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370 Comments
- badqat, on 11/12/2009, -15/+296Legalize it. It's past time.
- necrosynthesis, on 11/13/2009, -6/+199A couple of stoned 20-somethings sitting around and giggling at an episode of Scooby Doo is not a threat to my well-being. They are not a financial threat to me. They are not a threat to my Constitutional Rights or my personal sovereignty. They are not a threat to my children or my personal liberties.
However, a bloated, endless, failed drug war is. - spookyttws, on 11/13/2009, -3/+151I'm fairly certain 90% of Digg users know all of these.
- Zoshx, on 11/13/2009, -11/+102I am so stoned right now.
- elliotys, on 11/13/2009, -13/+88Ughh. Inhaling any type of foreign particulate into your lungs can lead to cancer and emphysema. As far as their being carcinogens in marijuana, we don't really know. I am pro legalization, but they kind of missed the point with the first one.
By the way did everyone see that epic water boob shot? - Rain12913, on 11/13/2009, -4/+75When the term "addictive" is used in the context of a psychopharmacological substance, it is used in the sense of chemical addiction. In this sense, a drug's prolonged usage leads to physical changes in the brain which make the discontinuation of its use especially difficult and sometimes even fatal. For example, prolonged usage of certain drugs will result in the decreased sensitivity of certain neurotransmitter receptors, resulting in a lack of sensitivity to normal levels of neurotransmitter after the removal of the drug. Marijuana does not do this.
People tend to become confused because Marijuana is certainly addictive in the more colloquial sense of the word. For example, some people find drinking orange juice, reading, or Polka addicting. These substances and activities, however, do not possess addictive qualities above and beyond those of any substance or activity which causes the release of Dopamine in the brain. Since Marijuana does indeed do this, as does anything that is potentially enjoyable to us, it is certainly addictive in the sense that it might be difficult to discontinue its use due to its enjoyableness. Like you said, however, it is not addictive in the same sense that heroin and cigarettes are addictive, as drugs like these are very chemically addictive. - Nar1117, on 11/13/2009, -7/+76I'll probably get dugg down for this, but I've learned recently that Marijuana IS addictive (albeit lightly).
To simplify it all, the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in the brain, which is an inhibitory receptor, is found in high densities in the nucleus accumbens, i.e. the reward center of the brain. Any sort of 'activation' of this part of the brain can cause increased levels of dopamine, and the dopaminergic pathways leading away from the NA are known as the 'addictive pathways.'
That's the backstory. Now, THC is a CB1 agonist. When the CB1 receptors in the NA get activated, they decrease dopamine levels in the NA. However, opiate neurons, in order to counteract this imbalance, produce more and more dopamine in the NA, which then overcomes the deficit and activates the dopaminergic pathways. In short, this causes addiction.
Now, like I said earlier, it's not a very strong addiction. In other words, it does not cause strong withdrawal effects. Mostly just irritability and other discomfort issues.
For all intensive purposes, it's "not addictive" for the recreational user. However, it does have what neuroscientists call "self-administration effects," (addiction).
Paraphrase:
THC IS addictive, but not nearly addictive as nicotine or even alcohol. Just setting the facts right. Now proceed with the down-digging. - Hetman, on 11/12/2009, -12/+81I once went crazy started playing the piano really fast and then stabbed my parents to death. Besides that though marijuana has had not adverse affects on my life.
- parsifal, on 11/13/2009, -1/+67i dunno... should I get my science reporting from "coedmagazine.com"?
- offycakes, on 11/13/2009, -1/+59*puts down mozzarella stick*
It finally makes sense... - lennynumberone, on 11/13/2009, -1/+57FTA: "1. Marijuana Causes Cancer
Many have said that smoking pot and smoking cigarettes is the same thing and, therefore; marijuana must cause cancer, as well. Not only have countless independent studies disproved this, but some have actually found that marijuana decreased tumor growth by as much as 50%. (Sorry, cigarettes will still kill you.)
2. Marijuana Is Addictive
While prolonged use has shown to leave signs of dependence, marijuana does not actually contain a “nicotine-like” compound that causes it to be addictive. (This is similar to being “addicted” to soda.) There are little to no withdrawal symptoms, especially when compared to the withdrawal effects of drugs like cocaine or heroin – or even an alcohol-induced hangover.
3. Marijuana Is a Gateway Drug
Simply put, numerous studies have unequivocally disproved the idea that using marijuana leads to use of harder drugs. Marijuana has actually successfully been used to reduce hard drug users’ dependence on drugs. So, in reality, it is the exact opposite of a gateway drug.
4. Marijuana Causes Brain Damage
Another myth where the exact opposite thing is true: Not only have studied disproved the idea that marijuana damages your brain, they have found that it actually protects your brain from the damage that heavy drinking can cause.
