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Outsourcing For Internet Marketers: Freeing Your Time & Increasing Your Profits

2012-02-26T02:57:00.002-08:00

Would you like a simple technique to get better results as an online marketer? Outsource. If “outsourcing” sounds daunting, don’t worry – it can be simple and surprisingly inexpensive.
If you’ve been generating revenue online for a while, this likely isn’t the first time you’ve heard that outsourcing can make your life easier and help you to boost your profits. Rather than simply rehash what you may have heard before, I’m also going to try to give you a few specific tips that will help you outsource more effectively, whether or not you have any experience.

In A Nutshell:

First, a quick intro for the brand-newbies: Do you have work to do that you don’t like doing, or that you don’t know how to do? You can probably solve that problem by outsourcing the work inexpensively through any one of a variety of outsourcing websites. The process generally goes something like this:

You post a description of the work you need done on an outsourcing website (could be for a 5-minute task, a full-time job, or anything in between)
Contractors from around the world apply to your job posting, and tell you how much money they’re willing to work for (if you live in a developed country, you’ll probably get bids from contractors in developing countries who are happy to work for far less than you’d have to pay someone from your own city)
After a bit of interviewing and testing, you hire someone, manage them as they work, and spend most of your time on other more productive/enjoyable tasks than the one you’ve outsourced.
When the job is done, or at certain milestones, you pay your contractor by sending a payment through the secure outsourcing site where you hired him or her.

Where To Outsource:

A few of the most popular outsourcing sites include: Elance.com, Scriptlance.com, VWorker.com, Freelancer.com, Guru.com, and oDesk.com.
They all have advantages & disadvantages, but my personal favorite is oDesk because of their time tracking feature (they record the screens of your contractors as they work) and their hiring process (they have detailed contractor profiles, and also publish the results of tests that contractor’s can take to demonstrate their skill level in various areas.)

What To Outsource

If you think you can’t afford it or that you have nothing to outsource, think again! Here are just a few of the tasks that I’ve outsourced, many for less than $2/hour:

Designing mock-ups for a website
Link-building for SEO
Designing banner ads (728×90, 300×250, etc)
Writing high quality articles
Creating a custom WordPress plugin
Building entire WordPress sites from scratch
Building a custom PHP website
Creating custom software to mass-analyze potential domain purchases
Finding/creating 100s of images for split-testing in Facebook advertising
On-page SEO
Flash animation
Analyzing various WordPress themes, and then advising me on which is best for my project
Much more!

I’ve even hired people to teach me how to do things online – those job descriptions sounded something like: “I don’t know how to do XYZ with WordPress. I need someone to do XYZ to my website, and then teach me how you did it so that I can do it myself in the future.” Just think: Instead of spending 10 hours pulling your hair out trying to figure out the inner workings of WordPress (for example), you can hire someone for say $2 per hour who already knows how to do the job… and within 2 hours he/she will have the work done and will also have sent you a detailed explanation of how to do it yourself. Pretty sweet!
And I’ve even hired contractors for non-business tasks such as touching up an old black & white photo of my parents! If your own time is worth $20 per hour, it’s pointless to do any task that someone else will do for $1 per hour.

Tools

A couple of tools that come in quite handy when outsourcing are:
Skype – Faster communication than email! Great for interviewing job candidates as well as communicating with existing contractors. Skype also has a screen-sharing feature.
Jing - Free, super simple, and easy to use software that lets you create up to 5 minute screen capture videos. Great for giving instructions to contractors when you want to show them how to do something. A video is worth a thousand words
Time Doctor – If you’re using an outsourcing website that doesn’t have built-in time tracking to record your contractors’ screens so you can see what they’re doing, you might want to consider using a third party time tracking service like Time Doctor.

A Few Tips

Before you get started, here are a few outsourcing tips based on my own experience (some of these are specific to oDesk):

When searching for contractors or posting a job, I recommend specifying that you prefer contractors from the Philippines because that’s where I’ve found my best contractors (on oDesk you can’t target “Philippines” specifically, but you can specify the more general “East Asia”). I’ve also had good luck with contractors in Bangladesh and Russia, although they can be a bit more expensive.
Specify the upper limit for what you’re willing to pay (usually I set it to $3/hour, and often mention an even lower limit in the written description) – otherwise you’ll get people bidding too high which will raise the “average bid” and may encourage additional high bids. If you do get a bid that is too high, reject that contractor quickly so they no longer appear on the list for other contractors to see.
Before hiring someone for a big job, hire a few people for a very small job first to test them out (oDesk makes this very easy to do). Hiring multiple contractors has the additional benefit of generating extra (hopefully positive) reviews for your profile!
When you’re new to oDesk, don’t be afraid to “invite” many contractors to apply to your job instead of simply posting a job and waiting for applications. You can generate a lot more interest in your job that way.
When a job is finished and your contractor did a good job, tell your contractor that you’re giving him/her a 5-star review (this will look good on their profile), AND ask them to also rate you 5-stars if they were happy working for you (this will look good on YOUR profile and will make it even easier to hire high quality contractors next time). Don’t be afraid to specifically ask them for “5 stars”.
On oDesk, avoid hiring people if you’re going to pay them less than $1 for the entire job. If you hire someone for a job and pay them less than $1 in total, your oDesk profile will indicate that you didn’t hire anyone at all. So if you hire 20 people for a simple task and pay them each $0.50, your oDesk profile will indicate that you posted 20 jobs and didn’t hire anyone for the positions (even though you did). Potential contractors aren’t as likely to apply for jobs posted by employers who appear to hire no one for many of their jobs. If you need to hire a large number of people to each perform the same a simple task (like completing a 3 question survey), it’s best to use a crowdsourcing site like MTurk.com.

Still on the fence about outsourcing? Just do it! A small outsourcing test will barely make a dent in your wallet and will open your eyes to a world of possibilities. It costs nothing to post a job on most outsourcing sites, so get started today. As Timothy Ferris says: “It’s time to learn how to be the boss. It isn’t time consuming. It’s low-cost and low-risk. Whether or not you “need” someone at this point is immaterial. It is an exercise… It is important to take baby steps towards paying others to do work for you. Few do it, which is another reason so few people have their ideal lifestyles.”
What can YOU outsource to simplify your life and free your time so you can make more money?
About The Author
Justin Clark is an affiliate marketer who runs AdChop.com, a growing collection of internet marketing case studies. He outsourced much of the design & development of AdChop on oDesk.

Tech Tuesday: Redirect Affiliate Traffic To Multiple Unique Landing Pages

2012-02-26T02:56:00.002-08:00

Disclaimer: ClickBank does not officially support or endorse any third party products or services featured on Tech Tuesday. This information is for educational purposes only.
This week on Tech Tuesday we’re bringing you a product called Affiliate Redirect Funnel that helps ClickBank vendors increase affiliate conversions by providing a way for vendors to funnel targeted affiliate traffic to unique landing pages outside of their default landing page.
As we all know, by default ClickBank only allows you one landing page where affiliates can send traffic (known as your HopLink Target URL). Affiliate Redirect Funnel provides a simple administrator interface through which you can set up any number of redirects to special landing pages where your affiliates can send traffic, bypassing your default landing page. Please note: all unique landing pages should be approved by ClickBank’s Business Services team.
Here are just some of the ways you can use Affiliate Redirect Funnel to redirect your affiliate traffic for increased conversions:
• Send targeted affiliate traffic directly to a specific landing page on your website, with a special offer, at a special price.
• Send segmented affiliate traffic to a special landing page with no pop-ups. This is great for affiliates running PPC campaigns.
• Send traffic from one particular affiliate to their own unique landing page, targeted directly to their customers and leveraging their unique pre-selling techniques.
• Send affiliate traffic directly to the vendor’s ClickBank checkout page, bypassing your sales page completely (great for pre-qualified traffic ready to purchase!)
• Send pre-launch affiliate traffic to a special pre-launch squeeze page, while still cookie-ing the traffic for the product launch.
• Send affiliate traffic to squeeze pages for special reports and free product giveaways.
• Send female-targeted affiliate traffic direct to a female-oriented sales page. (Your affiliates will LOVE THIS!)
• We’re sure you can think of hundreds more…
Affiliate Redirect Funnel works on any web site hosting account running PHP, does NOT Require a MySQL database and includes a simple single page interface for creating and managing your redirects.
Here’s a video from the creators of Affiliate Redirect Funnel explaining the software and showing how it works:

What's wrong with our food and drugs?

2011-10-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

Do you really want to know what is wrong with our food? If you knew just half of what went into your food you would be disgusted. That is why I am here, to inform you. First of all, the packaging factories are hardly suitable to be a place to package raw meat. Rats are running all over the place and flies and other dirty insects are abundant. You would assume that old rotten meat would be disposed of, wouldn't you, but it's not. The mea is packaged anyway and sent to a store where a consumer will buy it unknowingly. You could be that consumer. Would you like that? And what about meat that hsa fallen on the dirty, mildew covered floors of the factories? You would think that it would be thrown away, right? Well, you are wrong again. The meat is just picked back up and packaged. I don't know about you but I think something has got to be done to keep our food clean and edible.

The other half of this story is the ridiculous cures that some people are receiving. I have heard of alcohlics who are trying to breaktheir habits being given a bottle of medicine that contains 80 % alcohol. Something there doesn't sound right. People are being given the same treatment for epilepsy and all sorts of other disorders. How is alcohol going to help someone that has epilepsy? The only thing these nonsense treatments are doing is making the physical ailments that these people have worse. If you were terribly sick do do you think alcohol would cure you? That's what I thought too. We need to put some money into researching and developing some worthwhile cures that will actually do something.

I have now informed you of two major problems that this nation faces and if something is not done to solve them then many people could end up sick or even dead. What we need to do is evaluate our problems and then fix them instead of ignoring them.

U S Scourge Spreads South of the Border

2011-10-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

In a recent newspaper article written in the San Diego Union Tribune called "U.S. Scourge Spreads South." A very disturbing fact was opening drug doors just south of our own community, which is why I chose to do an in depth study of the easiness of drug purchase in our southern neighbor. It's not new news but a overwhelming growth in the usage of drugs, especially Rohypnol.

"The Mexican border town called Tijuana across from San Diego, California, once was a famous as a playground for drunken sailors and college students. Today, authorities on both sides of the border warn, it has turned into a gangland run by a growing number of ruthless cartels that sell drugs. It is no longer just marijuana (pot), but a growing problem with other types of drugs like Heroin, Crystal Methamphetamine, and Cocaine."

I recently visited the neighbor city of Tijuana and rode in a Tijuana taxi and was immediately met with a taxi driver named Jose, a Tijuana taxi driver in an open-necked, baby blue silk shirt, he sizes up the tourists trudging off the footbridge from the United States. "Taxi, sir? You want pharmacy? I get you a good pharmacy," he urges, stepping from a line of beckoning taxi drivers in big belts and straw cowboy hats. "Good prices! No prescriptions!" Do I look like I want drugs?! I didn't even solicit the business. I almost felt weird because this is exactly what I was planning to do my paper on. Soon he is nosing his long yellow Oldsmobile through scruffy streets choked with pharmacies. I asked for Somas-a drug that gives the user a feeling of drunkenness without all the liquor, and illegal in the United States. In less than 45 minutes I was able to purchase the drug right over the counter. Of course, I didn't actually purchase the drug, but kindly told the pharmacy that his price was too high.

This just goes to show you how easy it was to get an illegal drug just 30 minutes from SDSU. And instead of being sold by gun-toting drug traffickers, it is available in much of Latin America with a doctor's prescription--often easily obtained. It appears to be crossing the U.S. border via booming pharmacies in cities such as Tijuana.

The sudden popularity of the drug (Somas) has returned the spotlight to Mexico's border drugstores, which for years have done a thriving business with Americans but have recently exploded in number with the Tijuana residents. "Tijuana residents are nearly twice as likely to have used an illegal drug as Mexicans nationwide."

Drugs are not only a problem with our poverty ridden society here in U.S., but with a lot of our middle to upper class are now being the focus of drug usage. In a recent news broadcast, Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Ranch, and other well to do communities are being hit with a heroin craze with our youths. I couldn't believe people would actually want to stick a needle in their arm for joy and pleasure. It is no longer the sniff, smoking of drugs but a whole new trend of slamming (using needles to induce a drug). Even the worldwide scare of Aids doesn't keep the drug of heroin from society. Dirty needles also scar the arms of the heroin addict for life. "At the municipal jail, inmates detained the night before for minor infractions such as loitering or fighting in public pull up their sleeves and bare arms covered with needle tracks."

Rohypnol is another nightmare for every parent in America which is another easily obtained drug in the pharmacies in Tijuana. This is the drug also known as the "date-rape drug," which has been televised many of times. But unlike heroin or cocaine, Rohypnol has a respected corporate manufacturer--the Swiss pharmaceutical giant F. Hoffman-La Roche, which produces in Mexico City. There are so many American tourists buying drugs that Tijuana's pharmacies have doubled in the past five years and now number around 700.

With their cheap, government-controlled prices, they have drawn tens of thousands of Californians, often retirees, who snap up brand-name blood pressure, cholesterol and other medications, often saving 50% of more. and thanks to looser regulations, the pharmacies also readily sell drugs that are unavailable or require prescriptions in the United States, from Prozac to treatments for Aids and cancer.

On Tijuana's Avenida Revolucion, a tourist strip where merchants hawk liquor and Cuban cigars amid the blare of mariachi music, bustling drugstores with names like Pharmacy America and New York Pharmacy ring up an average of $3000.00 in sales a day, a local Tijuana pharmacist said.

While they lack hard proof, U.S. authorities have told the Mexican government at a couple of meetings in the past month that they believe the pharmacies are selling Rohypnol to young Americans. Mexican officials say they are cracking down. Well, they say they are, but are they? With so much government corruption, especially in the city of Tijuana, you can only think of how much money is being made in this enterprise and who's getting some kick-backs.

My recent visit to Tijuana indicates that Rohypnol is still readily available. It has become a revolving door doctor atmosphere. The U.S. police first began to spot abuse of Rohypnol, the brand for drug flunitrazepam, in 1993. Although it has never been approved for use in the United States, the sleeping medication is sold legally in 64 countries.

But it wasn't insomniacs who use the drug in Florida and Texas, where Rohypnol first became a problem. The small, inexpensive pills were popped by addicts to heighten a heroin trip, or by teenagers who wanted to feel drunk. Rock star Kurt Cobain overdosed on Rohypnol and champagne a month before killing himself.

The most widely know cases are that Rohypnol is blamed in numerous date-rape cases. Men allegedly have slipped it into their companions' drinks, rendering them unconscious. Since the drug causes short-term memory loss, women have awakened confused and dishelved, only to learn that they have been assaulted.

The Drug Enforcement Agency says it has logged more than 2,400 criminal cases involving Rohypnol. As it increasingly turns up in California, legislators are trying to establish prison terms for people possessing or selling the pills, nicknamed "roofies." Last month, Florida put Rohypnol into the same legal category as heroin and cocaine.

Worried about the abuse, Hoffman-La Roche has slashed its Rohypnol distributors in Mexico from 200 to 16 and said it hired a former DEA agent, who established that there was no diversion from its Mexico City factory. The U.S. authorities don't see much of a let-up in the amount of Rohypnol from hitting the streets.

Even with recent actions, Rohypnol has become much tougher to obtain and sell, several drugstore owners said. Nonetheless, in a personal visit to 15 pharmacies, I was able to find one willing to sell it over the counter. Others suggested nearby doctors who would provide a prescription. I went to nearby medical office lined with oil paintings of Jesus, I filled out a brief form asking if I had ulcers or heart attacks. At no point was I asked of my symptoms. A doctor with a white coat glanced at the form and asked what drug I wanted. "Rohypnol," I replied. "Each prescription is $25," he responded. The visit lasted a brief 10 minutes. No comment on the exact location of the medical office in order to protect my source of information.

I took the prescription to one the Tijuana pharmacies and the price for Rohypnol was $10. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration frowns on the practice, there is nothing stopping Americans from buying most medicines from Mexican pharmacies. U.S. Customs normally allows Americans to bring in a "personal supply" of prescription drugs-up to 90 days worth, to be declared a the border. The average age of the consumer was around 34 (when I asked one of the United States Customs agents). I feel the Rohypnol problem is fairly new in California, but also Californians may simply be stuffing the drug in tote bags or pockets.

Rohypnol is also apparently being smuggled to the United States from Columbia, where Hoffman-La Roche has a plant. But what is turning up in Texas and California is from Mexico and appears to be coming through the pharmacies. The Haight Ashbury Clinics, a San Francisco group, recently conducted Hoffman-La Roche- funded studies of Rohypnol in Florida and Texas.

I made a recent phone call to the Los Angeles Police Department and found out that the police officers were provide free kits to detect Rohypnol in urine. In the state of Florida they use the kit to convict date-rapists.

""Here we have everything, and it's very accessible," said Sanjuana Covarrubias, director of the Centros facility in Tijuana."

Some U.S. officials would like even tougher action. Specifically, the DEA is pushing to have the sedative classified as a Schedule 1 drug, as Florida did last month. that permits prosecutors to seek sentences such as those imposed for selling heroin or cocaine.

Currently, the drug flunitrazepam is classified in the United States as a schedule four drug, defined as substances with low potential for abuse and acceptable for medical use in the United States. When the drug is legally administered, it is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a mild sedative. Rohypnol is marketed in one milligram and two milligrams varieties, with two milligrams being considered a "heavy dose."

During my research, I found that most of the people bringing the drug across are very young aged, college students. All they have to do is fill out a declaration form (which lists what they are bringing across the border).

The Office of National Drug Control Policy says the use of Rohypnol may lead to the development of physical and psychological dependence. The risk of dependence increases with dose and duration and can be considered greater in patients with histories of alcohol and drug abuse. One physical dependence has developed, abrupt termination of the drug will result in withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, muscle pains, extreme anxiety, tension, confusion and irritability. Extreme cases of withdrawal may experience numbness and tingling of the extremities, hypersensitivity to light and noise, convulsions and hallucinations. I believe that education on this drug and it's effects need to be addressed in the near future; if not now, because our youths are going to suffer in the long run and so will out communities.

Rohypnol is very hard to detect and only one way to get a positive reading is to do a urine sample. Even this detection process is very costly, which means it is hard to prosecute because of this reason. You have to be specifically trying to detect this type of drug in order to get a positive reading.

In conclusion, it is very evident on the problem with drugs in the border town of Tijuana. I have identified the danger of drugs, easiness in obtaining drugs in Tijuana, U.S. side usage, Mexico side usage, Rohypnol, affects and side affects and finally the U.S. noticing the problem and taking a step to combat the drug. I feel that the United States is not well educated on the problem with Rohypnol here in this country. Most parents would never know of such a drug existed, and especially the easiness of obtaining the drug. I might have heard of the drug once being a student here at SDSU, but it exists and seems to be the hush-hush; lets keep it ourselves secret drug. We need to take a stand and get the media involved in this, so the parents of an unexpected casualty doesn't have to hear about it from an autopsy report. The literature and statistics are there, but finding it can be a different task at hand. A war on drugs can't be won unless we all take an active role in the cause!

The Need for Weed

2011-10-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Just in, California has become the first state to legalize pot! Unfortunately, for all you proud owners of a two-foot-bong or a three-inch bowl, you must have a prescription from a medical doctor before you light up. Perhaps it's only a crack in the ice, but it is a start to a long-awaited, controversial issue that needs to be touched upon again.

In the fall of 1996, Proposition 215 was passed in California, legalizing the medical use of marijuana. Even though the majority (56%) voted to pass 215, opponents plan to continue to fight the measure. It was also so in Arizona, where Proposition 200, the Drug Medicalization, Prevention, and Control Act, won 65% of the vote. It says that Arizona's doctors can prescribe marijuana, heroin, and LSD for patients when there is "medicinal value" (California 62). The passing of these two propositions has also helped the release of prisoners convicted of drug possession (---). With jail capacity already overflowing, if you were to lock up a dealer, you therefore create a job opening.

Bob Randall, president of the Alliance for the Cannabis Therapeutics, a Washington-based patients' right group, says as many as five-million sick Americans might benefit from the legal access to marijuana. Marijuana has been found to: relieve nausea and stimulate appetite in people with cancer and AIDS, control muscle spasms among people with multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorder, reduce eye pressure among people with glaucoma, and some

say it also controls seizures, eases chronic pain, and relieves depression. Dr. Ernest Rosenbaum, a San Francisco cancer specialist, says he and many doctors quietly recommend marijuana to patients who didn't respond to other medications. A 1991 Harvard study found that about 40 % of cancer specialists surveyed had recommended marijuana to relieve chemotherapy nausea, and about 48% said they would prescribe the drug if it were made legal.

An article was written in the October, 28, 1996 Time issue about a former police commissioner, Jo Daly, who was diagnosed with colon cancer. Jo started chemotherapy for her cancer, but the side effects included "nuclear implosion." Then came a burning pain under the nails of her toes and fingers. The good news was that she eventually found relief. The bad news was that it came from marijuana. Daly tried Marinol, a substitute the FDA approved as a synthetic version of THC (marijuana's psychoactive ingredient), without success before she ended up turning to pot. Even after the positive results and outcomes of patients using marijuana, not everyone is in favor of legalizing the drug. Some people are still uptight about the whole issue of legalizing marijuana and continue to set aside the benefits of pot. "This proposition is not about medicine," charges Orange County Sheriff Brad Gates, co-chairman of Citizens for a Drug-Free California, the campaign opposing Prop. 215. "It's about the legalization of marijuana" (36).

Well, wake up, America! There are far more benefits from the drug then just medical. Making the drug legally available, with tight regulatory controls, would end the black market and with it, much of the violence; legalization would reduce the number of people in prison, which in turn would reduce the government budget. For 20 years the authorities in Amsterdam have simply ignored the use of pot, which is regularly sold in 4,000 coffee shops in amounts up to 30 grams a customer. Their coffee shops sell an estimated $67,500,000 worth each year (most of which is Dutch-grown) while the Siberia Cafe sells an estimated $1,000 of hash and marijuana a day. It's all done in the open, with the Dutch government collecting the taxes on the receipts (Just 114).

It is reckoned that some thirty-million Americans, roughly Canada's population, have tried marijuana. Of those, about ten-million smoke pot every month, and unlike our president, most of them inhale. In Glasgow, one-half of all students between the ages of 14 and 25 admit to smoking pot "every day." Marijuana has become the US' 'biggest cash crop' despite the death penalty for growing the plant. The estimated thirty-two billion dollar market has spurred many gardeners to make a career out of cultivating the plant.

In a Pensacola Florida News Journal, statements from an article titled, "Marijuana use rising; foes to blame pop culture." were pulled:

- It Beats crack," said David Spencer, a 24-year-old Pensacolian who smokes two or three joints a week. "Beats drinkin', 'cause you don't want to get into a fight or you don't get sick. Smoking weed ain't going to kill you like cigarettes will. Only thing it'll do is make you chill out and hungry."

- And people in Pensacola are grabbing the T-shirts and other merchandise with illustrations of giant marijuana leaves on them. "It sells great," said Joyce Smith, manager of Spencer's in University Mall, about pot- related merchandise. "We can't keep it in stock."

- "If you're allowed to drink alcohol, there's no reason that you shouldn't be allowed to smoke something that's natural," says Rick May, 26, a Pensacolian who smokes a few joints a year. "Marijuana doesn't cause the problems that alcohol does. You don't hear about people getting stoned and going to pick in a fight or getting in a car and driving somewhere."

