Legalized Pot in Colorado is Having "Side Effects"

[No Surprize]

Mental health is fine, no problem. And, it's not like I smoke one every day. I can go months and not catch a buzz. Who's to tell who on how to live their life? I pay for health insurance for myself and my son. And for what I did for a living I was engineer specializing in construction of bridges and highways . Sold the business after an offer I couldn't refuse came my way. I'm not what you would call completely retired and doing nothing. I do what I enjoy doing now. I have my own guide service and I take people or a group of people fishing. It's what I actually love doing and will continue to do it as long as I can. By the way, since were playing the game of "What do you do for a living", tell me please, inquiring minds would like to know.

[Boomchild]

You state that pot is 100% safe, and those who say otherwise are liars because you have proof with a clear chest x-ray and test results on your lungs. And what were the test results on your mental health?

I think the general medical consensus is that inhalation of any type of smoke is not good for your lungs.

[majik]

Cannabis does not have to be smoked it can be eaten raw for major health benefits. Check out the link : The Power Of Raw Cannabis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgEP9FdIzT8

And

34 medical studies proving cannabis cures cancer. Its not the evil weed we have been led to believe.
http://themindunleashed.org/2013/12/34- ... ancer.html

[Boomchild]

Cannabis does not have to be smoked it can be eaten raw for major health benefits. Check out the link : The Power Of Raw Cannabis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgEP9FdIzT8

And

34 medical studies proving cannabis cures cancer. Its not the evil weed we have been led to believe.
http://themindunleashed.org/2013/12/34- ... ancer.html

Of course it doesn't have to be smoked. That doesn't change the fact that that's how a lot of people choose to use it. As far as it curing cancer, if there was a lot of evidence to prove that I think the medical community would be pushing for it's legalization in a non smoking form and dispensed through pharmacies.

[majik]

Actually smoking it has an anti-histamine effect and opens up and relaxes the lungs for asthma suffers.

In regards to the other points you raised maybe read this, full article link Full article link. http://themindunleashed.org/2013/07/can ... nment.html

Excerpt:
Among the reasons you will learn about on the link I shared above, the US Government has even more reason to keep it illegal today. If Cannabis were to become legalized, it would eat away at TRILLIONS of pharmaceutical profits over the years. (Not including other profits like the billions they get for keeping our privately owned prisons full) What most people don’t realize is, the Government(s) have been helping the major pharmaceutical companies stonewall natural cures for decades. (Cannabis is merely one of many they have tried to bury and discredit) In fact, the US Government has known since 1974 that Cannabis cures Cancer. In ’72 Richard Nixon wanted a larger budget for his war on drugs. He thought that if he proved Cannabis caused lung cancer like cigarettes do, he would get the support he needed. He gave the Medical College of Virginia 2 years to do a study on the effects of THC on the body. In ’74 the study was completed. It turns out, THC when ingested in highly concentrated forms (such as eating Cannabis oil) will attack any mutated cells in your body while strengthening and rejuvenating the healthy cells. They found the PERFECT cure for Cancer. It worked fast, it worked well, it worked on many different forms of Cancer in ALL stages and it had ZERO harmful side effects. (Unlike Chemo which deteriorates your entire body and kills 1 in 5 patients. Not only that, but other research shows it dissolves ALL forms of tumors and can even combat super-bugs like MRSA.) When Richard Nixon saw the results of the study he was FURIOUS. He threw the entire report in the trash and deemed the study classified. In 1976 President Gerald Ford put an end to all public cannabis research and granted exclusive research rights to major pharmaceutical companies, who set out — unsuccessfully — to develop synthetic forms of THC that would deliver all the medical benefits without the “high.”

Pharmaceutical want a syntethic version because a plant can't be patented.

[Boomchild]

Read over the link and here are some things to keep in mind. If I read the information correctly, pot doesn't cure cancer but it can slow or retard it's growth. That is, in animals. I didn't see where there were trials on humans with various types of cancer. We already have treatments that do the same thing. I am not totally against it's use to treat medical conditions. What I don't think is a good idea is to have a very loose system for it be obtained. Such as the way it has been legalized in CA and Colorado. As to the federal government not legalizing it due to pressure from the pharmaceutical industry, that could be possible. Then again if legalized what would stop those pharmaceutical companies from coming up with drugs that use pot as the ingredient?

