5 Things the Corporate Media Don't Want You to Know About Cannabis

First of all, the study linking cannabis use to Schizophrenia is flawed logically. Simply put, is it not possible that people who will eventually develop Schizophrenia have a higher incidence of marijuana use early on in life? The study's conclusions are completely illogical.

Secondly, marijuana is not a gateway drug. In the Netherlands, where marijuana is legal, the average age of a heroin addict is in the mid 30's. In the United States, it's 19. That is because when you do not separate the hard and soft drug market, you can buy your cocaine, ecstasy, and opiates from (or through) the same person that sells you your pot. In the Netherlands, coffeeshops (marijuana dispensaries) strictly forbid even the use, much less the sale, of hard drugs for fear of losing their marijuana license.

Lastly, even the mere existence of public service announcements attempting to dissuade the population from using drugs are absolutely hypocritical. The main sponsors for the "Partnership for a Drug Free America" are the tobacco, alcohol, and pharmaceutical industries. The point is: you can do as many drugs as you want, as long as they are the ones we sell to you for an immense profit; it's the untaxed drugs you need to stay away from.

Prohibition worked in the 1930's. It led to organized crime, corruption, and violence. Prohibition is doing the same now. Marijuana is illegal because hemp stood to destroy the lumber and petrochemical industry. See: hemp decorticator, Dupont, Hearst, or just hemp itself. The truth is out there.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Hemp conspiracy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_J._Anslinger

http://www.drugwarrant.com /articles/why-is-marijuana-illegal/

Hemp can save the world from filthy oil products

http://www.hemp.com/

Hemp can suck in greenhouse gas

http://www.globalwarmingisreal.com/blog/2008/05/26/ industrial-hemps-silver-bullet- potential-for-reducing-greenhouse-gas/

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

A lot of the cannabis-schizophrenia argument was based on cannabis users reporting more so-called psychotic symptoms - like "weird" thoughts.

Similarly, early studies of lungs of heavy cannabis smokers found so-called pre-cancerous lesions - really just mild irritiation.

Read about the first US official cannabis expert, "bat-man" (very embarrasing for US medical science).

It's excellent that this new cannabis research is being conducted and published. Note, many of these scientists have been struggling for a long time to do this sort of research, to get PhDs, to get funding, to get respect for cannabinoid science.

Cannabis bud, hash, and cannabis cookies are openly sold in friendly "coffee shops" in Amsterdam, no problems. The same could happen in any US city tomorrow. With 900,000 Americans arrested every year, cannabis prohibition is completely unethical.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

When you rule a population rendered docile through fear mongering, you don't want too many stoners around to dispel the booga-booga and point the finger at the controllers.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Here's something else they don't want you to know - and if there is anyone out there who can contradict me on this observation, please feel free to do so:

NO ONE HAS EVER DIED FROM AN OVERDOSE OF MARIJUANA.

I turned fifty-one last month. In my time on this earth I have known - at the very least - two-hundred people who have died as the result of the intake of alcohol and nicotine. Funny thing. I've never known anyone to shuffle off this mortal coil from too much grass.

Rabid Blue Dogs

Tom Degan, Goshen, NY

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The funny think about this article is that NORML, (Armentano is a spokesperson for NORML), does very little to support self cultivation of Marijuana by adults. In a recent interview with Jack Herer, Rick Simpson (Run from the Cure) said he had absolutely no confidence that NORML has any intention of really legalizing Marijuana.

Neither do I.

It has become very apparent, over the last few years, that the only form of legalization that NORML really supports is a model whereby the government grows you weed and sells it to you at "street prices" of between $300 to $500 an ounce.

Why would we accept this compromise when we could grow it for free by ourselves. Why would we want the same government, that has been busting us for the last 72 years . . . to now become our Marijuana Drug Dealer?

MERP Headquarters
The Marijuana Re-Legalization Policy Project (MRPP) = "MERP"
http://www.newagecitizen.com/MERP.htm

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Under our drug laws, even the growing of cannabis hemp -- the nonspyschoactive variety of the plant--is outlawed in order to enforce the marijuana laws.

