her death is the only death caused by marijuana on the books.

There is no such death caused by marijuana on the books.

The prohibitionist like to say she died from pot..But I know better.

Funny how FOM has not acknowledged that I was called a liar,proved I was not lying,and still wants to ban me.

It seems as if FOM is upset that I provided the proof that I was not lying,and that he,or she was content with me being labeled a liar,prosecutor,narc. If I am being called a Narc,liar,prosecutor,what do you expect me to do besides defend myself FOM. If this blog is set up as a one way street for a bunch of old buddies, go ahead and ban me,I am not out anything.

It is true however that because of the money aspect, a lot of 'modern' growers use various chemicals to increase yield. My experience with them is just 'bunk' herb. If it tastes ok, doesn't burn weird, and works without some kind of headache reaction, then the odds are in favor of 'good.'

Also, they are caring, compassionate places where I get my medicine. They let patients come and stay, to drink coffee or in some locations to medicate directly. They rely upon the good will and support of the patient community.

Sounds like a clear threat to me. A whole lot of ego mixed with just as many words. What's the point? I read the entire thread, and other than the fact that accusations have been made about issues which seem to have little impact towards implementing an end to cannabis prohibition -which due to the lack of good grammatical syntax in the writing style of publicbulldog (not a sin, just difficult to understand) is certainly not clear to me, I just read 'personal problem.'

The need to have credit for an idea is not new to me, but fighting for notoriety just doesn't seem to fit the consensus we all have here about the nature of compassion, forgiveness, and respect, -that is what the prohibs have none of. When you make a threat, you are desperate. Desperation serves no good whatsoever. And in making such threats, you reveal the dark place in your heart for the entire world to see.

Knowing whether or not your medicine is contaminated, is important information, and making money is the prime motivator for just about any american endeavor, but focussing on an issue which basicly gives the opposition any just cause whatsoever to continue their fascist regiment can only be viewed with mistrust and suspicion.

As anyone who has read my posts can attest, venting anger and frustration at the many wrongs committed against us in the names of the various institutions in control of our lives, is a good and helpful thing. However, accusation of persons without substantial, immovable fact and truth to back it up is tantamount to the same BS that we are struggling to overcome.

True colors, or just cultural miscommunication? Threats and accusations belong to the repugs, roman xtians, and in general reside within the hearts and minds of limited intellect. While it is true that 'those of us who are strong must bear the inequities of the weak', it is also true that those who 'drag ass' intentionally for some kind of negative attention-getting, are left behind to be consumed in the fire of their own dross, or in other words left to drown in their own excrement.

http://tagsdir.org/directory/category/medical/page_a~7.php

http://martijnfransen5874.hyves.nl/index.php?l3=bl&l4=it&blogitem_id=1736774&blogitem_secret=U6wp

The American Medical Marijuana Association HOME | AWARDS | GROW VIDEOS | SEEDS | JOIN | CARTOONS | ADVISORS | CONTACT

What Dispensary has the best Meds? The American Medical Marijuana Association is inviting California Dispensaries to submit samples of their best herb for testing and evaluation.

click for more

Is Your Dispensary Poisoning You?

WARNING: The American Medical Marijuana Association is concerned that some cannabis dispensaries may be selling cannabis that may be contaminated with pesticides.

A recent study done by AMMA suggests that contaminated cannabis is being sold by California dispensaries, possibly on a fairly widespread basis. Two of the most common pesticides being used are Malathion and Avid.

Some may complain that AMMA is overreacting by issuing this warning, but the tragic story of recently deceased Jane Wierick should serve as a sober message to all.

In order to combat this disturbing trend, AMMA is inviting California dispensaries to submit samples of their 'Best Medicine' for testing and evaluation. In the meantime, we suggest patients do three things to protect themselves from contaminated cannabis.

--First, look at your herb under a magnifying glass. If you see dead bugs, your herb is probably contaminated with pesticide(s). --Second, look at the color of your ash. Cannabis ash that is black or dark gray may be contaminated and probably is of a grade that should not be consumed. Medical grade cannabis should always leave a white or light gray ash. (make sure your herb is completely dried before toking and judging the ash)

--Third, listen to how your herb burns. If you hear a popping or crackling sound, it indicates that something has contaminated the herb enough to disrupt the normally quiet burning process.

