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The number of ailing people turning to medical marijuana to ease their symptoms has spiked this year, say dispensary owners in some of the 13 states where it's legal.
Requests have jumped anywhere from 50 to 300 percent, they say, since President Barack Obama took office and signaled that he won’t use federal marijuana laws to override state laws as the Bush administration did. Others say the economic downturn may also be responsible as more people without insurance are seeking alternatives to costly medications.
In the past few months, marijuana co-ops, clubs, businesses and even lawyers who have advocated for looser dope regulations say they've been inundated with requests for information and certifications that permit people to use marijuana for medical purposes.
“I have been flooded with calls,” reported Seattle attorney Douglas Hiatt, a long-time marijuana advocate. “It’s ‘Where can I find a doctor [to prescribe it]? How can I start a co-op?’ You wouldn’t believe it.”
Under the George W. Bush administration, federal authorities maintained that federal marijuana laws took precedence over state law, even in states that had approved therapeutic cannabis. But Obama indicated during the presidential campaign that he supported the controlled use of marijuana for medical purposes, saying he saw no difference between medical marijuana and other pain-control drugs.
“My attitude is if the science and the doctors suggest that the best palliative care and the way to relieve pain and suffering is medical marijuana, then that’s something I’m open to,” Obama said in November 2007 at a campaign stop in Audubon, Iowa. “There’s no difference between that and morphine when it comes to just giving people relief from pain.”
In February, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder pledged to limit Drug Enforcement Administration raids of prescription cannabis dispensaries to those businesses and organizations that break both state as well as federal laws.
“Our focus will be on people, organizations that are growing, cultivating substantial amounts of marijuana and doing so in a way that’s inconsistent with federal and state law,” he said.
300 percent increase
Hard numbers and state-to-state, year-over-year sales comparisons are difficult to come by because state laws vary and because some states are still creating their programs; New Mexico expects to license its first legal marijuana producer this month. But the state of Colorado has tracked registered medical marijuana users since implementing its law on June 1, 2001. As of the end of 2008, there were 4,720 applications received, almost all of which had been approved. But as of February 28 of this year, that number stood at 6,796, an increase of 2,076 in just two months.
“I have had a 300 percent rise at my business,” reported the owner of Colorado’s Boulder County Caregivers, a marijuana dispensary. (She asked not to be named since she also works in local government.)
Her numbers are rising despite obstacles that remain in the path of those seeking access. For example, many doctors are reluctant to authorize their patients to use marijuana either because its efficacy has not been proven in rigorous trials, shown to be superior to other drugs, or because they themselves fear risking their own federal license to prescribe medications like opiate pain killers if they are seen to be defying federal drug law.
“I have legitimate cancer patients who cannot get a doctor to sign,” the Boulder dispensary owner said. “Their doctor will say ‘Talk to your oncologist,’ and the oncologist will say ‘Talk to your other doctor.’ So I see the same doctors’ names over and over. Patient records show the same two clinics because so many go there since their own doctors will not do it for fear of federal retribution.”
Some organizations leap this hurdle by providing their own doctors.
“I have 12 doctors working with us right now,” said Paul Stanford, director of The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation, based in Portland, Ore. THCF has started clinics in eight states, often by bringing along one of its own paid doctors who happens to be licensed in that state.
Stanford claimed his clinics are booming, too, with about 50 percent more calls and patient certifications than before the new administration took office.
In addition to the Obama administration's position on medical marijuana, demographics may also be a co-factor in the overall rise. Many people born after World War II have had at least some exposure to marijuana, and now that the government has indicated it will be more lenient, might be more inclined to turn to the party drug of their youth to ease the maladies of age. Few people under 65, “are truly naïve to cannabis,” suggested Dr. Frank Lucido, a Berkeley, Calif., physician who has long been a leader in California’s medical marijuana community.
Economy may be playing role
Lucido has seen an increase in patients, too, but a slight one, a much smaller bump than he would have expected. It’s possible, he speculated, that because so many dispensaries have opened in California, some offering quickie — and often dubious — medical exams to certify patient need, that the total number of medical marijuana consumers has boomed, but that many are avoiding more stringent practitioners like himself. (While the state of California tracks the number of medical marijuana identification cards issued each year that allow patients to purchase from dispensaries, no numbers are out yet for 2009.)
One final possibility for the increase in numbers is economic. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that at least 45 million Americans under age 65 are now without health insurance.
As the number of medical marijuana outlets expands, and fear of federal drug charges diminishes, some of those people, faced with paying out of pocket for pharmaceutical drugs or for cannabis, “will turn to medicine that is good for a whole bunch of ailments, that you can grow yourself and not spend a tremendous amount of money on,” Hiatt said. “That’s very appealing to lots of people.”
