Cannabis, Mental Health and Context: The Case For Regulation

Cannabis, Mental Health and Context: The Case For Regulation
Cannabis, Mental Health and Context: The Case For Regulation - NORML
by Paul Armentano
Senior Policy Analyst
NORML | NORML Foundation
Updated May 2, 2007
â?¢ Cannabis In Context
â?¢ Health Risks Call For Regulation, Not Prohibition
â?¢ Endnotes
Recent warning published in the United Kingdom and in America this week suggesting that cannabis' primary psychoactive compound THC may trigger mental illness, including psychosis and schizophrenia, warrant a serious reply.

According to news from the Associated Press and others, investigators at London's Kings College reported that the administration of doses of synthetic THC temporarily interfered with activity in the inferior frontal cortex, a region of the brain associated with paranoia, while administration of the non-psychoactive compound cannabidiol (CBD) stimulated relaxation. The reports go on to suggest that chronic use of cannabis may precipitate various types of mental illness and cite a separate unpublished study indicating that cannabis use may exacerbate symptoms of schizophrenia.

Such clinical findings and suggestions are not new. Scientists have known for decades that THC is psychoactive and that peak blood levels of its primary active metabolite 11-OH-THC are occasionally associated with temporary feelings of dysphoria, paranoia, and even panic attacks. (These events, when documented, typically occur in cannabis naÃ¯ve users.)

Conversely, scientists have also been long aware of CBD's anxiolytic and anti-psychotic effects. In fact, many experts speculate that it is the lack of CBD in Marinol (the synthetic THC oral prescription pill) that is responsible for the drug's enhanced psychoactivity. By contrast, CBD occurs naturally in whole-plant cannabis, and is believed to modify and/or diminish some of the psychoactivity associated with THC when cannabis is inhaled.

Fears that chronic cannabis use may be positively associated with various mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia, are also long-standing. However, a recent meta-analysis investigating the use of cannabis use and its impact on mental health reported that those who use cannabis in moderation, even long-term "will not suffer any lasting physical or mental harm. ... Overall, by comparison with other drugs used mainly for 'recreational' purposes, cannabis could be rated to be a relatively safe drug." 1

Cannabis In Context

The phrase "relatively safe" is appropriate in any discussion regarding cannabis and mental health. No substance is harmless and in many cases, the relative dangers of a drug may be increased or decreased depending on set and setting. Cannabis is no different.

There is limited data suggesting an association, albiet a minor one, 2-3 between chronic cannabis (primarily among adolescents and/or those predisposed to mental illness) and increased symptoms of depression, psychotic symptoms, and/or schizophrenia. 4-6 However, interpretation of this data is troublesome and, to date, this observation association is not well understood. 7-9 Identified as well as unidentified confounding factors (such as poverty, family history, polydrug use, etc.) make it difficult, if not impossible, for researchers to adequately determine whether any cause-and-effect relationship exists between cannabis use and mental illness. Also, many experts point out that this association may be due to patients' self-medicating with cannabis, 10 as survey data and anecdotal reports of individuals finding therapeutic relief from both clinical depression and schizotypal behavior are common within medical lore, and clinical testing on the use of cannabinoids to treat certain symptoms of mental illness has been recommended. 11

Most recently, a large-scale study by investigators at London's Institute of Psychiatry reported that those patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who had previously used cannabis did not demonstrate exacerbated symptoms of the illness compared to age-adjusted controls who had not used cannabis. "This [finding] argues against a distinct schizophrenia-like psychosis caused by cannabis," they concluded. 12

Investigators in the study did not address whether cannabis consumers had greater odds of contracting schizophrenia when compared to otherwise matched controls who did not have a history of cannabis use. However, a 2006 review by Britain's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) previously concluded, "For individuals, the current evidence suggests, at worst, that using cannabis increases lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia by one percent." 13

Nevertheless, until this association is better understood, there may be some merit to various government warnings that adolescents (particularly pre and early teens) and/or adults with pre-existing symptoms of mental illness refrain from using cannabis (and/or other psychoactive substances), particularly in large quantities. This statement, however, is hardly an indictment of cannabis' relative safety when used in moderation by adults or an endorsement of the federal government's efforts to criminally prohibit its use for all Americans. If anything, just the opposite is true.

Health Risks Call For Regulation, Not Prohibition

Health risks connected with drug use -- when scientifically documented -- should not be seen as legitimate reasons for criminal prohibition, but instead, as reasons for legal regulation. Specific to cannabis, if studies demonstrate that those "who first used marijuana before age 12 [are] twice as likely as adults who first used marijuana at age 18 or older to be classified as having serious mental illness,"14 then this is an argument in favor of legally regulating cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol, so that better safeguards may be enacted restricting adolescents from legal access to it. 15 These concerns, however, do not support criminally prohibiting the responsible use of the cannabis by adults any more than fears regarding the abuse of alcohol by a minority of teenagers support a blanket prohibition on the use of beer by adults.

In addition, if as some suggest, "as many as one in four people may have a genetic profile that makes marijuana five times more likely to trigger psychotic disorders," 16 this claim is yet another argument in favor of regulation. If there does exist a minority population of citizens who may be genetically prone to potential harms from cannabis (such as, possibly, those predisposed to schizophrenia), then a regulated system would best identify and educate this sub-population to pot's potential risks so that they may refrain from its use, if they so choose.

To draw a real world comparison, millions of Americans safely use ibuprofen as an effective pain reliever. However, among a minority of the population who suffer from liver and kidney problems, ibuprofen presents a legitimate and substantial health risk. However, this fact no more calls for the criminalization of ibuprofen among adults than do these latest allegations, even if true, call for the current prohibition of cannabis.

