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  Vaporized Marijuana May Be Easier On The Lungs
Posted by CN Staff on May 04, 2007 at 09:09:23 PT
By Reuters Health 
Source: Reuters  

cannabis New York -- Users of marijuana (also called cannabis) who vaporize the drug have fewer lung symptoms than those who smoke it, researchers report. Based on his research, Dr. Mitch Earleywine said: "The argument that the medical use of cannabis is inappropriate because of its potential to create (lung) problems is now clearly invalid.

Regular users of joints, blunts, pipes, and water pipes might decrease respiratory symptoms by switching to a vaporizer."

Earleywine, of the State University of New York, Albany and colleagues note that marijuana smoking can lead to respiratory trouble.

However, vaporizers heat cannabis to release the psychoactive ingredients, but remain cool enough to avoid the smoke and toxins associated with combustion.

To investigate what impact this might have, the researchers examined Internet survey responses from people who had used marijuana in the previous month.

Respondents who had cystic fibrosis or asthma or reported oral ingestion as their primary means of cannabis use were excluded, as were those who had inhaled other drugs.

Of the 6,882 marijuana users included in the study, only 152 (2.2 percent) reported vaporizing as their primary method of cannabis use.

However, 100 of these users -- nearly 66 percent -- reported no respiratory problems compared to 56 percent of those who did not use vaporizers.

"These data, in conjunction with previous work," Earleywine said, "reveal that people can use cannabis without fear of respiratory problems."

Source: Harm Reduction Journal, April 16, 2007.

Source: Reuters (Wire)
Published: Friday, May 4, 2007
Copyright: 2007 Reuters Limited

Related Articles:

New Studies Destroy the Last Objection To MMJ
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22937.shtml

Study: Pot Slows Lung Cancer in Mice
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22882.shtml


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Comment #44 posted by whig on May 05, 2007 at 15:01:26 PT
mayan
Except the Drug Czar position should probably go away.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #43 posted by mayan on May 05, 2007 at 14:55:40 PT
Ron Paul
Drug Czar!

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #42 posted by whig on May 05, 2007 at 11:30:19 PT
Ron Paul at the GOP debate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNvoaGfwZcc

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #41 posted by whig on May 05, 2007 at 11:06:26 PT
FoM
You're right, I was just thinking he was the one Republican who voted against the Iraq war.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #40 posted by dongenero on May 05, 2007 at 07:51:34 PT
vaporizers
Vaporizers are great! I have used one regularly for sometime and feel it is easier on my respiratory system. The model I have used is called Aromazap.

I was a cannabis aficionado in my younger days, quit for about 20 years but, around 2000, decided I would get back to cannabis for relaxation and sleep aid. Out of concern for some of the byproducts of combustion I decided to try a vaporizer.

I am also involved in amateur competitive racing in an endurance sport, which relies heavily on your respiratory and cardiovascular system. I have to say that I have noticed no significant decline in performance in terms of speed or power output.

My max heart rate has seen some decline over the years but, that is a natural process of aging.

I also have not had bronchitis for years which I used to have more frequently as a non-cannabis user. I also rarely get colds anymore since using cannabis

This is all anecdotal of course, but I just thought I would relate my experience.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #39 posted by FoM on May 05, 2007 at 06:17:38 PT
Whig
I have a question. You mentioned Ron Paul for Secretary of Defense but if the Dems win do they usually put a person from another Party in a position as important as that? I don't know. Wouldn't someone familiar with the Armed Services be better? I thought of Wesley Clark. Isn't Ron Paul an Obstetrician?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_Clark

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Comment #38 posted by whig on May 05, 2007 at 00:24:56 PT
Cool vs. hot air
One nice thing about the Volcano is that you don't directly inhale heated air at all, the vapor fills a balloon and then you breathe in the cool mist.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #37 posted by whig on May 05, 2007 at 00:21:26 PT
Yanxor
I believe cannabis vapor could be very helpful for asthma.