From magazine articles to surveys, it's almost unanimous that marijuana should be legally available to the public. I took a survey within the school and found out these results:

* 34 out of 45 people feel that marijuana should be legalized.

* 28 have smoked pot or at least tried it once in his/her life.

* 31 would smoke pot if the drug were to become legal.

How many times must we analyze the issue of marijuana? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that legalizing the drug with a heavy and strict tax would instantly improve the economy, not to mention the medical and social benefits from the drug. If we were to legalize the drug tomorrow, our national debt could be cut in half and our taxes might take a dive. America's society is so caught up in believing what is good and bad for us. If we were smart, we would stop our bitchin', let the drug become legal, and watch what would happen for a change. Perhaps that is what everyone is afraid of, change!

The Legalization of Marijuana

2011-10-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

The legalization of marijuana as a prescription drug should be allowed. Medical research shows that marijuana has therapeutic value in patients with various types of cancers, some neurological disorders, and AIDS patients. The marijuana eases some of the effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and dizziness. It also controls muscle spasms and contractions and aids in the relaxation of patients with neurological disorders.

Many researchers and administrations of the government, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration(D.E.A.) feel that legalizing marijuana is an unnecessary approach in the treatment of patients. Many of them feel that not only those people with the diseases and the disorders will use the drug, but other people will want to use it for everyday problems. First, a doctor must prescribe the marijuana in order for a patient to take it. It would be almost impossible for a person to obtain the drug without a prescription. It is up to the doctor whether or not the patient needs it. The D.E.A. also has fears about the possible addiction to the drug and its effects in society. As with any other drug, the possibility of addiction is a concern, but when a doctor prescribes the marijuana, he will have the chance to control and monitor the intake of the patient. There are many other drugs that are legal with the same types of effects such as codeine, cocaine, and morphine. If drugs like those are legal and are under control, then a drug like marijuana that is very similar to them, should also be legalized and easily kept under control.

Many other complaints of the legalization of marijuana have been argued and show no relevance in reasons of why marijuana should not be legalized. The D.E.A. is trying to make the argument that by legalizing marijuana, the drug problem in America will worsen. The way the DEA sees this issue is that if they allow marijuana as a medicine, there is the fear that there will be many more people using it. Then after using it, they will see how good they feel and that they are functioning fine. When that effect hits the people, that will raise questions of why marijuana is illegal at all. That is an invalid fear because if that was the case, then drugs like morphine and cocaine, which are prescribed legally, would be causing problems. Those legal uses are not adding in any significant way to the country's drug problems, so marijuana should not either.

Many of the government organizations have expressed their opinion that the patients being used in these experiments by marijuana lobbyists to bring attention to their real motive: legalizing marijuana in general. It is unfair for the government to make the public try to believe that these medical researchers are the bad guys and the government is trying to protect the public from the evil.

As much research has conducted, it has be proven that marijuana has been effective in treating sick patients with their discomforts. The many arguments of the government and the D.E.A. have yet to be proven. Until those arguments are proven and considered legitimate reasons for not legalizing marijuana, the medical world should encourage their patients to use the marijuana as if it were legal. Eventually, it will be proven that marijuana is a wise choice for the sick.

Tobacco Companies Targeting Young People

2011-10-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

Every day, 3,000 kids start smoking, most of them between the ages of 10 and 18. These kids add up to 90 percent of all new smokers (Roberts 38). These statistics show us that young people are the main targets of the tobacco companies. The cigarette manufacturers will deny it, but advertising and promotion play a very important part in making these statistics a reality.

The two main companies in this advertising war are Marlboro and Camel. Marlboro uses a western cowboy called the Marlboro Man, while Camel uses Joe Camel, a hip cartoon character. Everywhere you go there is billboards or some other kind of advertisement on these two shady characters. When I say shady, I imply that these characters are not just figures we see but they are traps just waiting to lure the next victim in. As kids look through magazines and see Joe Camel driving a cool car and surrounded by beautiful women they get the idea that in order to be somebody they need to smoke a Camel cigarette. It is not right to prey on young people just because they are unaware of the dangers of smoking.

The tobacco industry denies that these symbols target people less than 21 and claim that their advertising goal is simply to promote brand switching and loyalty. Many people disagree with this statement such as Illinois Rep. Richard Durbin who said "If we can reduce the number of young smokers, the tobacco companies

will be in trouble and they know it"(Roberts 38).

The problem we are facing is not only with the tobacco companies but with the young people also. The reason why I say this is because most youths know that they are being targeted. If these kids realize that the advertising is manipulating them, why do they still smoke? The ads reflect an image of rebellion and fitting in. These are all the things a young person, between childhood and adolescence, needs and desires. This type of advertising, on top of peer pressure, is the mystery behind the rise in adolescent smoking.

How do we stop the future of America from smoking? Here are three things that the experts recommend. Try to convince your children that smoking is not cool. Talk to your kids at a young age about the dangers of smoking. Identify family members who smoke and ask them to stop (Thomas 450). These are things we all need to stress to our kids, without forcing them. When a parent tries to force a child to do any thing the child automatically, puts up his/her defense and rebels. This is a big reason why a lot of kids start. They're just trying to be independent and make decisions on their own.

Children are the most important thing we are given in life. Let's try to educate them while they're young to be independent thinkers and to not be manipulated by the tobacco companies. Maybe if my parents had used some of these techniques I would have never started.

Should Marijuana be Legalized for Medical Purposes?

2011-10-29T09:04:00.001-07:00

Marijuana has been used extensively as a medical remedy for more than five thousand years. In the early 1900s, medical usage of marijuana began to decline with the advent of alternative drugs. Injectable opiates and synthetic drugs such as aspirin and barbiturates began to replace marijuana as the physician's drug of choice in the twentieth-century, as their results proved to be more consistent than the sometimes erratic effects of the hard-to-dose potencies of marijuana (Grinspoon). The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 made cannabis so expensive to obtain that its usage as a medical remedy in the U.S. came to a halt. Although now illegal in the U.S., marijuana continues to be used for both medical and recreational purposes by many Americans. There are a variety of opinions both for and against the re-legalization of marijuana today. Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the legalization debate is whether marijuana should be legalized for medical purposes.

All drugs, both prescription and non-prescription, are federally 'Scheduled' by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). A drug's scheduling under Federal law is determined "according to [its] effects, medical uses, and potential for abuse" (Claim V). In this classification system, marijuana is a Schedule I drug, grouped with heroin, LSD, hashish, methaqualone, and designer drugs. These are drugs having "unpredictable effects, and [causing] severe psychological or physical dependence, or death" (Claim V).

A closer analysis of the DEA's Federal Scheduling system reveals that, according to various studies by physicians on both sides of the legalization debate, marijuana does not meet the requirements of a Schedule I drug, but not those of Schedule II. The difference between the two classes is that Schedule I drugs may lead to death, while those on Schedule II are less likely to do so. Proponents of legalization cite information that indicates marijuana is a relatively "safe" drug. "There is no known case of overdose; on the basis of animal models, the ratio of lethal to effective dose is 40,000 to 1" (Grinspoon). Even some opponents of marijuana legalization support reclassification. Two physicians, in a widely distributed opinions piece entitled "Marijuana Smoking as Medicine: A Cruel Hoax", wrote; "While the reclassification of THC to Schedule II might be understandable, this would not be the result of smoking the crude drug marijuana, which would as a result become more available and more readily diverted for non-medical use" (Nahas). Although this evidence clearly does not support the legalization of marijuana, it highlights one of many discrepancies that cloud this smoky debate.

Lester Grinspoon, MD, is a proponent of the medical legalization and re-classification of marijuana. In the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Grinspoon wrote an article entitled "A Plea for Reconsideration". In this plea, Grinspoon suggests that marijuana should be reclassified to a Schedule II class drug, so that it might be legally prescribed. He writes:

In a 1990 survey, 44% of oncologists said they had suggested that a patient smoke marihuana for relief of the nausea

induced by chemotherapy. If marihuana were actually unsafe for use under medical supervision, as its Schedule I status explicitly affirms, this recommendation would be unthinkable. It is time for physicians to acknowledge more openly that this present classification is scientifically, legally, and morally wrong. (Grinspoon)

Like many other physicians fighting for the re-classification of marijuana, Dr. Grinspoon makes claims only towards the drug's medical benefits. However, their rhetoric in calling the issue "morally wrong" suggests that they may have other motives as well.

Furthermore, the fact that "44% of oncologists" suggested their patients use marijuana, despite its illegality, may suggest that many of these physicians have little respect for post-prohibition laws. The article also fails to address the negative side-effects of marijuana that result from smoking the plant.

While there are many physicians who support the reclassification (and, sometimes, legalization) of marijuana, still others make different claims. In July of 1995, one month after "Marijuana as Medicine- A Plea for Reconsideration" was published in JAMA, the Department of Health and Human Services held its first research conference on marijuana. At this conference, several respected physicians noted that "marijuana use during pregnancy has harmful effects on children's intellectual abilities... compulsive marijuana use may lead to an addiction similar to that of other illicit drugs..." (Claim V); and, finally, that "marijuana use can put a serious choke-hold on users who try to quit" (Claim V). Conflicting reports, such as these, are at the center of the smoke filled battle concerning medical legalization. In this case, the physicians assembled at the conference commented only on the drug's negative effects, and they failed to discuss any possible beneficial effects.

Although there are physicians both for and against the medical legalization of marijuana, the DEA enforces the laws. The DEA regularly makes publications against legalization. Claim V of these publications is entitled "There are no Compelling Reasons to Prescribe Marijuana or Heroin to Sick people". In this claim, the DEA makes contradictory claims to those published in JAMA by Dr. Grinspoon. The DEA claims that "Not one American health association accepts marijuana as medicine. Statements issued by these organizations express concern over the harmful effects of the drugs and over the lack of solid research demonstrating that they might do more good than harm" (Claim V). However, in reading the DEA's clam, one must keep in mind that "drugs" (as they use it) includes both marijuana and heroin, and therefore may be partially invalid when applied to the central marijuana debate. By using the word "they", the DEA groups marijuana with more dangerous drugs. It should also be recognized that the DEA has an obvious bias against legalizing drugs; if all drugs were legal, who would continue to pay their salaries?

Doctors and the DEA, however, are not the only ones with opinions about marijuana's medical re-legalization. Mike Dooley, a member of the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws (NORML), made news when he recommended that Elvy Musikka, a patient legally supplied with marijuana from the U.S. government, spoke to an "Experimental Living" class at Western Michigan University: "Elvy Musikkia, a professional speaker, has glaucoma and take marijuana as part of her treatment for the eye disease. Glaucoma patients smoke marijuana cigarettes because it relieves the eye pressure that leads to blindness" (Kemp). However, Dooley supports more than the medical legalization of marijuana. "Dooley says using marijuana for medical purposes is just one use of the plant, but people need to recognize that it has more positive uses" (Kemp). Like many other advocates of legalization, Dooley wants more than just medical legalization: "'Why are we outlawing this particular plant?' Dooley said. 'What is wrong with adults smoking marijuana in their own environment?'" (Kemp). Opponents of legalization efforts worry that legalization for medical purposes will eventually lead to non-medical abuse.

An example of this type of medical abuse can be found in the 1995 Comedy, Friday. In the film, a corrupted priest tries to obtain marijuana from Smokey, a neighborhood pot addict. Upon noticing the marijuana, he says "Excuse me brother, what we call drugs at 74th street Baptist Church, we call a sin" (Friday), representing the views of many Christians today. Only a short time later, however, he changes his mind, saying: "Why don't you give me a little bit for my cataracts?" (Friday). This film makes a comment on the attitudes of U.S. society today towards marijuana, and re-legalization. By making a medical excuse for using marijuana in the film, Brother William conveys the worries of many Americans today about medical legalization of the drug. While it may be suggested that Friday is satirist comedy, and therefore not "real", critics of the film and of legalization will point out that later in the movie, the characters make an outright plea for legalization.

Religious figures in real life express stronger anti-legalization opinions than those in the movies. In 1986, "representatives of four Oregon church groups, representing a combined membership of tens of thousands, unveiled a plan to attack the proposed legalization of marijuana from the pulpit" (Danks). The representatives cited experiences like those Reverend John Jackson; Jackson spoke about how his son's drug habit broke up the family. "'It got to the point that I kept a weapon,' Jackson said. 'My son didn't act like my son. I got to the point where I thought if he came into the room I would kill him" (Danks). Many would be quick t discount the reverend's opinion, however, especially after hearing of his fatal mentality. It should also be noted that Jackson's son, who is now in the army, "graduated to harder drugs after using marijuana as a 10-year-old" (Danks).

Other religious groups have more extreme views on legalization. In an on-line publication entitled "Marijuana and Christians: Cure or Curse?", a group for "Aggressive Christianity" writes that: "Through the innocently appearing guise of the 'natural herbal high' called marijuana, Satan has found an open doorway for invasion into the minds of millions of people" (Marijuana and Christians). These "Aggressive Christians" decree that marijuana is one of Satan's tools and should not be legalized for any purpose. However, in calling it "Satan's tool" they incorporate little knowledge of the drug's true effects, both positive and negative. For these extremists, there is apparently no reason for Satanists not to use marijuana. Groups such as these "Aggressive Christians" represent the most conservative side of the battle over legalization.

College campuses are often recognized for their liberal views and high drug consumption levels. Adam Djurdjulov, a journalism senior and Arizona Daily Wildcat opinions editor writes a column that appears in that publication on Mondays. In his column, titled "Airing it Out," he recently wrote an article, "Smoking marijuana is as accepted as the word 'damn.'" In this column, Djurdjulov criticizes the increasing acceptance of marijuana use. He states his un-professional medical opinion on marijuana, saying it "[is] a substance that destroys motivation and wazzu brain cells" (Djurdjulov). Although he makes a valid argument that drug use proliferates on today's college campuses, Djurdjulov weakens his own credibility when he suggests that Americans 'kick out' Bill Clinton from President of the United States for exercising his right to free speech, writing "Hell, on MTV in June 1992, Clinton quipped that if he tried marijuana again, he would inhale" (Djurdjulov). Although many Americans might disagree with Clinton's "liberal" policies towards drug use, few would condone his removal from office, solely for exercising his first amendment rights. Like the "Aggressive Christians," Djurdjulov's non-scientific, extremist position somewhat destroys his credibility, along with the credibility of his statements. Other college students feel differently about legalization.

Oliver Petri, a freshman at the University of Arizona, is a proponent of marijuana legalization for medical and recreational purposes. In an interview, Petri explains that "I once knew a woman with cancer. She grew [marijuana] plants in her backyard and smoked weed to relive her suffering. It should totally be legal" (Petri).

Petri's comments epitomize the views of many college students who advocate legalization. Few of these students, however, have any knowledge of the medical uses and properties of the drug they consume for recreational purposes. Petri also admittedly supports medical legalization initiatives because he thinks it will make marijuana easier to find.

California's proposition 215 is an initiative that would legalize marijuana for medical purposes. "[Proposition 215] would permit patients with cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, arthritis, and other serious illnesses to grow, posses and use marijuana" (Lacayo). Despite criticism of Prop 215 that suggests the initiative is "too loosely constructed", polls show that California voters favor it by almost 2-1 (Lacayo). Opponents of the initiative worry that anyone will be able to legally obtain and use marijuana under Proposition 215, "'This proposition is not about medicine,' charges Orange County Sheriff Brad Gates, co-chairman of Citizens for a Drug Free California, the campaign opposing Prop 215. 'It's about the legalization of marijuana'" (Lacayo). Voters like Sheriff Gates are unable to consider medical legalization because of their fears of increased recreational use. There opinion, then, means nothing when applied to the issue on a smaller scale.

Reputable sources on marijuana's true effects are hard to come by. Conflicting reports suggest that personal opinion might be more of a factor than it should be in many reports about the drug's effects and toxicity. Words such as "dangerous" and "harmful" are often used by figures on both sides of the legalization debate, with little explanation of their definitions. No-one knows what the results of a non-biased study on marijuana's medical future might contain, because conflicting "non-biased" studies continue to proliferate on both sides of this debate. Because of the wide availability of marijuana today, it is not surprising that marijuana usage for many today is a personal, rather than legal, decision.

Short review of the book entitled E for Ecstasy

2011-10-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

The book entitled E for Ecstasy, by Nicholas Saunders, is a book of history, information, and stories about the illegal drug ecstasy. The author presents a vast amount of information about many aspects of the drug such as the history of the invention of the drug, information about how the drug effects people in different ways, positive reasons to use the drug, side effects and negative reasons to use the drug, and an overview of how the drug has been accepted into various societal groups.

A shipment of this book, which was published in England in 1994, was ceased by Australian customs agents in the spring of 1994 and has been banned in Australia ever since. The ban on this book is currently still in place and being upheld by the Australian government due to the way the book portrays the drug ecstasy in a primarily positive way. According to the author of the book, even anti-drug groups are opposed to the ban because they believe both sides of the story should be heard.

As I read this book, at first I felt a temptation to try ecstasy due to the positive way in which the drug was described. After reading further into the text, however, much more detailed information about the drug is brought fourth. For example, the book associates use of ecstasy with the cultures of all kinds of illegal drugs. In my opinion, the ban should be lifted because the book does not just give the positive information about this drug. While the book does side towards the use of the drug, it does provide all kinds of interesting information and education including negative data about the drug. If information about drugs is kept in the dark, people will be tempted to seek information in potentially harmful ways. If information flows freely, however, people can usually be trusted to make smart choices.

The latest twist to this otherwise traditional story is that the entire text of the book is now available on the Internet, as is the text of many other banned books. E is for Ecstasy can be found at: http://hyperreal.com/drugs/e4x/ While it is ironic that the citizens of Australia can now gain electronic access to this banned book, the more important issue is one of the Internet's ability to give people world wide access to anything. This is just one more example of electronic information flowing into a country where it not allowed. Because of the ease at which banned books can now be obtained anywhere, the future of what we now know as banned books has been forever altered.

Rethinking Marijuana

2011-10-29T09:02:00.001-07:00

Recently, both California and Arizona took the long needed initiative and approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The California bill says that patients may use marijuana with a doctor's recommendation. It does not, however, allow doctors to prescribe the drug. Arizona voters passed a bill that swings out even further to the left than California's. Voters in Arizona think that people should be able to use any illicit drug for bona fide medical purposes. A recommendation by two doctors is enough to warrant a prescription. Unfortunately, the bills passed in both states are terribly vague and are destined to be abused.

Legalization of marijuana for medical purposes is a step in the right direction, but California and Arizona are going about it the wrong way. The chemical in marijuana that has medicinal benifits is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Studies have shown that marijuana can ease pain, relieve nausea, and generally relax a person. Marijuana is cheap and easy to produce, so if legalized, it would be plentiful and probably widely used. The problem is that there are as many harmful effects from smoking marijuana as there are benefits. It slows reflexes, dulls the brain, and sometimes causes hallucinations and/or cancer. There's no mystery about why it is illegal in most parts of the world... including the U.S.

There is a simple solution that is not being discussed by the hard-headed bureaucracy. THC is easily removed from the plant and could be administered as medicine in pill form. What a novel idea! No... actually it isn't novel at all. Many other forms of illegal drugs are dispensed as medicine is this manner. Steroids (Cortizone, Prednizone and others) and opiates, namely codeine and morphine, are prescribed regularly to patients for pain relief. Of course the doctors don't dispense poppy seeds or cocaine, the drug comes in a pill. The amount of the drug is carefully regulated to prevent most side effects but to still have the medicinal qualities. THC would be just as easy to put in pill form, plus it has an important advantage over many other pain relieving drugs; THC is not adictive. Abuse of Tylenol 3 with Codeine(tm) is a very rare occurrence, even though it can become addictive. Therefore, the abuse of a doctor prescribed THC pill would be even less common.

The solution of putting THC in a pill has not been suggested before because it doesn't satisfy the ultimate goal of either side of the debate. Those who are for legalization, such as Ethan Nadelman, the director of an institute that promotes deregulation of illicit drugs, are using medicine as an excuse to get marijuana legalized for recreational purposes. Those against legalization know the motives of people like Nadelman and are worried that any relaxation of the law will lead to more deregulation. The compromise of putting THC in a pill should partially satisfy both extremes of the argument. It should also eliminate concern that legalization of marijuana for medical purposes will lead to the legalization of other illicit drugs. Marijuana would remain illegal but THC could be legalized in a manner that makes it very hard to abuse. Those who want marijuana legalized are using medicinal purposes as the backbone of their argument. This is the medicine they asked for. The drug would be available only by prescription, so it could be used only by people who legitimately need it.

Why forgo a valuable medical resource because the abuse of that resource is illegal? This type of ultra conservative thinking would eliminate most of the medications on the market today. No more cough syrup, it has alcohol in it. Robitussin(tm) is out of the question. There are enough opiates in a bottle to kill someone. Proponents of the legalization of marijuana are not really arguing over the legalization of the drug as a medicine. They want marijuana to be completely legalized. On the other hand, the status quo and red tape are keeping a perfectly good medicine off the market. A little less convention and a little more compromise would calm the uproar about legalization of marijuana.

Decriminalization vs. Prohibition

2011-10-29T09:01:00.001-07:00

The idea of Drug Prohibition made sense: lower the availability of drugs by the use of law enforcement. Unfortunately, Drug Prohibition means heavy costs while proving to be ineffective and counterproductive.

I was thirteen when I saw drugs for the first time. I was with some of my friends that live down the road from me. They asked me if I wanted to get high with them. At the time, I didn't know what getting high meant, so I asked them. One of them pulled ut a long slender object, similar to a cigarette, but twisted on either end. They told me it was something special. I was still bewildered. They said "It's pot, you know, marijuana?" Immediately I said no. I had seen several anti-dug commercials, all with the same motto, "Just Say No". I felt so good about myself. I had done the right thing. I said no to my friends, which is a very hard decision to make at that age. I was not going to be one of those sad cases, where my life is wasted away. I was not going to be a crazed addict, who would stop at nothing to get a hit. I was not going to be dodging the law my whole life. I was going to be everything I wanted to be, and drugs were definitely not going to get in the way. I promised myself I would not end up like Jimi Hendrix, or Janis Joplin, both found dead after overdoses, because I had the power to say no. I had read stories and seen news flashes about the side effects of some drugs. I had read newspaper articles about people in Rome, which is just a few minutes away, dying of heroin overdoses. I had seen people on TV that were alive, but were not conscious of their surroundings, because of drug use. Their lives were basically over. I had listened to speakers preach that drugs were one of the Devil's tools. There was no way I would even consider ever trying them, because once a person starts, they can't stop.

It was a few years later that I heard the other side of the story. I learned that not only were we losing the war on drugs, but that the war had been corrupted. The government was wasting money on something without a cause, or hope. It wasn't long after that when I tried marijuana for the first time. I remember it well. I was with my sister, who was the only person that I couldn't say no to. I took a hit. Within fifteen minutes, I felt the most exquisite feeling I had ever experienced. I felt as though I was in a different world. It was at this moment that I knew things would be different for me, but I was still unsure about it, because I had heard of the dangers of drug use. I decided to do a little research. I looked in health magazines, I looked in Rolling Stone magazine, and I read some computer articles about the sixties. I also casually talked to several people who had experience with drugs. It was through this research that I found out some interesting facts.

