cannabisnews.com: Marijuana May Block Alzheimer's 





Marijuana May Block Alzheimer's 
Posted by CN Staff on February 22, 2005 at 16:45:33 PT
The compound may protect the brain 
Source: BBC News 
The active ingredient in marijuana may stall decline from Alzheimer's disease, research suggests. Scientists showed a synthetic version of the compound may reduce inflammation associated with Alzheimer's and thus help to prevent mental decline. They hope the cannanbinoid may be used to developed new drug therapies. The research, by Madrid's Complutense University and the Cajal Institute, is published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
The scientists first compared the brain tissue of patients who died from Alzheimer's disease with that of healthy people who had died at a similar age. They looked closely at brain cell receptors to which cannabinoids bind, allowing their effects to be felt. They also studied structures called microglia, which activate the brain's immune response. Microglia collect near the plaque deposits associated with Alzheimer's disease and, when active, cause inflammation. The researchers found a dramatically reduced functioning of cannabinoid receptors in diseased brain tissue. This was an indication that patients had lost the capacity to experience cannabinoids' protective effects. The next step was to test the effect of cannabinoids on rats injected with the amyloid protein that forms Alzheimer's plaques. Those animals who were also given a dose of a cannabinoid performed much better in tests of their mental functioning. The researchers found that the presence of amyloid protein in the rats' brains activated immune cells. However, rats that also received the cannabinoid showed no sign of microglia activation. Using cell cultures, the researchers confirmed that cannabinoids counteracted the activation of microglia and thus reduced inflammation. Drug Target Researcher Dr Maria de Ceballos said: "These findings that cannabinoids work both to prevent inflammation and to protect the brain may set the stage for their use as a therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease." Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said: "This is important research because it provides another piece of the jigsaw puzzle on the workings of the brain. "There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, so the identification of another target for drug development is extremely welcome. "The Alzheimer's Society looks forward to seeing further research being carried out on cannabinoid receptors as drug targets for Alzheimer's disease but would warn the public against taking marijuana as a way of preventing Alzheimer's. "It is now generally recognised that as well as providing a 'high', long-term use of marijuana can also lead to depression in many individuals." Different Receptors Harriet Millward, of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said there were two main types of cannabinoid receptor, CR1 and CR2. "It is CR1 that produces most of the effects of marijuana, including the harmful ones. "If it is possible to make drugs that act only on CR2, as suggested by the authors of this study, they might mimic the positive effects of cannabinoids without the damaging ones of marijuana. "However, this is a fairly new field of research and producing such selective drugs is not an easy task. "There is also no evidence yet that cannabinoid-based drugs can slow the decline in human Alzheimer's patients." Quote: "We would warn the public against taking marijuana as a way of preventing Alzheimer's." -- Dr Susanne Sorensen Source: BBC News (UK Web) Published: Tuesday, February 22, 2005Copyright: 2005 BBC Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Contact: newsonline bbc.co.ukRelated Articles & Web Site:Medical Marijuana Information Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/medical.htm Cannabis May Become Aspirin of the 21st Centuryhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16007.shtml High Times for Alzheimers http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14254.shtml
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Comment #48 posted by FoM on February 25, 2005 at 07:52:43 PT
breeze 
It was a really good story. You used it in a nice way. Thank you.
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Comment #47 posted by breeze on February 25, 2005 at 01:14:45 PT
FOM-
The story about the calf wasn't original- I should have made that a bit more clear.It comes from a book called "How to win friends and influence people"- its a very insightful book into the nature of people. It kind of stuck in my head for some reason, and now I know why- it was needed by someone else other than myself.I hope the Reverend- as well as everyone here, finds the strength and courage to love his family, and all of humanity, with the grace and acceptance that we ourselves expect. It is at times difficult to watch loved ones fade, and others self destruct- but love is true only when its unconditional. From what the Reverend has said of his sister, he is already there.
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Comment #46 posted by FoM on February 23, 2005 at 22:48:22 PT
Breeze
I liked the story about the calf. Good Luck to you and you made me laugh when you said you would chew on a leather strap. That really made me laugh! 
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Comment #45 posted by breeze on February 23, 2005 at 22:32:47 PT
Reverend-
I had an uncle that died from a heart attack. He was suffering from severe depression, he smoked cigarettes, and he was very overweight. He was only in his early thirties. He was extremely intelligent- but at the time, information about cardiology just wasn't what it is now.I was just a child at the time- but I remember not understanding many of the afflictions he suffered. I wish I would have told him "I love you" every day.
Sometimes, that is all we can do.But, there are ways to get someone to change themselves, even when they don't have the ambition, or desire to do so.
