Letters
Assorted posts, emails, etc.
2) The other item is this business about legalizing marijuana to fill the state’s financial coffers. Talk about your uncaring greed!
As opposed to what Mizeur and similar types would like us to believe, marijuana is not a safe drug. It’s not a legalizing issue: it’s a health issue.
All one has to do is look back to Chase Maryland on January 4, 1987, to see just one consequence of marijuana abuse - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Maryland_train_collision - “Gates and his brakeman, Edward "Butch" Cromwell, were also smoking a marijuana cigarette. Marijuana can alter one's sense of time and impair the ability to perform tasks that require concentration.” – George Mason University / Marijuana Fact sheet
Pro-marijuana advocates have tried to rationalize this, by claiming that with legalization, those responsible will be prosecuted … but we already do that. That logic will bring no comfort to victims and their families.
Worse though, are the medical studies that show how damaging marijuana is to cognitive abilities of our children, especially teens, at the time when their brains are developing the most.
Legalizing marijuana will send the wrong message to our kids. Mizeur must either be grossly ignorant of, or else deliberately ignoring the evidence.
My opinion.
George F. Spicka
Baltimore, MD
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130724125028.htm
“Marijuana Use in Adolescence May Cause Permanent Brain Abnormalities …”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803123240.htm
“How Marijuana Causes Memory Deficits”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130724125028.htm
“Marijuana Use in Adolescence May Cause Permanent Brain Abnormalities …”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805110741.htm
“Growing Evidence Of Marijuana Smoke's Potential Dangers”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121214190942.htm
“Combined Chronic Alcohol and Marijuana Use During Youth Can Compromise White-Matter Integrity”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606131705.htm
"Chronic Marijuana Smoking Affects Brain Chemistry ..."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202175105.htm
“Adolescents and young adults who are heavy users of marijuana are more likely than non-users to have disrupted brain development …”
As opposed to what Mizeur and similar types would like us to believe, marijuana is not a safe drug. It’s not a legalizing issue: it’s a health issue.
All one has to do is look back to Chase Maryland on January 4, 1987, to see just one consequence of marijuana abuse - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Maryland_train_collision - “Gates and his brakeman, Edward "Butch" Cromwell, were also smoking a marijuana cigarette. Marijuana can alter one's sense of time and impair the ability to perform tasks that require concentration.” – George Mason University / Marijuana Fact sheet
Pro-marijuana advocates have tried to rationalize this, by claiming that with legalization, those responsible will be prosecuted … but we already do that. That logic will bring no comfort to victims and their families.
Worse though, are the medical studies that show how damaging marijuana is to cognitive abilities of our children, especially teens, at the time when their brains are developing the most.
Legalizing marijuana will send the wrong message to our kids. Mizeur must either be grossly ignorant of, or else deliberately ignoring the evidence.
My opinion.
George F. Spicka
Baltimore, MD
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130724125028.htm
“Marijuana Use in Adolescence May Cause Permanent Brain Abnormalities …”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803123240.htm
“How Marijuana Causes Memory Deficits”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130724125028.htm
“Marijuana Use in Adolescence May Cause Permanent Brain Abnormalities …”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805110741.htm
“Growing Evidence Of Marijuana Smoke's Potential Dangers”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121214190942.htm
“Combined Chronic Alcohol and Marijuana Use During Youth Can Compromise White-Matter Integrity”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606131705.htm
"Chronic Marijuana Smoking Affects Brain Chemistry ..."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202175105.htm
“Adolescents and young adults who are heavy users of marijuana are more likely than non-users to have disrupted brain development …”
Facebook June 4, 2014
Doc Scantlin OK...we have the marihuana is horrible and marihuana is wonderful debate. Just like alcohol and guns. I have to admit, when I see the, let's all jump on the "xyz" band wagon of conformity, I start looking for the devil's advocate point of view as there are many times two opposite sides to a subject and, even if I am on one side, the other side needs to be considered...my purpose for the offering above. Again, if we have alcohol legal, common sense tells me other drugs should be as well. If they are abused and others get hurt, then these folks need to spend a LONG time in the pen at hard labor.
George Spicka "I start looking for the devil's advocate point of view." I suggest looking at actual studies. That's why I always provide reference links to back up my posts. The problem with that approach is cognitive dissonance - excessive mental discomfort when the mind is faced with two conflicting ideas. In the case with marijuana advocacy, it's when the belief that marijuana is harmless runs headlong into the mounting evidence of it's adverse effects. Depending on the maturity of the individual, they either mentally avoid information information, i.e. denial, that causes the mental discomfort, or else attack the source of those whose opinions they disagree with, in an attempt to justify their beliefs, which have been shown to be invalid - "trying to discuss facts with a conservative is like putting a bow tie on a pig."