[Yoda]

Mental health is fine, no problem. And, it's not like I smoke one every day. I can go months and not catch a buzz. Who's to tell who on how to live their life? I pay for health insurance for myself and my son. And for what I did for a living I was engineer specializing in construction of bridges and highways . Sold the business after an offer I couldn't refuse came my way. I'm not what you would call completely retired and doing nothing. I do what I enjoy doing now. I have my own guide service and I take people or a group of people fishing. It's what I actually love doing and will continue to do it as long as I can. By the way, since were playing the game of "What do you do for a living", tell me please, inquiring minds would like to know.

I'm a software specialist/systems admin. I also happen to work in the human services sector of our state - mental health & substance abuse department. So, kind of a hybrid of sorts. I have experience on both the clinical side as well as the I.T. side. In my years working for the state, I've seen quite a bit in terms of clients coming in seeking help in beating their addiction to pot and other drugs. I've seen those who can't go a day without smoking a joint or two. In layman's terms, they're pretty messed up. And before you say that my agency should keep its nose out of the lives of those who want to get high - it's a non-profit agency. We see & treat clients whether if they can pay or not. Most of them come in on a voluntary basis. So, if drugs like pot is 100% safe, there shouldn't be a need for such an agency, correct?

[JBlake]

Someone hit the nail on the head posts back about how if there was actually a real medical use for weed, the medical industry would have used it as an ingredient in medicine form without the user needing to get "high".

But if the medical industry did that, no one would like using that version because it doesn't make them high. Sort of like fresh fruit. It's a healthy choice but kids rather eat fruit flavored candy instead of the real fruit.

[Monker]

Mental health is fine, no problem. And, it's not like I smoke one every day. I can go months and not catch a buzz. Who's to tell who on how to live their life? I pay for health insurance for myself and my son. And for what I did for a living I was engineer specializing in construction of bridges and highways . Sold the business after an offer I couldn't refuse came my way. I'm not what you would call completely retired and doing nothing. I do what I enjoy doing now. I have my own guide service and I take people or a group of people fishing. It's what I actually love doing and will continue to do it as long as I can. By the way, since were playing the game of "What do you do for a living", tell me please, inquiring minds would like to know.

I'm a software specialist/systems admin. I also happen to work in the human services sector of our state - mental health & substance abuse department. So, kind of a hybrid of sorts. I have experience on both the clinical side as well as the I.T. side. In my years working for the state, I've seen quite a bit in terms of clients coming in seeking help in beating their addiction to pot and other drugs. I've seen those who can't go a day without smoking a joint or two. In layman's terms, they're pretty messed up. And before you say that my agency should keep its nose out of the lives of those who want to get high - it's a non-profit agency. We see & treat clients whether if they can pay or not. Most of them come in on a voluntary basis. So, if drugs like pot is 100% safe, there shouldn't be a need for such an agency, correct?

It is still their choice to do it, and their choice to beat the addiction.

How is this any different than those who are trying to beat addictions to alcohol or nicotine?

There should be no such thing as an 'illegal' drug...people have the right to be stupid...the government trying to force people to not be stupid is a failure.

[Monker]

Well actually, having a glass of red wine daily is very healthy for the heart. There has been scientific proof that one pint of beer can have the same positive effects on the cardiovascular system. Also has been known to help reduce the risk of kidney stones. Of course, I'm talking about very moderate consumption and not slamming beers like there's no tomorrow.

it has also been shown that grape juice has the same affects as wine....and you can have as much of that as you want. Or, you can just eat grapes. It's the tannins and antioxidants that matter...the alcohol is just a side benefit.

Very true, but what do you say about the comments I made about the beer?

I don't know much about the benefits of drinking beer. it's probably the same type of thing where the hops and grains infuse the beer with anti-oxidents and tannins to give some health benefit. I do remember watching a show where a guy went an entire week without eating and drank Guinness for his meals...he survived but looked pretty weak by the end.

