Marijuana and Cannabis News

 From the article; The study also doesn't prove that marijuana causes cancer. In fact, the relationship the researchers found wasn't easy to explain. Men with lighter habits or who had given up pot smoking had a higher risk of testicular cancer than those who were current smokers or who reported heavier use.

To suggest that pregnant women should consume any type of mind altering substance is absolutely ludacris, not to mention stupid on steves part.  Steve is a moron and should not be giving anyone medical advice.   For every study backing his position there are at least 10 opposing it! I'm supprised that steve hasn't blocked everyone that does not agree with him, as that is usually his m.o!

You're quite welcome. And I hope you'll continue to contribute to the "cannabis discussion". Trolls abound, but they're nothing more than an annoying insect -- squash them and move on.

Thank you! I truly appreciate your thoughtful response.

I agree, citing rubbish studies or anecdotal information is intellectually lazy at best or just blatantly dishonest. Nonetheless, cannabinoid research is making significant strides in modern pharmacology, just check out GW Pharmaceuticals and the recent advances with CBDV (one of 80 identified cannabiniods unique to marijuana) and its positive impact on epilepsy. Recent studies abound and are growing daily. You just need to do some research. In fact, an exhaustive study (Tashkin, 2006) seeking to associate chronic cannabis smoking to lung cancer provided the researchers (and the government funding agency) with a major surprise -- It does not: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060526083353.htm  While you might think the "medical marijuana" movement is a joke (and in some cases it is), I believe it's a necessary step to level the playing field with the government disinformation campaign and elevate the dialogue to something more constructive. The discussion must center on verifiable clinical studies and not hyperbole or propaganda. The medical angle (in its legitimate form) forces the participants to look at the potential benefits of the plant and switches the discussion away from recreational use. The issue is twofold -- medical use & recreational use. And that distinction is critical to moving cannabis away from the Reefer Madness and Cheech & Chong polemic to a rational discussion about the potential medical benefits for many and the relatively benign recreational uses for the rest. Remember alcohol abuse is far more dangerous to both the individual and society than cannabis abuse. This position is strongly supported by a plethora of clinical, social, and law enforcement studies. Ask yourself why is alcohol legal and cannabis illegal? Cannabis prohibition is not based on peer-reviewed science, in fact it's foundation is based on a polar opposite - political fear mongering and polemics. We are working to change that dynamic for the good of individuals and society.

Actually if you'd spent time reading the report and the methodology standards you'd realize that the results are dubious and do not provide a meaningful causal link. Here's a quote from the article you cite: "The study also doesn't prove that marijuana causes cancer. In fact, the relationship the researchers found wasn't easy to explain. Men with lighter habits or who had given up pot smoking had a higher risk of testicular cancer than those who were current smokers or who reported heavier use." In the future, before you indulge ad hominem fallacies and cite spurious clinical trial results, do some research and think about what you're saying.

Thank you for reading my statement.  I sincerely meant no disrespect to Steve.  And said so to him when we were Facebook Friends, but this was too important.  And when he cut me off -- I needed to go directly to the source and shut this mis - information down. From my lifetime working in the sciences, and always for the goal to find greater uses for what I see as a miracle medicinal tonic - marijuana truly is a wondrous plant, I do not want to see my work get flushed down the toilet by someone who has been spreading falsehoods to pregnant women.  And it is just plain morally repugnant to me. Do No Harm is a BIG DEAL in the world I work in.

Study Finds No Link Between Marijuana And Cancer http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501729_pf.htmlNew U.S. Study Affirms Smoked Marijuana Protects Against Cancer http://www.nowpublic.com/health/new-us-study-affirms-smoked-marijuana-protects-against-cancer

Actually, combusting any biomass is inherently toxic for inhalation. You should be advocating vaporization or edibles. Where'd you get your MD degree? Oh? You're a journalist with a messianic chip on his shoulder? Could have fooled me.