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Comment #36 posted by Yanxor on May 04, 2007 at 21:41:03 PT
...what happened to control?
Now, they took out asthma and cystic fibrosis, but they should have done a control group and tried to find out what percentage of people would develop respiratory problems just from the polluted air or what not - that would make that 66% that much more awesome.

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Comment #35 posted by afterburner on May 04, 2007 at 21:33:27 PT
RE Max #28
I don't have a vaporizer. That would be illegal. ;) However, I have sampled the Volcano at a cannabis cafe. The vapor tastes so much better than the smoke from a pipe, joint or bong. None of those nasty smoke by-product chemicals that Max mentions.

Toronto has a new vapor cafe. Vancouver has the Vapour Lounge. Hamilton had vapor access before the authorities closed the cafe. Vapor is the way of the future. "Try it (if you get the chance), you'll like it."

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Comment #34 posted by FoM on May 04, 2007 at 21:02:04 PT
Just a Comment
I waited for one of the Republicans to talk about Universal Health Care and they didn't unless I missed it. I don't understand why that wasn't important. America is a very big country and no one group or class of people should be brushed aside. That's not the America that I was taught to love.

Talk with you tomorrow. Have a good weekend.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #33 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 20:39:44 PT
Ron Paul for secretary of defense
I'd support that.

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Comment #32 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 20:36:41 PT
Constitution
I believe that Bill Richardson and Dennis Kucinich will both uphold the constitution if elected or I would not endorse either of them. Both have done so in office.

So would Ron Paul, but he would try to cut off the social safety net, when in fact we need to have universal health care and a lot more things that go against what he wants. I'm happy to have it be voluntary, but it needs to be available to everyone automatically or people go untreated when they need medicine, and they get sicker and then it becomes even more expensive to treat, as they suffer.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #31 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 20:30:43 PT
mayan
The only Democratic candidates I am endorsing at this time are Bill Richardson and Dennis Kucinich. I am telling Republicans to nominate Ron Paul, but I will not endorse him because I do not think he should be president.

He might make a good cabinet member, however.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #30 posted by FoM on May 04, 2007 at 19:55:04 PT
mayan
I'm really glad that Ron Paul won the debate. On my side of this Obama won. People can only vote once and many people voted in both polls. I think it's a good sign. I voted for Ron Paul in the Republican Debate and Barack Obama in the Democratic Debate.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18300340

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Comment #29 posted by mayan on May 04, 2007 at 18:07:54 PT
whig
So you would rather have a democrat that doesn't uphold the principles of Our Constitution than a republican who does? He is the only candidate that can draw votes from across the political spectrum. IMHO, he is our only hope to take our country back...

Ron Paul Wins MSNBC Debate Poll - Ron Paul steps into national spotlight: http://www.ronpaul2008.typepad.com/

Ron Paul Rides High In Polls After GOP Debate: http://911blogger.com/node/8339

Vote on the California Republican debate http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18436681

Ron Paul 2008: http://www.ronpaul2008.com/

THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...

Controversial Lecturer Challenges Lawmaker At State Capitol (VOTE FOR KEVIN!) http://www.channel3000.com/news/13255407/detail.html

Neo-Con Threats Force Virgin To Pull Loose Change: http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/may2007/040507virginpull.htm

Loose Change Final Cut Teaser Released: http://911blogger.com/node/8350

New Article Posted At The Journal Of 9/11 Studies By Dr. David Ray Griffin: http://journalof911studies.com/volume/200704/DavidRayGriffin911Empire.pdf

Bush Told Of First Attack On 9/11 Before He Left Florida Hotel: http://prisonplanet.com/articles/may2007/040507bushtold.htm

The Vancouver 9/11 Truth Conference - June 22-24: http://www.v911truth.org/conference2007.html

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #28 posted by Max Flowers on May 04, 2007 at 18:04:46 PT
BGreen
Here's a nice one, same as I have, only $119 on EBay... can't get much more Amurrican than buying from EBay. Very safe purchase. You're getting it for "smoking cessation" like it says (and you are).