- - - - - - - - - -
Doc Scantlin "If they are abused and others get hurt, then these folks need to spend a LONG time in the pen at hard labor"
George Spicka "We already punish them with jail time, but it brings little comfort to the friends and families of the victims.
- - - - - - - - - -
Doc Scantlin "freedom is more important than forcing people”
George Spicka It's an issue of education, knowledge, and honesty.
- - - - - - - - - -
Doc Scantlin "It's an issue of education, knowledge, and honesty."
...Perfect!...and then the freedom for each of us to decide...
- - - - - - - - - -
George Spicka You notice that I never said the pro marijuana folks were wrong or immoral. They're adults and will have to bare the consequences of their choices. I just want them to know what doctors and researchers have to say about the issue, and not just opinions from average people not involved in medicine.
- - - - - - - - - -
"Of course, he (Carl Sagan) was a hack." I was an honors geology student when Cosmos appeared. I thought it was wonderful the way he brought science into our homes. Since he passed away 18 years ago, we have more available information about marijuana then when he was alive. I've suffered from depression for over 40 years. The first step I took to improve my life was to give up my daily use of marijuana.
<><><><><><>
“In March, the state recorded its first death directly tied to legal recreational marijuana when a 19-year-old African exchange student, Levy Thamba Pongi, fell to his death after he and three other students had driven from their college in Wyoming to sample Colorado’s newly legal ware legal marijuana. Mr. Pongi ate marijuana-infused cookies, began acting wildly, and leapt from a hotel balcony. officials said. The medical examiner’s office said marijuana intoxication had made a “significant” contribution to the accident.”
http://www.inquisitr.com/1277873/colorado-now-seeing-the-downside-of-a-legal-high/#DRbjIBj7BP9evxR8.99
Doc Scantlin OK...we have the marihuana is horrible and marihuana is wonderful debate. Just like alcohol and guns. I have to admit, when I see the, let's all jump on the "xyz" band wagon of conformity, I start looking for the devil's advocate point of view as there are many times two opposite sides to a subject and, even if I am on one side, the other side needs to be considered...my purpose for the offering above. Again, if we have alcohol legal, common sense tells me other drugs should be as well. If they are abused and others get hurt, then these folks need to spend a LONG time in the pen at hard labor.
George Spicka "I start looking for the devil's advocate point of view." I suggest looking at actual studies. That's why I always provide reference links to back up my posts. The problem with that approach is cognitive dissonance - excessive mental discomfort when the mind is faced with two conflicting ideas. In the case with marijuana advocacy, it's when the belief that marijuana is harmless runs headlong into the mounting evidence of it's adverse effects. Depending on the maturity of the individual, they either mentally avoid information information, i.e. denial, that causes the mental discomfort, or else attack the source of those whose opinions they disagree with, in an attempt to justify their beliefs, which have been shown to be invalid - "trying to discuss facts with a conservative is like putting a bow tie on a pig."
- - - - - - - - - -
Doc Scantlin "If they are abused and others get hurt, then these folks need to spend a LONG time in the pen at hard labor"
George Spicka "We already punish them with jail time, but it brings little comfort to the friends and families of the victims.
- - - - - - - - - -
Doc Scantlin "freedom is more important than forcing people”
George Spicka It's an issue of education, knowledge, and honesty.
- - - - - - - - - -
Doc Scantlin "It's an issue of education, knowledge, and honesty."
...Perfect!...and then the freedom for each of us to decide...
- - - - - - - - - -
George Spicka You notice that I never said the pro marijuana folks were wrong or immoral. They're adults and will have to bare the consequences of their choices. I just want them to know what doctors and researchers have to say about the issue, and not just opinions from average people not involved in medicine.
- - - - - - - - - -
"Of course, he (Carl Sagan) was a hack." I was an honors geology student when Cosmos appeared. I thought it was wonderful the way he brought science into our homes. Since he passed away 18 years ago, we have more available information about marijuana then when he was alive. I've suffered from depression for over 40 years. The first step I took to improve my life was to give up my daily use of marijuana.