5. Marijuana Has No Medical Uses
The government has often defended its marijuana policy by citing their own studies that say that marijuana does not have any therapeutic effects. Not true. Aside from the uses listed above, marijuana have been proven to have beneficial effects on people suffering from migraines, glaucoma, AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis, epilepsy, stomach disorders, and dozens of other health problems.
And, most recently, even the American Medical Association called for the government to remove its restrictive Schedule 1 status." - concusion, on 11/13/2009, -2/+44douchebags who never smoked ragging on pot
- vodious, on 11/13/2009, -3/+44Scientists debunking myths about pot.
- logen99999, on 11/13/2009, -5/+42i would equate the addictiveness of pot to that of mozzarella sticks.
- DeadliestSnatch, on 11/13/2009, -13/+49I'd say its addictive. I would have never admitted that until recently when I tried to stop smoking weed and found it far more difficult than I ever would have imagined. Addictive like cigarettes or heroin, no, but addictive none the less. I would be happy to answer questions regarding my problem, assuming we can have an actual mature discussion on the matter.
- yohnstoppable, on 11/13/2009, -1/+35It IS my favorite past time.
- Disgod, on 11/12/2009, -1/+33Damn... the worst I ever did was make some food that was so horribly fattening and awesome that I felt ashamed about afterward. I suddenly feel like an underachiever.
- warbird, on 11/13/2009, -3/+35Wow great debunking...
[Claim] + [Opposite claim] = debunking? - srs2000, on 11/13/2009, -2/+33Know what else can stimulate your reward center?
Music.
Sex.
Driving.
Sports.
Etc...
Humans can become addicted to anything. Just ask someone who bites their fingernails to never do it again.. They won't be able to. - SlyT862, on 11/13/2009, -1/+31Legalize it, not because of these 5 debunked myths, but because of the biggest marijuana myth of all:
Prohibition works. - rmaddy, on 11/13/2009, -3/+306 unopened bags of potato chips
- Frankzulla, on 11/12/2009, -5/+32Way past time, sir.
- explodingzebras, on 11/13/2009, -2/+27you don't have to smoke to take Marijuana
- S7aind, on 11/13/2009, -2/+26"This is similar to being “addicted” to soda."
But many sodas have caffeine, which is physically addictive. - monkiboi, on 11/13/2009, -1/+24Re-legalize it!
- snowrail, on 11/13/2009, -1/+23I found the same thing. It's true that there's no withdrawal issues, but it's deeply psychologically addictive, and quitting it was very difficult.
- Rain12913, on 11/13/2009, -4/+24"You can get hooked."
You certainly can. You can also get hooked on video games, exercise, and bacon cheeseburgers. Like I said, all of these things lead to the release of Dopamine in the brain's reward pathways, which is why they are pleasurable to us in the first place. Since the active compounds in Marijuana also increase Dopamine levels in the brain, they too are something that one can get hooked on. This, however, is not the same as a substance being addictive, as I explained above. Sex, Marijuana, Digg, and horseback riding are not addictive in the same way that Alcohol, Methamphetamine, and Crack are addictive.
"I understand your point, but I must say that I am certainly feeling some physical "withdrawl" symptoms."
Again, these same physical withdrawal symptoms are reported by people who discontinue any number of pleasurable activities and substances that are not chemically addictive, including those I mentioned above. The difference is that the physical symptoms you are experiencing are mainly due to your brain re-adjusting to normal levels of the various neurotransmitters that the active compounds in Marijuana modulate. With Heroin or Nicotine withdrawal, the much more intense physical symptoms and the very serious cravings are the effect of semi-long term chemical changes that result in the brain's failure to function normally in the absence of the substance. There is a very significant difference here, which is why there is a very significant difference in the subjective experience of each case of withdrawal. Those who have experienced Alcohol or Heroin withdrawal will laugh if you tell them that there is such a thing as Marijuana withdrawal.
Still, I don't mean to minimize the effects you're experiencing, I wish you luck in achieving your goal of abstinence. It's funny that you mention bacon cheeseburgers, because that's exactly what I would recommend for you: raise your Dopamine levels in other ways (eating food, having sex, exercising) and these physical symptoms will likely disappear faster than they would on their own. - MikeEnIke, on 11/13/2009, -2/+22Thank you, I hate when people say that. Fact is foreign stuff in your lungs isn't good for them. Sure may not do the same thing as cigarette but it definitely has an effect on your lungs.
- necrosynthesis, on 11/13/2009, -0/+19No disrespect friend, but on the other hand.....
Instead of commenting on Digg you could be doing something productive you know. Inventing some, building something, studying something, exploring something or whatever.
Diggers are such a great example, they are everything human beings are ought to be /s
Everyone needs a little escape form time to time. Besides, look at all the great things that have been brought into existence by stoners. Awesome rock albums, dollar menus etc.. - fragMasterFlash, on 11/13/2009, -3/+20Marijuana: making your mom's basement seem like a slice of heaven on earth since 1968.