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 | Medical marijuana requests climb sky "HIGH" | msnbc.com | Wed Apr 15 | 0 |
| Cannabis Dispensary Owner May be Locked Up in Jail | Marijuana Doctor Consulants.com | Wed Apr 15 | 1 |
| DEA: Intent on Shutting Down Medical Marijuana Clinics and Dispensaries | Medical Marijuana Clinic | Fri Apr 17 | 0 |
| Acquitted Tulare County man asks for pot back | fresnobee.com | Wed Apr 15 | 0 |
| Former Miss New Jersey makes Marijuana her platform | pressofatlanticcity.com | Sat Apr 18 | 0 |
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{"commentId":6493771,"authorDomain":"rugburn5"}
Yes we must get this legal. This helps with chronic pain, I feel so good. Time to legalize it our country could be a better place, one would be shocked to know who uses this for medical use, and buy it on the street, from drug dealers.
{"commentId":6493771,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"rugburn5"}
- 5 votes
#1 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:15 AM EDT{"commentId":6514479,"authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
This was LOOONG overdue...
They should just finish the BS started with propaganda of Cotton , Oil , Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco companies with their "Marijuana Madness" films. And Politically strong arming that made this illegal in the 1st place.
but it is a HUGE step in the right direction...
{"commentId":6514479,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":7511844,"authorDomain":"sunblocker"}
pss't,,, H-E-R-E !!...hehehe
{"commentId":7511844,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"sunblocker"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":7512544,"authorDomain":"thepeartreegifts"}
100% agree!!!!!!
{"commentId":7512544,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"thepeartreegifts"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":7512764,"authorDomain":"jdkramer"}
Decriminalize pot in the USA! The overwhelming expense to lock up the casual smoker is extremely costly to the taxpayer, not to mention just plain stupid.
No, I'm not a "pothead", although I smoked a bit in the 70s and early 80s (go figure!), but hadn't toked for decades. During a visit to the Netherlands in '07, I saw an elderly woman, about in her upper 70s, tending to her garden and toking a "bone"! I'm talking about a conservative country that understands hard drugs versus marijuana, a "relaxant", somewhat like that brandy in the evening after a long day at the office. Of course, I did make my way to a local "coffee shop": When in Rome . . . !
Those opposed to ANY form of legalization, or even decriminalization, are the same uptight wacks that want to tell you how to live YOUR life. We had enough of that crap for the past eight years.
Those against
{"commentId":7512764,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"jdkramer"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":7549139,"authorDomain":"BenCT"}
100% correct. It's those same uptight old people Americans have been trying to break away from for about 50 years. I think it's those people used to be called "the silent generation" LOL, they just can't shut up or back off these days!
{"commentId":7549139,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"BenCT"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6494426,"authorDomain":"gonzo729"}
I'm glad to see people are looking to alternative and natural remedies for health care and allieveing pain. Every day we are bombarded by drug companies peddling another pill for every ailment under the sun with a little disclaimer at the end regarding the side effects which in some cases seem worse than the reason for taking the medicine in the first place. Finally the public is opening their eyes to the reality that nature provides a lot of the necessary cures. Hopefully scientists and politicians will look beyond the 1950's era taboos regarding natural medicines and maybe will actually see a cure for cancer, Alzheimer's, MS, and many other diseases that plague us.
{"commentId":6494426,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"gonzo729"}
- 16 votes
#3 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:46 AM EDT{"commentId":6496897,"authorDomain":"schwannomin"}
There are all kinds of potential cures found in nature. There are also all kinds of poisons found in nature.
It is true Restless Leg Syndrome and Chronic Dry Eye are less pressing issues than most, but when I'm given a cancer therapy I'd prefer it's tested by someone other than the local yoga teacher. So let's not oversell this "natural cure" business. These things need to be tested just as rigorously as any exotic compound devised by Merck. And since any root, bud, flower or stem is a complex of millions of unique molecules, we should probably test them more thoroughly. I'm not saying you don't have a point. I'm just saying I don't want my wife to come home with some root sold at Whole Foods to fix her tumors.
To get back to the point, weed has been tested enough to make the claim it can relieve some chronic pain, is certainly less addictive than any opiate like morphine (also derived from a plant,) and is 100000x cheaper than anything Merck will sell you.
{"commentId":6496897,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"schwannomin"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":6499523,"authorDomain":"nebzhome2"}
schwannomin, 5000+ years of use(testing) IT WORKS. The U.S. Government holds the patient on synthetic THC the most active ingredient in weed. WHY do you give a crap what cures your wifes tumors whether it be a plant, root, natural or man made drug that does it, as long as it cured. If marijuana was the only cure or just a very good cure the DEA/Law says it's not an option. You should open your mind to ALL options and stop thinking only yoga teachers and hippies have done all the marijuana testing. The natural extract that you choose to overlook maybe the cure. Doctors do not own stock in natural cures so they tend to not prescribe them.
{"commentId":6499523,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"nebzhome2"}
- 9 votes
{"commentId":6514389,"authorDomain":"ballistic-meds"}
with the old marijuana laws its been illegal to do any research on marijuana , so if you want to complain that the hippies are the only ones testing it blame the govt
{"commentId":6514389,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"ballistic-meds"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6516563,"authorDomain":"rightman1"}
It seems Ironic that the 60s " Turn on, tune-in, Drop-out" generation has spawned the technological revolution Generation of the 80s and 90s. And to try to control this herb the government put it in the same class as opium and cocaine. Both of which have their own medical uses for pain. And the so-called draft Dodgers who went to other countries were not as afraid to get killed as much as they were not willing to kill. Now people who use the better quality of marijuana are forced to deal with criminals to get their medication. And are labled criminals themselves. There needs to be a change and it must start at the top. but most of the government officials are a different type of criminal. this is why it is never put to a referendum.
