Legalization of Marijauna

[rahmiyn]

On marijuana being harmful? I've had two doctors tell me it is less harmful physically than alcohol. One was a pediatrician. He was not recommending or supporting minors smoking marijuana, but as a parent, he was trying to relieve my fears. He also said there have been no conclusive studies revealing any harmful effects beyond addiction issues (which not all people have), but he added the harmful effects to the lungs, which can be worse than cigarettes.

That being said, I believe society would benefit by legalizing it by regulating it similarly to the way alcohol and cigarettes are regulated (and taxed.)

But, from a Christian standpoint, I believe marijuana might fall in the same category as alcohol. As others have pointed out, Jesus turned water into wine, and Paul recommended a little wine to Timothy to help with his stomach. But, drunkenness is something we should avoid.

There's also the situation where marijuana has been shown to help with some psychological issues that are helped (?) by some regulated pharmaceuticals. This might also beg the question as to whether other antidepressants are a no-no for Christians.

On a personal level, I dislike most the consequences so many kids suffer because it is illegal. I do wonder if a lot of kids would be much less affected by such consequences if it were legalized. I even wonder if it would be less of a gateway drug if it was not being sold by dealers who clearly have a vested interest in luring youth into more addictive and harmful drugs.

 

[mont974x4]

Remember marijuana does not need to be smoked. Tea, other food items, and even homemade pill form can be great ways to get the medicinal benefits without the lung concerns.

 

[hiscosmicgoldfish]

On marijuana being harmful? I've had two doctors tell me it is less harmful physically than alcohol. One was a pediatrician. He was not recommending or supporting minors smoking marijuana, but as a parent, he was trying to relieve my fears. He also said there have been no conclusive studies revealing any harmful effects beyond addiction issues (which not all people have), but he added the harmful effects to the lungs, which can be worse than cigarettes.

That being said, I believe society would benefit by legalizing it by regulating it similarly to the way alcohol and cigarettes are regulated (and taxed.)

But, from a Christian standpoint, I believe marijuana might fall in the same category as alcohol. As others have pointed out, Jesus turned water into wine, and Paul recommended a little wine to Timothy to help with his stomach. But, drunkenness is something we should avoid.

There's also the situation where marijuana has been shown to help with some psychological issues that are helped (?) by some regulated pharmaceuticals. This might also beg the question as to whether other antidepressants are a no-no for Christians.

On a personal level, I dislike most the consequences so many kids suffer because it is illegal. I do wonder if a lot of kids would be much less affected by such consequences if it were legalized. I even wonder if it would be less of a gateway drug if it was not being sold by dealers who clearly have a vested interest in luring youth into more addictive and harmful drugs.

You'd have a problem with driving like booze. If they could purify the drug, and reduce the mind-bending effect.. make it more layed-back.. and pure and put it in a tea.. then that might be ok.. all legal and above board.. but the grass that they smoke.. no.. that's not good.. and the hashish.. that black resin.. that is so corrupt, it has rubber tyres melted and mixed (i've read about it). But i agree on the anti-depressant comment.. especially the modern types.. but that's another subject.
I think drink is worse for adults. And that is warned against in the bible.. not to become a drunk.
Apart from Opium, the only herb available is Cannabis.. but it would need to be worked on in a lab, to sort out all the various chemicals.. see if any can be used safely for stress etc.

 

[SoaringHigh]

Upon request I would like to add a poll to this thread. I cannot seem to find this function any tips?

