medical marijuana - how do we all feel about it?

jcc64 wrote: New case coming to the courts. What do you think?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060327/ap_on_...GZoBHNlYwM3NTE-

luvbug00 replied: I'm for compleate leagalization of marajuana. that's all I have to say

luvmykids replied: I'm on the fence. I wonder if they legalize it for that purpose how hard would it be to abuse that, (not that hard, IMHO) but I feel for the people who truly do need it. I hate pot personally, period, but wouldn't bash a patient with an honest to goodness medical use who felt it would make a difference in the management of their affliction.

Jamison'smama replied: I say legalize it. It is much less mind-altering than many prescription drugs.

Edward's Mommy replied: I think if it eases someones pain, I'm all for it! I know that some cancer patients use it to ease their pain.

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: I suppose I agree with the the so-called right to life theory: that marijuana should be allowed if it is the only viable option to keep a patient alive or free of excruciating pain. For recreational reasons, NO WAY.

I also agree that it should ONLY apply to the sickest patients and their suppliers, regardless of whether they live in one of the 11 mostly Western states that allow medical marijuana.

MyLuvBugs replied: Personally, anything that helps to fight cancer is fine by me. Cancer has reaked havok on my family, and if marijuana had been the key drug to keep some of my family members around longer, then I'd be first in line to get it for them.....On the flip side.....it needs to be regulated. KWIM? It is a drug, and just like all drugs there needs to be regulation on it so that people don't abuse it. JMHO.

jcc64 replied:


Totally agree with you, Brenda. Apparently, illegally acquired prescription meds have surpassed marijuana as the drug of choice for high school kids now.
My dad smoked a little pot when he was dying of kidney cancer. ( he was not a pot smoker prior to his illness) It not only helped his wasted appetite, but calmed his understandably anxious mind in a way that his legal narcotics could not. I'm glad for that little bit of relief he felt- when you're dying- a little break goes a long way, but of course I wouldn't expect politicians or prosecutors with political aspirations to understand or care about the suffering of the dying.

~~*Missi*~~ replied: I personally don't care either way. If my mom was dying of cancer, had MS, or something that was really painful and she asked for it. I would so go get it for her. Same with my husband etc......

We have a family friend that has MS and he has said a million times that the hydrocodones vicadin and epidural steriod shots are cutting it anymore if he could get weed he would so try it. I agree if everything else has failed well let them do it.

If you doctor feels it will help relieve your pain then who am i to say NO.

Edward's Mommy replied:
DH would agree!

kit_kats_mom replied: I say legalize it all the way. I'm not a user but if Alcohol is legal, why is the government so againt legalizing pot. There are millions (if not billions) of dollars to be made off of the sin taxes.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I've never heard of a high speed chase, bar fight, crash or anything terribly dangerous related to pot use. Ok, maybe the random theft of a bag of doritos at 3am but that's about the extent of the problems that it causes. Nothing really compared to drinking.

Well, I guess there are the problems brought on by the dealers but that would end if it was legalized. Remember prohobition and all of the accompanying violence?

And if it releives pain in people who desperately need it...good. Another benefit to those in poor health is it's tendancy to make you hungry and able to better tolerate food. Chemo patients are notorious for being able to gain or maintain weight when they are using pot. Better that than have them go to the hospital and get Morphine. Seems like a no brainer to me.

And yes, it causes lung cancer but so do cigarettes and I don't see those being made illegal.

jcc64 replied:

I just LOVE you- only you could make me spit my tea out on my monitor with a comment like that!

kit_kats_mom replied:

mckayleesmom replied:
Ditto....I personally think too much money is wasted by our government trying to stop it. Pot will always be around...no matter what.

aspenblue1 replied:

kimberley replied:
exactly.

ashtonsmama replied: I'm not a big fan of it, and definitely don't agree on using it for fun, I've had too much experience with it (bad experience) with my dad and friends doing stupid things while on it...so I'd say what pretty much everyone else is saying, legalize it for those who really need it, but not for the recreational purpose.
JMO.

Kaitlin'smom replied:
if I has water in my mought at the time of reading that I would have also.

There are better things to make illegal. I dont have a problem with it at all.

Edward's Mommy replied:
That part of it wouldn't make a difference to me, DH does more stupid things when he's not on it than when he is! Plus, it calms him down!

MommyToAshley replied:
I agree completely.

luvmykids replied:
I have to disagree, it may not cause the same things as drinking or other drugs but it's far from "trouble free". I've known too many people who had marital problems, keeping a job problems, etc because of pot. I have a dear friend whose DH is an awesome husband/father when not stoned, but when he is he could really give a s*** about them and has blown off serious stuff while stoned.

