Medica Marijuana Poll

[snorp]

17 states have now legislation on their books to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes. A company is currently listed on the NYSE assuming this trend will continue and has constructed software to track and control the dispensing of medical pot. Many other states are working toward adjusting their state laws to permit the usage or to place the question to the votes. I am curious, as I'm sure others are, as to the position of the CC membership. We can see later if anything should be discussed about further involvement by this group. So, therefore, the question of this poll:

SHOULD MARAJUANA BE PERMITED TO BE USED FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES WITH THE PERMISSION OF A MEDICAL DOCTOR?

[Buckanan]

I am a medical patient in Washington state. I have found Marijuana to be useful in controlling spasms and also is effective in controlling AD and issues with BP

[Eileen]

I had a dear friend named Pam who had an unrelenting course of MS. Marijuana is practically the only thing that helped mamage pain her during her downward spiral.

[bigbossman26]

I too had a friend that had MS, has passed away now but to watch his twisted, contorted limbs on most days was excrutiating just to watch, I can't begin to imagine how he felt. After a J or two his arms would just calm right down and your could pysically see the difference. He didn't do it to get "high" or "stoned" just to be able to function in his scooter chair without screaming out in pure hellish pain. I know that high ranking law officials would sometimes stop in and bring him a "little present" every once in a while and he was so vey thankful for that. So was I. RIP George.

[darkwavs]

The entire legalization of marijuana debate is pure politics. Its medicinal benefits can't be refuted and I find it ridiculous that government would raid and persecute those who use marijuana for medicinal purposes in states that have voted to allow such use. It should be legalized, but that won't ever happen as long as marijuana is classified as a schedule I drug, which means that it has no acceptable medical use. The fact that methamphetamines and PCP have a lower classification is beyond ridiculous and points to the problems that marijuana has in being recognized at a federal level as having some benefit beyond "getting high".

[Kimmel21]

I think theirs no reason why mrijauna should be completely decrimnalized throughout the US. Its the safest drug out. There has been no deaths linked to marijuana, its non addictive. Its safer then acohol and tabacoo. The only reason they won't decrimalize it is becuase then they would have to allow the use of hemp which would run every other industry out of buisness. Hemp can be used in place of cotton for clothing and can even be used to make paper. and hemp paper and clothing is more durable the clothes made of cotton and paper made from trees. Hemp can also be used as an alternative energy source. The decleration of independance was written on hemp paper. Why not just drop the proibition and let everyone do aas they will.

[snorp]

In posting this poll, I hoped to get views from all sides of a very old debate. Over the years, this topics has been difficult to obtain a clear understanding of the views mostly because annonimity was required. In the outside world, those that supported marijuana, had to remain nameless in fear of exposure to society, law enforcement or their work place. Therefore, the bulk of printed opinion was from those that opposed decriminalization. In this forum, where pain is unfortunately well known, it looks like those opposed are the minority and again reluctant to post the reasons for their views. The option to expose the names of the voters of the poll was an option, but who would have voted then? This group has a very good understanding of the different medications available for the treatment of pain, spasms, depression and other related physical and mental problems. This is a learning forum. Not surprising, the first week of the poll looks like most members support medical marijuana. Yet there are several who do not. I hope to understand that perspective. Those opinions are just as viable and considered as the rest. But, without an explanation of those views, I'm afraid too many assumptions that opposition is just evidence of hold over propaganda from yesterday's thinking. I don't believe that. I know there has to be very good reasons to vote in the opposition. So, I ask that those views be explained for the purpose of understanding that point of view. I realize that, with the vote coming in as it has, I am inviting those oppossed to ridicul. I hope the forum has the respect of all members and is as anxious as I to hear those opposing views and be grateful to those couragous enough to post.
Thank you all for your participation.

[doingtimeonmyass]

I'm one of the ones who support the full legalization of marijuana and treating it much the way alcohol is now. If first making it available as a medicine than so be it.

For those that are among the uneducated or misinformed who say marijuana doesn't have any medicinal value, I ask why then do pharmaceuticals such as Marinol or Sativex even exist? The former is a synthetic THC used in this country and others while the latter is a medication derived directly from the cannabis plant itself and is available in the UK and Canada.

It's sad that because of politics it cannot be properly studied in universities. Unless I am mistaken, I'm pretty sure Wise would agree that it helps patients.

