Medical marijuana

[eyeball]

The most dangerous thing about drugs is money and money's sidekick, power.

[GostHacked]

Pot can mellow you out and reduce pain/anxiety etc., but it can also make you more paranoid, and it destroys your ability to function or think properly while high. I mean, you're stoned!! You can't work most jobs properly while stoned, but you can work most jobs properly while on Benzodiazepines and SSRI's and most other anxiety meds.

Some of my best work comes when I am stoned.

What drug for the treatment of mental illness is NOT mind altering???

To say that you shouldn't treat mental illness with a mind altering substance is a bizarre argument.

And many of the prescription drugs are way more dangerous to a developing mind. If people agree that kids should not smoke pot, because it is mind altering, then parents should be pushing back on things like Ritalin and other mind altering drugs. Especially during the most critical time in a child's life where brain development is a work in progress. In the majority of cases now it seems that kids under 10 are diagnosed with ADHD and other similar 'ailments'.

[bleeding heart]

The most dangerous thing about drugs is money and money's sidekick, power.

Some people might see that as empty platitude...but I suspect you're right.

[Wilber]

Uh, why is someone on medication for PTSD walking around with a loaded firearm?

[Guest Derek L]

Uh, why is someone on medication for PTSD walking around with a loaded firearm?

He's not, nor is he driving a buffalo cab....

[eyeball]

So does medicinal pot come with the recommendation to not operate heavy equipment or sign legal documents etc that other medications sometimes do?

I know a guy who has a permit to use 7 grams a day and it says he can have up to a pound in his possession. Imagine operating an excavator with a travel mug full of Neo-citran in the mug holder and an industrial size carafe on the roof of the cab.

What about fighter pilots who use meth on duty, do they just park their jets and drive home stoned? How's that work anyway?

[Wilber]

He's not, nor is he driving a buffalo cab....

Should have read the whole link.

However, by smoking in public in his dress uniform, he was obviously trying to draw a reaction. He got one.

[Guest Derek L]

Should have read the whole link.

However, by smoking in public in his dress uniform, he was obviously trying to draw a reaction. He got one.

I agree......And with that, if they legalized pot, I wouldn't be too fussed if some members of the police choose to use it, but like booze, not in their uniform, in public.

[ReeferMadness]

As I read through the responses on this thread, it reminds me of just how low the level of discourse is around pot in general and medical marijuana in particular. No wonder our government can take such a neanderthal view on the topic and get away with it. Obviously, lots of the public do.

[Rocky Road]

The only thing "neanderthal" is the view that drugs are safe. Cannabis especially has this deceiving way of getting used but the reality is that it is harmful.

[GostHacked]

So does medicinal pot come with the recommendation to not operate heavy equipment or sign legal documents etc that other medications sometimes do?

I know a guy who has a permit to use 7 grams a day and it says he can have up to a pound in his possession. Imagine operating an excavator with a travel mug full of Neo-citran in the mug holder and an industrial size carafe on the roof of the cab.

What about fighter pilots who use meth on duty, do they just park their jets and drive home stoned? How's that work anyway?

The military used to give their pilots hard stimulants.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dextroamphetamine

Military usage

The U.S. Air Force uses dexamfetamine as one of its "go pills", given to pilots on long missions to help them remain focused and alert. Conversely, "no-go pills" are used after the mission is completed, to combat the affects of the mission and "go-pills".[69][70][71][72] The Tarnak Farm incident was linked by media reports to the use of this drug on long term fatigued pilots. The military did not accept this explanation, citing the lack of similar incidents. Newer stimulant medications or awakeness promoting agents with different side effect profiles, such as modafinil, are being investigated and sometimes issued for this reason.[70]

This drug is used to help fight ADHD symptoms. If your pilot is ADHD to begin with, how did he ever get into the cockpit to begin with?

Edited December 2, 2013 by GostHacked

[GostHacked]

The only thing "neanderthal" is the view that drugs are safe. Cannabis especially has this deceiving way of getting used but the reality is that it is harmful.

How is it harmful?

[Smallc]

The only thing "neanderthal" is the view that drugs are safe. Cannabis especially has this deceiving way of getting used but the reality is that it is harmful.

So are a lot of things. I do none of them...except for food. If people are going to do these things though (and they are) I'd rather they be legal and taxes so I can get something from it.

[segnosaur]

There seem to be 2 issues here...

The first one seems to be on the general use of pot... personally, I have no problem if its use were to be legalized/decriminalized. (Of course, I also think that most pro-pot people are an embarrassment, with wildly exaggerated claims that make pot seem like it was a gift from the gods.)

