Writers

In response to:Cannabis Culture - A man's best friend

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:37:04 +0100

I seem to have upset a few people with this blog, can I just clarify that this piece of writing is entirely from experience and the story itself is about me. As for how is cannabis a "Mans best friend" and how is it our culture, you only need to ask a cannabis smoker, not an expert or a scientist, surely first hand experience is better proof than you will get from any research.

In response to:Cannabis Culture - A man's best friend

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:56:45 +0100

You're doing it wrong.

In response to:Cannabis Culture - A man's best friend

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:47:03 +0100

The more I think about it, the more I am convinced this is the wrong place. We seem to be in a creative writing space here, and I've already been quite rude enough to DynamicDan about his work in progress. Which, while we are at it, does evoke the mind-set of a certain type of user, not that I meet such people any more, but I knew quite a few, way back, and they did think like that, so the piece is good in that way. It accurately represents the wrong opinions, in other words, so I apologise for calling it bollocks. What the imaginary person described believes is b..... though!

In response to:Cannabis Culture - A man's best friend

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:24:59 +0100

I don't doubt it, but this time please respond when you are sober!

In response to:Starting a new book....Part I

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:29:24 +0100

Thanks LaSpice! It can get to be really busy and hectic sometimes!

Still, I'm thoroughly enjoying it - it's a fascinating topic!

In response to:Cannabis Culture - A man's best friend

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:07:13 +0100

I will be replying to this later...

In response to:Cannabis Culture - A man's best friend

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:28:45 +0100

Effects of Long-Term Cannabis Use:

Patterns of marihuana use in Western countries, particularly the United States are primarily long term (two t o 10 years). Additionally, Western investigators have been able to observe those who use marihuana at most, daily and more often, moderately or intermittently. Consequently, observed effects are rare. Knowledge is incomplete but certain trends appear to be emerging in regard to American usage patterns.

The relevance of Eastern reports of heavy hashish use is uncertain. Nutrition, disease prevalence and quality of medical care impose limits on transferring Eastern observations to Western conditions of use.

DEPENDENCE AND TOLERANCE

Neither severe physical dependence, nor prominent withdrawal symptoms after abrupt termination of very heavy usage is suggested by some overseas experience (Charen and Perelman, 1946; Fraser, 1949; Ludlow, 1857, Marcovitz and Myers, 1944; Siler et al., 1933; Walton, 1938). Other studies, however, suggest marked psychological dependence from heavy use producing compulsive drug taking in very heavy users (Indian Hemp, 1893; Chopra and Chopra, 1957; Bouquet, 1944; Lambo, 1965).

Psychosomatic abstinence syndromes often reported were physical weakness, intellectual apathy, loss of appetite, flatulence, constipation, insomnia, fatigue, abdominal cramps and nervousness, restlessness, and headache. For most heavy users the syndrome of anxiety and restlessness seem to be comparable to that observed when a, heavy tobacco smoking American attempts to quit smoking.

However, the psychological dependence appears to be severe as evidenced by the f act that one group of subjects were unable to cease their habitual use although the frequency of use, was only eight to 12 times per month (Soueif, 1967). This psychological dependence may have made some users claim physical dependence so that the government did not terminate dispensing them their drug. Studies in the United States using must lower doses for shorter periods of time have revealed little if any evidence of psychological dependence (Bromberg, 1934 Mayors Committee, 1944; Williams et al., 1946).

Tolerance to the subjective and depressant effects of the drug (discussed in an earlier section) does probably occur in man, with heavy use. Thus, increasingly larger and more frequent doses become necessary to experience the desired effects.

Several investigators have recently studied the question of physiological and psychological dependence to Delta 9 THC in monkeys using intravenous self-injection techniques.