{"commentId":6516563,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"rightman1"}
{"commentId":9997056,"authorDomain":"theyetiopinion"}
"These things need to be tested just as rigorously as any exotic compound devised by Merck. And since any root, bud, flower or stem is a complex of millions of unique molecules, we should probably test them more thoroughly"
Agreed, HOWEVER, while they are doing those tests and experiments. I should have the freedom to take the risk and use the product!
That would be my prerogative. Give me the information on the product, either it be positive, or negative. Than I as a INDIVIDUAL should have the right to decide FOR MYSELF.
Basically, even if it was PROVEN that there is a better alternative to marijuana, that is irrelevant. Let the damn patient decide, if they die from their own folly, at least it was THEIR choice that lead to their death.. and others could learn from the experience, and make a better informed desicion
{"commentId":9997056,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"theyetiopinion"}
{"commentId":6494459,"authorDomain":"sealifeliz"}
legalize it. / less people filling up jails
treat it like alcohol. / cant smoke at work - cant drive high - etc
tax it.
{"commentId":6494459,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"sealifeliz"}
- 24 votes
#4 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:47 AM EDT{"commentId":6499620,"authorDomain":"stephen-p-cardellino"}
Simple and to the point sealifeliz well done!
{"commentId":6499620,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"stephen-p-cardellino"}
- 8 votes
{"commentId":6504015,"authorDomain":"newslinesucks"}
Except that unlike alcohol you can get high and drive to work - and nobody would be able to prove it. That's why it's not legal.
{"commentId":6504015,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"newslinesucks"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6509532,"authorDomain":"mikidais"}
Touche!
{"commentId":6509532,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"mikidais"}
{"commentId":6513881,"authorDomain":"theotherguy1234"}
@Mike not true. Its extremely easy to tell if someone's high, just like if their drunk. Not to mention the quantity of THC in your blood is highest right after smoking.... then it windes down for the most part. A test to check for the overly high presence of THC in the blood would be very easy to do, similar to a breathalyzer. Most tests today are triggered by the small trace amounts that can linger for a month in your blood, those are too low to pick up without lab work.
Ethyl hydrate is more toxic, more lethal, more addictive, and cause's more problems then THC ever will, and its sold over the counter at every liquor store in the world. It's a depressant its over consumption can lead to organ damage, brain damage and possibly to death, yet is used by most of the modern world as a legal party-drug.
MJ has almost no side effects other then the relaxed state it induces. In fact when one is intoxicated with THC it is almost impossible to react violently due to the excess production of dopamine. When was the last time someone got home, smoked a joint, then beat their wife? The last time someone got into a fight while intoxicated with THC.
Now compare that to ethyl hydrate.... really.
{"commentId":6513881,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"theotherguy1234"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":6514537,"authorDomain":"salunn"}
OMG thank you. I have used that with the Albany Police Dept.
I asked how many alcohol related deaths and accidents are there every year?
Then how many Marijuana related accidents or deaths every year? Damn I pissed off one foot soldier, he got all bloated and red faced and yelled you arent listening to me, your doctors are lazy and dont want to help. Really when was the last time you went to medical school?
I moved out of that town less than a year later, dont piss off small town cops!!!!!!!!!
{"commentId":6514537,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"salunn"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":6494550,"authorDomain":"pinkpanther87413"}
I have Medicare that is useless to any and all doctors, no new patients taken in 10 years..so the VA does my body work, but cannot use a state program, and it IS legal in my state but only so legal no doctor not one or any including a neuro-surgon who TOLD me asprin is the hardet drug he will give out even if spinal damage is present. It's legal but if no Doctors no legality our Doctors in NW NM are gutless wounders.. who would watch a cancer patient die,, insted of giving comfort,, and have already been convicted of manslaughter-fact...
no Doctor no scripts no relief...
{"commentId":6494550,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"pinkpanther87413"}
- 2 votes
#5 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:52 AM EDT{"commentId":6514542,"authorDomain":"salunn"}
you have to go through the clinics!! The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation in Portland did my exam and certification.
{"commentId":6514542,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"salunn"}
{"commentId":6514547,"authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
google it, someone in your state will exam you and if they see an issue will Prescribe it... the clinics know the doctors who are pro-marijuana... I wonder if a CA. Prescription would work in other states? Aren't prescriptions federal?
{"commentId":6514547,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
{"commentId":6514554,"authorDomain":"salunn"}
The prescriptions are not universal for every state. You have to have a seperate card for each state. I tried to use my Oregon card in California.
I was told each state has their own hoops to jump through, not every illness is the same for every state, etc. I was unable to use it in Cali.
{"commentId":6514554,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"salunn"}
{"commentId":6514609,"authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
sorry to hear that... In Ca. you can check local newspapers and Doctors run ad's offering to examine you specifically for Marijuana need...
also LA WEEKLY has those ads too...
I think NORML will have listings of ProMarijuana Doctors...