It doesn't have to be an act of God- but it might take some creative thinking. I will paraphrase from a book that was made famous among used car salesman. If they can't get people to buy something they don't really want, I don't know who can- because I see used car dealer tags on the road more often than new dealers. A LOT of used cars are on the market nowdays."A boy and his sister were trying to get a young stubborn calf to go into a barn, as nightfall was coming, and the calf was likely to be attacked by a mountain lion that had already attacked a neighbors herd. They pushed, they yelled, they pulled the calf by the ears, they hit the calf with sticks- nothing would move the animal,it stood it's ground. The boy was beside himself. He knew what a spanking he would get if any harm came to this young cow, and he was desperate to get the calf inside, as the sun was casting its final shadows across the top of the barn door. Suddenly, the little girl ran inside the barn, and came back holding up a bottle of milk with a rubber glove on the tip. The little girl ran up to the calf, and gave it a taste. The calf licked the improvised nipple, and took a single step forward. The boy quickly grabbed the bottle and held it much higher than the girl was able to- just out of reach of the strong young calf, and it moved another step forward. But the boy kept walking backwards, and with every step- the calf would take a step- right until that calf was safely inside the barn."It is always easier to motivate someone to do something that they WANT to do, instead of telling them that this is something that they SHOULD do. In the case of your sister, maybe the motivation is wrong- too many people tell her that thin is in, that to be attractive is to be skinny, and all that sort of trash. You telling her that you love her, is a wonderful thing. Maybe you should try to somehow talk about what you two are going to do in the coming years- when your both older. If she is a caring and compassionate person, then you need to demonstrate that needs to start getting active- start exercising, just so that her heart is to remain healthy- that is has nothing to do with her weight- its about her health so that she will be well enough to enjoy your golden years together.This is only an idea, but since I have tried to get others to lose weight, and have sometimes won, sometimes failed- it all comes down to the approach. My dad wants me to quit smoking- he has promised me a small fortune to do so. And now that I am broke, no money, no prospects of cash coming in, no job- the idea is so much more appealing than just quiting. Yes, I smoke cigarettes, and it IS an addiction. I want to quit because of my health, because I want to cripple the tobbaco industry, because I want to smell pleasent, because I want to have shiny white teeth instead of yellow stained ones- indeed, ALL of these things, but the addiction is much stronger than my desires for all of them- with one exception- I NEED money right now. I have no job, I am in debt, and just about everything I own is either breaking down, falling apart, or in desperate need of repairs. And so, I am going to by a few packs of gum, and bite the bullet soon- yep, I am going to quit! All of these other motivations- and at last, it is a NEED that is going to successfully make me end years of bad habit. Reverend, I am glad I didn't offend you. And I hope I haven't offended anyone else either. There is always a solution to life's problems, no matter how great or difficult they may seem- it just takes time to see how to correct them. Now if you all will pardon me, I have to go chew on a leather strap till these nicotene fits subside! 
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Comment #44 posted by FoM on February 23, 2005 at 21:57:12 PT
BGreen
It's hard to do but you're doing it the way I think is right. Take care of your health too. 
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Comment #43 posted by BGreen on February 23, 2005 at 21:47:32 PT
Yes, FoM
I don't talk about her problems with her. I just let her know I love her.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #42 posted by FoM on February 23, 2005 at 21:28:19 PT
BGreen
Something I've learned and thought you might appreciate. We try so hard to help those we love and that's a good thing. The hard part is do we know how the one we love feels? Letting someone you love do things that might hurt them is a hard thing to do. I found that letting go and realizing that we make our own road and just love them will be what they want. Isn't that really what we are fighting for in many respects? I sort of think so. I hope this helps.
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Comment #41 posted by BGreen on February 23, 2005 at 21:20:57 PT
Breeze
No way did I take anything you said as being negative towards me. I was just worried Joe Citizen and others might have taken offence at my words.We all care a lot for the other posters around here and that's a good thing. We shouldn't let our feelings get hurt because we should know it wasn't intentional.Besides, what do you expect from a cat lover? LOLThe Reverend Bud GreenP.S. Thanks FoM and Breeze for the comments about my sister. It really bothers me and I'm trying so hard to stay healthy. I wish I could help her.
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Comment #40 posted by breeze on February 23, 2005 at 21:07:23 PT
Sentries
Reverend, I hope you haven't misunderstood me, by calling you a sentry. We need sentries, they keep a vigilant watch- and ever since I realized a few months ago, that this site is carefully scrutinized by those larger players in the media- sentries are ever more in the need!No, you never "tore into" joe, I can see this- but I can also see where I might have done so- before I realized just how public this forum has become. There was a time when I was so strong armed about opinions on the topic, that even when someone was just "hinting" at the possibility that there was a negative side to cannabis- I would have reached for my poison pen!I feel for you and your sister. Any sort of addiction, is a horrible state of existence. Can you believe that people are now being fired for being overweight? They are also being fired for being UNDER weight- as those person's "could" have a disease, or eating disorder- and the insurance companies are scrutinizing this carefully. At some companies, you can't even smoke in your own home and still remain employed. If your credit is bad, you are likely to have a more difficult time finding a job- simply because the company has decided that if You aren't responsible enough to pay your bills, then you aren't going to be attentive as an employee within the company.It is a blend of the worst evils Z-Germans ever taught us. America the free has changed, not overnight, but it HAS changed. And its changing right now in front of millions of peoples eyes. BIG pharmaceutical companies are allowed to sell legal drugs that can kill , while cops can kill people who sell illegal drugs. Companies are dictating what behaviour their employees can participate in, while the employee's have no say in the behaviour of their employers. The president smoked cannabis and gets a shrug, while thousands of people smoke cannabis and get jail or worse. All sorts of benefits are demonstrated to come from cannabis- but it still remains the punctuation point of bad behaviour- giggles - and jokes. I realize that many would buck the company that dictates a person's lifestyle- but it's a trend that is growing- corporations want to control every aspect of your life. If you aren't the right color, aren't the right heigth, or width, or if you have body odor that may be offensive- your job is at risk.
This is the age, of the end of tolerance.Where I live, people are essentially being priced out of buying their own homes. We have had an influx of people from other parts of the nation- and with that, comes demand on the local economy. If you wish to remain living here, you had better be able to afford the increase in services, food, gas, utilities, housing, you name it- the prices for goods has skyrocketed. But people are slow to complain, or realize what is happening to them. The local governments request more money, taxes- and so everything goes up in value- or so the illusion portrays. The people who post here are indeed some of the most intelligent and compassionate people in the world- in that we want to make this world a better/safer place for all to live and congregate. But, to some folks, it is only a forum- they don't realize the number of people who read what is written and never write anything- they watch. Some folks are even nervous about "reading" what we discuss.
