cannabisnews.com: Legislators Right To Just Say No To Pot

cannabisnews.com: Legislators Right To Just Say No To Pot
function share_this(num) {
tit=encodeURIComponent('Legislators Right To Just Say No To Pot');
url=encodeURIComponent('http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/25/thread25446.shtml');
site = new Array(5);
site[0]='http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u='+url+'&title='+tit;
site[1]='http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit.php?url='+url+'&title='+tit;
site[2]='http://digg.com/submit?topic=political_opinion&media=video&url='+url+'&title='+tit;
site[3]='http://reddit.com/submit?url='+url+'&title='+tit;
site[4]='http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+url+'&title='+tit;
window.open(site[num],'sharer','toolbar=0,status=0,width=620,height=500');
return false;
}

Legislators Right To Just Say No To Pot
Posted by CN Staff on February 25, 2010 at 06:28:33 PT
By Ann Donnelly
Source: Columbian
Washington State -- A growing number of people in our state are joining many in Oregon and California in believing that marijuana use should be decriminalized. Their changing attitudes, described in the Wall Street Journal in a Jan. 15 article “Push for Looser Pot Laws Gains Momentum,” have been molded during 20 years of proselytizing by MoveOn.org founder George Soros and other drug-legalization promoters. In more than a dozen states, Soros (as detailed in David Broder’s book, “Democracy Derailed”) has sponsored voter initiatives for the more widely accepted medical marijuana and then for legalization. Initiatives to move beyond medical marijuana to legalize and tax the drug are gaining steam in California and Oregon, intended for 2010 ballots.
Budget-strapped Washington is the next target. Last month, two measures reached our state’s House Public Safety Committee that, if passed, would have permitted the sale of marijuana to adults in Washington’s 160 state-run liquor stores. One supporter, Rep. Sherry Appleton, D-Poulsbo, stated “the amount of money that we could realize over legalizing it and regulating it is close to $300 million a year.”This year, thankfully, both legalization measures were voted down but if the movement’s history is any guide, new bills and initiatives are already in the works. Their lure will be millions in tax revenue, but those come with incalculable offsetting costs.Marijuana sold legally from dozens of easily accessible liquor stores will not be consumed only by adults, so those harmed will include vulnerable kids and their families. Few legislators or policymakers, let alone adolescents or parents, know one of the most persuasive arguments against societal acceptance of marijuana: It appears to be a leading risk factor in severe mental illness. Role in Schizophrenia? There is increasing scientific evidence that marijuana use by adolescents is a risk factor in triggering schizophrenia, a life-changing illness affecting more than 1 percent of the population, burdening sufferers, their families and society with huge risks and costs. While not yet establishing the direct causal relationship, researchers in 30 studies during the past 20 years have linked the use of marijuana in adolescents to the increased probability of developing psychosis and schizophrenia.A partial list of the studies, conducted in the U.K., Sweden, Australia, and New Zealand, can be accessed at: http://www.schizophrenia.com/prevention/streetdrugs.htmlOne study conducted in Sweden concluded that heavy young consumers of cannabis at age 18 were 600 percent more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than those who did not take it. Researchers in New Zealand found that those who used cannabis by the age of 15 were more than three times more likely to develop illnesses such as schizophrenia. Research by psychiatrists in inner-city areas described cannabis as being a factor in over 80 percent of cases of schizophrenia.A 2005 study at the London Institute of Psychiatry concluded that people were 4.5 times more likely to be schizophrenic at 26 if they were regular cannabis smokers at 15, compared to 1.65 times for those who did not report regular use until age 18. As explained by Sanjiv Kumra, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and co-author of a 2005 study, “in addition to interfering with normal brain development, heavy marijuana use in adolescents may also lead to an earlier onset of schizophrenia in individuals who are genetically disposed to the disorder.” Even as few as five uses of cannabis increased the risk of developing psychosis significantly, according to a 2005 Dutch study.The societal risk also applies to adults. Once mental illness develops, substance abuse follows in roughly 40 percent of cases. Marijuana use poses a particularly pernicious risk of counteracting expensive antipsychotic medications crucial to recovery.It would be dangerous to give society’s imprimatur of approval to this destructive drug by legalizing, regulating and taxing it. Our legislators made a wise decision by just saying no.Ann Donnelly, a Vancouver businesswoman, is a former chair of the Clark County Republican Party. Source: Columbian, The (WA)Author: Ann DonnellyPublished: Thursday, February 25, 2010Copyright: 2010 The Columbian Publishing Co.Contact: letters columbian.comWebsite: http://www.columbian.com/URL: http://drugsense.org/url/BEklM5T7CannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help

Comment #29 posted by John Tyler on February 26, 2010 at 19:01:08 PT
we all need freedom
Isn’t it strange how corporate America can spend hundreds millions in some constant PR campaign to justify their buying Congress (I mean supporting Congress), or polluting the country, or poisoning the public, or telling us that black is white and vise versa, and that is OK. It’s free speech. But, let some people campaign to correct a great evil in the country and they are some how “derailing democracy”. What kind of logic is that? When did freedom become reserved for the so called elite?