If you are a California Dispensary, operating within the legal guidelines of SB 420, then please contact AMMA today about how you can have your herb tested and receive a "Best Medicine" Award from AMMA.

Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 163

Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 12:25 am Post subject: Des Moines vs Denver N.I.C.E.R.DSM?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A N.I.C.E.R. choice needs to be in place as well. (N.eccesary I.nitiative.C.oncerningE.njoyableR.ecreation), just like Denver did. Back in the late 80’s, early 90’s I went to Vegas a time or 10. Seeing slot’s at a gas station/store is the norm there, now here in Iowa, what have we, slot’s at the gas station.

Nevada/Colorado have initiatives in '06,just like Denver in 2005, only this will be statewide. All we here about is “Why are people moving away from Iowa in droves? “ If we want to be like Nevada, make medical marijuana legal as well as a N.I.C.E.R. choice.

If you were 21, didn’t do meth and liked to smoke weed, would you live in Denver or Des Moines ?

Compare a pot field to a meth lab.

marijuana field = environment good meth lab = environment BAD

There is no comparison. METH IS DEATH POT IS NOT

Why are the fines the same for simple possession?

A person can do life in prison for cultivation of marijuana and do life in prison. Another man may kill someone, and be in prison for only eight years.

Soon, Wisconsin and Minnesota will be home to Iowa medi-chronic refugees who have fled the most fertile soil in our country, to avoid this injustice.

Sincerely,

Rev. Ray Green*

*it's a message board, just here to SBRAE Life, I don't attend Sunday services so I am not here to offend, only raise awareness.

wont that prove I am not a liar.

God I cant wait for that Federal judges decision. I am going to post it here and enjoy it.

Funny when I first started posting here you thought I was great.

Now I am a pompous ass.

What do you say B Green

When you do a study,it has your name on it. You have read it,you have a copy of it.

That would mean you did a study.

When it has somebody else's name on it,you have not read it,you do not have a copy of it,and it takes a position you do not agree with,how could you say you did a study and not be a liar.

I won't regret anything because you scream too loudly in defense of your questionable actions, just as you would expect a narc or LEA to do.

I don't give a crap about you or anything you say you're doing because you're full of crap.

You have shown NO compassion in your ravings, so the possibility of you helping anybody is implausible.

You've created dissension and do nothing but stir up trouble with your self righteousness ... just like I've seen cops and narcs do my entire adult life.

I'm finished with your crap, but I'll shoot down your lies as long as you continue to spew them here.

I don't like your style, your attitude or your insistence on writing hundreds of words without ever giving us a paragraph break.

Most of us have been around here for years and then you show up and have the audacity to criticize us for pointing out that, whether intentional or not, your actions have "narc" written all over them.

In fact I predicted it.----- Original Message ----- From: "john worthington" To: Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 7:07 AM Subject: out of cannacare

He called YOU spiteful and a contrarian, and then said he emailed them with your words (and I'm sure many of his own.)

I wouldn't say publicbulldog is a liar because I have no proof nor do I have any reason to question his motivation.

It is possible to hear something and repeat it as truth, even though it may not have been true in the first place.

I believe publicbulldog believes it to be true, but the lack of corroboration the AMMA website seems to suggest otherwise.

Hmmm!?!?!?

Why didn't they warn people? Do they not care? Send them an email.

In fact, a google search shows there are several references to the AMMA findings, some made by you, but I can't find anything directly from the AMMA to substantiate these allegations.

IMHO, the AMMA would have this information on their front page if they had truly discovered tainted medical cannabis.

Part of your post was propaganda mixed with a little truth.

You've shown a desire to fight but you don't really fight fair.

If you would have backed up any of your assertions in your original post you wouldn't have been able to send off your tattle tale email to the AMMA.

I just don't understand your intentions.

contrarian A contrarian is someone who poses as a skeptic, refusing to accept consensus conclusions in science on the ground that there is still some uncertainty

Is he making reference to "higher education", a college class or what? I'm afraid I don't get the terror tactic they're using.