I would say you probably get the same benefit, if not more, by drinking tea: black, green or red (rooibus)...not sure about herbal tea. Seems kinda gay compared to Guinness though.

[JBlake]

I don't know much about the benefits of drinking beer. it's probably the same type of thing where the hops and grains infuse the beer with anti-oxidents and tannins to give some health benefit. I do remember watching a show where a guy went an entire week without eating and drank Guinness for his meals...he survived but looked pretty weak by the end.

I would say you probably get the same benefit, if not more, by drinking tea: black, green or red (rooibus)...not sure about herbal tea. Seems kinda gay compared to Guinness though.

LOL. Yeah, if that were true, there'd a been some pretty healthy hobo's throughout history.

[majik]

There are 2 issues here.
1. Smoking cannabis to get high.
2. Medicinal cannabis for health benefits.

Sure, drinking grape juice won't get one drunk but through the process of fermentation it will get you drunk.
Raw cannabis, cannabis tincture or oil will not get one high but through the process of decarboxilation ( heating ) a chemical reaction occurs and that will get one high.
Medicinal cannabis is not about getting high.

Historical use of medicinal cannabis.
Link http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view ... eID=000026

Excerpt:

1850 - Marijuana Added to US Pharmacopeia
Cover of the 1851 United States Pharmacopeia
Source: antiquecannabisbook.com (accessed Dec. 12, 2011)

"By 1850, marijuana had made its way into the United States Pharmacopeia [an official public standards-setting authority for all prescription and over-the counter medicines], which listed marijuana as treatment for numerous afflictions, including: neuralgia, tetanus, typhus, cholera, rabies, dysentery, alcoholism, opiate addiction, anthrax, leprosy, incontinence, gout, convulsive disorders, tonsillitis, insanity, excessive menstrual bleeding, and uterine bleeding, among others.

Patented marijuana tinctures were sold..."1930s - American Pharmaceutical Firms Sell Extracts of Marijuana as Medicines

Parke-Davis cannabis tincture bottle
Source: antiquecannabisbook.com (accessed Dec. 22, 2011)
"As demand for marijuana-based medications accelerated, pharmaceutical firms attempted to produce consistently potent and reliable drugs from hemp. By the 1930s at least two American companies – Parke-Davis and Eli Lily – were selling standardized extracts of marijuana for use as an analgesic, an antispasmodic and sedative. Another manufacturer, Grimault & Company, marketed marijuana cigarettes as a remedy for asthma."
Janet Joy, PhD Alison Mack Marijuana as Medicine: Beyond the Controversy, 2001

A little research reveals a different story to the propaganda we have in the media today.

[Boomchild]

A little research reveals a different story to the propaganda we have in the media today.

I would say that it's not propaganda that people smoke pot to get high. I don't see where the push to legalize it is mainly about the medical uses that don't get you high. Especially when you look how it is it dispensed where it's been made legal. Let's not kid ourselves here, this is not driven by people wanting to give a gift to the medical industry.

[majik]

A little research reveals a different story to the propaganda we have in the media today.

I would say that it's not propaganda that people smoke pot to get high. I don't see where the push to legalize it is mainly about the medical uses that don't get you high. Especially when you look how it is it dispensed where it's been made legal. Let's not kid ourselves here, this is not driven by people wanting to give a gift to the medical industry.

I would say that it's not propaganda that people smoke pot to get high. I don't see where the push to legalize it is mainly about the medical uses that don't get you high. Especially when you look how it is it dispensed where it's been made legal. Let's not kid ourselves here, this is not driven by people wanting to give a gift to the medical industry.[/quote]

I think you know exactly what I meant by propaganda. You are right that its not driven by people wanting to give a gift to the medical industry that absurd.It is driven by people wanting to ease the pain and suffering of others as in for example clinical depression. Anti depressants dont work for everyone but cannabis does help significantly without side effects, by the way anti depressants are a major cause of suicides and the side effects are quiet severe for some. Google Rick Simpsons story or check out the documentary Run From The Cure. And I'll leave it at that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuQVeeZki_E

[Boomchild]

It is driven by people wanting to ease the pain and suffering of others as in for example clinical depression. Anti depressants dont work for everyone but cannabis does help significantly without side effects, by the way anti depressants are a major cause of suicides and the side effects are quiet severe for some.