http://cgi.ebay.com/VAPOR-WAREZ-3G-STANDARD-CANNON-HERBAL-VAPORIZER_W0QQitemZ220107563094QQihZ012QQcategoryZ75043QQcmdZViewItem

I've been vaping (and have quit smoking it) for four years, and I can tell everyone the difference is NIGHT AND DAY from smoking. The news article headline above cracks me up because I know firsthand how much easier vaping is on the lungs. There is NO comparison. Vaping is like a light hash mist going in that you can barely feel, while smoking it is foul and loaded with nasty chemicals and tars.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #27 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 18:00:57 PT
Heat gun
Steinel HG 3002LCD is what the Vriptech uses. Along with some glassware, I believe. Dunno if it helps.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #26 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 17:57:46 PT
BGreen
It's not as simple as it seems, a lot of early vaporizers were not considered very good.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #25 posted by BGreen on May 04, 2007 at 17:41:03 PT
I know, whig, I wrote about that in post #11
Vaporizers are NOT available anywhere around here, making purchases possible only by travel or mail order.

I've got serious problems with sending hundreds of $$$ along with my name and address only to have my "paraphernalia" confiscated and my freedom threatened.

A vaporizer is a very simple mechanical device that could be manufactured on a large scale for a few dollars per unit if it wasn't for prohibition.

There's no basis whatsoever for charging hundreds of dollars, and that exorbitant pricing will keep the health protecting benefits away from the vast majority of users who will stick with joints and water pipes.

The Reverend Bud Green

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #24 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 16:59:12 PT
BGreen
There are good vaporizers for under $150. Given that cannabis is $50/eighth on average in the Bay Area, at dispensary prices, the cost is not exorbitant. Vaporizers are more efficient than smoking, as practically none of the THC/CBD is lost to the air or combustion products, so you need to use less herb for the same effect.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #23 posted by BGreen on May 04, 2007 at 15:56:07 PT
Yes, the Volcano is a quality device, probably #1
As a result of this quality it should sell for more than inferior units, but IMHO all of the vaporizers are overpriced right out of reach of the common folk and I directly blame prohibition.

It's not just the price of cannabis that is ridiculously inflated because of prohibition.

The Reverend Bud Green

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #22 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 15:25:41 PT
FoM
I think America needs to join the International Criminal Court and make it an international felony to commit or threaten war.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #21 posted by FoM on May 04, 2007 at 15:23:03 PT
Whig
Since Vietnam I have never wanted to see another war. That war was a nightmare. Now we have another nightmare. I know what you mean. It's a heart thing.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #20 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 15:04:58 PT
FoM
I want there to be no more wars. Ever.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #19 posted by FoM on May 04, 2007 at 15:00:01 PT
whig
There are a few things that I want clarification on but there is time. He is a reasonable man and we need a reasonable person in power. His blog is very interesting to read. He allows hard and difficult comments and I appreciate that. He called the person to talk to him about the My Space problem. I thought as busy as he is he didn't need to do that but he did it. He seems slow to anger which mean decisions for a war would be thought thru thoroughly. We know that Vietnam wasn't the last war like many of us from that time hoped for and we know there will be more wars but I hope never again one started by our country.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #18 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 14:57:17 PT
BGreen
I think the Volcano is expensive because it's a really quality machine. There are much cheaper vaporizers that would probably suffice for someone on a budget, but none are as good as the Volcano by common consensus. Free market price should probably be higher than the alternatives.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #17 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 14:50:46 PT
flip-flopping
I reserve the right to change my opinion at any time without prior notice on the basis of new information or understanding. I will endeavor always to explain the reasons for the positions that I take and when my mind changes, I will try to explain why. I think it's a lot more honest than trying to hold certain counterfactual ideas for the sake of foolish consistency.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #16 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 14:47:48 PT
FoM
I'm worried that Barack Obama is a warmonger.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #15 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 14:46:22 PT
nuevo mexican
I do not automatically endorse candidates who support our issue. I am not endorsing Ron Paul because I don't want a Republican president. I am not dividing, however, I still like Mike Gravel. I just don't want him to be president.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #14 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 14:45:04 PT
Taylor121
I'm not endorsing John Edwards on account of his past positions. If he would take a different position he would be endorsable. I believe he might be able to reconsider medical marijuana especially in light of new research and the fact that his wife has cancer.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #13 posted by Taylor121 on May 04, 2007 at 14:16:21 PT
whig
John Edwards is against medicinal cannabis. He came out against it in the 2004 election.