I have been using 1.3 service pack 2 but I occasionally eat too many doritos.

2.0, give me a friggin break.

Great pains were taken throughout the Old and New Testaments to warn people specifically of those things to avoid. Common sense would lead one to believe that IF cannabis was to be avoided, SOMEBODY would have mentioned it, at least once, somewhere in all of those words. Nope, not a single negative word.

The question to ask a person like David Miller would be "Do you think God created a plant so bad that anybody possessing it or "conspiring" to possess it, not even smoking it or consuming it, should be imprisoned for far longer than murderers and thieves, two things CLEARLY forbidden IN WRITING numerous times throughout the Bible, and yet God somehow "forgot" to mention it?"

Give me a break!

After entering into the midst of prayer time, seeking the Spirit of Truth's perfection, guidance etc. and reading Matthew 7:1-6 and writting to You, I then continue on and Matthew 7:7-12 subtitled Prayer and the Goden Rule, reasures Me and the way of praying and asking for the Master to put His words into My mouth and into writting is the correct way by Biblically stating:

"7"(F)Ask, and (G)it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

9"Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?" Cont...

And then, Hope,

If that's not enough,

I Am led to refer to smoking cannabis...

***Cannabis, being the tree of life is useful smoked like in the tent of meeting. ***

Then / When I decide to google... so I type in: "tent-of-meeting cannabis" and press enter and then it indicates there are

about 420 entries

I thank Christ God Our Father again and again and again.

It's constant.

-0-

David completely missed the dart board; You got a handful of bulls-eyes.

David's tone compared to Your tone even becomes part of the dynamic that other people feel, even non believers, to create a lesson on a combination of levels. Helpful to bring more people closer to the Master.

David William's tone exposes judgement... and, while in prayer, the Spirit of Truth was also adding to Matthew 7:1-6's lesson of do not judge, by pointing out:

We should not judge how a person chooses to use certain vegetables for We may appear to support and enable harming a person for using what God says is good, causing Us to stumble starting on the very 1st page of the Bible, in a manner that even non believers can see it from a distance.

-0-

To teach non-believers what a disobedient Christian looks like, helps clear a path / helps people realize that they want to become obedient Christians.

To humbly teach a disobedient Christian that a non-believer can see them may help them become obedient.

I hope David & I learn.

Hope, You are a survivor.

We will meet later.

Love,

The Green Collar Worker

Me? Yes. I do...among many other uses and purposes.

"Some studies have shown that there are more cancer-causing agents in marijuana smoke than in tobacco smoke. How can you say that permanently damaging your lungs is biblically correct? See 1 Corinthians 6:19."

Actually any studies that ever did have been refuted...completely. See Dr. Donald Tashkin's latest study indicating a that there may be something in cannabis/marijuana that actually protects people from cancer. I don't believe I said that damaging your lungs is "Biblically correct". Did I? When I see 1 Corinthians 6:19 I see you should have read a bit before to know what context this scripture is in. This scripture is referring to sexual sin.

(See 1 Corinthians 18 - 20.) 18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

"Also, many people who smoke marijuana believe it is safe to drive while high. This is a horrible misconception. Being high is scientifically proven to lower reaction abilities and driving under the influence of marijuana has many times proven fatal to the driver and many innocent people."

If you have a computer, run a search on cannabis and driving. There are quite a few. Oddly enough, most studies showed the cannabis/marijuana consuming drivers in the studies performed better because they were even more cautious than usual.

Of course, even knowing that, I think there are probably, in fact, many people who consume cannabis who, in fact, choose not to drive when under the influence.

"I assure you God does not approve of killing innocent people. See Exodus 23:7." I agree. It is wrong to kill and even mistreat innocent people. You'll find this scripture isn't about automobile accidents, ...it's about laws and governing and the right way to treat people...all people.

Exodus 23:7? Exodus 23: 7 Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.

Ah ... the whole chapter taken in context? That's the one about laws...and justice and mercy. Seeing verses 6 and 8 and 9 might help you better understand this admonishion.