Sorry but I don't agree that it is mainly driven by this example either.

[majik]

Thats cool Boomchild

[Yoda]

Mental health is fine, no problem. And, it's not like I smoke one every day. I can go months and not catch a buzz. Who's to tell who on how to live their life? I pay for health insurance for myself and my son. And for what I did for a living I was engineer specializing in construction of bridges and highways . Sold the business after an offer I couldn't refuse came my way. I'm not what you would call completely retired and doing nothing. I do what I enjoy doing now. I have my own guide service and I take people or a group of people fishing. It's what I actually love doing and will continue to do it as long as I can. By the way, since were playing the game of "What do you do for a living", tell me please, inquiring minds would like to know.

I'm a software specialist/systems admin. I also happen to work in the human services sector of our state - mental health & substance abuse department. So, kind of a hybrid of sorts. I have experience on both the clinical side as well as the I.T. side. In my years working for the state, I've seen quite a bit in terms of clients coming in seeking help in beating their addiction to pot and other drugs. I've seen those who can't go a day without smoking a joint or two. In layman's terms, they're pretty messed up. And before you say that my agency should keep its nose out of the lives of those who want to get high - it's a non-profit agency. We see & treat clients whether if they can pay or not. Most of them come in on a voluntary basis. So, if drugs like pot is 100% safe, there shouldn't be a need for such an agency, correct?

It is still their choice to do it, and their choice to beat the addiction.

How is this any different than those who are trying to beat addictions to alcohol or nicotine?

There should be no such thing as an 'illegal' drug...people have the right to be stupid...the government trying to force people to not be stupid is a failure.

No one said they shouldn't have a right to choose. I'm simply arguing the legality is an after thought and people are still exercising choice. It just happens to come with extra legal ramifications. How does making all drugs legal guarantee my right to property, privacy, and good health? How does it protect me as one who doesn't partake?

[majik]

Mental health is fine, no problem. And, it's not like I smoke one every day. I can go months and not catch a buzz. Who's to tell who on how to live their life? I pay for health insurance for myself and my son. And for what I did for a living I was engineer specializing in construction of bridges and highways . Sold the business after an offer I couldn't refuse came my way. I'm not what you would call completely retired and doing nothing. I do what I enjoy doing now. I have my own guide service and I take people or a group of people fishing. It's what I actually love doing and will continue to do it as long as I can. By the way, since were playing the game of "What do you do for a living", tell me please, inquiring minds would like to know.

I'm a software specialist/systems admin. I also happen to work in the human services sector of our state - mental health & substance abuse department. So, kind of a hybrid of sorts. I have experience on both the clinical side as well as the I.T. side. In my years working for the state, I've seen quite a bit in terms of clients coming in seeking help in beating their addiction to pot and other drugs. I've seen those who can't go a day without smoking a joint or two. In layman's terms, they're pretty messed up. And before you say that my agency should keep its nose out of the lives of those who want to get high - it's a non-profit agency. We see & treat clients whether if they can pay or not. Most of them come in on a voluntary basis. So, if drugs like pot is 100% safe, there shouldn't be a need for such an agency, correct?

Everything has the potential to be addictive, coffee, tea,, chocolate, shopping, sex, exercise, and prescriptiond meds, google the A-Z of addictions. So why should cannabis be exempt from the list. For some it may be addictive but not all, lets ban everything and make it a criminal offence to relax with a glass of wine.

[Yoda]

Mental health is fine, no problem. And, it's not like I smoke one every day. I can go months and not catch a buzz. Who's to tell who on how to live their life? I pay for health insurance for myself and my son. And for what I did for a living I was engineer specializing in construction of bridges and highways . Sold the business after an offer I couldn't refuse came my way. I'm not what you would call completely retired and doing nothing. I do what I enjoy doing now. I have my own guide service and I take people or a group of people fishing. It's what I actually love doing and will continue to do it as long as I can. By the way, since were playing the game of "What do you do for a living", tell me please, inquiring minds would like to know.