Having said that, a pothead will get it legal or not, I just disagree that it doesn't cause problems. Maybe not to the general public, like a drunk driver, but certainly can on a personal level.

Cece00 replied: It NEEDS to be approved for VALID medical reasons. I say this as the wife to a cancer survivor, who smoked it while he was sick and it did a WORLD of good for him due to the nausea from chemo, it helped his appetite, helped him through radiation therapy as well.

I actually see no reason to not legalize it and have it regulated and taxed like alchohol, tobacco, etc. Its actually less dangerous than both of those substances.

The govt spends more money every year on the "War on Drugs", if they would instead use that money to regulate certain drugs and punish ppl who do stuff like drive under the influence of ANYTHING mind altering (like alcohol...) I think they could make LOTS more headway.

They will never keep drugs out of America, and if you look at the figures, they spend a crapload of $$ every year and get MAYBE 10-20% of the drugs coming into the US.

amynicole21 replied: Legalize it and spend the money they waste chasing stoners on something that really matters

Edward's Mommy replied: I think it affects some people differently. I had a friend (the one who told me how to raise my son!) who smoke pot all through her pregnancy with her son Zach and had 3 glasses of wine EVERY NIGHT all through her pregnancy. And I have to say, I love Zach to death, he's a cute little boy...but he's not all there! She's pregnant again and from what I hear, she still smokes pot and now drinks 5 glasses of wine EVERY NIGHT. I hope for this baby's sake, it comes out okay. She got mad at me one night because she wanted to smoke crack and snort cocaine and had no one to watch Zach and she asked me and I told her no. I told her "I don't care what you do in spare time and if it was something else, I would gladly watch Zach, but if you want me to watch Zach while you do drugs, you're just going to have to find someone else. You're not putting your son first." That's one of the reasons we're not friends. Plus, she gets assistance from the state just so she can buy pot for her and her dead-beat husband. He never works. But DH will clean a kitchen like no one I have ever seen when he's smoked pot. He takes very good care of Edward when he's smoked too, he's more relaxed and deals with things better.

My2Beauties replied: I say legalize it!!! If it's going to help someone dying from cancer have a better last few days or help someone with cancer possibly recover from it by smoking it than by all means they need to and in a hurry! I see nothing wrong with pot myself, my dad smoked it for years when I was growing up and he was the best guy. I mean, I can see how people may abuse it, but for the most part, it just calms people down.

kit_kats_mom replied:
I agree. Some people can't handle it as well as others. But the same goes for liquor. And as far as keeping a job, if it were legal, that may not be a problem. I knew many good people in college who were very good employees (always on time etc) who failed drug tests and were fired. In some jobs, I'd say you should still be drug tested...say..surgeons, but I'd not want one working on me after a martini lunch either.

luvmykids replied:
If we did drug testing at our business, we wouldn't have any employees left. I'm talking about people (like some of our employees) who get stoned at lunch and are worthless for the afternoon. They aren't in jeopardy of being fired b/c of drug testing, but are going to be fired anyway b/c of pot. It breaks my heart to have to fire someone who I know has a family depending on them and who are otherwise good employees when they're not stoned.

ITA there are people who use it and do just fine in their day to day lives, I just hate the problems that it can cause, and you're right, drinking can do the same.

eta: Like I said though, legalization of it won't change this aspect of it anyway. Those who use it to the point I'm talking about will use it either way.

ilovemybaby replied: Well this is JMO but I think it should only be used by those who need it for pain relief. So medical use yes. And only with a doctors certificate or if they are in hospital. Otherwise it would be abused. Recreational use, no.

I do not think that smoking pot causes no problems. It might not affect the person taking it physically ... eg going out and having a car accident. But it affects their family. I live in an area with drug dealers and drug users. These people are on the dole (unemployment benefit) and paying rent or money to State housing. They are spending their food and bill money (and rent money) on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes and not paying their rent. Not taking proper care of their children, and if they had jobs they probably would not keep them for long.

And I certainly do not think it is ok to smoke pot during pregnancy (have had this discussion on a different message board and had mothers telling me that they smoked pot during pregnancy and that it is less harmful than smoking). They can do so if they want but I do not think it is ok. However, I do not think smoking is ok during pregnancy either. And of course drinking.

But then, I think they should make cigarettes and alcohol illegal.
My husbands best friends dad died from lung cancer. He was a smoker for many years. When he died (he only found out three weeks before he died that he had lung cancer) his wife said she was giving up smoking. She did for a while and then went back to it. It is so addictive. I thought once he died she would give up just like that. But she wasn't able to obviously.
Unfortunately everyone that smokes is addicted to it and unless they make a smoking rehab just like drug rehab programs most smokers will never give up.