<><><><><><>
“In March, the state recorded its first death directly tied to legal recreational marijuana when a 19-year-old African exchange student, Levy Thamba Pongi, fell to his death after he and three other students had driven from their college in Wyoming to sample Colorado’s newly legal ware legal marijuana. Mr. Pongi ate marijuana-infused cookies, began acting wildly, and leapt from a hotel balcony. officials said. The medical examiner’s office said marijuana intoxication had made a “significant” contribution to the accident.”
http://www.inquisitr.com/1277873/colorado-now-seeing-the-downside-of-a-legal-high/#DRbjIBj7BP9evxR8.99
Marijuana
From: jazzstreet <[email protected]>
To: ehrlichcolumn <[email protected]>
Date: Sun, Jul 6, 2014 11:22 am
Hello Bob Ehrlich,
I haven't visited the Sun's website for sometime, and was pleasantly surprised to see you there as a columnist :)
This former moderate democrat stepped into the conservative camp over 15 years ago with no regret. My core beliefs are still the same as in my early 20's. It's the Democrat Party that's changed.
The concern I wish to express in this email is this business of legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
I have no objection to legitimate medical use and personally, I don't care all that much if people want to use in private.
The big concern about the push for legalization, is that it constantly ignores the negative effects marijuana has on one's health, especially on kids, teens, and young adults.
I was truly dismayed when I saw gubernatorial candidate Heather Mizeur and another democrat, while on Richard Sher's program, declare that marijuana wasn't addictive and causes little real harm.
Contrary to what NORML and similar organizations would like us to believe, there's plenty of data about marijuana's impact on health, research and studies, conducted by doctors and scientists, at universities and hospitals, that have been published in scientific journals.
The latest, published this past June 5 in the New England Journal of Medicine, talks about the risk for addiction, especially in young people.
On one of my websites, I have links to information about marijuana - http://georgespicka.weebly.com/marijuana.html
I hope you share this with all concerned.
1) A report from the American Lung Association
2) The January 1984 Amtrak Tragedy in Chase, MD
3) Published research articles at Science News Daily
4) News Articles
I have a personal interest in this as well. In my early 20's, I became addicted to marijuana. Over 40 years later, I'm still suffering from it's effects.
Sincerely,
George F. Spicka
www.georgefspicka.com
From: jazzstreet <[email protected]>
To: ehrlichcolumn <[email protected]>
Date: Sun, Jul 6, 2014 11:22 am
Hello Bob Ehrlich,
I haven't visited the Sun's website for sometime, and was pleasantly surprised to see you there as a columnist :)
This former moderate democrat stepped into the conservative camp over 15 years ago with no regret. My core beliefs are still the same as in my early 20's. It's the Democrat Party that's changed.
The concern I wish to express in this email is this business of legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
I have no objection to legitimate medical use and personally, I don't care all that much if people want to use in private.
The big concern about the push for legalization, is that it constantly ignores the negative effects marijuana has on one's health, especially on kids, teens, and young adults.
I was truly dismayed when I saw gubernatorial candidate Heather Mizeur and another democrat, while on Richard Sher's program, declare that marijuana wasn't addictive and causes little real harm.
Contrary to what NORML and similar organizations would like us to believe, there's plenty of data about marijuana's impact on health, research and studies, conducted by doctors and scientists, at universities and hospitals, that have been published in scientific journals.
The latest, published this past June 5 in the New England Journal of Medicine, talks about the risk for addiction, especially in young people.
On one of my websites, I have links to information about marijuana - http://georgespicka.weebly.com/marijuana.html
I hope you share this with all concerned.
1) A report from the American Lung Association
2) The January 1984 Amtrak Tragedy in Chase, MD
3) Published research articles at Science News Daily
4) News Articles
I have a personal interest in this as well. In my early 20's, I became addicted to marijuana. Over 40 years later, I'm still suffering from it's effects.
Sincerely,
George F. Spicka
www.georgefspicka.com
Marijuana News
From: jazzstreet <[email protected]>
To: talkback <[email protected]>
Date:Wed, Jul 9, 2014 8:15 am
The important news about marijuana isn’t that it now can be bought in Washington State, it’s in the research that’s showing up in publications like the April 2014 Journal of the American Heart Association, "The general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use needs to be disseminated to the public, policymakers and healthcare providers.”
George F. Spicka
7514 Clearlake Lane
Middle River, MD 21220
410.227.8914
www.georgefspicka.com
From: jazzstreet <[email protected]>
To: talkback <[email protected]>
Date:Wed, Jul 9, 2014 8:15 am
The important news about marijuana isn’t that it now can be bought in Washington State, it’s in the research that’s showing up in publications like the April 2014 Journal of the American Heart Association, "The general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use needs to be disseminated to the public, policymakers and healthcare providers.”
George F. Spicka
7514 Clearlake Lane
Middle River, MD 21220
410.227.8914
www.georgefspicka.com
Pam, I’m posting information here about marijuana with the prior knowledge, invitation, and approval of Nancy Trimbull. We arrived at this after she saw an earlier post of mine from the American Heart Association - "The general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use needs to be disseminated to the public.”
Our nation is in this bind because of years of unrelenting propaganda from groups like NORML They are political activists with an agenda. As such, they will distort, falsify, and outright lie in order to achieve their ends.
My interest in this is that I was addicted to marijuana in my early 20s. As a result, at age 25 I suffered a “nervous breakdown,” a near psychotic break with reality, whose mental effects I’m still suffering to this day.
I’m determined to prevent as many others as I can from going through this hell, by sharing what I have found.
All the information is research conducted by doctors and scientists, at hospitals and universities, which have been published in medical or scientific journals. The news items are all from major sources, and not blogs or biased websites.
Of all the negative issues with marijuana, the one I consider priority is how it effects the minds of children, teens, and young adults.
If you love your kids and grandkids, I pray you don’t brush this aside, as the evidence is mounting.
I have collected a number of research articles (link below). These are arranged by date, the most recent being a summary of marijuana’s negative health effects, including addiction, from the National Institutes of Health - http://georgespicka.weebly.com/science-daily-news---marijuana-links.html
FB / Parkville High School Knights 07/09/2014
Our nation is in this bind because of years of unrelenting propaganda from groups like NORML They are political activists with an agenda. As such, they will distort, falsify, and outright lie in order to achieve their ends.
My interest in this is that I was addicted to marijuana in my early 20s. As a result, at age 25 I suffered a “nervous breakdown,” a near psychotic break with reality, whose mental effects I’m still suffering to this day.
I’m determined to prevent as many others as I can from going through this hell, by sharing what I have found.
All the information is research conducted by doctors and scientists, at hospitals and universities, which have been published in medical or scientific journals. The news items are all from major sources, and not blogs or biased websites.
Of all the negative issues with marijuana, the one I consider priority is how it effects the minds of children, teens, and young adults.
If you love your kids and grandkids, I pray you don’t brush this aside, as the evidence is mounting.
I have collected a number of research articles (link below). These are arranged by date, the most recent being a summary of marijuana’s negative health effects, including addiction, from the National Institutes of Health - http://georgespicka.weebly.com/science-daily-news---marijuana-links.html
FB / Parkville High School Knights 07/09/2014
“This thirteen-year-old article calls it a "rare trigger." Not too persuasive, George.”
Mark, you’ve focused on one comment only and ignored the critical details within.
For example, the report found that within 1 hour after smoking marijuana, the risk of heart attack was elevated 4.8-fold compared with periods of nonuse.
The data was obtained from interviews with individuals that had suffered a heart attack. Of these there were 124 who reported smoking marijuana, 37 within 24 hours of onset, 9 within 1 hour. What you don’t seem to appreciate is that by this method it’s impossible to get information from the most important group of all, those who died after smoking marijuana.
And what about the following? “Marijuana has several well-described effects on the cardiovascular system.” It says these effects could “present a serious problem for older subjects.”
I want my friends and loved ones to know about this. If I have to take heat for taking the high ground, then so be it.
Another source you overlooked are the footnotes. The following are real cases with real people.
12. Myocardial infarction in the virtual absence of risk factors occurred in a 25-year old man shortly after smoking a cigarette containing marijuana. (1979)
13. Myocardial infarction during marijuana smoking in a young female. (1985)
Looking at these articles lead to more footnotes and more articles where found additional information about marijuana’s cardiac dangers, like the following.
In 2000, Harvard researcher Murray Mittleman, told an American Heart Association meeting, “It causes the heart rate to increase by about 40 beats a minute” … "Blood pressure increases then abruptly falls when the person stands up. This could precipitate a heart attack."
And
“Mittleman noted that, as an immediate trigger for heart attack, pot smoking is nearly twice as dangerous as sex for a sedentary person, exercise for a fit male or female, a tantrum of rage, or a bout of anxiety. But it’s less risky than a spurt of exercise for a couch potato or a snort of cocaine.”
Getting back to your “13-year old article” comment, you can see I cited pieces from 2000, 1985, and 1979. That’s because for years, NORML and similar politically motivated activist groups, having been saying there is no danger from marijuana. They’ve been lying to the America public for at least 35-years now. Even the intelligent have proven to be gullible.
In closing, the April 2014 Journal of the American Heart Association has another piece about heart attacks and marijuana. It is just one of seven scientific research articles that I’ve seen this year. In this one, it talks about young and middle age adults who have died as the result of smoking marijuana.