 

[starbrite]

First of all Fishy. there is a myriad of high getting herbs and plants that have been used for shamanistic pruposes for aeons throughout the world .....
I can name several here for you.
Peyote-mescaline
Hawassa-DMT
Morning glory seeds -LYsergides
Mushrooms (several types)-psilocybin
There are many more too
I have made my own Hashish for many years and do not find that it much heavier than good pot....and it certainly contains no rubber tyres...
I think if all you do is read about this stuff...your opinion remains unqualified....
The literature is loaded with establishment propaganda(they hardly allow anything else in print these days)anything they tell you is certainly tainted with bullcrap...
I recall a part of my bible that says i give to man every herb and every living thing..
use them wisely...
I have driven stoned on pot for a lifetime...it poses no danger..except that when stoned i have no desire to speed and am more courteous to other drivers...
This could result in less road rage....but not more accidents....
the effects of marjihauna are so heavily exagerated by those who do not have any experience with it but what they read......perhaps to allow them more reason to have an opinion on something which they are ignorant of.....really, its not what they say about it at all.....
True it can turn a meal of plain food into a baccanalian feast,or some song or poem into a never before realised truth...It can make the most humble of accomodation seem palatial,and give heretofore unheard of meanings to the most mudane of observations....
but it doesnt make people violent nor make them as liable to do the stupid drunken things people do when bombed on booze....
If you want the truth it is a most pleasant and innocuous stone....posing very little danger to its users...
starbrite

 

[MinisterMugabe]

Children please refrain from alcohol and marijuana. It will warp your mind. Jesus is the way.

 

[starbrite]

Mr. Mugabe,
Children should never be allowed anything of that nature....
However adults should be able to determine what they wish to indulge in without Goverment constraint or censure.
Freedom is freedom to choose....for oneself.
The simpole truth is that we are constantly being interfered with by our neighbours
when our choices have nothing to do with them.
Smoking marijuana is a totally victimless crime which is far less harmful than any other recreational drug aproved by society.
Further more there is no stricture that i can see for it in the bible(though it was known and used in that place at that time...)
In fact the bible has the opposite instructions( though not specific to its use)
For those who actually believe all that goverment propaganda,....well i bet you thought that George Bush actually won that second term election too....
And we went into Iraq to free the people?
Ive a small bit of news for you....
The goverment is lying to us........it does so regularly as a matter of governage...
The Truth is that you are being ruled through fear and much of what you are told is lies to make you do what the goverment wants....get a job, pay your taxes,shut up and do what yer told...that sort of thing.....
Not only that, but if you look around you you will find that most everybody else is doing the same for their own reasons of selfishness....
My point here is that if you cannot make up your own mind as a responsible adult,
At least look at the reality of the situation....
Since 1936, the goverment has been lying to us about the effects and the potency of this stuff,
It is not addictive ......
Its effects are psychologically different than alchohol in that it does not make one
go through the same stages as alchohol...ie,(happy, beligerant, depressed)
Pot tends to mellow out most of the people who indulge in it.
It increases the perceptions of beauty,makes music more enjoyable.
leads to rambling philosphical discussions and can make you want to get up and dance occaisionally.....
The effects are so much less destructive in many ways than the socially acceptable booze that the laws and strictures placed against it are patently artificial to anyone who has tried it.
It also has beneficial medical uses that certainly should be given the benefit of further research.....
I have noticed that it actually increases the duration and effects of the pain medications that i have been prescribed over the years...(any old logger can recite you a litany of broken bones etc)
It has appetite increasing properties....useful in chemotherapy etc...but as far as i know hasnt been tried on bolemics yet.
It is beneficial in treating glaucoma as well.
As far as i can see , anything that would make you less agressive,more introspective,
and want to sit down and smell the roses,these days would be a boon to our modern society, not something to be stamped out like a bad weed.

starbrite

 

[MinisterMugabe]