First was the mere cost of the war on drugs. The federal government spends billions of dollars a year on drug enforcement and billions more on drug-related crimes and punishment. The estimated cost to the United States for this war on drugs is $200 billion a year, or $770 per person, according to statistics posted by CNN, and that does not include the money spent by state and local governments. Despite this expensive effort to enforce drug laws, the result is rather poor.

According to the United States history, Prohibition has not only proved ineffective, but also counterproductive, when referring to the eighteenth amendment. Not only is the illegality of drugs today also ineffective, it leads to huge profits for drug traffickers, which leads to other crimes. Studies have shown that while the amount of money spent on the war on drugs has increased dramatically, so has the amount of drug use. A study conducted by CNN has shown a twenty percent increase in the use of marijuana.

Another interesting fact is that most illegal drugs are less dangerous, and could be legal. Even harsh drugs, such as heroin and cocaine are proving to be less dangerous. In fact, in the twenties, cocaine was viewed as a wonder drug. It was an effective pain killer, it relaxed the body and proved to dramatically reduce stress, yet it showed very few side effects. After a while, however, people started finding new ways to use it. These ways would not only perform the tasks the drug was intended to perform, they would actually give the person a euphoric sensation. However, these ways of using it were not as safe as using pills or soft drinks, which also had cocaine in them. People died after inhaling too much cocaine. The government had to take action, so they made cocaine completely illegal, taking away a very good drug.

Heroin is also not as bad as was originally thought. Heroin, like cocaine, is a very effective pain killer. The problem with heroin is that it is highly addictive, and too much of it can kill. However, this is the case with many prescription drugs. Too much Tylenol could kill a person, as ibuprofen is definitely harmful in large amounts. If heroin was used strictly for medical purposes, and was not only prescribed by doctors, but also regulated by doctors, it's use could be an asset.

There is also the issue of marijuana. Every year close to twenty thousand people die of alcohol related incidents. Each year close to thirty thousand people die of tobacco related diseases, either lung cancer or emphysema, yet there has never been a death on record that is directly related to marijuana. The only deaths related to marijuana have been murders associated with drug dealers and traffickers. If marijuana was legal, these deaths would cease to occur. Also, compared to the side effects of alcohol, the side effects of marijuana are minimal. The only side effects of marijuana are induced hunger and what is referred to as "cotton mouth", which is a dry, pasty feeling in the mouth. The side effects of alcohol, however include nausea, possibly vomiting, loss of coordination, not to mention deterioration of the liver and stomach. Marijuana, like cocaine and heroin, could also have medical purposes. THC, which is the chemical in marijuana that affects the nervous system, can be used to counteract the side effects of chemotherapy for cancer patients. There is virtually no solid reason why marijuana should be illegal.

I personally believe that some drugs should be legal. If they are being used for medical purposes, the government should pass legislation tightening the availability of prescriptions for these drugs, not make them completely illegal, taking away their good sides as well as their bad sides.

Persuasive Essay

2011-10-29T09:00:00.001-07:00

In California there is still more controversial debate over the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The advantage with using marijuana for medical reason is, it eases the pain, and relaxes them so they can enjoy the rest of their life. For these terminally ill patients the marijuana also makes them happy and enjoyable to be around. The disadvantage is that after smoking it for an extended period of time the majority of the patients will develop lung cancer. That is not so bad for them considering there is no cure for their disease. My stand point on this subject is that it is a good idea for marijuana to be used as a medical drug for the treatment in terminal illnesses.

The state law proposition 215 which says, that pot is legal to smoke if you are using it for medical reasons in terminally ill cases. This proposition was on the November ballot and was voted into effect. The federal law that was put into effect no to long ago, states that using marijuana for any reason including medical reasons is illegal. This law was put into effect by the president Bill Clintion. I feel that the law enforcers in California should ignore the federal law or appeal it in court.

There is another drug that is illegal to use in any way but for medical reasons. That drug is morphine, it is used in hospitals to relieve the sever pain of any patient. The reason I know this is that recently my mother was in the hospital for a brain aneurysm and when she got headaches she was given morphine. This is just like what is going on in California, people diagnosed with AIDS and other illnesses should be able to use strong medicines including marijuana to ease the suffering that they are experiencing.

Especially in California where there are more AIDS cases there than any other place in the nation. All over the state there are clinics that supply patients with pot for them to use to relax. Some of these places have strict guidelines for acquiring marijuana and others do not have so strict guidelines. One of the clinics or clubs(as they call them) was raided and shutdown by state narcotics agents. The club's name was Cannabis Buyers Club, which has thousands of members was the one shutdown. The patients that received their pot there were upset. City Hall, in the first week got 150 calls asking for help. Officials went to the Healing Alternatives Foundation and asked for help. Matthew Sharp, the foundation director and an AIDS patient told the mayor that he would not help because of the guidelines.

Matthew sharp also said he "really never liked to smoke pot." But after he was diagnosed with wasting syndrome, the smoking helped him to relax and it helped he over come the nausea and start eating again. That is another way of how smoking pot has helped these patients start enjoying their lives more. There are more patients with stories like his and that is why I feel that Proposition 215 should be enforce and not the federal law. I think that California should appeal the federal law for the health and happiness of the patients. That is my position on this subject.

Pass the Peace Pipe

2011-10-29T08:59:00.001-07:00

The cries of conservatives across America has grown to a riotous roar. The problem is that the long-standing and unjust prohibition of the psychoactive drug marijuana has been lifted by voters in Arizona and California. Under the new law, doctors can prescribe marijuana to those patients who can possibly benefit from the drug's medicinal purposes. Used for alleviating pain and suffering, the drug can provide needed relief for many people. However, to the concerned, it appears that with the new propositions government has granted permission to posses and consume a drug that has been banned for decades. The "smoke" has yet to settle in Washington, but a reaction to the new laws from the federal government seems unlikely. Optimistic supporters hope that similar policies and propositions will soon come to voters in other states.

The debate over the legalization of Cannabis Sativa, more commonly known as marijuana, is currently one of the more heated controversies in the country today. The drug has been unrightfully prohibited since the 1930's for its dangerous effects. However, earlier and more primitive cultures were able to safely explore marijuana's usage for both medicinal and hallucinogenic properties. The usage of marijuana has existed for thousands of years in many countries world wide and can be documented as far back as 2700 BC in ancient Chinese writings. In the earlier cultures, marijuana usage was accepted and its effects documented. However, the United States government overlooked all of the information and banned the drug. Recently, however, there has been a resurgence in the opinion of the drug's positive medicinal purposes.

Studies on the medicinal uses of marijuana have been conducted on many patients that suffer from various health problems. In patients with the AIDS, the drug served as a beneficial way to stimulate appetite. Thousands of AIDS patients already use marijuana illegally for this condition and have reported excellent results. For those AIDS victims, marijuana can reduce the nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite that are common to the syndrome. Another medical function for marijuana is to combat glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness in the United States. Glaucoma is an eye disease that results from pressure that builds up over time and causes great pain and vision loss to sufferers. In the glaucoma patients, marijuana can aid in relieving the intraocular pressure on the eyeball, and thereby alleviate the pain and sometimes stopping the progress of the condition. Multiple sclerosis is another incurable condition that could benefit from the legalization of marijuana. The disease disrupts the normal functioning of the nerves in the brain and the spinal cord. The common agonizing symptoms include tingling, numbness, impaired weakness, difficulty in speaking, painful muscle spasms, loss of coordination and balance, fatigue, weakness or paralysis, loss of bladder control, urinary tract infections, constipation, skin ulcers, and severe depression. Cannabis , because of its relaxing qualities has a startling and profound effect on the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. For the sufferers it stops muscle spasms, reduces tremors, restores balance, restores bladder control, and restores speech and eyesight. Many wheelchair-bound MS patients report that after smoking marijuana they can walk.

Those who oppose the medical usage of marijuana argue that the American Health Association neither accepts nor believes that marijuana serves any purpose in medicine. Doctors claim that there is a great risk that results from smoking the drug. Inhaling any burning substance is harmful to the lungs and could eventually produce detrimental effects including cancer. Despite cannabis' known adverse effects to lung function, it has never been reported to cause a single instance of lung cancer. On the other hand, tobacco, a legal and readily accessible poison, is expected to kill 400,000 people this year. A solution to the doctors' concerns would be to consume marijuana through alternative methods of ingestion that cause diminished effects on bodily health; smoking the drug with a different apparatus or ingesting it without smoking could greatly decrease the harmful effects to the human body.

Currently, according to the current laws of the United States government, possessing, selling, or using marijuana is illegal. The federal government is proud of its tough policy on illegal drugs. As citizens, we are all thankful to live in an environment protected from the unregulated drug market and crime that would likely from an unrestricted drug trade. But the opportunities that are missed and the pain and suffering endured from the prohibition of marijuana, are oppression not protection. Our country was founded on a policy of democracy, where people decide what is best for government. The decision of marijuana legalization should be given to the voters just as in Arizona and California. For too long there has been a ban on marijuana, and it is time for the public to join together and force a change. Someday soon perhaps voters and officials will be able to sit together and join in the tradition of passing the peace pipe.

Only Those With No Hope Take Drugs

2011-10-29T08:58:00.001-07:00

Beatle John Lennon once said "Only those with no hope take drugs." But I believe the statement is partly true, because not only those with no hope take drugs but more and more young generations begin using drugs. Moreover, others may use drugs out of curiosity, for a thrill, or to rebel. Regardless of why drug use begins, many people continue the practice because they become dependent on the drug.

In recent years, the age of users of drugs has descended dramatically, nowadays, even a eight year-old kid may use drugs. Young people begin using drugs for numerous reasons. Some experiment with drugs because their friends use them. Many young people find it difficult to resist peer pressure, which comes from the influence of people their own age. In addition, they are easily influenced by media, such as movies, music, TV, and etc. Moreover, young people often have a sense, that death or other severe consequences of drug use will not affect them personally. At the age of rebel, teenagers are curious of trying new things which they've been told forbidden. Adults may begin using drugs for some of the same reasons as young people. In addition, the stress of life, job, and family pressures may lead people to seek relief in drugs.

When people do not know how to handle their stress and depressions properly, they seek for ways that can solve, at least lessen their pains. Using drugs is certainly one method to reduce pressures and stress when there is no help coming from others. Because drug causes temporarily delusion of what a person sees, hears, and smells, he or she might feel a sense of invulnerability. It will make anyone from hell to heaven. On the other hand, there are many ways, other than using drugs, that can help to solve one's problems. There is always hope unless you don't give it a try. Don't surrender to drugs!

Medicinal Marijuana

2011-10-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

If your every waking moment was consumed by pain and nausea, wouldn't you ask for medication? What if the only medication legally available would leave you unconscious or do nothing at all? If you were the one suffering, would you resort to the only treatment that allowed you to live normally even though it was illegal? Thousands of people across the country are forced to break the law to ease their pain. They have chosen marijuana over anything legally available because it has various medicinal properties that cannot be found anywhere else. Due to these many unique medicinal uses, marijuana should be reclassified as a valid, legal form of treatment.

Marijuana has many unique uses as a form of treatment. It has been used effectively to combat the nausea caused by chemotherapy, to reduce the internal pressure of the eyes of glaucoma patients, and to prevent the "wasting syndrome" in AIDS and cancer patients ("Marijuana for the Sick" A10). As an alternative to using actual marijuana, modern science has developed a synthetic form of THC, the active chemical in marijuana. However, this synthetic drug, called Marinol, is useless for most everyday treatment because it has the unpleasant side effect of being a powerful sedative. A member of Milwaukee's AIDS community, said that a friend of his was taking Marinol to increase his appetite: "He spends the whole day laughing and watching movies...He can't even drive a car because he's so out of it." (3/25/97) In addition to that, Marinol only comes in pill form, which makes it useless for patients taking it for nausea. Marijuana has neither of those drawbacks. Because it is usually smoked, even the most nauseous patient can use it as well as easily regulate their intake ("Medical Marijuana" 23). No prescription drug offers the benefits and potential of marijuana.

Many people have testified to marijuana's validity as a unique form of treatment. One of these, Robert Randall, one of only eight patients supplied with marijuana by the federal government, was diagnosed with acute glaucoma and told that he would be blinded within five years (Brazaitis 1C). Randall "discovered by accident that smoking marijuana" relieved the internal pressure of his eyes (1C). After more than twenty years of smoking marijuana, Randall still has his vision, defying the predictions of his doctors (2C). Richard Brookhiser, a senior editor of the conservative National Review who has admitted to using marijuana to treat the nausea caused by chemotherapy, claims that "if that moment comes to you, you will turn to marijuana." (Brookhiser 28) Rita Zweig further illustrates marijuana's effectiveness: "If anything that is prescribed worked as well for me," she said, "I wouldn't use marijuana." (Snider A1) These three people represent thousands of sufferers across the country who use marijuana as a form of treatment.

Marijuana as a form of treatment has gained support from the medical community. Such prestigious medical publications as the New England Medical Journal have come out in support of medicinal uses for marijuana (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 1/30/97 3A). In addition to that, a Harvard study showed that nearly 44% of doctors who treat cancer patients in the American Medical Association, a group officially opposed to marijuana, have actually recommended marijuana to ease the pain of their patients ("Medical Marijuana" 22). Even with this support, the federal government has refused any sort of clinical testing or reclassifying.

Because of its medicinal value and the lack of an effective substitute, marijuana should be reclassified as a Schedule II drug instead of a Schedule I drug, which would allow it for certain medical uses. Other illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin are classified as Schedule II, even though they are considered habit forming and dangerous, where marijuana, classified as a Schedule I, has never caused a death or overdose and is not considered addictive. The federal government refuses to reclassify marijuana because there "is no proof that smoked marijuana is the most effective available treatment for anything." (McCaffrey 27) There can be no proof until marijuana has been tested in a series of clinical trials. There can be no clinical testing of marijuana because the federal government will not allow them (Conant 26). Anyone who has read the book Catch-22 will find this situation familiar.

The government opponents of medicinal marijuana are against it for political rather than practical reasons. Clinton, who suffered in the polls after he admitted to smoking pot, has taken a strong anti-drug stance to follow in the popular vein of Reagan and Bush's "war on drugs." Congress has taken a strong anti-drug stance, which could be viewed as another example of Congress' detachment from the people they represent, since 35 states have laws that allow marijuana for medicinal use in certain circumstances. The newly passed referendums in Arizona and California demonstrate popular support of these laws, and that they couldn't be passed through California's legislature also demonstrates the representative's isolation from the voters. Federal law, which bans marijuana for all uses, makes all these state laws illegal. This issue represents the power struggle between the state governments and the federal government. The federal government has no constitutional right to ban drugs, especially not if it overrides a state law. This issue has become more than just marijuana for treatment of the sick, it has grown to include the federal government's desire to maintain its dominance over the state governments. Unfortunately, people whose morality and patriotism prevent them from using marijuana to treat their cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, or other illness pay the price.

The other opponents of marijuana as a form of medical treatment have presented several illogical arguments against it. Many opponents argue that marijuana is a "gateway drug" that often leads to harder drugs. This argument is easily disproved by the fact that use of "hard" drugs in the Netherlands has decreased significantly since marijuana was legalized ("Medical Marijuana" 23)u. Parents are often worried that prescription marijuana will mean that more of it will get into the hands of kids. Some of these parents have prescriptions for Morphine, Prozac, Zoloft, Dexedrine, or countless other mood-altering drugs which they successfully keep out of their children's hands.

Marijuana should reclassified so its unique medicinal value can be legally utilized to treat patients. How long would the loudest opponent of medicinal marijuana live incapacitated by nausea or Marinol before he would turn to marijuana? Maybe opponents should spend a month or two in chemotherapy before they deny patients the most effective means of relief.

Works Cited

Brazaitis, Tom. "The Illegal Wonder Drug." Plain Dealer 2 July. 1995: 1C-2C.

"Journal backs medicinal use of marijuana." Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 30 Jan.

1997: 3A.

"Marijuana for the Sick." New York Times 30 Dec. 1996: A10.

Conant, Marcus. "This Is Smart Medicine." Newsweek 3 Feb. 1997: 26.

McCaffrey, Barry. "We're on a Perilous Path." Newsweek 3 Feb. 1997: 27.

"Medical Marijuana." Issues and Controversies on File 10 Jan. 1997: 22-23.

Brookhiser, Richard. "Pot Luck." National Review 11 Nov. 1996: 27-28.

Snider, Burr. "Inside a Marijuana Pharmacy." San Francisco Examiner 3 July.

MEDICINAL PLANTS

2011-10-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

I am doing this project because I think it would be interesting to figure out different

things about medicinal plants and, I decided to try to focus on garlic because, for reason it is a medicinal plant and there is a range of reasons why garlic is important to us but there are things we need to be aware of though.

For about 5000 years garlic has been known to reduce blood cholestrol levels. Garlic tastes very hot, dry, and pungent. The cloves (a part of the garlic plant) are used mostly for infections, especially for such symptoms as: chest problems, some digestive disorders, blood sugar levels; and so, can be helpful in later-onsets of diabetes. Sometimes, the cloves are efffective for some types of skin infections and acne. Garlic is best used if it is fresh.

Things to be aware of about garlic: Garlic acts as a natural heating element inside the human vody; and can irritate the stimach. Do not take garlic in theapuetic classes during pregnacys, and lactating mothers. Garlic can also cause stomach problems, such as heartburn.

Garlic's strong aromatic action helps cleanses the body's lings, and skin. To help reduce the strong odor of garlic; it has been suggested to eat gresh parsly. To elimate the odor of garlic from the mouth (breath).

Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes

2011-10-29T08:54:00.001-07:00

In 1936 when Marijuana was made illegal it was considered a medicine in good standing with the American Medical Association. At the time Marijuana could be found in twenty eight different medical products and countless other consumer products. On November 5th, 1996 California and Arizona passed propositions allowing the return of medicinal Marijuana use.

The campaign in 1936 to make Marijuana an illegal substance was championed by two large companies, Dupont Chemicals and Hearst Newspapers, that gained financially by having Marijuana banned. For Hearst Newspapers it was to protect the investment that they had just made buying a large amount of paper trees. Marijuana can produce about 4 times the amount of paper per acre than trees, and twice as many fibers per acre than cotton. (Hempnet 1) Hearst was well aware of this and moved to ban Marijuana. Marijuana costs little to grow and can be made into cloth, canvas, and other high quality textiles. The use of Marijuana for

textile production would have seriously hurt Dupont who had invested heavily in

both paper production and the use of cotton. In 1936 Dupont joined Hearst and

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using scare tactics and effective lobbying were able to ban the growth, sale, and use of Marijuana.

Besides denying the public of the use of Marijuana as a textile, food source, and alternative energy source, these large companies selfishly robbed many sick people of a drug that can help them. Marijuana can be used to combat glaucoma, epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, back pain, asthma, rheumatism, arthritis, migraines, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and promotes appetite in some cancer and AIDS patients. Drugs like morphine, valium, lithium, and codeine are regularly given to patients and are far more addictive, having many more negative affects than Marijuana. Marijuana "has little effect on major physiological functions. There is no known case of a lethal overdose; on the basis of animal models, the ratio of lethal to effective dose is estimated at 40,000 to 1." (Bakalar and Grinspoon 1875) "Marijuana, like aspirin, a substance known to be unusually safe and to have enormous potential health benefits. ... In fact in a 1990 survey, 44% of oncologist said they had suggested that a patient smoke marijuana for relief of nausea induced by chemotherapy." (Bakalar and Grinspoon 1875) And many times it only takes one or two puffs off a joint to calm the patient and relieve their nausea and help increase

their appetite. (Silverberg 1) Californian and Arizona voters finally acknowledge

the benefits of Marijuana and acted to change the situation.

The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration maintains there is no

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medical evidence that smoking marijuana has ever helped anyone, but it is difficult to dismiss the testimony from many seriously ill patients and their doctors that marijuana can ease pain, reduce the nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy, stimulate the appetites of AIDS patients who are wasting away, and lower the pressure within the eyes of glaucoma victims. " The traditional use of Cannabis as an analgesic, anti-asthmatic, and anti-rheumatic drug is well established. A British study also suggests that cultivation of Cannabis plants rich in Cannabidiol (CBD) and other phenolic substances would be useful not only as fiber producing plants but also for medicinal purposes in the treatment of certain inflammatory disorders. CBD was found to be more effective than aspirin as an anti-inflammatory agent." (Evans 361-371) The Food and Drug Administration has approved a synthetic version of THC, a main ingredient of marijuana, that can help in such cases, but many patients complain that it is a poor substitute and is much more expensive. The alternative choices to smoking marijuana, and there are a couple, but mainly pills are what's on the market; they are suppose to have the same therapeutic effects that so many

suffering patients say they feel when they smoke marijuana. The leading capsule on the market is Dronabinol; it's main agent is Cannabidiol. "In a Brazilian study of 8

Epileptic patients receiving Cannabidiol, (CBD), 4 were free of convulsions, 3 had partial improvement, and 1 was unchanged." (Cunha 176) The only problem

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with the pill is that it has to be digested, and for some one who is suffering from nausea it is virtually impossible to keep the capsule down. "Because it's a pill, and therefore slower acting, people have trouble adjusting the dosage; they often find themselves taking too much. It also seems to cause high levels of anxiety and depression" (Brookhiser 27) Unfortunately no method other then smoking has seemed to help so many with the least complications. What is needed now is a more thorough effort to test the claims from reputable sources that marijuana may be a compassionate means of relieving suffering. Many believe that drug enforcement authorities have instead cut back on research out of fear that it would become impossible to limit marijuana use to those who need it medically. The fears are understandable, especially given the rising use of marijuana among teenagers today. But it ought to be possible to regulate marijuana as a prescription drug if it is found to be of legitimate benefit for sick people.

State initiatives are a clumsy way to set policy. The California proposition, for example, is so vaguely written that it could lead to wholesale distribution of

marijuana well beyond the medical scope intended by those who voted for it. It says nothing about withholding marijuana from young people or from those operating

dangerous equipment. It also suggests that a simple oral recommendation from any doctor would suffice. That loose provision, designed to get around Federal laws that bar doctors from prescribing an illegal substance, makes abuse of the new law

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inevitable. The Arizona law, by contrast, requires that marijuana be prescribed in writing by two doctors. But that measure is also written too broadly. It says that many other drugs, not simply marijuana, may be prescribed if permission from two doctors is obtained. Supporters of the California measure did their cause no good by immediately lighting up marijuana joints after it passed this last year and proclaiming that a legitimate medicinal use would include smoking a joint to relieve stress. Dennis Peron, originator of the California initiative, said afterward he believes all marijuana use is medical -- except for kids. These actions made it obvious that the goal of at least some supporters is to get marijuana legalized outright, a proposition that opinion polls indicate most Americans reject.

Parents have legitimate concerns about the increase in marijuana use among teenagers. Many who used marijuana a generation ago are struggling over what to tell their children, but they need to realize that today's marijuana is more potent than the version they smoked thanks to the invention of hydroponics; a self-monitoring

greenhouse setup intentionally to help cultivate marijuana. It waters itself, adjust the temperature, and optimize the conditions causing THC levels to drastically increase,

and even cause crystallization of the plant because of its high potency. Testing has shown the drug to be far more dangerous to young people than was known in the 1960's and 1970's. It can be particularly harmful to the growth and development of teenagers. California's Attorney General, Daniel Lungren, has ordered state law

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enforcement officials to interpret the law's language narrowly and require proof from those arrested that marijuana is being used medically.