Anyway...

My3LilMonkeys replied: I am in favor of complete legalization. Those who want to smoke pot will do it whether it is legal or not. If it is legalized at least it can be regulated and controlled - as opposed to now when what someone is buying could be laced with heroin, crystal meth or some other more dangerous drug without their knowledge.

holley79 replied:
They might as well. Legalize it and tax it. JMHO.

Nina J replied: I'm for it, for medical reasons. It can work wonders. But I worry about it being abused by people who don't actually need it. Marijuana can cause serious problems for frequent smokers.

NEWMOM05 replied:

Brias3 replied: I say legalize it for medical purposes. As it is, the people who are going to use it for non-medical purposes will and do no matter what anyhow.

EvesMom replied: I would have to say legalize it. God put it on the earth for our use. And as Dennis Leary said, "They say marijuana leads to other drugs. No it doesn't, it leads to f***ing carpentry."
I personally don't like it, but it has so many medicinal uses. I would rather be treated with a natural substance than an artificial substance.

3xsthefun replied: I think it should be legalized. That is all I'm going say.

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
I agree 100%.

Besides... someone on pot is a heck of a lot more paranoid than someone who drank or took other drugs... so if anything, the smoked-up person would be more careful. Not that i'm condoning it or anything.

jcc64 replied: Wow, this is a pretty interesting discussion. I was pretty surprised that so many people here are in favor of total legalization. (I am too, btw). I guess the whole reason I asked the question is that I really suspect that alot of resopnsible people (and not just the ones in the parking lots of Phish or Dave Matthews shows) feel similiarly, but our elected officials will never have the political will to truly represent our feelings on this particular issue. Too bad.
And I had to respond to the points about pot being harmful and damaging. It's a complete no brainer that illegal drug use of any kind during pg is insane and reprehensible. And other people cited anecdotes about friends or husbands that allowed their recreational drug habits to interfere with their productivity or family lives. And to that I'd say that ANYTHING that is done excessively and without any thought to its effects on one's own well being, as well as that of caring family members, is of course harmful. But let's not lose sight of the fact that these actions are caused not by the substance itself but rather by the thoughtless actions of the user. For example, if someone was a shop-aholic, and went out and bought 50 pairs of shoes 3 times a week instead of paying her rent, should we then make credit cards for everyone illegal? The same goes for alcohol- if someone's dh goes out on a bender 5 times a week and abandons his wife and kids for the bottle, should the rest of us not be allowed to drink in an effort to prevent this from ever happening? How about casinos- should they be closed because some people can't control themselves there?
People behave badly in all kinds of situations- but if we're gonna have legislation around our vices, let's at least be consistent. I really can't see the difference between smoking a joint or drinking a glass of wine, from the standpoint of its effect on society as a whole. Legalize it, tax the he*% out of it, and free up the space in jail for the child molestors.
And at the very least, let the terminally ill die in comfort and peace. It's a small concession to make.

coasterqueen replied: I'm not sure where exactly I fit on the this. I do believe medically it should be used. I can't imagine having cancer and not be able to utilize something that could take my pain away. I saw how painful cancer can be to many many of my family so if there was a way to take their pain away I would have gladly done it. I only wish I would have known it could when I was younger. I would have found a way to get it to those family members who could have desperately used it.

As far as policing it IF it did become ok to use it medically - it just seems like an impossible task.

TANNER'S MOM replied: I don't smoke. I am not saying I never have tried it b/c I have. But it's not something I still do. It was a teenage thing. I will say that I have personally never made a bad decision while stoned that would effect the rest of my life. I really thought out ever move. It's been years for me.. but as for drinking. I have made some HUGE mistakes there.

I have some good friends who smoke. We have one couple who smoke daily. We know they do, we don't visit there home w/out calling b/c of our kids etc. And they don't bring it my house. But they work daily, have tons of friends and they are a good members of society. They don't steal for a habit, they don't abuse any other drugs. They are just good ole hippies.

I have another friend who is worthless, he doesn't work. He lays around and gets high. Sells his own plasma for a bag.

So I have seen the good and bad. But I grew up in an alcholic home. And to me the drinking was ALOT worse than if my dad smoked one..lol

I watched my step Mom take her last breath. She died of cancer and it was a very painful death for a 40 year old woman. If smoking could've eased her pain.. I would've walked on water not to have to see another human being cry in pain and suffer. To see her own body be her worse enemy. If I coudl've gotten to have one last painfree conversation, or if my dad could've laid beside his wife for one last just to be with her, I would've done anything in the world to ease both of their pain.