Bill Richardson is for medical marijuana, but has never advocated treating marijuana similarly to alcohol.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #12 posted by potpal on May 04, 2007 at 14:15:20 PT
Yum yum
We can eat it too!

Cook it up.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #11 posted by BGreen on May 04, 2007 at 13:04:27 PT
Welcome, Yanxor!
The Volcano is expensive because of prohibition. It's considered "drug paraphernalia" in the US and is priced accordingly. Mass production would most certainly bring the price down.

Another thing to consider is that 2/3 to 3/4 of the cannabinoids are destroyed by combustion and are wasted. Vaporization delivers nearly all cannabinoids to the user, thereby saving a bunch of money in the long run.

The Reverend Bud Green

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #10 posted by Yanxor on May 04, 2007 at 12:50:27 PT:

56%?
Doesn't that mean that a majority of cannabis consumers who actually smoke it don't experience any respiratory problems?

I think it does...and honestly, for a 10% decrease in the likelihood of respiratory problems, I'd rather hash out $60 for a water-pipe than pay $500 for a volcano...at least now, what with college and all.

But overall, that's excellent news - this will make things FABULOUS - medicinally.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #9 posted by FoM on May 04, 2007 at 12:28:39 PT
nuevo mexican
I like Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Bill Richardson and of course my favorite Barack Obama. I like Obama because he is firing up the young generation. We were fired up in the 60s. We had dreams and now this new and upcoming generation might be able to have a dream too.

Picture: http://my.barackobama.com/page/-/blog/52Stevie.jpg

Stevie Wonder and Obama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8KexTxZMro



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #8 posted by nuevo mexican on May 04, 2007 at 12:13:28 PT
Whig: where a non-endorsement is an endorsment!
After his comments on Cannabis, you defer?

I understand your flip-flopping, and I feel happy to support this man, and Dennis, for his statements exposing the Global War of Fear for what it is!

Give this man some credit, or leave it alone.

I support anyone who takes his positions, and is brave and fearless enough to speak truth to power, I'd like to see you do that at a Presidential debate.

Not a flame!

Divide and conquer is the Gemini Way, ask Newtie!

No judgment on 'divisiveness', just an observation.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #7 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 11:10:59 PT
also for ending cannabis prohibition
Bill Richardson (Governor of New Mexico) Dennis Kucinich (US Representative)

I am hopeful for John Edwards, as well. He has shown an ability to admit past error, and has been talking about peace and ending war.

From TIME:

At last month’s Democrat (sic) debate in South Carolina, moderator Brian Williams asked the eight candidates: “Show of hands question: Do you believe there is such a thing as a global war on terror?”

Senator Hillary Clinton’s hand shot up. After hesitating noticeably, Senator Barack Obama joined her. Edwards did not, even though he has used the phrase himself and a policy paper on his Web site refers to “winning the war on terror.” And now, in his first interview to explain his turnabout, Edwards tells TIME that he will no longer use what he views as “a Bush-created political phrase.”

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #6 posted by whig on May 04, 2007 at 11:06:24 PT
Mike Gravel
He's a bit too cavalier about dismissing congressional power. I am withdrawing an endorsement. I like him, don't want him to be president.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #5 posted by paul armentano on May 04, 2007 at 10:46:25 PT
Wire: Study links alcohol to brain shrinking
OK folks, I guess it's time for the Feds to ban alcohol. Also, note that this study reports that even moderate drinking is associated with brain atrophy. In NIDA-speak, this factoid translates to: "all use is abuse" and there is "no safe dosage" of alcohol.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Study links alcohol to brain shrinking

By Timothy Homan/Daily News correspondent Abington - Drink by drink, your brain may be getting smaller.