The only arguments I've heard against marijuana and for prohibition has been the same propaganda we've heard over and over again. The most common argument, that it will lead to harder drugs, simply doesn't cut it. Marijuana cannot be purchased in a store so the user must go to a drug dealer on the black market. It's through those channels that people are introduced to harder drugs and it's up to the individual to decide whether or not to take them. What really gets me are the people who say there can be no such thing as a responsible marijuana user yet feel differently about alcohol.

The reason so many people are silent supporters is because too many people are too paranoid and scared to stand up in public and advocate for reform because of fear of law enforcement harassment, loss of employment, loss of custodial rights, loss of student loans, fear of civil forfeiture, etc...

[DaleB]

I'm all for it, legal or not. Immoral laws should be ignored, IMO. I'd like to hear from the 4 people who voted "Never". I'm sure'd get jumped by people with direct experience with how much it helps, but I'm very curious as to why they think what they do...

[snorp]

Hey all,

I ask that someone please post a valid reason that nearly 15% of the votes so far are against medical pot. What is a one sided issue? I'm really confused. And I haven't had a joint in years.

[barajas_1986@yahoo.com]

So You are a t-6 incomplete? Any improvement since your injury? We have the same level of injury and my sensation is getting better. How bout your self?

[doingtimeonmyass]

I ask that someone please post a valid reason that nearly 15% of the votes so far are against medical pot.
I'd like to know why too. :thinking:

[snorp]

Is there not a single person against medical cannabis that will state their position????

[RichGraz]

Recovering from a spinal abcess. Emergency spinal surgery. They cut me open good always in pain. Tell me I should be thankful I am alive. Used to be a carpenter, dont know what I am now. Dec 8 2008 was surgery. On morphine perkaset, was on oxy they took me off cause insurance wont pay. Back on morphine, lol insurance will pay for opium, not oxycotin though. It worked better. Used to smoke pot, thought of getting it again . Moneys tight though.

[snorp]

[quote=RichGraz;1043027] On morphine perkaset, was on oxy they took me off cause insurance wont pay. Back on morphine, lol insurance will pay for opium, not oxycotin though. It worked better.quote]

Hey Rich,
Though it's hard to get your head around now, it will get somewhat better with time. Justa heads up.....Percocet is made up of oxycodone and acetimetiphin (Tylenol). Oxycotin is oxycodone that is packaged in extended release capsulets, so you only have to take it once every 10 hours or so. So really the only difference is the Percocet is more of an IR, instant release, plus the Ty. You can get oxycodone without the TY, which if you're going to be on it for awhile is a good way to go in that it doesn't mess with your liver as baddly. You should get th same relief, if not better. What kind of morphine are you taking? :thinking: One of the problems with pot in states that haven't approve it for medical usage is the agreement patients have to sign in pain management clinics, promising not to take anything not prescribed by the doc. If you test positive for pot they will either warn you once or kick you out immediately as a PM patient. Just because it works doesn't seem to make a great impression with many in the health industry. Go figure! Good luck with your back, hope in time your skills can find a new horizon. :mega:

[Imight]

marijuana is illegal for a reason and should remain that way.

Stick to baclofen, valium, xanaflex and other FDA approved drugs that are much safer and have absolute no side effects. I mean who wants lung cancer? hhmm? who? marijuana is like crack. god hates you for smoking his herb.

[bollefen]

Thought you were serious and went ballistic til i read further! :applaud:

bill

[arndog]

Maybe you all could answer the post from Air ohs about it.
thanx
Jon

[snorp]

I hoped there would be a bit of a debate. There's still about 10 days left to vote and comment. Just a heads up.:thinking:

[snorp]

Unbelievable.......4 days left in this poll after almost a month running and not ONE explanation of a vote of NO or NEVER or even NEEDS MORE RESEARCH posted. I guess we can assume that there IS NO VIABLE EXPLANATION!!??

[bollefen]

I don't think there is a reason.

Had friends over last weekend and the husband was against "because it was against the law" enough reason for him. This was the couple I gave my handguns to hold last time I was suicidal.

Net, I " medicated" and said I hope he wan't put off or offended and he said afer watching you struggle for 5 years if this works go for it. He worries about recreational usage but is has changed his mind 180 degrees.

bill

[Fragile]

Unbelievable.......4 days left in this poll after almost a month running and not ONE explanation of a vote of NO or NEVER or even NEEDS MORE RESEARCH posted. I guess we can assume that there IS NO VIABLE EXPLANATION!!??

