August 30, 2009 – The United States is torn on whether or not marijuana is harmful or actually could be used for a healing intervention. There are many studies, articles, and doctor’s perspectives on this issue. But, what are the true facts?

According to a new Rasmussen Reports poll, Fifty-one percent (51%) of American adults say alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana, and just 19% think pot is worse. 25% believe both substances are dangerous. Just two percent (2%) say neither is harmful.

An online article on Saferchoice.org, “Marijuana vs Alcohol,” provides readers with evidence that alcohol is potentially more harmful and addictive than marijuana. A few reasons being:

1. “There are hundreds of alcohol overdose deaths each year, yet there has never been a marijuana overdose death in history.”

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, in 2001 there were 331 recorded alcohol overdose related deaths and 0 deaths dealing with marijuana overdose. The CDC also recorded 20,687 alcohol generated deaths in 2003; where as, there were no records of marijuana induced deaths.

2. “Alcohol is one of the most toxic drugs, and using just 10 times what one would use to get the desired effect can lead to death. Marijuana is one of – if not the – least toxic drugs, requiring thousands times the dose one would use to get the desired effect to lead to death.”

Dr. Leslie Iverson, Oxford University, found in his book, “The Science of Marijuana” that marijuana is a naturally “safe drug” which cannot lead to infertility, brain damage, cancer, or mental illness. He thinks that the legalization of the drug for medicinal purposes should be contemplated.

3. “Long-term marijuana use is far less harmful than long-term alcohol use.”

Drugpolicy.org notes, “There is no convincing scientific evidence that marijuana causes psychological damage or mental illness in either teenagers or adults. Some marijuana users experience psychological distress following marijuana ingestion, which may include feelings of panic, anxiety, and paranoia. Such experiences can be frightening, but the effects are temporary. With very large doses, marijuana can cause temporary toxic psychosis. This occurs rarely, and almost always when marijuana is eaten rather than smoked. Marijuana does not cause profound changes in people’s behavior.”

However, an article published last year by Reuters, provides evidence from Australian researchers that “Long-term heavy use of marijuana may cause two important brain structures to shrink.” They came to this hypothesis by conducting brain scans on men and women. Those who had smoked marijuana for five or more years showed smaller hippocampuses (portion of the brain that regulates memory) and amygdalas (section of the brain that deals with fear and aggression) than nonusers.

Marijuana has been a hotly debated issue for years and it will continue to be; but, one thing is certain, anything used in excess is called an addiction. We must think of the body as a pure and clean vessel. It is important that one uses wise judgment when putting any foreign substance into the body. By Kimberly Willingham. Source.

August 30, 2009 – ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. — Medical marijuana used to treat a 10-year-old boy with autism may sound shocking. But one Orange County mother says she exhausted all other options.

Before using medical marijuana, doctors described Joey as “hostile, destructive, a danger to himself and others.”

His mother says he’s now a different boy.

Four months ago, doctors told Joey’s mom that he was going to die. She strongly believes medical marijuana saved her son’s life.

“Had I had not gone this route, my son would not be here,” said Joey’s mom.

Joey was diagnosed with autism when he was 16-months-old. His symptoms are severe.

“His behavior was just completely off the charts,” said Joey’s mom. “It was taking its toll on our entire family.”

Joey doesn’t speak or walk. He’ll never lead a so-called normal life.

“He didn’t sleep for weeks, and neither did I,” said Joey’s mom.

She and a team of doctors tried everything, including 13 different medications and therapy. At one point, Joey was taking six medications at once. But the prescription drugs took a toll on Joey’s body, causing liver damage, minor seizures, insomnia and drastic weight loss.

Joey was diagnosed with malnutrition and anorexia, and his weight dropped to 46 pounds.

“I have a 10-year-old that was 46 pounds,” said Joey’s mom. “He was very weak. You could see the bones in his chest. And at that point I realized if I did not take him off these hardcore prescribed medications, my son was going to die.”

In desperation, Joey’s mom finally turned to medical marijuana. She gives it to him in specially prepared brownies and cookies.

She says the changes have been dramatic.

Joey’s doctor said she noticed a difference within weeks.

“She looked at Joey and said, ‘For the first time Joey has cheeks,’” Joey’s mom recalls. “Now he eats everything. Everything! Calamari & he eats sushi. My son is finally getting the nutrients that he’s been missing for the last seven years.

But it’s not just his appetite that has changed. Joey is calmer and less edgy.

“He’s happy, he feels alive. And to hear him make sounds, I mean, we’ve never heard him make sounds,” said Joey’s mom.

Joey’s repetitive behaviors have also diminished.

“This to me sounds like a very reasonable use of medical marijuana,” said Dr. Drew Pinksy, a specialist in addiction.

“The idea that somehow cannabis is a ‘bad’ drug and there are ‘good’ drugs, that’s a huge mistake. There are drugs that have liabilities and used properly can really help people. This is a clear situation where it’s helping a kid. Why shouldn’t they use it?” adds Dr. Drew.

He warns that any such treatment must be carefully monitored by Joey’s doctors, but potential addiction shouldn’t be an issue.

“I mean there may be withdrawal symptoms, there may be anxiety and other mood disturbances down the road from using cannabis, but you’re not going to use, it’s not going to convert this child who has no history of addiction into an addict,” said Dr. Drew.

Dr. Drew and Joey’s mom, both agree that more research is needed. But for now Joey’s mom believes the marijuana saved her son.

“People who have seen Joey … Joey’s a completely different child,” she said.

Joey’s mom did not want her name used in fear of a backlash, but agreed to tell their story in hopes of helping other parents with special needs children. By Ellen Leyva. Source.