Mr. Mugabe,
Children should never be allowed anything of that nature....
However adults should be able to determine what they wish to indulge in without Goverment constraint or censure.
Freedom is freedom to choose....for oneself.
The simpole truth is that we are constantly being interfered with by our neighbours
when our choices have nothing to do with them.
Smoking marijuana is a totally victimless crime which is far less harmful than any other recreational drug aproved by society.
Further more there is no stricture that i can see for it in the bible(though it was known and used in that place at that time...)
In fact the bible has the opposite instructions( though not specific to its use)
For those who actually believe all that goverment propaganda,....well i bet you thought that George Bush actually won that second term election too....
And we went into Iraq to free the people?
Ive a small bit of news for you....
The goverment is lying to us........it does so regularly as a matter of governage...
The Truth is that you are being ruled through fear and much of what you are told is lies to make you do what the goverment wants....get a job, pay your taxes,shut up and do what yer told...that sort of thing.....
Not only that, but if you look around you you will find that most everybody else is doing the same for their own reasons of selfishness....
My point here is that if you cannot make up your own mind as a responsible adult,
At least look at the reality of the situation....
Since 1936, the goverment has been lying to us about the effects and the potency of this stuff,
It is not addictive ......
Its effects are psychologically different than alchohol in that it does not make one
go through the same stages as alchohol...ie,(happy, beligerant, depressed)
Pot tends to mellow out most of the people who indulge in it.
It increases the perceptions of beauty,makes music more enjoyable.
leads to rambling philosphical discussions and can make you want to get up and dance occaisionally.....
The effects are so much less destructive in many ways than the socially acceptable booze that the laws and strictures placed against it are patently artificial to anyone who has tried it.
It also has beneficial medical uses that certainly should be given the benefit of further research.....
I have noticed that it actually increases the duration and effects of the pain medications that i have been prescribed over the years...(any old logger can recite you a litany of broken bones etc)
It has appetite increasing properties....useful in chemotherapy etc...but as far as i know hasnt been tried on bolemics yet.
It is beneficial in treating glaucoma as well.
As far as i can see , anything that would make you less agressive,more introspective,
and want to sit down and smell the roses,these days would be a boon to our modern society, not something to be stamped out like a bad weed.

starbrite

Starbrite

There are many things made by God that are not good for mind. Marijuana is poison and poison the mind. Some people say natural. Some people say homosexual natural. Both poison of mind. Jesus is the way.

M Mugabe

 

[rahmiyn]

First of all Fishy. there is a myriad of high getting herbs and plants that have been used for shamanistic pruposes for aeons throughout the world .....
I can name several here for you.
Peyote-mescaline
Hawassa-DMT
Morning glory seeds -LYsergides
Mushrooms (several types)-psilocybin
There are many more too
I have made my own Hashish for many years and do not find that it much heavier than good pot....and it certainly contains no rubber tyres...
I think if all you do is read about this stuff...your opinion remains unqualified....
The literature is loaded with establishment propaganda(they hardly allow anything else in print these days)anything they tell you is certainly tainted with bullcrap...
I recall a part of my bible that says i give to man every herb and every living thing..
use them wisely...
I have driven stoned on pot for a lifetime...it poses no danger..except that when stoned i have no desire to speed and am more courteous to other drivers...
This could result in less road rage....but not more accidents....
the effects of marjihauna are so heavily exagerated by those who do not have any experience with it but what they read......perhaps to allow them more reason to have an opinion on something which they are ignorant of.....really, its not what they say about it at all.....
True it can turn a meal of plain food into a baccanalian feast,or some song or poem into a never before realised truth...It can make the most humble of accomodation seem palatial,and give heretofore unheard of meanings to the most mudane of observations....
but it doesnt make people violent nor make them as liable to do the stupid drunken things people do when bombed on booze....
If you want the truth it is a most pleasant and innocuous stone....posing very little danger to its users...
starbrite

From my own observations, I've known quite a few people whose lives were changed after they began smoking marijuana. They seemed to lose all motivation to really do anything with their lives. If heard testimonies from people who smoked for years and then stopped. And they too relate how much more they accomplished, because marijuana for them had left them so unmotivated and lazy.

Again, as with any drug, some benefit from the effects of marijuana, but I believe the vast majority do not.

 

[Rick Otto]

quote=MinisterMugabe;Starbrite

There are many things made by God that are not good for mind

That is Gods truth, brother.

. Marijuana is poison and poison the mind.

THat is a lie from hell, dear brother. You have been deceived by liars & criminals who proft greatly by that lie, which has been used to perpetrate violence & incarcerate horrific numbers of your own people. I recommend being responsible about investigating information, and realizing the agenda of every information source.