Finally, there lies the fact that cannabis prohibition has forever undermined the federal government's ability to educate its citizens, particularly young people, to the potential risks of marijuana when and where they present themselves. Ending prohibition and enacting a legal, regulated cannabis market would likely restore this lost credibility, as evidenced by the fact that science-based, federal education campaigns regarding the health risks of tobacco and drunk driving have greatly reduced smoking and driving under the influence among teenagers. Conversely, similar rhetorically-based campaigns regarding teen pot use have fostered increased levels of illicit drug use among their target audience. 17-18

As concluded by the Netherlands Drug Policy Foundation, cannabis' "health risks are remarkably limited, but cannabis is not completely harmless." As a result, the Foundation determined: "There ought to be a special legal regulatory system for cannabis because its use definitely does entail health risks. If cannabis was completely harmless, the same rules could be applied as to tea. Cannabis should not be made freely available, but the rules on cannabis can be very general and lenient." Placed in this context, the administration's latest anti-pot campaign does little to advance the government's position in favor of tightening prohibition, and provides ample ammunition to wage for its repeal.

From: Brian (05/02/07 03:44:25)

Let's get active folks!
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From: kalix (01/10/07 04:04:54)

ive been smoking marihuana for the past 35 years. i think norml already existed when i started, its a great idea, but mj is still illegal. guess what guys, its not working. if all us potheads start smoking publicly, in large groups (1000+), all over the country at the same time every day, i bet it will be legal fast. norml stop lobbying! organize us! we are ready and willing to reclaim our rights. or maybe, while we still have prohibition we will still need norml?
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From: shane (01/11/07 09:30:25)

stop wasting tax money on marijuana prohibition, we waste $7Billion each year. Let's spend it on something useful?
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From: Hannah (01/11/07 09:42:07)

Is this the life you want for yourselves and your children - I know it's fun to try but isn't it part of the thrill that you are taking an illegal substance?By legalising this drug you are potentially creating these kind of situations for thousands throughout the world. Could you live with that?? PS To those of you who use weed to self-medicate and object, tell me your problem and I will outline a number of treatments that could and would be better......
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From: not an H (01/12/07 08:14:40)

I found a funny from a spokeman who stated the populace can get Marinol instead of smoking marijuana. So the idea is to change dealers? Instead of paying the chap down the street $200 for what you want you go to the pharmacy and pay them $300? Yep, logic wins and champions the govt...BOYCOTT DUPONT! They helped start it! Make them SET IT RIGHT!
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From: RunnYnozE (01/14/07 07:50:55)

Everything the government has said about cannabis since 1937 has been proven to be untrue. Why is this? Follow the money. As a kid, I remember the "Stamp it out" posters which, at the bottom of the poster, in tiny print, you could barely see these words" Sponsored by The American Brewers Association "
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From: J.W. Rice (01/26/07 03:55:05)

I think the drug test frenzy occurring with employers is BS. The test can't confirm that a worker was stoned on the job. Alcohol is eliminated within 24 hours, but marijuana is detectable in urine for weeks. A worker could be an alcoholic and pass any drug test given, but someone who enjoys a joint at home on a Friday could be fired a week later.
Please NORML, help employers and the government see the light and correct this messed up mentality. LEGALIZE 420!
Stay high, everyone...
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From: anonymous (01/27/07 02:09:41)

The criminalization of mj was a direct result of propaganda from timber and interest groups. (hemp has many uses, from fuel to paper. In fact the constitution is printed on hemp paper.) We are tired of being looked down upon by the society for using an 'illegal' drug in a responsible, spiritual and medical way when legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco cause millions of deaths. This is a double standard that has to stop.
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From: Randwolfe (01/28/07 03:50:52)

A lot of people do not get that the government is in the business of making criminals. Each one created helps produce profits for what is now the private-sector criminal justice system. Who better to criminalize than millions of mellow cannabis users.

States are taking the initiative. Each state that passes a MMJ initiative, helps to break down the wall put up by the unjustice system.

Cannabis "fits" our brains. Even animals seek it out in nature. Chimps love it.
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From: Will Broe (01/28/07 10:08:42)

I have never, and most likely will never smoke pot, but I firmly believe it is absurd that the substance is banned. The rhetoric surrounding it is so completely baseless, I am surprised it took so long for me to realize it. Unfortunately there is so much (blind) acceptance of the status quo I have NO faith in our government to make the necessary changes.
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From: anonymous (01/29/07 10:39:47)

I have/had depression, migraines, chronic neck pain from the amount of stress that I have to deal with in my everyday life. I wish I could say that antidepressants and OTC pain meds do their job. THEY DON"T. When I smoke at least three times a week, I don't get migraines, I am less stressed, and I feel like my depression is easier to handle. Why should I have to be breaking the law to make my life a little bit easier?
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From: d.v. (01/30/07 08:31:10)

I was recently expelled from school from school for being in posession of my favorite herb. I cannot see the benefit of this, as my college career is now in jeopardy because of this. Because I enjoy a plant, my future is put at risk. I feel that we have no choice but to legalize marijuana. The facts are undeniable, with our governments current debt, do we really need to be wasting billions preventing people from smoking a harmless, beneficial plant?
Hell no.
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From: [email protected] (01/31/07 01:39:54)

Marijuana is an herb. Herbs & other alternative treatments are more helpful then "prescription" drugs. Just like Kevin Trudeau says "Its all about the money" remember that it holds true in this entire war on drugs. My fiancÃ©e is currently doing 8 years mandatory in OHIO for possession and selling of marijuana, with no previous record. Ruining lives by throwing people in prison at high rates for drugs. Everyone better get involved in legalization, because the USA is loosing it rights & freedoms.
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From: Mike Z (02/02/07 09:24:11)