Exodus 23: 6 "Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. 7 Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.

8 "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.

9 "Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt.

(I might mention some of that if I was Stan White when I replied to David Williams.)

Prohibitionists will persecute, prohibit and exterminate cannabis (kaneh bosm) even if potencey was shrinking.

They prohibited hemp food products as long as they could and it only contains a fraction of a percent of THC.

The only reason prohibitionists no longer prohibit hemp seed and hemp oil is because activist took them to court and made them stop their evil ways.

The government is fighting against God on this issue and can not win.

Today’s study was launched in the light of recent concerns that cannabis may now be much stronger than in the past, and that increasing potency could be resulting in more health problems for users. Such concerns are worrying as cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the EU, with many countries reporting lifetime prevalence rates in excess of 20%. And the number of those both experimenting with, and using, the drug intensively has risen over the last decade.

Commenting on the study, EMCDDA Director Georges Estievenart says: ‘There has been much speculation on the strength of cannabis available today, but little in the way of hard evidence. This study contributes to research by offering a broad overview of what is currently known about trends in cannabis potency in Europe’. Analysing cannabis potencyThe potency of cannabis is defined as the amount of the primary active ingredient ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in the drug. Analysing this potency is complicated by a number of factors.

Firstly, cannabis is available in different forms – most commonly as cannabis resin (hashish) and herbal cannabis (marijuana) but also, more rarely, as an oil. Potency varies between these different products, but can also vary between different samples of the same product or even within the same sample. Herbal cannabis presents particular challenges for testing, as THC levels can vary considerably in different parts of the plant and the sample tested may not be representative of the whole seizure.

Secondly, there is substantial natural variation in THC levels in cannabis. Such variation can be attributed to different methods of cultivation or the geographical source. But variations can also occur within plants cultivated in similar settings. Thirdly, the age of the product is important. The rate of THC decomposition in cannabis at room temperature is estimated at 17% per annum and, in some cases, THC almost completely disappears after two years of storage. Therefore, how long the drug has been in transit and storage (both before and after the drug is seized) may have an impact on potency estimates.

Finally, analytical problems arise in measuring THC: different laboratories may use diverse testing methods or measure THC against different reference standards; and countries may adopt different sampling strategies, or only test a small number of samples. Collectively these problems can produce unreliable or imprecise results, which complicate the assessment of trends over time and diminish the reliability of historical data. Standard testing and sampling procedures thus need to be developed to provide a clear picture of potency and allow trends to be monitored over time.

Natural variation in the THC content of imported cannabis at any one time and place far exceeds any long-term changes in potency that may have occurred in Europe in recent years. This means that regular cannabis users will, in all probability, have been exposed to both high potency and low potency cannabis – but this is not a new phenomenon as some forms of high potency cannabis have always been available. No evidence of a significant increase in overall potency of cannabis in Europe.

Today’s study reveals that when the overall potency of cannabis products available on the European market is calculated, there is no evidence of a significant increase in potency. This is because, in most EU countries, imported cannabis (herbal and resin) dominates the market and this has remained stable over many years. Information on potency and the relative consumption of different products in a particular country can be combined to give the overall trend in THC levels that are experienced by cannabis consumers. Termed the ‘effective potency’, it is derived by weighting the potency of each product by its fractional share of the market and then summing the individual values to give an estimate for the average potency of cannabis available at any one time.

Today’s report shows that effective potency of cannabis in nearly all EU countries has remained quite stable for many years, at around 6–8% THC. The only exception has been the Netherlands where, by 2001–2002, it had reached 16%, largely due to the increasing availability of intensively produced home-grown cannabis (go Holland ed.).

Intensively-grown cannabis more potent The study shows that overall increases in cannabis potency occurring in some countries are almost entirely due to the increased relative consumption of home-produced herbal cannabis, cultivated using intensive hydroponic techniques.

Indoor cultivation of herbal cannabis now occurs in most, if not all, European countries but imported products are still more commonly used. Herbal cannabis grown in this way in the EU is overall consistently of high potency, often two or three times greater than herbal cannabis imported from countries of North Africa, the Caribbean, and the Far East, where it is grown naturally outdoors and where storage and transit time degrade the THC.