The Clinton Administration announced an aggressive campaign to combat the state propositions, including criminal prosecution of doctors who prescribe marijuana. That hard line makes sense for now; if the Government refuses to investigate carefully the claims about medical use of marijuana, it will only spur voters in other states to take the issue into their own hands. It is a shame that a plant that can do so much good, has to be blacklisted because of misrepresentation, and the ignorance by the general public of just how many uses and advantages marijuana can bring man. From its industrial hemp, to its medicinal relief this plant has barely scratched the surface and has hardly been used to its full potential. As long as the U.S has narrow-minded politicians marijuana will never have a real shot to prove whether it can be a wonder drug/textile that many informed, rational persons

envision it to be.

marajuana:effects and after affects

2011-10-29T08:53:00.001-07:00

One of the most common illegal drug in the United States is marijuana. There are mixed views about this drug, some people want it legalized, other people don't. In this essay, I hope to display the facts about this illegal narcotic, and explain many vie

Marijuana has many different names such as "kif" in Morocco, "doggo" in South Africa and "gangi" in India. There are many slang terms for this type of drug such as "grass," "pot," "weed," "reefer," "mj," "boo," "broccoli," "ace'', "joint," "Colombian"

Tetrahydrocnnabinal(THC) was not found until the mid 1960's. Marijuana can be used medically or for an intoxicant. Doctors prescribe it to relieve pain for people in chemotherapy, or with other diseases.

During the 1960's and 1970's mainly teenagers used marijuana. In the 1970's 11% said they used it daily, but recently, only about 5% use it daily. In 1975, 27% of people said they used it that previous month, and in 1978, that figure grew to 39%, but dr

Rapid, loud talking and bursts of laughter are in the early stages of intoxication and sleepy or stuporous is in the later stages. Forgetfulness in conversation, inflammation in the whites of the eyes and the pupils unlikely to be dilated are in the la

It is still undetermined whether light doses of marijuana has long term effect. Some short term effects are; it causes a higher heart rate, reddened eyes, clumsiness, and blunt reflexes.

The physical effects of marijuana use, particularly on developing adolescents, can be acute. The emotional development of adolescent users may be interrupted. Scientists feel heavy doses during adolescent damages emotional and intellectual development a

ne system. Marijuana use has an adverse effect on the social relationships of the user due to severe mood swings and a lack of interest. Marijuana use also causes a motivational syndrome. This means that the user will lose interest in activities and lose

Researchers believe that marijuana blocks the messages going to your brain and alters your perceptions and emotions, vision, hearing, and coordination. A recent study of 1,023 trauma patients admitted to a shock trauma unit found that one-third had marij

proven to have adverse effects on the female reproductive system. Marijuana and aging affect the brain in very similar ways. This places the long-time user in high risk for serious and premature memory disorders. Marijuana and aging affect the brain in ve

If marijuana use is abruptly stopped, certain withdrawal symptoms will be experienced: nausea, insomnia, irritability, and/or anxiety.

The 1993 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse reports that: 33.7% of those surveyed admitted to having tried marijuana at some point in their lifetime, 9% admitted to having used marijuana during the past year, 4.3% used the drug in the past month, an

I have displayed the different effects and statistics about this drug, and what its used for. Many people think it should be legalized, many people don't. We all have our different views, and insights about this topic, and I hope someday, we will agree

Marajana

2011-10-29T08:52:00.001-07:00

Drugs are a major debate it the world we live in today. Drugs are gaining more and more attention. More and more people are using drugs then ever before and there is no decrease in the amount of drug users. One of the most commonly used drugs is marijuana. In todays world marijuana is growing and is looking to be legalized in California for medical uses only but that will lead to many other problems in the near future.

Marijuana is the most used drug in the U.S. besides tobacco. Marijuana gives people the feeling they like and want but when it is used to much they have to use more of it to get the high in which they desire. It effects your brain by making the THC disrupt the nerve cells in the part of the brain where memories are formed. This makes it harder for the user to recall events and makes it harder to learn. Marijuana is addictive to some people. About 100,000 people seek treatment for marijuana use each year. Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette (called a joint or a nail) or in a pipe or a bong. Recently, it has appeared in cigars called blunts which are larger and, therefore, more dangerous. Marijuana is a green, brown, or a gray mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leaves of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). There are many slang names for marijuana such as pot, weed, boom, gangster, and Mary Jane. This drug causes Timing, coordination, alertness, and performance to be affected in a negative way. Marijuana has THC in it which is absorbed by fatty tissues in various organs. THC can be detected using urine tests and it will stay in your system for seven to a couple of weeks.

Teens are the reason that drugs are a problem in the U.S.. About one in six 10th graders report that they are current marijuana users. Fewer then one in five high school seniors are current users. Some people who use this drug feel nothing but some feel relaxed and high. After smoking it users may get a sudden quenching for a drink and get very hungry. This is called the munchies. Short Term effects of marijuana include memory problems and learning problems, distorted perception, trouble when thinking and problem solving, loss of coordination, increased heart rate, anxiety, and panic attacks. THC can damage cell tissues in you immune system causing users to be more open to diseases. To be able to tell if someone is high they may be dizzy and have trouble walking, be silly and giggly for no reason, bloodshot eyes and have a hard time remembering things. These effects usually end in a few hours and the user gets very sleepy.

A big issue being raised in California is the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes only. The old laws would still be in effect. If you were found using it you would have to have your medical doctors prescription for it to get free from jail or a fine. Still, a cop could bust you for growing it and cuff you because they don't know that your doctor prescribed it for you. This law is a state law and is called Proposition 215. This law has been turned down for the last two years. This year all the old laws that have been turned down have been put together to make a great law. This law actually passed November 5, 1996.

Marijuana aids in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief. The American Cancer society says NO to marijuana because it is not a substitute for appropriate anti-nause drugs for cancer chemotherapy and vomiting. We see no reason to support the legalization of marijuana for medical use. Smoking marijuana is also not approved by the FDA for any illness. These corporations both say that they what a different drug to do the same thing but developing it will take an estimated 4 billion dollars. People what to know why some other drugs can be used like morphine but marijuana can't.

In me and my partners personal option we believe that it is wrong to smoke it or use it in any way, shape, or form. We have never used in and probably never will. We only have one body and we should make the most of it and not mess it up by doing stupid things that will affect us as we get older. To me doing any kind of drugs is stupid and a waste of time. I want to live my life without any worries of medical problems.

Any kind of drug that is illegal is bad for your health but if recommended by a doctor does it make them any better. Drugs will always be around in my option. The government can't demolish drugs or marijuana but they can try to educate children while they are younger to tell them that drugs are bad and should not be taken. With the passing of this law marijuana will become legal in California. Other states can adopt this law if they would like. Education is the key to the end of drugs and the beginning of a new era. Just say NO.

Legalization of Marijuana Anti.

2011-10-29T08:51:00.001-07:00

Drug use is becoming more common today than in recent years. Almost anywhere we look, we can find some relation to drugs or drug paraphernalia. In fact, 63% of you stated in my survey that you had smoked marijuana in the past. That number is scary, since 81% of you are under 25 years of age and have your whole lives ahead of you. Some of you may be thinking "So What" Bill Clinton has admitted smoking marijuana, and he is President. Well, that surely is not a good attitude to have considering the damage that marijuana may cause to your body.

Sure, many of you may not change your lifestyle after today, but I hope to make you think of what you may be getting yourself in to. This afternoon I will give you both sides of the issue. I will try to persuade you to stay away from marijuana in turning you against this dangerous drug.

Many supporters of marijuana claim that hemp can be a very resourceful plant. Hemp is considered to contain less than one percent tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) (Pluff 1). THC is the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. Hemp can be confused with marijuana and considered the same, but do not let this fool you. Marijuana comes from the flowers or "buds" of the hemp plant. These buds are what contains the THC and gives the user the high effect (Pluff 1). Other nations such as Europe have registered varieties of hemp seeds that contain less than .03 percent of THC including the buds (Pluff 1).

Now that you know what hemp is, lets look at its uses. Hemp fiber can be turned in to rope, canvas, and paper, and this is only a few of the uses. The rope that is made with hemp is said to be resistant to both fresh water and salt water. It is also considered better than most conventional rope by its strength and holding power. Another product that can be made from hemp is canvas. This canvas is very useful in making tents, sails, and even the covers on early settlers' wagons. Like the rope, the canvas also stands up well against water, and ninety percent of ship's sails were made of hemp canvas before the nineteenth century. The last product I am going to talk about is hemp paper. This paper is much softer than conventional paper, and it is stated that, "one acre of hemp can replace four acres of forest" (Pluff 2). This paper also does not yellow or crumble with age, a common complaint with conventional paper (Pluff 1).

You may be wondering why such a useful plant is illegal, well let me tell you the other side of the story. Marijuana is said to be useful in the medical field as a cure for some disease. It is also an argument that smoking marijuana does not cause any side affects. I will prove this to be untrue, and a myth of society.

The first claim by the supporters of marijuana is for medical reasons. Through much research doctors have found that marijuana may be a treatment for such illnesses as glaucoma, cancer, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In fact, Proposition 215 just passed in California and Arizona giving citizens the right to smoke marijuana for medical reasons (Medical 1). One thing that is overlooked with this is that marijuana is not a cure, but a relief from the pain suffered by these citizens. If it is a relief from pain the sufferer is looking for, there are many other options to consider before choosing something as dangerous as marijuana. It only takes a little common sense to figure that something that is considered illegal by the Federal Government could not be used as a cure for any illness. Wisconsin lists marijuana under Schedule I of the Uniformed Controlled Substance Act. This means that any drugs under Schedule I, including marijuana, are not useful in curing any known illness. Schedule I is also where all the most serious drugs are listed. This puts marijuana in the same class with heroin and cocaine.

Another problem with marijuana is the affects on the male and female body. One way frequent marijuana use affects males is by Gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the male breast tissue (Jones 51). This disease is not well known to the general public. This may be because males who get the disease usually keep the symptoms to themselves and not risk embarrassment. The next problem with males and marijuana is the reduction of their sperm count. "Sperm counts in males were measured, and after a month of heavy smoking the sperm count was reduced by as much as 70 percent" (Jones 62). Along with the reduction of the sperm count, the male has a reduction of testosterone. Testosterone is the principal male hormone and responsible for the growth of the male reproductive system. This drop in the sperm count and reduction of testosterone may not seem too important now but like I mentioned before, "81 percent of you are under age 25" and this may affect your lives dramatically in the future.

Marijuana affects females by disrupting nerve pathways in the brain which may lead to infertility. A study done on monkeys at the University of California at Davis, showed that when the female monkeys were given increased amounts of THC they were more likely to neglect their offspring (Jones 71). A problem with marijuana use by pregnant females is the possibility that the baby may me born with deformities or even stillborn (Jones 72). Females have also shown an increase in testosterone levels which is the opposite of the male user.

An affect that takes no side in users of marijuana is short term memory loss. (Ray 435). In everyday use, the marijuana user has a hard time recalling information that they may have just learned minutes before. The frequent user may also experience loss in time sense. With this the marijuana user feels that more time has passed than actually has elapsed. The final thing usually affected is tracking behavior. This may lead to crashing a motor vehicle because the impaired driver could not keep their attention on the road in which they were driving.

To sum it all up, marijuana use is increasing among individuals. Almost everywhere we look there is support for this drug. This does not make sense in a society that is hung up on looking good and living a full life. Everyday we are making improvements to our society and making America a better place to live. I feel that with the legalization of marijuana we will begin to take a step backwards. One can only wonder, if marijuana was legalized what would drug supporters pick next. And remember that when the commercial says "This buds is for you" do not believe them, just say no!

Legalize It!

2011-10-29T08:50:00.001-07:00

Many feel today we are loosing the war on drugs. When a battle goes to the point where there is no winner there needs to be a re-evaluation of how to solve the problem. In the case of the war against drugs, years of fighting have caused increased crime, overcrowding of prisons and the wasted use of money and resources with no results. It is now time to look at alternative methods to solving the nation's drug problem. I will be looking at one of these methods that deals with the legalization of marijuana. In the following pages you can look at why I think there is a problem in the United States which deals with the use of drugs, our solutions to the problem and our responses to the attacks against the legalization of marijuana.

Although, legalization will increase use of the drug. However, many supporters of continuing the illegalization of drugs believe that by legalizing drugs they will become more accessible and use will therefore increase. They base this argument on past experiment dealing with alcohol prohibition. After the end of prohibition with the 21st amendment, alcohol consumption doubled while prohibition decreased use by 50 percent(Light). They also cite that use of marijuana peaked in 1979 when there was a decriminalization of drug use by eleven states. When researching to find if a particular solution will prove to be of use, it is important to look at historical examples and learn from them. In Liverpool, England, after a recent legalization of drugs in a regulatory program that focuses on the medical benefits of drugs, most drug pushers have left town because there is no longer a market for them(Priver 28). This shows that legalization actually decreases use because of the increased emphasis on rehabilitation and the decrease of drug pushers. Such a dramatic decrease in drug dealers has not only resulted in crime reduction in England but there was also a decrease of drug use.

It is true, legalization will not eliminate the major cause of violent crime; however, most argumentation which says that drug legalization will not decrease crime deals with the idea that most violent crime occurs as a result of alcohol use(Light). Since this is true, and legalization would not effect crime that is alcohol related but it will decrease violent crime that is linked to drug dealing and use. The drugs themselves may not cause violent crime but people involved in the distributing of illicit drugs make the deadliest crime. By legalizing drugs the dealer would be eliminated and therefore crime would be reduced. By keeping the addict separate from the criminal then violent, jealous, possessive crime(Friedman 16).

Granted, the overall cost of drug use would not decrease; however, supporters of the continued war on drug and the further illegalization of these drugs say that legalization would cost more both socially and economically. They say that legalization would result in increased use and eventually will mean an increase in cancer deaths with greater marijuana smoking(Light). Another result they say will happen is the deteriorization of family values as a result of increased drug using mothers and children. Actually, the legalization of drugs will put money which is used for law enforcement into the construction of better rehabilitation and education programs. Education is an essential part in this proposal because through this method the problem is solved not mearly covered up with jail bars. Economically, for every dollar spent on drug treatment there is a $7 return due to decreased criminal activity(Cotton 992). Through the regulation and supervision of the distribution of marijuana, there would be no increases in the number of drug addicted newborns nor will it induce the deterioration of society. The overall cost of drug use would decrease and would bring a new revenue for our nation.

After looking at and knowing the pro and cons of marijuana legalization, I have decided that it is a valid and necessary solution to our countries drug problem. By implementing such a program the American population can use it's money and resources to combat the problem through rehabilitation and education instead of stalling the problem through the legal system. Legalization will decrease violent crime associated with drug dealers, it will decrease the number of users and will lower the wasteful cost which is connected with the current system. Such legalization will not destroy our youth in any way and will only be accessible to adults in the country. If we continue with our current system we will never solve the problem. Drug dealers and addicts will continue to crown our prisons and plague our streets with violent crime with no hope for help nor a better future.

Legalization of Drugs

2011-10-29T08:49:00.001-07:00

The drug connection is one that continues to resist analysis, both because cause and effect are so difficult to distinguish and because the role of the drug-prohibition laws in causing and labeling "drug-related crime" is so often ignored. There are four possible connections between drugs and crime, at least three of which would be much diminished if the drug-prohibition laws were repealed. "First, producing, selling, buying, and consuming strictly controlled and banned substances is itself a crime that occurs billions of times each year in the United States alone" (Lindsmith Center). In the absence of drug-prohibition laws, these activities would obviously stop being crimes. "Selling drugs to children would continue to be criminal, and other evasions of government regulation of a legal market would continue to be prosecuted; but by and large the drug connection that now accounts for all of the criminal-justice costs noted above would be severed" (Lindsmith Center).

Second, many illicit-drug users commit crimes such as robbery and burglary, as well as drug dealing, prostitution, and many others, to earn enough money to purchase the relatively high-priced illicit drugs. "Unlike the millions of alcoholics who can support their habits for relatively modest amounts, many cocaine and heroin addicts spend hundreds and

even thousands of dollars a week" (Lindsmith Center). If the drugs to which they are addicted were much cheaper-which would be the case if they were legalized-the

number of crimes committed by drug addicts to pay for their habits would, in all likelihood,

decline. Even if a legal-drug policy included the a demand of relatively high taxes in order to discourage consumption, drug prices would probably still be lower than they are today.

The third drug connection is the commission of crimes- violent crimes in particular-by people under the influence of illicit drugs. "This connection seems to have the greatest impact upon the popular imagination" (Lindsmith Center). Clearly, some drugs do "cause" some people to commit crimes by reducing normal control, unleashing aggressive and other antisocial tendencies, and lessening the sense of responsibility. "Cocaine, particularly in the form of crack, has gained such a reputation in recent years, just as heroin did in the 1960s and 1970s, and marijuana did in the years before that. Crack's reputation for inspiring violent behavior may or may not be more deserved than those of marijuana and heroin. No illicit drug, however, is as widely associated with violent behavior as alcohol. According to Justice Department statistics, 54 percent of all jail inmates convicted of violent crimes in 1983 reported having used alcohol just prior to committing their offense. The impact of drug legalization on this drug connection is the most difficult to predict. Much would depend on overall rates of drug abuse and changes in the nature of consumption, both of which are impossible to predict. It is worth noting, however, that a shift in consumption from alcohol to marijuana would almost certainly contribute to a decline in violent behavior" (Lindsmith Center).

The fourth drug link is the violent, intimidating, and corrupting behavior of the

drug traffickers. Illegal markets tend to breed violence not only because they attract

criminally-minded individuals, but also because participants in the market have no resort to

legal institutions to resolve their disputes. According to the Lindsmith Center "During Prohibition, violent struggles between bootlegging gangs and hijackings of booze-laden trucks and sea vessels were frequent and notorious occurrences. Today's equivalents are the booby traps that surround some marijuana fields, the pirates of the Caribbean looking to rip off drug-laden vessels en route to the shores of the United States, and the machine gun battles and executions carried out by drug lords -- all of which occasionally kill innocent people. Most law-enforcement officials agree that the dramatic increases in urban murder rates during the past few years can be explained almost entirely by the rise in drug-dealer killings" (Lindsmith Center).

Perhaps the most unfortunate victims of the drug-prohibition policies have been the law-abiding residents of America s ghettos. These policies have largely proven futile in deterring large numbers of ghetto dwellers from becoming drug abusers, but they do account for much of what ghetto residents identify as the drug problem. In many neighborhoods, it often seems to be the aggressive gun-toting drug dealers who upset law abiding residents far more than the addicts nodding out in doorways. Other residents, however, perceive the drug dealers as heroes and successful role models. In impoverished neighborhoods, they often stand out as symbols of success to children who see no other options. "The increasingly harsh criminal penalties imposed on adult drug dealers have led to the widespread recruitment of juveniles by drug traffickers. Children started dealing drugs only after they had been using them for a while; today the sequence is often reversed: many children start using illegal drugs now only after working for drug dealers. And the juvenile-justice system offers no realistic options for dealing with

this growing problem" (Lindsmith Center).

"The failure of law-enforcement agencies to deal with this drug connection is probably most responsible for the corruption of neighborhoods and police departments alike. Intensive police crackdowns in urban neighborhoods do little more than chase the menace a short distance away to infect new areas. By contrast, legalization of the drug market would drive the drug-dealing business off the streets and out of the apartment buildings, and into legal, government-regulated, taxpaying stores. It would also force many of the gun-toting dealers out of business, and would convert others into legitimate businessmen" (Lindsmith Center). Some would turn to other types of criminal activities, just as some of the bootleggers did following Prohibition's withdrawal. Gone would be the unparalleled financial temptations that lure so many people from all sectors of society into the drug-dealing business.

I feel that drugs should be legalized in the United States because of the many taxes that would be put onto the drug market. It would also lure drug users to become legitimate businesspeople under the regulation of the U.S. government. If drugs were legalized it would mean a new source of economy for our government, also people will not resort to crime to get the drugs and would become more respectable. If drugs were legalized it would be a great move forward, not only in the field of law enforcement but also in the legal drug market. Legalizing drugs would also stop the gun toting drug dealing people to get out of the drug dealing business because they can't control things on the street anymore

with the drugs. He would have to go the legal way and try to make himself a respectable

business person or lose all of his business. The bottom line is, if drugs are legalized it would stop a lot of crime and stimulate the economy. Drugs are bad, but wouldn't it be better to stop the criminal activity than let all of the crime go unchecked. The drug trafficking these days is getting to be ridiculous and something must be done to stop the rage of drug use and crime in our societies today. Children can get their hands on these illegal and dangerous drugs so easy now it is crazy. If drug use was legalized it would become almost impossible for a child under age to get these drugs. It would stop many young people from becoming junkies, while making them into better people that would contribute to their community. If a person wants to mess their bodies up I believe that they should do what they want with themselves, but when things start to affect other people then the authorities should step in.

Decriminalize Marijuana for the Good of America

2011-10-29T08:48:00.001-07:00

Currently, drugs remain high on the lists of concerns of Americans and are considered one of the major problems facing our country today. We see stories on the news about people being killed on the street every day over drugs. To many people drugs are only an inner-city problem, but in reality they affect all of us - users and non-users. I believe that the negative affects we associate with drugs would be greatly reduced if the United States adopted a policy towards the total decriminalization of marijuana. The current drug policy of our government is obviously failing. Drug laws have created corruption, violence, increased street crime, and disrespect for the criminal justice system. Current drug legislation has failed to reduce demand. It's just too hard to monitor illegal substances when a significant portion of the population is committed to using drugs. (Inciardi and McBride 260)

Marijuana comes from the hemp plant, which can readily be grown on fields across the nation and was cultivated heavily in colonial period. After 130 years of being legal, the potential problems of marijuana were brought into the public eye by Harry J. Anslingler, the commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and author of Marijuana: Assassin of Youth (Goldman 88). In his book, Anslinger portrayed images of Mexican and Negro criminals, as well as young boys, who became killers while under the influence of marijuana. With the added public pressure, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into law the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. This law made the use and dale of marijuana federal offenses. At this point marijuana was removed from the public eye, and heavy users included poor Negroes, migrant Mexicans, and Jazz Musicians (Himmelstein 3).

Marijuana reappeared in the mid 1960's with the emergence of the "Hippie." Widespread objection to the use of marijuana remained because of the set of valued and lifestyles associated with it, but use appeared in colleges and among middle-class youths in the suburbs (Himmelstein 103). Marijuana became a symbol of a counter-culture, and youthful rebellion. As a consequence, marijuana use rose for the next ten years. Marijuana was becoming more accepted across the nation. As the users of Marijuana changed, the attitudes about the danger of Marijuana broke down. In 1970, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act reduced the classification of simple possession and non-profit distribution from felonies to misdemeanors (Himmelstein 104). This was a good start.

However, President Richard Nixon declared a war on drugs in 1973 and over the next 20 years, each succeeding president continued to escalate the drug war. This policy has obviously done nothing to stop the recreational use of drugs in this country, on the contrary it is causing great harm. It's time to try something new.

When most people imagine the legalization of marijuana, they fear a marijuana free-for-all with everybody constantly getting high. Legalization would be a burdensome task for the U.S. Government. In fact, the legal process would include a law passed by Congress allowing the government to control the content, quality, and distribution of marijuana. The laws would be similar to the current laws regulating alcohol, including laws governing age, limits for driving, and distribution ("Bring" 13). A thorough investigation of the costs and benefits of legalization must be examined before any policy is implemented , but I believe it will show that the benefits far outweigh the detriments.