 On a side note that is my last snide comment.   I've said my piece many times in the past and letting go of the anger.   Some people will never change their ways and no use trying.    It's sad but the truth.    Let's hope one of these three initiatives pass and puts the pressure on the feds.   Change comes little by little and will never be perfect in the beginning stages.    We all need to work together to stop having people thrown in jail, possessions and often children taken away, and destroys any chance of gaining purposeful employment over a non toxic plant. 

Watch it......Steve's ego is fragile and you'll send him into a 12 year old like tantrum and then boot you from the site.    Only a moron would say smoking anything is healthy while pregnant.  

Yea, because the internet is a primary source of information.

First of all, I want even commenting on the testicular cancer article. Secondly, EVERY SUBSTANCE HAS MULTIPLE USES. That doesn't make it a miracle drug. Thirdly, learn to read: I fully support the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. If you want to use it to "cure" cancer, go for it. But people with power and influence, whether a marijuana advocate or a government entity, have a civil responsibility to interpret results with thoughtfulness. Just because some women have used marijuana during pregnancy doesn't mean that it's safe for everyone. If I did, I would have harmed my child because of the way pot effects me. Also, I consume hemp on a regular basis and fully support it's multiple uses. Assumptions....

Marijuana smoke causes Steve Elliot to suck his moms dick. FACTOID *

Like I've said before, I can't believe Steve is the editor of anything. Dude is a whacko! Learn how to read Steve.

You are just as dumb as Steve. Smoke anotha one. Idiot!

 You should google the subject as there is alot more out there than just that one report. There are others that show lower death rate in children exposed to cannabis than those that are not. It seems from the post that you only looked at that one and you should look at more sources and other scientific evidence before you make up your mind about something. If you choose not to google it is your fault.

 Those paragraphs are full of misinformation. The only thing you got right is "Correlation does not equal causation." Re read the article in question that was posted by Tottisabiasedwhinerssite and say that to yourself. "Dr. Donald Abrams, professor of clinical medicine at the University of California-San Francisco, was not convinced of  marijuana's link to testicular cancer, telling HealthDay that if true, there should have been spikes in the disease among California males during the 1960s and 70s but there were no such reported rate increases. "If there were a true cause-and-effect relationship, one would see blips in testicular cancer rates associated with greater use of cannabis," he said." Taken from a different article. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57509427-10391704/marijuana-use-tied-to-testicular-cancer-in-young-men-cocaine-use-linked-to-risk-reduction/ You are just defending prohibitionist propaganda that is coming out right before these big votes.  Hilarious when all other research shows marijuana cures cancer one article right before a legalization vote comes out as scare tactics.  No more talking to you. My time is spent better else where.  686 pages of articles that prove how cannabis is medicine. My research is very current thank you. If you refuse to look a the links i provided it is not my fault. Check out hemp while you are at it it will blow your mind! Good luck

Unfortunately - I am beginning to see that it isn't just the right-wingers that have their loose cannons.  Stating that women should get high while pregnant and sighting a report where Steve either doesn't understand what it is saying or that he would prefer the controversy - the heat over the light - I think - is very bad for marijuana reform.

I went to the scientific report that Steve Elliot provided as proof that it was good to smoke pot while pregnant and read it from top to bottom -- then I went to what these "PHDs" who wrote the article used as evidence and looked that up and read it.  When compared to alcohol, tobacco, or cocaine -- marijuana was better.  There were anomalies where there was learning disabilities ie lower IQs, but no physical deformities for a small subset of Jamaican women who used marijuana. Still, as the article pointed out in the last sentence, while reassuring everybody that smokes pot that usually there is not a problem - it is sensible to NOT smoke pot while pregnant, if you don't need to.  I pointed this out to him on Facebook posting - and he de-Friended  me. I guess he expected that no one would read and understand what the statistics were actually showing.  If you only read the first paragraph of the report and did not read it carefully - you might get the impression that the science has proved that there is absolutely no problem smoking pot while pregnant.  What troubles me -- is the stupid way he is spreading another marijuana myth.  I am for legalization of marijuana on religious use, medicinal use, recreational use, and industrial use -- sending people to prison for using or selling weed is bad for the people who get caught up in the war-against-drugs US policy.  There is enough research to conclude that legalization is the right thing to do.  You don't have to mis-lead pregnant women.  Indeed, from a political standpoint this is a dumb move.  Let's say this report is being used in a State legislature to prove how safe marijuana is - and the people who want to keep pot illegal start trotting out the kids who did not do so good statistically.  Even if it wasn't necessarily the weed that caused the problem, you would have a giant horse and pony showcase on the evils of weed.   Steve may inadvertently set the marijuana movement back by pushing weed to pregnant women without getting all the research done, not having all the facts, and spinning science to suit his agenda.  ~~ Eco B Green PS A code of "Do No Harm" is more important to protect the individual child - than winning a game of statistics on costs vs benefits of women smoking pot during their pregnacy.

