Cannabis

It may not be the opposite of morbid but the comparison I have here of cannabis vs. alcohol in the media could be described as outrageous.By outrageous I am referring to the absolute absence of any serious consequences for users or those around them in the media.This post was my attempt to provide a balance to the previous one which was essentially a survey of the last 3 months in the media as far as articles related to the negative effects of alcohol go. And what a tale of woe it … [Read more...] about What’s the opposite of morbid? Outrageous?

Alcohol causes cancer, but does cannabis? In my last post I pointed out the fact that alcohol has been known to be a carcinogen for many years now by the scientific community, but not so much by the broader Australian public. It begs the question then: Is cannabis a carcinogen?Well, ask most people and you will get a response along these lines;"Mate, if ya smoke it, it gives ya cancer. Just look at cigarettes, they don't call 'em 'cancer sticks' for nuthin!"I have found that the … [Read more...] about Cannabis vs The Big C?

You'd be suprised. Ex-presidents of Mexico, Columbia and Brazil do. So does the former Secretary General of the UN, amongst others.Global drug policy is an interesting anomaly really. I say anomaly because it is truly a realm where the normal adherence to best practices, consideration of latest research and advice of experts in relative fields does not occur. Many people may be under the illusion that the opposite is the case and, hey, fair enough. It should be, and why would you presume … [Read more...] about Who says the War on Drugs is a failure?

Before anyone says it, I know, OK?Yes I understand that I have given ample evidence of the negative effects and harms related to alcohol use. I'm also aware that there has been a distinct absence of the counter point to this debate on the behalf of cannabis.Just let me explain why...The thing about cannabis is that it's a prohibited substance. Essentially a GLOBALLY prohibited substance, courtesy of the Single Narcotics Act of 1961, signed by all of the UN member countries at that … [Read more...] about Cannabis Effects 101

Well it depends what you mean by them, doesn't it? I recently had an interaction that made me reflect on our common perspectives on drug use. A friend of mine, who is well aware that I don't drink and rarely partake of any drugs other than caffeine, expressed his suprise that I was interested in the legalisation and regulation of cannabis. The conversation went a little like this;RC - "Check out this link to my blog, I've got a new post on cannabis. You should check it"Friend - "Oh, so … [Read more...] about So, you’re one of them huh?

*NOTE: Whilst medical cannabis has been legalised federally, this does not mean cannabis is legal. From a doctor with prescription, yes. Growing it or buying it for personal use, NO. The information below is a general guide to state law, and should not be used as the basis of legal advice. Note that the ACT has also amended their cannabis laws as of 1/2/2020. Well yes and no, cannabis law in Australia is as big a mess as the one prohibition causes. You see it's got to do with the state not … [Read more...] about It’s illegal isn’t it?

Although I still believe that marihuana is not harmless, I am convinced that it is one of the least dangerous, if not the least dangerous, of all psychoactive drugs, legal or illegal, recreational or medicinal. - Dr Lester Grinspoon: On Further Reconsideration, 1994One of my children’s favourite books so happens to be John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat by Jenny Wagner (Author) and Ron Brooks (illustrations).  Have a listen if you like.Awwwwww, can you see why?Now try and … [Read more...] about and now a little bedtime story

*NOTE: This post has been edited due to its author having written it after midnight. It was chock full of random stuff, and at least one reference to evidence supporting "beddie-byes". Not a good idea. My apologies.Well I have to disagree with that. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not because I necessarily WANT to. It is just that, well, it’s not the way it is.You see, we as a society tend to largely look to our institutions like the government, and experts like health providers, as … [Read more...] about The government doesn’t put out false information on drugs…EVER!

'I have long been interested in classifications of people, in how they affect the people classified, and how the effects on the people in turn change the classifications. We think of many kinds of people as objects of scientific inquiry. Sometimes to control them, as prostitutes, sometimes to help them, as potential suicides. Sometimes to organise and help, but at the same time keep ourselves safe, as the poor or the homeless. Sometimes to change them for their own good and the good of the … [Read more...] about You are an addict because I SAY you are dammit!