The three general areas where people are opposed to legalization of marijuana center their arguments on: health care, increased crime, and social aspects. Marijuana is more dangerous than cigarette smoking. Two Marijuana joints create more airway impairment than do an entire pack of cigarette (Miner 44). One joint contains three times more tar than do cigarettes and is considered four times more dangerous (Courtwright 54). It dramatically increases the pulse rate and blood pressure during use. If marijuana is legalized, many project that lung cancer will increase as the amount of marijuana use increases (Miner 44). These are all valid arguments, but cigarette smoking is legal, a booming business, and causes the same exact problems.

There are a number of myths associated with the use of marijuana and its effects on your body which people who are opposed to its decriminalization repeatedly cite. One of these in that Marijuana causes brain damage. This claim is based on a study of the rehus monkey by Dr. Robert Heath in the late 1970's. Heath's work was criticized for its insufficient sample size (only four monkeys), its failure to control experimental bias, and the misidentification of normal monkey brain structure as "damaged" (Hager 1). Actual studies of human populations of marijuana users have shown no evidence of damage to the brain (Hager 1). In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) conducted two studies in 1977 and they showed no evidence of brain damage in heavy users of marijuana (Hager 1). Later that same year the AMA came out in favor of the decriminalizing of marijuana (Hager 1). That seems to me that the AMA wouldn't do that if it thought marijuana was damaging to the brain.

Another myth is that marijuana damages the reproductive system. This is based on the work of Dr. Gabriel Nahas, who experimented with tissue cells isolated in petri dishes. The cells were dosed with near lethal levels of cannibinoids (the intoxicating part of marijuana). Nahas's generalizations from the petri dishes to human beings have been rejected by the scientific community as being invalid. Studies of actual human populations have failed to demonstrate that marijuana adversely affects the reproductive system. (Hagar 1).

A persistent myth about marijuana is that it is a gateway drug, leading to the use of harder drugs. The Dutch partially decriminalized marijuana in the 1970's since then the use of heroin and cocaine has sharply decreased. The opposite of this gateway affect is also present the United States. In 1993 a study by the Rand corporation compared drug use in states that have decriminalized marijuana and those that have not. It found that in states where marijuana was more available, hard drug abuse as measured by emergency room episodes decreased. What science and real experience tells us is that marijuana tends to substitute for much harder drugs like alcohol, cocaine, and heroin (Hagar 1).

Another misconception is that marijuana is more dangerous than alcohol. Extremely high doses of cannibinoids cause death. Extremely high doses is the key word here. Scientists have concluded that the ratio of cannibinoids needed to get a person intoxicated (stoned) relative to the amount necessary to kill him is 1 to 40,000. That means that to overdose on marijuana you would need to consume 40,000 times as much as you would to get stoned. The ratio of alcohol varies between 1 in 4 and 1 in 10. Over 5000 people die of alcohol overdoses each year, and no one has ever died from overdosing on pot (Hagar 2).

These are just a few of the myths used various groups in order to keep marijuana illegal. Along with these myths come the false belief that crime will increase if marijuana is legalized. Allen St. Pierre, Assistant National Director of the National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws (NORML), says that legalization will wipe out the already 60-billion dollar black market by placing marijuana in the open market (NORML information pack 3).

It is the enforcement of the laws criminalizing the possession, use, manufacture, and distribution of marijuana that are causing the violent crime. This war on drugs is wasting the money, as well as the lives of American people. The widely recognized opinion maker William F. Buckley, Jr. writes:

...The time devoted to tracking down, arresting and then trying marijuana users and then trying marijuana users is perhaps the greatest exercise in lost time in contemporary activity. In the last two years, approximately 750,000 arrests were made in our mad, quixotic effort to stamp out marijuana. What this adds up to is millions of police hours spent on bootless missions, millions of hours of court time wasted, and millions of months in jail, using up space sorely needed to contain people who can't wait to get out in order to resume mugging and murdering (Buckley 39A).

The drug laws imprison a multitude of otherwise law abiding people, a disproportionate number of them who are poor or minorities, for non violent acts that are directed at no one but themselves (ACLU 1). Instead of eliminating drugs, the prohibition of them just fosters an illegal industry able to inflate prices. This is hauntingly familiar to the prohibition era of gangsters present when alcohol was illegal in the 1920's. Because drugs are sold on the black market, they cause violence, deaths due to no quality regulation, and diseases from sharing illegal drug paraphernalia (ACLU 1).

The American Civil Liberties advocates the full decriminalization of the use, possession, manufacture, and distribution of drugs (ACLU 1). It does this for constitutional reasons. The following is an excerpt from their policy on drugs which was adopted in 1994:

Criminalizing the use, possession, manufacture, and distribution of drugs violates the principle that the criminal law may not be used to protect individuals from the consequences of their own autonomous choices or to impose upon those individuals a majoritarian conception of morality and responsibility.....Enforcement of laws criminalizing possession, use, manufacture of distribution of drugs engender violations of civil liberties. Because drug enforcement is aimed at behavior which is inherently difficult to detect and does not involve a complaining "victim," it necessarily relies on law enforcement techniques -- such as use of undercover operations, arbitrary or invasive testing procedures, random or dragnet seizures, and similar measures -- that raise serious civil liberties concerns. These enforcement techniques lead in practice to widespread violations of civil liberties guarantees, including those secured by the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments (ACLU 1).

The supporters of legalization believe that it will benefit society in three ways, including revenue enhancement, medical benefits, and hemp production. The ingest argument for marijuana legalization is revenue enhancement for the U.S. Government. Much of the money will be saved due to less law enforcement, court time, and the cost of incarcerating prisoners who's only crime is possession. (Schmoek 3). The U.S. spent roughly one billion dollars on marijuana enforcement last year and the DEA has proposed a 400% increase in anti-pot spending, yet domestic marijuana production has been reduced by only 10%. Further in 1989, 314,552 arrests were made for simple possession (NORML 2).

Considering America's annual marijuana harvest was worth 50.7 billion in 1989 and 41.4 billion in 1988, $28 billion greater than corn at 31.4 billion, marijuana could become the leading agricultural product in the United States (NORML 2). With trade regulations, industry regulations and consumption taxes on he product NORML has estimated that legalization would produce over $40 billion in taxable revenue (NORML 3). As Congress debates the national debt, legalization would provide the needed funds to help our economy.

Legalization advocates constantly tout marijuana's medicinal benefits. For cancer patients, marijuana reduces nausea and increases the appetite (Cauchon 4A). Marijuana also reduces epileptic seizures and reduces nerve disorders in multiple sclerosis patients (NORML 3). If it helps patients get extra quality time out of their lives, then attempts to decriminalize it should be supported. Legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, as California recently did, could provide answers about diseases and allow research to be conducted for future purposes.

An area that does not gather too much publicity in the legalization issue is hemp production. Marijuana comes from the top leaves and flowers of the female hemp plant. The fiber from the top can be used to make clothing, paper, rope, and methanol fuel. Hemp is a plant that can be grown in poor soil, thus not taking up any valuable agricultural land (NORML 4). Hemp now grows in the U.S. because of its heavy production in the 18th and 19th centuries. Seventy-Five to Ninety percent of all paper used before 1883 was hemp paper, including the first two drafts of the Declaration of Independence (Young 25). Hemp is safer for the environment. Hemp requires 40% fewer chemicals to produce paper, and, over twenty years, one acre of hemp can produce four times as much pulp as can an acre of trees (NORML 4). The production of hemp would save trees and clean up the air.

The push for legalization of Cannibis is making news across America just as it did in the 60's. Shirts are being worn with slogans like "Keep America Green." Marijuana use is glorified in movies like Dazed in Confused and by music groups like Cypress Hill and the Black Crowes. Increasing public support and media attention will slowly force the legalization issue into the forefront of the political arena. If the widespread acceptance continues among the powerful new voting block -- college students, the policy towards marijuana could change in the near future. Weighing both the costs and the benefits the decriminalization/legalization of marijuana seems inevitable. Many of the purported myths about its harmful effects have been proven false. The current war on drugs is clearly failing, and costing too many lives and too much money. There are many benefits to be gained from the Cannibis plant: increased tax revenue, safety due to governmental regulation, decreased crime and use of hard drugs, and the environmental benefits of hemp to name a few. With all these reasons taken into consideration the decriminalization/legalization of marijuana seems like a very good idea.

HIV Babies

2011-10-29T08:46:00.001-07:00

Last year, it was cause for celebration. The cause of celebration was for the results that several clinical trials of zidovudine cut the risk for mother to child transmission of human immune deficiency virus (HIV) by two thirds. Although, this year, it is the basis for new federal recommendations that all pregnant women should receive HIV testing and counseling. But, these findings have been cause of protests by several activist groups. Activists fear that conservative legislators and policy makers will use the clinical data to justify mandatory testing and treatment for pregnant women.

During the latter part of February, the United States Public Health Services published guidelines for HIV pregnant women in the Federal Register. Which coincidentally was published on the same day as the National Conference in Washington, DC for "HIV infection in women: Setting a New Agenda." The conference included activists, physicians and HIV positive women who used the meeting as a forum to voice their concerns about how best to balance women's own medical needs with those of their infants. Other concerns of activists that were voiced were that they don't want laws, policies or medical care imposed on women merely as "vectors" who may transmit HIV to their infants.

The new guidelines recommend that all pregnant women should receive HIV counseling and testing. These guidelines are aimed at helping pregnant women know their HIV status early so that medical care, including zidovudine (Retrovir, known as AZT, Burroughs Welcome Co., Research Triangle Park, NC), can be made available. The new guidelines also reiterate previous federal health advisories that say counseling should precede HIV testing.

Physicians and other health professionals who counsel women should be well informed about the complex issues that face HIV infected pregnant women, according to the guidelines. This information should include about all of their reproductive options. Women should also be advised that in order to help reduce prenatal HIV transmissions HIV infected women in the United States should not breast feed their infants.

The guidelines further states that all HIV testing should be voluntary for women and their infants. Also, all decisions about AZT use should be made by the HIV infected pregnant woman in a non coercive atmosphere and based on a balance of the benefits an potential risks of the regimen to herself and her child. The guidelines also state that women who are infected or refuse testing must not be denied medical care, reported to child protective agencies, or discriminated against in any way.

The center for Disease control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA. reports that as of December 31, 1994, there were 58,448 women with AIDS in the United States. Nearly one fourth of the total were reported in 1994 alone. AIDS is now the fourth leading cause of death in US women ages 25 to 44 and in 15 major United States cities.

In 1993, the CDC estimated that 7,000 HIV infected women gave birth in this country, in other words, about one in every 625 women who gave birth that year was HIV positive. The rate of mother to child transmission rate ranged from 15% to 30%, which is estimated that there were as many as 2,000 HIV infected infants born in the United States in 1993.

Much of the controversy centers on AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) protocol 076. In the 2 year study, 239 of the 477 HIV infected women enrolled received AZT during pregnancy and delivery. Their infants received the drug for six weeks. At 18 months, 8.3% of the infants in the treatment group vs. 25.5 % of the controls were infected. "Evidence based on every analysis that has been done of the outcomes to date shows that this is a prevention breakthrough," said Wanda Jones, DrPH, acting associate director of CDC's office of Women's Health.

Activists believe that the data is incomplete and should not be used as the basis for federal guidelines. They wanted to know the effects AZT might have on the estimated 75% of infants who are born to HIV positive mothers but don't seroconvert, and whether a pregnant woman who takes AZT early in the course of infection will still benefit from the drug later, when she is sicker. They also wanted to know what the long term effects may be if women take AZT during multiple pregnancies, and whether ACTG 076 showed a correlation between high maternal viral load and the likelihood of transmission. A few small studies, including one from New York State Health Department, are beginning to point in that direction. Jones of the CDC conceded that the study leaves many question unanswered. However, it is the only one ever to have demonstrated any effective method of preventing maternal fetal HIV transmission. "It would be irresponsible for us not to be out front on this," she said. James W. Curran, MD MPH, associate director for HIV/AIDS at the CDC added that, "The reason we published these guidelines is that we believe they represent the very best in public health practice."

Besides their scientific concerns, activists also believe that the guidelines come at a politically tenuous time. Two years ago, before the ACTG 076 results were announced and before Congress took a conservative turn, New York lawmakers considered legislation to unbind mandatory testing of newborns so that seropositive infants could be identified. The law failed. But now, since the clinical results have been widely publicized, a similar bill is pending in Congress. For example, in Illinois, lawmakers are considering a bill that would mandate HIV testing and counseling for all pregnant women. And in New York, they have proposed legislation would mandate testing of pregnant women without requiring counseling. Experts say that initiative like those in Illinois and New York are likely to crop up in more states. To counter pro-mandatory testing movements, activists have urged federal health officials to strengthen language in the guidelines before they are finalized so that the document won't be construed as supportive of mandatory testing.

Mandatory testing has been controversial since the AIDS epidemic began. Opponents contend that is violates civil rights, results in discrimination and may drive some people away from receiving the medical care they need. Therefore, without a stronger message in support of voluntary testing the guidelines may become a way to discriminate against pregnant women who are HIV positive.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Rogers, Martha, Simonds, R.J.; March 15, 1996; Preventing Prenatal HIV Infection "How Far Have We Come?"; Journal of the American Medical Association Volume 19; Page 1514

Voelker, Rebecca; April 5, 1996; US Public Health Service Recommends Counseling and HIV Testing For All Pregnant Women; Journal of the American Medical Association; Volume 19; page 977

Wolfe, Maxine Ph.D.; October 1, 1996; Mothers To Infant HIV Transmission 076 Update; Women Alive; page 6

Heroin

2011-10-29T08:45:00.002-07:00

Heroin related deaths and arrests among young pop culture musicians has not been this visible for decades. "We observe pop culture making this drug- which is very lethal-look glamorous and chic," says Ginna Marston of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America (54). For example, according to Karen Schoemer's report for Newsweek, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon and Jerry Garcia of Greatful Dead, all participated and abused heroin (54). Kurt Cobain took his own life with a shotgun, while battling his heroin addiction. Also, Shannon Hoon overdosed on cocaine while he had recently tried to kick his heroin habit. In addition, Jerry Garcia who had been a drug junkie for years died in a rehabilitation center while trying to come clean from drug use. However, Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots, David Gahan of Depeche Mood and actor Robert Downey, Jr. were all arrested for possession of heroin and other illicit drugs (54). Weiland was busted on heroin and cocaine possession in May, 1995 (54). Furthermore, Gahan was arrested for drug possession after an overdose on heroin and cocaine (54). In addition, Downey was arrested when officials found heroin, crack, and cocaine in his car after he was pulled over for speeding. He plead not guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a mandatory rehab program. Downey on June 28, 1995 walked out of the drug treatment facility, but later turned himself in the next day (54). Heroin is very much in back and has become a major trend and a way of life for the pop culture life style.

Heroin Abuse

2011-10-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

Drugs have been around for hundreds of years. Indians were known to have used Opium and other drugs for medical and various other purposes. During the 7th Century A.D. in China a drug emerged called Opium. Opium, the dry juice from immature seed pods of the opium poppy plant, is a narcotic drug that is very powerful in the relief of pain but is also very addictive. At the beginning Opium was like any other drug, but then people unaware of the harm it could cause began to use it more and more often. During the 19th century in China there was a period called the Opium Wars where the use of Opium had become such a problem the government tried to prohibit it. But by then no one could stop its growth. In 1803 the compound responsible for the painkilling effect was found and called Morphine. This discovery brought even more use of Opium. Finally in 1898 a chemist discovered diacetylmorphine or Heroin. Heroin was at first considered a safer, stronger but less addictive pain killer and was used by doctors everywhere. However doctors soon found out that it was more dangerous and even more addictive. During the 70's heroin reemerged as a powerful drug but many were afraid to use it. Throughout the 80's strong anti-drug campaigns seemed to be winning the war on drugs. But, in 1996 people have become alert to the increase in Heroin addiction. Heroin use has doubled every year since 1992. What caused the use of heroin to increase? The growth of heroin abuse has increased in the United States because famous musicians and movie stars have been caught with the drug, because pop culture continues to make heroin seem glamorous, and because babyboomers have a relaxed view on drugs.

To begin with, the abuse of heroin has increased because famous musicians and movie stars have been caught with the drug or have been known to use it. Kurt Cobain, lead singer for Nirvana, openly admitted to abusing the drug and checked himself into a detox center weeks before his suicide. Kurt Cobain had chronic stomach problems and was always looking for something to ease the pain. During an interview with MTV he commented on his stomach pain with, "The pain in my stomach made me feel like a junky so if I was going to feel like a junky I might as well become one." Cobain's stomach pains made him look, talk, and feel like a wrecked individual. So he figured that if he was going to appear that way, he might as well be that way. Young fans of Kurt Cobain see his attitude on life and try to mimmick it by not caring what they do to their bodies. Many fans only saw Cobain in the spotlight were he seemed to be above everyone and everything, Cobain was one of the most successful musicians of the 90's and everything he did was seen under a microscope. With his admission to drugs he brought heroin back out of the underground and into pop culture where many more kids could see it. Also, Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland was busted for possession of cocaine and heroin. Scott Weiland was different than Kurt Cobain. Weiland was not a misunderstood poet who rose from obscurity with the addiction, he was a clean cut pop-rock star when the drug found him. However, Weiland like Cobain was a major role model to the children of America. And as Karen Schoemer wrote in Newseek, "Since kids emulate rock stars, they're liable to emulate their drug use". Likewise, actor Robert Downey Jr. was arrested twice over the summer for possession of cocaine and heroin. Like Weiland, Downey Jr. was also a clean cut young man. But, unlike Cobain or Weiland he was not a musician or artist, he was an actor. This broadened the awareness of drug abuse. The movie industry brings in a whole other group of kids who see their favorite actor get caught for possession of heroin and think if they do heroin they too can be as "cool" or "sophistcated" as movie stars. Many young people are using heroin because they see their idols use it.

Second, pop culture makes heroin seem glamorous which adds to its use among young people. Movies like Pulp Fiction and Trainspotting make using heroin look appealing. The main character in Pulp Fiction was a hitman played by John Travolta who did heroin at various times throughout the movie. Writer,Quentin Terantino, did not make heroin addictive or harmful but instead he made it look like a glamour drug that mellowed people out and made them feel good. Even though one scene did have the female role overdose, many more scenes showed how cool people were who do heroin. The movie Trainspotting deals with "Scotland's junky underbelly" and is criticized by many for making heroin use seem attractive. But, despite criticism this film is one of the most hyped imports of the year. The acceptance these movies have recieved show that people are also accepting the rise in heroin use, therefore teenagers will see nothing wrong with it. Next, fashion designers continue to hire "druggy looking" women to model their clothes. One designer, Jil Sander, was criticized for showing a "wasted" looking woman with one sleeve pushed up. The trend in the fashion industry is to hire skinny women with sunken faces to model their clothes. One model who recently kicked the habit, Zoe Fleischaur, said "They wanted models that looked like junkies, the more skinny and f---ed up you look, the more everybody thinks you're fabulous. One example of a "druggy-looking model" is Kate Moss who has based her entire career on being skinny and looking wasted. Young women see these models and want to be like them. This puts a lot of pressure on young people, especially women, to do heroin in order to fit the appearance that fashion designers project in their productions.

Third, heroin abuse has increased because baby boomers have a relaxed view on drugs. Many parents used drugs as teenagers and do not see anything wrong with their children doing drugs. During the 60's and 70's many teenagers became caught up in the counter-culture movement led by people like Timothy Leary. Timothy Leary viewed the use of drugs as a way to expand one's mind. There are parents who still follow that philosophy with their children. They believe that expanding one's mind is not wrong therefore doing drugs is not wrong. Moreover, children see their parent do illegal drugs and think that it is not wrong. It's been proven that parents are one of the biggest contributors to a child's value system. "Parents who do drugs have children who do drugs." reads a major slogan on the war on drugs. Teenagers see their parents values on certain drugs and contribute those values to harder drugs like heroin. In addition, parents do not spend enough time telling their children what heroin and other hard drugs can do to their child's body or future. During the 80's there was a huge war against drugs. Many parents thought that the government was doing a good enough job of informing children of the risks about drugs and let their guard down. Obviously, the government did not do a good enough job of informing children of the dangers of drugs, recently there have been a number of studies showing that almost every illegal drug's use among teenagers has risen dramatically since the early 90's.

In conclusion, the use of heroin has grown because rock stars and actors have been caught with the drug, because the media glamorizes the use of heroin, and because some parents have a carefree view of drug usage. Almost everybody knows at least one person who has at one time done an illegal drug. Anybody can become hooked on drugs. Today the percentage of teenagers using drugs keeps rising just as it was in the sixties. Chances are in the future there will be another strong anti-drug campaign just like the one in the 80's which will reduce the amount of drug abuse for future generations. When today's teenagers become parents what will the attitude on drugs be? Will it be more accepting or less accepting?

HERBAL EXTRACTS AND HORMONES

2011-10-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Herbs are found everywhere, and hormones are a natural product of everyone's body. The production of hormones increases and decreases with the age and development of the individual. Due to the nature of hormones and the ongoing research still being done, this article will investigate only two hormones that are in common use by the everyday person.

Herbs, on the other hand, can be found from California to China and as far as consumers are concerned, they are now mainstream products that can be found in supermarkets and drug stores world wide. Healing plants and herbs are used by over ninety percent of the world's people. Mowry, pgs.1-11 In the United States, with the introduction of herbal capsules and pills, people are enjoying the benefits of Earth's good medicines. The herb industry has been growing at about thirty percent per year for the past several years. Herbs are being used in homes, for more than just spicing the sauce or glazing the chicken. Herbs are being used as an alternative for medications as well. In the coming years, we may see the introduction of newer and better medicinal herbs as scientists Mowry pgs. 26-27 continue their search for the cures of all aches and pains.

In past years, herbs were used for pains and aches. These herbs are making a comeback because they have fewer side effects than regular medicine. An example is willow bark Mowry, pgs. 43-49 which is being used instead of aspirin. Aspirin was made from the active ingredient in willow bark. However, people are using willow bark instead of aspirin because it does not cause the stomach to bleed as aspirin does.

Ginkgo is being sold as a leading prescription drug in Germany and most countries in Europe. Takagi, pgs. 96-101 This herb is growing in usage in this country as more people age. It has been used in Asia for countless generations. There is a growing body of evidence, as research continues, that points to the outstanding effects of the Gingko tree on many age-related disorders or sicknesses. This herb is reported to increase the ability of the blood circulation system. It is a powerful medicine for the treatment of restoring of a person's memory. Tagki, pgs. 3-10

A tea made from the Passion Flower or Valerian Root is used to calm a person or relieve anxiety. These are thousand year old medicines used as tranquilizers. They have fewer side effects and don't damage the body as Valium or other man made tranquilizers. It is almost impossible to over dose on these types of nerve calmer. Uphof, pgs. 19-31

The history of medicinal herbs begins long before the start of any large society. Herb's were man's first line of fighting against the ills and accidents that beset mankind. The ancient people learned from instinct and from watching animals and using leaves, earth, mud and water. These things were the first medicines. By trial and error, the early humans learned what served them the best. Several of these early medicines are still used today, but are more refined and better understood. During the hunt by early man for medical herbs, the applications or taking of the herb was accompanied by the use of magic sayings or dances. Today, for most of the technological people of the Earth, magic is no longer needed. In the world which we live, many of our most useful drugs are still considered to have originally come into use from early societies. Some examples of these herbs used as drugs are: Digitalis (for the heart) from Foxglove, Quinine ( for Malaria) from Peruvian Bark, Cocaine (and its derivatives) from the Coca Leaf, Atropine ( a stimulant for nerve gas) from the Belladonna plant, Curare (used in surgery) from the plant Strychnos (also used for poison arrows) and the new drug Taxol (used in the treatment of Cancer) from the Pacific Yew Tree. Weiner, pgs. 22-23 There are many others that exist and are being used by the drug companies to treat many of the ills of people today.