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #28 posted by Universer on February 26, 2010 at 07:52:34 PT
Ann Donnelly is a useful idiot.
Ladies and Gentlemen,Your personal conversations are interesting enough, but here in the comment section little of the low-hanging fruit has been picked regarding this reefer-madness soliloquy of an op-ed piece by a woman who clearly -- if I may be so bold -- needs a toke and a lay.(Though I will provide her with neither.)--------------I rather enjoy the FoxNews-esque ploy of saying something alarming, but putting distance from the alarm with a softening question mark."Role in Schizophrenia?"The answer to that question is, "No, thanks." There may be a causal link, especially among adolescents whose brains are not fully developed. There's indubitably a link, regardless of age of first use, between alcohol and numerous mental disorders ... you know, like alcoholism.So, Ann, since it makes people sick in the head, when are you gonna call for the absolute prohibition of alcohol?Think it'll work?But very few among us freedom-loving anti-prohibition cannabis consumers are in favor of middle-schoolers toking up. 'Responsible adult consumption,' Ann, you perfect fool. Cannabis is no more harmful than chocolate, no more addictive than sugar."Research by psychiatrists in inner-city areas described cannabis as being a factor in over 80 percent of cases of schizophrenia."A 'factor'? Like watching TV is a 'factor' in coming down with a headcold? 'Cuz I once sat down to watch a couple of Family Guys, and next thing you know, I was having a sneezing fit. So, obviously, Stewie was a 'factor.'Considering the nearly universal consumption of cannabis in inner-city areas, this statistic is conspicuously low.Methinks being in the inner city was thus a factor in 100% of such cases. Therefore, our choice is clear: Make the inner city illegal!Of course, she speaks only to her ideological brethren, scaring them with invocations of evil like 'Soros' and 'MoveOn.org' and other bad Americans, a.k.a. liberals and Democrats.Never mind that our cause is considered worthy not only by liberals but by libertarians and genuine (small c) conservatives who want government out of our bodies, our bedrooms and our basements. Witness Rep. Ron Paul and the late William F. Buckley.You, Ann, you sop, you git, you are no conservative."Our legislators made a wise decision by just saying no," she fumes.Your legislators, madam, scared of being considered soft on drugs or crime or whatever else their aids are forced into feeding them, are soon to be overruled by your people, the same who placed said legislators into office.You know ... democracy. Majority rule, minority rights and all that. I kinda dig it, and simply because your kind cannot constitutionally be granted kingmaker-status so as to dictate your particular hodge-podge of alternately draconian and neoliberal ideals to the rest of us doesn't mean you may countermand the basic tenets of our nation -- i.e., the will of the people shall out.You need good lessons in both civics and science, and you need them badly.----------------Golly, that was fun, if admittedly easy. Sometimes its good to wail on a punching bag -- especially when she just sticks out her chin like that.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #27 posted by runruff on February 26, 2010 at 07:35:17 PT
Role in Schizophrenia?
The question mark is most telling. They offer up every malady known to man and put a question mark behind it!I have a question mark for them! Credibility?