But that said, there is considerable overlap in terms of the potency of both imported and intensively grown cannabis, with imported cannabis sometimes found among the more potent samples tested. Although in many EU countries some intensive home production of cannabis now occurs, the market share of this type of the drug is thought to be small, but there are concerns that it might be growing, highlighting a need for better monitoring of the market.

One exception is the Netherlands, where, due to relatively high domestic levels of intensively produced cannabis (nederwiet), it is estimated that over half the cannabis market now consists of locally-grown products, although only a proportion of these is likely to be exceptionally potent.

The higher potency of home-grown herbal cannabis over imported products may be due to several factors: genetic (e.g. seed variety); environmental (special lighting, feed supplements, artificial altering of day-length and other conditions); and freshness (production closer to consumer and no storage degradation of THC).

Variations in Europe’s cannabis market National statistics from law-enforcement agencies show the EU to be the world’s main consumer of cannabis resin. Resin seizures are more common in Western Europe than Eastern Europe.

Between 1996 and 2001, resin accounted for 79% of the total weight of cannabis seized in Western Europe, while, in Eastern Europe, this proportion was only 13% (UNODC, 2003). This is accounted for by the geographical position of Morocco,the world’s largest producer of resin.

In terms of cannabis consumption estimates, European countries fall into two distinct groups. In some countries, herbal cannabis holds the largest market share – e.g. Belgium (80%), the Czech Republic (90%),Estonia (85%), and Austria (70%), while in the Netherlands, the estimated market share of home produced herbal cannabis is 67%, imported herbal cannabis 3% and imported resin 29%.

Elsewhere cannabis resin dominates the market – e.g. Germany (60%), Ireland (90%), Portugal (90%) and the United Kingdom (70%). The predominant use of herbal cannabis in Eastern Europe is consistent with the above pattern of drug seizures and may reflect the greater separation of these markets from the production sites of North Africa.

In the United Kingdom, herbal material, around half of which is imported, is estimated to comprise only one-third of all cannabis consumed. A survey of reefer cigarettes in Ireland also pointed to the dominance of resin – over 90% of such cigarettes contained it. In both these countries, the content of reefer cigarettes over the past 20 years has been ‘remarkably constant’.

A British study suggests that the typical reefer cigarette in the UK contains around 200 mg of herbal cannabis or 150 mg of cannabis resin, equivalent to around 10 mg of THC. Similar findings were reported in a study from Ireland where the mean herbal cannabis content of cigarettes was 260 mg and the mean resin content was 102 mg.

There are also major differences in patterns of use between the United States and Europe. In Europe, both forms are usually smoked in a mixture with tobacco. In the US, herbal cannabis, either grown domestically or imported from Canada or Mexico, is commonly smoked, but cannabis resin is seen more rarely.

Does high-potency cannabis present additional health worries? (no the opposite ed.) If intensively grown cannabis does take a larger market share in the future, what impact will this have on users’ health? In answering this question the following issues need to be considered. Most of the research in this area originates in the US and is of questionable relevance to Europe as consumption patterns differ (see above).

One major unresolved question is whether individuals who smoke high-potency cannabis may simply use less of the drug to achieve the same effect. In this case, use of high-potency cannabis may not necessarily result in increased dose exposure (higher levels of THC in the blood) or elevated health risks.

Equally, or even more, important in influencing the total THC to which an individual is exposed over time are factors such as: the age of onset of use; the intensity of use; and the time period over which individuals use the drug. One influential Australian review concluded that cannabis users’ lifetime dose levels may have increased but this was more due to the fact that they were using earlier, and for longer, rather than because of the availability of stronger cannabis products.

Nevertheless, it is plausible that some health problems, and acute problems in particular – such as panic attacks and minor psychological problems – might be more common among users consuming high-potency cannabis. Given the rising concern about a possible link between cannabis and serious long-term psychological health problems, a negative impact of the use of high-potency cannabis cannot be ruled out.