If people could grow a potent pain/anxiety/insomnia/spasm relieving medication in their home, it would be less money for the pharmaceutical companies. You wouldn't have to pay sales taxes on something you grow in your home. I hear it gives people the munchies, more obesity.

Only tried it once myself, all it did was make my head spin. Planning on trying a different strain sometime in the future.

[doingtimeonmyass]

What they need to do is separate the stereotypical pothead visualizations from the legitimate medical user. If the government allows it to be used medicinally, eventually society will see it's not the danger they've been saying it was for the past 70+ years.

[snorp]

OK...so here's the final tally of the month long marijuana poll. Out of a membership of thousands, the poll gets votes from 114 of our group. Am I harsh in thinking that as a topic, the peolpe that pot may help the most are not really interested in a conversation that could show how needed it is! How many of us would turn in our opiates for something that is non-addictive and has the ability to affect people in many different areas. You've got to know that the drug companies are shaking at the thought that a medical marijuana push into a majority of states would mean a bazillion dollars in lost sales. And, of course these days, the tax benefit to the broke states could be a God's send for projects that are being hacked like fish heads at the market. DEA and law enforcement needs pot to remain the enemy so they can justify their expenditures. So much hypocracy, money, money and money. War on drugs....hah! Seems like if you want something in our society to be guaranteed a long life, the government just needs to declare war on it and it's tenure is endless. Has there been ligit funds dedicated to finding what the true benefits of the hundreds of strains of pot may be?? I see that with this new push for medical pot, some studies are starting to suface because the political atmosphere is more receptive to favorable findings. Let's hope for more. I was hoping the poll might be of help in showing that people who are suffering pain every hour of every day are very interested in having the option for marijuana over pharmaceuticals, many used for conditions the drugs were never approved for treatment. At least the members that did vote were heavily in favor. I'm just dissappointed the number of participants was so low. What does this say?????

[David Berg]

What does this say?????
Well for one thing, that the Pain forum isn't the most popular area on Carecure. ;)

As for me, I've never used MJ and have no real need or desire to do so, but I wholeheartedly support it for legitimate medical purposes. Politicians and bureaucrats need to quit practicing medicine by telling doctors what they can and can't prescribe.

[bollefen]

Low response maybe fear of big brother watching? crossed my mind but I paranoid.

bill

[quad79]

I'm all for it.Weed is way better than any pain or anxiety drug out there.I haven't partaken since my SCI and I sooo wonder why.:thinking:I sure would sleep better @ night too.lol.

As for it causing munchies,thus obesity.I'm on two meds that cause weight gain and they've hit me hard w/ it.I guess I'd still rather depend on a natural substance vs. the toxic pills I take everyday now.

bollefen,I got a chuckle out of the paranoia of being watched comment.I know I am,so hey guys,now you know something new!:p

[reedyd]

OK...so here's the final tally of the month long marijuana poll. Out of a membership of thousands, the poll gets votes from 114 of our group. Am I harsh in thinking that as a topic, the peolpe that pot may help the most are not really interested in a conversation that could show how needed it is! How many of us would turn in our opiates for something that is non-addictive and has the ability to affect people in many different areas. You've got to know that the drug companies are shaking at the thought that a medical marijuana push into a majority of states would mean a bazillion dollars in lost sales. And, of course these days, the tax benefit to the broke states could be a God's send for projects that are being hacked like fish heads at the market. DEA and law enforcement needs pot to remain the enemy so they can justify their expenditures. So much hypocracy, money, money and money. War on drugs....hah! Seems like if you want something in our society to be guaranteed a long life, the government just needs to declare war on it and it's tenure is endless. Has there been ligit funds dedicated to finding what the true benefits of the hundreds of strains of pot may be?? I see that with this new push for medical pot, some studies are starting to suface because the political atmosphere is more receptive to favorable findings. Let's hope for more. I was hoping the poll might be of help in showing that people who are suffering pain every hour of every day are very interested in having the option for marijuana over pharmaceuticals, many used for conditions the drugs were never approved for treatment. At least the members that did vote were heavily in favor. I'm just dissappointed the number of participants was so low. What does this say?????

