Putting Marijuana on the Table
For years, our officials have acted as if this county’s marijuana economy were a shameful secret. Recently, more people in our local government (Mendocino’s as well as Humboldt’s) are talking about cannabis more positively.
Thank God, I’m feeling hopeful we’re going to figure out a way to adapt to the changes that are already happening.
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Under the headline “Marijuana Legalization Will Harm Public Health,” the L.A. Times quotes a Stanford professor saying it is likely to lead to an alliance between tobacco companies and marijuana producers “lobbying against every anti-smoking restriction and expansion of public health and every taxation initiative.” Further, he fears that, as in European countries where pot is legal, tobacco and marijuana will be smoked together, which he says is “both more addictive and more cancer-producing than either of those separately.” He goes on to acknowledge the medical benefits of marijuana but then says “Cocaine has medical uses,” but that doesn’t mean it “should be available at 7-Eleven.”
But does that mean it should continue to be classifies as a Class One narcotic with no medical benefit? And wouldn’t a more appropriate headline have read, “With Marijuana Legalization, Some People May Promote Harmful Uses To Maximize Their Own Profits”? Makes me wonder why so many people remain so firmly committed to throwing the baby out with the bathwater when it comes to marijuana.
Well said! Marijuana advocates need to do a better job on getting out information about health benefits. Yes, people misuse cannabis. People misuse alcohol. People misuse chocolate. The misuse of something is not the standard by which it should be judged.
Under the headline “Marijuana Legalization Will Harm Public Health,” the L.A. Times quotes a Stanford professor saying it is likely to lead to an alliance between tobacco companies and marijuana producers “lobbying against every anti-smoking restriction and expansion of public health and every taxation initiative.” Further, he fears that, as in European countries where pot is legal, tobacco and marijuana will be smoked together, which he says is “both more addictive and more cancer-producing than either of those separately.” He goes on to acknowledge the medical benefits of marijuana but then says “Cocaine has medical uses,” but that doesn’t mean it “should be available at 7-Eleven.”
But does that mean it should continue to be classifies as a Class One narcotic with no medical benefit? And wouldn’t a more appropriate headline have read, “With Marijuana Legalization, Some People May Promote Harmful Uses To Maximize Their Own Profits”? Makes me wonder why so many people remain so firmly committed to throwing the baby out with the bathwater when it comes to marijuana.
Well said! Marijuana advocates need to do a better job on getting out information about health benefits. Yes, people misuse cannabis. People misuse alcohol. People misuse chocolate. The misuse of something is not the standard by which it should be judged.
There’s a lot of “sheepal” in the world who go no further than the current administrations rhetoric/propaganda when it comes to dealing with marijuana. It puts them in a safe and stupid zone that makes them dangerous when it comes time to vote.
Racism originally got pot put on the S*** list.
Corporations protecting their turf in Pharma Land are the biggest problem facing marijuana legalization today. After all, they have the most to lose when you look at marijuana’s medical applications that we’re aware of. I suspect more medicinal uses will be discovered as research continues in independent labs not influenced by lobbyists.
You’re right about marijuana supporters getting the word out about the health benefits, Kym. I think that might be the key to getting Prop 19 passed.
There are some pretty good studies out there showing some benefits to marijuana. I’m looking forward to the tipping of the medical establishment towards cannabis. Already the 2nd biggest physician’s organization supports medical cannabis. Hopefully, soon the largest will.
There’s a lot of “sheepal” in the world who go no further than the current administrations rhetoric/propaganda when it comes to dealing with marijuana. It puts them in a safe and stupid zone that makes them dangerous when it comes time to vote.
Racism originally got pot put on the S*** list.
Corporations protecting their turf in Pharma Land are the biggest problem facing marijuana legalization today. After all, they have the most to lose when you look at marijuana’s medical applications that we’re aware of. I suspect more medicinal uses will be discovered as research continues in independent labs not influenced by lobbyists.
You’re right about marijuana supporters getting the word out about the health benefits, Kym. I think that might be the key to getting Prop 19 passed.
There are some pretty good studies out there showing some benefits to marijuana. I’m looking forward to the tipping of the medical establishment towards cannabis. Already the 2nd biggest physician’s organization supports medical cannabis. Hopefully, soon the largest will.
Good points, all. I might add that people abuse prescription drugs all of the time. Heck, people DIE from abusing prescription drugs – lots of people every year – while the “abuse” of cannabis has never resulted in even a single death. Do some people use the medicinal use laws of California as a dodge to use cannabis for pleasure? Sure. But that still leaves a whole bunch of sick people who run the risk of arrest and incarceration just for trying to medicate and cope with their ailments. Which is both ridiculous and sad. Also scary. I’m with you, Kym, in hoping that our local communities will become more accepting of those who work towards trying to bring folks their medication, even if a percentage of that medication is used for fun sometimes.
Good points, all. I might add that people abuse prescription drugs all of the time. Heck, people DIE from abusing prescription drugs – lots of people every year – while the “abuse” of cannabis has never resulted in even a single death. Do some people use the medicinal use laws of California as a dodge to use cannabis for pleasure? Sure. But that still leaves a whole bunch of sick people who run the risk of arrest and incarceration just for trying to medicate and cope with their ailments. Which is both ridiculous and sad. Also scary. I’m with you, Kym, in hoping that our local communities will become more accepting of those who work towards trying to bring folks their medication, even if a percentage of that medication is used for fun sometimes.
How sad that using something for fun is seen as bad. I don’t smoke ( heck I don’t much drink ) but I don’t see that denying other people pleasure is acceptable.
Finace:
Its the same as banning gay marriage in a way. It should be a personal choice, just like drinking or smoking or only wearing black clothes, dying your hair, getting a tattoo or whatever. Trying to regulate and ban lifestyle choices is not only silly its unconstitutional. Who am I or anyone else to try and tell someone else how to live and why does any body want to? If it doesn’t work for you don’t do it..but don’t try to tell anyone else what to do if it isn’t effecting your life.
Well said!
How sad that using something for fun is seen as bad. I don’t smoke ( heck I don’t much drink ) but I don’t see that denying other people pleasure is acceptable.
Finace:
Its the same as banning gay marriage in a way. It should be a personal choice, just like drinking or smoking or only wearing black clothes, dying your hair, getting a tattoo or whatever. Trying to regulate and ban lifestyle choices is not only silly its unconstitutional. Who am I or anyone else to try and tell someone else how to live and why does any body want to? If it doesn’t work for you don’t do it..but don’t try to tell anyone else what to do if it isn’t effecting your life.
Well said!