{"commentId":6514609,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
{"commentId":6494760,"authorDomain":"wclark-bill"}
Alcohol is the biggest gateway drug. The people/organizations that are protesting pots legality are usually the ones that make money off of it's illegality. All that anti drug money from the govt. is what those anti-pot organizations are addicted to.
{"commentId":6494760,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"wclark-bill"}
- 14 votes
#6 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:01 AM EDT{"commentId":6514569,"authorDomain":"salunn"}
There is no such thing as a gateway drug.
Your friends are the gateway to the drugs, the ones who promote it, ask if you want some, oh just try some, its cool.
why would you just decide "I think I want to become a drug addict and I'll start with alcohol and marijuana, then I'll move to the hard stuff".
I never would have touched any of the @!$%# if it werent for my "friends"
My 22 year old daughter feels the same, she said her friends were the ones always wanting her to "have more fun" party a little harder this time, etc.
{"commentId":6514569,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"salunn"}
{"commentId":6514618,"authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
funny, I've always said if Marijuana was legal it wouldn't be a gateway drug... but right now once a guy sells some weed to a 15yr old, why not offer them some Heroine, LSD or X. Based on this reality , I tried anything not involving needles and since Baretta back in the day was always talking bout' the Smack, China White, the Dope I never tried Heroine even if was offered as a smoke...thanks to Robert Blake (the Fn murderer that he became) I had an inpenetrable defense verse Heroine.
{"commentId":6514618,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
{"commentId":6494819,"authorDomain":"flashpointe68"}
I have MS and if I was in England I would be using this to help ease my pain and spasms. I live in a state where it's legal to use, but illegal to grow, buy, or possess. What the heck good does it do me?
{"commentId":6494819,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"flashpointe68"}
- 4 votes
#7 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:04 AM EDT{"commentId":6495413,"authorDomain":"pinkpanther87413"}
If its a legal to use per your state then possesion should be null and void if your enrolled in state program. On the other hand,, where I live is the same as it sounds for you, legal to use but no doctors to enroll you in the program,ergo illegal to even possess as you stated.. as far as an answer I've busted my back again trying to get a doctor here,, beside the VA who wants me in the program but as Federal employee CAN'T..I hope your pain eases and your state gets it's --- together you would benifit like me.Peace and Power..
{"commentId":6495413,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"pinkpanther87413"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6495099,"authorDomain":"carasurdi"}
How can we contact the President if we are in support of this? I mean they are thinking of legalizing Sexting for teens, is that not also a "gateway" in to more riskier behavior. Marijuana could be taxed instead of taxing cigarettes, they already have a cell phone tax, are they going to include a sexting tax? Just think, the government bailout money could all be replenished by the sales of medicinal marijuana. I say vote yes to medical marijuana and say No to underage sexting. Anyway, back to why I wrote, who do we contact?
{"commentId":6495099,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"carasurdi"}
- 7 votes
#8 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:17 AM EDT{"commentId":6502517,"authorDomain":"walkonsatisfied"}
Obama can only do so much. Contact your state senators and representatives.
{"commentId":6502517,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"walkonsatisfied"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":10116797,"authorDomain":"isis-dawn"}
i have m.s. w/ optic neroitis.it's as if a little man was in my head pushing the back of my eyeball out and infront a searing sword,burning hot going through the front.i was on enough moriphine to 'litterly' kill a horse.just made the exaustion worse.i have smoked for 25+yrs.i always went back to or was smoking the weed before the pain pills even had a chance to get me off the floor.i have been very lucky with my doctor and our state.i litterly have come to know a lot on this legislation and if was not fighting to get dressed,i'd be at the capitol fighting for any laws that would benifit legalizing it for more dieases that are there., along with our health care.call the capitol of your state and have your voice heard.mine is hoarse from talking to my leaders,believe me,they will listen.all i want to do is "live"!!!
{"commentId":10116797,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"isis-dawn"}
{"commentId":6495894,"authorDomain":"rueschenberg"}
I have been working the field of substance abuse for the last 30+ years and it still amazes me of the ignorance and hysteria of doctors and the public about the federally approved drug Marinol that is THC based since 1985 for the treatment of Chemo/HIV patients. I believe this is due to it being government driven and not a pharmaceutical company which pushes all theother drugs available. I have done extensive reading of research on this topic since I have had adolescences in treatment and worked in the prevention field. The main concern with the issue with the use of Marijuana or Marinol in this case, is the same as having someones judgment impaired by alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, and yes, prescription medications in critical thinking process. I would not want a nurse, doctor, dentist, or anyone else who may have my life in their hands being negatively effected by being under the influence. Are we willing to pay for people being on disability because of their judgment being impaired? I think there needs to be some rational and non-emotional approach to this issue rather than placing people seeking better living through chemistry. As with any mood altering drug the potential for abuse is there like the misuse of benzodiazepines - Xanax, Klonopin, Antivan, etc., and pain medications - Hydrocondone, Vicodin, Oxycontin, etc.. I firmly believe in the strict need to test the effectiveness with Marinol before introducing a non-regulated drug that has different THC levels and who knows where it was processed at.