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #26 posted by FoM on February 26, 2010 at 07:31:04 PT
Dongenero Comment #13
I just saw your comment. I saw it on TV when it happened and it was so good. I hope everyone checks the link out. It was very well done.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #25 posted by keydet46 on February 26, 2010 at 07:20:29 PT:
Insanity
This is a prime example of reefer maddness gone wild.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #24 posted by FoM on February 26, 2010 at 06:28:30 PT
ekim
Thank you for the update. I really appreciate you and your passion.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #23 posted by ekim on February 25, 2010 at 22:45:08 PT
Hempaid 4 it
Cheech and Chong Willie Wooodyect ect all the mula must go for buying Hemp building products
and man power to show how to install them.maybe even get some daddy warbucks to pop for a X prize
for the best home design made out of Hemp.ol Arnold will be wishen he voted for that Hemp bill when
he sees what can be made with the plant.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #22 posted by ekim on February 25, 2010 at 21:56:24 PT
Stossel still in my head--
the end of his show says send info on what you want to see.Please again calling all experts on Hemp building products
come forward.the need is great -- homes need rebuilding - hempcrete
its a huge product in France - da the surrounding islands must know how to make furtlizer out of sea weed ya think.seeing the Pres today trying to herd cats made me think
why do we have such a hard time here --
now is the time both cannabis users and hemp growers must
come together and help the poor people rebuild not just the homes but help restore the lost forest starting with the Cannabis Plant Bob Marley would be proud
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #21 posted by ekim on February 25, 2010 at 19:00:12 PT
his show is on thurs at 8
Montel was great == so much passionhope he makes more appearances he is such a inspiration and a Vet to bootif you see the rerun he is the last guest 45 min into
the show the show was about Docs and pain management and the control
dea has over the process
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #20 posted by FoM on February 25, 2010 at 18:00:43 PT
ekim
I didn't know Stossel had a show on the air. We were watching the Olympics and changed the channel but we missed it. Thank you!
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #19 posted by ekim on February 25, 2010 at 17:47:30 PT
Montel on Stossel now
dir tv 359
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #18 posted by FoM on February 25, 2010 at 17:30:01 PT
dongenero
I watched Obama (he is so patient and intelligent) and the Democrats and Republicans today. I am not sure what makes the Republicans tick. No matter how much was mentioned about the 30 or 40 million uninsured they didn't seem to care at all. They only wanted to protect the Insurance Industry in my opinion.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #17 posted by dongenero on February 25, 2010 at 15:21:19 PT
konagold
Thanks for sharing your first hand experience.When you consider Hawaii's plan is working that well, despite the spiraling costs they are saddled with due to unregulated insurance industry rates and anti-trust exemptions the industry currently enjoys, it's really remarkable. If we get some of the industry abuses and costs under control, I expect it would work even better.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #16 posted by FoM on February 25, 2010 at 10:44:07 PT
konagold
Thank you. I'm sure it is better then most states.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #15 posted by konagold on February 25, 2010 at 10:40:43 PT
Hawaii Health care
the problem with Hawaii Health care is that many part time hires are part time specifically so that employers escape paying for health care other than that all full time employees are covered but they must pay the extra premium to include family members[tho some employers cover family members alsoHMO's are widely utilized but they scrimp and cut care alsothe poor are covered but there is a gap between full coverage for part timers and the employed who must also pay for family membersnot a perfect system but better than most states
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #14 posted by James Crosby on February 25, 2010 at 10:00:16 PT:
OCTA
We need to support the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, and provide a safer future for us all! Rid ourselves of the violence, and legalize cannabis! The negative impacts of cannabis come from prohibition, and not cannabis itself! That is why they have never found the causality with schizophrenia, it does't exist!! This woman is a liar, and damn stupid to boot! Support OCTA:http://www.cannabistaxact.org/
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #13 posted by dongenero on February 25, 2010 at 09:50:44 PT
FoM #12- Hawaii's 40 years of health care
That is a great piece from The Daily Show. The link:http://www.oliverwillis.com/2010/02/12/daily-shows-john-oliver-explains-hawaiis-health-care-mandate-to-republicans/
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #12 posted by FoM on February 25, 2010 at 09:04:52 PT
Hope
I know of the types you are mentioning and I just wonder what will happen when they get in a situation where they need help or wish for real compassion. Another thing I don't get. Most of the people I have seen look very poor at protests and they rant against health care. What if their child needed help?The anti insurance Republicans met in Hawaii to have a convention or something against health care. The Daily Show was there and interviewed some of the people. They didn't know Hawaii had health care for it's people. One person said well it's an experiment so we won't know if it works for them. They said it has been in place for about 40 years if I remember correctly and this woman forgot what she was going to say as a response. She just went blank.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #11 posted by Hope on February 25, 2010 at 08:52:09 PT
Well, of course...