The second issue is one that's a bit more complex... whether employers have the ability to set rules of conduct for employees that are more restrictive than simply what's "legal". Many employers can and do have reasonable limits on what a person can do when representing the company... an employee who (for example) doesn't follow a dress code (a salesman who wears shorts and a Tshirt when meeting clients, a McDonald's employee who wears jeans, or a stripper who wears a burka) might find themselves unemployed, even if none of those clothing choices is illegal.

The officer that was fired may have had a valid prescription. It may have even been the "best" medicine that was available for his condition. However, as an officer he would be representing Canada. Officers should (in general) be respected, but smoking pot while wearing the uniform is questionable conduct, since those who might have seen him using (or smelled it on his clothes after) would not know if he were smoking something prescribed, or whether he were engaging in otherwise illegal behavior. It would be as if he had been involved in a traffic stop, but had the smell of alcohol on his breath.

[Bonam]

This drug is used to help fight ADHD symptoms. If your pilot is ADHD to begin with, how did he ever get into the cockpit to begin with?

Presumably the drug increases ability to concentrate, maintain attention, etc. For someone with ADHD, it brings them closer to what is considered normal. For someone without ADHD, it is quite plausible that it enhances these attributes above their normal levels.

[segnosaur]

The military used to give their pilots hard stimulants.

Brings all new meaning to the phrase: Winning the war... on drugs!

Actually, if I remember, a few years ago some Canadian soldiers died in Afghanistan from a friendly fire incident when an American plane bombed their position. While some of the blame was due to poor communications, the pilots themselves blamed stimulants they were taking.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarnak_Farm_incident

Some of my best work comes when I am stoned.

That reminds me of an episode of Family Guy... Peter and Lois (the main characters if you're not familiar with the show) were trying to become a singing duo. They would get stoned before performing, and went out there and put on a great performance.

Only problem is, when someone showed a recording of their performance, it was horrible... they only thought they were doing good work, because, well, they were stoned at the time.

How is it harmful?

Well, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

- Its long term effects haven't really been studied, but it may have an effect on memory when used habitually

- There are studies that show it does impair driving ability. (For example: http://epirev.oxfordjournals.org/content/34/1/65)

Now, I'm sure some pro-pot people will jump in and say "but alcohol is worse!" Well, that might be... but that doesn't mean pot use is SAFE, even if its safER.

Now, that doesn't mean that I'm against legalization. I do think people should have the ability to mess up their lives as they so choose. Just don't go around assuming that pot is a completely harmless gift from the gods.

[Army Guy]

There seem to be 2 issues here...

The first one seems to be on the general use of pot... personally, I have no problem if its use were to be legalized/decriminalized. (Of course, I also think that most pro-pot people are an embarrassment, with wildly exaggerated claims that make pot seem like it was a gift from the gods.)

The second issue is one that's a bit more complex... whether employers have the ability to set rules of conduct for employees that are more restrictive than simply what's "legal". Many employers can and do have reasonable limits on what a person can do when representing the company... an employee who (for example) doesn't follow a dress code (a salesman who wears shorts and a Tshirt when meeting clients, a McDonald's employee who wears jeans, or a stripper who wears a burka) might find themselves unemployed, even if none of those clothing choices is illegal.

The officer that was fired may have had a valid prescription. It may have even been the "best" medicine that was available for his condition. However, as an officer he would be representing Canada. Officers should (in general) be respected, but smoking pot while wearing the uniform is questionable conduct, since those who might have seen him using (or smelled it on his clothes after) would not know if he were smoking something prescribed, or whether he were engaging in otherwise illegal behavior. It would be as if he had been involved in a traffic stop, but had the smell of alcohol on his breath.

RCMP, And our military follow the same Government policies,they have a 0 tolerence for illigal drugs,which includes pot, policies have not been changed even with the new medical pot coming on the scene. I have not heard of med pot being issued to any soldiers with PTSD, normally it's the hard core stuff that turns members into zombies,and i don't forsee DND giving pot away to any of it's soldiers..

Our military has a 0 Tolerence for any medication not prescibed by a military doctor. That includes over the counter, is it enforced not really, but that policy is there.

[jacee]

http://www.therakyatpost.com/features/2014/05/26/canada-vending-machines-pop-marijuana/

Under the new regulatory regime, as of April 1, some 30,000 home-based growing operations and distributors across Canada are to be replaced by fewer but larger commercial operations.

Many of the smaller growers and distributors, particularly in westernmost British Columbia province, however, refused to step aside.

