Posted on 07/02/2003 2:31:32 PM PDT by rastus macgill
Ananova: Regular cannabis users 'at greater risk of mental illness'
Regular cannabis users are at greater risk of developing mental illness later in life, according to research.
One study found that the risk was seven times higher for heavy users, said Professor Robin Murray of the Institute of Psychiatry in London.
Speaking at the Royal College of Psychiatrists' annual conference in Edinburgh, he said: "In the last 18 months a number of studies have confirmed that cannabis consumption acts to increase later risk of schizophrenia. This research must not be ignored."
The findings come as the Government prepares to downgrade cannabis from a Class B to Class C drug next year.
Most people caught in possession of a small amount will have the drugs confiscated and receive a reprimand or warning, the Home Office has said.
According to a Government fact sheet, cannabis "can cause psychotic reactions amongst individuals with mental health problems", but it does not suggest use of the drug can prompt those problems.
For his study, Professor Murray reviewed research in Sweden, Holland and New Zealand.
A recent Dutch study of 4,000 people in the general population showed that those taking large amounts of cannabis were almost seven times more likely to have psychotic symptoms three years later.
Another study, in 1987, of 50,000 Swedish Army conscripts, found that those who admitted at age 18 to having taken cannabis on more than 50 occasions, were six times more likely to develop schizophrenia in the following 15 years.
Professor Murray said these findings had been largely ignored.
That's because it is unscientific, post hoc, ergo propter hoc reasoning.
(sarcasm)Good goin' kids.(/sarcasm)
Pot heads don't believe smoking marijuana will cause lung cancer, emphysema nor will it lead to heart attacks and strokes. Pot heads think smoking pot is healthy for a person. Pot heads think smoking marijuana is good for society and everyone should get stoned on pot. Pot heads say, it enhances a persons driving abilities.
Pot heads believe this lastest report is simply more propaganda by the mainstream establishment, to undermine their efforts to decriminalize and eventually legalize marijuana in the good old USA.
Pot heads say smoking marijuana doesn't cause psychotic symptoms or lead to severe mental problems. Just ask them. They'll tell ya!
Pot heads think they have a constitutional right to smoke marijuana. Just ask them. They'll tell ya, its their right to get stoned on marijuana. LOL
Okay, you have adequately represented the "pot heads" and "dope smokers" I think it was. But you have NOT adequately represented those of us who wouldn't dream of smoking a joint (or any other recreational drug, including alcohol), but who still know that the Constitution does not in any way grant rights to smoke marijuana or for a citizen to do anything else. The Constitution, in the Bill of Rights, makes explicit those natural rights we already have that the government cannot abridge and lists the rights that the GOVERNMENT may employ to maintain a civil society.
That may be too subtle, but is an important distinction that many of us make and wish weren't being eroded. Just pass the Amendment to ban marijuana and I'll go along with you. Until then, the Constitution is silent---therefore, it's none of my or your business at the federal level.
You probably won't tackle that and certainly can't tackle it with any intellectual rigor.
The fact you disagree with that legislation and the legal decision is of no consequence. And the USSC has the final say on what is and isn't constituional. Read Marbury v Madison and find out for yourself.
If you say you don't smoke marijuana, then you need to learn to pick your fights better. The fact you defend the right of people to smoke marijuana and thereby agree with its legalization, IMO speaks directly to the real issue. You do have a dog in this fight.
Just because a USSC decision was made doesn't make it "Constitutional." I HAVE read Marbury vs Madison. They take it unto themselves, as might makes right, but that doesn't make Dred Scott, Roe v. Wade, or anything else Constitutional--only nominally Constitutional. And we can--and should--insist on courts following the Constitution.
And you are wrong--I have no dog in this fight except the Constitution. Don't ever reply to me again. Your assertion about my motives is wrong, dishonorable and reprehensible.
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