Technology permits the making of newer and more pure herbal medicines. Herbs are used and prepared in China in the following forms: slices, powders, pills, plasters, distillates, pellets, teas and drinks. In the United States, we can find herbs in the following forms, in the addition to those used in China: tablets, capsules, fluid extracts, ointments, granules, syrups, suppositories, sprays, injections and ampules. Weiner, pgs.27-32

In today's world, people are too busy to make their own herbal remedies and generally like clean, odor free, coated pills or gel tablets. There is a potency and purity issue that is developing and the simple increase in strength of a herb could prove harmful or deadly to human use. However, we should welcome the standardization of all medicinal herbs, and making them from plants that have been proven safe. Standardization has been introduced to off set the negative effects of poor quality control which has been a big problem with the herb industry. We can now reliably count on receiving the same quality and quantity of a substance. Quality control is needed because nature does not always produce a plant with consistent contents or medicines. Weiner, pgs. 31-35

In the 1990's, I see a wonderful return to the reality that we must preserve our natural environment. The realization that we must care for the natural drugs and herb that can be found in the shrinking rain forests, which could contain hundreds of thousands of new compounds that could heal mankind.

The two major hormones that are being sold to the American public is Melatonin and DHEA. I will discuss the merits of these two hormones starting with Melatonin. Melatonin is an Amino Acid secreted by the Pineal Gland during the night. This hormone plays an important part in the regulation of the sleep/wake cycle. Each night a signal is received by the Pineal Gland to produce Melatonin. This hormone is the one that induces sleep. This is controlled by the amount of sunlight that is available to the individual. A blind person is not able to stimulate the production of the sleep hormone and this their bodies do not react to a normal twenty four sleep/wake cycle. Lust, pgs. 91-96 A blind person trying to sleep when there is low Melatonin in their system will have trouble sleeping.

Melatonin is available from several unregulated health food suppliers. This means that there are no purity standards and people are self-medicating with unknown dosages. Research at the Harvard Medical School show that Melatonin is a potent cure Insomnia and does not have side effects. You can already Buy Melatonin in drug stores, but no one knows the correct dosage, interaction with other drugs or the long term effects.

DHEA is produced by our Adrenal Glands and is the mot common hormone in the body. It is present in large amounts in healthy individuals. DHEA is broken down by the body into other hormones such as Estrogen, Testosterone, Progesterone and others. Research has shown that maintaining levels in older individuals as those found in youth ensures energy, vitality and the support of the Endocrine System. It seems that supplementing DHEA to levels found in youthful individuals has anti aging, anti obesity and anti cancer influences. It may also help to stabilize nerve cell growth and is being tested in Alzheimer's patients. This hormone may help prevent the effects of aging, hypertension, fatigue, depression, memory loss and obesity. Millspaugh, pgs. 22-27

There needs to be more studies on the effects of herbs and hormones on the treatment of many ailments. The evidence seems to support the claims being made for them by sellers of alternative medicine. We are now entering a new age where progress permits the manufacture of highly reliable herbal medications. Many of the herbal medications are bitter in taste. New technology allows the masking or elimination of these bad tastes. Science is making medications easier to take and to swallow by coating or making gelatin capsules that hide the odor and taste of a medicine.

Today, we are faced with a potency war and the saying "Small is beautiful," or "Less is more," may yet become the normal way to approach drugs, medicines or herbs. We should welcome the standardization of herbal medications, and using only those herbal extracts and plants which have been subject to safety and efficiency studies. The following herbs have been proven to have a beneficial effect on people when used properly: Ginseng, Ginkgo, Ginger, Milk Thistle, Bilberry, Echinacea, Turmeric, Orange Oil, Valerian and others.

Standardization must be introduced into the herbal industry. With its aid, herbs can become reliable and we can count on receiving the same dosage from capsule to capsule. The future of herbal medicine is very bright. People are rediscovering plant remedies and are once again looking to nature for the natural solution to the ills that man seems to be heir to.

With the growth of the herbal industries, Americans will join the Europeans in taking charge of their own first symptom health care. The increasing costs of conventional medicine and the many bad reactions to prescription drugs have given a new meaning to the old saying, "Physician, heal thyself." Herbal medicines are coming of age in America and not too soon.

A Help or a Hindrance?

2011-10-29T08:43:00.001-07:00

Hemp, also known as Cannabis sativa, marijuana, grass, and by many other names, has not been a legal commercial crop in the United States for almost sixty years. As common two centuries ago as cotton is today, hemp is not seen on the market. As many groups fight for hemp to become legalized as a drug, many people are battling for the plant to become legalized for its industrial and medical uses. From Disney Indiana Jones hats to fuel for our automobiles, hemp is a hardworking, environmentally sound renewable resource. People have become so wrapped up in the "drug" aspect of marijuana that many are forgetting its uses as an industrial material.

Hemp is an ancient drug, first mentioned in a Chinese manuscript in 2700 BC. Its uses included treating gout, malaria, gas pains, and absent-mindedness. Hemp was an integral part of early Indo-European religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Records from Assyria in 650 BC referred to it as a drug called azulla that was used for making rope and cloth, and which was also used for experiencing euphoria. Hempen sails brought the Spanish, Dutch, and British conquerors to the new world (Charpentier 18). In North America, hemp was planted near Jamestown in 1611 for use in making rope. In order to keep a constant supply of hemp available, a law was passed in Massachusetts in 1639, requiring every household to plant hemp seed. In Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, hemp was even used as a monetary unit. Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, released by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, was written on paper made from hemp (Whole Earth Review 46). And the 49ers washed gold from California creeks in Levi's made from hemp. In 1937, the United States government passed the Marijuana Tax Act which prohibited the use of marijuana as an intoxicant and regulated its use as a medicine.

Although there are hundreds of ingredients in marijuana, the main ingredient is a chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC affects the brain and the circulatory system, especially the heart. This makes the heart beat faster and causes small blood vessels to expand. This is the most visible in the eyes, where tiny capillaries swell and fill with blood, giving the eyes a bloodshot look (Ravage 6).

Marijuana had its day of glory in the 1960s. Casual use was widespread, mainly among college students, who saw it as a way to protest against the political and social "establishment." The use of marijuana declined in the decades following the '60s, but there is evidence that it is making a huge comeback-and with a dangerous difference. Its use among teenagers is increasing.

A 1993 survey about marijuana found that more than twelve percent of the eighth graders surveyed had tried marijuana at some time in their lives, and nearly five percent had used it in the previous thirty days. Among tenth graders, 24 percent tried it at least once and more than 10 percent in the previous thirty days. Among seniors, more than 35 percent had tried it and nearly sixteen percent had used it in the past thirty days (Ravage 6).

With these numbers increasing, the federal government is trying to stop at nothing to prevent people from using marijuana. But, unlike times before, there is a new threat that needs to be dealt with. For the past forty decades, the argument has mainly been whether or not to legalize hemp as a drug, but now leaders are beginning to see hemp for its use as a strong industrial product.

For thousands of years, hemp's fibers have been used to make many different kinds of fabric including clothing and rope. Lately even big companies like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Disney have been testing the waters and offering some hempen products to the market. Not only can hemp fibers be used to make fabric, a 1938 Popular Mechanics article states that hemp can be used to manufacture over 25,000 products-ranging from cellophane to dynamite-and a 1916 U.S. Department of Agriculture bulletin calculated that over twenty years, one acre of hemp would yield as much pulp for paper as 4.1 acres of trees. There have been no more-recent studies to either confirm or discredit theses reports (Barry 22).

Contrary to the belief of many people , the supply of wood for papermaking is not inexhaustible. As early as 1916, the federal government understood that the trees were running out; Bulletin 404 recommended the cultivation of hemp as an alternative source of fiber for papermaking. The USDA figured out that the supply of trees could barely last a century. We can see the logging industry fading away because all the easily-obtained trees have been taken, and there aren't that many left to harvest (Whole Earth Review 46). Even now in the Pacific Northwest, economies are suffering due to the decreasing amount of trees available. Their state governments are asking, "Could common hemp-more famed for its smokability than its fiber in recent decades-help us out of our economic doldrums?" (Wood Technology 8)

Kentucky Officials are facing a similar problem. Tobacco is the state's leading cash crop, with yearly revenues in excess of $700 million. In 1994, farmers reaped 14% less tobacco than in 1984. And according to recent investigations, the future for the tobacco market is dim. Higher taxes on cigarettes, declining numbers of smokers, corporate flight, and the possible collapse of special government price protection spell imminent disaster for small tobacco harvesters. One man has staked his political career on the ability of the hemp plan to rejuvenate Kentucky's tobacco. Gatewood Galbraith has for years been a supporter for the legitimacy of the hemp plant. Campaigning in his Hempmobile, a 1980 Mercedes Benz fueled by hemp seed oil, Galbraith has caused a great stir with Kentucky political leaders and has convinced them to consider a task force to study the viability of hemp as a cash crop. Galbraith believes that if Kentucky is the first state to legalize hemp, it could establish a near-monopoly and give the economy a much needed boost (Charpentier 18). Even as recent as this past week, a former employee of a major tobacco company, Phillip Morris, has made accusations that nicotine, which is the addictive drug found in cigarettes, was placed in cigarettes purposely to addict smokers to their products so they would keep coming back for more. This is seriously going to impact many tobacco companies and hard times are in the future.

Marijuana has also been found to be valuable in its medicinal uses. Beginning in the 1980s, renewed interest in the therapeutic qualities of marijuana prompted many medical researchers to study the possible effects of its use as an antibiotic. The only authorized medical use of marijuana by the Food and Drug Administration arises in the case of chemotherapy. The THC seems to help patients who experience extreme nausea and vomiting that occur with chemotherapy. Although its far from being a final cure, marijuana helps relieve pressure caused by the eye disease, glaucoma. Research also indicates that short-term smoking of marijuana has improved breathing in asthma patients. Muscle spasms are relieved when patients with muscle disorders take marijuana. In England, it has been used as an anti-depressant, and in South Africa, women smoke marijuana to ease the pain of child birth.

Not only are people beginning to see hemp for its industrial and medical use, they are seeing it as a way to possibly help reduce their taxes. A study was done in 1992 concerning the potential tax revenues resulting from the speculated legalization of marijuana. Michael R. Caputo, associate professor of agriculture at the University of California, calculates that in 1991, at the Drug Enforcement Agency's estimated figures of $120.94 per ounce, the total retail value of the marijuana would have been between $5.09 and $9.09 billion, had the marijuana trade been legalized and federally taxed.

Since the beginning of the 60s and the "hippie" movement, federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, have made presses against hemp use. Their primary concern being that marijuana causes harmful effects to people who smoke it. It is now in the minds of American citizens that marijuana is a bad thing, something that shouldn't be a part of our society. The ones who smoke it are somewhat cast out of society, and due to this, the percentage of people who used it decreased over the last few decades. Now, due to the alternative movement and a sense of needing to rebel, many teenagers have again taken up the habit of smoking marijuana. Thinking that this is an unacceptable situation, millions of dollars are being spent to rid our country of marijuana. Officials feel that the "high" that marijuana gives people can be dangerous, especially to our teenagers.

But now, with our country's economy and natural resources suffering, many pro-hemp companies can turn to the government and demand an explanation. Alcohol is legal and has no significant industrial value at all and has been proven to cause an equal amount or more damage than marijuana, so why isn't hemp legalized?

There is no disputing that marijuana can be a harmful substance if misused. It can cause damaging short and long term problems including effects on the reproductive health of men and women. Use of marijuana during pregnancy is known to be very harmful to a baby. On the other hand, there is no disputing that hemp isn't a valuable industrial resource. With hemp being so versatile in its uses, its hard to say that we can't "milk it for what it's worth."

I feel simply that marijuana should be legalized for use as a medical and industrial used product. It offers too many advantages for the health of our people and economy to turn away. The unfortunate thing is that there has been an argument since the middle of this century about legalizing it as a drug. Many contend that if alcohol is legal, then why shouldn't marijuana be. The legalization of alcohol has been dealt with over time and it has been accepted, but that doesn't mean that it is right. If there is already one bad thing out there, why should there be two? There is no logical reason for us to purposely endanger the health of our citizens any more that it already is. The alcohol versus marijuana debate will live forever, but it has come a time for people to see past it. It is not longer just a debate of a drug; there are significant advantages of legalizing marijuana for forces of good. It is past time to stop these petty discussions about getting high and understand the value of hemp as it is. Marijuana should be legalized, but not for smoking or any other way to experience euphoria. We have to use it for its industrial purposes. We need to use it to replenish our forests, help spark dying economies in many states, and at least to help comfort our ailing citizens.

The marijuana legalization issue has brought out the true colors of our society. Some are so blind to things and so set in their ways that they cannot see and accept that change is necessary. The marijuana drug issue is a big problem that needs to be stamped out, but the laws aren't managing to do it. 1.3 million teenagers smoked marijuana last year (USA TODAY Health). "Anyone who thinks we've licked the drug problem in this country is living in a fantasy land," said Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, whose department conducted the survey. It has been the case thus far that no matter what the laws state, people are still going to smoke marijuana. They aren't afraid to take the risk. The government may not approve of this, but it is going to happen. Legalize hemp to be used for its practical purposes.

For many years, there has been debate on whether or not to legalize marijuana. Hemp has been used in many ways. From using it to get high, to making paper for money. Throughout its history the plant has been very useful. It has proven to be a valuable asset to our economy and is something that cannot simply be brushed away. Although there are many people that abuse it, they are far many more people that can benefit from its legalization.

HALLUCINOGEN

2011-10-29T08:42:00.001-07:00

HALLUCINOGEN. While many drugs speed up or depress the central nervous system, there is a class of drugs that distorts how we feel, hear, see, smell, taste, and think. Called hallucinogens because users often hallucinate, or experience nonexistent sensations, these drugs are also known as psychedelic, or mind-bending, drugs. Some hallucinogens come from natural sources; others are made in laboratories. Examples of natural hallucinogens are mescaline, psilocybin, DMT, and marijuana.

Mescaline, which has been used by American Indians in religious ceremonies, comes from the peyote cactus. Psilocybin, also used by the Indians and believed to have supernatural powers, is found in about 20 varieties of mushrooms. Once ingested, psilocybin is converted to psilocin, which is responsible for the drug's hallucinogenic sensations. DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a short-acting hallucinogen found in the seeds of certain West Indian and South American plants. In the form of snuff, called cohoba, it has been used in religious ceremonies in Haiti. Marijuana is a plant belonging to the hemp family . The active principle responsible for the drug's effects is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), obtained from the amber-colored resin of the flowering tops and leaves of the plant. Hashish is also made from this resin.

Of all drugs, synthetic and natural, the most powerful is LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide. Twenty micrograms, an almost infinitesimal amount, is sufficient to produce a hallucinogenic effect; just 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms) could induce a reaction in all the inhabitants of New York City and London. This extraordinary potency makes LSD especially dangerous since it is usually impossible to determine how much is contained in doses offered by drug dealers.

LSD is chemically derived from ergot, a parasitic fungus that grows on rye and other grains. An odorless, colorless, and tasteless substance, LSD is sold on the street in tablets, capsules, and sometimes liquid form. It is usually taken by mouth but can be injected. Often LSD is placed on a blotter or other absorbent paper and marked into small squares, each representing one dose.

Synthetic hallucinogens with effects resembling those of LSD include DET (diethyltryptamine), a synthetic compound similar to DMT, and DOM (2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine), a compound that combines some of the properties of mescaline and amphetamines, as do the drugs MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine) and MMDA (3-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine).

The effects of hallucinogens on the body are unpredictable. They depend on the amount taken and the user's personality, mood, expectations, and surroundings. Although hallucinogens do not produce a physical addiction, users do develop a tolerance, so that increasing amounts must be taken to achieve the same effect. Psychological dependence on hallucinogens is well documented.

It appears that each drug carries its own risks. For example, unlike hallucinogens such as LSD and synthetics such as DOM that consist of a single chemical, marijuana has been found to contain more than 400 separate substances. These substances are in turn broken down in the body into a great many more chemicals, and the effects of these chemicals on the user are poorly understood. It has been found, however, that the most potent of these chemicals are attracted to and accumulate in fatty tissues, including the brain and reproductive organs.

Studies indicate that frequent marijuana users may experience impaired short-term memory and learning ability and reproductive problems. Other studies suggest that frequent or chronic marijuana use may contribute to damage of the immune system, increased strain on the heart, delayed puberty, and chromosome damage.

The most pronounced psychological effects induced by hallucinogens are a heightened awareness of colors and patterns together with a slowed perception of time and a distorted body image. Sensations may seem to "cross over," giving the user a sense of "hearing" colors and "seeing" sounds. Users may also slip into a dreamlike state, indifferent to the world around them and forgetful of time and place to such an extent that they may believe it possible to step out of a window or stand in front of a speeding car without harm. Users may feel several different emotions at once or swing wildly from one emotion to another. It is impossible to predict what kind of experience a hallucinogen may produce. Frightening or even panic-producing psychological reactions to LSD and similar drugs are common. Sometimes taking a hallucinogen will leave the user with serious mental or emotional problems, though it is unclear whether the drug simply unmasked a previously undetected disorder or actually produced it.

Among the short-term physical effects of hallucinogens are dilated pupils, raised body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors. The long-term effects are less certain. LSD users may experience involuntary flashbacks during which the drug's effects reappear without warning. Such flashbacks can occur days, months, or even years after the drug was last used. Some LSD users develop organic brain damage, manifested by impaired memory and attention span, mental confusion, and difficulty with abstract thinking. It is still unclear whether such damage can be reversed when LSD use is halted.

Although hallucinogens can pose a threat to health when used indiscriminately, they may also have therapeutic uses in medicine when administered under controlled circumstances. A synthetic form of THC, the active principle in marijuana, has been approved for prescription use by persons who suffer from the severe nausea that often accompanies cancer chemotherapy and for whom other antinausea drugs are unsuitable or ineffective. LSD was once used to treat persons with certain mental disorders, but such use was abandoned because of the drug's harmful effects.

Gang Activity

2011-10-29T08:41:00.001-07:00

Since the beginning of the decade, teenage homicides increased by one hundred and fifty percent (Strout, Brian 1996). This sharp increase is largely due to the rapid formation of gang activity throughout the United States (Strout, Brian, 1996). In today's larger cities, gang violence is a reality that people have to deal with every day. As gang related crimes increase, officials are trying to find out why people join and remain loyal to gangs. Unfortunately, experts can only hypothesize explanations for gang involvement. However, by studying societys influence on humans, there is evidence to blame several forces. These speculations include the forces of peer pressure, broken families, gang loyalty, protection, and the media.

First of all, most teens become attracted to gangs by peer pressure and greed. Estimamates show that forty percent of all gang members joined because their friends influenced them (Solution for a new year 1996). Teen gangsters will pressure peers into becoming part of a gang by making it sound glamorous. Recruiters will often promise popularity in exchange for their loyalty. Although most gang members find popularity, it often means losing close friends to rival gangs. Another crucial factor is the need for money. A 6 year old kid, who is not yet a member, receives impressions that he or she could make $200 to $400 for a small gang job. In August of 1996, an eleven year old Compton child received $400 for killing a rival classmate (Wesbrach, 1996). Although money and popularity are important factors, they are not strong enough to persuade kids to do things that are strongly against their morals. Other stronger force such as broken families and the media, along with peer pressure, works together to persuade young kids to join a gang.

Second of all, the formation of gangs in cities, and most recently in suburbs, is facilitated by the lack of community upbringing among parents. In a fully developed community, a network of relations can be found among several parents. The relationship could be a parent, teacher, and minister, depending on the child's circumstances. In South Central Los Angeles, this communication can not be found, so students turn to gangs for companionship. In a classroom with no security, students could be distracted from learning, and thus distraced from the network. Furthermore, in poor families with many children, or upper-middle class families where parents are always working, children will often feel deprived of love. Parents often feel that putting food on the table is enough love. Children from families often go to the gang out of boredom. As time goes on, a form of kinship develops between the gang members and the child. It is then that the bond between the kid and the gang is completed because the gang has effectively replaced the family. Although this may be a feeling for belonging, statistics show that seventy percent of gang members cheat and steal from the people they call friends.

In every gang, problems occur as each male tries to be the most courageous. This often leads to all members participating in "one-up-manship." Quite often this starts a domino effect where each member tries to commit a bigger and more violent crime. With all members participating in this sort of activity, it makes a never ending, unorganized violence spree. In gangs with organization, members feed off these feelings, and each member desires to be the star when the group commits a crime. This makes a gang much more organized and improves the morals of members. It also makes the gang more dangerous and very hard for the police to deal with and catch. There is nothing harder to find and deal with than organized teens that are dedicated to the group. According to the LA Times, 30% of all organized crime goes unsolved (Wesbrach 1996). This form of gang is usually common with the middle or upper class. Furthermore, the same forms have been reported near the projects and other low rent districts too. This "one-up-manship" is often the reason for rival gangs fighting. Gangs want to feel powerful and feared. To do this they establish themselves as the only gang in a certain neighborhood. After several gang fights, hatred forms then the desire to murder ends in drive-by-shootings. When two or more gangs are at war, it makes life very dangerous for citizens in the area. Less that 40% of drive-by-shootings kill their intended victim, yet over 60% do kill someone (Suburban Gangs 1996).

In addition, one of the great factors in determining to joining a gang is protection. In slums such as the Bronx, children will be beaten and robbed if they do not participate in a gang. Most people see that joining a gang brings danger. However, this is not the way it is seen by kids. Gang leaders also provide money for member who need to feed their families. After members receive money, they often feel that the leaders are watching out for them and keeping them safe. After a gang provides shelter and money, a person has a 18% chance of leaving a gang (Carroll, Peter 1996). Another reason kids think gangs will keep them safe is from propaganda gangs use to attract members. Gang members will promise no one will be hurt and make a public show of revenge if a member is hurt or killed. People in low rent areas are often being repressed due to poverty. This results in an attitude that motivates a person to base his or her life on doing what the system failed to provide them. Although this accomplishes little, it is a big factor in gang enrollment.

Finally, kids' morals are becoming bent because gang violence is more acceptable by the influence of television and movies. The average child spends more time in front of a TV than he or she spends in a classroom. Many shows on television today are extremely violent and shown with a gang's perspective. Normal adults can see how foully that gangs are living. However, recent studies show that children think television gang violence is acceptable. 'The Ends Justifies the Means' mentality is also taught through many shows where the "goody guy" captures the "bad guy" through violence and is then being commended. A young child sees this as perfectly acceptable because he knows that the "bad guy" was wrong but has no idea of what acceptable apprehension techniques are. Gore in television also takes a big part in influencing young minds. Children see gory scenes and are fascinated by these things that they have not seen before. Older viewers see gore and are not concerned with the blood, but rather with the pain the victim must feel. A young mind does not make this connection. Thus, a gore fascination is formed and has been seen in every elementary school across America. In a study conducted in the Cleveland Ohio school district, teachers found that students become more attentive as blood and gore are introduced. Unfortunately kids raised with this sort of television end up growing up with a stronger propensity to becoming a violent gang member or 'violent-acceptant' person. So, as anyone can see, if TV leads a child to believe that violence is the norm this will manifest itself in the actions of a child in a gang situation. This is especially the case when parents do not spend much time with their kids explaining what is right and what is wrong in front of a TV. Quite often newer books and some types of music will enforce this type of thought and ideas. In order to curve violence, the system must change.