The drug is illegal outside of the new regime, Vancouver police said in March, but its not one of the forces top priorities, which are instead focused on violent and predatory drug traffickers, gangs and hard drugs, including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.

"Medical marijuana dispensaries operating today in Vancouver do not meet these criteria, the police warning said.

It appears that some experienced small business growers are not willing to go along with Harper's massive corporate takeover of medical marijuana.

Support local growers!

[GostHacked]

That reminds me of an episode of Family Guy... Peter and Lois (the main characters if you're not familiar with the show) were trying to become a singing duo. They would get stoned before performing, and went out there and put on a great performance.

To tell you the truth, a good deal of my music is the result of lots of smoking! And I can tell you my DJ mixes are smooth, stoned or not. ... I don't sing.

- Its long term effects haven't really been studied, but it may have an effect on memory when used habitually.

Sodium Fluoride is also known to cause memory issues long term. And that is thrown in our drinking water. It's not the good fluoride either.

Now, I'm sure some pro-pot people will jump in and say "but alcohol is worse!" Well, that might be... but that doesn't mean pot use is SAFE, even if its safER.

Driving intoxicated is quite freakin stupid regardless. It does not matter if pot or booze, meth, coke or other. It's just simply really stupid. Driving while really tired is also just as dangerous as being drunk. But not only is it illegal, but causing others harm on the road is .. really stupid, and can cost more than just money.

Now, that doesn't mean that I'm against legalization. I do think people should have the ability to mess up their lives as they so choose. Just don't go around assuming that pot is a completely harmless gift from the gods.

It is not harmless. That is coming from a heavy pot smoker. However there are different ways to ingest or inhale that drastically reduces the harm. Mainly in the form of tar if you smoke it through unfiltered joints. Vaporizers only target the THC, seriously reducing the amount of tar one would take in. It can also be concentrated in pill form, or a butter or paste.

There are also different chemicals in pot that have been beneficial without the feeling of being 'stoned'. CBD comes to mind with a girl that was having seizures very frequently. A concentrated pill dose from a pot plant bred for the high CBD content and very low on the THC content. This girl was featured on a show Sanjay Gupta did about weed that seemed to have changed his mind on pot. Her seizures stopped right away. And I am sure the parents don't mind a slightly stoned kid compared to one having multiple seizures on the floor daily. There are a lot of beneficial chemicals in pot that the human body can benefit from if used correctly.

My only recent beef with Gupta and his now changed stance on weed is his support for the medical pot and how government grown patented gmo weed should be grown and sold. So heavy regulation and patent rights. Not very beneficial for anyone.

It's been great for cancer patients. It increases their appetite so they can recover easier from stuff like chemotherapy. It can also work as a sleep aide (the one benefit I like the most) and can act as a very effective pain reliever.

It is not without issues as other substances are to a growing mind. No matter if teens are abusing alcohol or other substances, their brains are not fully developed yet and booze and drugs can seriously harm a growing brain.

I would simply love the ability to grow a few plants for myself. The amount of crime that would be reduced because of it would take a huge burden off society's back. Less need for regulations, less need for control, less need for police action, less need for prisons and courts.

I am a big supporter of it and I like what it does for me. It's not for everyone, and I have friends that won't touch it at all because of the way it makes them feel.

It is quite amazing how a simple plant that people have been using for centuries became illegal in the last century. Mainly as a push back against industrial hemp. A cheap, easily grown and has an extensive list of uses.

One of the things that may have ruined pot the most was that awesome 'Reefer Madness' black and white movie. I've never seen pot heads to any of that stuff in that movie. Crack heads and meth addicts, sure ... but not pot heads.

[GostHacked]

RCMP, And our military follow the same Government policies,they have a 0 tolerence for illigal drugs,which includes pot, policies have not been changed even with the new medical pot coming on the scene.

Imagine if military leaders on two sides are about to enter a war, all smoked a joint instead. It could cure war, and the only argument would be where do go to eat.

[jacee]

There seem to be 2 issues here...

The first one seems to be on the general use of pot... personally, I have no problem if its use were to be legalized/decriminalized. (Of course, I also think that most pro-pot people are an embarrassment, with wildly exaggerated claims that make pot seem like it was a gift from the gods.)

The second issue is one that's a bit more complex... whether employers have the ability to set rules of conduct for employees that are more restrictive than simply what's "legal". Many employers can and do have reasonable limits on what a person can do when representing the company... an employee who (for example) doesn't follow a dress code (a salesman who wears shorts and a Tshirt when meeting clients, a McDonald's employee who wears jeans, or a stripper who wears a burka) might find themselves unemployed, even if none of those clothing choices is illegal.

