cannabisnews.com: No: Addictive Drug Has No Medical Value No: Addictive Drug Has No Medical Value Posted by CN Staff on October 11, 2002 at 09:18:56 PT By Gregory M. Gassett, Special To The Times Source: Seattle Times Arguments for the legalization of "medical" marijuana do little to ensure that the facts concerning marijuana are openly discussed and only further confuse the issue for the American public. The truth is that marijuana is a highly addictive drug and has no medical value. Marijuana is one of the most abused drugs in this country. It is one of the first illegal drugs young people are exposed to and some experiment with. Using marijuana often lowers their inhibition against trying other, less-forgiving drugs such as Ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. The drug's effects cause memory loss, trouble with problem-solving, loss of motor skills and an increase in heart rate, panic attacks and anxiety. Marijuana weakens the body's immune system, which further complicates any potential recovery from a serious medical condition. Marijuana trafficked across the United States is up to 25 times more potent than it was in the 1960s, which makes it much more addictive. Drug traffickers in Mexico and Canada flood this country with vast amounts of marijuana, and citizens of this country grow it with little regard for the damage they are causing. The misleading message that young people receive concerning this drug contributes to their decision to use marijuana. If adults are misconstruing the facts surrounding marijuana use for their own benefit, how can a 10- or 11-year-old make a decision on the harmful effects of marijuana or other drugs? If elected officials openly violate the law by distributing marijuana, as recently occurred in California, how can they possibly have the best interests of their community and its young people at heart? The insinuation that smoking marijuana has widespread support and can assist people suffering from AIDS, Lou Gehrig's disease and many other terminal illnesses is misleading. While some people openly support the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes, it is from a misinformed position. It does not matter that they are elected political figures; a misguided decision is still a bad one, no matter who makes it. Legalizing marijuana through a political process bypasses the safeguards established by the Food and Drug Administration to safely test all drugs. Others utilize the medical-marijuana claim as a ploy to legalize marijuana altogether, and then will work toward the legalization of other dangerous drugs as well. They work to misinform, mislead and weaken your resolve. Operators of "compassion marijuana distribution centers" have attempted to legitimize themselves in California, Oregon, Washington and elsewhere for too long. Misinformation causes confusion for the public seeking to make a rational decision on this issue. Legalizers often cite a 1999 White House-commissioned study by the Institute of Medicine, which they say concluded that marijuana has medical benefits. This is not true. The study concluded that smoking marijuana is not good medicine. It went on to state that although marijuana delivers the active ingredient tetra hydrocannabinol (THC), smoking marijuana also delivers harmful substances, including most of those found in tobacco smoke. No medicine prescribed today is ever smoked. Marijuana contains over 400 chemicals, and when smoked it easily introduces cancer-causing chemicals to the body. Does this sound like good medicine? Marijuana contains numerous compounds and could never deliver the precise effect sought by a medical doctor assisting a patient. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) supports research into the study of all drugs, including THC. As a result of that research, Marinol was developed, and has been available to the public since 1985. The active ingredient in Marinol is synthetic THC, which battles the nausea and other discomforts associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients, and loss of appetite, often associated with AIDS patients. Marinol is an alternative drug approved by the medical community and the Food and Drug Administration. We have all witnessed the horrific consequences of drug abuse in our country over many years, and it is appalling. The DEA, and other law-enforcement agencies, take the legal measures necessary to combat drug traffickers, including those who grow and distribute marijuana, and who often hide behind "medical marijuana" claims that have misinformed and confused the public. Accepting the notion that marijuana is harmless leads young people to experiment with it, and allows legalizers the path they seek to undermine the successful drug-prevention programs that law enforcement, community leaders and schools have engaged in. You can make a difference. Speak out against the false claims of legalizers and put this issue to rest. Enough is enough, America, and it's time that you stood your ground and said so. Gregory M. Gassett is assistant special agent in charge for the Seattle Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Source: Seattle Times (WA)Author: Gregory M. Gassett, Special To The Times