Some people say natural.

Don't Coptic Christians accept it as scripturaly permissable?

Some people say homosexual natural.

Thank goodness we don't have to believe what some people say.

Both poison of mind.

Ignorance poisons minds. Don't spread it.

Jesus is the way.

Right, not criminalization or demonization of His gifts.

 

[Rick Otto]

Again, as with any drug, some benefit from the effects of marijuana, but I believe the vast majority do not.

I don't think the minority should be made to suffer just because the majority doesn't derive any benefit, do you?

 

[rahmiyn]

I don't think the minority should be made to suffer just because the majority doesn't derive any benefit, do you?

I don't want anyone to suffer. But, I do think it's important to understand how marijuana affects everyone. I very much agree with legalizing it for medical reasons. If I'm honest, I don't understand why alcohol or cigarettes are legal and marijuana is not. But, that's another issue.

What I'm most concerned about--in the same way I would be concerned about alcohol--is that negative effects are fully known, especially by the majority who might suffer ill consequences from too much use.

This is a little more personal for me, though. I've seen it transform some people completely, and in the mental changes caused them to lose a lot.

 

[max1120]

Let's legalize it, tax it, and use the funds we waste every year chasing people who smoke weed and put that money to better use, such as going after real drugs like crack or heroine.

 

[Rick Otto]

Let's legalize it, tax it, and use the funds we waste every year chasing people who smoke weed and put that money to better use, such as going after real drugs like crack or heroine.

And go after the worst criminals like corrupt politicians & police.

 

[Rick Otto]

I don't want anyone to suffer. But, I do think it's important to understand how marijuana affects everyone. I very much agree with legalizing it for medical reasons. If I'm honest, I don't understand why alcohol or cigarettes are legal and marijuana is not. But, that's another issue.

What I'm most concerned about--in the same way I would be concerned about alcohol--is that negative effects are fully known, especially by the majority who might suffer ill consequences from too much use.

This is a little more personal for me, though. I've seen it transform some people completely, and in the mental changes caused them to lose a lot.

I've seen that up close & personal, too. I think at least half of the hard-medical facts of psychological fallout like bi-polarity is a function of each patients expose to the entire range of toxic exposures both dietary & environmental. Those types of illness have increased with our consumption of "factory food", and now even "Frankenfood" (Frankenstein-food) radiated &/or DNA engineered.

People don't appreciate how much our environment has been weaponized. The people who are billionaires are neither stupid or philanthropropic unless it is profitable for themselves in some way.

 

[wlajoie74]

I don't know if anyone has commented on it yet,as I did not read every post. There is some scholarly evidence that eludes to the idea that marijuana was in the holy oil that jesus used to heal and that was used in the temple to see visions. I haven't found hard evidence,but if you research it I think you will see a connection. Just google marijuana in the holy oil do the research pray about it and come up with your own conclusion. what it all boils down to for me is that god put it here on this earth for a reason. What that reason is I haven't quite figured out for myself yet. However I am not here to judge others for their personal decisions. I think outlawing things because we are scared of them can only lead to ignorance and hinders us from purifying our hearts and finding inner peace.

 

[starbrite]