Don't let the government get involved with regulation and distribution of marijuan. Look what's happened to cigarrettes - Marijuana would be put through the same processes and be forever changed. Hoemgrown's the best - the only way I'll use.
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From: Will Irie (02/05/07 10:49:26)

Marijuana does have negative side affects (sometimes), when a person is already lazy, they can not associate pot as the reason they layed on their ass all day.you have to consume 1500 lbs of marijuana in 15 minutes should be a reason for personal use of pot in moderation. The penalty for a drug needs to coincide with the use of the drug itself.I mean tabacco kills 395,000 people yearly, alcohol 195,000, pharmaceutical drugs 65,000, marijuana 0.
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From: Taylor (02/08/07 08:52:22)

The current laws on Cannabis seem to upset me more and more as each day, i am a current student and i smoke marijuana, my grades are better than ever, my family life is great,and i have some of the greatest friends anyone could ask for. The government from 1937 has placed an image in many americans that Marijuana is a dangerous and deadly drug. Why? Why would this be said? i have no answer but My mental health has not diminished, in fact it is better than ever. Peace
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From: David (01/15/07 05:14:18)

I started smoking a year ago. Ive become a much happier person now. Id be even happier if I could be a 50 year old that can wakeup and walk into his backyard with 25 plants flowering =]. Hmmm God gave us this amazing treat, it's like sex, God gave it to us with no side-effects, we have to enjoy something right?
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From: Zeul Reyes (01/17/07 09:25:49)

I have been smoking pot and it is the best thing ive ever done in my life and i never want to quit and those with mental problems just need to meditate because it is their state of mind that makes them however they are and it is their choice if they want to change or not
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From: soyd of e-town (01/17/07 11:11:14)

I don't understand why illegal immigrants are allowed to steal Americans jobs,drive without a license, literally steal identities with the help of their employers. But a law abiding citizen cant smoke a plant with so many scientifically proven health benefits. f*ck the MAFIA i mean govt. illegality benefits them not the people.its obvious
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From: KC (01/18/07 07:48:16)

Marijuana is a beautiful thing! I first started smoking MJ recreationally a few years ago, and have always found it blissful. I realized its full power when I went through serious GI problems and surgery. A few tokes and whatever agonizing pain and nausea I had was instantly diminished. I think I am healthier now because of MJ than if I had not smoked! MJ could help millions of people live happier and healthier. Let's make it legal!!!
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From: hannah rose (01/19/07 02:04:11)

i have just been put in re-hab for smoking pot. its pure stupidity i think. i am sixteen years old adn i smoke weed to relax. its not like i go out and go crazy. its a simple stress reliever. they are overexaggerating the issues pot causes in young teens. i have been smoking for two years and never once have i been arressted for it.
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From: a midnight toker (01/23/07 05:58:31)

Ok, think about this for a sec, how much more money would the government make if marijuana was legalized? They could market it in it's purest form w/ no stems or seeds already rolled into joints (how convenient) or just by amount - kinda like tobacco. They could tax it and what not, and make a crap load of money to help get this nation out of debt, use it for medicare/medicaid, or ANYTHING constructive!! doesn't it just make more sense for marijuana to be legal?
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From: Michael (12/05/06 01:51:44)

I wish that more of the general public were concerned about this cause and read articles like these. I have been plagued with problems of panic and stress to unhealthy extremes, and smoking cannabis in moderation has greatly helped in that regard.
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From: Jay Loutzenhiser (12/06/06 12:19:01)

The causal relationship of mental illness and marijuana use has always been a chicken and egg thing. It would seem that many studies reflect my person view: Those people that have a mental illness are more likely to try to self-medicate. The mental illness is a pre-exsisting condition, not the other way around. For me, pot has been very helpful, used in moderation.
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From: jacob (12/06/06 02:29:33)

arkansas is one of the most horible states about marijuana the whole benton county is corupt more and more cops are selling meth and other drugs out of the evidence room and then busting the people they sell it to to get more money while there busting peoeple with 1o to 25 grams and not showing up with the fact of the wieght in court and charging them with more we need help norml
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From: ghettowhitelady (12/06/06 08:45:26)

"God is perfect, man is not. Man made whiskey, God made Pot: who do you trust?" Seriously, who are you a danger to? Cap't Crunch? Cookie Monster better watch his stash;I'm comming for you next, Keebler Elves lol. My brother died from mixing psychotropic meds and booze. BAC was over 2.0. I have never seen nor heard of an episode of overdose on doobie;worst I've seen is a pot head getting into a fight with gravity and loosing lol
But Seriously, America, Grow up and LIGHT UP! *cough*cough*
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From: anonymous (12/07/06 11:40:27)

Just got arrested last week for less than a gram of weed. Spent a night in jail, cost $1000 to get out. They say my drivers licence will be suspended for two years. I'm at the mercy of the court system. Spent another $3000 for a lawyer. I can only hope someday this madness will stop.
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From: froggy (01/08/07 07:46:20)

i have depression, and i smoke pot. on the days that i smoke pot im happier nad have more energy than the days i dont. im easier to get along with and i am more socail. pot is my antidepressant. i just wish it was ok by law to smoke
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From: anonymous (01/09/07 03:22:18)

Ok, finally some fellow cannabis supporters! I'm 19, smoked through high school, got straight A's, and now I'm going to a great college. I work hard in everything I do. Smoking is my freedom. I smoke and wonder about things. Is that a criminal act? Am I hurting anyone?
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From: Lucky Canadian (01/09/07 07:50:02)

I've been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) thank God it's legal to smoke here with doctor's permission. I have a business trip to your lovely country in the near future and need to take a little with me to last my stay (only 10 grams) but am concerned about getting caught at the border and thrown in jail.