Deneau and Kaymakcalan (1971) demonstrated that no monkey initiated self-administration over a three-week period when given the opportunity to self-inject a behaviorly effective dose of 100 micrograms per kilogram of Delta 9 THC in a Tween solution. The researchers subsequently administered to these monkeys this dose every six hours. Tolerance developed to the behavioral effects within a few days. Dose administered was progressively increased up to 400 micrograms per kilogram over the course of a month. When the injections were abruptly discontinued, all six monkeys showed after twelve hours, behavioral and physiological changes described by the researchers as mild abstinence signs. Two of the six monkeys then initiated and maintained for several weeks the self-administration of THC.

The investigators believe these findings are evidence for mild psychological and physiological dependence on THC. However, vehicle controls were not included in the research design. Thus, the abstinence signs and subsequent behavior may possibly be accounted for by the biological effects in of the Tween vehicle.

Harris et al. (1972) utilized several procedures to maximize the possible conditions necessary for developing self-injection in monkeys. These procedures included: spontaneous Delta 9 THC self administration with no previous training to the technique; self-administration of A' THC after training, with cocaine alone and a mixture of cocaine and Delta 9 THC. Doses utilized ranged from 20 to 500 micrograms per kilogram suspended in polyvinylpyrrolidone. In all cases, monkeys failed to self -administer Delta 9 THC.

The researchers conclude that A' THC lacks the reinforcing effects of psychomotor stimulants and depressants which monkeys readily self infuse with no auxiliary incentives. Also Delta 9 THC lacks a reinforcing function even for monkeys that are well-trained with cocaine and have experienced several days of rather large quantities of Delta 9 THC during the early pleases of extinction of the cocaine reinforced response.

Finally, the results demonstrate that a two week period of exposure to Al THC (in a mixed solution with cocaine) does not result in the degree of homeostatic imbalance which occurs with morphine, ethanol, barbiturates and sometimes the amphetamines which accounts for the continued self-administration of these drugs.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Permanent congestion of the transverse ciliary vessels of the eye and accompanying yellow discoloration is the only physical effect firmly linked to long-term marihuana use (Ames, 1958; Chopra, and Chopra, 1957; Dhunjibhoy, 1928). Although there are several suspected or reported effects, none has been conclusively demonstrated in a valid study. Some (Chopra and Chopra, 1939; Indian Hemp, 1893) claim that bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory problems may be produced by chronic and excessive use of potent compounds in India. Eastern smoking, preparations are often a mixture of tobacco and hashish.

Indian users reportedly exhibit digestive tract abnormalities, weight loss and disturbed sleep (Chopra and Chopra, 1939; Soueif, 1967). However, the contributing factors of poor living conditions, malnutrition and prevalence of communicable disease could not easily be separated.

A high percentage of heavy Moroccan users have developed obliterative arteritis of the lower extremities (Sterne, 1960) possibly related to the occurrence of tropic foot ulcers (Ganja -foot) (Miras, 1965). The progression of this abnormality is claimed to parallel prolonged use of the drugs.

Mendelson et al. (1972) were unable to demonstrate clinically significant abnormalities in the extensive battery of tests performed which could be attributed purely to the subjects long-term use of marihuana. No histories were obtained of neurological, hepatic, renal, pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal, (renitourinary, or nutritional disorders. No history of psychotic illness was given.

All subjects were Judged to be in normal mental, health by psychiatric interview and psychological tests (MMPI and Edwards Personality Preference Inventory). Three subjects were felt to be neurotic.

Pre-drug complete physical exams, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, urinalysis, complete blood count and blood chemistry profile did not demonstrate, any clinically significant abnormalities. No subject showed evidence of poor nutrition.

Pulmonary vital capacity and one second forced expiratory volume were reduced in 12 of the 20 subjects initially. These changes were not correlated with either current cigarette smoking or f requency or duration of marihuana smoking. Histories of past cigarette use, past patterns of marihuana use and past or present contact with environmental air pollutants were inadequate to attempt to account for these pulmonary findings.

Many of the subjects were in fair to poor physical condition as judged by a cardiac exercise tolerance test.

