal Cannabis Research which you might be interested in.
I can’t believe this. I actually want to protest now.
Dear Paul,
What is going on with NORML Connecticut chapter???Everytime something arises for the good in Connecticut it gets shut down by Jodi Rell. Would a petition be a starting source to send to the state capitol involving as many signed names as it takes to decriminalize here……………????????
[Paul Armentano responds: The CT NORML Chapter is defunct, but you might want to touch base with Russ about the status of a new affiliate. Locally, A Better Way Foundation/Lorenzo Jones do some great work on this issue in CT. You are correct, however, that virtually all marijuana law reform is DOA until Rell gives up her seat at the end of 2010. I grew up in CT so, believe me, what goes on in this state is important to me. I’m still frustrated that Rell vetoed medical marijuana.]
It’s always nice how cigarettes fly under the radar. WHAT WE NEED IS CIGARETTES ILLEGAL AND MARIJUANA LEGALIZED WE NEED A CHANGE IN POWER(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)
sounds like our gov. don’t know what TRUE addiction is…i want out of this country i REALLY do.i wonder if it’s possible to hitchhike to canada.
If someone wants to fund a study that highlights the ill-effects of “cannabis abuse”, and someone is employed while executing this study (which demonstrates no ill effects), and that study is published with much fanfare…wow, that sounds like a wonderful proposition. Merely ensure that all such studies are brought under public scrutiny, and all of that funding will have done some good.
Okay, I”ve been smokiung for 36 years now. Addicted? Perhaps in the sense that Good Things Are Worth Repeating. Also in the sense that it helps me deal with ADHD better than the ADHD meds which left me with headaches, teeth grinding and high blood pressure. Now when I go for a checkup, my last BP was like 110/70.
As for social acceptance, I don’t give a flying f*** about that so much as what I do care about is not getting fired for what I do at home.
The other percentage in treatment that are NOT court ordered? Probably there as an alternative to getting fired, only to be random tested back at work all the mroe frequently now. I want my Bill of Rights back! How is this not invasion of privacy, warrantless search, self-incrimination, etc. Just because it’s a “private” employer? Phooey!@
Lies, Lies, and a few more lies to go with this Constructive Fraud against the people.
O! Yes I forgot, don’t for get to drink your drugs and mixed them with the ones in the bathroom. but don’t smoke a joint instead, you’ll be arrested, raped, and ran over all for you’re own good don’t you know, it is for your own good that the law unjustly come upon you, outlaw you, and destory your liberties, remeber they are protecting you even from yourself.
Thank you government for running me over and wiping me and my family out, it was for my own good, don’t you know.
They KNOW! They are wrong and their action UNJUST!
They KNOW they are the criminals, that they have commited treason against the will of the people using a Constructive Fraud to abrogate the rights of the people. The truth is out!
Jury Lawlessness by way of Jury Nullification. Teach your children well, for tomarrow they may sit in the jury box. Learn to just say NO, refuse to convict anyone for using cannabis and their law will be of no use. JURY NULLIFICATION, Know it, teach it, practice it, and flush that cannabis law right down the drain. Defy the law by use of our Court System, start by sitting in the jury box and use jury nullification to stop this unjust law. Just do it!
Jury Nullification in law is equal to Checkmate in chess. Get it! Use it! Stop their damm foolishness once and for all. Best damm way to shove that unjust law up the government ass.
The reason I got an Rx for medical marijuana was so I could STOP taking a bunch of expensive and arguably dangerous prescription drugs–Adderall, Xanax, muscle relaxers, etc. I can’t tell you how wonderful it’s been to have a clear head for these last several months. I was even able to give up alcohol!
I am really disappointed that the NIH is on this track. We have a national emergency now w/r/t the rising costs of health care, and cutting costs is the primary focus of both bills. The $50 I spend per month on medical marijuana adds up to a MONTHLY savings of $400 for my insurance company!
I think polite calls, letters, and emails are in order to the following:
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s):
Ivan Montoya, M.D., M.P.H
Division of Pharmacotherapies and Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse
National Institute on Drug Abuse/NIH/DHHS
6001 Executive Blvd., Room 4143
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 443-8639
Fax: 301-443-2599
Email: imontoya@mail.nih.gov
2. Peer Review Contact(s):
Teri Levitin, Ph.D.
Director – Office of Extramural Affairs
National Institute on Drug Abuse/NIH/DHHS
6101 Executive Boulevard, Suite 220, MSC 8401
Bethesda, MD 20892-8401
Rockville, MD 20852 (for express/courier service)
Telephone: (301) 443-2755
FAX: (301) 443-0538
Email: tlevitin@mail.nih.gov
3. Financial/Grants Management Contact(s):
Ericka Wells
Grants Management Specialist
Grants Management Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse/NIH/DHHS
6101 Executive Boulevard
Suite 270 MSC 8403
Bethesda MD 20892-8403
Telephone: (301) 443-6710
FAX : (301) 594-6847
E-mail: wellse2@nida.nih.gov
Sorry, I’m calling BS on this one. I’ve smoked off and on since 1976. I’ve done the wake and bake for years, followed by just not smoking at all for years. Never, not once, did I ever feel the need for a joint. I may have wanted one, but not needed one. Not like cigarettes or coffee. I have never experienced a single moment’s discomfort with not smoking, other than thinking “Wow, this jerk might be interesting if I were stoned out of my gourd”, but that would be the extent of it all. Basically, it’s not addictive. And yes, I’ve smoked a ton of weed. Okay, more like half a ton over the years. The only danger I have ever felt it presented me was in the old Paraquat sprayed days, diesel fuel soaked on the bale that washed up the beach days, and from cops in general. All of these dangers are a result of the stupid laws, not the weed. As for the law, they can kiss my ass on weed, I like it and that’s their problem, not mine.