Hemp has many economic uses. It contains the longest fiber in the plant kingdom and is one of the strongest and most durable. It can be used for commercial and industrial applications, including insulation, textiles, clothing, and rope. The fiber and pulp can be used to manufacture nondeteriorating paper using a relatively pollution-free process. The plant can also be used for biomass applications. Its seeds yield oil similar to linseed, which can be used in many commercial and industrial applications. In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the seeds have been used for human consumption.

"Hemp. It's marijuana's nonspyschoactive sister," writes Ed Rosenthal. "You couldn't get a buzz if you smoked a bale of hemp, but it's still illegal to grow it in the United States." Industrial hemp is legally grown in over thirty countries. For thousands of years, people grew hemp and prospered. It flourishes without pesticides. Thomas Jefferson considered hemp so vital to America that he risked his life to smuggle hemp seeds out of France. George Washington grew hemp and instructed his caretaker at Mount Vernon: "Make the most of the hemp seed. Sow it everywhere."

Industrial hemp was first grown in Kentucky 250 years ago. It is currently grown in other countries across the globe, including France, England, Canada, Australia, China, Hungary and the Ukraine. Industrial hemp has virtually no THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. It cannot be used as a drug. None of the countries that allow industrial hemp production have experienced any drug problems relating to the crop. Using modern processing techniques, hemp can be used in place of petrochemicals. Instead of synthetic plastics made from oil, we can use natural fiber and processed bioplastic derivatives. Plastics and polyester rely on foreign oil, while cotton consumes enormous amounts of water, fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides.

Industrial hemp is very clean, easy to grow and is one of the most environmentally sound sources of industrial fiber in the world. Environmentally friendly detergents, plastics, paints, varnishes, cosmetics, and textiles are already being made from it in Europe. Industrial hemp can meet our fiber needs while also revitalizing our struggling rural economies.

Hemp is already being used in place of trees for pressboard, particleboard, and core concrete construction molds. Paper made from hemp is acid-free, stronger and lasts far longer than paper made from trees. Hemp fabrics are far stronger and more resistant to mold than any other natural fiber. Builders in France and Germany use hemp for construction material, replacing drywall and plywood. Hemp can be used to manufacture plastic plumbing pipe, replacing such toxic materials as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Hemp fiber is already being used in place of glass fiber in surfboards and snowboards. Hemp could also provide the resin itself.

For ideological reasons, the federal government refuses to allow farmers to grow hemp despite the fact that industrial hemp is currently grown legally worldwide. The George W. Bush administration took anti-hemp policy to a new extreme, attempting unsuccessfully to ban the import of hemp foods and cosmetics. Erwin "Bud" Sholts, director of the Wisconsin Agriculture Department's marketing division, said hemp "is the most value-added, prolific fiber crop man can grow." Sholts acknowledged that hemp is an emotional issue, but points out that "other nations with drug laws as tough or tougher than ours have overcome this hurdle." The U.S. is the only major industrialized nation that prohibits the growing of industrial hemp; anti-drug hysteria should not blind the public to the commercial and industrial applications of hemp.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Schizophrenia - I wonder how many real cases involve complications with pharmaceuticals. If you read the fine print for Wellbutrin and Zyban (both are different doses of the same SSRI),it states that you should not use marijuana with these drugs because of a risk of psychotic episodes.

You're probably better off dropping the pharma and sticking with the weed.

It seems that most people I know of started smoking tobacco before using pot, so perhaps tobacco should be vilified as the gateway drug. Again, drop the tobacco, stick with the weed.

If everyone were able to grow their own stash, you'd phase out countless expensive drug therapies, reduce crime and empty out prisons. It would probably save many lives or at least ease suffering. The capitalists don't like the idea of you having the power to ease your own pain without it being monetized.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Whilst others seemingly have no problems but then can suddenly develop various mental problems including paranoia and psychosis. I personally know several people who will freely admit to this, some of who'm are still incapable of functioning normally, and others who have totally given it up and are leading normal lives.

Most pot users will argue that the people who have developed mental illness, would have done so anyway, and this is hard to disprove.

