"Do your homework! Stay in drugs! Don't do school!"
Posted on 09/12/2006 11:14:43 AM PDT by freepatriot32
GETTYSBURG, Pa. - A woman admitted to smoking marijuana daily with her 13-year-old son to reward him for completing his homework. Amanda Lynn Livelsberger, 30, pleaded guilty to several charges Monday and will be sentenced Nov. 27.
Livelsberger, of Conewago Township, admitted in Adams County court that she had been smoking marijuana with her son since he was 11, and that she often gave it to him as a reward.
The boy told police that he was required to do his homework as soon as he got home from school, and then was allowed to smoke marijuana with his mother, according to court documents.
Livelsberger pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of corruption of minors, possession with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of a small amount of marijuana with intent to distribute.
The plea did not stipulate a sentence.
The woman also said she also smoked marijuana with two of her son's friends, ages 17 and 18, police said. The 18-year-old also told investigators he had also bought heroin from Livelsberger.
"Do your homework! Stay in drugs! Don't do school!"
Good thing he did the homework BEFORE the pot. Hope mom had lots of Cheetos and stuff for after too (hehe). Unreal.
I never heard that one - ba'dump, indeed.
What happens if he makes the honor roll?
Is she going to cut up some lines for him?
Well, as I said earlier, nobody has provided any scientific evidence.
Interestingly enough, the societies that engaged in lots of pot smoking were always very primitive, while other cultures that did not were busy developing actual ideas into real things.
Never pay attention to history, common sense or logic, I always say.
I know. I know. They are rather annoying, but one good thing is that they are spending so much of their energy on this garbage, it probably keeps them off the streets and so we are a little safer, eh?
I will check it out later, Mugs, just to keep myself informed, but I've read enough data to be pretty firmly grounded in my beliefs on this issue and I think there is far more evidence favoring my stance than yours. The biggest difference, which you must admit, is that I have no bias to this whatsoever, while you and others, seem to have a "wishful thinking" mindset if you will.
Glad you're laughing. I don't know what bias you think is "glowing like neon." I'm all for drugs that have purposes and I think marijuana does have a useful medicinal use and have never had a problem with it being prescribed.
You probably would like to see us revert back to the days where one could purchase tincture of heroin at the chemist's.
Marijuana or THC? Also, I thought Sativex® was already released.
You are clearly speaking about a subject of which you know nothing. Otherwise known as ignorance.
You are right about that. In part, there was less abuse for three reasons (many others but these two are simple):
1. Less people/population. U.S. population just went to 300,000,000. It's up so significantly that even I can't help but notice. As in any good statistical comparison, one must take this into consideration - more people will always been more of any particular abberrant behavior.
2. Less disposable income back then - people didn't have nearly the amount of recreational cash that they do now, even though the Dems keep trying to say how bad-off we are now.
3. Morality was inculcated a lot more - while there will always be a criminal element and we all know about Al Capone, the great bootlegging criminals, and on and on, the fact is people back then were probably not as likely to just go start doing recreational drugs.
P.S. Don't start using the bit about the alcoholic women who'd go to those travelin' men selling all the "aids" since they did that out of ignorance, thinking it was medicine or herbal or good. They weren't taking a DRUG because they wanted some supernatural feelings, or feelings of euphoria.
P.S.S. In spite of our disagreements, you seem like a very nice person, so I respect you for that.
I will have to get back to you on the stuff you want me to check out, but I have a question for you in the meantime.
Is your position that you want drugs legalized (and do you want all drugs legalized or just pot?) because you think it's a waste of time/money since the drug war has been unsuccessful?
Would appreciate your comments.
Also, are you familiar with the kindling theory in mental illnesses?
Here, read this and educate yourself. I've found no research or other studies in which this drug is being used to treat ADD/ADHD, despite your claims.
RESEARCH FINDINGS ON THE IMPACT OF MARIJUANA
Cannabis Sativa
Molecule of the active ingredient
in Marijuana - Tetrahydrocannabinol
Warning to readers of this article:
This article contains information which may upset readers who are either physically or psychologically addicted to marijuana (with or without acknowledging that they are in fact dependant) as well as those who are pro marijuana legalisation.
"No matter what we'd like to believe, there is no such thing as a safe drug. All drugs are poisons and are toxic to some degree. Their anticipated effect is to interfere with or inhibit the body's natural responses or to mask or diminish the symptoms of illness." (John Archer, Bad Medicine, 1995. Simon & Schuster, East Roseville, NSW; ISBN 031805089).
The above statement is true for any drug, whether it be in the form of legally prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications or drugs found in nature.
There has been considerable debate about the medicinal use of marijuana (analgesic, anti inflammatory, hypnotic, sedative, cataleptic and hallucinogenic), it remains to be seen which of the active ingredients in marijuana has the potential to benefit mankind.