It took a long time for our government to understand, all I can suggest is NEVER GIVE UP!!!
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From: farrierman (12/09/06 04:11:38)

50 years old, 23 years of being gainfully self employed, no priors at all ever and now I lose my license for less than a joint for 6 months. My business will be ruined. This is so wrong.
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From: anonymous (12/10/06 04:55:48)

I served in the army for 3 years. It caused me uncrontrollable anxiety, depression, and it also opened my mind to all the corruption within our government. I never even tried weed because the sheep's wool had covered my eyes for so long. But when the psychiatrists couldn't fix my emotional distress with pills and rediculous solutions, I did my own research and found out the truth. Now I am a walking miracle, with a renewed sense of purpose and ambition in life.
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From: M. S. Weaver (12/10/06 07:29:18)

These comments put a smile on my face, and a chuckle. Maybe...maybe...the mispelling comes from having an attitude-adjustment before sending message? I say, if we all could give 30.00 dollars, on a certain date, like tomorrow. Then that would help NORML alot. Let's all do it.
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From: acheivement 117 (12/12/06 02:52:05)

nothing but good..all but bad...the government took my right, and thats all i have..Smoking weed is not bad for you unless your stupid and abuse it....its a privillege, that we don't have because of dumb A$$ people whom before us, and NOW people, need to really do some thinking about the use of marijuana and not abuse it don't act a fool, don't smoke some much and there's a time for you to start smoking the "RIGHT WAY". BE REASPONSIBLE
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From: T-MAC (12/18/06 10:42:08)

I started smoking MJ at 18. Smoked for three years heavily and quit. I am now 38 and have been smoking for three years again and have absolutely no intentions of ever quitting. I can honestly say I have never seen (at least where I am from) super stoned person get in any sort of viloent act. EXCEPT the a dealer, got shot why, because its criminal. Legalize it nothing to get shot over!
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From: Jon (12/20/06 09:47:50)

Hello norml I am a 15 year old boy from the USA. I have had depression my entire life ive tried medication and all it did was make me skidish. Ever since I have been smoking I have no depression and I now enjoy life. My mom is a phyciatris and she is a fellow smoker even she says that weed makes her feel so much better than any medication ever did. My point is if it wasnt for Mary jane I would have commited suicide and would be dead right now.
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From: youngdude25 (12/20/06 12:28:42)

i've been diagnosed with bi-polar and i go threw really low points and sometimes end up getting arrested. but when i smoke a small amount everyday i never have any problems and im content with my life. i dont cause any trouble.
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From: R.T.P. (12/20/06 03:34:42)

I am totally for the legalization of marijuana. I don't understand how the government allows drugs like tobacco and alcohol which are known to be huge health hazards be legal and not marijuana. You don't really hear people dying from smoking weed. I think the government needs to loosen up a little bit. I mean how many people wanna smoke weed and then go out and fight? Peace and love.. let me feel those positive vibes and not have it be a crime.
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From: logi (12/27/06 10:07:26)

I used to have problems with anxiety and panic attacks. But, Mary Jane came into my life when I was 12, and 6 years later I've been nothin but melloooow. I was a pretty damn good cross country runner in high school, I ocean lifeguard, and I surf every chance I get. My health and quality of life is better than it's ever been.

Mary Jane is my main thang
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From: Dan Stubbs (12/29/06 01:45:12)

I am 18 years old and have been smoking for 4 years... i have asthma but for some reason pot does not bother it. my mom and my brother smoke pot too.... there is nothing wrong with any of us i leave for the Marine Corps in 6 months... and would love nothing but to come back in 8 years to a pot legal nation..... i would cry
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From: Hope (12/29/06 02:22:56)

I hope you are all contacting local government representatives with these views. Its fine to share perspectives here but nothing is going to change unless you do something.
The Norml group in my area is hardly active and I am in the largest city in the US. If all pot users actually voted the entire country would change overnight. We all complain about war and silly laws against pot yet most of this country does not vote in any election. On this point it seems we get what we deserve.
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From: Josie (12/29/06 04:29:33)

If the government thinks pot smoking is it is such a problem, doesn't it make sense that there would be more programs helping people rid themselves of this problem? I've known lots of pot smokers who were decent, hard-working and moral people. I'd much rather be around a mellowed-out smoker, than a drunk. I remember when the war on drugs started. It was really a war on people who had alternate beliefs and life-styles that threatened those in power.
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From: Kevin (12/29/06 06:51:43)

I stumbled across a link to this site and am thrilled that I did. I am 19 years old and have smoked for almost 2 years. Before I found pot there was no pill to battle the headaches I got from an eye accident and also helps me deal with a cyst in my wrist that causes pain whenever bent in most directions. I will do my best to properly educate those who are ignorant to these issues. LIVE AND LET LIVE
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From: Ru-Tannin (12/31/06 01:04:44)

We are nothing but Highly Industralized Civilized Slaves to Corporate America(The Rich).It's ok to be a chain smoking addict like anslinger who made cannibis illegal.As soon as cannibis was outlawed,Dow corning,Dubont, etc. Started polluting our rivers with chemicals.The feds are as the nazis were,taking away our right to the persuit of happiness.
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From: ashamed american (01/02/07 03:06:02)

cannabis is one of Gods greatests gifts to mankind, but it won't be legal in this capitolist country. In america it's all about money and the prescription drug companies would lose millions. So they say "hey, mister law maker, keep this illegal and I got a nice donation for your campaine.
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From: Charlie (01/05/07 04:57:03)