Mental illness is pretty endemic in my family, with my father, brother and sister, all having spent considerable time in mental hospitals, though none of them have ever used pot.

I used pot for several years in the early 80's without any adverse effect, and then went totally paranoid for 3 days, followed by obvious psychosis. It's entirely possible this would have happenned anyway. However, I continued smoking pot for 6 months and used to go and see a psychiatrist every 2 weeks and have deep discussions with him, about how insane the world was, and how I was not going to take any of his anti-psychotic drugs, because I felt perfectly O.K.. I have never been admitted to a mental hospital.

My employer however wouldn't let me return to work, until the psychiatrist signed me off as being fit for work which involved taking the anti-psychotic drugs, and completely giving up pot. I then became extremely depressed for the only time in my life, which lasted about 6 months. It took about 3 years, before I no longer wanted to smoke a joint. But I kept my girlfriend - and job - which I had to fight back for from the bottom. I then got married and had kids.

I know lots of people in the music industry or met through my interest in it, who have gone through similar experiences. There is one guy who is a brilliant guitarist, who simply will not play anymore which I find very sad as such talent should not be wasted.

I'm not suggesting that people who smoke pot should be arrested, as this causes far more problems and can be totally personally destructive and solves nothing. However to claim that pot does not cause any problems in anyone is quite simply untrue.

Alcohol and tobacco are quite obviously far worse, in their effects on society, particularly with regards to violence that alcohol is directly responsible for in some people. Cocaine too is a major problem and now becoming endemic. Nursing people off cocaine can be exceedingly traumatic, because usually they have lost absolutely everything - job, money and all close personal relationships.

Tony

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Ok Alternet---enough already! We know cannabis is great and hemp can cure everything and also reduce our oil imports to zero, yada yada.

Here we are in the middle of a health care reform debate that is the most important in 50 years, we have a powerful and virulent right-wing movement just itching to blow-away all Liberals---hemp advocates included. Our economy is the worst in 70 years. So we don't need 'ya spinning-off into what is, quite frankly--a minor issue such as this.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I'm guessing because they are on the ropes and a story that makes them look like liars won't help their cause any. On the other hand continuing to stir the pot keeps the people who have all along been more open to believing what is presented by those sources content with their reinforcing logic and consistency.
00_)8
who wants more tea?
I blame capitalism as manifestatation of modern one size fits all ideology. Without having to jockey for exposure and underwriting by spinning and promoting different products to convey essential information, perhaps, we would have a better sense of what is really going on. It's like some crude deterministic politburo circus of the free market as far as the mainstream media in the US and so many other things are concerned.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Thats just too funny. I have been smoking pot for 30+ years every single day of my life and I am sharper than I ever was before.

Russ
Online Anonymity when it Counts

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Psychologists have known for years that schizophrenia has a strong age component, or that is what was being taught in the 60’s in psych classes. The onset of schizophrenia in many cases happens at a young age, at a time when one is making the transition between being a child and becoming an adult. To this day no identifiable cause has been determined for this correlation. As for the lung studies from my own personal experience I would be a little leery of those. Having smoked cigarettes and pot for 40 years and seen many a resin soaked roach; in addition I worked in a factory for 30 years with plenty of fumes floating around even with the best containment devices being used to meet Osha standards; in addition when I was in Nam smoking opium with a pop-a-son the proper method was to vaporize not burn; but at least I did not live in LA, therefore I would be a bad test subject and I would question any control group. The same goes for brain correlation studies. From my own personal experience pot does lead to drug experimentation, but I never knew anyone who changed their drug of choice, joy popping dose not appear to be deadly. What can I say about forbidden fruit? Whatever the health effects eventually the government will legalize pot for economic reasons.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Isn't it truly hypocritical to allow a paid anti-pot ad from DrugFreeworld.org to run right alongside this excellent article? Or is Alternet trying to be "fair and balanced"?