All things considered, there is a pressing need to monitor the availability of different types of cannabis on the European illicit drug market and to research the behaviour of cannabis users; levels of THC dose exposure; and the development of both acute and chronic health problems. The EMCDDA says there is no evidence of significant changes in THC levels of cannabis consumed in Europe as a whole. This is because imported cannabis products dominate the market and – although potency varies considerably in individual samples of imported products – potency levels have, on average, remained stable. A growing concern however is the availability of intensively cultivated domestic produced cannabis, which is more consistently of high potency. Where changes are reported in potency of cannabis available in Europe they relate almost exclusively to the availability of this kind of cannabis product.

Estievenart concludes: ‘The message we draw from this study is that we should neither be over-alarmist nor too complacent about the potency of cannabis available today. Cannabis produced within Europe using new methods is consistently of higher potency, although this product remains relatively rare in most countries.

But this could change, and we must therefore implement measures to monitor the situation carefully and extend our understanding of what impact high-potency cannabis is likely to have on the health of cannabis users’.

Source: Daily Tar Heel, The (U of NC, Edu)

April 25, 2007

God didn't make marijuana so people could smoke it

http://media.www.dailytarheel.com/media/storage/paper885/news/2007/04/25/LettersToTheEditor/God-Didnt.Make.Marijuana.So.People.Could.Smoke.It-2878756.shtml

TO THE EDITOR:

I am writing in response to the April 24 letter arguing that God approves of marijuana misuse. The fact that God created all plants and that they are all good in no way justifies the perverted use of them. Do you honestly believe that smoking marijuana is God's intended purpose for cannabis?

Some studies have shown that there are more cancer-causing agents in marijuana smoke than in tobacco smoke. How can you say that permanently damaging your lungs is biblically correct? See 1 Corinthians 6:19.

Also, many people who smoke marijuana believe it is safe to drive while high. This is a horrible misconception. Being high is scientifically proven to lower reaction abilities and driving under the influence of marijuana has many times proven fatal to the driver and many innocent people.

I assure you God does not approve of killing innocent people. See Exodus 23:7.

David Williams

Freshman

Physics

Contact: editdesk@unc.edu

(Coming soot to MAP)

-0-

Referred:

US NC: Edu: PUB LTE: Bible Says God Would Be OK With Marijuana

http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n517/a02.html?21616

THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN....

9-11 survivor tells his story: Former janitor talks about first explosion he experienced: http://www.pjstar.com/stories/042307/TRI_BD10AM9S.060.php

Hero shares his recollections of Sept. 11: http://www.leadertelegram.com/story.asp?id=82015

Rosie Tells ABC To Screw Its 9/11 Censorship: http://prisonplanet.com/articles/april2007/250407ODonnell.htm

Human-Deficient Brzezinski Exposed for 9/11 Culpability: http://www.jonesreport.com/articles/250407_brzezinski_911.html

Mainstream Danish newspaper runs feature article on unexplained WTC7 collapse: http://www.911truth.dk/first/en/art_Harrit.htm

Oh now look, the news is waving.

Calling you out, with reckless harmony

Non-stop rape and unwanted sodomy.

Lift me like the clever norm.

I hardly ever post on here anymore but I thank you guys for allowing me to express and hopefully connect with all of your anger about the way this country's going, much less the heatless debate that ALL DRUGS should be legal by now.

I'd like to see someone in the ER deal with someone for cannabis intoxication. By the time they actually see the ER Doc after waiting in the lobby, then in an ER room, any buzz would be worn off by then.

:0)

Another autopsy of a young man who was a pot smoker and died in Vietnam of the Vietnam war, I was told that his brain disintegrated when a doctor touched it....like a pile of ashes.

That sounds pretty darned potent to me!

Oh yeah. It was a lie. All a lie. Just like the lies they are telling still.

Did AP carry the cannabis/lung cancer news released last week? Don't think so.

Now, either they have to admit to LYING about the "marijuana of our youth" or else there is NO CREDIBILITY to their ever changing message.