Im 18 years old and I have been smoking pot since I was 15 when I was 10 I was told that I had a.d.d so they gave me pill to calm me down then after 5 years of taking my meds I started to smoke pot and it calmed me down just the same as the pill the doctor gave me except the pot did not make me sick like the pills did so me and my mom agreed that I would stop taking the pills and instead smoke the pot at a moderate rate.
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From: Joe (01/05/07 08:52:30)

Alcohol legal ... pot not?
What's wrong with this picture?
Prohibition that not this!
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From: Bebop13 (01/07/07 06:58:44)

I am almost 21 years old and have had severe chronic pains in my right knee since I was about nine, it has been getting worse ever since. Nothing the doctors gave me could help with the pain, then I discovered marijuana when I was thirteen years old, it was the only thing that could relieve the pain. I Just wish they would legalize it already, it has helped so many people.
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From: Street Pharmacist (01/08/07 01:46:34)

Has a politician ever glanced behind a check-out at 7/11. Blunt wraps, papers and cigars. I wonder why everyone is buying these products when tobacco already comes rolled in a box. What we need is a documentary about real college life and how marijuana is used as a party drug. This means that the trend of cocaine and ecstacy as a party drug is dieing.

P.S. I have the best pot.
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From: Rob Blevins (01/08/07 03:15:35)

Many Native Americans used cannabis to treat depression and bipolar is common among us. Bipolar can cause people to attempt suicide. Doctors prefer to prescribe substances which can cause overdose. Cannabis has been shown to alliviate the symptoms of mania. This is racist to not allow people to medicate in the same way their ancestors did. And doctors should be sued for prescribing anything that can harm their patients.

.
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From: StonedMystic (12/03/06 01:12:13)

Marijuana has been a blessing to my wife since I introduced it to her years ago. My wife suffers from PMDD, and is prone to debilitating cramps. She's taken every "medicine" known to man to battle the issue, but the only real medicine we ever found was some good pot. It also helps keep her calm when her emotions are going ballistic. This plant is a God-send for many people. The government needs to realize this.
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From: Erin (11/28/06 12:40:53)

I don't particularly care to smoke marijuana, but I do support the legalization of it..it would help our economy, help with some disorders and get the government to focus on wut they are here for..to PROTECT our citizens!
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From: David (11/22/06 02:35:53)

Norml, apparently they are testing on the people that find that it will cause these damages. I have been diagnosed with depression and was put on three different meds. before i was 18. I have since quit taking them and now i smoke. It is the one thing that keeps me from getting depressed. Along with getting rid of headaches and upset stomaches. I support yall in everyway possible!
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From: anonymous (11/20/06 03:29:22)

Why should herb be illegal while tobacco and alcohol are legal and much more harmful to our health than marijuana? Legalize and prohibit but dont punish for such a harmless drug? Save the govt some money and just legalize it!!!!!
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From: M.A.D. (11/19/06 04:41:52)

IM 47 years old i've been smoking pot since i was 13 i raised two kids they worked hard went to are schools good kids not bad for a pot head dad quit wasting my short time in make marijuana legal so i can stop being an outlaw......
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From: anonymous (11/15/06 07:52:29)

weed has helped me for the past few years with controlling my temper i feel that it is the only medicine that has helped. keep up the good work legalizing it
-joe
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From: kentucky "bomb" homegrown (11/15/06 11:14:21)

hello NORML,i'm a 24 year old male and i've been smoking marijuana for years now. not only for its medicinal qualities but for the spiritual enlightenment it provides. i am a high strung person, and i smoke it to relax and help me to sleep. i would just like to say Thank You for your help in bringing America what it really needs, the herb. Thank You
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From: DJ-Spins (11/15/06 08:28:39)

smoking marijuana before i dj does great things for me, it makes me really creative and makes my set so much better and really gets the crowd involved more, POT IS GREAT!!
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From: RockyMtnHigh (11/14/06 05:03:53)

Iâ??ve smoked daily for the last 20 years of my 42. Iâ??m still alive, happy, married, employed, and active. I smoke when Iâ??m not at work or anywhere else that needs my full attention and responsibility. Iâ??ve also come to the conclusion that Iâ??m not alone. I have smoked with very successful businessman, teachers, fireman, accountants, bankers, doctors and believe it or not, world class athletes that some of you may know, and we all seem to be getting along in life just fine.
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From: Aron (11/14/06 03:03:10)

When I was a youth back in the '70's, I always thought, for sure, marijuana would be legalized soon. It never happened and I don't understand why. Here it is 2006 and it is still illegal and demonized by non-smokers. What's the holdup?
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From: Pure Blooded Indian (11/14/06 12:33:06)

If you get caught take it to trial and speak the truth. That is the only way to change the law. The only room these truths will matter in is a courtroom
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From: jeffery ridenour (11/14/06 12:29:52)

Freedom of choice should not be hindered. The Controlled substance act is nothing more than trying to put an end to the faith of the original owners of this country : the indians!!!
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From: tiny tine (11/14/06 06:46:01)

For I do smoke more than one time a day, I have to invest all my money and have to go to criminal guys who sell it. ItÂ´s real hard! But what makes it even harder, itÂ´s that my boyfriend and father of my child, says that I do no good with smoking and I should take a psychological therapy!! But I donÂ´t want to be brainwashed by those idiots!( I already tried to... but it didnÂ´t work..because didnÂ´t make me feel relaxed, and i think it never will...)
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From: tiny tine (11/14/06 06:45:25)

...But I say that its unhealty ! If they just could let me smoke my weed!!Here in germany, all the doctors are stupid and believing in their god of medicine.Shit! Its really difficult here.
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From: tiny tine (11/14/06 06:43:38)