Methinks not. Methinks it is corporate greed to get ad revenue without bothering to check what kind of ads run next to any given article. Maybe Alternet should run an article on itself and it's own hypocritical advertising policies.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Have often wondered how much of the schizophrenic reactions associated with marijuana use is simply a by-product of being part of an illegal buying system. The notion of evading police/"straights"/parents/neighbours to bring home "the stash" without ending up in prison/a police cell/an unwelcome encounter adds to the distortion of effect of the marijuana product, particularly if a person has tried before buying and then ventures out into the "real" world.
Perhaps studies of this aspect would be more interesting if they looked at the results from Amsterdam, where the "product" is legal, and such societal disapproval is at minimal levels.
I wonder if there was a schizophrenic reaction to buying/partaking alcohol illegally, during the Prohibition, simply as a reaction for otherwise normally responsible, social citizens being criminalised for their choice of leisure intoxication.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Let's see now. Tobacco damages the soil and is dangerous for one's health whereas MJ is just the opposite. But thanks to the disaster capitalism of putting quantity and profiteering first at all costs, I am not surprised that the corporate media is this blatantly biased against Cannabis. We could grow Cannabis for oil and turn the elites of Iran and Saudi Arabia into a poor house and let their oppressed citizens thrash them but I guess our electorate's dangerous addiction to politics and disaster capitalism won't let that pass. Sigh... :(

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

When my sister was dying of lung cancer and in obvious enormous pain (she had never smoked cigarettes nor taken any illegal drugs), she refused to take any opiate based drugs.

She was a Nurse in the UK's NHS - A Very Senior Nurse Actually. She had her Masters Degree and used to teach Nursing at Battle Hospital in Reading and various other places throughout the UK.

She had the same inherited Muscular disease as I have, and decided to take the drug Procainamide when I was about 19 - and she was about 32.

I researched this drug in great detail, and eventuallty decided not to take it - because of its long term side effects. I told her why - though it almost totally relieved the symptoms of the muscular condition and allowed her to do her job free of muscular stiffness - I said I want to live.

And so I decided not to take any drug whatsoever for my muscular condition and just put up with all the embarrassment and risk.

When she was dying - which took a few years - I suggested to her husband - I wouldn't dare say it to her - because her view of cannabis and all none pharmaceutical drugs - and many pharmaceutical drugs - was incredibly negative - to ask her daughter for some cannabis. Whilst I had given it up - I knew her daughter was taking it without any ill effects - though she does not have the muscular condition...

The cannabis had an exceedingly benefical effect on the last few years of her life.

It also reduces the symptoms of myatonia congenita by well over 50%.

The fact that it is illegal is completely outrageous.

I have already documented its downside above, and I want my Doctor to prescribe it for me legally because I do not want to break any laws even if they are completely ridiculous.

However it seems I am just supposed to suffer and not walk normally as I approach old age.

Because of laws made by stupid people who do not know what it is like to have a muscular condition, and see the dramatic effects of cannabis relieving the symptoms without pharmaceutical drugs that killed my sister.

I posted much of the above on a US site that deal specifically with this problem and got banned as a result.

Such prejudice I find appalling.

Tony

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

When my daughter came home with "Project Alert" bullshit propaganda, I called the PE teacher required to implement the crpatastic curriculum. I opened my books with all the scientific data and refuted every last line of Project Alert's horseshit. Exhausted, she exhaled and confessed, "I don't believe this stuff either but the District makes me do it." Jeebus, ever hear of resistance and standing up for what's right?! Oh wait, in post-Bush 'Merkuh we don't do that no more, huh...

So I took it up with the District. A year later I got to have my say, FWIW with the school Board. I'm quoting a school board President, "Our children do not need the truth, they do not need facts. They need our protection. [his emphasis] If you bring those books on campus again, we'll get a restraining order against you."

God bless 'Merkuh.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

this article begins: “Recent scientific reports suggest that pot doesn't destroy your brain, that it doesn't cause lung damage like tobacco -- but you won't hear it in the corporate media.:”

maybe this is the impression corp media wants the public to have

marijuana smoke contains 50–70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke.

marijuana smoke contains 50 percent to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke and has the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract. Marijuana smis quooke is commonly inhaled deeper and held longer than is tobacco smoke, increasing the lungs' exposure to carcinogens." Source:Mayo Clinic

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The Nudity was Never Compulsory

And Yes I did Dance on The Nudist Beach - but at the time I was not naked - because it was raining and cold....