Four of the 20 subjects' initial performance on a battery of cognitive functions tests was poorer than would have been predicted by high average to superior I.Q. scores and educational backgrounds. One of the casual subjects demonstrated improvement with retesting consistent with good brain function. Thus, behavioral impairment was present in three subjects.

Click on Link for Full Clinical Case Studies and Research!

Link:
http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/LIBRARY/studies/nc/nc1g.htm

Now, is that enough evidence for you Walrus Lad!

In response to:Starting a new book....Part I

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:47:57 +0100

Another busy time for you - look after yourself :yes:

In response to:Cannabis Culture - A man's best friend

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:36:42 +0100

There are such things as mental illnesses that are there, but have not yet shown themselves. They are often inherited conditions. When somebody with one of these pre-existing conditions smokes dope, and doesn't like it, some people say the dope made the person mentally ill, but they are wrong.

"Studies show..." Which ones? Cite the academic papers, please.

Man's best friend is his dog, as any fule kno.

In response to:Cannabis Culture - A man's best friend

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:32:20 +0100

This is bollocks. It was clearly written by somebody who believes what the Daily mail tells them. There is so much wrong with it that I am not going to bother to try to help the author understand the reality.

Creative writing? Yes. Truth? Nope.

In response to:Cannabis Culture - A man's best friend

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:13:35 +0100

Studies show young people who use cannabis regularly or heavily are at least twice as likely to develop a psychotic mental disorder by young adulthood than those who do not smoke.

Psychosis is a type of mental health problem, which includes conditions like schizophrenia, that can seriously affect the way you think, feel and behave.

Since when has using Drugs been considered a part of our culture and since when has it been referred to as "Man's Best Friend!"

In response to:Poem about an alcoholic

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:26 +0100

It's a good poem, just check your spelling on sentence.

In response to:Poem about an alcoholic

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:27:24 +0100

I like the way you occasionally use the shorter senstences to contrast wit hthe longer. Interesting content, too.

In response to:Keeping going....my fourth book

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:56:13 +0100

A lot of common sense here - writing is hard work and we all love to be read when we are really proud of something. Which comes quicker to some than others. Many writers, not necessarily the 'real' ones, those who try and speak the truth, love their work just liek they love the sound of their own voice. It's all balance. Find a couple of people who you really trust with their opinions. Anyway..in all humility that's what I think...!

In response to:Swooning Sleepless

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:35:37 +0100

That sounds far too pretentious...but thanks...it was just a little ramble that's all.

In response to:its a beautiful day!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:58:17 +0100

tnx guys for your warm welcome...im really hoping that i cud get to know all of you more! tnx..have a great day!

In response to:its a beautiful day!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:47:02 +0100

Surely as a group we should be here to support each other?

In response to:Taunting The Memories

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:47:19 +0100

I liked this too.

In response to:Swooning Sleepless

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:41:46 +0100

Profound......;)

In response to:Taunting The Memories

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:35:23 +0100

Thank you x

In response to:Taunting The Memories

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:43:44 +0100

I really like this.....it struck a chord :)

In response to:its a beautiful day!

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:37:03 +0100

Hi, I'm new too. Finding this group tricky to find my way around but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it, I'm probably getting tired as it's 11.30pm.

In response to:its a beautiful day!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:29:31 +0100

me eaither!wish we can get alon' hopelly, guess we both hav same incomment ..

In response to:its a beautiful day!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:47:02 +0100

welcome:-)plus we can learn from you:-)

In response to:RETURNING OFFICER

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:03:08 +0100

thank God !

In response to:RETURNING OFFICER

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:39 +0100

my nuts are hard ok!

In response to:title-7250676

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:53:43 +0100

Interesting observation. Whaddya mean??

In response to:Can't is waiting

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:51:33 +0100

Thanks

Our children are our greatest teachers

In response to:title-7250676

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:47:35 +0100

It is inside out

In response to:Trying this blogging...

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:37:36 +0100

Oooo, just noticed your avatar! Great album :D Hellrider is one of my favourite songs