In a time when the first ammendment rights are being stretched thin, I cannot blame them. Freedom of the press is one thing, but when people openly critique those in power- walk carefully. I was listening to a radio broadcast this evening, and it was about the prison sentence a young man in Iran, who was openly bashing his government for their stances on human rights, their ideals of politics, etc. recieved for simply speaking his mind in a blog. He recieved 14 years in jail, just for typing words that are displayed on the internet. A mirror image of what is coming for people in this nation?
People cry out for help, but no one is there to help them- those that are willing to do so, are often victims themselves. Everyday, I hear of horrible things- things that are just PLAIN WRONG, and these things are happening in our country. To read of things happening in other parts of the world is a joke- the people must decide if they desire freedom, and if they are willing to help. But people AREN'T willing to help- how can they? It was this way before the fall of many a great civilization- where those with kind and compassionate attributes about them were crushed beneath the wheels and whims of the more rich and powerful. I am hopeful that isn't what is happening in our nation, but I am afraid it is- as I am witness to it daily.Had Enough- thanks for agreeing with me! Dogs make the best pets, and they DO make usefulness of themselves. I have had other animals in the past, but never one so useful as a dog.  
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Comment #39 posted by Had Enough on February 23, 2005 at 18:12:21 PT
It's a "Dogs Life"
Here Here!!! This household belongs to a 97-LB female German Shepherd. Best dog I ever hung out with. Last month there was this creep knocking on peoples doors asking for money, while he was at our front door giving a long winded story about how down and out he was, the dog was going nuts. He kept backing up from the door saying he didn’t like dogs. After that observation I figured if the dog didn’t like this guy maybe I should heed this warning. The tone of her voice was different than normal barking at strangers. I told the guy it was late and I couldn’t help him out. Afterwards I thought what if this guy really needed some help, and I failed to help someone in need. Then I thought my first instinct was to get rid of this guy, the dog even told me so. That was my decision, it was done and that was that. The next day my neighbor told me he was coming around this area for several days knocking on other doors and theirs with the same story, Some places he went to more than once, he never came back here. The neighbor says the police had stepped in and arrested him on public nuisance charges or something like that. Breeze has it right. Get a Dog. Mans best friend.She (the dog this house belongs to) is laying on the floor right next to me as I attempt to type this.
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on February 23, 2005 at 17:19:55 PT
BGreen
I'm so sorry about your sister.
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Comment #37 posted by BGreen on February 23, 2005 at 17:15:05 PT
Jeez, Please Reread What I Said
I never tore into Joe Citizen, I just said "So What?"Destructive behavior is all around us. All of the death and misery is NOT caused by cannabis. That's why I brought up the suicide deaths.Here's another: My sister is eating herself to death. She's 45 years old, has had weight-related type II diabetes for many years, had a heart attack a couple of years ago, was just put on insulin injections last week, is alcohol and "illegal" drug free but WON'T LOSE WEIGHT OR EAT RIGHT EVEN THOUGH IT'S KILLING HER!I'm going to lose my sister at any time but NOBODY in the medical community or law enforcement are trying to take her possessions or throw her in jail.Joe Citizen was able to cut down on cannabis but my sister can't put down the fork or the junk food.THAT'S what my point was, NOT condemning Joe Citizen for his personal experiences.Joe Citizen has shown us that it is possible to survive over-indulgance of cannabis without any deleterious effects.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #36 posted by breeze on February 23, 2005 at 13:20:24 PT
Apology to Dongenero
I am sorry- I misspelled your name!!
Please accept my apology!!!
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Comment #35 posted by breeze on February 23, 2005 at 13:15:54 PT
Donegro is correct
We are a little quick to defend our logic- but it frequently comes from being in such an uphill battle.Our true desire is indeed to HELP people, not tear them apart- but there are times when shredding a person is required when we are approached with abrasive critique and senseless retort- not THAT Joe did this, but it was just a reaction from one of the sentries(nod to the good Reverend). Joe may have psychological dependency on cannabis because he may be missing something else in his life. He mentioned that he has no motivation from time to time, and takes the attitude of "what the hell! Lets smoke a joint!" - I can truly sympathize, for I am indeed the same way sometimes- but when I see this pattern in myself, I do try to change it- I can also see where it would be easy to get locked into a cycle- and this means using anything to supplement that void- be it junk food, video games, television- it all takes us away from what really needs attention.If you have a hard time getting motivated to exercise, just go to the pound and get a dog! This will be your dog- and it will be your responsibility! Dogs need to be walked, they love to exercise, and they are wonderful companions. It will also help you with your depression, I know this to be a fact, because animals are very intuitive- you just have to have one to see for yourself.
But like I said, this will be YOUR dog, and it will require care that only YOU can give it. If you live with someone else, remind yourself that YOU are responsible for it, not them. Get a puppy, they are the easiest to bond too, and if you have questions about somethings- like housebraking- its easy to teach the pup to go outside. That is another thing, you can spend hours teaching your furry friend, and in the end, you will be very proud of yourself. Mutts are sometimes easier to teach than pure breeds- all dogs are relatively intelligent. It will certainly give you motivation.Cats are great pets also, but they don't need the special attention that dogs thrive on. I wouldn't reccomend a cat for Joe, simply because cats are resolved to just laying around and getting fat- just ask a cat owner if they have ever walked their cat on a leash! No, for you Joe, a dog would be the best- and even if you don't think you would like a dog sharing your life with you, you will quickly change that attitude. I didn't like dogs at one point in my life, but then, I met a wonderful young lady who loved all animals- but especially dogs. She had a house dog- it wasn't the filthy beast I thought it would be, and in time, I learned to love this dog as it were my very own. I taught it things, and it taught me things- it would know when I was angry, or depressed, and she (the dog) would literally try its best to cheer me up. It had erriely human characteristics in that it could sense my negative emotions, and would strive to change them. Humans have the same ability, they are a lot like cats though- they just don't give a $h!T and leave you to your own saddness. Dogs, however, are much much different. They clamour for love, and are more than happy to entertain. They are also good alarm systems, they are loyal, and defensive- for their love is so deep for their owners- they would give their life to defend you against any threat.So Joe, my prescription for you is to get a dog. Simple. Do it. You will not regret it. Don't think about it. Do it.