{"commentId":6495894,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"rueschenberg"}
#9 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:53 AM EDT{"commentId":6496058,"authorDomain":"RobinSteele"}
Known side effects of Marijuana: light headedness, uncontrollable hunger, short term memory loss.
Known side effects of drugs produced by major pharmaceutical companies. Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, irritability, blindness, skin rash, skin lesions, gangrene/amputation, kidney failure, liver failure, cancer, death. +++
Simple is better!
{"commentId":6496058,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"RobinSteele"}
- 20 votes
#10 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:59 AM EDT{"commentId":6502272,"authorDomain":"dem5000"}
Ha! Great point!
{"commentId":6502272,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"dem5000"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":6513912,"authorDomain":"theotherguy1234"}
Yeah but we make pills to counter the side effects of the first pills. So you just have to take the first pill for the problem, then the second pill to counter the effects of the first one. And sometimes the third pill to reduce the headache of the first two... but thats only once a day........... /sarcasm
Yes one joint is better then most of the pain killers in existance
{"commentId":6513912,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"theotherguy1234"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":6650871,"authorDomain":"wendysline"}
Yup, can't use pot to relax, get tired and go to bed. I suffer from insomnia so I was prescribed Ambien. I got up and did things that I wasn't aware of. There was evidence that I drove to Burger King because there were napkins on the seat of my car and a food bag in the backseat. I'd wake up and find I made toast with no memory of it. I made a call to the HR dept. of my job inquiring about health benefits and had no clue I had done so until I recieved an email with the "information I requested". Anyone really want to talk about memory loss and driving under the influence on a legal prescribed drug? That scared the crap out of me and I quit taking the stuff.
My mom was very ill and was on medication that made her nausous and had no appetite. She suffered a great deal. My brother would find her a little pot once in a while and it was horrible that she felt like a criminal breaking the law just to get some relief. This has to change.
{"commentId":6650871,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"wendysline"}
{"commentId":6668046,"authorDomain":"elock"}
My mom was very ill and was on medication that made her nausous and had no appetite. She suffered a great deal. My brother would find her a little pot once in a while and it was horrible that she felt like a criminal breaking the law just to get some relief. This has to change.
Ditto with my grandmother a decade back. She was suffering from cancer and couldn't eat due to the chemo treatments. My mother found some cannabis for her, but when my grandfather saw it he threw it out because "it's a drug."
If you're dying, WHO CARES what you're taking if it gives you some peace & comfort on your way out? Who knows, my grandma might have gotten a few more months or years if she had smoked & been able to eat. Instead, she spent the last months of her life on morphine, which made her unable to carry on normal conversations and caused hallucinations.
The stigma around marijuanna is more than annoying -- it's preventing a lot of people from getting the treatment & comfort they need.
{"commentId":6668046,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"elock"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":8880713,"authorDomain":"rtgft1"}
Known side effects of Marijuana: light headedness, uncontrollable hunger, short term memory loss.
Known side effects of drugs produced by major pharmaceutical companies. Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, irritability, blindness, skin rash, skin lesions, gangrene/amputation, kidney failure, liver failure, cancer, death. +++
Don't forget- Anal seepage.... Sorry. Trying to be funny... :-)
{"commentId":8880713,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"rtgft1"}
{"commentId":10116900,"authorDomain":"isis-dawn"}
AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!!
{"commentId":10116900,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"isis-dawn"}
{"commentId":6496085,"authorDomain":"valentinomichele"}
"Others say the economic downturn may also be responsible as more people without insurance are seeking alternatives to costly medications."
Big Pharma lobbyists are panicking as we speak over this issue. Big Pharma is the Number One biggest obstacle to the legalization of cannabis because they know it will take away their enormous power and hold they have over us.
When will we wake up and demand this completely natural, unadulterated plant from nature be legalized and demand that the hypocrisy that alcohol is okay but pot is not be stopped once and for all???
{"commentId":6496085,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"valentinomichele"}
- 13 votes
#11 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:00 PM EDT{"commentId":6502568,"authorDomain":"dem5000"}
Whenever I figure out who Big Pharma is supporting, I will vote the other way. I don't care who it is or what party they represent. I never thought about them when it comes to legalizing MJ but it makes sense. They'd rather ram oxy-contins down our throats and watch normal people become addicts and fight with it for the rest of their lives after they've lost everything. I've seen it happen! Many times!
{"commentId":6502568,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"dem5000"}
- 8 votes
{"commentId":6504058,"authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
Dman, should be smartman. I had surgery once, knock on wood, and they perscribed me meds for two months while i recovered. When i ran out it was HELL, and only after two months of using, and that's legal??????????????
{"commentId":6504058,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":6496316,"authorDomain":"megalithmusic"}
Re-legalize it. Tax it. Regulate it.
We'll all be better off for it.
{"commentId":6496316,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"megalithmusic"}
- 14 votes
#12 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:07 PM EDT{"commentId":6496323,"authorDomain":"samnett"}
I would just like to be able to get any medicine I want without a prescription.:)
{"commentId":6496323,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"samnett"}
- 2 votes
#13 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:07 PM EDT{"commentId":6496654,"authorDomain":"RGrant"}
Totally agree with that, as long as we're talking about antibiotics or non-addicting scripts.
