LizzyCamizzy wrote:Okay, so to jump into the psychosis.... the plant technically is cannabis. Okay, so the brain makes this chemical already. (Didn't know that, eh?) So why would it be bad to put something in ourselves that we already make? Under frequent use, cannabis can worsen schizophrenia. (assuming this condition has been detected, which more often than not isn't diagnosed) This is in the Queensland Department of Health (Dr. J. McGraph). Chronic use, in the same studies performed by Dr. McGraph shows that the suicide rate of those who use it increase by 10%. Christie and Chesher (1994, p. 214) recognised that " '...Andréasson et. al.'s suggestion to the effect that cannabis use is a stressor capable of triggering the psychotic breakdown, is an aspect that requires considerably more exploration' " (1994, p. 214). Of course, as we all know, more exploration did occur. Many of these statistics are still being reviewed and studied and are not released yet. I haven't really looked beyond 1996.
Furthermore, "In light of the increased potency of dimethylheptyl analogs of 9-THC (Schuchard, 1992, p. 1; Wu, 1988; Stamler, 1985) it would be very unwise to think that cannabis does not play an important part in some suicide and schizophrenia (U.S. Congress, House Committee on Government Operations, 1983; Russell, 1977; Gruber, 1994)." (Herschel Mills Baker) "... the odds of developing schizophrenia increase in a linear fashion along frequency of use; both among subjects with a psychiatric diagnosis and in those without detectable disorders." "...community samples have found the lifetime prevalence of cannabis use to be significantly higher among schizophrenics than in comparison groups, including individuals suffering from other psychiatric disorders." (Negrete, 1989, p. 350).
So, we have schizophrenics use it more, and the more you use it, the more likely you will become schizophrenic. It also amplifies undetected and detected psychological problems, as can be seen in the above studies.
Also, on a less skitzo point: "Smoking marijuana may impair the body's immune system by preventing complete development of certain white blood cells. This may cause the immune system to function less effectively, making marijuana users more susceptible to disease." (Huberman, 1989, p. 1)
I'm not saying, in having the point above, that smoking pot is contracting AIDS. That's a strong assumption I'm sure would be taken, so please don't take that assumption. It's saying you're more likely to get sick and your immune system less effective.
You've probably got enough first hand data for this to work:
How many marijuana users do you know? How many schizophrenics do you know?
You probably know many more of the former.
Also, why do people who smoke lots of marijuana their entire lives not tend to dvelop schizophrenia? If there is causation, smoking enough reefer will make any person schizophrenic, right?
Marijuana might exasterbate certain mental illnesses. So does a job. So does a car payment. People who are schizophrenic or schizophrenic-bound are going to have rough times whether its reefer anxiety or occupational axiety.
And a more reasonable act than prohibition of something that is dangerous to less than 1% of the population is contraindication. Pregnant women shouldn't drink. Schizophrenics shouldn't smoke reefer. Print that on the box, but don't throw out the baby with the bath water.
Where's toastman? I'm bored.
Therefore, the question is null- maybe rephrase your question? Otherwise I'm not sure how to answer.
So far, I'm primarily seeing opportunities to flame someone purely for having an opinion that isn't popular around here. Occaisionally something with substance comes up, which I really appreciate and enjoy. If I'm the only one here that has an opposing opinion, don't you think you should be a bit more persuasive than aggressive? Ya' lead more bees to honey after all!