cannabisnews.com: Pot Smoke: Less Carcinogenic Than Tobacco? Pot Smoke: Less Carcinogenic Than Tobacco? Posted by CN Staff on October 17, 2005 at 17:46:57 PT By Jennifer Warner, WebMD Medical News Source: WebMD Washington, D.C. -- Although tobacco smoke and marijuana smoke are chemically very similar, a new report argues that their cancer-causing effects may be very different.Both tobacco and cannabis smoke contain the same cancer-causing compounds (carcinogens). Depending on what part of the plant is smoked, marijuana can contain more of these harmful ingredients. But a recent review of studies on the effects of marijuana and tobacco smoke suggests that the cancer-promoting effects of these ingredients is increased by the tobacco in nicotine and reduced by the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in cannabis. Previous studies have shown that THC can inhibit carcinogens in mice, and the report suggests it may have the same protective effect against the carcinogens found in smoke in humans. But researchers warn that even if THC lessens the effects of these cancer-causing ingredients, cannabis smoke remains carcinogenic. The Role of THCIn the article, published in Harm Reduction Journal, researcher Robert Melamede, PhD, of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, argues that tobacco smoke and marijuana smoke are not equally cancer-causing.Research shows that nicotine and THC act on related pathways in the body, but they bind to different receptors to activate these pathways. For example, Melamede says the cells of the lungs are lined with nicotine receptors but do not appear to contain receptors for THC.He says that may explain why marijuana use has not been linked to lung cancer as cigarette smoking has.However, Melamede says the effects of cannabis and cannabis-like compounds are complex and sometimes contradictory. The long-term effects of marijuana on an aging population of users are not known; the effects may become similar to what we see with tobacco. Also, marijuana is frequently used in combination with tobacco and the two drugs may interact in yet unknown ways.SOURCES: Melamede, R. Harm Reduction Journal, Sept. 22, 2005; vol 2. News release, BioMed Central.Note: Researchers Say THC May Curb Cancer-Causing Effects of Marijuana Smoke.Reviewed By Louise Chang, MDSource: WebMD (US) Author: Jennifer Warner, WebMD Medical News Published: Monday, October 17, 2005 Copyright: 2005 WebMD Inc.Contact: news webmd.net Website: http://www.webmd.com/Related Article: Marijuana Less Cancerous Than Tobaccohttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21199.shtmlCannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml END SNIP --> Snipped Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #30 posted by Hope on October 18, 2005 at 20:14:26 PT Ekim He got you good! [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by ekim on October 18, 2005 at 19:29:27 PT cloud7 please have the pol ck out a Leap Event Oct 19 05 Drug Truth Network Radio 04:20 PM Jack Cole Houston Texas USA Executive Director Jack Cole is a guest on the Drug Truth Network Radio program with host Dean Becker. Jack will be discussing the myriad of failures associated with drug prohibition and LEAP's mission to end the same. The Drug Truth Network has 44 affiliates across the US and Canada. Visit www.drugtruth.net for more information. Oct 20 05 Marijuana Legalization? A Panel Discussion 06:30 PM Matt McCally Independence Missouri USA Given that Missouri is the Show Me State, that is exactly what Speaker Matt McCally plans to do when he participates in "Marijuana Legalization? A Panel Discussion". This discussion will cover current drug policy and its impact on the country and today's college students, as well as pointing out the benefits of harm reduction that would occur if marijuana was legalized. Also particpating in the panel discussion are Dan Viets from NORML and members of the Independence Missouri Police Department. Location: Blue River Community College, Education Center EC110. Oct 20 05 Introduction to Criminal Justice Class 09:30 AM Matt McCally Kansas City Missouri USA Speaker Matt McCally will meet with students of the "Introduction to Criminal Justice Class" at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Matt's experience as a probation officer in the state of Washington, showed him that there has to be a better way to fight the war on drugs. Matt states that "Potentially, I might have had to send someone back to prison for nothing worse than smoking a joint." That realization was a major turning point in Matt's life. Since that moment, Matt has been involved in drug policy reform on various fronts: as a volunteer with local and state ballot initiatives, as the one-time host of a talk radio program on KVI 570 in Seattle, and as the press spokesman for several candidates for elected office. Matt will discuss a variety of drug prohibition issues to both students and faculty during his visit. Location: Katz Pharmacy Building Room 301, University of Missouri at Kansas City. Oct 21 05 "Hartford's Drug Burden: Where to Put Our Resources" 08:00 AM Eric Sterling Hartford Connecticut USA As each new day passes, cities across this great country are beginning to realize that America's war on drugs is not working. One of the most recent cities has been Hartford CT. To get a better understanding of what they can do, the Hartford City Council presents "Hartford's Drug Burden: Where to Put Our Resources". This two day discussion will feature LEAP co-founder Jack Cole and Speaker Eric Sterling. Mr. Cole, a former undercover police officer, is one of America's premier experts on America's failed policies of drug prohibition. Mr. Sterling has impeccable credentials in understanding the impact that our drug laws, in particular mandatory minimum sentencing, have on our local, state and national levels. http://www.leap.cc/events [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by cloud7 on October 18, 2005 at 11:58:07 PT Headline -- "Pot Doubles Life Span" Local politician says he may consider passing a slight reduction in the time spent incarcerated for marijuana offenses, but he doesn't want to jump the gun on this issue because of only three studies. He recommends the US government conduct more studies before any action is taken. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by FoM on October 18, 2005 at 09:30:52 PT Off Topic But Cool News - Imagine Imagine! Best Front Page John, Yoko pic tops mag covers Only a few hours before John Lennon's grisly murder on Dec. 8, 1980, photographer Annie Leibovitz captured the cool Beatle and his icy wife, Yoko Ono, in an oddly seductive pose: He was totally naked, she was fully clothed, their bodies - and their yin and yang personas - lovingly intertwined. The photo became the cover of Rolling Stone's January 1981 tribute to Lennon and went on to become an icon to a generation defined by his music. Yesterday, the American Society of Magazine Editors named it the greatest magazine cover of the past 40 years, in a competition designed to mark its 40th anniversary. http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/356857p-304043c.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by FoM on October 18, 2005 at 08:58:37 PT Nothing Good in Life I have found that nothing that is important or good in life comes without stress and detours. During our building this summer we have had all kinds of things happen that detoured us from getting all the work done this year. Dreams are great but they have speed bumps all along the route. As we get older we learn that it happens that way and we re-group and carrying on. Experience comes from years of dealing with life's hiccups. [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by Hope on October 18, 2005 at 08:52:30 PT "those who oppose our efforts" and has you all know...they have been "legion". Although more people are waking up every day. That's certainly something to be thankful for. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by FoM on October 18, 2005 at 08:43:28 PT Being Noticed It's great to be noticed but it also can bring the wrath of those who oppose our efforts to the front of the issue too. Web sites that haven't been hassled about copyright issues are lucky and must be getting in under the radar. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by Hope on October 18, 2005 at 08:42:52 PT Walking in a minefield you have to watch where you step...very carefully. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by Hope on October 18, 2005 at 08:38:51 PT People There finally got to be enough of us to be noticed. That's good. Mostly. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on October 18, 2005 at 08:37:56 PT Hope Money is a real problem in society. When anyone seems to be getting ahead and particularly if it doesn't settle right with the powers that be we need to hang on. If a person's spirit isn't easily broken they'll do their best to get you where you live and make life hard. It's the way it is. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by Hope on October 18, 2005 at 08:36:37 PT "Tense negotiations" might be what you would have called the situation.Very tense. It's still a minefield. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Hope on October 18, 2005 at 08:32:58 PT I was scared. I didn't tell my husband the possible mess we were in. He would have not been very happy with me, perhaps even banned me from the computer for life.Any way...agreements were made and we haven't been sued...but that's why FoM has to be so fanatical about that. It was part of the agreement. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on October 18, 2005 at 08:27:42 PT Fixed Hiccups are easy to fix so it's done. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by FoM on October 18, 2005 at 08:25:23 PT Hope That's why I agreed to put CNews in DrugSense's name. I was very reluctant since CNews was given to me by Ron Bennett who created it. I can't afford to be sued. They can attach a person's home. I am a volunteer and wouldn't have any money to defend my position. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Hope on October 18, 2005 at 08:23:16 PT Whoops! Hiccup! [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by Hope on October 18, 2005 at 08:22:43 PT There was the possibility that all of the volunteers, like FoM and I and all the rest could be sued as well. Heck...they probably could have sued you guys for reading it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by FoM on October 18, 2005 at 08:08:16 PT Hope Thank you. That covers it very well. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Hope on October 18, 2005 at 08:04:01 PT The snip thing What FoM is talking about is very serious. I was volunteering over at MAP during the time that started. It was a lawsuit or the threat of one. I forget which. There was much legal convolution and carrying on. It was a very THREATENING situation. It still is. A very serious one. Everything doesn't make the papers. It was costly anyway, but could have been a heck of a lot more costly or perhaps MAP, CNews...all of the offspring of drugsense, could be kept from posting anything at all about anything from some papers other than letters to the editor, which they cannot copyright. Those lawyers that represented those media sources could have sued us all to death...or out of the information business, anyway.DrugSense started little. When MAP postings of news started drawing lots of letters and attention...they noticed DrugSense. They noticed and their lawyers made a case of it.If this is all like some big secret...dangit...sorry. Delete this post.It's a very serious copyright issue, though. It's a LEGAL matter. There are lawyers that make their living on stuff like this and it IS a big deal. Those papers consider that they own that stuff and when you use it...you have to pay them for the use. They need money to stay in business. There are copyright infringement laws out the kazoo. These areas must be tread with care. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on October 17, 2005 at 21:39:28 PT I Really Would Appreciate This Since some newspapers require me to snip them please let me post the articles and then I won't get in trouble. CNews is in DrugSense's name to protect me from copyright issues and I need to follow what they say must be snipped. Thanks everyone. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by FoM on October 17, 2005 at 21:31:44 PT b4daylight I have to remove that article. I have it posted on another thread because I have to snip it. I had to explain that to Taylor today too. I didn't even read it either but here it is.http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21166.shtml#3 [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on October 17, 2005 at 21:20:31 PT A Good Article About Dr. Andrew Weil The life of a Doctor who believes in marijuana and natural medicine.***Dr. Natural Alternative medicine guru Andrew Weil is happily, and healthfully, growing oldOct. 18, 2005 VAIL, Ariz. -- His signature beard is more cloud than black-peppered Brillo pad these days, and travel takes a toll he'd never have predicted when he started exploring far corners of the world at age 17. He wakes once or twice a night to visit the bathroom.Andrew Weil, America's doctor, turned 63 in June, and signs like these remind him that he has stepped squarely into the second half of his life.Not that you'd guess it to watch him on this toasty October morning. Complete Article: http://www.azcentral.com/health/wellness/articles/1018weil1018.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on October 17, 2005 at 21:14:48 PT runderwo I sure know they would jump all over it. They would be very happy if they could find just one person who died from smoking Cannabis. That really is sad. It's just a plant. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by runderwo on October 17, 2005 at 21:04:45 PT FoM What's so tragic about the state of this country is that if someone died from using cannabis, these spiteful people would be jumping up and down with glee that their opinion was validated, instead of being horrified at an accidental death with no explanation.Taylor121, I found the easiest way to be involved on a continuous basis is to make an ongoing pledge. MPP and the national NORML office both have programs where they will bill your credit card a fixed amount per month. I am a member of both organizations, and I hardly notice the monthly charge. And in my opinion, both organizations are doing far more than I would be able to do even if I were able to justify dedicating myself full time to it. So the monthly trickle hardly hurts and makes me feel less guilty when my time is consumed by more pressing interests. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on October 17, 2005 at 19:52:30 PT Jim I agree with you. I think with all that is happening we are getting very close. We had Melissa on Dateline. We just finished an unbelievable series called Weeds on Showtime that rumors are will be renewed. We have research showing Cannabis isn't a bad substance but beneficial in many cases. We are in a revolution but we might not recognize it as a revolution until it is over. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Jim Lunsford on October 17, 2005 at 19:39:18 PT Soon I can hardly wait for this prohibition to be repealed. There is simply way too much going on for all of this to be mere coincidence. We do have this open rebellion going on in the streets about cannabis. Isn't that what Etheridge, and Greenspoon represent? After all, the mainstreaming of pot into the media should tell us something of how mainstream cannabis already has become in our lives. And if Carl Sagan (Mr. Billions, himself) has endorsed it, then it obviously has a few positive mental side effects! And Steve is obviously excited about his developments (and not just in that giddy feeling of just being happy to be alive either!) in his case. Though Im no fan of either party that we have. Both have been able to do something, but graft has prevented that integrity, not party affiliation. We have an internet revolution going on, with this decentralization of information control, our present state of government can't function anymore. We are discovering (as a society) that the love of money and the love of power is at the root of the fear of this prohibition. I feel as if we are on the brink of a new age: One in which we do function more as a Jeffersonian America than this Rockefellor/Orwell horror that we have now. Those small communities filled with local, de-centralized hemp products sound mighty appealing to me nowadays. My hat is off to all of you who have stood up to be counted; We have all had that choice and it's good to see thse who did stand are stronger than their trials. Peace to all, Rev JimRev Jim LunsfordLife: Meant to be lived to the hilt [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Taylor121 on October 17, 2005 at 19:31:10 PT Laws changing... The laws won't change unless people actually become proactive. Sitting around saying marijuana should be legal won't help. Donating $25+ to a reform organization will. Writing a letter to the editor of your local paper will. Getting involved with MAPS will. Writing to your government officials will, protesting will, talking about it will...The problem is not enough people are doing the things that will help us. Check out this Denver article and video. Looks like the Colorado based group SAFER is going with the motto: "Reduce Family And Community Violence ... Vote Yes On I-100."Check out this article on the billboard controversy and the video there. http://cbs4denver.com/topstories/local_story_290124226.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on October 17, 2005 at 19:05:51 PT Someone Needs To Die If someone doesn't die soon from the direct use of Cannabis they won't have any more arguments. Heck some of us might die of old age and natural causes and still not see the laws changed. Now that is a down right sad state of affairs. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment