Using Cannabis - Questions and Answers

» What is a blunt?

A sliced open cigar with the tobacco replaced with marijuana. If it’s smoked with a 40oz bottle of malt liquor, it is called a “B-40″.

» Can marijuana make you sterile?

Yes and no. This has been a persistent myth for over 40 years but it actually does have some basis in medicine. Basically the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, THC, reduces lutenising hormone (LH) in the genitals.

LH triggers ovulation in women and is involved in sperm production in men. This results in a short-term (four-to five-hour) decrease in reproductive ability. Long term cannabis users, however, build tolerance to this effect and are immune. (1)

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» Is it safe to smoke marijuana during pregnancy?

No. Like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke is highly likely to be harmful to fetal development and should be avoided by pregnant women and those who might become pregnant in the near future.

» Should I smoke marijuana and drive?

If marijuana was legal, the warning label would probably read: “Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery”. Being stoned leads to a slight impairment of psychomotor and cognitive function. However, in studies, stoned drivers appeared to compensate for their impairment by taking fewer risks and driving more slowly, whereas alcohol tended to encourage risk taking and aggressive driving.(2)

Analysis of blood samples from road traffic fatalities in 1996-97 in the UK showed than 10% of victims who were driving were positive for cannabis. However, it is not clear what figures would have been obtained from a random sample of road users not involved in accidents. (3)

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» Can marijuana make you schizophrenic?

There is a lot of misinformation presented about marijuana and schizophrenia. There is general agreement that heavy marijuana use can precipitate schizophrenic episodes but there is no evidence that it can cause the underlying psychotic disorder. Heavy marijuana users can exhibit long-lasting toxic psychosis involving delusions and hallucinations that can be - dangerously - diagnosed as a schizophrenic illness. (4)

» Is cannabis getting stronger?

Yes and no. Grass or marijuana is generally stronger thanks to sophisticated plant breeding and cultivation methods. However, hash - which usually only contains about 4 -5 % THC - remains weak and unchanged.

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» How long does marijuana remain detectable in a urine test?

The active ingredient THC is detectable in the urine after 48-72 hours in a one-off or occasional user or up to 6 weeks in a heavy user.

» I only smoke a few draws of marijuana, maybe a whole joint but that ’s it. Will this still be detectable on a drug test?

Yes. Blood and urine tests involve detecting microscopic amounts of THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis) and THC breakdown products so even a few draws or just a whole joint of cannabis would still be detectable. See here for more details.

» How come you can get different highs from different strains of marijuana? Don’t they just all contain THC?

Marijuana has two powerful active ingredients - THC and CBD (cannabidiol). Both substances are cannabinoids which produce psychoactive effects by binding with special receptors which are extraordinarily abundant all over the brain and body. Your brain makes it own cannabinoid - anandamide - which is thought to be involved in pain sensations, memory regulation and the immune system.

The relative amounts of these two ingredients plus small input from over sixty different cannabinoids in the plant determine the subtle differences in the types of high you can get from different strains of the cannabis plant. (5)

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» What are the effects of using marijuana and breastfeeding? How does this affect the child?

The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, THC (tetrahydro-cannabinol), is fat-soluble and does enter breast milk and the baby - often due to the size of the infant, in higher blood concentrations than the mother. However, there is no firm evidence that cannabis or THC can stunt, impair or damage a baby or their growth. One report (which is cited in several web pages on this subject) has stated that THC might delay infant motor development but we are still in the process of tracking down and reading the original study. (6)

Nevertheless, it is still best to avoid marijuana and other legal and illegal drugs while breastfeeding.

Here is a list of drugs and their suspected effects on breastmilk / breastfeeding

» How bad is smoking marijuana compared to smoking tobacco?

Smoking any drug is unhealthy, and cannabis is no exception. Marijuana smoke actually contains higher concentrations of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) than tobacco smoke. Marijuana smokers generally inhale more smoke for longer, depositing more than 4 times as much tar on their lungs as cigarette smokers. To balance this, marijuana smokers tend to smoke less joints and smoke less often.

» I used to smoke pot quite a bit however I find lately that when I get high - I just get paranoid and edgy? Is it me?

We have had several emails about this subject. It seems that some people do experience a ‘turning point’ in their marijuana use when it ceases to become enjoyable and instead provokes paranoia, fear or other ‘bad trip’ type symptoms.

In a recent study, between 10%-15% of people who smoked marijuana reported “paranoid” or “confused” feelings as a disadvantage of smoking marijuana. Furthermore, around 30% gave “negative experiences” as their reason for permanently quitting cannabis. (7)

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» I am off to Amsterdam today with my fiancée who doesn’t smoke marijuana. My idea is to introduce him to hash cakes but he is allergic to aspirin and I am worried that he might have a reaction to cannabis.