Still not convinced?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140423170900.htm
Mark, you’ve focused on one comment only and ignored the critical details within.
For example, the report found that within 1 hour after smoking marijuana, the risk of heart attack was elevated 4.8-fold compared with periods of nonuse.
The data was obtained from interviews with individuals that had suffered a heart attack. Of these there were 124 who reported smoking marijuana, 37 within 24 hours of onset, 9 within 1 hour. What you don’t seem to appreciate is that by this method it’s impossible to get information from the most important group of all, those who died after smoking marijuana.
And what about the following? “Marijuana has several well-described effects on the cardiovascular system.” It says these effects could “present a serious problem for older subjects.”
I want my friends and loved ones to know about this. If I have to take heat for taking the high ground, then so be it.
Another source you overlooked are the footnotes. The following are real cases with real people.
12. Myocardial infarction in the virtual absence of risk factors occurred in a 25-year old man shortly after smoking a cigarette containing marijuana. (1979)
13. Myocardial infarction during marijuana smoking in a young female. (1985)
Looking at these articles lead to more footnotes and more articles where found additional information about marijuana’s cardiac dangers, like the following.
In 2000, Harvard researcher Murray Mittleman, told an American Heart Association meeting, “It causes the heart rate to increase by about 40 beats a minute” … "Blood pressure increases then abruptly falls when the person stands up. This could precipitate a heart attack."
And
“Mittleman noted that, as an immediate trigger for heart attack, pot smoking is nearly twice as dangerous as sex for a sedentary person, exercise for a fit male or female, a tantrum of rage, or a bout of anxiety. But it’s less risky than a spurt of exercise for a couch potato or a snort of cocaine.”
Getting back to your “13-year old article” comment, you can see I cited pieces from 2000, 1985, and 1979. That’s because for years, NORML and similar politically motivated activist groups, having been saying there is no danger from marijuana. They’ve been lying to the America public for at least 35-years now. Even the intelligent have proven to be gullible.
In closing, the April 2014 Journal of the American Heart Association has another piece about heart attacks and marijuana. It is just one of seven scientific research articles that I’ve seen this year. In this one, it talks about young and middle age adults who have died as the result of smoking marijuana.
Still not convinced?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140423170900.htm
To: charlene.cochran <[email protected]>; <[email protected]> / July 21, 2014
Marijuana use may increase heart complications in young, middle-aged adults
American Heart Association / April 23, 2014
A Brief Summary:
This report was based on research conducted in France. Links to both below.
In France, serious cases of abuse and dependence in response to the use of psychoactive substances must be reported to the national system of the French Addictovigilance Network. Between 2006 and 2010, there were nearly 2,000 marijuana-related complications. Of these, 35 were cardiovascular.
22 were heart-related, including 20 heart attacks; 10 were peripheral with diseases related to arteries in the limbs; and three were related to the brain's arteries. Nine were fatal (25%).
The percentage of reported cardiovascular complications more than tripled from 2006 to 2010.
Researchers note that marijuana use and any resulting health complications are likely underreported.
""The general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use needs to be disseminated to the public, policymakers and healthcare providers." - Emilie Jouanjus, PharmD, PhD
American Heart Association report - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140423170900.htm
Original research - http://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/3/2/e000638
Marijuana use may increase heart complications in young, middle-aged adults
American Heart Association / April 23, 2014
A Brief Summary:
This report was based on research conducted in France. Links to both below.
In France, serious cases of abuse and dependence in response to the use of psychoactive substances must be reported to the national system of the French Addictovigilance Network. Between 2006 and 2010, there were nearly 2,000 marijuana-related complications. Of these, 35 were cardiovascular.
22 were heart-related, including 20 heart attacks; 10 were peripheral with diseases related to arteries in the limbs; and three were related to the brain's arteries. Nine were fatal (25%).
The percentage of reported cardiovascular complications more than tripled from 2006 to 2010.
Researchers note that marijuana use and any resulting health complications are likely underreported.
""The general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use needs to be disseminated to the public, policymakers and healthcare providers." - Emilie Jouanjus, PharmD, PhD
American Heart Association report - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140423170900.htm
Original research - http://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/3/2/e000638
Letter to the Editor: Baltimore Sun
"Grandstanding (n) - acting or speaking in a way intended to attract attention and to influence the opinion of people who are watching."
With regard to Dan Rodrick's July 22 comment about Andy Harris "grandstanding," concerning the legalization of recreational marijuana, Harris stands in good company.
An April 23, 2014 report by the American Heart Association says, "The general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use needs to be disseminated to the public ..."