We did get picked up from the airport - but they weren't expecting us - but another couple. This was despite the fact that we had been there the previous year - and I had phoned her - and we had both confirmed it by email...

But somehow - she still managed to fit us in - Greek Women are just so completely Lovely

And so we were only supposed to be on this Greek Nudist Beach for 3 nights ( I am not saying where it is because the area tends to be drowned with Americans on Cruise shops who won't take their knickers and pants off on the Beach - just go to look at people like my Wife and I who do)

And then we had various other connections or not as the case may be and ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time or not

But we did swim naked on several beaches in The Greek Islands - and left all our stuff on the beach completely unprotected - and nothing got stolen...

It would have been very interesting if they had..

Just my Wife and I - arriving back on the beach from swimming in the sea together- completely naked - with no clothes, no money and no identity

But we have enormous respect for Greek People...

We have been doing this regularly for the last 25+ years and have never had anything stolen in Greece - except for our very first time, when my wife thought the English maid had stolen her sexy nightie

And then on the way home - I had had this crazy idea - and we came back to Piraeus on The Ferry with loads of Immigrants from Afghanistan where we keep dropping bombs and didn't have a clue how to get to the airport...

So we went on the train/underground/metro - which was state of the art and really beautiful - in the Athens Rush Hour...

And as we were getting off the underground train with rucksacks on our backs - and suitcases...

I got robbed of all our money

I knew almost instantly - but didn't know who did it. I told my Wife and She Was Completely Furious...

So we both went storming back on the Train about The Robbery and Were Supported By 5 Greek Women...

We all Created an Enormous Great Fuss - But I could not identify The Thief To The Police

No Drugs Were Involved

I am slowly getting over it - but felt like I had been raped. I now realise that if anyone tries to mug me with a knife - what might happen. I would probably end up in a pool of blood - dead.

Things could be much worse and probably will be..

But My Invitation was Genuine - and you could have Flown directly if you'd trusted me.

There is no way I would deceive you or rob you.

We met lots of Canadians and Australians but only one American - who we asked the way to the Train.

Tony

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Marijuana IS definitely a gateway drug, no arguing about that. Don't ruin your credibility by getting 1 point wrong!!

Here's why it is a gateway drug:

Government: Marijuana is very bad, it will ruin your life and make you go crazy

Kid who tries marijuana: wow this isn't anywhere NEAR as bad as what DARE and ads on TV told me.. What else is the government lying about? Maybe I should try some other stuff to see if that is good as well?

SOLUTION:
Legalize it! If marijuana is truthfully advertised as a safe drug, people who try it will know it's safe, and not feel the temptation to try other non-safe drugs AS LONG AS WE ARE TRUTHFUL about it. Government lies will only make people deviate away from its intent. STOP LYING, TELL THE TRUTH, AND PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW THE RULES!!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

So I Think I should Celebrate By Having

A Pint of Guinness

If Americans don't get this then I wouldn't be surprised unless they are Irish

Tony

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

For People making the 'Marijuana smoke damages the lungs, is carcinogenic, etc.':

You can ingest it too!

Poof! The sound of your argument going up in smoke.

Try ingesting tobacco and see where that gets you.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Alcohol and tobacco kill 7 million people a year but are not considered dangerous drugs. Marihuana does not kill anyone but is considered a dangerous drug. This absurdity is believed by most people, which means you can make people believe anything you want if you own the hypnotic TV media.