I think because this issue has been beat to death all ready on this forum . I agree if someone wants to use weed more power to them. I grew up in the 60's drug culture and after becoming paralyzed was very rebellious. I have even done prison time as a quad for my involvement with drugs. By the way there is even weed in the prisons.
The only thing wrong with it that I see is that it is illegal. Yes, I took it took far and it got out of control. I was introduced to bigger and better highs. A dealer stuck a coke spoon in my nose and said try this. It was on after that. I do not blame anyone but myself for my troubles. I paid my debt for all the fun I had. I lived under the false impression that they would not bother a quad. Wrong.
Of course they had me figured to be a king pin. Big laugh.
if they only knew.

I had quad & para friends that said weed helped their spasms. It did not seem to matter on mine. Only made me sleepy. Back then qualudes helped me a lot more. Pot may not be addictive but I have known people that sworn they could not live without it. Now thats addiction.

that's my opinion,


Dave

[snorp]

Good points all. Addiction is usually a result of abuse or time of use. The question is, when it comes down to it, what is the price one has to pay to stop using. The choices now are hell or deep hell. I've seen mental anguish when pot was stopped by a few, but never physical hell. I don't think that pot is going to be available to the general public, not in my lifetime. But those of us in hourly pain have a right to try it's effectiveness with a doctor's approval. With so many strains and hybrids, no one knows how far it could improve quality of life.
Thanks to all that participated.
And if I'm being watched, you guys gotta get another assignment cause there's nothin' here for ya.

[yojama95]

OK...so here's the final tally of the month long marijuana poll. Out of a membership of thousands, the poll gets votes from 114 of our group. Am I harsh in thinking that as a topic, the peolpe that pot may help the most are not really interested in a conversation that could show how needed it is! How many of us would turn in our opiates for something that is non-addictive and has the ability to affect people in many different areas. You've got to know that the drug companies are shaking at the thought that a medical marijuana push into a majority of states would mean a bazillion dollars in lost sales. And, of course these days, the tax benefit to the broke states could be a God's send for projects that are being hacked like fish heads at the market. DEA and law enforcement needs pot to remain the enemy so they can justify their expenditures. So much hypocracy, money, money and money. War on drugs....hah! Seems like if you want something in our society to be guaranteed a long life, the government just needs to declare war on it and it's tenure is endless. Has there been ligit funds dedicated to finding what the true benefits of the hundreds of strains of pot may be?? I see that with this new push for medical pot, some studies are starting to suface because the political atmosphere is more receptive to favorable findings. Let's hope for more. I was hoping the poll might be of help in showing that people who are suffering pain every hour of every day are very interested in having the option for marijuana over pharmaceuticals, many used for conditions the drugs were never approved for treatment. At least the members that did vote were heavily in favor. I'm just dissappointed the number of participants was so low. What does this say?????
Hi Snorp,

I am all for medicinal marijuana! I actually have the legal documents needed in the state of Washington, but have yet to make the purchase. Took a look on the internet, but was somewhat overwhelmed by all the different varieties. Anyway, it has been months since I last visited the CareCure website. I would have posted a YES vote had your poll still been open today. It is obvious the owners of the NO and NEVER votes have never suffered the high level of pain associated with disabilities such as SCI and MS just to name a couple. So, your 101 YES votes just increased by one more.

[garyv]

I know this thread has been down a while but found it in a search , but if interested in a fairly informative program check it out on National geographic channel called Marajuana Nation , here is a link to get you close.Go to page 5 of the videos to find it..
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/player.html?channel=60850

[Kindnessisthecure]

I been asking myself about this subject for fifteen years (sorry, God forgive me Lol But um, I didn't have a friend that had a illness "I did" and guess what, I got better.

So I don't think its really a question about whether it works or not, I think the government fears it will make their forces "weak" and "lazy" less than the trained Demon alcohol killers that they have created.

While I admit certain strains of marijuana help, I can also ashure you some strains take away from the users ability to function according to orders to take another persons life without question, or to drop a bomb without asking myself why I'm doing it is something that would occur IF I got the wrong strain.

And that's not a risk they want to take, they figure if they give us a few states they can drag this thing out awhile. If you ask me no matter which strain you ingest you become more peaceful, therefore I tend to think its a godly drug and if people smoked it there would be less hatred and fighting in the world and that means less money for governments everywhere. Idk fk it you do the math, I'm tired of thinking about it.