Wait a minute, even if they DO ADMIT to lying about the "marijuana of our youth," they have absolutely NO CREDIBILITY to their ever changing message because they are KNOWN AND ADMITTED LIARS!

I know that there's no way I could ever consume as much cannabis when in the Netherlands as I did back in high school, so the point of a more potent cannabis is MOOT when you use less as a result.

This is just a little delayed 4/20 desperation propaganda.

http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5515

ALLEGATION #10 “Average THC levels rose from less than 1% in the late 1970s to more than 7% in 2001, and sinsemilla potency increased from 6% to 13%, and now reach as high as 33%”

TRUTH This statement is both inaccurate and misleading. No population en masse has ever smoked marijuana averaging less than one percent THC since such low potency marijuana would not induce euphoria. In many nations, including Canada and the European Union, marijuana of one percent THC or less is legally classified as an agricultural fiber crop, hemp.76

Although annual marijuana potency data compiled by the University of Mississippi’s Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences does show a slight increase in marijuana’s strength through the years,77 this increase is not nearly as dramatic as purported by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. In addition, quantities of exceptionally strong strains of marijuana or sinsemilla (seedless marijuana) comprise only a small percentage of the overall marijuana market. The NIDA-sponsored Marijuana Potency Monitoring Project reports that less than 10 percent of DEA seized marijuana samples are above 15 percent. Less than 2 percent of marijuana seized from the domestic market contains more than 20% THC.78 Data from Europe also refutes claims of increased cannabis potency, concluding "the potencies of resin and herbal cannabis ... have shown little or no change, at least over the past ten years."79 The drug czar’s upper-level THC figures are clearly a scare tactic.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that more potent marijuana is not necessarily more dangerous.80 Marijuana poses no risk of fatal overdose, regardless of THC content, and since marijuana’s greatest potential health hazard stems from the user’s intake of carcinogenic smoke, it may be argued that higher potency marijuana may be slightly less harmful because it permits people to achieve desired psychoactive effects while inhaling less burning material.81 In addition, studies indicate that marijuana smokers distinguish between high and low potency marijuana and moderate their use accordingly,82 just as an alcohol consumer would drink fewer ounces of (high potency) bourbon than they would ounces of (low potency) beer.

ALLEGATION #3 “60 percent of teenagers in treatment have a primary marijuana diagnosis. This means that the addiction to marijuana by our youth exceeds their addiction rates for alcohol, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy and all other drugs combined.”

TRUTH This statement is purposefully misleading. Although admissions to drug rehabilitation clinics among marijuana users have increased dramatically since the mid-1990s, this rise in marijuana admissions is due to a proportional increase in the number of people arrested by law enforcement for marijuana violations and subsequently referred to drug treatment by the criminal justice system.28 Primarily, these are young people arrested for minor possession offenses,29 brought before a criminal judge (or drug court), and ordered to rehabilitation in lieu of jail or juvenile detention. As such, this data is in no way indicative of whether the person referred to treatment is suffering from any symptoms of dependence associated with marijuana use; most individuals are ordered to attend supervised drug treatment simply to avoid jail time. In fact, since 1995, the proportion of admissions from all sources other than the criminal justice system has actually declined, according to the federal Drug and Alcohol Services Information System (DASIS).30 Consequently, DASIS now reports that 58 percent of all marijuana admissions are through the criminal justice system.31 Referrals from schools and health care/drug abuse care providers comprise another 15 percent of all admissions.32 By comparison, only 38 percent of those admitted to treatment for alcohol and only 29 percent of those admitted to treatment for cocaine are referred by the criminal justice system.33

ALLEGATION #9 “The truth is that marijuana is addictive. … Marijuana users have an addiction rate of about 10%, and of the 5.6 million drug users who are suffering from illegal drug dependence or abuse, 62 percent are dependent on or abusing marijuana.”