You also need to brush up on research methods and statistics. When a majority of evidence in a study comes from the 1980s researchers would probably agree that new studies are needed and the reader should demand accurate and timely data to make informed decisions. Marijuana is not a miracle substance; there is no such thing. Does it help some responsible people heal? Absolutely. Is it safer than pharmaceuticals? Safer than some, especially in it's edible form. Is it an effective tool to resist Big Pharma? Undoubtedly. For most, its a wonderful way to wind down from the day. And guess what? Stress reduction plays a significant role in lowering the symptoms of chronic pain, other medical conditions, and mental health. Correlation does not equal causation. The missing link is marijuana's effective reduction of stress. Does that make it medical? No. Call it what it is: an enjoyable mind altering substance. And again with the name calling and troll accusation. I'm trying to evoke an intelligent debate.

 Neither are you!

 Yeah outdated facts and scientific evidence from the last 40 years. Do some reading. All marijuana is medical whether you want it to be or not. The plant does not have a bias as to who it heals. No matter where you are geographically or if you have a card or not. Again. Do research before you post your "opinion". From the way you speak im sure you are one of the other pathetic trolls that lurk on this site.

I was called a troll and called names. Just look at my post below.

Yeah thats the reason. His name says troll right off the bat.

Cocaine was his drug of choice. Pot use continued well after he quit coke. He barely remembers my childhood, which is a natural consequence of substance use, prescribed or street.

Why is every challenge met with name calling and an accusation of trolling? This is one reason why serious dialogue is lacking and why a lot of people will continue to vote against any laws promoting the use of marijuana

 You want to site one article? Here try this one. http://www.letfreedomgrow.com/cmu/GrannysListJan2012.pdf A list of conditions MMJ helps or cures. 686 articles that put yours to shame.

 a "real" article with no scientific evidence. lol call someone a dumb fuck from one "article" when there is a vast ocean of evidence that supports what Steve is saying and makes tottisabiasedwhinerssite look like an idiot.

Ok, but name calling is so much more fun! :-)

Well said. Stick with that, not the name calling and generalities.

My name-calling is borne of frustration that those who demonize cannabis don't bother to take the time to read about it and instead simply parrot the lies they've been told. Choosing ignorance over information - because of personal bias, religion, profit, etc. is dark-ages mentality. It's the choice the Spanish Inquisition made when they persecuted scientists for heresy. You can believe the sun revolves around the earth if you want - like they did - but it's not true. We know this thanks to impartial, unbiased science. Our doctors "hide behind scientific studies" every time they prescribe a chemical to a patient. The  difference is those studies are paid for by the same businesses that stand to make billions off of the sale of those chemicals. They wouldn't fudge the number would they? Phen-Fen anyone? Vioxx maybe? There are millions of "legal" addicts to Vicoden, Oxy, etc. not to mention the black market for these incredibly deadly chemicals that fuels rising crime all over the country. Real personal and property crime, not imaginary crime like smoking a plant in your own home. These are the addicts you should be alarmed about - they're your neighbors and friends and their kids. Maybe yours. Prescription drug overdose is one of the top 3 leading causes of death in the U.S. That's what we should be talking about, not some weed that's never harmed a soul.

What is with all the name calling? It really takes away from the strong voices in this debate.

Oh yeah - then there's this little tidbit from the study saying cannabis causes testicular cancer: "The study also doesn't prove that marijuana causes cancer. In fact, the relationship the researchers found wasn't easy to explain. Men with lighter habits or who had given up pot smoking had a higher risk of testicular cancer than those who were current smokers or who reported heavier use." Can any of you anti-cannabis morons actually read? 

Cannabis is the Tree of Life. Cannabis contains almost everything a human (no matter what size) needs to stay healthy and out in front of most major diseases. The only studies that have been junk science are those that conclude cannabis is harmful. The monkey suffocation study in the '70s is a prime example. They forced monkeys to inhale almost pure cannabis smoke, killed them, then pointed at the subsequent brain damage as being caused by cannabis. It was just that they didn't get oxygen - no other researchers could duplicate the results using approved methods. Propaganda, pure and simple, masquerading as science. We're fighting the lies of the last 80 years, conceived in ignorance, greed, and prejudice to bury any notion of benefit from cannabis. The science is in folks - all y'all have to do is read. You know how to do that, right? Start with a book called, "Marijuana - Gateway to Health" (I have no ties to this book, author, profit from it, etc.). It was published in 2011 and contains lots of current studies. The only thing it didn't include, oddly, is a mention of our government's federal patent on cannabinoids as neuro-protectants and anti-oxidants. Steve - hats off for having the sand to tell the truth about something so taboo as cannabis during pregnancy. I wonder what the anti-cannabis mothers think about thalidomide? Perfectly legal, doctor prescribed, etc. or any other of the chemicals we're brainwashed into believing is "medicine" that are even now damaging us in ways only a lawsuit will uncover years down the road. Autism anyone? In the medical profession, we're all guinea pigs (ever hear your doctor say, "Try this and see if it works for you."?) for Big Pharma, and the suffering and death we see from this cynical misuse of our trust in our doctors is counted as just a cost of doing business. Patients dying from poorly tested medicine is a cost of doing business for the pharmaceutical companies. Just ask them. We're simply an expendable, self-renewing revenue source blindly accepting dangerous unproven chemicals from doctors that have taken an oath to first do no harm. And our government is in collusion with these big-dollar bastards, using our own money to keep us from using what was put here to keep us healthy.

What was your parent addicted to..?

I'm female, with a daughter, and I was raised by an addict. And even if I identified as another gender, my opinion would still be valid. You clearly didnt read what I wrote. We are in agreement with each other. I encourage people to explore the research so an informed and empowered decision can be made. The desperate rant OF A MAN WITH POWER AND PERSUASION encouraging women to use during pregnancy is completely irresponsible especially when he cites out dated evidence and manipulates the conclusions of the studies. Please help educate yourself by reading up on research and statistics. I'm "hiding behind my keyboard" just as much as you are...

Marijuana use harms no one, unlike alcohol, meth, etc. It is wrong to blame a beneficial herb, and lump it in with the rest of the life destroying concoctions.... It's the marijuana LAWS that harm people.

 http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?cdrid=46255 nonseminoma  listen  (NON-seh-mih-NOH-muh)       A type of cancer that begins in cells that form sperm or eggs. There are several types of nonseminoma tumors, including embryonal carcinoma, malignant teratoma, choriocarcinoma, and yolk sac tumor. These tumors are usually made up of more than one type of cancer cell. Although nonseminomas occur most often in the testicles or ovaries, they can occur in other tissues, such as the brain, chest, or abdomen. This happens when cells that have the ability to form sperm or eggs are found in other parts of the body. Blame it on da weed now... got to find that evil weed is somehow scientifically wrong.. or an easy out .. http://news.yahoo.com/china-investigates-whether-children-used-gmo-golden-rice-052626235.html China investigates whether children used in GMO "golden rice" trial BEIJING (Reuters) - China's health authorities will investigate allegations that genetically modified (GMO) rice was tested on Chinese children as part of a Sino-U.S. research project, state media said on Tuesday. Nothing like this goes on here in the USA does it ?? Nope, blame it on the cannabis plant for those whom think of just trying it... F.alseE.videnceA.ppearingR.eal Tactics with a new face.. a mans future.. Talk about a low-blow... right in the nut sack. Pussies!! The things they think of.. Now look at how wheat affects the human body because of the high gluten factors .. it causes cancer in more than a young mans nut sack !! http://safeaccessnow.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=6557  Celiac Disease and it's "deathly" complications Celiac Disease Research: Associated Diseases and DisordersThis category contains summaries of research articles that deal with all known associated diseases and disorders of celiac disease. The articles are broken down by the sub-category of the related celiac disorder. * Cancer, Lymphoma and Celiac Disease * Fertility, Pregnancy, Miscarriage and Celiac Disease * Flatulence (Gas) and Celiac Disease- lol...... * Infertility, Impotency and Celiac Disease * Schizophrenia / Mental Problems and Celiac Disease * Sepsis and Celiac Disease Deciphering the Ailments Tied to Gluten- February 7, 2012, 8:51 AM By Melinda Beck Researchers are making slow progress in understanding the numerous ailments that a growing number of people suffer after eating foods with gluten, a protein found in wheat. CD-Reprogramming of CTLs into natural killer-like cells in celiac disease.htm- post #27 Reprogramming of CTLs into natural killer–like cells in celiac disease Celiac CTLs change their stripes Heather L. Van EppsJ. Exp. Med. 2006 203: 1135. [Full Text] [PDF] So this protein causes more health complications and it is a stable dietary need in the USA.. Leave the cannabis weed out of it... and look at this type of weed instead... as it is well documented why we are getting sick and our balls hurt.. And it is great for woman whom are pregnant..  You go steve !!

Bullshite

I heard that Satvex is going to announce that its the cure for testicular problems and a safer alternative to Viagra.  I guess we'll be having a lot a republicans spraying their balls and mini-members.

 You'll need the weed while he goes through the "terrible twos"!!!

You have absolutely no idea what you are speaking of so instead of hiding behind your keyboard and passing judgement troll somewhere else.  If you are a man - then you ABSOLUTELY have no place to judge something you can not even live through... unless you are the transgender man that has babies then maybe, highly doubtful.  This is an article on pregnancy and MMJ.  Some women out there may feel the need to do research for peace of mind due to ignorant stereotypes.  If they have a condition that warrants MMJ, lets give them accurate intelligent advice.  Either way, stop spewing your negativity where it is not wanted. 

I smoked with my pregnancy.  I was very sick, losing weight, I had a ton of stress and  anxiety as well.  It helped.  My son is 23 months, very energetic, smart, a wonderfully healthy big boy.  AGAIN - 23 months old, 38" tall 41 lbs, and half my height already!!  Can count to 5 with mama and daddys assistance, and knows if mom says 1 - Brandon says 2 - mom says 3 - Brandon says 4... Pretty smart for a 23 month old.  Always in the 90th percentile when he goes to the Drs.  :)

Marijuana smoking tied to testicular cancer. http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/373140/marijuana-smoking-tied-to-testicular-cancer

Btw guys Steve Elliot is not a doctor or scientist. It seems fitting that he was preaching this bullshit at a marijuana festival filled with doped up morons.

A spliff *

Steve you are an irresponsible idiot. So what next? Should parents spark a splitting with Jr. Before he heads off to skool? I think the hep c has taken over your tiny brain.

The marijuana movement needs to stop hiding behind research and be honest: you don't want to stop using. And that's fine. Citing medical research in which the statistics are skewed and out dated is not going to help your cause. Medical marijuana is a joke. Just legalize it for what it is: an enjoyable mind altering substance. Going around telling pregnant women that it's totally fine and even beneficial to their developing fetus is ludicrous. Dispelling the fear tactics implemented by prude doctors is needed but find a more responsible way to do it.