{"commentId":6496654,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"RGrant"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":6496667,"authorDomain":"hplehmann"}
No, we cannot do that. I mean, how would we make enough profit as MD? And you could possibly get what is not good for you...we rather like to prescribe that too.
{"commentId":6496667,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"hplehmann"}
{"commentId":9997353,"authorDomain":"theyetiopinion"}
" as long as we're talking about antibiotics or non-addicting scripts
The idea of over the counter anti-biotics scares me more then legally obtained heroine!
Heroine, for the most part, only effects the person doing the drug..
In a world where anti-biotics are legally obtained over the counter, people may use them for any ailment, and we would end up with SUPER BUGS GALORE. Which effects us all..
{"commentId":9997353,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"theyetiopinion"}
{"commentId":6496616,"authorDomain":"RGrant"}
I think the whole idea that marijuana leads to harder drugs is just BS. The only reason that I can think of why it would is because it's illegal, and as such, another taboo. Americans in general like to be a little risky, and most of us have broken some law in our lifetimes. So the idea that marijuana would make things worse in this country, has no more merit than alcohol being legalized after prohibition. On another note, for all those people out there that think marijuana is so hard to acquire, I'll say this, when I was a teenager it was easier to get pot, than to get cigarettes or alcohol.
{"commentId":6496616,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"RGrant"}
- 12 votes
#14 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:19 PM EDT{"commentId":6496796,"authorDomain":"RGrant"}
I think the whole idea that marijuana leads to harder drugs is just BS. The only reason that I can think of why it would is because it's illegal, and as such, another taboo. Americans in general like to be a little risky, and most of us have broken some law in our lifetimes. So the idea that marijuana would make things worse in this country, has no more merit than alcohol being legalized after prohibition. On another note, for all those people out there that think marijuana is so hard to acquire, I'll say this, when I was a teenager it was easier to get pot, than to get cigarettes or alcohol.
{"commentId":6496796,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"RGrant"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6496927,"authorDomain":"darral-g"}
To say that marijuana is a gateway to drug abuse is disingenuous; beer is also a gateway to alcoholism, but not all beer drinkers abuse alcohol.
As citizens and voters, we need to grow spines, and stop electing legislators who walk in lock step to a drumbeat of zero tolerance for drug use. To say that a beer at the end of the day is OK, but a little puff of marijuana isn't, is ridiculous.
{"commentId":6496927,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"darral-g"}
- 11 votes
#15 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:30 PM EDT{"commentId":6502592,"authorDomain":"walkonsatisfied"}
I, for one, tried marijuana while drunk. So alcohol is the true gateway drug, if you want to label one. But that just goes back to personal responsibility. I've tried many drugs but none compare to weed (which is actually an herb, not a drug). Give me one choice and I choose cannabis every time.
{"commentId":6502592,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"walkonsatisfied"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":6650910,"authorDomain":"wendysline"}
Alcohol is the gateway drug. I'll bet anyone would be hard pressed to find someone who used pot without first drinking alcohol. I used to get stoned in high school and into my early 20's. Don't smoke it anymore and probably won't even if it was legal unless I had a medical reason. I also used to use it for excruciating headaches. When I didn't feel like getting stoned anymore, I just quit...no problem. Alcohol was another thing altogether. I've battled that one and abused that more than pot. Anyone who says pot is physically addicting is full of crap. I am an addictive person and if pot was so addicting I wouldn't have been able to simple stop and not give it much thought.
{"commentId":6650910,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"wendysline"}
{"commentId":6497105,"authorDomain":"kipens"}
It is good to have a drug addict in the white house. The drug companies are getting out of control, charging $10.00 plus per pill and giving information on the pill that says the cure is worse then the desease. Who knows who is right with all the false information out there, like no new taxes, and cleaners will remove stains easily, etc. Cocaine and all the other untaxed drugs may be better and safer after all. Collect the taxes from the illegal drug users. It is automobiles that kill, not drugs and peanut butter.
{"commentId":6497105,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"kipens"}
- 1 vote
#16 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:36 PM EDT{"commentId":6502617,"authorDomain":"walkonsatisfied"}
Marijuana is not your enemy. That would be the people that try to impose their moral judgment on you.
{"commentId":6502617,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"walkonsatisfied"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":6507646,"authorDomain":"valentinomichele"}
Anthony: I'm confused as to your "It's good to have a drug addict in the white house" statement. Who is the drug addict in the white house? Actually, the "drug addict" left the white house on 1/20/09. The former POTUS was a recovering alcoholic.
{"commentId":6507646,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"valentinomichele"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":6514641,"authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
I love the fact that even most Republicans, Libertarians, Ron Paul-ians, and Democrats can agree on one thing... Legalizing Marijuana should be done...