Your fiancée shouldn’t have any allergy problems with eaten cannabis. However, if he hasn’t ever taken cannabis before, BE VERY CAREFUL about feeding him hash cakes. Dutch cannabis is very strong and eating cannabis triples the effect (see cannabis effects). It could be very disconcerting for him if he’s never been stoned.

» Is it possible to be allergic to marijuana? Recently I have had nasal problems when marijuana smoke is around me, my nose gets plugged and sometimes I get a runny nose and occasionally I sneeze too.

It is possible to be allergic to marijuana although the active ingredient, THC, is endowed with some moderate anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic properties. There has been little study in this area. It may be that other elements in the smoke, especially if you mix with tobacco, are causing your reaction. If you can, try smoking through a vaporizer (which significantly decreases the amount of toxic smoke-based compounds) and see if that produces the same effect. If it does, then you probably are allergic to marijuana.

» How come sometimes I can smoke 5 grams of marijuana and be perfectly alright, and other times have one joint and have an anxiety attack?

The character of many drugs’ effects and reactions are dependent on ’set and setting’, your mindset (how you feel at the time, what’s going on in your life, your prevailing mood, the kind of day you’ve had) and your environment (where are you? are you relaxed there? who’s with you? are you comfortable with everyone?).

Maybe examining the when, where, what, and how you smoke will help.

Is there anything consistent in your panic reactions? Time of day? Place where you’re smoking?

You say sometimes 5 grams is okay. Sometimes one joint is enough to send you spiraling off. Could it be a strength issue? Is the cannabis you smoke always the same quality? The difference between a mild or low-grade strain and a fresh powerful strain can be considerable. If you’re not prepared for being so stoned, so quickly, it may unsettle or even panic you.

What time of day do you smoke? Evenings are generally best as the body and the mind is more relaxed. Have you eaten before? Generally, an empty stomach will make drug effects stronger. A full stomach tends to ground you and lessen the possible unsettling out-of-body spacey side-effects of cannabis.

Otherwise, our page on Bad Trips And How To Avoid Them may be helpful

» A friend of mine told me marijuana doesn’t kill brain cells, but makes them dormant. Thus, if you abstain for say, 30-60 days, the residual effects should go away. Is this true?

Marijuana does not kill brain cells nor does it make them go ‘dormant’. Using marijuana can cause temporary impairments in short-term memory and what’s called ‘executive brain functions’, the ability to learn new information or engage in complex manipulation of learned material. These effects disappear as the drug effects wear off.

Long term and chronic cannabis users themselves complain of problems with memory, concentration, loss of motivation, paranoia, depression, dependence and lethargy. However, the theory that heavy long-term marijuana use permanently impairs memory or other cognitive functions has yet to be proven by science.

source: House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology. Cannabis. The scientific and medical evidence. London: The Stationery Office, 1998

The California Chronicles Of Medical Marijuana

This piece contains the last interview of Dr. Tod Mikuriya. 9/20/33 - 5/20/07. R.I.P. The piece also contains some of the big players in Prop. 215 movement. NORML being one!

We are Art and Education Media, a Berkeley, California, public educational, non-profit. We are seeking tax-deductible contributions, we can give an opening title credit, single title card in the form of Line Producer towards finishing this feature length film, if so desired.

Synopsis: California Chronicles of Medical Marijuana covers a twenty-two years period in time giving an overview of the legal battle California voters have fought to decriminalize medical marijuana.

This documentary draws on the best minds of the era to both describe the problem and remedies available. Experts give their opinions. It contains an interview with a fighting district attorney, doctors who give recommendations, and advocates for legalization including organizations like NORML, which has fought hard through the years towards understanding of the healing properties this herb can have.

The piece begins with a rousing speech by legendary Brownie Mary at Berkeley’s People’s Park, and traces the development of the California movement to make marijuana available for relieving symptoms of many serious illness such as glaucoma and seizure disorders, among others. Many historical events such as Hemp Festivals, pot protests and People’s Park smoke-ins covered by the videographer in her past twenty years, have been included in this film.
Also included are scenes from the opposition such as cop busts and federal refusal to honor the California vote.

Although the triumph of Proposition 215 made it possible for California residents to grow their own medicine, the federal government’s refusal to honor this state law has created a problem, which still exists today.

This documentary takes an objective look of the problems, revealing the nuances and hope for resolution that will help patients undergoing chemo, radiation, and other treatments causing nausea, for which marijuana is a specific help.

This feature length film is almost at a rough cut stage. B-Roll is starting to be inserted along with more physical movement such as cop busts into the piece. All the elements should be in place within weeks. No producers starting from scratch will be able to draw upon all the material that has accumulated in our twenty years of investigation on this subject.