What i nwould lik to know is...if the majority are either in favour of legalisation, or at least indiferent to it, why has the goverment been allowed to persue so relentlessly those who indulge?
Why has it been allowed to stigmatise young lives forever with felony records and the ensuing harrassment which comes from having such a thing...all for a crime which victimised....nobody.....????
I truely believe marijuana is far less of a personal danger to the average psyche than any other drug used for recreation....alchohol, tobacco, and the rest of the harder stuff....
Even coffee is far more addictive than pot...perhaps just as psychoactive as well....
its hard to say over the long haul.... i do know i dont get headachey when i dont have a toke for a while, but the second day i am out of coffee well.....
I would say everything poses some sort of addiction danger to the specific psyche thats tuned that way, but all in all, pot is innocuous compared to most anything else...
I think that the stigma that stays with pot smoking is more a social one than any real medical or criminal reason....
Personally i think the goverment is afraid of the attitude adjustment that widespread pot use would birng to the rank and file....(i should say IS Bringing though)
There seems a certain open minded view of things that comes with the altered state of consciousness....things taken for granted become suddenly suspect when viewed from another angle....
I am truely convinced of their absolute fright that a quiet revolution would occur from the inner minds of the people on outward into our reality....deposing them and their empty money schemes by which we are held ransome to them in our own land....
Perhaps we may realise the futility of sending our beloved sons and daughters now too...to foriegn lands where they will meet and kill specfied natives, and be killed themselves in turn....
All for the enrichment of the bloatedly ultra rich who suckle our childrens blood to make profit from death.
Those brown spotted wrinkled old men who we see every day on the TV, smiling and shaking hands with some poor bastard theyre planning on stabbing in the back.....
their lizard like eyes glittering in the heat of the flashbulbs as they sign away some
deal that will eventually polute and empoverish the country while yielding multi0billions for the finaciers....
Perhaps if enough people got to look at it all from the slightly altered perspective...well who knows what love and peace would begin to spread around the planet....
Nobody would want to attend the wars anymore....and they wouldnt be able to slaughter our children with their guns and bombs and landmines that look just like toys....
Egad if such an innocent act as turning on could put the brakes to all that evil...........but i truely believe it could.....
and so my friend do they........
thus the fanatical propaganda and the persecution beyond the scope of the "crime"
coupled with the fact that most police are bullys and the pot smokers are a peacable lot for the most part....its pretty self explanatory why theres such a heavy police enforcement....easy pickings for the cops to practice their terrorizing on....
Oh? you didnt know the goverments the biggest terrorists of all yet?
here have a light.....
starbrite

 

[MinisterMugabe]

That is Gods truth, brother.


THat is a lie from hell, dear brother. You have been deceived by liars & criminals who proft greatly by that lie, which has been used to perpetrate violence & incarcerate horrific numbers of your own people. I recommend being responsible about investigating information, and realizing the agenda of every information source.

Don't Coptic Christians accept it as scripturaly permissable?

Thank goodness we don't have to believe what some people say.

Ignorance poisons minds. Don't spread it.
Right, not criminalization or demonization of His gifts.

Brother in Nigeria homosexual is shameful. I do not believe but sometimes can be death sentence from court. Jesus is the way. I pray for clean of mind.

 

[Ave Maria]

I think it is quite telling that researchers have found that the risk of a heart attack increases four fold within the first hour after smoking marijuana. Not only that but smoking marijuana can cause the same lung problems that smoking cigarettes can cause. And then there is the fact that it decreases the immune system's capacity to protect the body. Also, high dosages of marijuana such as when it is placed in food can cause hallucinations, delusions, impaired memory, and disorientation.

SOURCE: Effects of Marijuana - The Health Effects of Marijuana

So it has been shown that marijuana usage definitely has a bad effect on health. Therefore, I say that marijuana should not be legalized. And then, as a Catholic, I must take in to account what the Church says about drugs:

2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.

So, I am opposed to the legalization of marijuana unless it is used for strictly medical purposes.

 

[ChristOnly7]

I think it is quite telling that researchers have found that the risk of a heart attack increases four fold within the first hour after smoking marijuana. Not only that but smoking marijuana can cause the same lung problems that smoking cigarettes can cause. And then there is the fact that it decreases the immune system's capacity to protect the body. Also, high dosages of marijuana such as when it is placed in food can cause hallucinations, delusions, impaired memory, and disorientation.

So it has been shown that marijuana usage definitely has a bad effect on health. Therefore, I say that marijuana should not be legalized. And then, as a Catholic, I must take in to account what the Church says about drugs:



So, I am opposed to the legalization of marijuana unless it is used for strictly medical purposes.

a report in Florida done in 2007 found that prescription medication caused 3 x more deaths than heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine put together

Marijuana of course remains at ZERO

truthout.org/111208HA