This article needs to be read in the context of an ADHD brain - one that is already dysfunctional to start with as evidenced by mounting QEEG, SPECT and functional MRI data.
Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is not harmless and is in fact addictive. According to a study conducted by Dr. Kadden (1997) from the University of Conneticut Health Centre, marijuana addiction is both psychological and physiological. People often fail to notice the effects of cannabis addiction because it's consequences are not as acute or striking as with cocaine or alcohol. It is instead insidious- "it gets into your lifestyle and then you can't get it out" is how some have described it.
Many participants in the three-year study expressed feelings that they could not cope or even function adequately without marijuana, and that their addiction interfered with leading a normal life. Further, they felt that they needed treatment for their addiction.
The following is a brief summary of findings from similar research by pharmacist and neuropsychologist, John Anderson presented at a seminar to the Adult ADD support group in Sydney in 1997. John Anderson died in 2002 and was a strong advocate against the legalisation of marijuana in Australia for the following reasons:
1. Although THC is the active ingredient that causes the high, there are 61 other agents in marijuana (The Psychopharmocology of Herbal Medicine- Spinella 2001 MIT Press). These other constituents vary widely depending on climate, cultivar, soil etc. Since it is not a pure substance, individual reactions vary considerably.
2. CBD & CNN are two of the cannaboids found in marijuana (which according to Anderson) research has demonstrated affects chromosomal structure. In males, it results in spermatogenesis and in women, actively affects the shape of the ovum. The gene that is affected is the same gene implicated in ADHD - on the short arm of chromosome 6.
3. Marijuana alters testosterone levels and males who have ADD tend to have mood swings exacerbated by continued use.
4. Marijuana is fat soluble, and the brain and gonads are the major fatty tissues in the body.
5. Smoking one joint a day, three times a week, for six months, results in changes in brain physiology that can be detected three to five years later.
6. Since marijuana decreases the amount of T-cells in the blood, the immune system is weakened.
7. Marijuana contains 50-70% more carcinogens than tobacco and there is a higher incidence of jaw, throat and tongue cancer among marijuana users.
8. The cardio-vascular system is also adversely affected ' since marijuana deprives the brain of -oxygen. When the blood flow to the brain is decreased by 4% significant problems in terms of brain function result: in dementia patients blood flow is decreased by 4%, ADHD 8-12%, schizophrenia 12-15%, marijuana users 10-15%.
9. Long term users may develop drug induced psychosis (similar to schizophrenia with paranoia and delusions). One in ten of those with drug psychosis will commit suicide unless treated in the first two years (usually poly drug users). Other than those who develop drug induced psychosis and cancer, research demonstrates that all other effects are fully reversible with total abstinence.
10. The adult ADHD brain is primarily characterised by a dopamine and sometimes a serotonin dysfunction. If an ADD adult smokes marijuana, the dopamine receptors are filled with THC instead of dopamine. This exacerbates the problem as it causes an imbalance in other neurotransmitters. There is little point in using medication for ADHD if marijuana smoking continues as the medication becomes ineffective unless massive doses are taken. Increasingly, stronger drugs are required and the progression from marijuana to speed to heroin is likely.
11. 30-40% of substance abusers (marijuana, heroin, methadone) have ADD. There are 18,000 people on methadone. If those with ADD are treated more appropriately, then maybe they can eventually get off methadone, thus actively treating the illness, not the symptoms. (Source: Anderson 1997)
Recent research by Dr Rachel Wilson, University of California at San Francisco, discovered that the main ingredient in cannabis - delta 9- trans-tetrahydrocannabinol- or THC- is very similar in shape to endocannabinoids (naturally occurring cannabinoids in the body), which are involved in many body and brain functions. Cannabinoid receptors are found liberally throughout the body and brain. This is why marijuana smokers report a diverse collection of sensations. Endocannabinoids play an important role in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in learning and memory. It is thought that these molecules help lay down new memories by strengthening connections between nerve cells. However, when the brain is flooded with cannabinoids through marijuana use, forgetfulness results. They also appear to tone down the production of certain neurotransmitters, acting like the brakes of a car when the system is racing too fast. Marijuana has also been implicated in the dopaminergic system and it is thought that through a complex chain of events, revs up the dopamine system. One study showed a complex interplay existed between cannabinoids and leptin, a hormone that produces satiety and is probably the reason why marijuana users get the "munchies". (The Brain in the News - Jan,31,2002. Vol. 9, No. 2)
A recent article in the New York Times (Jan 29, 2002) states that for 10-14 percent of the population, marijuana is highly addictive and that the withdrawal symptoms are very similar to what cigarette smokers experience when they quit. These include craving, decreased appetite, sleep difficulty, weight loss, aggression, irritability, restlessness and strange dreams. Could it be that those who have a genetic predisposition to marijuana addiction are the same population of individuals with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD? Is this a way for them to self medicate?