[Noname33]

oh im glad you conducted this poll! I'm working on this very topic for my government class! Personal opinion i would vote "yes" alas there are reasons i would have to turn this down...
Negatives: its a chemical that will affect your preception and limits the abilities of your short term memory. You dont know if its been laced. There are many strains which can overwelm a person. It may smell bad :) and I have a theory that if it were completely legalized that some drug kingpins would be forced to step up and send in harder drugs in order to live their lifestyle. Which may lead to more cocaine and other drugs on the street. Not to say it would increase the number of people doing these drugs because now pot is now being sold by convenient stores. i could go on all day. Also the next question the government must answer "is this drug (lsd, cocaine ect...) a schedule 1 drug or not?" Now our government would have to tread carefully and maybe open up research to some of these drugs. (which i believe they should) Cannabis would be safer if legalized. Dealers couldn't lace it to make it addictive, you would know its fda approved (not sayin much though) you wouldn't have to rely on drug dealers, or wait for the bastards.

[flicka]

... our government would have to tread carefully and maybe open up research to some of these drugs. (which i believe they should)
There actually has been a lot of government research done on LSD in the pst...some of it is a bit shameful. Cocaine does have medicinal uses and research on its uses are still being conducted.

I definitely think pot should be legalized, but am afraid it won't be legalized in California this November. Crazy...what a waste of money enforcement is!

[Kindnessisthecure]

With much respect, speaking for myself and many other medical users it's a case closed topic.

[Kindnessisthecure]

I don't buy your selling harder drugs theory, I could if I wanted to BUT I DONT

[Le Type Français]

Negatives: its a chemical that will affect your preception and limits the abilities of your short term memory.

So does caffeine and many other things we ingest on a daily basis.

The War on Drugs is legislating taste, not to mention ineffective. It shouldn't be a power of the government to tell people what they can or cannot put into their bodies.

[someguy]

a lot of the legislation was put into place, along with the propaganda(the echoes of which still reverberate through the minds of mouth breathers across the country, i.e. "gateway drug", or your white daughter could fool around with a black man and so on), in an attempt to drive itinerant workers out of the southwest. and a good deal had to do with lobbies from various chemical manufacturers. now there is big pharm for us to fight. sorry, but if you believe for one second the legislation is in you best interests(or at least that that is the intent of the government), i will have to ask you to please close your mouth when you breathe.

[Garyis]

Now two things here:

1. General overall legalization will lead to more users which could be either good or bad. I doubt that this question can be answered.

2. Medical Marijuana should be legalized nationwide. Of course untold numbers of folks will be able to get it free or buy it from friends with licenses to buy.

My point here is that I personally know eight people who use it for pain control including myself, and it works in varying degrees. For me, a a 72 year old L-1 para for 31 years with burning pain throughout the paralyzed area, left hip/buttock pain, and left abdomen jabbing pain that the herb smooths over or dampens maybe 50% of this pain, and puts me in a positive mental state that presents me with a better outlook, and positive energy.

I do not smoke every day or when I go out in public!

Everyones experience will be different, this is how it is. I can only speak for myself and those who have expressed their experience with it to me.

[Kindnessisthecure]

I think that could be summed up in a few simple words, by saying it makes life livable for some people.

I am a 40 yr old stroke survivor, I say survivor because I was given a very bleak diagnosis. Doctors told me I would spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair sitting in the halls, starring at the walls pissing and shitting myself. For the past 15 yrs. I've experimented with marijuana.

Sometime in 95-96 I seen Angel raich in the news making claims about marijuana, claims I could identify with things that I had felt myself when using marijuana. This prompted me to research the drug (plant) I went to my computer and did so, and what I found was that, results, opinions, facts, and myths varied.

But I was positive about what my own body was telling me, and after several hours of reading, I came to the the conclusion that I was going dedicate the remainder of my life finding out if marijuana was medicinal. If it did work, then it will reverse this unreversable stroke. And if is don't work, I didn't have much of a future anyway according to the doctors.

Fast forward 15 yrs.

I can now say without a doubt, marijuana is medicinal. I now have a very happy and full life, because I choose to use it.

Do I think it should be legal everywhere ? That's a toughie, Um for medical yeah. I think the results vary due to strain, I wouldn't recommend anybody do what I did I went through mood swings, severe depression and almost lost the love and support of some very important people. But if you don't use the correct strain the outcome can be really hellish, so this is definitely something that needs to be prescribed.

After a couple years of learning what strains do what, then I'd legalize it for everyone that went to a doctor first, but to just use any strain for any illness NO!

[Kindnessisthecure]

In short I think even the recreational user needs to see a doctor, to legalize it without regulation and recommendation through medical venues I think would be a mistake.