I am smoking pot since I was 15. Now I am 30 years old and the mother of a wonderful, 5 years old daughter. I have so many problems with myself, I am deeply depressed and I tend to be autoaggresive.When I smoke my good old pot, everythingÂ´s just ok!
From 13 to 20 I took everything you can imagine and I had very down-bringing relationships. From that I got a hepatitis C, and the doctors want to heal it with Interferon. They also want to give chemicals against my depression
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From: gir man (11/13/06 10:15:23)

I am a very bright young man in high school that is well on my way to getting a scholorship. I was told i had depression and add and showed signs of being bi polar but sience I started
smoking pot a few months ago they have been saying that i have gotten better and have a more positive attitude towards life. I live in Cheyenne, WY. and we have many people who support legalization around here and would like to see a norml branch open up here. Thank you norml for helping out.
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From: anonymous (11/12/06 08:29:13)

i live in the suburbs of atlanta...and recently got busted because someone ratted me out at school..the cops searched my house without a warrent only by my parents concent and found a bowl and residue...i am currently awaiting my court date

i feel tht marijuana laws are making criminals out of law abiding individuals
and creating more criminal activity wich would be unexistent if the herb were legalized
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From: Drendal (11/12/06 01:49:25)

my wife and i have found that weed is much more helpful in treating our schizoaffective disorder symptoms than any other medication we could use. she is a completely different person when she smokes because of the thc, not being high, she will only have a couple of hits in the morning and the healing effects continue for her all day long!!! Legalize It!
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From: SpiralStairs (11/10/06 07:35:19)

I believe that the war on drugs (specifically pot) goes far deeper than a concern for our health. Does anyone know a pot user that really likes our goverment? Think about how YOU want to live and not about what is constantly being crammed down your throat by our media.
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From: Shannon (11/09/06 10:21:36)

Hey, i don't think there's a single thing wrong with smoking the green stuff. The police should be out there catching pedophiles, rapists, and murderers, not arresting ppl for possesion of marijuana. Legalize it!!!!!
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From: Bryan (11/02/06 04:45:56)

Norml you are my hero and you will contiue to fight this rediculous prohibition on marijuana. The benefits that come from the cannabis plant is outstanding. A plant that has ability to be a medicine, create fuel, clothing, and around 25,000 other products should be legal. I support NORML all the way till the end. Lets go Colorado!!! November 7th 2006!! After that it will spread like wildfire
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From: anon (11/05/06 12:22:44)

My IQ's around 130-135, I don't like to admit it but I really am a hardcore pothead. Pot's really subjective to the individual, and if you smoke you should try to keep it within check making sure it doesn't majorly affect your ability to function in everyday activities.
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From: anon (11/05/06 12:24:08)

Personally I can and do smoke before some of my college courses, I find that given the right amount (fine line) the subjects and lectures become more interesting, and I end up learning more and exploring ideas that I normally wouldn't have. I find that pot enhances my natural predisposition to overanalyze--which in some cases leads to great insights (INTP/INTJ).
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From: Keith Fagin (11/05/06 05:04:49)

Legaize tax and regulate! Prohibition has never worked never will either. Prohibition causes much more harm then cannabis it' self ever could.

Calgary 420 Cannabis Community
Calgary420.ca
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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From: Keith Fagin (11/05/06 05:05:28)

Legalize, tax and regulate! Prohibition has never worked never will either. Prohibition causes much more harm then cannabis it' self ever could.

Calgary 420 Cannabis Community
Calgary420.ca
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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From: anonymous (11/05/06 09:30:43)

i`m gonna run for president one day and make this country the way our four-fathers would have wanted it to be...free
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From: the hero (10/20/06 07:53:10)

whoever legalizes pot is going to be a hero
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From: fuck you (10/13/06 03:25:39)

i smoked 5years marijuana is nice
cool!!!!!!!!!
ler's smoke it it's good for your mind and soul also body.
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From: Stress Therapy Rocks (10/14/06 12:02:19)

Hey, I think a small dose daily modifies my stress and gives me something to look forward to after I bust A** at work all day. And (it wasn't cooked up in a makeshift lab) ITS GOTTA BE GOOD
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From: stressed (09/21/06 03:19:56)

Im currently trying to recieve a medical marijuana recomendation in ca, for major anxiety. how valid would this condition be, or would i have a problem getting the recomendation?
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From: Hatter (09/12/06 02:04:06)

As a teenager I suffered greatly from depression. At the age of 20I finally started smoking pot, I haven't been depressed since. Thank you NORML, keep the fight going.
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From: Long Beach Medical Marijuana P (08/14/06 02:11:40)

I am A Person that is living with a terminal illness, because of the side affects of the treatments that the Dr. prescribe me to CURE this illness,I have lost about 50lbs. suffer from extreem flu like symptoms and I was miserable. Since I started taking medical grade marijuana I have side efects but, not nearly as bad,I have gained all the weight back and my depression has improved 100% If I would have known this I would have started taking it long ago.
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From: anonymous (06/30/06 11:38:59)

This is ridiculous - the only reason I'm depressed right now is that I was arrested last week for a misdemeanor possession for 5 joints and for paraphenalia for the paper it was wrapped in. Now I'm awaiting my fate in court and feeling depressed that I can't relieve my stress with some smoke. Don't the police have more major crimes to fight than this ridiculousness? I was harming NO ONE!
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From: DD (06/30/06 05:13:23)

Keep On Rocking in The Free World!!!
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From: Peter Johnston (05/11/06 02:24:10)

I found this article informative and helpful. However, in the "Comments" section following it, the English grammar, spelling, and punctuation are horrendous, making it seem like pot smokers are uneducated idiots. I would love a job copyediting for your web site. I think correcting these comments would go a long way toward improving your image. What say?