It's weed, not meth. It's a natural herb, it grows in the fields around here..lol It's not a chemical someone is making from Drano. I say Tax it, sell it..and be done Its no harder on your body then smoking or drinking. Many drunks aren't productive citizens..but when they buy their booze the goverment at least gets it's cut.

redchief replied: Total legalization of cannibis? Hmmm... No, I can't agree with that anymore than I can agree with total legalization of tobacco or alcohol. Total legalization means no laws against, prohibiting or limiting the use of.

Despite arguments to the contrary, cannibis DOES cause and is a causative factor in many "crashes" and "high speed chases" (which I'm also against, BTW; too many innocents get caught up in them).

I'm for the de-illegalization (for lack of a better word) of possession and use of marijuana, though. You're all about to get a deep look into how I think here, so phychiatrists break out your notepads.

People who use and are under the influence of any nonprescription, mind altering drug while at work should be subject to disciplinary action up to and inclusive of termination. This includes cannibis as there is no doubt that it effects thought processes. Why? Because if I hire someone to do a job I have a right to expect that person to be focused and of clear mind at all times. In some jobs if a person is under the influence the results can be deadly. In others the result just may be lower productivity. As an employer, should I not expect my employees to always be focused, safe and productive? How competitive could I be if even a few of my workforce were stoned on the job? How many accidents would my trucks be involved in? Who would insure me?

People that want drugs in any form will get what they want. Let them destroy their lives if that is what they're bent on doing. I don't feel responsible to those people. Spend my tax money creating and enforcing laws that protect my investment in the country and the safety of my family. Bust DUI's (driving under the influence of ANY mind altering substance), and bust them hard. They could cause untold harm to me and my family. If someone causes injury due to drug use in the workplace, hold them accountable. If someone makes me lose money while at work for me under the influence, let me fire him/her on the spot. Don't make ME pay for addict clinics. Drug addicts caused the disease by their own hand, let them pay to clean up.

That brings me to the point of so-called sin taxes. I don't have a problem with sin taxes as long as the monies collected from them go to correcting the problems the sin-substance-users cause. Pay for normal government services and projects by using all of the taxpayers' money.

So, de-illegalize cannibis. For now make the rules the same as for other "legalized" substances like alcohol and cigarettes. Keep all of these things out of kids' hands as best we can (yes, I know I said that people who want them can get them and I'm not contradicting myself). We as parents need to have the lawmakers behind us insofar as making these things harder for our kids to get hold of. The rest is up to us as parents.

luvmykids replied:
As owners of a construction company ..... 9 out of 10 potheads are in construction. Or is it 9 out of 10 in construction are potheads?

jcc64 replied: Well said as usual, Ed, and I agree.
We had an addition put on our house a few years ago, and I am certain a few of the guys were stoners. They were so irresponsible that eventually they just disappeared off the job site, (or were fired by the contractor, not sure which) but I often wonder about the job they did in places that aren't visible to me (they were electricians).
This past month, I also had a guy show up to repair a roof leak who reeked of alcohol. (drunk on a roof- great idea). In both instances, who could possible condone their behavior???? Using drugs of ANY KIND while at work or tending kids or driving or doing anything that requires you to be at the top of your game is obviously wrong, wrong, wrong.

redchief replied:
None of my employees are. The last two I caught high on the job were in the unemployment line the next day.

luvmykids replied:
Preachin to the choir. We have a high turnover, let me just say that. Work comp and general liability is expensive enough as it is, all we need is one accident with one of those guys and we're out of business.

3_call_me_mama replied: I say no. Don't legalize it. For pain med or other purpose. Having it readily available as pain med will only lead to more robberies etc from those wanting to obtain teh substance. I personally have never used teh substance and have no desire to... but i have seen others use it and seen it destroy lives, homes and families. Almost watched my mother die as my pot head birth father beat teh crap out of her infront of us 3 kids ages 5 3 2 . Watched a loaded gun be held to my head by teh same pothead as he was stoned out of his mind. Supposedly he loved us adn only acted this way on the drug.. hell of a way to show someoen you care huh!!
Drug users will do as they please legal or not. But there is a small percent of the population that specifically chooses to follow the laws simply because they are laws. Those people do not use drugs because they are illegal, and if they were made legal those same peopel will choose to use the drug cause now the goverment says it's ok, so what's it gonna hurt to try it. It's nto an over exaggeration, it really is how some people think. And any person that can be kept drug free in my mind is a good thing. Also all those in support of full legalization.... what are you gonna do when your child comes home with it, not as a pain med either, but purely because it's legal, easy to obtain and all his friends are doing it?