#3was right nothing like a good smoke after working hard. i did work hard once or twice.im 52 and disabled from a brain tumor but i still love getting high.i cant walk or talk right but i still get high.
my brother in law got yelled at for smoking reefer and drinking beer at the same time. its ok if he drinks.he got yelled at by his wife who was a smoker at one time. owell what can you do?i will smoke reefer until i cant light a match.i cant smoke a cigar they make me weeze and i dont inhale
Ofcorse the feds are addicted to pot, theyed go out of business without it. The feds care about power more then theyll ever care about weed… It’s just that marijuana happens to be their “power crutch” Now that they are started to lose a little bit of that power (and public interest in their BS cause) im sure we’ll be hearing even more lies then before. Just look how the DEA is blowing the public opinion out of proportion…
“[I]t’s basically the same thing as the government being in bed with drug traffickers. It sends the wrong signals to children not just that it’s OK to use marijuana, but that it’s OK to use all drugs,” says Gregory Lee, a retired Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA ) agent and author of “Global Drug Enforcement.”
Hmmm… In 25 years of my existence I don’t believe Ive heard anyone say that it would be wise to legalize “all drugs” Especially when there’s kid’s lives at stake. The reality is that kids do drugs with our without permission from the government. Sometimes when they can’t find marijuana they’ll turn to to harder drugs. Im sure everyone with a brain can agree that that’s not good. So what better way to keep “all drugs” out of children’s hands then to legalize and strictly regulate the most harmless drug of them all? If they are truly sincere about keeping kids off drugs, they would reevaluate their current policy and seek to better educate kids about the consequences of inviting drugs into their lives… Instead of telling straight-faced lies. One more thing and I hope the feds are listening.. IF OUR CHILDREN OUR SO PRECIOUS WHY DOES THE GOVERNMENT USE THEM AS PROPAGANDA?? ANSWER ME THAT DEA!!!
sickofthis, actually I do like the idea of having all drugs legalized. No, I will stick with the ones I do now. Booze, cigarettes, coffee, weed, and shrooms. I have no desire to do crack, heroin, cocaine, or PCP. But legalizing all of them would result in a lessening of violent deaths as we have now, in relation to the drug wars. We would have better quality drugs, resulting in fewer deaths from the varying qualities of drugs today, and we would be able to treat people medically, rather than judicially as we do today. Not to mention, I don’t believe the government that claims it is here to protect our freedoms can say so while regulating what we can put into our own bodies. I could go on, but it seems to me there is a growing movement for just such an action. And much of it is a growing grass-roots demand for the restoration of individual liberties and justice, rather than the blind and tyrannical rule of law and order we have today. In any case, I will never give Big Pharma any of my business at all. Those are the true poisons in my opinion.
i did coke before and it did nothing for me i wanted too smoke reefer after.i think i always want too smoke reefer.
They’re not actually seeking help for addiction to marijuana. Any time someone works in a federal office and they’re caught with weed, they are sent to ‘rehab’ where they play golf and sip martinis for a few days so the Fed can say they sent the person to reform and they’re now a whole new person. That’s what all the applications are for.
Hey maybe if all you libs would chill out on expanding the government to never imagined levels we wouldn’t have this problem…. same with all you hypocritical conservitives – people should be allowed to do whatever they want as long as it does not directly hurt someone else… marijuana is no different than gun control… where do you see worse gun violence, in the boonies of Maine or the streets of New York? Which has tougher gun control…. prohibition does not work no matter what the substance or issue is. This country needs to get back to the basics, and get rid of about 99% of the laws on the book. Go read the new health care bill in the senate – bet you won’t get more than a few paragraphs. Make laws simple:
Don’t kill
Don’t hurt people
Don’t steal
Use common sense
Think I just condensed about 20 million pages of legislation.
In summation…
Keep to yourself and stop f-ing everything up for everyone else… if you want to make marijuana users look more favorable, work your ass off if you smoke pot and show everyone how much more productive you can be. Sorry to offend anyone, just my rant, just remember to always place yourself in the other dudes shoes even if you totally disagree – at least you know what he’s thinking
ive been disabled for 4 years now from brain tumors and i want too see legal pot soon.
“HOUSE APPROVES BILL THAT WOULD EASE FEDERAL GRIP ON WASHINGTON” Don’t you guys mean federal grip on the WORLD???
“But the DEA continues to stand in the way. Mr. President, it’s time for a change.”
The DEA is controlled behind the scenes by the same secret society that the president takes orders from. So is the FBI, so are several police departments and politicians. We can all change this lie we live in simply by being aware and reading between the lines. I recommend that people research secret societies as well as their link to government corruption, and you will soon see the rather obvious link to prohibition and the REAL reason why the DEA and the FED seem to have a hard time stepping down…. -Alex Jones Wake Up Call- That’s a good place to start. Every American deserves to know the truth.
Just this last week The DEA got 2.3 Billion Dollars for next years War on drugs. If you ask me We have a long way to go.
“Make no mistake, the marijuana possession permitted by the bill to a user or caregiver is illegal under federal law, with penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000,” Van Hollen said in written testimony to the committee.
Are you a fucking moron??? Obama ordered the Federal government to stand down on prosecuting patients where medical marijuana is legal in their state! That means if WI gets medical marijuana and the FEDS start busting patients, they are in direct defiance of the President of the United States. Should hardly be a concern and if it turns into one, then that would be proof that the FED’s have high-jacked our country.