Soros is a Democrat, too. Do you know of any Democrat that's as good at the demonizing rag (a Republican's favorite dance and pastime, I think) as the so called "Conservatives", or Republicans, or (Oh my Lord!) the "Real Americans"? No, I doubt you do. Vicious Republicans and so called "Conservatives" have their B.A.s in B.S.. Their jobs aren't to think... it's to stir up as much hatred, dismay, and anger as they possibly can. Ala Ditto Heads... Rush Limbaugh adorers. They're very, very small minded people with very, very big mouths. They're filled with deep seated and long held resentment that they aren't the total boss of everyone and they love to hear themselves run their "open grave" mouths. The bigger and nastier their "Open grave" mouths, the prouder they are of themselves.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #10 posted by dongenero on February 25, 2010 at 08:23:42 PT
how self-righteous
Well, she certainly thinks highly of her own opinion.If not for the evil proselytizing of George Soros (who founded MoveOn....so the hate code is clear to all conservatives) we profoundly stupid citizens (liberals) would be all fumbling around in prohibition bliss, unaware of the devil's weed the allure of which would ultimately promise to lead us all to insanity...according to the "study".Insanity indeed. What ding dongs!
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #9 posted by Hope on February 25, 2010 at 08:19:59 PT
Ezrydn
"Many times, I wonder if there IS a real George Soros! However, the talking heads have established him as THEIR designated leader of the reform movement. Why? Damned good question!!!!"I think the answer to that is that Mr. Soros is Jewish and foreign born, therefore, the dedicated demonizers in this country feel freer to do their best demonizing work on him. Peter Lewis is also rich and donates cash to ending prohibition... but he's not demonized to the extent that Mr. Soros is. Why not? It's hideously obvious what the prohibitionist game plan is when they continually rag on Mr. Soros.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #8 posted by runruff on February 25, 2010 at 07:40:49 PT
Who is in control here?
It's fairly well known that the U.S. public sector is paid more than the private sector. What's less well known is that the gap between federal-employee pay and benefits and private-sector pay and benefits is increasing - by about 18% over the last decade. Things used to be the other way around? It used to be considered honorable to serve in the public sector, you got benefits but not a lot of pay.Today budgets have become inflated to the point that public departments have become private fiefdoms where little demi-gods rule.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #7 posted by runruff on February 25, 2010 at 07:21:32 PT
A small typo can ruin a message!
"Freedom is far more infectious that fascism!"Meant to say: Freedom is far more infectious than fascism!

[ Post Comment ]

Comment #6 posted by runruff on February 25, 2010 at 07:10:34 PT
Oh, I'm so scarrrrrd!
Some of the committee members at the UN are feeling their oats, are they? They seem quite impressed with themselves?Relax, this is going to be fun! The old political whores are doing nothing but spitting into the wind!Freedom is far more infectious that fascism!
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #5 posted by runruff on February 25, 2010 at 06:57:58 PT
"affecting more than 1 percent of the population,&
This is a bad lie with an unprovable hypothesis!The war on us has negatively affected 100% of the people and this hypothesis is self evident!Refined sugar breaks down the central nervous system and sets children up for any number of neuropathic diseases and this is even before we get into obesity and type two diabetics! This is classic double speak. Whether by design or as a life long student of Lewis Carroll's nonsensical rhetoric, it makes about as much sense!
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #4 posted by FoM on February 25, 2010 at 06:53:30 PT
ezrydn
The reason that hate George Soros is because he has lots of money and mostly supports Democrats.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #3 posted by FoM on February 25, 2010 at 06:50:42 PT
Canada: UN Group Takes Aim at Marijuana
Canwest News ServicePublished: Thursday, February 25, 2010Justice Minister Robert Nicholson said Wednesday the government's medical marijuana regulations are under review after the UN's drugs watchdog warned Canada needs to tighten up the system.URL: http://drugsense.org/url/aZnL63Yu
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #2 posted by ezrydn on February 25, 2010 at 06:49:49 PT:
Imagined Leader
George Soros. You hear that name over and over and over. One would think he's the Gawd Almighty Leader of the Reform Movement. Personally, I've been in the reform movement since 1969. I've never seen Soros, never met Soros and never heard him speak. I've never read anything written by him. So, how come he's my "designated leader?"Many times, I wonder if there IS a real George Soros! However, the talking heads have established him as THEIR designated leader of the reform movement. Why? Damned good question!!!!
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #1 posted by FoM on February 25, 2010 at 06:31:43 PT
Cited Article From The Wall Street Journal
Push for Looser Pot Laws Gains MomentumURL: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread25328.shtml
[ Post Comment ]

Post Comment