{"commentId":6514641,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":6497191,"authorDomain":"thidalgo84"}
it's only illegal cause they can't tax it, and it sure as hell doesnt make you wanna shoot yourself or your friends like they say in the commercials. Pot smokers usually just stay home, eat chips, and in my case watch Discovery channel... Oh my God LET'S BAN IT.. give me a break
{"commentId":6497191,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"thidalgo84"}
- 9 votes
#17 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:39 PM EDT{"commentId":6497309,"authorDomain":"groche"}
so the real drug pushers in america are afraid of losing their license to prescribe medications like opiate pain killers. you mean doctors won't be able to prescribe the non addicting and totally safe drugs like morphine and Oxycontin? i don't smoke but i do check out "facts" about marijuana and hemp. (i like thinking for myself) and its a renewable resource for many things. i find it interesting that states are more willing to adapt medical marijuana since they can tax it. also why does a person have to be registered to use it. does a person have to be registered for any pharmaceutical? i don't know just wondering.
{"commentId":6497309,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"groche"}
- 7 votes
#18 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:43 PM EDT{"commentId":6514650,"authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
yeah Ive never heard of being registered to get any other prescription...!!!???
good choice...
{"commentId":6514650,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"kpswfg"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6497441,"authorDomain":"bodo1152"}
If pot was legalized, it's estimated that the potential tax revenues to the U.S. Treasury would amount to $10 to $20 Billion dollars per year. It's obvious why the drug cartels want to keep it "illegal"... PROFITS!!!
{"commentId":6497441,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"bodo1152"}
- 9 votes
#19 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:48 PM EDT{"commentId":6497753,"authorDomain":null}
How long will the ignorant rule our country? There was a war fought for, "States Rights." The Feds are wanting and getting more and more control.
{"commentId":6497753,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653"}
- 3 votes
#20 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:58 PM EDT{"commentId":6497819,"authorDomain":"benetegiii"}
Honestly, a show of hands... This is a surprise to whom?
{"commentId":6497819,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"benetegiii"}
- 3 votes
#21 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 1:01 PM EDT{"commentId":6497830,"authorDomain":"groche"}
can any one from states that allow medical marijuana answer my question please; how have the neighborhoods been like since the usage of medical marijuana crime wise? up,down or the same. thank you
{"commentId":6497830,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"groche"}
#22 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 1:01 PM EDT{"commentId":6500418,"authorDomain":"daven-1"}
Bakeries are in jeopardy!! Just kidding. :)
{"commentId":6500418,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"daven-1"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":6500981,"authorDomain":"shagymojo"}
I live right outside of Seattle... the only change in crime statistics that I have noticed since we legalized medicinal marijuana a few years back is lower drug offenses (but think that would be kind of obvious). In Seattle, every August, we have a festival called Hempfest. This has been going on for over 15 years. It is the most requested voluntary work time from the Seattle Police Force.... the reason why, you ask? Because there is never any problems... you have thousands of people gathered... no fights... no violence... nothing. Can't say that for quite a few other festivals we have each year where alcohol is involved.
I also have to say, I am very pleasantly surprised with most of the comments on here. It's great to know there are so many that feel this is an important issue that needs to be addressed... also very refreshing to see so many that know the history of the hemp plant.
{"commentId":6500981,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"shagymojo"}
- 9 votes
{"commentId":6505919,"authorDomain":"groche"}
thanks for your replies. before i get hammered by some idiot. i asked this question(SJ i knew the answer) to stop the argument of the crime wave that is supposed to follow. i figure it would be nice to hear from a person with first hand knowledge.
{"commentId":6505919,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"groche"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":6509317,"authorDomain":"crowder451"}
The only violence I ever saw at any gathering where pot was the point of the gathering, was by the police, beating and sometimes arresting the heads.
{"commentId":6509317,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"crowder451"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6498207,"authorDomain":"jesse-damsgard"}
This subject has been talked for the last 30 years.There are government reports that where conducted in the early 70's.The conclusions where that MJ is not addictive,it does not lead to stronger drugs(gateway),people don't go skitzo from smoking weed,in country's where its legal to puff they have little or no crime associated with weed.Our government has tried to suppress the reports they asked for,comparing it to Coke and Harry.I do see this as a way to allow people to use what experts have called not that harmful.And the taxes it would collect would make alot of the nay sayers take notice.Control it,tax it,empty our Prisons of nickel baggers.
{"commentId":6498207,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"jesse-damsgard"}
- 4 votes
#23 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 1:14 PM EDT{"commentId":6498584,"authorDomain":"groche"}
watch history channel. they do a series about drugs.(off subject: history did episode about cocaine and during the 80's doctors said cocaine was perfectly safe) hmm
{"commentId":6498584,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"groche"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6502679,"authorDomain":"walkonsatisfied"}
The series is great info but it's unfortunate that they group marijuana and methamphetamines in the same show.
{"commentId":6502679,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"walkonsatisfied"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":6503053,"authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
gmon, cocaine is a chemical, nothing natural about it. You my friend are blind, blind to the fact that mary jane is natural. I am a strong believer along with millions of other folks that "Au Naturel" is the way life was intended. For example: McDonald's or Fresh Fruit and Veggies, Plastic or Paper? Why do you think we are all striving to go green? Not to just save the PLANET but also because natural products do not cause all the problems (MEDICAL OR OTHERWISE) people have developed over the years using them. McDonald's does more harm to our bodies than mary jane does! Don't forget about perscription meds "chemicals" doctors perscribe, along with alcohol, which is proven to cause addiction, along with so many other horrible side effects. So until you have all the facts GMON, then please do speak your peace.