Get a puppy that will be small, not a big dog that will be unmanagable- and remain outside in a pen and never motivate you to leave the house- get one that will weigh less than 30 pounds when it reaches adulthood, and must reside with you in your home. Ask the people at the pound for help- they know their animals, and can help you in your quest. You will not only be doing yourself a favor, you will be saving your best friends life from death and destruction!
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on February 23, 2005 at 13:00:12 PT
potpal 
You're right! Please keep looking!
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Comment #33 posted by potpal on February 23, 2005 at 12:58:48 PT
usa media
Not a word of this on CNN, USAToday, FoxNews, as of yet. Now if the story read, Cannabis contributes to Alzhiemers, I'd bet it would be all over the place...
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Comment #32 posted by dongenero on February 23, 2005 at 12:37:09 PT
Joe
I understand your comments clearly as you've framed them in your latest comment.
People certainly have varying reactions to substances or behaviors. As you said, "Some folks have a problem with food, or alcohol, or sex."I think the reaction in this forum, to your earlier comments, stems from our habitual defense of cannabis against the prohibtion addicted antis.
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Comment #31 posted by schmeff on February 23, 2005 at 11:23:33 PT
Alzheimer's Research Trust, Alzheimer's Society
Whenever one encounters an organization named after a disease, one must remember that without the disease, there is no organization, no members, no fine titles and accredations, and no profits.Curing the disease is not to be desired under any circumstances. Treating the disease ensures profit.The entire medical cabal-doctors, the pharaceutical manufacturers and the FDA-collaborate and conspire to protect profits. Under law, the only thing that can diagnose, identify and treat a disease is a drug. And all drugs ae regulated by the FDA.This is why so many things that are not diseases are called diseases, like heartburn, obesity and "attention-deficit disorder." If you think you are free to treat these diseases without resorting to drugs (i.e. profit-generating pharmaceuticals), you are breaking the law, and may be shot and killed, or at the least, caged.We do not have the basic right to make health decisions for ourselves, and haven't had these rights for quite some time.
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Comment #30 posted by JoeCitizen on February 23, 2005 at 10:58:18 PT
Responses
First, let me agree with FOM: I appreciate the civility of the responses. We're all on the same side here, and I think basically all believe the same thing.Second, let me be perfectly clear: I fully support the legalization of cannabis for all purposes. I wholeheartedly agree with Judge Francis Young, that cannabis is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man, and is safer than many of the foods we eat (or water, as dongenero correctly points out.) If I had abused almost ANYTHING else as much as I have cannabis, it would probably have destroyed me. I also agree that exercise can help to ameliorate or perhaps totally counteract the effects of heavy smoking. However, the energy and impulse to get out and exercise are some of the first things to go when I go into the heavy smoking cycle.  Diet is also poorer - it's just too easy to eat junk or fast foods, which aren't even appealing to me when I don't have the munchies.Moderation, at least with this substance, comes hard for me. Some folks have a problem with food, or alcohol, or sex. I have an ongoing problem with moderating my cannabis use. It is habit-forming for me. It is not (terribly) hard to stop altogether, but it is hard for me to find a happy medium.I do not like the word addiction, it is so over-used and misused in our society. Cannabis is only very mildly physically addictive to me. When in the heavy use cycle, I start to require it in order to easily sleep or eat. When I stop using it, I experience a day or two of nausea and sleeplessness, as well as about a week of hyper-aggressive feelings. Nothing too bad, certainly far less difficult than I've heard nicotine withdrawal to be. But those effects are real. I've learned to counter them with exercise, melatonin, and a variety of herbal and natural calming agents - kava kava and Sam-e are quite helpful.I understand that any negative statements about this substances, even truthful ones or at least ones that I personally believe, can be taken out of context and twisted by liars. That is always a hazard. If I were speaking of this on the radio or to print journalists (both of which I have done in the past), then this would NOT be what I would lead with, and I would do my best to downplay it if the subject came up in the course of the interview. I understand about not giving your enemies ammunition needlessly. I don't feel the need to tread so lightly when writing here, you all know the truth about this matter and don't need any eye-opening from me. We're talking about small details in this matter, not the big truths.Be that as it may, I simply will not censor what I believe to be true for anyone. The truth has always been our strongest weapon in this fight, and we should not taint or diminish it in any way. The whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.Thanks for your suggestions and advice, one and all. You are all good people here, and I always look forward to reading what you have to say.PeaceJC
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on February 23, 2005 at 07:54:25 PT
Just a Comment
I don't have anything to add to all these comments except thank you for being kind to one another even when not agreeing with each other. I really like seeing peace, love and understanding at work.
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Comment #28 posted by dongenero on February 23, 2005 at 07:42:47 PT
Joe Citizen
It is good for a person to have self control. Cannabis is not physically addictive so, one should be able to control their intake as necessary, much as they do with unhealthy food, sweets and various destructive behavior. It should certainly be easier than controlling coffee, tobacco or alcohol intake. All of these which happen to be physically addictive yet legal substances with varying degrees of governmental control.I do disagree with one of your final commentss, as follows Joe:"There's nothing that won't hurt you in excess, even air (oxygen is corrosive) and water (hypernutremia is the medical term for overdosing on water.) Cannabis is no different, I was merely commenting on the particular form of harm that excess cannabis can cause."I beg to differ Joe, there is quite a dramatic difference.