Peter
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From: Abe Yonder aka David Breedlove (05/04/06 09:48:44)

I am sixty years old and have been using marijauna for forty of those years. I have schizophrenia and without my marijuana I I feel much worse. Recently I was busted for the first time in my life and had to spend some time in jail. If they think that marijauana agrovates Schizophrenia, they should take a look at the psychos behind bars who have no freedom. Those who can't be free are the most psychotic people in the world.
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From: [email protected] (04/30/06 07:20:40)

yes it is the healing of a nation, yes the weed is the tree of good and bad mention in the HOLA BIBLE, i havebeen smoking the good stuff since i was 13 years i am know 38 yearsof age never got sick other than cold and still going strong, the only thing i need a woman that is into weed smoking i am a rastaman, i am on the singles list so any of you single ladies.
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From: Atlas (04/29/06 10:10:52)

I have:ADHD,FAS,ODD, Detachment disorder, short temper.I have been on over 30 mood altering medications none help. I am 23 I was 4.0 student, my iq is 133 & I reef almost every day, I have been smoking for 6 years & when I have 2 joints, I can pay better attention,I am more positive, & more willing to get up & do something like clean or go for hike or kiss my wife! My Illegal medication is the first to make me feel like a complete person. the effects are strong at first, but positive for hours!!
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From: Tweak (04/28/06 10:24:26)

Reguardless of how bad it may or may not be for you, Americans should have the right to choose what they do. Taking away someone's right to do drugs is no different than taking away their right to do anything else. We built this country on the prospect that everyone can be free to do what they want so long as they do not impede upon anyone else's rights.

Keeping cannabis illegal is un-American.
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From: nay nay (04/26/06 08:34:38)

ive been smokin for about 3 years now.. and its been the best 3 years of my life. instead of pulling families appart it brings them closer. i do recal in the bible god said he filled the earth with all kinds of plants for us humans to use... (and he saw that this was a good thing) legalize pot now.. cigarettes are way worse, they kill you, they get you addicted, pot is all natural, not addicting and should be legal.. screw all of you who are against it.
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From: Grey (04/25/06 09:09:34)

I'm a 19-year-old college student. I've been smoking for nearly 4 years. When I was 11, I was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome. When I started smoking ganja at age 16, I noticed a significant improvement in my control of my vocal and motor tics. In general, my Tourette's Syndrome has subsided, even when I'm not high. Also, I've found that you can still be a good student and a pothead. Legalize it!
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From: Chris (04/25/06 08:47:43)

400,000 people die from tobacco. 100,000 from alcohol.These are legal drugs. There has been no DEATHS from marijuana that can be proven. legalize it!
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From: Jamie. (04/18/06 02:51:32)

as a medisonal and personal user of naturally grown herb/marijuana. i have found that through all the years of critisism & hatred. Great percentage rates are on a rise. Personally ive come to find that out side of my use, the so called "drug". has actually come along way with in my own self as a medication! so yeah maybe it is a drug for i administer it just as a doctor would any other remedy for what ever the case may be.so wether mental/physical."peace" (naturall/organic)
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From: Vaco Lee Vienna (04/17/06 01:12:46)

well the way i see it, potheads are stereotyped as dumb people. the least we can do is spell shit correctly and get an intelligent piont across, so that when someone who opposes this beautiful organization visits this website and comments area, they see intelligent reason rather than rambling.
Marijuana is no worse fo ryou than cigarretes or tobacco or alcohol. legalize it asap.
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From: diesel d (04/10/06 10:45:11)

pot smoke is a right of choice and should be a legalized commodity for all anericans to use at their disposal, So there is the question, why in the hell are all these other things legal like alcohol, tobacco, and just plain stupid shit, when if someone wants to smoke a blunt instead of a cigarette they cant?(remember tobacco use is the #1 cause of death in the us-435,000 in 2005!)
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From: Shannon (04/07/06 01:04:14)

You guys gotta check out this article I came across today. THC for Treatment of Tourette syndrome tics.
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From: anonymous (04/06/06 01:41:12)

Keep speeking truth to power. Some day the herb will be legal as pumpkin pie.

If the govt wants to be in charge of my health it can provide me with free health care. But as long as I am responsible for my own health I have the god-given right to use the herb as I see fit.
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From: anonymous (04/05/06 05:14:25)

IM SICK AND TIRED OF THIS BS number 1, "bud creates paranoia" well yes that is true, because we gotta turn our freakin heads every five seconds looking for cops, who are paid to arrest us. its time for a change, when is this going to end? how is this even going on? is this situation we americans are going through even real? WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH 'OUR' government? i thought this was a democracy, AREN'T the PEOPLE suppose to RULE? god help us all!!
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From: J nizzle (04/04/06 12:40:46)

when ur love is gone and spirits r low the worlds closing in around u got no place to go done all that you could to ease the pleasing of soul and when its all said and done another sad story told, so i make my own decisions bout how im living, try to get by with the knowledge that im giving, cant make me believe cause i tree is a a tree and when my soul bleeds that color that im spilling is green. IM GUNNA SMOKE WEED FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE C IM IN LOVE WITH MARY JANE IM GUNNA MAKE HER MY WIFE
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From: david time (04/03/06 08:11:41)

how long does pot ,stay in your system
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From: mike (04/02/06 10:32:47)

iv smoked pot for five years now and i love it i smoke it maybe ever day and it makes me feel better than what i did before all it does is make you happy, hungry horney and sleepy and to my knowing it has never killed nobody but beer and liqure has
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From: Joxx (04/02/06 03:25:47)

They reached at the conclussion that is bad cause it could be addictive but they
dont know that the society is based in the dependence and pracically the american
people are dependent of COKE, INTERNET, CIGARRETES, CINEMA, TV, AND MORE
bushit that is worst than cannabis
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From: Joxx (04/02/06 03:26:02)