From the June 5, 2014 repot by National Institutes of Health: "The current state of science on the adverse health effects of marijuana use links the drug to several significant adverse effects including addiction."
These are just two of seven research articles that have come out in 2014 concerning the dangers of marijuana.
For concerned parents, worst is the effect of marijuana on the cognitive abilities of kids, teens, and young adults, something that's already been known for a number of years.
Thanks to the half-truths, omission of facts, reinterpretation of research, and willful ignorance of selfish political activist groups like NORML, America now stands at the precipice of a major health crisis.
While some of Harris's views may indeed be questionable, on the issue of marijuana, it is not.
George F. Spicka
Baltimore, MD
410-227-8914
"Grandstanding (n) - acting or speaking in a way intended to attract attention and to influence the opinion of people who are watching."
With regard to Dan Rodrick's July 22 comment about Andy Harris "grandstanding," concerning the legalization of recreational marijuana, Harris stands in good company.
An April 23, 2014 report by the American Heart Association says, "The general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use needs to be disseminated to the public ..."
From the June 5, 2014 repot by National Institutes of Health: "The current state of science on the adverse health effects of marijuana use links the drug to several significant adverse effects including addiction."
These are just two of seven research articles that have come out in 2014 concerning the dangers of marijuana.
For concerned parents, worst is the effect of marijuana on the cognitive abilities of kids, teens, and young adults, something that's already been known for a number of years.
Thanks to the half-truths, omission of facts, reinterpretation of research, and willful ignorance of selfish political activist groups like NORML, America now stands at the precipice of a major health crisis.
While some of Harris's views may indeed be questionable, on the issue of marijuana, it is not.
George F. Spicka
Baltimore, MD
410-227-8914
Andy Harris <> Your welcome. My objective is to educate and not accuse, the exception being political activist groups like NORML.
The reason I'm so intent on this is that I was a marijuana addict in my early 20's. Because of this, I suffered a "nervous breakdown" at age 25, and have now struggled for over 40 years from the effects. I want to do my best to prevent others from having to endure the same experience.
I’ve also been sharing information with Robert Ehrlich, Mike Gimbell, and others.
If it’s not being developed already, I hope to inspire the development of a strategy to defeat NORML, liberals and ”progressives.” At this point, I’m thinking of a concerted education campaign. For example, posters in doctor’s offices with information and quotes from current scientific and medical studies about marijuana’s dangers. Maybe that could be extended to schools and libraries too.
So far in 2014, I’m aware of seven studies that demonstrate the adverse effects of marijuana. There are others that found no casual relationship in certain instances, but that is vary different from items like the American Heart Associations report on deaths caused directly from smoking pot.
What I find most disturbing of all, is deliberately ignoring the detrimental effects on kids, teens, and young adults. Young adults were the focus of the study published by the American Heart Association that I mentioned above.
There are also reports concerning the impact on developing cognitive abilities, which NORML insists are wrong.
Possibly a media campaign would be in order too.
In regard to debates, I’m working on exposing the half-truths, omissions, and falsehoods that are found on many pro-marijuana sites. For example, I’ve seen examples where they’ve re-interpreted legitimate studies, to make it appear as if the results indicated that there was absolutely no danger, when actually, the wording of the study was different.
I think it would be a relatively easy task to box recreational legalization proponents into a corner, when they are confronted with what medical and scientific studies actually have to say.
Thank you for your time and interest.
Sincerely,
George F. Spicka
The reason I'm so intent on this is that I was a marijuana addict in my early 20's. Because of this, I suffered a "nervous breakdown" at age 25, and have now struggled for over 40 years from the effects. I want to do my best to prevent others from having to endure the same experience.
I’ve also been sharing information with Robert Ehrlich, Mike Gimbell, and others.
If it’s not being developed already, I hope to inspire the development of a strategy to defeat NORML, liberals and ”progressives.” At this point, I’m thinking of a concerted education campaign. For example, posters in doctor’s offices with information and quotes from current scientific and medical studies about marijuana’s dangers. Maybe that could be extended to schools and libraries too.
So far in 2014, I’m aware of seven studies that demonstrate the adverse effects of marijuana. There are others that found no casual relationship in certain instances, but that is vary different from items like the American Heart Associations report on deaths caused directly from smoking pot.
What I find most disturbing of all, is deliberately ignoring the detrimental effects on kids, teens, and young adults. Young adults were the focus of the study published by the American Heart Association that I mentioned above.
There are also reports concerning the impact on developing cognitive abilities, which NORML insists are wrong.
Possibly a media campaign would be in order too.