So, as stated, gangs are a product of the environment the world has created for ourselves. Some of these factors include peer pressure, broken families, gang loyalty, protection, and the media. There seems to be no way to end the problem of gangs without totally restructuring the modern media and value system. Since the chance of this happening is minimal, we must learn to cope with gangs and try to keep their following to a minimum. Unfortunately, there is no organized force to effectively help fight gangs. As a community, people must bond, talk to children, enforce positive peer pressure, and censor the media in order to prevent gang growth in America's cities.

The Media and the Fear of Victimization

2011-10-29T08:40:00.001-07:00

Tonight's presenter spoke on the images of crime that are presented on television and the media and how they affect the public perception on being victimized. She gave examples of how the media has the tendency to often blow up a situation so as to make it appear as if the nation is in some great peril. For example if someone does a study on juvenile crime you can expect the media to focus on juvenile crime and incidents that may be occurring across the nation. Though the crime they are reporting is a portion of the normal crime that goes on everyday and almost unnoticed for the most part but because of the attention it is getting and the media's tendency to sensationalize events Americans all of a sudden feel threatened by juvenile crime and demand that something be done. Americans in other words are getting a false representation of the real situation. Politicians who are eager to win votes however take advantage of the situation by pushing punitive measures even though the reality is that crime figures do not agree with the reports. She also commented on the fact that the media loves to report crimes (34%) of victimization when the victim is a white woman and her is assailant is black. The reality is however that blacks are more often victimized by blacks. The rate of black on white crime is now where near 34%. This predisposes white women to the fear that they will be victimized by a black person, thus creating a bias towards blacks.

In regards to the candidate as a professor I feel that she didn't involve the students enough. As a result of this I found her presentation boring despite having an interesting topic. She failed to properly deliver her presentation. She read from her notes entirely too much. She seemed very reserved and almost shy at times, not what I expect from a professor.

Drugs in the music Industry

2011-10-29T08:39:00.001-07:00

The Music World-glamorous, fast paced, and a world most of us will never be part of. But if we knew what it entailed, would we still want to be? The whole world seems to be building itself around drugs more and more every day, and music industry isn't immune. In fact, music is one of the most influential art forms of today's society, and drugs, especially to today's youth, just add to the attractiveness of it all.

In the last two or three years, drugs, especially heroin, have risen in use dramatically. Kurt Cobain was the most high-profile drug-related rock star since the 1970's and was still battling heroin addiction when he committed suicide in 1994. Along with him, his wife Courtney Love made it fashionable to be a "junkie". In the last year, Stone Temple Pilot's singer Scott Weiland and Depeche Mode singer David Gahan, among others, have

been arrested for cocaine or heroin possession. The number of top bands that have been linked to heroin through a member's overdose, arrest, admitted use or recovery is staggering: Smashing pumpkins, Everclear, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Dr. Dre, Blind Melon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Breeders, Alice in Chains, Sex Pistols, Sublime, Iggy Pop, the list goes on

Mcguire 2

and on. Together, these bands have sold more than 60 million albums(Newsweek pgs 50 & 53).

Since kids emulate popular musicians, what is there to keep them from emulating their drug use? Moreover, what's to keep the majority of the population from doing the same? In the 60's and 70's, drug use was never spoken of nor did anyone admit that it was a problem. Nowadays, there is not a person in the world who hasn't heard about the rising drug use. But what are they doing about it? Back in the 80's, higher prices, the fear of contracting AIDS, and lower purity kept drugs out of the mainstream. Now, drugs are cheaper and easier to get then ever, being imported into the country at double the rate it was in the 1980's. Unfortunately, the outsider's view of drug use isn't the harsh reality. Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday, and Charlie Parker are among the many to die from heroin and other drug addictions. Drugs seem to make you a funnier, wiser, cooler person, but what the younger generation fails to realize is that they are fatal.

Despite this, drug use continues to soar. People mistakenly think that drugs, if taken a certain way, aren't addictive, when even marijuana, thought to be a harmless "high", has been found addictive.

The fear is that drug use is becoming another trend. The streets of Seattle are cluttered with young people who have moved there just to do heroin just like Kurt Cobain did-all this at a time when the people in the Seattle music scene claim that drug use among musicians is tapering off (Newsweek p 54).

McGuire 3

Smashing Pumpkins fired drummer Jimmy Chamberlin after finding that he was addicted to heroin along with late keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin. This was definitely a step in the right direction, although they may have done it for the public acclaim. But will other bands follow? If they did, there wouldn't be any musicians left. Nonetheless, the Smashing Pumpkins didn't lose their place on the top ten charts. They didn't get pushed into the trash pile, and if they survived, who's to say that no one else will?

People speculate that the pressures of success put a strain on musician's lives and push them to use drugs to feel better about themselves, but they're not really very different from normal people. Musicians are just common people who play music. Drug addicts are all people, and names don't matter. Contrary to popular belief, musicians aren't royalty to be worshipped and looked up to. They breathe in and out just as normal human beings and have no more reason to give into the temptation of drug use than we do.

The natural tendency for people is to be accepted and to feel wanted. We take risks just to look better and more courageous than our peers because we're competing for popularity due to their own insecurities. The younger generation is the most impressionable of today's world, and they do what they see as fashionable and "in". This doesn't mean that adults don't join in on this competition. Each person's job or company has to be bigger and better than the next.

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The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, best known for it's commercials on television, now worries that heroin will be the drug of the 90's, and that musicians, as well as movie stars, are helping to make it so. Earlier this summer, the organization aired another shocking commercial. Showing images of junkie music celebrities and anecdotes about middle-class drug use, this was the most expensive campaign ever against drug use. Is this getting the attention that it deserves? Sadly, people still continue doing drugs.

What makes drug use so popular? Is it the fact that people have found a way to escape their problems, or that everywhere you look someone famous is doing it. If people took the time to ask about the effects that drug use has after being used continuously for log periods of time, they would find that it isn't all it's cracked up to be. Dave Navarro, guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, said that he started doing drugs at the age of 15 to relive his pressures after his mother died. Now a recovered addict, he says that heroin ruined his dreams and turned his career from the thing he wanted most into the thing he wanted to get away from (Newsweek p 65).

Many think that the lives of musicians are easy because they are wealthy, popular, and sublimely happy. Being rich and famous isn't all it's cracked up to be. They lead normal lives, have kids and pay bills just as we do, but this is still no excuse to put your life into your own hands.

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The music industry may be finally facing up to the truth that drug abuse has become a serious problem, though. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences gathered in 1996 to discuss what could be done about it. The sense of crisis has been growing since Kurt Cobain committed suicide, blamed at least partly on his heroin abuse.(Time p57)Expressions of concern are easy to come by, but the chances for meaningful industry action are less clear. Record executives refuse to be drug police, especially in a society where drug abuse has long been accepted, and even condoned, as part of the creative process.

Geffen Records has retained a drug counselor for it's musicians who seek help. (Time p 58). But the industry must recognize that pressure from the label to keep tutoring and recording can blow a drug problem out of proportion. It is a minimal step, but at least a start toward trying to keep musicians healthy, productive, and alive.

Drugs and Legalization

2011-10-29T08:38:00.002-07:00

Since early on man has been interested in the consumption of substances

that altered the mind or ones feeling. The consumption of substances can be

broken down into legal and illegal substances. The question is, who are we to

label certain substances illegal and prohibit others from using them by

creating penalties for their use?

If the importation, sale and use of drugs were legal, the open competition

would eliminate the profitability of drug dealing. Without the economic

incentive to commit violent crimes, the violence of drug dealing would be

dramatically reduced. In addition to the elimination of the economic incentive,

the health risk factor would help to reduce the role of the drug dealer. A

potential customer would probably choose to buy a market-tested product

from a pharmacy as opposed to buying a product of unknown dosage and quality

from a corner dealer.

Without the advantage of large profits, the drug dealing profession would

lose its luster. A major problem is that teenagers see selling drugs as the only

way to make money. Minimum wage salaries can not compare to the huge

profits associated with dealing. In a drug community, the drug dealers are seen

as the center of the community. They become role models for the children,

replacing their parents. Eliminating the drug dealer will force these young

children into the reality that education is the way to make money, not selling

drugs.

N.O.R.M.L (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws)

is a fully recognized organization that lobbies for the removal of criminal

penalties for the individual who uses marijuana in private. Since it is the

Americans right to privacy, personal choice, and individual freedom.

Marijuana, in addition to not being a dangerous drug, has been

documented to have practical medical purposes and environmental purposes.

The legalization of marijuana, a drug that the criminalization of is so impossible

to enforce, would not only not harm society, but could actually benefit it. The

question then becomes, how should legalization be approached? In addition to

legalization, the government must also educate people of the affects.

Legalizing drugs would allow them to be available to those who would

benefit from their medical use and those who would like to use them as

recreational drugs much like alcohol and tobacco are. Research would also be

encouraged as scientists could search for new and practical uses of drugs. There

are many wonderful uses of drugs that have not yet been identified or perfected

because of the strict laws against them. With expanded research, we could

discover these new possibilities.

Of course, some restrictions would have to be set. Likely, an age restriction would have to be adopted. Restricting the use of drugs to adults only, and educating the youth of the potential dangers should help curb adolescent abuse, much like that of alcohol and tobacco. Prohibiting acts such as driving a vehicle under the influence of a mind-altering substance would likewise be necessary. Another necessity would be the destruction of all those with prior criminal records due to the arrest or conviction on drug-related charges. Of course, the right of the non-smoker would have to be respected in a public facility, just like non-smoking areas now days. The legalization could also help the economy in the revenue collected from taxes.

Drug Smuggling

2011-10-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Drug smuggling is on a current up raise and there seems to be no way of

stunting it growth. But here a some ways some states are trying to slow the rate of

drug smuggling.

In Illinois there is a program called "Operation Cash Crop" or the OCC.

This is a combine of the ISP and the DEA. It's goal is to locate places where

marijuana is grown then destroy all of it's gardens. During the span of 1983-88

these "OCC" led to 442 arrest and destroyed over 2 million marijuana plants. And

in 1984 there was 64,300 plants destroyed along.

There is also a program called Operation Valkritre or O.V., this program

arrested 633 suspected drug smugglers and seized nearly 3,000 Kilograms of

marijuana and 2,000 kilograms of crack that was being brought into Illinois. More

then 3 quarters of these arrest were in 1988 alone.

Some of the thing that the government are trying to do to help stop this

horrible thing are sending the army out in the streets to help seize some of the

drugs on the streets, and the government is also putting more money into protect

the boarders from all immigrants bringing illegal drugs into the United States of

America. There is also a lot of money put into a huge wall/fence going across most

of the whole southern boarder line. Along the coast of the east side and the west

side are hundreds of check in places to help stop from letting in illegal drugs.

Here is a case about 21 sailors that were arrested for smuggling cocaine and

heroin to Italy. They have been doing those on a regular basis because most navy

trips can go through boarders without being check for illegal drugs. The sailors

were caught with 20 pounds of illegal drugs which had street value of thousands

of dollars. The reason there are not a lot of illegal drugs coming into the U.S.

boarders is cause we have high tech aircraft's and vessels and surveillance to

detect drugs.

Some of the places where crack is a problem are where a country does not

have money to support a high tech drug resistance around the borders of there

country. That is the reason that there is such a huge drug problem in countries like

Mexico and some of the poorer counties in Russia. Most of the drugs that seep

into American are usually brought into from Mexico.

The government is trying to build a more resistant border line to stop all

flow of drugs coming into the American boarder line.

After the drugs make it into America they go to California and Arizona.

Then there are allot of people that will buy the illegal substance. After it start in

California the drug goes to the whole country. The reason there is not allot of

drugs coming in from the east coast is because we have numerous check in places

where all items on the ship or boat are thoroughly checked to make sure there are

no illegal substances.

But on the border line in Mexico there are some places where there are no

check in places and that is why more drugs are illegally transported in the United

States.

Some of the ways people can illegally but secretly bring in the drugs are in

different forms. Like inside Tums, frozen foods, and in baking soda boxes. The

reason this works is because at the check in posts they don't usually check foods

and other everyday things.

There are now allot more programs trying to help stop drugs from coming

into the U.S.A. here are some names of these programs, C.I.A., D.E.A., and the

C.E.O.'s and there is also allot of local drug resistance groups.

Now you wonder where all of crack and illegal drugs are made. It all starts

in places like Mexico where drugs can be grown and you don't even get in trouble

for it. Then they bring it to the U.S. where the poorest person that brings the drug

in can get what seems to be a large amount of money for the illegal substance, and

that is why there are so many illegal drugs in the United States. Over half of the

drugs that make it into America are from place's like Colombia in Central

America.

Some of the techniques that the police attempt to do are going out into the

streets to act like they are people buying drugs. So what they do is approach a

seller then they ask how much for the product and what they are getting and then

they show there badges and make the bust. This is one of the best techniques there

is because there is no way of being detected by the drug dealer, that's why there

were over 1,000 arrests in the year nineteen-ninety five. After all of the arrest are

made you may wonder where all of the substances and money end up, well the

police intake them to the police station the money is used to either purchase new

equipment or given to charity. The drugs are usually destroyed or taken to a local

hospital for medical use.

Most drugs are sold and bought in poor suburbs. This location is meant to

be an areas where very few police drive through. But the police are starting to

catch on.

Although there are allot of new high tech ways of locating and stooping

drug transfers from happening.

there still are allot of illegal drugs out on the streets of this greatly populated

country. There has been a slight uprise of all drug smuggling arrests., which

means there are still allot of drugs out there. But the War Against Drugs is still

going on and maybe one day in our future these country really will be DRUG

FREE.

Now about the legalization of drugs and what Richard Nixon the president

in '72 thought when he came into office about the drug problem startin to expand

so he thought about legalizin all drugs except heroin. But he didn't and I think he

did the right thing.

The percentage of 12-17 year olds has doubled from 1.6 mil. to 2.9 mil. 1 in

three high school seniors now smoke marijuana and 48.4% of the class of 1995

has tried it.

L.S.D. use has been soaring in the last 25 year it went up 11.7%

The rate of cocaine and heroin related hospitalizations reports have went to

65% since 1990 to 1994.

The place most of the drugs have the most problem is in the western part of

America properly cause most of the drug comes from the Mexican borders.

Drug Reactions

2011-10-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

In order for a chemical to be considered a drug it must have the capacity to affect how the body works--to be biologically active. No substance that has the power to do this is completely safe, and drugs are approved only after they demonstrate that they are relatively safe when used as directed, and when the benefits outweigh their risks. Thus, some very dangerous drugs are approved because they are necessary to treat serious illness. Digitalis, which causes the heart muscle to contract, is a dangerous drug, but doctors are permitted to use it because it is vital for treating patients whose heart muscle is weak. A drug as potent as digitalis would not be approved to treat such minor ailments as temporary fatigue because the risks outweigh the benefits.

Many persons suffer ill effects from drugs even though they take the drug exactly as directed by the doctor or the label. The human population, unlike a colony of ants or bees, contains a great variety of genetic variation. Drugs are tested on at most a few thousand people. When that same drug is taken by millions, some people may not respond in a predictable way to the drug. A person who has a so-called idiosyncratic response to a particular sedative, for example, may become excited rather than relaxed. Others may be hypersensitive, or extremely sensitive, to certain drugs, suffering reactions that resemble allergies.

A patient may also acquire a tolerance for a certain drug. This means that ever-larger doses are necessary to produce the desired therapeutic effect. Tolerance may lead to habituation, in which the person becomes so dependent upon the drug that he or she becomes addicted to it. Addiction causes severe psychological and physical disturbances when the drug is taken away. Morphine, cocaine, and Benzedrine are common habit-forming drugs. Finally, drugs often have unwanted side effects. These usually cause only minor discomfort such as a skin rash, headache, or drowsiness. Certain drugs, however, can produce serious, even life-threatening adverse reactions. For example, the drug Thalidomide was once called one of the safest sedatives ever developed, but thousands of women in the United Kingdom who took it during pregnancy gave birth to seriously deformed babies. Other adverse reactions stem from mixing drugs. Thus, taking aspirin, which has blood-thinning qualities, for a headache can be very harmful if one is also taking other blood-thinning drugs such as heparin or dicumarol.

Drug Prohibition

2011-10-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

There are no panaceas for the world's drug problems, but legalizing drugs, un-clog the court system, and free prison space for real criminals. comes as close as any single policy could. Removing legal penalties from the production, sale and use of "controlled substances" would not create a "heaven on Earth," but it would alleviate many of the nation's social and political problems. Legalization would reduce drug-related crime, save the U.S. billions of dollars

In 1984, a kilogram of cocaine worth $4000 in Columbia sold at wholesale for $30,000, and at retail in the U.S. for some $300,000. At the time, a Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman noted that the wholesale price doubled in six months "due to crackdowns on producers and smugglers in Columbia and the U.S." The consequence of this drastic factory-to-retail escalation is a rise in crime. Addicts must pay hundreds of times the costs of their habit, and often turn to crime to finance their addiction. Also, those who deal in the selling of the drugs become prime targets for assault for carrying extremely valuable goods. The streets become battlegrounds for competing dealers because a particular block or corner can rake in thousands of extra dollars a day. Should drugs be legalized, the price would collapse, and so would the drug-related motivations to commit crime. A pack of cocaine becomes no more dangerous to carry than a pack of cigarettes. The streets would be safer to walk, as criminal drug dealers are pushed from the market.

Legalization would also deflate prison overcrowding. Out of 31,346 sentenced prisoners in federal institutions, drug law violators were the largest single category, 9487. By legalizing drugs, there would be no more drug offenders to lock up. Since many drug users would no longer be committing violent or property crimes to pay for their habits, there would be fewer real criminals. This decrease in inmates would bring the overflowing federal prison system down to its rated capacity. The excessive efforts now used against drug activity and drug related-crimes by police would then be put to use more effectively for catching rapists, murderers, and the remaining criminals who commit crimes against people and property.

It takes a month to bring a person accused of a crime to trial. It's even slower for civil proceedings. There simply isn't enough judges to handle the ever-increasing caseload. By legalizing drugs, thousands of cases would be wiped off the courts permitting the rest to move faster. Prosecutors would have more time to handle cases, and judges could make more considered decisions. Better decisions would lead to fewer grounds for appeals, reducing the huge amount of appeals courts.

The federal, state, and local governments spend about $100 billion a year on law enforcement and criminal justice-programs. About $35 billion of that is directly related to drug-law enforcement. Approximately $15 billion is related to drug crimes committed to obtain drug money or other related drug commerce. Therefore, around $50 billion spent on law enforcement could be saved by legalizing drugs. "fighting drugs is nearly as big a business as pushing them." As Gore Bidal so rightly put it. Legalizing drugs would endanger the jobs of police officers, and politicians campaigning on war on drugs. Legalization would threaten thousands of careers that the taxpayers would no longer need to support.

About 70 percent of the drug budget is used to reduce drug supplies while 30 percent is used to reduce demand through prevention and treatment programs. Some policymakers believe the government should use most of the funds to limit the supply of drugs by hiring more customs agents and border patrol officers and by training foreign police officers to catch drug traffickers. This policy would lead to a large increase in futile spending. There is a common misconception among those who want drugs to remain illegal forever, and that is that by eradicating the supply, the drug problem will eventually disappear. The problem is, drugs can never be eliminated. As long as there are people who want drugs, there will be those who are willing to sell. By getting rid of one drug dealer, another takes its place. By getting rid of one drug cartel, another emerges. The funds spent on reducing supplies could be better used to reduce the amount of demand by better educating children and adults alike, and also by treating addicts.

Governments exist to protect the rights of the people. By prohibiting drug use, American's civil rights are betrayed. How is prohibition protecting American's rights? Prohibition increases crime and corruption. It also wastes billions of dollars in taxpayer's money in the futile effort of eradicating drugs. It also violates American's rights as free persons to do themselves as they wish. Prohibition is constitutionally incorrect and obviously isn't working. When are American's going to stop wringing their hands and start solving the problem at hand?

drug education

2011-10-29T08:34:00.002-07:00

A major problem that exists within Canadian society is the abuse of mind-altering substances. Such narcotics cause not only health problems, but also violent and potentially criminal acts. A mind-altering narcotic can be defined as both the legal and illegal type. The four main categories of drugs are: narcotics, CNS depressants, CNS stimulants, and hallucinogens. Most of these drugs are highly addictive and are usually obtained by prescription or are considered a banned substance and must be purchased illegally.

Users of many of the "harder" drugs being abused today also face the possibility of an eventual overdose. An overdose is the ingestion of a lethal or mind-damaging amount of drugs. Once an full addiction of these drugs occur, the user faces withdrawal symptoms when a discontinuation of a drug transpires. This is due to a reduction of the natural pain-killers that exist in the body of non-drug users. These symptoms include chills, sweating, cramps, headaches, diarrhea and excessive vomiting. The treatment of drug addicts includes an extensive program of detoxification. Medical drugs, such as Naloxone, are sometimes given to patients to aid in overcoming these addictions. These drugs occupy opiate receptors in the brain to block all effects of the damaging drugs, however the Naloxone is not an addictive drug, as the others are. The downfall to the medical drugs being used to help addiction are that there effects are very short-term and cannot cure the patient, but does assist in attaining the goal of substituting a more controllable, less lethal drug as opposed to the original narcotic .

The key to preventing substance abuse in Canada is to educate the public, preferably at a young age, never to experiment with potentially life-threating drugs. This education can be attained within the pre-secondary schools. In 1988 prime minister Brian Mulroney announced proposed Canada's Drug Strategy. Laws were enacted, which prohibited the sale of drug paraphernalia and increased the power of police to seize the assets of arrested drug offenders. The Strategy allocated the sum of $210 million in its first five years (and an additional $270 million in 1992) mainly to the prevention, education and treatment of drug use, while 30 per cent of this money was intended for the traditional area of law enforcement.

The goal of education within the school system should be to support those students who are non-users with recognition and social activities that will encourage them to remain non-users and to facilitate a belief and value system that incorporates concern for fellow students and residents of the community. Drug education should emphasise the negative aspects of drugs to give the student a fair understanding of the long-term effects of drug use.

Building a program for long-term survival, which describes features of prevention programs that can increase a program's survival chances after the initial grant period should be considered a priority. Educators cannot be at the student's side at all times, especially when the student is faced with pressuring situation affecting the experimentation of drugs. Programs must focus one long-term education that will remain in the students mind long after the program has terminated. One option for educators is to use the tool of fear. If enough fear is put into the students mind in may deter them from ever wanting to experiment with the drugs; or even from becoming curious of their effects.

The clear solution to winning to "war on drugs" is to establish a clear long term program. Such a program should include government grants, a description of the health risks associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs, standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit, and a description of the applicable legal sanctions under school, local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. These examples, along with the use of fear, should provide a very effective method of deterring students from ever wanting to, or becoming curious with experimentation of drugs.