We live in a surreal world thanks to TV stations and the men who own them, our seemingly omnipotent psychotic rulers, (but only until their last breath), the men behind the curtain, if you have seen Zeitgeistmovie.com. The men who choose presidents (and kill them). Just due to a few mentally sick superbankers and the many who sell them their soul. But nothing is forever.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Because I’m healthy, I can afford to stay the hell away from my doctor. I credit much of my health to a healthy lifestyle – but I credit my healthy lifestyle to the positive outlook I achieve with marijuana.
In addition to the 70-year prohibition on plant cultivation, possession or use – relaxed only during WWII when oil shortages forced the US government to resort again to hemp fibre and hemp ethanol - the corporations have forced a stranglehold on most other consumables as well. If you don’t believe me, try growing your own tobacco or distilling your own ethanol!
… or prescribing your own happy pill:

Top 20 Republican Party donors with UK or USA consumer brands

Lobbying: Top Spenders

Top spenders include the AMA, the American Hospital Association, Pharmaceutical Researchers & Manufacturers of America, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Altria Group (Phillip Morris), Anheuser-Busch, GlaxoSmithKline, Exxon-Mobil (the richest company on the planet) and BP. These are all companies that will lose money if marijuana is formally recognized for the harmless but useful herb that it really is. In other words, we're effed.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I Realised that I couldn't do that if I was under the influence - I had to have a clear head.

I knew the job I was foing was really important, because about 300 people had lost their jobs and I was one of only 24 who had passed the interview to do more than 10 peoples jobs

So I personally worked my balls off for a few years to make the fucking thing work

As did all my colleagues

Failure was not an option because it would adversely affect around 12 Million People

Now you might think 24 people couldn't get something working that would do something so phenomenal - but we did...

Sure we recuited some highly motivated people also determined to male it work

When we had achieved the impossible - we were independently benchmarked by One Of The World Authorities - with Regards To Data Centres and The Services We Provided and We Got Number 1 in The World...

My Boss said - No We Can't Get Munber 1 - that will be far too embarrassing - downgrade us to around Number 7 - and give the top 6 places to Americans - they Are So Stupid They Won't Know

So We Got Number 7 instead

Tony

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Basically major networks are expected to “donate” airtime to the government as a public service in the War on Plants. Not to mention the General War on Terror. This was proving quite costly to the networks – Partnership for a Drug-Free America wanted Superbowl time, for example – so the ONDCP and the networks struck a cosy win-win deal. For every plot line that reinforces official policy, the network is given so many minutes of advertising credit they can sell to someone else instead.

Prime-time Propaganda

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

“… The federal prison industry produces 100% of all military helmets, ammunition belts, bullet-proof vests, ID tags, shirts, pants, tents, bags, and canteens. Along with war supplies, prison workers supply 98% of the entire market for equipment assembly services; 93% of paints and paintbrushes; 92% of stove assembly; 46% of body armor; 36% of home appliances; 30% of headphones/microphones/speakers; and 21% of office furniture. Airplane parts, medical supplies, and much more: prisoners are even raising seeing-eye dogs for blind people.”

Prison labor is Big Business

And you thought slavery was so far away and so yesterday?

Exactly why we’re not going to see Pot Prohibition ending soon, just like the US isn’t leaving the Middle East anytime soon either – war and slave labor are the big builders of Empire, people. Don’t you know we have an economic crisis going on?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I will be 50 next January, and I haven't smoked pot in years. I did enjoy the occasional one-hitter and a hike or a bike ride, or doing some mundane chores or listening to music with friends.

It is certainly no worse for you than alcohol, tobacco, or TV (and if you think THAT Last one is not a drug, well then THINK again then turn it off for a couple of weeks).

It is also certainly LESS of an addictive drug, even psychologically, than most others.

I have never seen a person get violent after smoking a little weed. I cannot say the same for alcohol, religion, politics

Like most things, its about money and power. Big Pharma wants to keep a competitor off the market.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I smoked regularly (but not heavily) in my youth, but gave it up with no problem. The reason I quit had nothing to do with the weed itself, but was simply that I was diagnosed with athsma, and smoke exposure of any kind was not a good idea. My parents, however, couldn't kick their tobacco habit, even knowing that it was one of my allergic triggers for attacks. They loved their nicotine more than they loved me.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Until we end the war on drug's profits, you may as well forget it. This whole thing is all about revenue for the state (in the Hobbesian sense) and nothing to do with any hard that a plant could cause.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