In regard to debates, I’m working on exposing the half-truths, omissions, and falsehoods that are found on many pro-marijuana sites. For example, I’ve seen examples where they’ve re-interpreted legitimate studies, to make it appear as if the results indicated that there was absolutely no danger, when actually, the wording of the study was different.
I think it would be a relatively easy task to box recreational legalization proponents into a corner, when they are confronted with what medical and scientific studies actually have to say.
Thank you for your time and interest.
Sincerely,
George F. Spicka
Hello Delegate McDonough,
I'm very much concerned about the ignorance concerning the dangers of marijuana, largely due to the aggressive propaganda of NORML and similar groups. I became addicted in my earlier 20's, suffered a mental breakdown, and have struggled with the consequences for over 40 years now,
I've built a section of my website for this purpose, mostly scientific studies and items gleaned from the news (link below).
I want to share with you information about some of the latest studies. The one that's most bothersome is how it effects young peoples brains. I cannot understand how someone like Heather Mizeur can say there is no danger, when there are plenty of studies that say otherwise. She's ignore serious health issues for political gain. I don't know the inner workings of politics, but I feel a strategy that focuses on this selfish disregard for our nation's youth would be a way to impede her political aspirations. Perhaps it could also be applied nationwide.
Sincerely,
George F.Spicka
Middle River, MD
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140423170900.htm April 23, 2014
"Marijuana use may increase heart complications in young, middle-aged adults"
~ American Heart Association
"The general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use needs to be disseminated to the public, policymakers and healthcare providers."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140415181156.htm
"Brain changes associated with casual marijuana use in young adults, study finds"
~ Society for Neuroscience (SfN) / April 15, 2014
"The findings suggest that recreational marijuana use may lead to previously unidentified brain changes, and highlight the importance of research aimed at understanding the long-term effects of low to moderate marijuana use on the brain."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140602102013.htm
"Marijuana use is associated with impaired sleep quality"
~ American Academy of Sleep Medicine / June 2, 2014
"Results show that any history of cannabis use was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting difficulty falling asleep, struggling to maintain sleep, experiencing non-restorative sleep, and feeling daytime sleepiness."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140605093311.htm
"Research on marijuana's negative health effects summarized in report"
~ NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse / June 5, 2014
"The current state of science on the adverse health effects of marijuana use links the drug to several significant adverse effects including addiction, a review reports. The review describes the science establishing that marijuana can be addictive and that this risk for addiction increases for daily or young users.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140809141436.htm
"Regular marijuana use bad for teens' brains, study finds"
~ American Psychological Association / August 9, 2014
"Frequent marijuana use can have a significant negative effect on the brains of teenagers and young adults, including cognitive decline, poor attention and memory, and decreased IQ"
my website link - http://georgespicka.weebly.com/marijuana.html
I'm very much concerned about the ignorance concerning the dangers of marijuana, largely due to the aggressive propaganda of NORML and similar groups. I became addicted in my earlier 20's, suffered a mental breakdown, and have struggled with the consequences for over 40 years now,
I've built a section of my website for this purpose, mostly scientific studies and items gleaned from the news (link below).
I want to share with you information about some of the latest studies. The one that's most bothersome is how it effects young peoples brains. I cannot understand how someone like Heather Mizeur can say there is no danger, when there are plenty of studies that say otherwise. She's ignore serious health issues for political gain. I don't know the inner workings of politics, but I feel a strategy that focuses on this selfish disregard for our nation's youth would be a way to impede her political aspirations. Perhaps it could also be applied nationwide.
Sincerely,
George F.Spicka
Middle River, MD
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140423170900.htm April 23, 2014
"Marijuana use may increase heart complications in young, middle-aged adults"
~ American Heart Association
"The general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use needs to be disseminated to the public, policymakers and healthcare providers."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140415181156.htm
"Brain changes associated with casual marijuana use in young adults, study finds"
~ Society for Neuroscience (SfN) / April 15, 2014
"The findings suggest that recreational marijuana use may lead to previously unidentified brain changes, and highlight the importance of research aimed at understanding the long-term effects of low to moderate marijuana use on the brain."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140602102013.htm
"Marijuana use is associated with impaired sleep quality"
~ American Academy of Sleep Medicine / June 2, 2014
"Results show that any history of cannabis use was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting difficulty falling asleep, struggling to maintain sleep, experiencing non-restorative sleep, and feeling daytime sleepiness."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140605093311.htm
"Research on marijuana's negative health effects summarized in report"
~ NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse / June 5, 2014
"The current state of science on the adverse health effects of marijuana use links the drug to several significant adverse effects including addiction, a review reports. The review describes the science establishing that marijuana can be addictive and that this risk for addiction increases for daily or young users.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140809141436.htm
"Regular marijuana use bad for teens' brains, study finds"
~ American Psychological Association / August 9, 2014
"Frequent marijuana use can have a significant negative effect on the brains of teenagers and young adults, including cognitive decline, poor attention and memory, and decreased IQ"
my website link - http://georgespicka.weebly.com/marijuana.html
Letter to the Denver Post 11/22/14
One would assume that concern for our children’s health would be a top priority, but as the editorial “Marijuana edibles must be distinguishable” says, “The industry that has been manufacturing these products has a vested interest in keeping the status quo.”