- Elsewhere42, on 11/12/2009, -3/+19I can't see that page at work. Can someone post a quick FTA?
- elliotys, on 11/13/2009, -2/+17Any time you force your cells into accelerated regeneration you run the chance of a gene running amock. Besides their are over 43 known carcinogens in cigarettes smoke.
- inactive, on 11/13/2009, -4/+19This would be better for the cause if it was not on coedmagazine.com
- BankFailure, on 11/13/2009, -1/+16I took November off of marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, and coffee.
Midnight, December 1st, I'm going to cash a kiefy ROOR bowl in one hit.
Then, I'll tweak and giggle like I'm 14 again. - bandomac, on 11/13/2009, -1/+15If you were an addiction counselor for people who smoked cannabis, then you were scamming them out of their money and were probably given the "clients" based on a court's "recommendation."
People spend money on things they enjoy, and for some that is Cannabis. I am going to do some simple math here:
$800/oz of very good kind (High-end pricing here)
$200,000 (You said hundreds of thousands)
$200,000/$800=250 Ounces; if you smoke one oz of primo cannabis per month, you will have enough for 20.8 years. Now, I don't know anyone who spends $800/oz, and nobody would if the product were made legal. Your numbers don't look so good, even based on my high valuation of cannabis.
$200,000/$60 (A lot of people can only afford regs.)=3,333 oz of cannabis. At 2 oz per month that equals 277.75 years of smoking cannabis. Yeah, I would say your numbers are crap, and so is your attitude towards cannabis.
Plus, I would guess that the average American does spend $200,000 on fast-food/eating out in their lifetimes. So, what was your point again? - AlwaysTurning, on 11/13/2009, -4/+18We should get Billy-Bong Thorton to celebrate
- Princeamor, on 11/13/2009, -8/+21So... marijuana pretty much cures everything. The End.
- cJw314, on 11/13/2009, -1/+14"all intents and purposes."
- cvesper, on 11/13/2009, -0/+12WHY ARE YOU SO ANGRY!?
Try weed. It helps with that. - DeadliestSnatch, on 11/13/2009, -2/+14Head aches, can't sleep, and my stomach feels like *****. This will all clear up in a couple days, or if i get some weed.
- Locastus, on 11/13/2009, -0/+12"what is a nicotine-like compound that causes it to be addictive?"
Yeah, that would be nicotine...
It means that marijuana users can develop a mental dependence, but never a physical addiction. - noangelcame, on 11/13/2009, -2/+14It's like being addicted to masterbation. Deep down,. you know you want to cut down to once a week. But it's just so satisfying., and it's right there easy to get. So you give in,. like dammit,. I've got no discipline. But you could find something better to do if the lube,. or the weed ever ran out. You see what I'm saying,. It's not going to kill you to wait til tomorrow,. or a few days to buy some more.
When I run out of weed, I don't have to stop everything right then to go get some more. But I have seen people who smoke nicotine tobacco cigarettes,. go ***** crazy when they can't get a smoke,. trying to bum a cigarette off every person they know, even me!,. when I already told them I don't smoke that *****. - srs2000, on 11/13/2009, -2/+14You have no idea about all the things that are created/invented/etc by people on drugs. Why? It can be career suicide to admit it.
The guy who first drew what he thought DNA would look like... He was high on acid. His drawings were perfect. No one had even seen DNA before he drew it.
Moderation is the key to everything. Smoke enough and you will be wasted and fairly nonfunctional. Drink enough water and you will die. Does that make water bad? - Fand, on 11/13/2009, -7/+18I say this to everyone who thinks marijuana is non addictive, I dare you to look at how urine analysis is done. It'll change your stubborn mind guaranteed. I'll give you a hint...it's very similar to testing for cocaine. I've gotten dugg down for years for trying to help spread real information on digg on marijuana. Lots of stubborn ***** here if you ask me.
- Foenetik, on 11/13/2009, -2/+13do people really not know this already?
- weasler7, on 11/13/2009, -3/+14I read a metanalysis I found from PubMed about half a year ago and the findings were pretty interesting. Apparently smoking cigarettes and marijuana in conjunction will give you more cancer than if you smoked marijuana or tobacco alone. Smoking marijuana only resulted in less cancer than smoking tobacco.
- jman583, on 11/13/2009, -0/+11All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
- srs2000, on 11/13/2009, -0/+11It totally doesn't cure the munchies.
Now where is that number to the pizza place... ***** - indubitably, on 11/13/2009, -1/+12this one time, i thought i found a cool new way to open glass bottles of soda pop... i later awoke in the doctors office with shards of glass in my throat. :/ whoopsies!
- PlasticHotDog, on 11/13/2009, -2/+12George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Van Gogh, Thelonius Monk, Willie Nelson, Timothy Leary.... ect. The list goes on and on. I know several working professionals who smoke a lot of weed and who are also very intelligent and successful. It's people like you, angrytortilla, who keep these people from speaking up for fear of discrimination.
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