A new study by a researcher at Wellesley College found that increased alcohol consumption is related to a reduction in brain volume. The study also showed women who drink heavily are more likely to experience decreased brain size.

"Alcohol accelerates this decline," author Carol Ann Paul said in an interview yesterday. However, she cautioned that the findings are preliminary.

"I wouldn't stop drinking tomorrow," said Paul, who lives in Newton. The study culled data from the Framingham Offspring Study, part of the Framingham Heart Study. Paul analyzed MRI scans from 1,839 Framingham residents, ages 34 to 88, and put participants into one of five groups: non-drinkers, former drinkers, low drinkers (one to seven drinks per week), moderate drinkers (8 to 14 drinks per week) and heavy drinkers (more than 14 drinks per week).

The study, which examined brain scans from 1999 to 2004, shows that heavy drinkers lost an average of 1.6 percent more brain volume compared to non-drinkers. That translates into a 0.25 percent decrease in brain volume, on average, for every increase in drinking categories, such as low drinkers to moderate drinkers.

Non-drinkers experienced no alcohol-related brain atrophy, with brain volume measured as a percent of skull size, Paul said.

The participants in the study are children of Framingham residents who took part in the 1948 Framingham Heart Study. Paul's data did not measure factors such as weight or racial and ethnic background of participants but she did eliminate those with dementia.

Paul conducted a cross-sectional study, meaning it provided more of a snapshot than a long-term analysis of the effects of alcohol on the brain. However, one subgroup in the study looked at the longitudinal effects of drinking. People who had a 12-year history of heavy drinking had less brain volume than moderate drinkers who later increased their alcohol consumption during that period. Relatedly, the heavy drinkers had, on average, a 1.6 percent reduction in brain volume.

A 1.25 percent decrease in brain volume is equivalent to 1 to 2 years of normal aging, Paul said, adding that women in their 70s who drank heavily experienced the greatest decrease in brain volume.

The National Institutes of Health estimate 12 million Americans are alcohol dependent. Reductions in brain volume often result in decreased cognitive functions and have been linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Paul, 59, presented her findings Wednesday at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting, in Boston. She conducted the research while pursuing her master's degree at the Boston University School of Public Health.

"It's certainly the first time where abstinence comes out as having some clear health benefits," said Rhoda Au, an associate professor at Boston University who oversaw Paul's research.

She noted that in recent years most studies have trumpeted the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption.

"It sort of made me feel like I should be drinking a little," said Au, who doesn't drink.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #4 posted by FoM on May 04, 2007 at 10:38:47 PT
Taylor121
I like him too. He brings a sense of freedom to the debates. He is 77 years old and he has gathered a lot of wisdom over the years. I hope others listen and learn from him.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #3 posted by Taylor121 on May 04, 2007 at 10:31:51 PT
Great News!
Good to know that a bunch of people sent CNN a message! I was one of em. I really like this guy.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #2 posted by FoM on May 04, 2007 at 09:39:53 PT
Senator Gravel Invited to CNN Debate
May 1, 2007

Senator Gravel would like to thank each and every one of you who worked so hard to get him into the New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Debate. This invitation is a direct result of the dedication and work of those of you who have stood up for this campaign in the last 72 hours.

This is absolute proof that the people working together can stand up to corporate media and have our voices heard.

Senator Gravel has said all along that this is your campaign and today your voices have been heard loud and clear.

Our work has only just begun. Again, thank you to all of you.

Shawn Alexander Colvin

Press Secretary

Gravel 08

http://www.gravel2008.us/?q=node/747

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #1 posted by Taylor121 on May 04, 2007 at 09:32:08 PT
Mike Gravel says legalize marijuana on C-SPAN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KyFRyxZp-s

"Should be able to buy that at a liquor store just like you buy alcohol"

[ Post Comment ]


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