Overdose of either oxygen or water can be life threatening, whereas cannabis has no established lethal dosage.In the recent years I recall a student hazing incident involving the drinking of large amounts of water, which led to the death of a student.
Big difference between smoking yourself into depression and drinking yourself to death.
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Comment #27 posted by potpal on February 23, 2005 at 07:10:42 PT
usa media
This info is a no show at the moment. Will be interesting to see how long it takes to make the scene here and how they spin it.Good news though.JoeCitzen..I've definitely experience the rush of dreams after a few days of non-partaking. Also, a tad of insomnia.
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Comment #26 posted by BGreen on February 23, 2005 at 02:03:29 PT
Thanks, Breeze
You nailed it. I guess you're used to me by now. :-)I'm very upset with the medical establishment, NOT my Cannabisnews.com friends.Sorensen never said anything about heavy use or abuse, just long-term use and that is very debatable, not generally recognized.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #25 posted by breeze on February 23, 2005 at 01:42:22 PT
Correction-
I don't think the Rev was attaking you Joe, I think he was trying to say that your input could be, and most likely WILL be, spinned into argument AGAINST prohibition. -I meant- "...your input could be, and most likely WILL be, spinned into argument FOR prohibition."All Apologies-
My balance was off.
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Comment #24 posted by breeze on February 23, 2005 at 01:35:18 PT
TOO MUCH of anything is bad for you
Get too much oxygen, you can die. Drink too much water, you can die. Get too much exercise, you can die- usually from dehydration. Get too much sleep, and it effects your mental capabilities.I agree with the good Reverend, personal experience is not always relative.I don't think the Rev was attaking you Joe, I think he was trying to say that your input could be, and most likely WILL be, spinned into argument AGAINST prohibition. You stated quite clearly that when you smoke like a train for six months - ALL day, EVERY day for six months your world suffers collapse. Well, if a person were to drink ALL day- EVERY day for even one month, their world would suffer. And I don't just mean alcohol- but ALCOHOL especially!Do everything in moderation- it is suggested wisdom to do so. Pace yourself, slow down, get on a regimen!Joe, I think that if a person such as yourself can prove that cannabis isn't addictive, by quitting for even a week after smoking cannabis for months on end, it demonstrates that cannabis isn't addictive.You acclaim that cannabis "could" cause depression- examine that depression is present in millions of people who don't recieve treatment for it now- and they don't drink, smoke, exercise or anything. My doctor told me that one primary key to alleviating depression is EXERCISE! Something to do with the flow of blood within the body and into the brain.If you are smoking too much to move off the couch- then you are obviously contributing to that depression by not getting blood flow into the very thing that is causing your down emotions. Not neccesarily because your smoking too much- but for other reasons entirely. Your body is telling you what is wrong with you, that you need to motivate yourself.But as I said- TOO MUCH of ANYTHING is bad. Aim for balance, for every time you smoke a blunt or for evey blunt you smoke in a day- walk a half mile- and make sure you do it! Your lungs will feel better, your mind will be expanded, and you can even enjoy your little trip better if you walk right after smoking it! I say a half mile, because if you smoke ten a day- you will be walking five miles a day- and then you will have achieved some form of balance.If you and others who have witnessed this effect that you attribute to your admitted self abuse, strive for balance- seek a healthier life style, and you will find it helps you in other aspects of your life as well.I know if I smoked ALL day, EVERY day- I would be depressed too- because it would mean that my life was revolving around getting high- and nothing meaningful- useful - or creative. It would be worthless.I am 110% for legalization of cannabis, but even so, I do believe that even a good thing can be bad for you if it is abused. Even things that feel wonderful can be abused, if I did them all day long- I would never get anything done- and add to the list if you please...
Eating
Working
Sleeping
Drinking- ANY thing from water to alcohol
Playing
Reading
Thinking
Daydreaming
Masturbation
Golf
Sex
Riding horses, motorcycles, in cars
Swimming
Walking
Sports
Exercising
Painting
Gambling
Gossiping
TelevisionAll of these things are to a point pleasurable, and to a point beneficial to a human.
But, my point is simple, if a person were to choose one of these activities, do it non-stop- or nearly so, it would eventually devour them and destroy them and/or others around that person.How many divorces have been caused by a spouse who indulged in any one of the things I listed (plus!) too frequently or too much?
How many people have had to have a doctor tell them that they have an obsessive compulsive disorder? 
It all comes down to balance.If you want to know more about how balance is important, just read some of the wisdom contained in the TAO. Balance is a function of that particular philosophy- as known by Yin and yang- the circle of infinity. If balance is not aquired, infinity cannot continue.And so, balance is required. In our beloved nation, balance is missing. We strive to say that cannabis need be legalized- but we DON'T mean that its a good thing for people to inhale the stuff every waking moment of their life! It would be akin to doctors and scientists stating that alcohol good for you, drink as much as you can! No- they state that one or two drinks is good for a person on a daily basis- it helps the cardio-vascular.But I don't even drink one a week. Why is that? When I know very well it would be good for me? Because I just don't like the way alcohol tastes, nor do I like what happens when I drink too much- and IF I drink only one or two beers in a sitting, I get a terrible headache. Maybe if I drank alcohol every day- only one or two, the headaches would cease and I would be doing my body some good. I would then achieve balance. Its just getting to that point of where I can tolerate a month of headaches
just to do some benefit that bothers me.Cheers?!  