I'm a software specialist/systems admin. I also happen to work in the human services sector of our state - mental health & substance abuse department. So, kind of a hybrid of sorts. I have experience on both the clinical side as well as the I.T. side. In my years working for the state, I've seen quite a bit in terms of clients coming in seeking help in beating their addiction to pot and other drugs. I've seen those who can't go a day without smoking a joint or two. In layman's terms, they're pretty messed up. And before you say that my agency should keep its nose out of the lives of those who want to get high - it's a non-profit agency. We see & treat clients whether if they can pay or not. Most of them come in on a voluntary basis. So, if drugs like pot is 100% safe, there shouldn't be a need for such an agency, correct?

Everything has the potential to be addictive, coffee, tea,, chocolate, shopping, sex, exercise, and prescriptiond meds, google the A-Z of addictions. So why should cannabis be exempt from the list. For some it may be addictive but not all, lets ban everything and make it a criminal offence to relax with a glass of wine.

How many of those causes a deficiency in cognitive ability?

[majik]

Alcohol no! 1.

Everything on the list of addictions that causes anxiety.
Anxiety causes cognitive disfunction/impairment.
Addiction to food causing obesity, obesity causes cognitive dysfunction.
Any addiction that causes high blood pressure as this also causes cognitve impairment.
In other words probably everthing on the list.

[No Surprize]

How does making all drugs legal guarantee my right to property, privacy, and good health? How does it protect me as one who doesn't partake?

What does this have to do with it? Your property? Is someone invading your space? Privacy? Is someone playing music to loud? Your good health? Yoda, your over 1000 years old and you act like it!

[Yoda]

Alcohol no! 1.

Everything on the list of addictions that causes anxiety.
Anxiety causes cognitive disfunction/impairment.
Addiction to food causing obesity, obesity causes cognitive dysfunction.
Any addiction that causes high blood pressure as this also causes cognitve impairment.
In other words probably everthing on the list.

Obesity does not directly cause cognitive dysfunction. One can be considered medically obese and not be cognitively impaired. Also, I have high blood pressure. It has not caused me cognitive impairment. If my blood pressure does reach the point of cognitive impairment, then it means I've probably had a stroke. Moreover, blood pressure in itself is not always caused by being obese. I am not obese. My genetics are such that I'm prone to high blood pressure.

Food is needed to stay alive. If one doesn't eat, one dies. If what you consider "addictive" foods are the only foods one has access to, then those foods will help to maintain life. Addiction to food is a mental disorder. Addiction to drugs is a chemical addiction. Same with addiction to alcohol. Same with tobacco. But out of all of these mentioned, the only one I agree with you on is alcohol. It, clearly, causes cognitive impairment. Same with Pot. So why is alcohol legal and pot isn't widely legal? Because alcohol can be controlled and policed a lot easier than pot. One can get a second hand buzz off of someone smoking pot - which can cause cognitive impairment. Second hand smoke from tobacco can cause physical illnesses, but not cognitive impairment. There is no "second hand smoke" when someone drinks an alcoholic drink. But it is illegal for one to be intoxicated in public, and under the influence while operating a motor vehicle. So, alcohol isn't 100% legal, only under certain controlled circumstances.

[Yoda]

How does making all drugs legal guarantee my right to property, privacy, and good health? How does it protect me as one who doesn't partake?

What does this have to do with it? Your property? Is someone invading your space? Privacy? Is someone playing music to loud? Your good health? Yoda, your over 1000 years old and you act like it!

LOL! How do you think I got to 1000 years old NS? I didn't take drugs!

What I mean by property, is anything I own or is invaluable to me. Property isn't just land. Property can be one's own body, or his family, his pets, money, his peace of mind - can be anything of value! Privacy simply means one's personal space. If I'm walking down the sidewalk and someone passes me blowing second hand pot smoke (or tobacco) in my direction, my personal space has been invaded. And good health can be more than physical and mental. What about financial health? If I'm having to shell out more tax dollars to pay for the medical and mental services for one who has disabled himself because of his addiction to drugs, then that person's addiction has affected me.