However

"I Don`t agree that a child smoke or a person with mental illness
use cannabis without supervision.. the use of cannabis should have
a control to who smoke and who dont smoke ""

Now a real objecive discussion is very hard to find in the gorvenment
especially in USA , because the DRUGS-WAR produce more money than a future
legalization of cannabis..... bye!!!
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From: Joxx (04/02/06 03:25:09)

the last days i`ve been studying the critique that people, org., have against cannabis, i want to be very objecive, i smoked for a while now i stoped to smoke for a experimental reason, well my outlook is based in the psycological behavior with cannabis, now what i`ve seen in all critiques made by people against "cannabis" is that they talk only about addiction use and not recreatinal or medical use ...
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From: fightfortheright (04/02/06 01:39:53)

The more people that know the more people that can help. Millions of pro-pot activists can't be wrong. Thanks NORML!!
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From: anonymous (04/01/06 08:05:12)

i am a mmj patient and i would like people to realize that republicans and democrats believe that drugs SHOULD be legal. both far right and far left believe in a drug legal nation. its wen we come to teh moderate feelings that it gets cloudy. correct me if wrong but republicans beleive in cuts in spending especially programs that dont work (drug war). and decorcats still can correct me if wrong believe in ultimate privacy. my rights end were your nose begins!!
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From: Alex (03/30/06 02:12:16)

I Love Pot and love to smoke it and i will never stop till the dat i croke just like a songs says till you fuckin croke
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From: anonymous (03/29/06 09:15:27)

Cannabis has been around far longer than humans have (and certainly a lot longer than Republicans). Anyone with the audacity to decree that its benefits cannot be responsibly exploited clearly has absolutely no clue about their place in the world. How dare anyone tell us that we're somehow wrong and immoral for celebrating the wonders of biology? Thank you, NORML and keep fighting the good fight. We will prevail, my friends. We must.
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From: Shell (03/29/06 05:12:10)

Weed is the only thing that keeps me on an even keel. I took ritilan for 9 years as a kid, and pot does a much better job of keeping me calm than the pills ever did. I'm a daily user and have been for many years. If I run out, my mood changes and my girlfriend says that causes problems between us. Sometimes she wont talk to me until I have smoked again. I may be bi-polar, depressed, schizo, or who knows what. But until I quit smoking pot, no one will ever know. De-criminalize it!!!
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From: PatriotPot (03/27/06 05:05:26)

I served in the Marines as a rifleman in Iraq for six months.When I got back from Iraq, I have been diagnosed with PTSD, combat stress, ADHD, and depression. I canniboly medicate my self as much as I can afford which is less than I'd like. I have tried three different psycological prescriptions and all failed. Marijuana is the only thing that keeps me stable and mentally capable to put up with the Rhetoric that is spat at me by police officers, poloticians, and people with no common sense.
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From: AZMILE22 (03/26/06 02:50:20)

I have smoked pot for over 30 yrs. Raised 3 fine successful sons. In 2003 I was rear ended by, what else? A drunk driver.....To this day I have suffered terribly. I'm still waiting for the 1st surgery of 3. The Drs.& atty. are in cahoots with the drug co.
they don't have a problem making me sign for over 300 pills a month...but I CAN'T SMOKE POT!!!!! OH yes I can & do. My medical marijuana permit is pending It's the ONLY NATURAL GOD GIVEN MEDICATION I'll ever need. tnx NORML
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From: anonymous (03/22/06 11:54:57)

I came here seeking information to combat the attempts of a group (I was forced into) to brainwash me. I found it, and they are not happy that I shared it in front of others with full sources from reputable researchers. Thank you for helping me to do that. The looks on their faces and the stuttered attempts to dispute my evidence were almost worth the hell they have put me through....almost.
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From: One- Love (03/20/06 11:45:24)

i do not understand how they come to the conclusion that cannabis can cause depression, if this were to hold true, then what about woodstock, what about bob marley, what about all those famous people who promoted peace love and happiness among people, i wouldnt consider them to be depressed :)
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From: sirsmokesalot (03/20/06 09:39:45)

Two years ago i was diagnosed with Depression and Psychosis. They said that pot would just lead to even worse depression and make my Psychosis related hallucinations even worse. I have found that cannabis has helped me cope with the frequent depression and the Psychosis better then any of the pills the doctor could push on me.
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From: anonymous (03/19/06 08:26:56)

i think i can smoke marijuana till i am old and gray,so why not.i was told it might have contributed to some "breakdown" or mental health issue
which was experienced by me but i have to smoke it thats my decision.
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From: The Observer (03/17/06 12:10:38)

There is a large difference between freedom and the illusion of freedom...and as was said before...this fair country of ours is more then happy to propagate and perpetuate it's finely crafted illusion to keep us under control. Luckily, our government is also run by rag-tag group of incompetents who can't even orcestrate a successful hunting trip, and we as a whole nation are beginning to see through this mockery of our Civil Liberties.
Damn all those who would legislate life and choice.
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From: anonymous (03/16/06 11:51:09)

Look at the crime rate difference between Amsterdamn (very low) and the U.S.(very large). The only difference in the laws is the legalization of Marijuana.
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From: Philip (03/16/06 11:34:04)

Man made beer, God made weed. Which do you trust?
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From: Rudy (03/15/06 06:11:10)

I LOVE Marijuana!! I have been smoking it for almost a decade now, and I've recently been kicked out of my stepmother's house for smoking. I am extremely grateful for my friend, who has let me stay in her pot-friendly home. I don't understand why cannabis is illegal, but I know this: I believe that ganja is good, and America needs to legalize it- ASAP!!!
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