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Comment #23 posted by BGreen on February 23, 2005 at 00:14:17 PT
Put it in context, Joe Citizen
Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, is worrying about anecdotal comments like yours and others that, while they may be valid, are far less important than treating a fatal disease. It's a horribly crippling, debilitating disease that is a guaranteed hell for the family members for many, many years.Don't you think a death sentence causes depression?Nothing against you and no hard feelings.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #22 posted by BGreen on February 23, 2005 at 00:00:22 PT
There's no heat
It's a non-issue. The fact that we can over use something doesn't mean anything.Your story (or one like it) is repeated ad-nauseum by the prohibitionists to justify incarcerating cannabis users. My point is that there is no point. There are things we all can't handle but we don't use that against people the way they do about cannabis.I know very few people in your situation but as I said: You seem to be doing OK and that's what is important here.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #21 posted by JoeCitizen on February 22, 2005 at 23:19:41 PT
Sigh...I knew the heat was coming
BGreen, I knew some wouldn't agree with that post, though I tried to make it totally about my own experience, and not invalidate anyone else's.But I wish you wouldn't put words in my mouth. Did I ever say that people should go to jail for using cannabis? Did I ever say anything about addiction or spiraling downhill? If so, you'll have to point it out in my post, because I sure don't remember saying it.You say that it's a small group of people that Sorenson refers to. I'm curious as to how you know that, because there is no footnote or citation for the statement. Are you referring to some other published work or study of hers?I stated in my post that I had no facts of figures to back up my position, only my own experience and that of people who I've talked to in my life. That's not a huge sample. Do you have any hard statistics to back up what you are saying, or is it just your own experience?  Your experience isn't wrong, but it's limited, like mine. Are you referring to a large-scale study, or just saying what you believe?As for the examples you give: If you feel like crap from eating too much junk food, it may be your fault for eating it, but it's still the effect of the food on your body that makes you feel bad. That's how it is for me and too much cannabis. I smoked the cannabis voluntarily, but it was the cannabis' effect on my body that made me feel bad.Sorry you've known people who killed themselves, I'm not sure how that's relevant. If your friend who auto-asphyxiated needed cannabis for medical/psychological reasons, he should have had it. I don't think anything in my post indicated otherwise. If he needed it every day, I'd recommend trying to find just the right medicinal dosage, and not smoking it wantonly and wastefully, as I have.Please clarify your position on accepting facts for me: Are you saying that if I agree with ONE thing that a prohibitionist says, because I believe it to be the truth, then I am whole cloth adopting that person's entire position? If that's the case, then the only alternative would seem to be to lie about something that I believe to be true, just because agreeing might somehow hurt our cause or support theirs.  But I believe that what separates us from them is a dedication to the truth. They are the ones who continually lie, and even ADVOCATE that parents lie to their children. I believe that the truth will set you free. Honesty is always the best policy, and certainly the simplest. The good things about cannabis may outnumber the bad 100 to 1, but I won't lie and say there's NOTHING bad. A lie, even in service of a good cause, is still a lie.There's nothing that won't hurt you in excess, even air (oxygen is corrosive) and water (hypernutremia is the medical term for overdosing on water.) Cannabis is no different, I was merely commenting on the particular form of harm that excess cannabis can cause.Hope that clarifies things.JC
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Comment #20 posted by BGreen on February 22, 2005 at 22:26:32 PT
So what, Joe Citizen?
I feel like crap when I eat junk food or gain 5 extra pounds. I feel sluggish and have absolutely no desire to do anything.Sorensen chooses to use a small group of people that can't handle too much and uses that to reject science and support prohibition.The thing I've realized is that this is one messed up world with a LOT of messed up people. I've known more "straight" people, sexually and chemically, who've killed themselves. One of my friends locked himself in a garage with the car motor running. He had everything to live for but he had problems. Nobody blamed the LACK of cannabis for his death.Another friend recently put a gun to his head. He was just getting old and he didn't want to be a burden. Toxicology results? Negative!You see you can't handle too much cannabis and you have the ability to cut back. THAT'S the real story here. You didn't spiral downhill, you realized and solved the problem.Peanuts and shellfish have people dropping over like flies but I don't have to go to jail for partaking in those.Don't blame cannabis for the flaws of humans.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #19 posted by JoeCitizen on February 22, 2005 at 21:38:10 PT
I may take some heat for this...