[majik]

Research suggests high blood pressure increases risk of cognitive impairment, reports the Harvard Men's Health Watch.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_rel ... impairment

Addictions can cause anxiety, it is the ANXIETY of any addiction that causes cognitive impairment not food itself or obesity but the anxiety. As I said everthing on the A-Z list of addictions.

When it comes to cognitive behavior and thinking, anxiety can slowly deteriorate your thought processes and ability to make cognitive, rational decisions
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12235 ... s-anxiety/

Smoking May Lead to Faster Cognitive Decline in Men
In a new study, middle-aged men who smoked did worse on tests of cognitive ability over time.
http://healthland.time.com/2012/02/07/s ... ne-in-men/

Yoda wrote "But out of all of these mentioned, the only one I agree with you on is alcohol."
Well I guess all these studies are getting it wrong.

[Monker]

Research suggests high blood pressure increases risk of cognitive impairment, reports the Harvard Men's Health Watch.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_rel ... impairment

Addictions can cause anxiety, it is the ANXIETY of any addiction that causes cognitive impairment not food itself or obesity but the anxiety. As I said everthing on the A-Z list of addictions.

When it comes to cognitive behavior and thinking, anxiety can slowly deteriorate your thought processes and ability to make cognitive, rational decisions
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12235 ... s-anxiety/

Smoking May Lead to Faster Cognitive Decline in Men
In a new study, middle-aged men who smoked did worse on tests of cognitive ability over time.
http://healthland.time.com/2012/02/07/s ... ne-in-men/

Yoda wrote "But out of all of these mentioned, the only one I agree with you on is alcohol."
Well I guess all these studies are getting it wrong.

I just want to say that you are correct. An addiction is anything that causes the given person to crave the chemicals released in the brain whenever that addiction is satisfied...and when that addiction is not satisfied, a withdrawal happens because your brain wants to experience those chemicals so badly.

So, it is the chemicals released in the brain (dopamine, I think) a person is truly "addicted" to. That is why an addict can move from one addiction to another to another. A person may be addicted to food. He beats that and becomes addicted to sex. He beats that and becomes addicted to alcohol. He beats that and becomes addicted to internet forums. Whatever...this is why addictions are truly a 'disease' and not something a person just needs to "get over".

[Yoda]

Research suggests high blood pressure increases risk of cognitive impairment, reports the Harvard Men's Health Watch.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_rel ... impairment

Addictions can cause anxiety, it is the ANXIETY of any addiction that causes cognitive impairment not food itself or obesity but the anxiety. As I said everthing on the A-Z list of addictions.

When it comes to cognitive behavior and thinking, anxiety can slowly deteriorate your thought processes and ability to make cognitive, rational decisions
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12235 ... s-anxiety/

Smoking May Lead to Faster Cognitive Decline in Men
In a new study, middle-aged men who smoked did worse on tests of cognitive ability over time.
http://healthland.time.com/2012/02/07/s ... ne-in-men/

Yoda wrote "But out of all of these mentioned, the only one I agree with you on is alcohol."
Well I guess all these studies are getting it wrong.

You're talking about long term effects of years of unhealthy choices, existing underlining mental issues, and untreated medical/physiological conditions. What I said is absolutely correct. There is no immediate cognitive impairment in eating a bowl of ice-cream or a few slices of pizza. There is immediate cognitive impairment in smoking pot or drinking alcohol.

[majik]

Yoda said
" I've seen quite a bit in terms of clients coming in seeking help in beating their addiction to pot and other drugs. I've seen those who can't go a day without smoking a joint or two. In layman's terms, they're pretty messed up."

And.

" You're talking about long term effects of years of unhealthy choices, existing underlining mental issues, and untreated medical/physiological conditions."

Your second statement applies more accurately to the people you see at the agency you mentioned earlier and it has undone your whole argument.
Its not pot or addiction that is the problem its unhealthy choices and untreated medical and mental conditions as you say. You can't have it both ways to suit an outdated misinformed biased opinion that is based in fear.

Yoda said " There is no immediate cognitive impairment in eating a bowl of ice-cream or a few slices of pizza."