The editor of this piece and many others films Christopher Sorrenti, will be editing, finishing, as well as doing creative, motion graphic on this feature-length documentary giving it a distinctive, fresh, artistic look.

We are an award-wining group with a long history of documentaries involving human rights. We are a tax-deductible public educational non-profit, having received previous grants from California Arts Council, the City of Berkeley, Alameda Arts Council, the Puffin Foundation and San Francisco Arts commission. Mayor Tom Bates of Berkeley writes:”Ms. Burch is a wonderful “Berkeley institution.” For over 20 years, she has used her camera and her pen to document the plight of homeless people in our community. She is respected for her skills as a filmmaker and for her deep commitment to improving our society.”

The piece contains interviews with: Legendary Brownie Mary, activist: Dennis Paron, Dr. Tod Mikuriya, attorneys; Matt in, Bill Panzer, Terrence Hallinan, Authors; Ed Rosenthal, Chris Conrad, Mikki Norris, Viginia Resner, Gary Beisler, Chairman of Divinity Tree Medical Marijuana dispensary; Charles Pappas, NORMAL State Coordinator; Dr. Dale Gieringer, Cannabis Trimmer; Dot Bambach, California Green Panther President; Christopher Trimbly and Clinical Psychologist; Annie Levy PHd

Duration : 0:7:29

Technorati Tags: Burch, California, Christopher, Chronicles, Claire, Director, Editor, marijuana, medical, Of, Sorrenti, the

How To Quit Weed - Quit Smoking Weed - Marijuana Addiction!

http://www.howtoquitmarijuana.com

A lot of people say that it is easy to quit weed because marijuana is not addictive.

Well, from my experiences of talking to HUNDREDS of people as well as experiencing the struggle myself for years, I know for a FACT that marijuana IS addictive.

…That is why I teach people how to quit smoking weed.

You may not have struggles trying to quit weed and that’s because the addiction is dependent on the INDIVIDUAL.

Some people are addicted to drinking, gambling, sex, and other vices.

…But there are those others that are addicted to smoking weed. So just because you don’t have struggles with weed DOES NOT MEAN you should tell others that marijuana is not addictive.

…So to all the people saying that marijuana is not addictive, PLEASE take into consideration the thousands and millions of people who struggle over this very challenging addiction.

It is addictive to some people whether you may believe it or not. So please state constructive and encouraging words to those who are working hard to become free from this addiction.

…And yes! There is hope for this because after being addicted to it for 5 years, I was able to overcome marijuana addiction once & for all!

…Now I have been sober ever since February 4th, 2006!

I have not smoked weed ever since then and feel better than because finally I am free from marijuana addiction.

…If you would like tips on how to quit smoking pot, feel free to sign up for my free online newsletter at:

http://www.howtoquitmarijuana.com

Duration : 0:3:25

Technorati Tags: how, marijuana, pot, quit, smoking, to, weed

If you have questions…

If you smoke marijuana basically once a day for a week, then stop smoking for two weeks, will you pass a drug?

I have smoked once a day for like eight days. Before that, I hadn’t smoked for months. Now, I am stopping for 13 days. I am skinny, and excercise a lot more than the average pothead. Will I pass?

It depends on the test being used. Most urine drug screens can detect most drugs (including marijuana) that have been used in past 30 days.
There is a test that can be done on a strand of your hair that can detect drug use back a year.
BTW, there really is nothing you can take or do to mask a drug test.

does marijuana affect the healing process of antibiotics?

I am taking an antibiotic in injection because I had a flu and a fever about two days ago. Right now I feel fine but still I have to continue with the antibiotic treatment for about two more days. I want to know in smoking marijuana in a small dose will affect the antibiotic’s effect and if it will cause me any harm due to the combination with the antibiotic.

No

What are the toxic effects of marijuana?

Please be very specific as to the harmful effects.
Please extend my expiration date

Short-term effects of marijuana include: problems with memory and learning, distorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch), trouble with thinking and problem solving, loss of motor coordination, increased heart rate, and anxiety.These effects are even greater when other drugs are mixed with marijuana.A user may also experience dry mouth and throat.

Long term effects: Marijuana smoke contains some of the same cancer-causing compounds as tobacco, sometimes in higher concentrations.Studies show that someone who smokes five joints per week may be taking in as many cancer-causing chemicals as someone who smokes a full pack of cigarettes every day

How do i get my best friend to stop smoking weed when he is convinced weed does nothing to him?

I really need help, he’s in too deep):
Don’t give me crap like ‘It’s his life let him make his own decisions’ because i dont wanna watch another one die and feel like i didnt try to help.