If you want to get a piece of tiffany jewelry in silver as
tiffany bracelet,
tiffany bangle or

tiffany pendant,you can choose www.tiffanyonlinestore.us. Here you can get any kinds of jewelry that you want.The
tiffany bangles,
tiffany bracelets,
tiffany pendants and other jewelry from this website are with high-quality.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

If you want to get a piece of tiffany jewelry in silver as
tiffany bracelet,
tiffany bangle or

tiffany pendant,you can choose www.tiffanyonlinestore.us. Here you can get any kinds of jewelry that you want.The
tiffany bangles,
tiffany bracelets,
tiffany pendants and other jewelry from this website are with high-quality.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

SSDP wins one in the house

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Once prohibition ends - there will be an enormous human rights boycott of Saudi Arabian Oil - Until he stops beheading those who want to cure their endocannabinoid deficiencies, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud will be left holding his head in his hands!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Same old story: new evidence in, suggests pot is not so bad. But the 'reefer madness' mentality is still with us, in the form of old Puritanical fogies who vote in elections. They are holding us back....

I wish some of the positive scientific data would be digested and compiled in one easy to grasp, comprehensive study. We need more research !!

Support Medical Cannabis Access

Florida Voters: Download Florida petition at:
http://www.pufmm.org/petition.php

In California: vote YES on Legalizing Marijuana at:
www.yes390.org

Support Leap.cc - Police Against Prohibition

Support MPP.org - MJ Lobby in Wash, DC

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

This is nessasery to all the people away from Cannabis.Imeem downloader,
FLV Converter,MTS Converter

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Just like when the banned alcohol, people like use it more if it is illegal. You know, it wasn't called the roaring 20s for nothing.
mortgage calulator mortgage rates bad credit loans investools

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

as soon asthe big corporations have organised how to generate profit out of weed, laws will change.
Thank you Alternet; business as usual.
As soon as corporations tell the media articles will change.

and soon the public forgets.....

why not try to live a life in freedom and dignity?????

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

As a former law enforcement officer, I/we came upon fatal accidents where pot was the only thing in their systems.On the other hand,its a leaf,not treated by the chemicals that cigs. are. When prohibition ended people went nuts.If pot is legal, there will be a crazy mad rush.I bet law enforcement hasnt a clue on how to handle it.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

It was Dupont who mandated and paid for the IL-legalization of hemp for paper use, because Dupont manufactured the chemicals that broke up wood fibers into cellulose, so that they could be used to make paper with. No matter that the process stinks and pollutes, and produces low-quality paper, compared with its hemp counterpart. This situation continues today, and is responsible for our backward stance on pot and hemp usage. We must pollute, to keep Dupont's stockholders rich and happy.

Hemp could have been designed for deep compatibility with human use, which leads me to think that it must have been in common use before the capitalists distorted and prohibitted its uses. It makes wonderful oil, food (the ground seeds are very nutritious), fabrics, and building materials. It grows on the most marginal lands imaginable, with no or very little amelioration (fertilizers).

In short, what's not to like about pot and hemp? Well, if you are Dupont, plenty. Legalizing it would mean the end of many profitable (and highly polluting) paper plants -- or at least induce a massive cost-wise shift to hemp fiber, which would basically eliminate the need for Dupont's chemicals in the process.

And.... THAT'S reason enough, to legalize it!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

uggs, with a legendary brand, first to see the snow ugg boots ,Ugg people will not Ben Ben flu cartoon form, and is a boots, as a result of many European and American film star has adequate Gordon Street Ugg snow boots and a pretty popular in Europe and America look like the earth, Ugg blowing sustained winds of the popular Madden, in Japan, Taiwan has a lot of fans Ugg.ugg boots sale - ugg australia

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

It is hard to consider that progression hasn't been made. California is having so much trouble economically that they should consider legalization efforts. It is my firm opinion that legalizing drugs such as marijuana will only have a positive effect economically. Legal weed has many positive aspects that city governments and state governments could benefit from.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Cruise Ship Employment
Working on a Cruise Ship
Cruise Ship Employment Opportunities

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Powerful HD Video Converter is such a professional conversion software.
As the user of mac,I would like choose this Mac Video Converter to convert my video files.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]