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUBSTANCE ABUSE
(PRIMARILY MARIJUANA) AND ADHD
1. 40% of children with ADHD are predisposed to developing substance abuse during adolescence/adulthood.
2. Of the ADHD population that are poly-substance users, 61% smoke marijuana.
3. Many of the behavioural changes in marijuana users are the same as those of ADHD, hence it is often difficult for clinicians to differentiate between ADHD and marijuana use.
4. Specific behavioural changes in cannabis users include:
significant decrease in academic ability
increased depression
increased anxiety
increased impulsivity
respiratory infections increase significantly (colds, sniffles)
short term memory problems increase (forgetfulness, difficulty learning new information)
a-motivational syndrome (lack of interest/enthusiasm in things previously enjoyed)
temporal distortions
reaction time slows
changes in appetite
(Source: Anderson 1997)
Tends to put a crimp in your claim, doesn't it!
I located this on the web. Is this the "scientific research" you are so excited about? Read at the bottom where the article states this is all based on ancedotal information (in other words, claims made by people where no documentation of factual date exists). You need to go back to school if you think this provides evidence that Marijuana works to help those with ADHD. Hell, cafeine studies have demonstrated a higher level of verifiable statistics with respect to ADHD than this bunk.
5-4-2004 - MARIJUANA Effective for ADD/ADHD?
9:11 AM GMT
A woman doctor in Ventura County believes it is. Of course there's intense opposition to her findings. Ever since Reefer Madness, the world has viewed marijuana as a dangerous drug. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I'm so glad I received an email from a friend in California this morning about her daughter who has always been thought of as having ADHD (attention deficit hyper disorder). Rachel fought the school over giving Cindy the standard dangerous drugs to control her, but was dismayed at her grades and the trouble she was always in. To her shock, Cindy, now in Junior High, just got an excellent report card.
Weeks before grades came out, Rachel had written that she'd discovered Cindy smoked pot and she was beyond distraught, buying into the tried and tired bit that it's a gateway drug, leading to the hard stuff. I wrote back and told her that was total nonsense, that kids experiment at Cindy's age and not to come down hard on her, as it could make things worse. She was worried about her education and that she was headed down the wrong path and revealed that well-meaning friends and family were giving her too much advice, but it all boiled down to putting Cindy on a very short leash.
The good grades turned Rachel's head around from thinking that pot had probably turned Cindy's brain into mush and she'd flunk. What bunk! She gave me a URL to an article she'd discovered in the local paper and asked me to read it and tell her what I thought. I actually cheered upon reading it. Well, there were some boo's, too, aimed at the pathetically ill-informed debunkers.
Put that pre-judgement away and read this, please. Headlined: "Ventura physician promotes marijuana to treat attention disorders." from the Ventura County Star. I'm surprised they printed it and happy they did.
"Dr. Claudia Jensen has seen marijuana help lawyers focus in court, executives excel and adolescents get good grades.
The drug often associated with slackers can do more than Ritalin and other stimulants to motivate millions of Americans with attention disorders, says Jensen, a physician at the Center for Integrated Health in Ventura.
"It can calm you down; Ritalin amps you up," Jensen said. "Cannabis can help you sleep; Ritalin gives you insomnia. Cannabis gives you an appetite; Ritalin makes you anorexic."
Jensen is one of a handful of California doctors invoking state law to approve marijuana, medically known as cannabis sativa, for adults and adolescents who have difficulty with routine daily tasks because they have attention-deficit disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. On Thursday, Jensen will have five minutes to convince a congressional subcommittee in Washington, D.C., that the drug works."
I have to say this article has me pumped. There's been huge focus on medicinal marijuana for everything from AIDS,chronic pain to glaucoma and particularly as the substance of choice to control nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. Look at San Francisco and Northern California and the strides made there to make it legal for those in need of non-chemical relief. I've never read of it being used on kids with these disorders, but it sure makes sense to me.
Back to the article, check out what one of Jensen's fellow doctors has to say. What century or better, what planet is this guy on? It's this kind of thinking that stunts progress and in turn, messes up a lot of kids whose parents take his advice.
"When someone is high on marijuana, they are not able to process properly, they have more problems with their focus and attention, and it is well known that marijuana causes short-term memory problems," said Dr. Loren Label, head of the ADD Clinic in Thousand Oaks.