I feel that part of the problem here, is also the relentless propaganda from activist groups like NORML, who work to convince the gullible that marijuana poses no threat. The blind leading the blind.
In Maryland Democrat primaries, “progressive” gubernatorial candidate Heather Mizeur claimed that marijuana was not dangerous.
In 2014, both the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association had articles about the substance’s dangers.
As for our children, “marijuana use can have a significant negative effect on the brains of teenagers and young adults, including cognitive decline, poor attention and memory, and decreased IQ." ~ American Psychological Association / August 9, 2014
Yet many will scoff at this knowledge. It is this willful ignorance that must be challenged; otherwise, the meetings will continue to fail.
Sincerely,
George F. Spicka
7514 Clearlake Lane
Middle River, MD 21220
410-227-8914 (Home and work)
www.georgefspicka.com
One would assume that concern for our children’s health would be a top priority, but as the editorial “Marijuana edibles must be distinguishable” says, “The industry that has been manufacturing these products has a vested interest in keeping the status quo.”
I feel that part of the problem here, is also the relentless propaganda from activist groups like NORML, who work to convince the gullible that marijuana poses no threat. The blind leading the blind.
In Maryland Democrat primaries, “progressive” gubernatorial candidate Heather Mizeur claimed that marijuana was not dangerous.
In 2014, both the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association had articles about the substance’s dangers.
As for our children, “marijuana use can have a significant negative effect on the brains of teenagers and young adults, including cognitive decline, poor attention and memory, and decreased IQ." ~ American Psychological Association / August 9, 2014
Yet many will scoff at this knowledge. It is this willful ignorance that must be challenged; otherwise, the meetings will continue to fail.
Sincerely,
George F. Spicka
7514 Clearlake Lane
Middle River, MD 21220
410-227-8914 (Home and work)
www.georgefspicka.com
This was a dispute over driving while high.
Facebook / January 3, 2015
John, I'm not going to argue with you about this. You make these accusations but provide no evidence other then your opinion. On the other hand, I've provided information from a legitimate study that you ignore.
The problem isn't tainted researchers, it's you, and the fact that you think you know better then real researchers, which you don't. Now I personally don't care if people want to smoke in private. If they want to risk their mental and physical health, that's their problem. But I don't want them driving high, putting me and others at risk, based on their naive belief that driving high on marijuana poses no threat. You don't know me that well, but I don't hesitate to stand up to ignorance about marijuana. You can check out the data and information I've collected here - http://georgespicka.weebly.com/marijuana.html
Facebook / January 3, 2015
John, I'm not going to argue with you about this. You make these accusations but provide no evidence other then your opinion. On the other hand, I've provided information from a legitimate study that you ignore.
The problem isn't tainted researchers, it's you, and the fact that you think you know better then real researchers, which you don't. Now I personally don't care if people want to smoke in private. If they want to risk their mental and physical health, that's their problem. But I don't want them driving high, putting me and others at risk, based on their naive belief that driving high on marijuana poses no threat. You don't know me that well, but I don't hesitate to stand up to ignorance about marijuana. You can check out the data and information I've collected here - http://georgespicka.weebly.com/marijuana.html
Marijuana isn't as harmless as people think [Letter]
The important news about marijuana isn't that it now can be bought in Washington state, it's in the research that's showing up in publications like the April 2014 Journal of the American Heart Association.
According to that report, "the general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use needs to be disseminated to the public, policymakers and health care providers."
George F. Spicka, Middle River
Baltimore Sun, July 14, 2014 http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/bs-ed-marijuana-20140710-story.html
The important news about marijuana isn't that it now can be bought in Washington state, it's in the research that's showing up in publications like the April 2014 Journal of the American Heart Association.
According to that report, "the general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use needs to be disseminated to the public, policymakers and health care providers."
George F. Spicka, Middle River
Baltimore Sun, July 14, 2014 http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/bs-ed-marijuana-20140710-story.html