Medical Marijuana

**alaskaguy** · 10-10-2007, 09:37 AM

I have known two cancer patients that smoked marijuana. Both claimed that marijuana was the most effective substance for relieving their pain. In addition, marijuana provided a second benefit, in that it enhanced their appetite. Without marijuana they had no desire to eat.

In these two cases I know of no potential harm that these individuals posed to others.

If I were afflicted with a terminal disease, and marijuana provided some benefit, I would with out a doubt be exploring its use.

Their are a large number of drugs that doctors can legally prescribe that present far more dangers to an individual and others than does marijuana. Nevertheless, marijuana is not legal under ANY circumstances.

**bos** · 10-10-2007, 09:45 AM

Smokey: Weed is from the earth. God put this here for me and you. Take advantage man, take advantage.

Ive never done it and I dont judge those who have. Just a personal choice. I will agree that to ease suffering of those with a medical need its fine. New laws will come into effect though. Im sure harsher punishments for abuse, driving, etc will come along.

**alaskaguy** · 10-10-2007, 09:47 AM

Ron Paul is the only physician that is running for President. Mr. Paul is a sponsor of the Medical Marijuana Act.

And if someone is a terminal cancer patient, even if marijuana has some long-term issues, who cares? The patient is terminal.

**JHpsyclonz** · 10-10-2007, 09:55 AM

Brownies, goo balls, and cookies to name a few are all healthier alternatives to smoking. I have yet to see an anti drug commercial about that. Instead of smoking five cigs at once u might end up eating a dozen brownies, nothing a little road work won't take care of.

**iceclone** · 10-10-2007, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by necromancy

I agree.

Also, farmers should be allowed to grow hemp. Hemp fiber is amazing and has numerous industrial uses. It would be great for farmers to have another crop option. I don't understand laws that regulate what plants people can grow, with the possible exception of man-eating venus fly traps.

And to make it even more ridiculous: American farmers cannot grow hemp, but American companies can import hemp grown by overseas farmers! Makes no sense.

**bos** · 10-10-2007, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by iceclone

And to make it even more ridiculous: American farmers cannot grow hemp, but American companies can import hemp grown by overseas farmers! Makes no sense.

Can they alter the chemical makeup of it so that people couldnt steal it abuse it?

**tigershoops31** · 10-10-2007, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by necromancy

I agree.

Also, farmers should be allowed to grow hemp. Hemp fiber is amazing and has numerous industrial uses. It would be great for farmers to have another crop option. I don't understand laws that regulate what plants people can grow, with the possible exception of man-eating venus fly traps.

Doesn't anybody think that if they did legalize marijuana that we would have some big problems with out current crop production? I'm guessing the price of corn and beans would go through the roof eventually because every farmer would want to grow weed so they could have a huge profit initially. Think about how much you'd make for a bushel of marijuana next to a bushel of corn...the only farmers that I could see NOT growing legal marijuana would be those that were morally opposed to it. Soon there would be a shortage of corn and beans, and then we would come back around...I just think it would create some major issues with farming if it were legalized. They would almost have to pass some legislation on how much you would be allowed to grow....your thoughts?

**necromancy** · 10-10-2007, 10:21 AM

Makes no sense at all.

And this makes even less sense... I recently saw a PoV documentary about a Lakota Sioux family attempting to grow industrial (non-psychoactive) hemp on their reservation in S.D. Right before the crop was ready to harvest, the DEA and FBI in a dawn raid came in and destroyed it. One would think that the Lakota would have sovereignty to do what they want to on their own soil (e.g., Casinos), but apparently not, according to the US government.

I highly recommend the documentary if you get a chance to see it, or at least read the summary at the link.

**bos** · 10-10-2007, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by tigershoops31

Doesn't anybody think that if they did legalize marijuana that we would have some big problems with out current crop production? I'm guessing the price of corn and beans would go through the roof eventually because every farmer would want to grow weed so they could have a huge profit initially. Think about how much you'd make for a bushel of marijuana next to a bushel of corn...the only farmers that I could see NOT growing legal marijuana would be those that were morally opposed to it. Soon there would be a shortage of corn and beans, and then we would come back around...I just think it would create some major issues with farming if it were legalized. They would almost have to pass some legislation on how much you would be allowed to grow....your thoughts?

Im guessing insurance, security, regulations, and cost, would be a deterrent for most farmers. Im not sure alot would change what they already do.

**necromancy** · 10-10-2007, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

Can they alter the chemical makeup of it so that people couldnt steal it abuse it?

Industrial hemp is already non-psychoactive, or has so little THC that you would have to smoke a hay bale of it to get high.

And actually, studies have found that industrial hemp reduces the strength of non-industrial hemp that grows nearby.

**bos** · 10-10-2007, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by necromancy

Industrial hemp is already non-psychoactive, or has so little THC that you would have to smoke a hay bale of it to get high.

And actually, studies have found that industrial hemp reduces the strength of non-industrial hemp that grows nearby.

Hmmm, did not know that. Thank you for enlightening me. What are the benefits of hemp. Im not really educated too much about this stuff.

**necromancy** · 10-10-2007, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by tigershoops31

Doesn't anybody think that if they did legalize marijuana that we would have some big problems with out current crop production? I'm guessing the price of corn and beans would go through the roof eventually because every farmer would want to grow weed so they could have a huge profit initially.

There wouldn't be a mass exodus to hemp. The market would gradually find an equillibrium that would involve the optimum production of corn, beans, hemp, cotton, etc. Corn prices may increase, but hemp prices may also decrease because we wouldn't have to import it.

In any case, it's a free world. Let people grow what they want. If we're really concerned about high commodity prices, then let's do away with agricultural subsidies.

Another thing to consider is that hemp grows in places where corn and beans are difficult to grow (low water and infertile soils; if it can grow in the Ogalala Sioux reservation, it can probably grow just about anywhere).

**iceclone** · 10-10-2007, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

Hmmm, did not know that. Thank you for enlightening me. What are the benefits of hemp. Im not really educated too much about this stuff.

It is just a very strong fiber that can be used to make anything from textiles to plastics (biodegradable), and even possibly fuel. In Iowa a few farmers are experimenting with growing a relative called kenaf:

Kenaf - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

These are very useful plants.

**necromancy** · 10-10-2007, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

Hmmm, did not know that. Thank you for enlightening me. What are the benefits of hemp. Im not really educated too much about this stuff.

I'd recommend the Hemp.com and the Wiki page. Also, if you're ever in the Old Market in Omaha, there is a hemp-based products store in there that's pretty cool. It feels a little hippy-dippy and new-agey, but it's a great place to see what the products are like.

Another thing... In WWII, farmers were encouraged to grow hemp because it was such an excellent fiber for rope used by the military. That's where Iowa ditch-weed comes from, remnants of the WWII crops. At least that's what I remember reading someplace.

If it was legal, I'd be growing this stuff on my little 5 acre pasture. It would be a perfect way to make a little extra $$$.