The brains of marijuana users are different, especially if they start young

Those pesky reward centers. Yes, pot users report that every movie watched while high is 'the best movie ever made', that sex while high gives sex a new dimension, and that eating your favorite foods show why they're your favorite foods. Doesn't seem like these are evidence of broken reward centers, but of the opposite (and how many times have studies of cannabis use come out to be the opposite of what was looked for and reported?). In addition to that pot-users get to play with some new rewiring.

So my take on this is that the report chose a very limited group of people who smoked several times a day for ten years (jeez, no thank you), many who started when they were very young and their brains were developing (Kids, don't do drugs! Seriously. Sugar, caffeine, nicotine, pot and alcohol included), and then put this up as the 'normal' dangers of cannabis consumption. Methinks there is a political agenda in this study, just in time for 2016, hmmm.

a reply to: etombo

Oh sorry for being offended when someone ignorant of the facts comes in and spews the same tired 1980's propaganda nonsense that's been reinforced by their own selective bias.

You do know that some people are able to keep marijuana use private correct? For all you know, your doctor could be a user and just doesn't talk to you about it. YOU need to chill out.

a reply to: BlackProject

It's really not about how harmful or beneficial it is for you. It's about legality. I am trying to show that this plant is nowhere near as bad as things like alcohol or tobacco, yet is illegal. I am also trying to expose the propaganda that is being pushed to keep this plant illegal.

The article in the OP showed some interesting information from the study, but refused to expand on all the results it. Why didn't WP talk more about the increased brain connectivity in the white matter? The article even made sure to point out that the connectivity decreases over time with long term use. Almost like saying, "Yeah marijuana does this cool thing to your brain, but it goes away over time. So don't worry about it."

The long term effects on the user are the user's problem. It's not the state's problem. You can disapprove of usage all you want, but you are in the wrong if you want the plant to be illegal for any reason. As I've shown over the last few months since we've been allowed to discuss this topic, marijuana isn't really that bad for you (ZERO deaths due to marijuana over-intoxication) and that it was made illegal based on lies designed to make a very select few people in the country rich at the expense of the American public (conspiracy). That is just the simple facts.

originally posted by: Krazysh0t
a reply to: BlackProject

It's really not about how harmful or beneficial it is for you. It's about legality. I am trying to show that this plant is nowhere near as bad as things like alcohol or tobacco, yet is illegal. I am also trying to expose the propaganda that is being pushed to keep this plant illegal.

The article in the OP showed some interesting information from the study, but refused to expand on all the results it. Why didn't WP talk more about the increased brain connectivity in the white matter? The article even made sure to point out that the connectivity decreases over time with long term use. Almost like saying, "Yeah marijuana does this cool thing to your brain, but it goes away over time. So don't worry about it."

The long term effects on the user are the user's problem. It's not the state's problem. You can disapprove of usage all you want, but you are in the wrong if you want the plant to be illegal for any reason. As I've shown over the last few months since we've been allowed to discuss this topic, marijuana isn't really that bad for you (ZERO deaths due to marijuana over-intoxication) and that it was made illegal based on lies designed to make a very select few people in the country rich at the expense of the American public (conspiracy). That is just the simple facts.

Your quite right.

Not as harmful as cigarettes or alcohol, so it is a matter of legality.

The study shows the brain is compensating by increased connectivity in a particular part of the brain (which isn't a great thing btw *sigh*). Bit like loosing the primary function of the brain and using a secondary component instead.

But since there are negative effects like that seen in alcohol and ciggies then it really is a case of legality.

The medical potential is good though.

But the high THC skunk that angsty teenagers like just keep them in a plateau of obvious dumbness. Only medicinal strains with normal chemical ranges should be legal if it were to happen. Not Brainwreck Kush with 25% THC. Your just asking for unmotivated, paranoid dope bags then.

It is a threshold thing. Once you go over 17% thc then you might as well call cannabis a moderate psychedelic version of ecstasy and ketamine, of which are class b or a drugs. Go below 17% THC and cannabis turns into a drug like morphine in terms of practicality.

California have a good model. Prescribe medicinal strains (sensible strains) to those in need.

originally posted by: jonnyc55

Your quite right.

Not as harmful as cigarettes or alcohol, so it is a matter of legality.

The study shows the brain is compensating by increased connectivity in a particular part of the brain (which isn't a great thing btw *sigh*). Bit like loosing the primary function of the brain and using a secondary component instead.

You don't know that. More needs to be studied about this before you can make such a claim. I posited earlier in the thread that maybe this increased connectivity is what makes users like arts more or help them think about concepts differently than most people (you know push the boundaries on accepted knowledge?) Ever consider that?

But since there are negative effects like that seen in alcohol and ciggies then it really is a case of legality.

The medical potential is good though.

But the high THC skunk that angsty teenagers like just keep them in a plateau of obvious dumbness. Only medicinal strains with normal chemical ranges should be legal if it were to happen. Not Brainwreck Kush with 25% THC. Your just asking for unmotivated, paranoid dope bags then.

