Originally Posted by wtfent

Well Im done with this thread. Need to get back to work. You really need to do your homework though. look at both sides not just the negative and you will see what Im talking about it. :2 cents:

Originally Posted by ebus_dk

First of all, its "marijuana"
.. because it takes away some of the pain.. If you think it cures anything, then you are blatant dumb

1 - A study published in this month's United States Journal for Health (USJH) links the increasing obesity of American teenagers with stronger marijuana. The study confirms the long-held belief that smoking marijuana increases the user?s appetite. Naturally, the better the marijuana, the larger the appetite, claims the USJH. The study concludes that with more American teens smoking pot than ever before, the increased appetite, or ?munchies?, is creating an obese generation.

2 - Not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted, when a user begins to seek out and take the drug compulsively, that person is said to be dependent or addicted to the drug. In 1995, 165,000 people entering drug treatment programs reported marijuana as their primary drug of abuse, showing they need help to stop using the drug

3 - The main active chemical in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). In 1988, it was discovered that the membranes of certain nerve cells contain protein receptors that bind THC. Once securely in place, THC kicks off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the high that users experience when they smoke marijuana. The short-term effects of marijuana use include problems with memory and learning; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate, anxiety, and panic attacks.


Effects of Marijuana on the Brain

Researchers have found that THC changes the way in which sensory information gets into and is acted on by the hippocampus. This is a component of the brain's limbic system that is crucial for learning, memory, and the integration of sensory experiences with emotions and motivations. Investigations have shown that neurons in the information processing system of the hippocampus and the activity of the nerve fibers are suppressed by THC. In addition, researchers have discovered that learned behaviors, which depend on the hippocampus, also deteriorate.

Recent research findings also indicate that long-term use of marijuana produces changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs of abuse.

Effects on the Lungs

Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers have. These individuals may have daily cough and phlegm, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and more frequent chest colds. Continuing to smoke marijuana can lead to abnormal functioning of lung tissue injured or destroyed by marijuana smoke.

Regardless of the THC content, the amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers. This may be due to the marijuana users inhaling more deeply and holding the smoke in the lungs.

Effects on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Recent findings indicate that smoking marijuana while shooting up cocaine has the potential to cause severe increases in heart rate and blood pressure. In one study, experienced marijuana and cocaine users were given marijuana alone, cocaine alone, and then a combination of both. Each drug alone produced cardiovascular effects; when they were combined, the effects were greater and lasted longer. The heart rate of the subjects in the study increased 29 beats per minute with marijuana alone and 32 beats per minute with cocaine alone. When the drugs were given together, the heart rate increased by 49 beats per minute, and the increased rate persisted for a longer time. The drugs were given with the subjects sitting quietly. In normal circumstances, an individual may smoke marijuana and inject cocaine and then do something physically stressful that may significantly increase risks of overload on the cardiovascular system.

Effects of Heavy Marijuana Use on Learning and Social Behavior

A study of college students has shown that critical skills related to attention, memory, and learning are impaired among people who use marijuana heavily, even after discontinuing its use for at least 24 hours. Researchers compared 65 "heavy users," who had smoked marijuana a median of 29 of the past 30 days, and 64 "light users," who had smoked a median of 1 of the past 30 days. After a closely monitored 19- to 24-hour period of abstinence from marijuana and other illicit drugs and alcohol, the undergraduates were given several standard tests measuring aspects of attention, memory, and learning. Compared to the light users, heavy marijuana users made more errors and had more difficulty sustaining attention, shifting attention to meet the demands of changes in the environment, and in registering, processing, and using information. The findings suggest that the greater impairment among heavy users is likely due to an alteration of brain activity produced by marijuana.

Longitudinal research on marijuana use among young people below college age indicates those who used have lower achievement than the non-users, more acceptance of deviant behavior, more delinquent behavior and aggression, greater rebelliousness, poorer relationships with parents, and more associations with delinquent and drug-using friends.

Research also shows more anger and more regressive behavior (thumb sucking, temper tantrums) in toddlers whose parents use marijuana than among the toddlers of non-using parents.

Effects on Pregnancy

Any drug of abuse can affect a mother's health during pregnancy, and this is a time when she should take special care of herself. Drugs of abuse may interfere with proper nutrition and rest, which can affect good functioning of the immune system. Some studies have found that babies born to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy were smaller than those born to mothers who did not use the drug. In general, smaller babies are more likely to develop health problems.

A nursing mother who uses marijuana passes some of the THC to the baby in her breast milk. Research indicates that the use of marijuana by a mother during the first month of breast-feeding can impair the infant's motor development (control of muscle movement).

Addictive Potential

A drug is addicting if it causes compulsive, often uncontrollable drug craving, seeking, and use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences. Marijuana meets this criterion. More than 120,000 people seek treatment per year for their primary marijuana addiction. In addition, animal studies suggest marijuana causes physical dependence, and some people report withdrawal symptoms.

Originally Posted by ebus_dk

I have never, and will never try.. It is just a stupid thing to do, and If you are dumb enough to think its harmless.. well.. you would not understand

Originally Posted by NichePay - StuartD

I tried it once... my friends out in the BC interior grow it. So I tried it right after it was done drying and such.... didn't have any effect what so ever. I didn't notice any change, never got red eyes... nothing.

So I figured I might as well just keep being the naturally weird me and let the weed smokers have more to themselves without having to share with me.

Originally Posted by jayeff

I have never used illegal drugs of any kind. When I was in my teens I just wasn't interested, but I didn't really care what other people did. Since then, my views have hardened a lot.

For a couple of years early in the 70's I worked for some guys who treated marijuana much like TGP's treat free porn: they gave lots of it to college students so that they could introduce their classmates to the drug scene. I doubt that kind of "marketing" is necessary any more, but however harmless some people claim marijuana is, it remains the starting point for the majority of people who later move on to something stronger. People like to kid themselves that marijuana is some kind of cool cottage industry, when the reality is that it's big business, just like the rest of the drug trade.

I'm not going to try to argue with all the favorable reports, but like others here I know people who are totally f*cked up, just on weed. And I have lost too many friends over the years, one more just recently, who started out sharing a "harmless" joint.

Originally Posted by MetaMan

o please shut the fuck up already.

Originally Posted by AcidMax

Not once have I smoked marijuana (EDIT: or done any other drug for that matter, but I do have a drink from time to time). Have thought about it when the scenario comes up but because of work situations I have been in most of my life, I have never tried it and really it is not on my list of things to do. Many of my friends growing up and siblings smoked it and still do and I still even in my 30's have never once touched it.
)

Originally Posted by phogirl69

Never smoked it. No interest it.

From my opinion it's a waste of money to spend it on weed, alcohol, cigarettes... I would much rather go shopping...

I don't understand the point of smoking up shit, it just goes up your nose and no one knows you even spent it.If I want to throw money away I just go buy shoes or buy designer jeans... at least that way I look good, and I have something to show for it.

At least if you buy clothes you look damn good and everyone knows you spent the money so you got something to flaunt. When you smoke weed you got nothing to show for it so i don't see a point. If I spend money I want something to show for it! Besides shopping makes me high too... i get adrenaline rush...

Originally Posted by ebus_dk

uuhhmm.. no?

Originally Posted by JJ Gold

LOOK AT ME!! LOOK! AT ME!!!

Would you actually ever do anything if somebody wasn't watching? Is every decision in you life based on how many people will say "oh...isn't she cool!"?

I would much rather be friends with a stoner than a Trend Whore.

Originally Posted by JJ Gold

Why the fuck is your name "AcidMax" if you have never done drugs (let alone acid)? :Oh crap

I guess under your system my name would be "SoberJJ" :winkwink:

Originally Posted by JJ Gold

Why the fuck is your name "AcidMax" if you have never done drugs (let alone acid)? :Oh crap

I guess under your system my name would be "SoberJJ" :winkwink:

Originally Posted by AcidMax

Hahaha, yeah doesn't make much sense, but I have used the nick in this biz since like 1998 so too late to change it now :)

Originally Posted by phogirl69

Yea, and I would rather be a trendwhore than a druggie or a stoner, so go fuck yourself!

Originally Posted by wtfent

Some people are so dumb. I think its funny how everyone thinks killing your liver by drinking is alright but smoking a little bong rip is bad for you. Dont you guys get it? Do your homework. We are all just brained washed from day one from everything we grow up with so we all think its bad. Even porn is more harmful to people than marijuna. A cigar is way more harmful than marijuna but yet we smoke them when a baby is born. WTF??? If you just dont want to smoke cause you dont like it or your a bitch thats cool but if you for even one second think its worst than drinking, taking vicodin, asprin, watching porn, gambling, etc... than you are a big IDIOT.

Originally Posted by sarah_webinc

I don't drink much for similar reasons. I was only totally drunk once in my life and I hated not having total mental control.

However, I do have to say I hate the druggie culture thing where someone is made to feel lame for not wanting to do drugs. You want to do it? Be my guest..I think it should be legal. However, do not kick on the peer pressure crap and make those of us that made the choice not to take drugs (and yes I am including booze) into something lesser than those that have. I honetly never got what is so great about drugs. Maybe I would get it if I got high but I am not willing to take the risk. That is my life choice. You are welcome to yours.

Originally Posted by MetaMan

wtf do you know about smoking weed? you do not know shit, yet you yap on in your previous post like you are some big know it all when you do not know shit.

is it my fault you were one of those FUCKING LOSERS in high school who thought everything was bad and was best friends was a novel?

again please stfu you do not know shit about the topic since you have not tried so you should shut your mouth about it.

Originally Posted by Eric_aka_RedEyes

Not me not even once

Originally Posted by ebus_dk

I know about the effects - and what makes you think you can judge my knowledge about anything? - that is pretty damm narrow-minded

well.. I wont go down to your level of keyboard whoreing.. fight someone else, I dont care what you think