but speaking SOLELY FOR MYSELF, there's some truth to what Sorenson said."It is now generally recognized that as well as providing a 'high', long-term use of marijuana can also lead to depression in many individuals."At times in my life, I have fallen into the bad habit of smoking heavily every day. Not in a medicinal way, but simply in a self-indulgent, escapist way. And what I smoked during those periods was fresh, Amsterdam-grade bud, straight from grower friends.After six months to a year of that regimen, I do not feel or function my best as a human being. I generally feel tired most of the time, my concentration is poor, and I have trouble getting "up" for doing most things, especially anything that's a chore. I spent years arguing against amotivation syndrome as an activist, but guess what - I do get it when I smoke like that. And when I feel that way, I don't handle my business, and things go badly in my life as a direct result. And then - I GET DEPRESSED ABOUT IT.I've been through that cycle enough to identify it. I know when it's time for me to take a break from smoking - a few weeks will usually help, a couple of months makes me feel absolutely like my old self again.Now - read this part carefully - I am NOT saying this happens or will happen to you. I'm talking about my own experience. Every person is a little different at a biochemical and genetic level. I've known people who smoked like I did, and never broke stride in their life. I envy them, in some ways. But I'm not them, I'm me, and I have my own limits and limitations. On the other hand, I know I'm not a one-of-a-kind mutant, either.  I've known plenty of other people who have the same general experience as me.  In fact, I think the people who can toke crystally kind bud all day long, every day of the year, and not be negatively affected by it are the rare ones. But that's based just on what I've seen and the people I've met in my own life, I have no figures or statistics to back that up.One thing I do know is that about a week after I've quit one of those heavy smoking periods, I start to have a LOT of dreams. At first they are bad dreams, and then they just become regular dreams, but much longer and more story-like than when I'm smoking. And I wake up from those dream-filled nights feeling much better rested, clearer, and more energized. So my pet theory is that heavy cannabinoid intake may interfere with REM sleep, which is critically necessary for the brain to reset and is also somehow involved in memory formation.  Long-term REM sleep deficits could explain a lot in terms of fatigue, lack of concentration, and depression.I repeat, this is ME, not YOU. If you smoke heavily for medical reasons, for religious reasons, or just because you can, then great, keep it up. More power to you! But I know what I know about myself, and it's been learned from 22+ years of smoking, and smoking some of the best there is.We should not be just a mirror image of the prohibitionists. They NEVER have anything good to say about cannabis.  They have to lie a lot to maintain that position.  Now, there are hundreds of good things you can say about cannabis, but is every last thing good about it, every time, for every person? If we never say anything bad about it, maybe we are being a bit untruthful as well.As I said, just my own opinion, but not one I arrived at lightly or quickly. If you don't learn from what the years have to teach you, then you just get older and not wiser.JC
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on February 22, 2005 at 21:35:30 PT
Related Article from United Press International
Marijuana May Help Stem Alzheimer's DiseaseUnited Press International February 22, 2005 MADRID, Feb 22, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A Spanish study has found the active component of marijuana may reduce inflammation and help prevent the mental decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at the Cajal Institute and Complutense University in Madrid, led by Maria de Ceballos, conducted studies using human brain tissue, as well as experiments with rats. The team first compared the brain tissue of patients who died from Alzheimer's disease with that of healthy people who had died at a similar age. They looked closely at cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 -- proteins to which cannabinoids bind, allowing their effects to be felt -- and at microglia, which activate the brain's immune response. "These findings that cannabinoids work both to prevent inflammation and to protect the brain may set the stage for their use as a therapeutic approach for (Alzheimer's disease)," de Ceballos said. The study appears in Wednesday's the Journal of Neuroscience. Copyright 2005 by United Press International
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on February 22, 2005 at 21:01:45 PT
Sam
I am amazed at how we have gone backwards in such a short time. Mostly since Bush. I sometimes think how much further can they take us backwards. I wonder if I should give up and die. If they hate me for what I believe then I no longer feel apart of the time anymore. I don't want to die but that's how bad our country has slipped to me. Nothing that was comfortable or familiar to me seems to be important to people who are now controlling our country. 
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Comment #16 posted by Sam Adams on February 22, 2005 at 20:53:31 PT
This one is still bugging me
We're supposed to live in the Age of Enlightenment - this sort of crap has been "officially" over for 500 years! It's incredible. Yet these are some of the top scientists in the world, and they're speech sounds incredibly similar to work by Copernicus, Galileo & others. They basically discovered that what the Church was saying about astronomy & cosmology was totally wrong. But they had to use the same verbal gymnastics we're seeing above to even broach the subject without being tortured & burned at the stake. These "genius" scientists aren't even brave enough to speak the truth about a silly little plant, imagine what else we're missing! Cold fusion? Miracle cures? Emission-free cars? Computers that don't crash? Oh wait - we already have that - Apple Macintosh. For now, anyway.The more things change, the more humanity stays the same. Same old flaws. Same old vulnerabilities waiting to take us down.  Ego. Greed. Dogma. Arrogance. 
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Comment #15 posted by ekim on February 22, 2005 at 18:45:05 PT
how many have been treated for ptsd
Jimmy Carter had it right when he said that the law against Cannabis is far worse than the use of the plant itself.
PTSD is a direct result of the cruel and unjustified prohibition of Cannabis. 
How many of the Med Cannabis States allow for the treatment of ptsd in its law.
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #14 posted by siege on February 22, 2005 at 18:43:59 PT
This is not Smart Man.
Thank you, Arthur. I respectfully disagree.Rep. Watson -----Original Message-----
From: Arthur 
[mailto:
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 12:24 PM
To: Bo Watson
Subject: Medical marijuana makes senseArthur February 22, 2005Representative Bo Watson
, TN Dear Representative Bo Watson:H.B. 968, the medical marijuana bill before the Mental Health
Subcommittee, makes good sense all around. Seriously ill individuals who
use marijuana as medicine should be protected from criminal penalties. 
It's as simple as that.The bill makes political sense, too. A recent AARP poll showed that 72
percent of seniors support medical marijuana. A 2002 nationwide poll
done by Time magazine showed 80 percent support. It's clear that the
public does not support arresting and jailing patients who use medical
marijuana with their doctors' approval.Further, the bill makes good medical sense. The American Nurses
Association, the American Public Health Association, the New England
Journal of Medicine, and many other medical organizations support
medical marijuana. Subjecting cancer and AIDS patients to criminal
sanctions does nothing to prevent recreational drug use -- it is simply
cruel. Can I count on you to support H.B. 968 when it comes before your
subcommittee?Thank you for your time.Sincerely,Arthur.
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on February 22, 2005 at 18:36:12 PT
Marijuana and Madness: Psychiatry and Neurobiology
I don't have a subscription or I'd post it. It gives us an idea of what it is about. I thought you would all like to see it too. Maybe I'll be able to get the article for posting but it might take a little time.***Journal of American Medical Association Unlike the majority of books recently published on marijuana, which focus on prevalence, legality, and therapeutic utility, Marijuana and Madness takes a ... http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/293/8/1008-a
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on February 22, 2005 at 18:29:29 PT
When Will They Stop These Articles?