Drug Dependence

2011-10-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

Symptoms of Substance Dependence Associated with Use of Cigarettes, Alcohol, and Illicit Drugs --- United States, 1991--1992

Each year in the United States, approximately 400,000 deaths result from cigarette smoking, 100,000 from misuse of alcohol, and 20,000 from use of illicit drugs. Many of the adverse health effects associated with the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs result from long-term use caused by substance dependence (i.e., addiction)---a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating sustained psychoactive substance use despite substance-related problems. In addition, substance dependence is characterized by repeated self-administration that usually results in tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive drug-taking behavior. Nicotine is the psychoactive substance in cigarettes and other forms of tobacco that accounts for the addictive properties of tobacco. In addition to tobacco, other potentially addictive substances include alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. To assess the prevalence of selected indicators of substance dependence among the U.S. population, CDC and the National Institute on Drug Abuse analyzed data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) for 1991--1992. The findings in this report suggest that a symptom of substance dependence is more likely to be reported by persons who smoke cigarettes and persons who use cocaine than by persons who use alcohol or marijuana.

Drug and Clinical Treatments for Bipolar Disorder

2011-10-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

The phenomenon of bipolar affective disorder has been a mystery since the 16th century. History has shown that this affliction can appear in almost anyone. Even the great painter Vincent Van Gogh is believed to have had bipolar disorder. It is clear that in our society many people live with bipolar disorder; however, despite the abundance of people suffering from the it, we are still waiting for definite explanations for the causes and cure. The one fact of which we are painfully aware is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its' victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success. Because bipolar disorder has such debilitating symptoms, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in the quest for explanations of its causes and treatment.

Affective disorders are characterized by a smorgasbord of symptoms that can be broken into manic and depressive episodes. The depressive episodes are characterized by intense feelings of sadness and despair that can become feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Some of the symptoms of a depressive episode include anhedonia, disturbances in sleep and appetite, psycomoter retardation, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, difficulty thinking, indecision, and recurrent thoughts of death and suicide (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ). The manic episodes are characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, poor judgment and insight, and often reckless or irresponsible behavior (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ). Bipolar affective disorder affects approximately one percent of the population (approximately three million people) in the United States. It is presented by both males and females. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania and depression. These episodes may alternate with profound depressions characterized by a pervasive sadness, almost inability to move, hopelessness, and disturbances in appetite, sleep, in concentrations and driving.

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed if an episode of mania occurs whether depression has been diagnosed or not (Goodwin, Guze, 1989, p 11). Most commonly, individuals with manic episodes experience a period of depression. Symptoms include elated, expansive, or irritable mood, hyperactivity, pressure of speech, flight of ideas, inflated self esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, and excessive involvement in reckless activities (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ). Rarest symptoms were periods of loss of all interest and retardation or agitation (Weisman, 1991).

As the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (MDMDA) has demonstrated, bipolar disorder can create substantial developmental delays, marital and family disruptions, occupational setbacks, and financial disasters. This devastating disease causes disruptions of families, loss of jobs and millions of dollars in cost to society. Many times bipolar patients report that the depressions are longer and increase in frequency as the individual ages. Many times bipolar states and psychotic states are misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. Speech patterns help distinguish between the two disorders (Lish, 1994).

The onset of Bipolar disorder usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 30 years of age, with a second peak in the mid-forties for women. A typical bipolar patient may experience eight to ten episodes in their lifetime. However, those who have rapid cycling may experience more episodes of mania and depression that succeed each other without a period of remission (DSM III-R).

The three stages of mania begin with hypomania, in which patients report that they are energetic, extroverted and assertive (Hirschfeld, 1995). The hypomania state has led observers to feel that bipolar patients are "addicted" to their mania. Hypomania progresses into mania and the transition is marked by loss of judgment (Hirschfeld, 1995). Often, euphoric grandiose characteristics are displayed, and paranoid or irritable characteristics begin to manifest. The third stage of mania is evident when the patient experiences delusions with often paranoid themes. Speech is generally rapid and hyperactive behavior manifests sometimes associated with violence (Hirschfeld, 1995).

When both manic and depressive symptoms occur at the same time it is called a mixed episode. Those afflicted are a special risk because there is a combination of hopelessness, agitation, and anxiety that makes them feel like they "could jump out of their skin"(Hirschfeld, 1995). Up to 50% of all patients with mania have a mixture of depressed moods. Patients report feeling dysphoric, depressed, and unhappy; yet, they exhibit the energy associated with mania. Rapid cycling mania is another presentation of bipolar disorder. Mania may be present with four or more distinct episodes within a 12 month period. There is now evidence to suggest that sometimes rapid cycling may be a transient manifestation of the bipolar disorder. This form of the disease exhibits more episodes of mania and depression than bipolar.

Lithium has been the primary treatment of bipolar disorder since its introduction in the 1960's. It is main function is to stabilize the cycling characteristic of bipolar disorder. In four controlled studies by F. K. Goodwin and K. R. Jamison, the overall response rate for bipolar subjects treated with Lithium was 78% (1990). Lithium is also the primary drug used for long- term maintenance of bipolar disorder. In a majority of bipolar patients, it lessens the duration, frequency, and severity of the episodes of both mania and depression.

Unfortunately, as many as 40% of bipolar patients are either unresponsive to lithium or can not tolerate the side effects. Some of the side effects include thirst, weight gain, nausea, diarrhea, and edema. Patients who are unresponsive to lithium treatment are often those who experience dysphoric mania, mixed states, or rapid cycling bipolar disorder.

One of the problems associated with lithium is the fact the long-term lithium treatment has been associated with decreased thyroid functioning in patients with bipolar disorder. Preliminary evidence also suggest that hypothyroidism may actually lead to rapid-cycling (Bauer et al., 1990). Another problem associated with the use of lithium is experienced by pregnant women. Its use during pregnancy has been associated with birth defects, particularly Ebstein's anomaly. Based on current data, the risk of a child with Ebstein's anomaly being born to a mother who took lithium during her first trimester of pregnancy is approximately 1 in 8,000, or 2.5 times that of the general population (Jacobson et al., 1992).

There are other effective treatments for bipolar disorder that are used in cases where the patients cannot tolerate lithium or have been unresponsive to it in the past. The American Psychiatric Association's guidelines suggest the next line of treatment to be Anticonvulsant drugs such as valproate and carbamazepine. These drugs are useful as antimanic agents, especially in those patients with mixed states. Both of these medications can be used in combination with lithium or in combination with each other. Valproate is especially helpful for patients who are lithium noncompliant, experience rapid-cycling, or have comorbid alcohol or drug abuse.

Neuroleptics such as haloperidol or chlorpromazine have also been used to help stabilize manic patients who are highly agitated or psychotic. Use of these drugs is often necessary because the response to them are rapid, but there are risks involved in their use. Because of the often severe side effects, Benzodiazepines are often used in their place. Benzodiazepines can achieve the same results as Neuroleptics for most patients in terms of rapid control of agitation and excitement, without the severe side effects.

Antidepressants such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) fluovamine and amitriptyline have also been used by some doctors as treatment for bipolar disorder. A double-blind study by M. Gasperini, F. Gatti, L. Bellini, R.Anniverno, and E. Smeraldi showed that fluvoxamine and amitriptyline are highly effective treatments for bipolar patients experiencing depressive episodes (1992). This study is controversial however, because conflicting research shows that SSRI's and other antidepressants can actually precipitate manic episodes. Most doctors can see the usefulness of antidepressants when used in conjunction with mood stabilizing medications such as lithium.

In addition to the mentioned medical treatments of bipolar disorder, there are several other options available to bipolar patients, most of which are used in conjunction with medicine. One such treatment is light therapy. One study compared the response to light therapy of bipolar patients with that of unipolar patients. Patients were free of psychotropic and hypnotic medications for at least one month before treatment. Bipolar patients in this study showed an average of 90.3% improvement in their depressive symptoms, with no incidence of mania or hypomania. They all continued to use light therapy, and all showed a sustained positive response at a three month follow-up (Hopkins and Gelenberg, 1994). Another study involved a four week treatment of bright morning light treatment for patients with seasonal affective disorder and bipolar patients. This study found a statistically significant decrement in depressive symptoms, with the maximum antidepressant effect of light not being reached until week four (Baur, Kurtz, Rubin, and Markus, 1994). Hypomanic symptoms were experienced by 36% of bipolar patients in this study. Predominant hypomanic symptoms included racing thoughts, deceased sleep and irritability. Surprisingly, one-third of controls also developed symptoms such as those mentioned above. Regardless of the explanation of the emergence of hypomanic symptoms in undiagnosed controls, it is evident from this study that light treatment may be associated with the observed symptoms. Based on the results, careful professional monitoring during light treatment is necessary, even for those without a history of major mood disorders.

Another popular treatment for bipolar disorder is electro-convulsive shock therapy. ECT is the preferred treatment for severely manic pregnant patients and patients who are homicidal, psychotic, catatonic, medically compromised, or severely suicidal. In one study, researchers found marked improvement in 78% of patients treated with ECT, compared to 62% of patients treated only with lithium and 37% of patients who received neither, ECT or lithium (Black et al., 1987).

A final type of therapy that I found is outpatient group psychotherapy. According to Dr. John Graves, spokesperson for The National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association has called attention to the value of support groups, and challenged mental health professionals to take a more serious look at group therapy for the bipolar population.

Research shows that group participation may help increase lithium compliance, decrease denial regarding the illness, and increase awareness of both external and internal stress factors leading to manic and depressive episodes. Group therapy for patients with bipolar disorders responds to the need for support and reinforcement of medication management, and the need for education and support for the interpersonal difficulties that arise during the course of the disorder.

Drug Abuse

2011-10-29T08:32:00.001-07:00

Drug Abuse is generally defined as the use of a drug with such frequency that the user has physical or mental harm or it impairs social abilities. The substances that are discussed in this report are called psychoactive drugs; those drugs that influence or alter the workings of the mind, affect moods, emotions, feelings, and thinking processes.

Drug Dependence/Addiction

There are three basic characteristics that indicate that the user is dependent on a drug. First, the user continues to use the drug for an extended period of time. Second, the user finds it difficult to stop using the drug. They may drop out of school, steal, go to jail, lose their jobs, or leave their families in order to keep using. Finally, the user has withdrawal symptoms when drug use is stopped. They may undergo physical pain or mental distress.

The drug mimics a natural process in the brain called neurotransmission. This is when a brain cell releases a signal to another brain cell. The signal then returns to the first brain cell. The signal is called a neurotransmitter. One major neurotransmitter is called dopamine, which is involved in feelings of pleasure. When the drug is released into the brain, it blocks the dopamine from returning to the first brain cell. Repeated use changes the brain cells so that normal messages can't be sent between brain cells. The drug must always be present in order for neurotransmissions to take place. The user is only able to feel pleasure from the cocaine rather than the things he/she used to find pleasurable. This is called drug addiction or dependence.

Drug Classification

Drugs are generally categorized into two groups, stimulants and depressants. Stimulants are drugs that speed up signals through the nervous system. They produce alertness, arousal and excitability. They also inhibit fatigue and sleep. They include the amphetamines, such as cocaine, caffeine, and nicotine. Depressants slow down the signals through the nervous system. They produce relaxation, lowering of anxiety, drowsiness, and sleep. They include sedatives (such as barbiturates, alcohol, and tranquilizers) and narcotics (heroin, morphine, opium, codeine), which dull the mind's perception of pain.

Some drugs are not included in the stimulant/depressant categories. An example is the hallucinogens, such as PCP and LSD, which produce unusual mental states such as psychedelic visions. Also, marijuana is not generally regarded as belonging to any one of these categories.

Effects of Drugs

There are four basic stages that the drug user goes through. In stage one, there are no outward behavioral changes caused by the use of drugs. The drug use is considered normal. In stage two, the user actively seeks the euphoric effects of the drug by using it more frequently. A reliable source of the drug is established. The user may add mid-week use rather than only on weekends or at parties. In younger users, a general lack of motivation is noticed, along with changes in friends and lower grades. In stage three, the user is extremely preoccupied with the desire to experience the effects of the drug. The drug is used daily. There may be thoughts of suicide and/or depression. There may be family problems or trouble with the law. In the fourth and final stage, the user has become addicted. They are dependent on the drug just to feel normal. Physical signs are frequent sore throats, coughing, fatigue, and weight loss. They may be experiencing overdosing and blackouts more frequently. The user may be engaging in criminal activities in order to obtain money for the drug.

Alcohol

One major drug that physically effects the user is alcohol. It causes damage to the brain, pancreas, and kidney. It also causes high blood pressure and may heighten the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Other consequences of alcohol abuse are possible alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, stomach and duodenal ulcers, colitis, irritable colon, impotence and infertility, birth defects and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (retardation, low birth weight, small head size, limb abnormalities), and premature aging. The user may also experience diminished immunity to disease, sleep disturbances, muscle cramps, and edema.

Marijuana

Another harmful drug is marijuana, especially since the potency of marijuana available has over the last decade increased by 275 percent. Some marijuana users have chronic lung disease. Marijuana can be more dangerous than cigarettes because there are more known cancer causing agents in marijuana smoke than cigarette smoke. Also, one marijuana cigarette is as damaging to the lungs as four tobacco cigarettes.

Small doses of marijuana diminish motor skills, hamper judgement, distort perception, and impair memory function. Chronic marijuana may cause brain damage, accelerated heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. Mood changes occur. There is a decline in school work, difficulty in concentrating, diminished ability to carry out long-term plans, loss of effectiveness, loss of ambition, and increased apathy.

Cocaine

One of the most powerfully addictive and deadly drugs is cocaine. It can be injected, snorted, or smoked. It carries the risk of HIV if it is injected. Cocaine significantly speeds up the neurotransmissions in the nervous system. It accelerates the heart rate while simultaneously constricting the blood vessels, which are trying to adjust to the heightened blood flow. Temperature and blood pressure rise. Pupils dilate. These physical changes may be accompanied by stroke, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, or seizures.

Cocaine may trigger paranoia, anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. Depression occurs when denied of the drug. Cocaine requires users to take more and more to reach the same level of stimulation. It may also cause nasal problems such as congestion and runny nose. The mucous membrane in the nose may disintegrate with prolonged usage. The nasal septum may also collapse.

Different kinds of cocaine include freebase and crack. Freebase is smoked. It is extremely dangerous because the cocaine reaches the brain almost instantly, causing a sudden and intense high. However, when it disappears, it leaves the user with an enormous craving, resulting in increased usage. Crack is a kind of cocaine that is snorted. It comes in small lumps or shavings. It has become a major problem because it is very inexpensive and easily transported.

Heroin

Heroin is an illegal opiate drug which is extremely addictive. It requires persistent, repeated use and, if the user attempts to stop, there are painful physical withdrawal symptoms. Heroin use causes insomnia, panic, nausea, and shallow breathing. Heroin is generally injected into a vein. Because of this kind of drug entry, the risk of contracting diseases such as HIV is high. Contamination of heroin with cutting agents, unsterile equipment, uncertain dosage levels and the use of heroin in addition to other drugs can cause cardiac disease, inflammation of the veins, skin abscesses and serum hepatitis. There is no way to tell the potency of the drug, so any trip could lead to overdose, coma or possible death. Heroin during pregnancy is associated with miscarriages and stillbirths. Babies who are born by addicted mothers must undergo withdrawal symptoms after birth and usually have development problems.

Symptoms include nausea, respiratory depression (which can progress until breathing stops), and drowsiness. Symptoms of a heroin overdose include coma, convulsions, clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, and shallow breathing.

PCP

PCP is a hallucinogen. It alters consciousness, mood, and sensation and distorts visual sensation, taste, smell, touch, or hearing. The user experiences a profound departure from reality. He/she is capable of severe disorientation and bizarre behavior. These PCP-induced effects may lead to injuries or death while under the influence.

When it is used regularly or chronically,judgement, concentration, perception functions, and memory are affected. It may lead to permanent changes in thinking, memory, and motor function. Addicted mothers deliver babies who have motor, auditory, and visual problems. They may also have reactions similar to that of someone who is under the influence of PCP.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal is defined as the discontinuance of administration or use of a drug. When this happens, there are certain physical symptoms that occur when the user is dependent on the drug. They may include nausea, diarrhea, and pain, but they vary between drugs. Cocaine users report depression when denied the drug. Since heroin is a very addictive drug, it has many withdrawal symptoms. For example, insomnia, muscle cramps, nausea, sweating, chills, panic, tremors, loss of appetite, yawning, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Drug Treatment

A drug addict generally goes through denial before he/she accepts his/her drug addiction. When they are confronted by a family member or friend, they refuse to accept that they are addicted. This is sometimes called a mental block. The user isn't ready or able to deal with thier addiction. The time period of denial varies from person to person.

When the person has come to accepting their problem, they may go to therapy for treatment. Group therapy has had excellent results. They learn to come to terms with their problem with the support of other people who are going through the same thing that they are. They also learn tools that they can use to help them through the recovery period, such as prayer, excercise, and meditation. Drug abuse is a serious problem, but through treatment and therapy, it can be overcome.

Drinking & Driving

2011-10-29T08:31:00.001-07:00

Alcohol is a drug, a very popular drug. Alcohol has been around for a long time, and people have always enjoyed it's effects. Many people have passions for alcohol, some people have refrigerators filled with beer, many others are wine connoisseurs. Alcohol always seems to liven up the party. But no madder what your preference is, alcohol can be very dangerous when combined with the operation of an automobile. If you can remember only a few things from this report remember this: driving drunk is unsafe to you, and everyone else around you. The driver's of other cars, pedestrians, etc... Driving drunk can also be very, very costly: insurance surcharges, insurance rates, tickets, fines.

You should understand what alcohol does to you before we go on. Alcohol is a depressant, and often enhances your mood. If your angry, after a couple drinks you may be quite possibly angrier. If you are sad, you probably will feel sadder after some drinks. It is not good to drink and drive when you are in a good mood, but your driving is also influenced by your mood. It can make you drive faster, pay attention less, etc... Study's have shown that the combination of anger, and drinking is responsible for much of reckless driving. Not only can alcohol enhance your mood, but it has been proven that it can quickly alter your mood. When alcohol is consumed, it is not digested. It passes through your stomach and small intestine directly into the bloodstream and is carried to all parts of your body. It reaches your brain in small amounts. When alcohol is ingested in larger amounts, it dulls the area of your brain that control inhibition, judgment, and self-control. Hopefully you can see how this could be detrimental to your health when driving. Drinking.

But how does alcohol effect my driving? To expand upon this, drinking increases your self-confidence, and inhibitions but lowers your driving performance (reaction times, stopping distance). You may feel like you can do anything behind the wheel of a car after a six-pack. But you can't. Many, many accidents occur because of drinking. Most of these accidents involve only 1 car, but other people are killed by drunk drivers. There is a technique to protect yourself from drunk drivers. First, always wear your seat belt. Second, keep your distance from anyone that may appear to be under the influence. Anyone who is swerving, or going to slow are good examples. But it is impossible to prevent all of these accidents, people have to be educated about drinking and driving.

So how much alcohol is safe? No amount of alcohol in your body is as safe as having none. But certain amounts of alcohol are safer than others. There is no set limit of how much is too much, because there are too many factors in drinking. Body weight, amount of drinks, and how fast you drink are all factors in how alcohol affects you. Even the amount of food in your stomach can be a factor in how fast the alcohol gets into your blood stream. You cannot always tell by looking at someone if they've had too much. Some people can hold their alcohol real, others cannot. The only real way to measure the amount of alcohol in your body is with a breathalyzer. A breathalyzer measures your BAC; blood alcohol concentration. Your BAC is how much of your blood is alcohol.

You must be 21 in the U.S. to drink, but the BAC limit is .10%. If you are over .10% you are considered legally drunk, and will be charged with DUI if you are caught. At slightly above .05% your risk of causing an accident is double what it would be at 0%. Considering that most people are not excellent drivers to begin with, this is scary.

How do is sober up? Eating, taking aspirin, drinking black coffee, deep breathing and cold showers are not effective at all in sobering up. The only way to sober up is time. This is important to remember, do not let anyone tell you otherwise. If you do drink, you can be smart about the actions you make. If you have any second thoughts about driving, don't. Have a friend drive you home, call a friend, or call a cab. Don't worry about your car, it is not as important as human life, and will probably be in better condition if you don't drive it drunk. Also, don't let friends drive drunk either, if they are stubborn, take the keys from them. It is a good idea to make agreements with your friends about not letting each other get in a car intoxicated. If you have a party, and someone who gets intoxicated at your party is involved in an accident, it may involve a lawsuit. Everything about drinking and driving is bad.

If you are driving drunk, there is a very good chance of you getting pulled over. Indications of drunk driving are speeding, a drinking driver sometimes thinks he/she can drive safely at high speeds (superman). Weaving, even if a drunk driver stays in the right lane, sometimes they have trouble steering straight. Slow driving, when a driver knows that they are intoxicated, they may drive slower than the flow of traffic so that they do not get in an accident, this can be dangerous in itself. Sometimes drunk drivers have jerking motions because of short mental lapses and may not keep a steady speed. Another indication of an intoxicated driver is quick stopping, which causes many accidents. Police officers have seen drunk drivers many times, and know how they drive. Don't be a fool a try to beat the system, because it is you that is going to get screwed. It is sad but true that there are people who drive drunk all the time and get away with it, and never get caught. But the odds are not with you. If you do get pulled over and the police officer thinks that you are intoxicated, they will ask you to perform a field sobriety test. The sobriety test consists of you walking the line straight, following the police officers finger with your eyes, and touching your nose with both index fingers while having your eyes closed. Depending on how you do with this test the police officer will usually conclude whether or not to perform a breathalyzer test. The cop may skip the sobriety test, and go straight to the breathalyzer if he/she feels like it. It depends on the judgment of the police officer what happens to you. But in New Jersey and some other states in the U.S. there is the implied consent law, which says that if you refuse to take the breathalyzer test you will be considered under the influence, you will lose your license for six months if it is your first offense, and for two years for repeaters, and a charge from $250-500. There is also a mandatory insurance surcharge of $1,000 for three years, plus court imposed fines and penalties. It can be quite costly being a drunk driver. Failure to pay insurance surcharge will result in indefinite loss of driving privileges.

Driving while intoxicated does not add up. It is very dangerous, expensive, and stupid. It easy to avoid it if you are educated. If half the people who have there license knew the penalties for getting caught, many people would not do it. Education is key.

Dare Drug Essay

2011-10-29T08:30:00.001-07:00

I Promise not to do drugs because I know that if I do drugs A. Nobody will like me except people that do drugs (druggies). Also I'd rather be drug-free than a druggie.

I've learned a lot in Dare. First of all, I always have someone to talk to for all of my problems. Like when I have family, friend or any trouble, I can talk instead of having it bottled up inside of me. In Dare, I learned that there is more stuff to do instead of smoking. Like for instance, My friend and I are starting a street hockey league. We have about twenty-six kids signed up. This league will give kids who either ignored Dare or didn't have Dare a chance to find out that there's stuff you can do for your self like stay physically fit & staying off drugs. I have also learned that not many kids in Cutler Middle School don't do drugs.I always thought that when I got into middle school,everybody is going to force me to do drugs.

I should avoid violence because I could have a risk,depending on the situation,of getting myself killed!

There's another big thing.Consquences.Conquences are either good or bad. Like if I were to tag a building,I could get arrested or become an outcast from all my friends. If I was to help a senior citizen, I would feel pretty good inside.