TRUTH Marijuana use is not marijuana abuse. According to the US Institute of Medicine’s 1999 Report: “Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base,” “Millions of Americans have tried marijuana, but most are not regular users, … [and] few marijuana users become dependent on it.”68 In fact, less than 10 percent of marijuana users ever exhibit symptoms of dependence (as defined by the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-IV criteria.)69 By comparison 15 percent of alcohol users, 17 percent of cocaine users, and a whopping 32 percent of cigarette smokers statistically exhibit symptoms of drug dependence.70

Marijuana is well recognized as lacking the so-called "dependence liability" of other substances. According to the IOM, “Experimental animals that are given the opportunity to self administer cannabinoids generally do not choose to do so, which has led to the conclusion that they are not reinforcing or rewarding.”71 Among humans, most marijuana users voluntarily cease their marijuana smoking by their late 20s or early 30s – often citing health or professional concerns and/or the decision to start a family.72 Contrast this pattern with that of the typical tobacco smoker – many of whom begin as teens and continue smoking daily the rest of their lives.

That's not to say that some marijuana smokers do not become psychologically dependent on marijuana or find quitting difficult. But a comprehensive study released in 2002 by the Canadian Senate concluded that this dependence "is less severe and less frequent than dependence on other psychotropic substances, including alcohol and tobacco."73 Observable withdrawal symptoms attributable to marijuana are also exceedingly rare. According to the Institute of Medicine, these symptoms are “mild and short lived”74 compared to the profound physical withdrawal symptoms of other drugs, such as alcohol or heroin, and unlikely to persuade former smokers to re-initiate their marijuana use.75

Finally, DPA’s Marsha Rosenbaum brings up an additional valid point in SAFETY FIRST, noting that even when/if strong pot is available, it's higher cost makes it seldom available to young people and/or anyone who is not a "connoisseur" of fine pot.

WASHINGTON, (AP) -- Marijuana is getting a little more potent each year.

A project at the University of Mississippi has tested samples of marijuana seized by law enforcement agents annually since the late 1970s to check levels of THC, the active ingredient.

The testing has long been the basis for government warnings that marijuana is potentially more harmful today than it was for previous generations, an assertion disputed by critics of marijuana laws.

The average amount of THC in marijuana seized last year reached 8.5 percent, continuing an almost yearly uptick, the White House drug-control policy office said Wednesday. The THC level has doubled since the 1980s.

The government estimates that 4.1 million Americans use marijuana. Use by teenagers has declined recently, but federal officials worry that marijuana is being cited more often in emergency room visits.

Copyright: 2007 Associated Press

They are nothing but filthy thieves in coats and ties.

The only reason for smoking, and smoking, and smoking weak pot is if you just like to smoke. I like to smoke to a certain extent....but puffing and puffing for the buzz doesn't stand up to just puff and go.

The term "stiff necked" used to be the term to refer to those who could not be turned from a wrong. Completely "closed minded" would be the modern term for it.

They are a "stiff necked" and "closed minded" bunch, no doubt.

I'm thankful for every single one that has "Come out from among them."

Time to self-terminate! If ONDCP was a computer it would know that shutting itself down would be the best for the overall health of the country.

If there's anything for the people to REALLY be scared about, it's the fact that lying thieves are robbing our paychecks every payday.

PS: I just checked and no Reuters article.

Send us your question for the debate: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18182175/

On April 26th, watch the 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate on MSNBC TV and MSNBC.com to see if your question is asked.

“NBC Nightly News” Anchor and Managing Editor Brian Williams will moderate the debate.

The South Carolina Democratic Party has announced that Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, and Bill Richardson are all confirmed to participate. The debate will take place at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

This lie of 'pot 2.0' is so easily dismissed by one word only

HASHISH

High thc content hash has been readily available for millennium

THE WAR ON POT IS OVER

POT WON

Aloha

I'm surprised they had the nerve to mention hashish in an article about the "dangers" of stronger Cannabis since hash has always been stronger and it too, as far as I know, has never killed anyone!

Just wondering if 'Reuters' reported on the cannabis/lung cancer news released last week?

By Scott Shafer

Day to Day, April 25, 2007 · California approved its medical marijuana law a decade ago, and today about 200 pot dispensaries offer the drug to patients with a doctor's prescription.

Now the state is focusing on these marijuana distribution centers as a new source of sales tax revenue.

Scott Shafer reports from member station KQED in San Francisco.