BE WISE LEGALIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
{"commentId":6503053,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":6504718,"authorDomain":"groche"}
cat you a stupid idiot did you look at the post #16. no because of people like you i get so frustrated. you are clueless you attack me. the reason i wrote about what was said about cocaine is that these brainy doctors said it was a "safe" drug. i was being a smart butt. because doctors say how dangerous pot is. you are the reason why pot is still illegal. when you speak people say"see it does fry peoples brain" pull your mouth away from that bong and let your brain get oxygen. you make me sick wanna be hippie. i was raised by real hippies you twit! hell i have been recycling products and using bio products long before it was fashionable.hell you probably buy organic foods and go to lowes so you can spray weed killer because the dandelions are ugly. i have more facts about pot then you will ever learn. cocaine is not a chemical.(lsd is a chemical) it take chemicals to convert it into a drug.(like heroine.) do the proponents a favor and to help the advocates please stay home. you do more harm than good.
{"commentId":6504718,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"groche"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":6516949,"authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
gmon I appoligize, but whoa nelly on the name calling. Sounds like you need to smoke a joint to help you calm down! And for your information I do not use any products containing chemicals. P.S. I also don't think dandelions are ugly, but the way you are speaking IS!
{"commentId":6516949,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":6631553,"authorDomain":"jefftsbs-1"}
Love dandelions, plant them in my lawn, dandelion wine and mary jane, what a grand world. Got that from my grandmom, 30 yrs ago.
{"commentId":6631553,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"jefftsbs-1"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6635295,"authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
Hey jeff-414381, nice to see you here too and thanks for having my back! gmon was way out of line! And if he really was raised by REAL hippies do you think he would really be that verbally abusive? REAL hippies don't act like that!
{"commentId":6635295,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6498297,"authorDomain":"Justplainoldtired"}
My friend is ill and the docs can't find a cause. She lost 20 lbs in two weeks and is rail thin. Marijuana is the only thing that gives her an appetite, otherwise she won't eat because the sight and smell of food makes her sick.
{"commentId":6498297,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"Justplainoldtired"}
- 3 votes
#24 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 1:17 PM EDT{"commentId":6503138,"authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
Tired of it all-348151,, I pray for your friend to get better. Thank the land we live on for growing mary jane to help her :o)
{"commentId":6503138,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6510392,"authorDomain":"jasonpam"}
I'll say a prayer for her, also. A friends love is very good medicine. I know because my friends saved my life in much the same fashion, except I knew what was "eating" me.
I was a firefighter for 8 years and was struck down with cancer. I didn't smoke weed because, well...I was a New York State employee..Vodka was my drug in those days, but I had plenty of friends who smoked, and it didn't bother me if they did. They were a much calmer, intellectual crowd than my rowdy drinking buddies...LOL
After 2 years, 3 surgerys and a whole other litany of treatments, including chemo and radiation, at 87 pounds, I decided to give up and let nature take it's course....my Doctor's had told me that I was rapidly approaching the point of no return if I couldn't keep food down. My friends found that unacceptable.
These same friends, who had taken me back and forth to treatment, and who had watched me vomit until I broke bloodvessels in my eyes, convinced me to start smoking. When I returned for my next visit, I had no nausea, and had gained 3 pounds...and I was emotionally better equiped to handle my ordeal. That was almost 15 years ago.
It was those loving friends, and marijuana, that saved my life.....
What you are doing to help your friend...offering her love and support, not to mention risking criminal charges to keep her going....cannot be measured. Bless you both....
{"commentId":6510392,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"jasonpam"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":6525077,"authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
Pam Montgomery, your story is so touching, i cried. I don't know you but I am very happy to hear that you recovered from such a horrible disease. Also the fact that you have such supportive friends, well that just put the icing on the cake. May your days be filled with love and happiness. May God bless you and your friends too :o)
{"commentId":6525077,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"cathyrfeliciano"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6589101,"authorDomain":"jasonpam"}
Thank you so much for your kind words.......I'm glad I was given the extra time to really appreciate the beauty of my fellow human beings, like you, and so many of the others I have come to know through these posts. God bless you, too.
{"commentId":6589101,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"jasonpam"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":6498732,"authorDomain":"prodofsoc"}
Agreed. But unfortunately politicians don't want to see the facts. They prefer to hold fast to what their parents told them nearly half a century ago. This is one subject matter that I hope our Liberal brethren are able to tackle, and so far they've done a decent job. At least it's in the spot light now for further studies to be performed.
If only we could up root the old school conservatives from some key states and I belive a vast majority if not the rest of the union would follow suit and legalize marijuana for medical use and severly decriminalize this PLANT.
{"commentId":6498732,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"prodofsoc"}
- 2 votes
#25 - Wed Apr 15, 2009 1:32 PM EDT{"commentId":6498815,"authorDomain":"ab390c"}
If you live in California and you are in favor of legalizing marijuana, please contact your representatives to ask them to support California Assembly Bill 390. For more information, please visit:
yes390.org
{"commentId":6498815,"threadId":"554556","contentId":"2686653","authorDomain":"ab390c"}
- 5 votes
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