The officer that was fired may have had a valid prescription. It may have even been the "best" medicine that was available for his condition. However, as an officer he would be representing Canada. Officers should (in general) be respected, but smoking pot while wearing the uniform is questionable conduct, since those who might have seen him using (or smelled it on his clothes after) would not know if he were smoking something prescribed, or whether he were engaging in otherwise illegal behavior.

Many people prefer marijuana for PTSD and chronic pain as a milder, non-addictive form of anxiety and pain relief. There are many people working under the influence of much stronger medications for the same conditions.

It would be as if he had been involved in a traffic stop, but had the smell of alcohol on his breath.

Driving is a different issue. There are many medications, even non-prescription, that warn against driving or operating equipment.

[jacee]

Well Harper just can't make up his mind. He made a law that only approved companies could produce medical marijuana - Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations, MMPR approval.

All former growers under the Medical Marijuana Access Regulations MMAR were to be out of business Apr 1 2014, but they got an injunction pending appeal so they are still operating.

Good thing ... because the new commercial producers are putting millions into preparing huge grow facilities, but are still unable to get the appropriate MMPR approval from Health Canada.

The organisers: A collection of MMPR applicants looking to gather, compare notes, and help each other progress as business operators.

The conversation: Almost entirely based around Health Canadas seeming inability (or lack of desire) to process MMPR applications and what, if anything, can be done about it.

We had the second MMPR application [of 1300] in to Health Canada, said one hopeful. Weve been waiting for our security clearance since, he added.

May 2014 over here, said another. Paying rent, paying hydro, already lost our staff. Landlord is impatient, weve invested a ton of money and we cant get a word out of Health Canada about what we can do to move things along, or if things will ever move.

Read more at http://www.stockhouse.com/news/newswire/2015/02/11/medical-marijuana-update-the-growing-threat-an-mmpr-class-action-lawsuit#5kjHr6sEQmf5CdDW.99

Edited February 14, 2015 by jacee

[jacee]

Marijuana is such a mild medication with few side effects compared to other psychotropic drugs used for seizure disorders, PTSD, arthritis, etc. Finally in North America it is becoming possible to access it medically without the stigma of illegality.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/16/us/georgia-medical-marijuana-bill-signing-haleigh-cox/

For Cox, it's a blessing "to be able to come back home, and with Haleigh's medicine, it's done wonders for her -- going from 200-plus seizures a day and on her deathbed to a smiling, happy girl who says words now and looks us in the eye and lets us know she's in there."

http://infotel.ca/newsitem/kamloops-doctor-sets-the-bar-high-for-cannabis-studies-in-canada/it17871

You read the stories about people with PTSD and all the different medications they get tried on. Its quite disturbing after a while the side effects they go through, and the difficulty they have with medications, he says.

Mitchell notes there has been a large historical trend of veterans using cannabis to curb symptoms of the disorder, such as poor sleep, nightmares and flashbacks, but says the effects have never been formally studied.

Other conditions:

diseases-where-medical-marijuana-could-have-impact/

Edited April 16, 2015 by jacee

[Big Guy]

I believe that marijuana got a bad reputation early on and it has taken a long time to rehabilitate it as a positive option to pain management. I am one of those who uses THC as part of a pain management program. I ingest it as an additive to food.

Marijuana smoking is one vehicle of delivery of that drug. Many patients cannot or will not inhale the other negative products.

It is unfortunate that the cost of THC in that form is still very expensive and not covered by many insurance plans so it can only be appreciated by those who can afford it.

I hope that we continue to make it more widely available. It does have far fewer negative side effects than other pain management medications.

[GostHacked]

I believe that marijuana got a bad reputation early on and it has taken a long time to rehabilitate it as a positive option to pain management. I am one of those who uses THC as part of a pain management program. I ingest it as an additive to food.

Marijuana smoking is one vehicle of delivery of that drug. Many patients cannot or will not inhale the other negative products.

It is unfortunate that the cost of THC in that form is still very expensive and not covered by many insurance plans so it can only be appreciated by those who can afford it.

I hope that we continue to make it more widely available. It does have far fewer negative side effects than other pain management medications.

Reefer Madness was the social conditioning tool (aka propaganda) to steer the public away from it. The major reason I believe is the textiles industries. Rather the new ones using man made synthetics for clothing and other items we use daily. Hemp and marijuana are in the same family of plants. Hemp was quickly banned too.