jcc64 replied:
The exact same thing I'd do if he came home with alcohol or cigarettes. Nowhere in this conversation did I say it should be available to children.
Kids somehow get alcohol and cigarettes, and we haven't outlawed them yet (oh wait, we tried that and it didn't work). I'm simply saying there are major inconsistencies in our laws, and legalizing pot will do more than just make the stoners happy. Incarcerating all of those low level drug offenders costs ALOT of money, and takes up ALOT of room in our penal system unnecessarily.

redchief replied:
Jeanne... What's wrong with me? I agree with you!

CAMSMOM1 replied: I debated if I should reply to this, cause everything's pretty much been said. All pretty interesting!

But it's already LEGAL in CALIFORNIA, for medical use, (and that's where I live,) and I don't have a problem with that, plus what's done is done.



I will write more later when I have the time.

Celestrina replied: I simply cannot understand why some people are against medicinal marijuana. So many physically addicitive drugs are used this way. Cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and alcohol are all used. How many of us were given morphine after a c-section? Have you ever been put on codiene? Both are opiates. Amphetamines are often given to children with ADHD and ADD. Alcohol is found in many over-the-counter medications. Cocaine is sometimes used in surgery as a local anestetic. Why shouldn't marijuana be given to people with cancer if it makes it easier for them to do something as basic as keeping food down? Sorry if I sound like I am preaching, but I have very strong feelings on the matter.

jcc64 replied:

You better watch out, Ed. Pretty soon, you'll be eating tofu, wearing Birkenstocks, and listening to NPR!

My2Beauties replied:
Same here! Sing it sista!

ilovemybaby replied: If they were going to legalize it it would have to be just like alcohol and cigarettes. You should have to be at least 18 to buy it and present photo ID.
And if that happens we would not be able to stop our kids from getting it.

As long as it is still illegal to grow yourself and sell yourself. Because I don't want my daughter walking to school or home from school and seeing people buying drugs from our neighbours (which we already see ourselves).
I do not want to see kids buying drugs off our neighbours.
They are not going to go home and smoke it at home if they are underage. And I personally do not want my daughter interacting with anyone that is high. I already will not let her play with any of the kids in our neighbourhood. We have to take her to other peoples houses so she can play with kids her own age.
There is already enough crime in our neighbourhood without adding to it.
Not far from us (about a one or two minute drive) a pizza delivery man was murdered for $20. Some teenagers including a 12 or 13 year old boy stabbed him. Imagine if you added pot to that situation?
We have gang fights in our street. We are lying in bed and hear on Pauls police scanner that 20 or so youths are fighting with baseball bats etc...

I cannot wait to move. If we can't move I am homeschooling.

My3LilMonkeys replied:
Well it's already easy to obtain where I live, so legalization wouldn't affect that.

But to answer your question, I will do my best to educate my children on correct and responsible choices involving drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. What they decide to do will ultimately be up to them - but by educating them, providing appropriate punishment if they use any of the above while underage, and setting a good example I hope they will make the correct choices.

Edward's Mommy replied:
NPR is good listening!!!

Edward's Mommy replied:
In this case, I'll do what my dad did with my brother and me. I will tell my child/children, "If you want to try it, I'll try it with you." Later I found out that my dad has tried all kinds of drugs. As long as they are in a controlled environment to at least try it, then I don't see a problem. But they won't be able to do it otherwise.

3_call_me_mama replied: Just to clarify.. i am not under the impression that those that agreed with legalization of it WANT their child to use just becasue it is legal. That is not at I what I am saying. And i never implied that I thought otherwise, and if anyone felt it was implied, I'm sorry. I am just curious about how you intend to approach the matter. Since several parents seem to have teh you can drink as long as you do it at home philiosphy (I am not one of those that have this but i know several do) how far do you extend what you allow in your home.
Even i college when I was of drinking age, my parents told me that if I wanted to drink andwanted to go home, to call no matter teh tiem adn they would come get me (College was liek an hour away). They didn't allow it underage in theri home, and if i had done it elsewhere underage I would have been gorunded and priveledges revoked, etc. Of age, they still didn't want me practicing unsafe behavior (which i;m sure none of us want our kids to do). Hopefully if we as parents don't support drug use and raise our kids to understand how damaging to their mind and bodies it is they will jsut make teh right decisions.. but it's scary as H%LL to think that they might not.