The same cannot be said about passive smoking. Have you ever been in a car with a smoker, being a non smoker myself I will become light headed and almost pass out due to the smoke filled chemicals and lack of fresh oxygen i.e. impaired cognitive function follows.
As for ice-cream, don't eat while driving as you are likely to get brain freeze followed by impaired cognitive function and body reaction leading to serious accident and injury.
Same applies to caffine laced high energy drinks, an immediate buzz with hyper activity and impaired cognitive function from a caffine induced IMEDIATE HIGH. Seriously addictive and should be banned.

Yoda said " You're talking about long term effects of years of unhealthy choices "

This means that at any given moment there is a very high percentage of the population driving on our roads or operating machinery that are unfit to do so. Saying it took years to get to that state is irrelevant its happening NOW.

[majik]

Research suggests high blood pressure increases risk of cognitive impairment, reports the Harvard Men's Health Watch.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_rel ... impairment

Addictions can cause anxiety, it is the ANXIETY of any addiction that causes cognitive impairment not food itself or obesity but the anxiety. As I said everthing on the A-Z list of addictions.

When it comes to cognitive behavior and thinking, anxiety can slowly deteriorate your thought processes and ability to make cognitive, rational decisions
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12235 ... s-anxiety/

Smoking May Lead to Faster Cognitive Decline in Men
In a new study, middle-aged men who smoked did worse on tests of cognitive ability over time.
http://healthland.time.com/2012/02/07/s ... ne-in-men/

Yoda wrote "But out of all of these mentioned, the only one I agree with you on is alcohol."
Well I guess all these studies are getting it wrong.

I just want to say that you are correct. An addiction is anything that causes the given person to crave the chemicals released in the brain whenever that addiction is satisfied...and when that addiction is not satisfied, a withdrawal happens because your brain wants to experience those chemicals so badly.

So, it is the chemicals released in the brain (dopamine, I think) a person is truly "addicted" to. That is why an addict can move from one addiction to another to another. A person may be addicted to food. He beats that and becomes addicted to sex. He beats that and becomes addicted to alcohol. He beats that and becomes addicted to internet forums. Whatever...this is why addictions are truly a 'disease' and not something a person just needs to "get over".

The voice of reason

[Yoda]

Yoda said
" I've seen quite a bit in terms of clients coming in seeking help in beating their addiction to pot and other drugs. I've seen those who can't go a day without smoking a joint or two. In layman's terms, they're pretty messed up."

And.

" You're talking about long term effects of years of unhealthy choices, existing underlining mental issues, and untreated medical/physiological conditions."

Your second statement applies more accurately to the people you see at the agency you mentioned earlier and it has undone your whole argument.
Its not pot or addiction that is the problem its unhealthy choices and untreated medical and mental conditions as you say. You can't have it both ways to suit an outdated misinformed biased opinion that is based in fear.

Yoda said " There is no immediate cognitive impairment in eating a bowl of ice-cream or a few slices of pizza."

The same cannot be said about passive smoking. Have you ever been in a car with a smoker, being a non smoker myself I will become light headed and almost pass out due to the smoke filled chemicals and lack of fresh oxygen i.e. impaired cognitive function follows.
As for ice-cream, don't eat while driving as you are likely to get brain freeze followed by impaired cognitive function and body reaction leading to serious accident and injury.
Same applies to caffine laced high energy drinks, an immediate buzz with hyper activity and impaired cognitive function from a caffine induced IMEDIATE HIGH. Seriously addictive and should be banned.

Yoda said " You're talking about long term effects of years of unhealthy choices "

This means that at any given moment there is a very high percentage of the population driving on our roads or operating machinery that are unfit to do so. Saying it took years to get to that state is irrelevant its happening NOW.

Using the argument you've just provided would suggest all the more reason not to make marijuana legal. If simply getting a brain freeze from eating ice-cream in the car or having an energy drink is highly likely to cause cognitive disability which leads to a road accident - and you add that caffeine drinks should be banned - then all the more reason to keep marijuana illegal.

Thanks for supporting my point, Majik! Glad you see the light!

After all, if people under the influence of Ben & Jerry's and Starbucks are the leading cause of vehicular deaths, then it sure wouldn't make sense to legalize another substance that would put people at risk.

[majik]

LOL