Pot Smoking May Raise Stroke RiskImportant Part of Article.****More informationThe National Institute on Drug Abuse has more on marijuana.http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Healthology/story?id=522999
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Comment #11 posted by mayan on February 22, 2005 at 18:12:31 PT
Science vs. Propaganda
Every single day science gives this plant more credit while government propaganda gives it less. Who do you believe? I seriously doubt that cannabis causes depression but if it does it's probably because most cannabis users are more aware of the negative aspects of modern society(government corruption,environmental issues,injustice,etc.) plus the constant fear of being caged.THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...9/11 Family Groups Calls for Full Disclosure of ALL 9/11 Commission Materials:
http://911citizenswatch.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=479&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0Direct 9/11 Deception Dollar Action at A Store Near You:
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2005/02/311027.shtmlThe Second Wave - New books, new groups fuel smoldering resurgence of 9/11 skeptics movement: http://mparent7777.blog-city.com/read/1081395.htm9/11 Was an Inside Job - A Call to All True Patriots: 
http://www.911sharethetruth.com/
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Comment #10 posted by JustGetnBy on February 22, 2005 at 17:57:05 PT
   I'm Sorry, but !
this article pretends to praise the benefits of cannabis consumption, BUT , please notice: Every paragraph ends with a standard drug war sentence. A real free press would eat these people for breakfast.We need to start calling BULLSHIT !
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Comment #9 posted by breeze on February 22, 2005 at 17:53:37 PT
"CAUSE" Depression?
Ugh- from all of the studies I have read, all of the knowledge about cannabis that I have garnered and learned over the years about cannabis- it is that cannabis does NOT cause depression, but instead it HEALS depression!Wow, when they clutch at straws, they really reach out there, don't they?
It was in scientific journals and resources that I gained the knowledge that it could be used for TREATMENT, not for causing depression. They have it entirely backwards, as usual.
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Comment #8 posted by BGreen on February 22, 2005 at 17:51:43 PT
Millward and Sorensen = Alzheimer FOOLS
Harriet Millward, of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said there were two main types of cannabinoid receptor, CR1 and CR2."It is CR1 that produces most of the effects of marijuana, including the harmful ones."If it is possible to make drugs that act only on CR2, as suggested by the authors of this study, they might mimic the positive effects of cannabinoids without the damaging ones of marijuana."However, this is a fairly new field of research and producing such selective drugs is not an easy task."There is also no evidence yet that cannabinoid-based drugs can slow the decline in human Alzheimer's patients."Quote: "We would warn the public against taking marijuana as a way of preventing Alzheimer's." -- Dr Susanne SorensenThe BALANCE of the THREE cannabinoid receptors is the key to this whole cannabinoid question. Each plays a vital role in the body and cannabis provides the natural balance the way God intended. The trick is to find the proper strain for your specific needs. Your body will tell you if it's working for you, but HAVING ACCESS MANY DIFFERENT STRAINS IS IMPERATIVE TO FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICINE!Millward and Sorensen are a perfect example of why Alzheimer's is still killing all of it's victims.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #7 posted by Sam Adams on February 22, 2005 at 17:48:02 PT
yeah gw
I agree. Look at the ridiculous rhetoric - they're carefully trying to position themselves in a niche to make money. Considering that it's a freakin' plant used by billions for 5000 years, it's a difficult proposition.Like somebody with Alzheimer's is going to be concerned with a little euphoria. Give me a f***** break. Imagine the family members....oh no, my wife's going to get HIGH! She's going to have to SMOKE medicine! Whoa, I guess we'll just have to let Alzheimer's destroy her mind while she's sickened by prescription pills.And they're worried about people getting depressed? Are you kidding me? I take 1 Flexeril for back pain and I'm so knocked out I can't even rise out of bed. THAT'S depressing. 
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on February 22, 2005 at 17:47:04 PT
Depression and Cannabis
Depression is often caused by fear. The war against Cannabis has been a terrible thing. People afraid to be honest and admit that have partaken of this herb just like Bush was afraid to say that he did. Prohibition of this herb can cause serious depression.
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Comment #5 posted by BGreen on February 22, 2005 at 17:36:18 PT
Lies from "Doctors" are my only depressant
Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said: ... "It is now generally recognised that as well as providing a 'high', long-term use of marijuana can also lead to depression in many individuals."Propagandist's have spewed that lie but it isn't true in the real world of cannabis. There's no proof that the incidence of depression is any higher in cannabis users than in the general population as a whole.All of the good news pertaining to cannabis HAS to be tainted with drug war lies or else it won't get printed.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on February 22, 2005 at 17:15:22 PT
EJ It Is Nice
I just wish that the powers that be would realize that sometimes people do know what they're talking about when they say Cannabis is good medicine.
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Comment #3 posted by global_warming on February 22, 2005 at 17:07:57 PT
Do You Have Some Money?
"They hope the cannanbinoid may be used to develope new drug therapies. The research, by Madrid's Complutense University and the Cajal Institute, is published in the Journal of Neuroscience."As always, some new angle that will fill the pockets of the rich and powerful, never a break for the back of mankind.Where are the true doctors? Where are the true humanitarians?Where are the people that have the best interest for "humanity"?Most of the news is carefully protecting the profit mongers in our communities, in our world.The "poor" outnumber the rich and prosperous, it is time that we all, embrace the tasks of the burdens back to GOD.gw
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Comment #2 posted by E_Johnson on February 22, 2005 at 17:05:15 PT
FoM this is nice
It feels good to have faith in something that other people regard as foolish and then have evidence that it's not so foolish after all.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on February 22, 2005 at 16:47:15 PT
Good News
Cannabis may become the Aspirin of the 21st Century.
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