Is that why Cindy got a 3.0 grade average? She's not hyped up on behaviour-controlling drugs, she smokes pot and is a top student. Doesn't that say something? Her mom didn't know she was smoking before school because Cindy knew she'd wig big time and would never understand how it helps her focus. It's a sad fact that most parents are of the belief that their pot-smoking kid is going to wind up dead in an alley with a needle that contained heroin in their arm. Wake up! That's not the case, dammit, and of course, there are kids as well as adults who shouldn't smoke the wild weed, as not all chemical make-up's are the same, but for those that it helps, where's the fucking problem?
I point a finger at the haha War On Drugs and it's complete failure. I shake one at educators who order their students to take dangerous chemicals just so they won't have to be dealt with and of course the money they receive. Pot could be a life-saver for overly hyper kids who won't take the pills. Finally, an alternative, but a very unpopular one it is, in spite of testimony from so many as to how it's benefited their lives, and the cry is always, "they're kids!!" I agree, this is a radical departure from standard treatment, but a good radical approach to organic vs chemical. Mydog, they give them something similiar to cocaine and balk at the benign marijuana?
Jensen and the others aren't alone -- they have back-up in Oregon. From hevanet, no date but it must be fairly recent. Give this puppy a read, but I must warn that it's highly technical and easy to scan through, but it gets into the different kinds of ADD and how little is known about the variants. Headline:
"Marijuana and ADD
Therapeutic uses of Medical Marijuana in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder"
"It was mentioned in the Portland newspaper that the Oregon Health Division is considering allowing medical marijuana to be used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act. At first glance it might seem counter-intuitive to use a medication that has a public perception of decreasing attention to treat a condition whose primary symptom is a deficit of attention. But just as taking stimulants often calms those with hyperactivity, medical marijuana improves the ability to concentrate in some types of ADD." Oh yeah, this is bigger than first thought. Wow, this next part hits home!
The particular type of ADD under consideration for treatment with medical marijuana might better be termed "Racing Brain Syndrome" (RBS). A useful analogy for this mental condition is that of a centrifugal pump that is being over-driven. As the pump speed increases, cavitation sets in and the pump's output decreases. The faster the pump is driven the greater the cavitation until a point is reached where large amounts of energy are being input but nothing is being output. Without medication there is a sensation that thoughts flash through the brain too fast to "think" them. Medical marijuana slows the brain down sufficiently to achieve impressive improvements in functionality."
Listen to what a retired Harvard Medical School psychiatrist and author of 2 books on medicinal marijuana has to say about ADHD and marijuana in the question and answer section of his site, rxmarihuana.
"Dear Dr, Grinspoon:
Hilary Black at the Compassion Club in Vancouver B.C. Canada gave me your name. I am a Master's student who is conducting a qualitative inquiry on the relationship between ADHD and the use of marijuana. I have had a very difficult time finding any literature on this specific topic. It would appear that there is very little evidence on what marijuana does for these folks. My research is almost completed and the stories from the five participants are great. It is clear that cannabis offers a sense of calm and "normalcy". But my lit review is still lacking and I was hoping that you could offer me some suggestions. Has no one else ever published an inquiry on the effects of marijuana on ADHD? Has no one else ever listened to their stories?
I look forward to your response.
Thank you very much.
Cheers,
Debbie Verkerk
Dear Ms. Verkerk,
It was more than a decade ago that I first had the experience of observing a high school student with ADHD treat this disorder much more successfully with cannabis than with his doctor-prescribed Ritalin. His mother (now deceased), a vice president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who had asked me to see him for evaluation, was also persuaded that he did much better while using cannabis than he ever did with Ritalin. Since that time I have seen a number of patients, both young people and adults, who have had similar experiences. I have also heard from many others; still I have seen no reference to this possibility in the scientific or medical literature. I think that we are now in the same situation we were with Tourette's syndrome about a decade ago; a number of anecdotal reports but nothing in the medical literature. Today you can find citations in the literature on cannabis as a treatment for Tourette's. The bottom line is that this use of cannabis for the treatment of ADHD is still in the clinical observation or anecdotal stage, and it may be impossible to find the citations you seek.
With best wishes for success with your paper,
Lester Grinspoon MD"
There you have it, it's still being studied, not much information is available, but I can't help but think if a wise parent had to choose between legal speed (which is what Ritalin and the others are) and marijuana, they'd choose the latter. I know I would. I wish Dr. Claudia Jensen the best of luck when she visits DC. I realize this is most controversial and is liable to evoke some pretty strong criticism, but all I want is for people to think about it and the lesser of evils. I thank Rachel for bringing this to my attention. I wrote, "Legally Drugging the Kids" eight months ago and it's accessed daily. What does that tell you?
"Marijuana is the safest therapeutically active substance known to man... safer than many foods we commonly consume."
-- DEA Judge Francis L. Young
Brenda Stardom
Portugal
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