Published: Friday, October 11, 2002 Copyright: 2002 The Seattle Times CompanyContact: opinion seatimes.comWebsite: http://www.seattletimes.com/Related Article & Web Site:Medical Marijuana Information Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/medical.htmDrug Legalization Doesn't Work http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14391.shtmlCannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #23 posted by FoM on October 14, 2002 at 23:04:00 PT Thanks JR You are so dedicated to writing. I can't write but admire those that can. I'm catching up on my reading tonight and wanted to say thank you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by JR Bob Dobbs on October 13, 2002 at 07:18:55 PT Little lengthy LTE Sirs, How can we believe the word of a DEA agent when he claims there is no medical value to marijuana? Nothing Mr. Gassett can possibly say about the so-called "dangers" of marijuana can justify the recent raids in California on sick and dying patients who believe it helps them. Nothing he can say can bring back Clayton Helriggle, shot earlier this month in Ohio by drug agents in a raid over a misdemeanor's worth of marijuana. He warns that young people who try marijuana are likely to progress to harder drugs. While most marijuana users do not go on to use any other illegal drug, they are certain to be offered a chance to buy them, since they have to buy their marijuana on the black market. Nobody who buys beer has to worry about being offered crack. He uses the old prohibitionist line, no medicine is smoked, and cites the development of the marinol pill as an alternative. Well, if marijuana has no medical value, how come the active ingredient is available in pill form? How is a pill supposed to treat nausea, if the patient cannot keep it down? And why does the government forbid patients to use marijuana, which they can grow themselves, and yet allow them to use marinol, which is much more expensive? If the price of marijuana were not artificially inflated by the drug war, more people would be able to afford to cook with it. And if the government wouldn't fight a war against "drug paraphernalia", vaporizers would be more readily available, which give one the active ingredients without burning the plant matter. Why is a bong considered paraphernalia, and a beer bong isn't? You can die from an overdose of beer, but not cannabis. He says, "We have all witnessed the horrific consequences of drug abuse in our country over many years", and there is some truth to this. 150,000 people die per year from consequences related to alcohol, much more than every illegal drug combined. Yet nobody in their right mind would return to the days of alcohol prohibition, with its impure products making people blind, and its violent criminals making huge profits and battling in the streets for control of the market. This man is clearly acting is his own best interest. Without drug prohibition, he's out of a job. But Americans are tired of our government waging a war against its own citizens, which also happens to be funded by those same citizens. America was made a safer place after the repeal of alcohol prohibition, and we can reduce the harms caused by today's illegal drugs the same way. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by CongressmanSuet on October 11, 2002 at 22:04:30 PT This "report" makes me .... POWERBARF even worse than after my last MRI! [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by Patrick on October 11, 2002 at 21:01:45 PT canaman Right. Right. And of course, Walters never gave anyone the chance to respond anyhow. Isn't that the point he is trying to make? The Nazi bastard that he is telling us what plant we can choose to consume? [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by legalizeit on October 11, 2002 at 20:56:52 PT Yawn... Yawn... Yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwn Not one thing here we haven't heard ad nauseum (I think we have one barfer already!)The only thing more nauseating is that a major metropolitan paper would give someone this pathetic ample space to disseminate his useless propaganda.The first point he makes (MJ addictive/with no medical value), even if it were true (in increasing numbers, the Sheeple know better) falls completely flat on its face when we consider that a far more insidious drug, which is conclusively known to be highly addictive and have no medical value, is legal and can be found nearly anywhere. (Pack of Marlboro Lites, anyone?)Like I've said before, is this little pack of recycled lies all the antis can come up with? Why don't they make themselves real friendly with the populace and revive some of the propaganda that brought on prohibition in the first place (the line about Negroes smoking pot and making devilish music, etc.)? We'll see how long they have credibility then!Sorry to plagiarize from this hellspawn, but...You can make a difference. Speak out against the false claims of prohibitionist pigs and put this issue to rest. Enough is enough, America, and it's time that you stood your ground and said so. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by canaman on October 11, 2002 at 20:00:13 PT Patrick We need to do both IMHO. Attack the jailing of non-violent patriot americans and defend legalization. After all we are attempting to legalize 3 ounces of cannabis for adults in Nevada, right?Legalization is not a bad word. We need to take the stigma out of it. Call the prohibtionists what they are "criminalizers" or jailers, whatever. Walters never gave anyone the chance to respond anyhow. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Patrick on October 11, 2002 at 19:22:50 PT AMEN observer When will we learn to attack the jailing of pot smokers, instead of going on the defensive and attempting to defend "legalize"? That statement bears repeating over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over........... [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by freedom fighter on October 11, 2002 at 18:02:36 PT Enough is enough? huh?Enough is enough! At least, sir!, you got that rightEnough with putting human beings in cages because they smoked your "deadly" weed!Enough with your back rubbing with DRUG CARTELS, maintaining your prohibition, sending human beings in cages because they smoked your "deadly" weed!Enough with your leaders slinking out of the back doors, refusing to debate a honest discussion, "WHY DO YOU PUT YOUR FELLOW COUNTRYMEN into a cage for ingesting a plant that has thrived for 5 thousand years?"Enough with your blithering lies about ohhhhhhh, how so potent the plant was? Are you, sir!, that impotent to understand that is does not absolve you of the crime of putting human beings in cages for a "plant".Enough is enough, you, sir, say? So do I. I had enough of you.Enough with your bosses callin me stupid! IT DOES NOT JUSTIFY PUTTING ANY HUMAN BEING INTO A CAGE FOR TOKING!Enough is enough!ff [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by canaman on October 11, 2002 at 16:41:50 PT The "criminalizers" will say anything The "criminalizers" are responsible for the jailing of patriotic americans! There is no ploy in Nevada! We want it legal! Not even 100%, just 3 ounces for adults. Personally I'm for 100% legalization, grow all you want, no government interference, period. But I know these "criminalizers" need to be babied. Many have been telling lies so long they believe they are true. They are truly fearful of cannabis. Their fear and hate has infected others. They condem what they don't understand, it's easy. So to calm their fears we settle for 3 ounces in Nevada. In Canada they talk about "decriminalization" now. The "criminalizers" talk of "legalizing" like its a bad word like the evil word "liberal". Like pricipals such as liberty are bad somehow.Now I think I'll take the liberty to burn a little of "Da kine herb" give thanks and be proud to call myself a "legalizer"."Legalize it don't criticize it thats the best thing you can do" Peter Tosh [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by The C-I-R-C-L-E on October 11, 2002 at 16:26:34 PT BAAAARRRRFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!! Ohmigod, I'm sorry for getting that all over everyone's keyboard...it was too much... [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by mayan on October 11, 2002 at 16:10:02 PT DESPERATION!!! I love it! We have them spewing every discredited lie in the old prohibitionist handbook! I sense massive desperation on the part of these initiative opponents. Keep on lying antis, you are now your own worst enemy! Just look where your lies have got you now. Hee-Hee!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by DANA on October 11, 2002 at 15:33:19 PT ...yup... ..."Author: Gregory M. Gassett, Special To The Times "...yup....that a special if I ever seen one! [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by observer on October 11, 2002 at 15:04:44 PT Oh like wow ... ''Legalize'', man! The DEA propagandist knows he should never mention the jailing of pot smokers. Prison for tokers is not talked about. Not once. ''the legalization'', ''the legalization of marijuana'', ''Legalizing marijuana through a political process'', ''a ploy to legalize marijuana'', ''legalization of other dangerous drugs'', ''Legalizers often'', ''allows legalizers'', ''the false claims of legalizers''When will we learn to attack the jailing of pot smokers, instead of going on the defensive and attempting to defend "legalize"? [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by delariand on October 11, 2002 at 14:01:27 PT really now, they could at least try Wow, after reading the Yes article, this is that much more lame. Blah blah blah, weed is bad, proponents of legalization are lying, think of the children, blah blah blah. I don't see a shred of concrete evidence anywhere in this drivel. Meanwhile, the Yes article shows specific examples of government hypocrisy, makes sense, shows logical process, and even backs it all up! Gee, what a thought, making valid points and backing them up with evidence. This could revolutionize journalism!... oh wait, maybe not.After all, it must take loads of time to write a good article, spend hours researching, collecting evidence, writing and re-writing until the wee hours of the morning to make a deadline. Who wouldn't rather spend 5 minutes copying the D.E.A.th propaganda that the government hands out? The pay's the same. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by Sam Adams on October 11, 2002 at 13:14:35 PT Nice Bgreen! I remember my sister and I watching my parents and their friend get blasted on hard liquor at our dinner parties, the whole house would fill up with cigarette smoke as well. God knows how I ever managed to survive in that decadent, poisoned environment (sarcasm). If we don't stop these fascists, all our kids will be sent off to indoctrination camps to be raised in pure, clean environment. And don't think the "conservatives" wouldn't love to do just that. Ever seen the movie "Boys Town"?? It lays out the blueprint. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by BGreen on October 11, 2002 at 12:37:46 PT I ONLY USE CANNABIS!!!!! PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! I DON'T use TOBACCO, I DON'T use Alcohol, I DON'T use ONE SINGLE PHARMICEUTICAL POISIN, and I don't use ANY HARD DRUG. I've used cannabis for 29 years and I'm NOT addicted, brain-dead, anti-motivational, lazy or dead. My cannabis using friends are doctors and lawyers and musicians and manual laborers. They're your friends, your neighbors, YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS or YOU.I don't know ONE hard drug user. I've lost THREE high school friends to alcoholism, though, and that's out of a graduating class of 126 people.I'M SO SICK OF THEIR LIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by afterburner on October 11, 2002 at 10:53:01 PT: Rollback attempt: watch for WoD soldiers If adults are misconstruing the facts surrounding marijuana use for their own benefit, how can a 10- or 11-year-old make a decision on the harmful effects of marijuana or other drugs? If elected officials openly violate the law by distributing marijuana, as recently occurred in California, how can they possibly have the best interests of their community and its young people at heart? Translation: Adults are stupid. What kind of a message does this send the children? Elected officials are criminals. What kind of a message does this send the children? Operators of "compassion marijuana distribution centers" have attempted to legitimize themselves in California, Oregon, Washington and elsewhere for too long. Translation: The framers of the California medical marijuana law, working with California authorities, as authorized by the U.S. Constitution, are drug pushers, and we are going to get you.Blah-blah-blah, have you any brain? [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by DdC on October 11, 2002 at 10:20:22 PT Enough said... Gregory M. Gassett is assistant special agent in charge for the Seattle Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. You can tell when the D.E.A.th are lying. Their mounth is open and words are coming out!This pimple is really grasping and clawing through the reefer mad guide book. Anslinger would be proud...Peace, Love and Liberty or the Lying D.E.A.th!...DdCThugczar Wally http://www.cannabinoid.com/boards/politics/media/35/35838.gif [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by canaman on October 11, 2002 at 10:08:11 PT Ha HA HA ...Chatty Cathy doll! But what was the doll that needed their diapers changed? I think this guys more that he's so "full of it"!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Number 7 on October 11, 2002 at 09:53:22 PT the usual suspects This article is a piece of crap. Remember, this is the same paper that tried to bust it's union a couple of years ago. I am living proof that pot is not addictive. I had to quit so that I can pass the f'en wizz quiz and to give my body a break. I may or I may not start again after I am re-employed. It's my choice. I have had no withdrawls, unless you can count vivid dreams and the loss of about 10 pounds in weight. Gassett talks about discussion but this is the same old tired arguments from 60 years ago. Being unemployed is a far greater health hazzard but I see no movment to de-link employment with health care. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Morgan on October 11, 2002 at 09:53:05 PT Coming out of the woodwork Geez, it's like somebody pulled this guy's string, and like a Chatty-Cathy Doll, out comes this pre-recorded message spouting all the propaganda points that we've all heard before, and can be easily disproved with a little research.I guess they're still stuck on the old propaganda trick of repeating something over and over again until it becomes the truth. It has been that way for much too long. This lame attempt, and all the others lately, tells me that people are waking up, and they're trying desperately to put us back to sleep. It tells me that that they are out of ammo.It tells me that we are close to our goal.This diatribe boils down to one thing. If you legalize it, Gregory M. Gasbag is out of work.Keep on keeping on. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Dan B on October 11, 2002 at 09:35:26 PT: Lies, Lies, Lies Well, that's about all I have to say about this article.Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Dark Star on October 11, 2002 at 09:27:30 PT Reefer Madness Redux Virtually every statement in this piece is propaganda. Have at it girls and boys! [ Post Comment ] Post Comment