BULLS#! This is just Reefer Madness propaganda. "Unmotivated, paranoid dope bags..." Ugh... That's a stupid stereotype and you are wrong for repeating it. There should be ZERO limits to the amount of THC that can be cultivated in marijuana and NO ONE. I repeat NO ONE should be in jail, or heck even FINED for using or selling marijuana.

"OH NO! Now people are unmotivated, like to eat, and listen to music!" Well at least they aren't out driving recklessly or beating their wives after smoking a joint or two.

It is a threshold thing. Once you go over 17% thc then you might as well call cannabis a moderate psychedelic version of ecstasy and '___', of which are class b or a drugs. Go below 17% THC and cannabis turns into a drug like morphine in terms of practicality.

Acid and ecstasy should be legal as well.

Putting someone in jail for imbibing a substance (or selling it) is one of the dumbest things that the American people have ever let their government legislate. It didn't work for Prohibition and it isn't working for drugs. It's nice that marijuana has medical benefits, but there is ZERO reason to isolate the medical properties and only make them legal. Marijuana is a MUCH safer drug than alcohol and it is totally ok to use relationally.

a reply to: Krazysh0t

i see what he is saying but i agree with you...
nobody should be in jail for it...no matter the 'strength'....

that said, i never thought it was possible for MJ to be too strong....that was until a week ago.
my opinion has since changed.....know what i mean?

a reply to: Grovit

Well just like any substance, it helps to know your limits. At least you can't overdose from it.

a reply to: Krazysh0t
Am only thinking of a increased chance in paranoia when it comes to high THC.

I suppose education on the drug would help. Informing users. But like alcohol and ciggies it's there call.

Acid and ecstasy can be used with doggy alternatives in the black market. Leading to psychosis or death. But the education and safe use of the genuine drug is doable.

With the black market you don't know what your taking, same with cannabis.

If it was legal it would not be such a risk taking activity.

More studies would have to be done. To see for damage. Such as increased chance in dementia when you age because of the drug activity as a youngster in developing brains.

originally posted by: jonnyc55
a reply to: Krazysh0t
Am only thinking of a increased chance in paranoia when it comes to high THC.

I suppose education on the drug would help. Informing users. But like alcohol and ciggies it's there call.

Yes, education on the plant WOULD be nice. Let's start with some right now. Not all strains of marijuana (regardless of potency) make you paranoid.

Sour Diesel (makes you paranoid)
Granddaddy Purple (doesn't make you paranoid)

Acid and ecstasy can be used with doggy alternatives in the black market. Leading to psychosis or death. But the education and safe use of the genuine drug is doable.

Anything in the black market is dangerous. That is why it is better and safer to legalize and regulate.

With the black market you don't know what your taking, same with cannabis.

Exactly, people will take these substances anyways. Why force them to have more risk doing it?

If it was legal it would not be such a risk taking activity.

Right.

You sure are putting a lot of effort I to getting high legally. I thought the topic was about long term effects on the physical structure of the brain, this is your topic right? Maybe you should have named the post something like "more right wing propaganda to keep marijuana illegal".

a reply to: Krazysh0t

I apologize for upsetting you. I'll stop posting. a reply to: Krazysh0t

marijuana is a fat soluble compound and the
fattest organs are the brain and gonads.

stands to reason and common sense

a reply to: recapitulated

Actually the metabolite 11-COOH-THC (a product of smoking marijuana that isn't psychoactive) is what is fat soluble and what ends up in your fatty tissues. Nice try with the joke though.

a reply to: etombo

Upsetting me? I'm not upset. I also don't care if you post in this thread. I just don't like people pretending like they are educated about marijuana trying to keep marijuana from being legalized or trying to downplay the medical benefits the plant has for its use.

This is a serious topic for me. There are people's lives being destroyed at this very moment all because they wanted to relax with some marijuana and got caught (or were selling it), and that shouldn't be happening.

I never said we shouldn't legalize it. I think it should be legal. Im not going to sit here and pretend it is some revolutionary medicine though. Anything used in excess has adverse side effects. I never understand these pot discussions. You have people who you have me confused with who want it abolished from the planet and then you have people claim crazy things like it doesn't cause cancer, which honestly we do not know that. For the most part it is an illicit drug, and wide spread/side effects of use is largely undocumented in comparison of the overwhelming data with tobacco and alcohol. Show me one scientific study in which someone was monitored as they smoked a pack of joints a day and never had a cigarette (reasonably controlled) then passed a physical with flying colors and I'll sip on the kool aid. Until that happens I'll accept th legalization but will not believe pot is a wonder drug. Rat poison has medicinal uses man, as does botulinum. Everything in moderation, legalize it, regulate it, and enforce the regulations..

reply to: Krazysh0t

yeah and we can die from drinking to much water..... so what now?

If water got people high, who know lol..reply to: ShaeTheShaman

a reply to: Grovit

OMG! I love that movie!!
Yes! I watched it the other night actually for the 1000th time, most hilarious movie eve!!! Never fails to make me and my partner crack up laughing.

Hahaha the bit where they build the bunk beds and it drops is probably one of my favourite bits, or when Nancy and Robert take their TV privileges away.. Nope there is still even funnier bits I would be here all day if I listed them all.

Highly recommend it. lol.