I have a best guy friend that also smokes weed. Last year, he was the perfect guy. We dated for a while but then I moved. He started smoking this year, and I’ve done everything I can to get him to stop. I recently moved back, and we dated again but broke up. He told friends he was going to stop for me because it really hurt me, but he broke up with me and they told me he probably did it because he wants to smoke.
At times, I think it’s not that bad. But It is. It impares your decision making and now, this guy was a straight A student, he doesn’t make those grades. He hangs out with bad influences and I constantly worry about him because I know who he really is, and what he used to and still can be.
The only thing I think that would help is to not always bug them about it because it will break up your friendship. My friend also thinks it does nothing to him. Just tell your friend how much he means to you and how bad you know it is. Tell him the results of drugs are never positive, and he should think about who he was before he started. how he acted and all that. Tell him you’ll always be there for him to support him to stop. Those that pressure him to do it arent his friends. He could always end up getting caught and he wouldnt want that to happen. Tell him to go at least a month and look at the difference of how he feels and his reactions/grades on things.
All I can say is, they must learn on their own. Once someone starts, I’ve never known anyone to stop them besides themselves. Just don’t tell your friend this.

what environmental effects does marijuana have on the environment?

what are some bad effects that it has on the environment?

Marijuana and Hemp are great for the environment check these links out.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/02/legalize-marijuana-california-environment.php

http://www.alternet.org/environment/133055/hemp_is_not_pot:_it%27s_the_economic_stimulus_and_green_jobs_solution_we_need/

http://network.earthday.net/profiles/blogs/the-solution-for-a-cleaner

http://www.r-go.ca/Hemp_benefit.htm

hope these help x

Cannabis confusion - The government’s reclassification of cannabis is illogical and unworkable.

What a shambles the reclassification of cannabis is – but maybe that’s a good thing. From the start of classification, in the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, cannabis was graded B, the intermediate level of classification that includes amphetamines and Ritalin, and attracts a maximum jail sentence of five years. Then in 2004, David Blunkett downgraded it to C, the lowest classification, with a maximum sentence of 2 years.

The reasons were many, and generally sound; the harm done by cannabis was judged to be far less than other class B drugs, many police claimed their time would be better spent dealing with more serious drugs, and much harm was done to society by the crime associated with prohibition. Although there was public anxiety that use would increase if the drug were downgraded, evidence from other countries suggested that the reverse was more likely and that use would fall. This proved right; use did fall.

Then what happened? In May 2008 Jacqui Smith announced that she wanted to reverse the decision and put cannabis back to Class B. She said she was concerned about the evidence linking cannabis smoking with schizophrenia, and with the increase in the supply of skunk and other strong forms of the drug.

There was indeed some evidence of a link with schizophrenia but the numbers of people affected are tiny, the risk small, and the reason for the correlation unknown (for example people who are genetically predisposed to schizophrenia may be more likely to smoke cannabis or to find it helpful). Some research even suggests that there is no link and that people diagnosed with “cannabis-induced psychosis” would have developed the symptoms anyway but blamed the drug. And interestingly, since the 1950s there has been a huge increase in cannabis smoking with no change in the rate of schizophrenia.

How should a government decide how best to act in the face of all these arguments? A very sensible option is to appoint an independent committee to examine the science, and to make recommendations. This is precisely what our government did, and in April 2008 the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, having examined masses of evidence and taken opinions from organisations of all kinds, reported back. They advised against the reclassification. So our prime minister, Gordon Brown, and his home secretary, Jacqui Smith, simply ignored them.

So as of yesterday cannabis is, once again, a Class B drug. Jacqui Smith says she wants to “protect the public”, and the Home Office website proudly states that reclassification is part of the strategy for “protecting families and communities”, when their own committee with their carefully weighed evidence, meticulously collected advice, and thoughtful recommendations, says it will do quite the opposite.

But the madness does not stop there. Instead of being reinstated on terms identical to those of other Class B drugs, cannabis is to have special treatment, with reprimands, warnings or charges for young people, and warning and confiscation for older users caught in possession, and on-the-spot fines to be introduced as soon as possible. The magistrates are confused and angered and say that on-the-spot fines are unacceptable.

How can any good come out of this shambles? My own view is that the safest and fairest thing to do with cannabis is to regulate and control it, to sell it in shops with proper pricing, packaging, warnings, and taxation, and to take the profits and control right away from criminals. This has to happen one day. We cannot go on with this system of prohibition that feeds crime and harms us all. Today’s shambles, by showing that our government does not act for the benefit of its people, will not take the advice of experts, and cannot even create a stable and workable legal framework, may just bring the end of prohibition a little closer.

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