Use of Marijuana and other illicit drugs may play role in
increase of genital abnormalities and infertile in malesUse of Marijuana and other illicit drugs may play role in
increase of genital abnormalities and infertile in males Legislation Fraud: "Industrial" Hemp Dr. Janet Lapey's Marijuana Update 1996 Do You Know This
About Marijuana? Benzopyrene.
Lung cancer causing carcinogen more prevalent in marijuana than in tobacco. Comparative analysis of mainstream smoke
from marijuana and tobacco reference cigarette. A report by the National Academy of
Sciences, Institute of Medicine. Cognitive
dysfunctions in chronic cannabis users observed during treatment - an integrative
approach. By Thomas Lundqvist Marijuana
and tobacco comparison. Marijuana and tobacco cause at least the same amount of injury to
the airways, pulmonary function, and lung immunity. Marijuana
Briefs. Medical factoids about marijuana effects.
USE OF MARIJUANA
AND OTHER ILLICIT DRUGS MAY PLAY ROLE IN INCREASE OF GENITAL ABNORMALITIES AND INFERTILE
IN MALES
A report by Auger et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 332;281-285, 1995, shows that
in some countries, during the past 20 years, there was a decline in the quality of sperm
of fertile men which correlated with an increase in genital abnormalities such as cancer
and cryptorchidism.. This effect was independent of the age of the men. In the same issue
of the New England Journal of Medicine, Howards, page 312, pointed out that male
infertility is often related to lifestyle factors such as the use of marijuana, anabolic
steroids, and cocaine.
COMMENTARY: While associations such as these do not prove cause and effect, it is of
interest that illicit drug use could be a major factor in the decline of fertility among
men over the past two decades. The authors of the original paper admit to not having
another explanation and acknowledge that environmental or lifestyle factors could be
playing a major role.
LOWER IQ IN TODDLERS LINKED TO PRENATAL EXPOSURE TO MARIJUANA
Researcher (Day et al, Neurotoxicology and Teratology 16;169-175, 1994), found
"significant negative effects of prenatal marijuana exposure on the performance"
of both African American and Caucasian children in standard intelligence tests. This
negative effect on the child was related to marijuana exposure during the first and second
trimester of pregnancy. On average, children exposed prenatally to marijuana will have a
lower IQ compared to children who are not exposed, even when the effects of various
environmental factors are adjusted for.
COMMENTARY: The children involved in this study were tracked from birth to three years.
The study, which included an equal number of white and African-American women, most of
whom were single and of lower socio-economic status, suggesting that marijuana, not race
or other prenatal factors, accounts for these changes.
SLEEPING PROBLEMS FOUND IN TODDLERS EXPOSED TO MARIJUANA
Prenatal exposure to marijuana showed impairment in sleep pattern and more awake time
after sleep onset in exposed children, at age three, compared to control children (Dahl
and colleagues in the journal, Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 149;145-150,
1995). Sleep deprivation is frequently associated with emotional and behavioural
difficulties and reduced attention span, symptoms which could be associated with other
psychiatric problems as well. Marijuana directly impacts the part of the brain that
regulates sleep and arousal, causing concern that prenatal use of marijuana could affect
the development of that part of the brain, resulting in permanent changes in sleeping
patterns.
COMMENTARY: While studies of prenatal marijuana exposure and long-term follow-up of
children so exposed are rare, the weight of the evidence suggests that this exposure is
not without adverse consequences for the child.
SUBSTANCE USE DURING VIETNAM ASSOCIATED WITH NINE TIMES HIGHER MORTALITY RATE THAN FOR
CIVILIANS
Price et al., from Washington University School of Medicine, presented long term follow-up
studies on a group of Vietnam veterans, now in their mid-40's, compared to civilian
controls who did not serve in Vietnam. Veterans who tested positive for drugs upon their
return from Southeast Asia, had a nine times higher death rate than that of the civilian
controls. The death rate for veterans who tested negative for drugs was still four times
higher. The authors concluded that substance use in the Vietnam experience played a key
role in the increased mortality.
This is a culmination of a landmark study started in 1972 and consists of 900 soldiers who
had come home from Vietnam the year before. All had been tested for drug use. Three year
follow-up interviews were conducted in 1974 when civilian controls were also added to the
sample. The current study tracks the original participants..
Available data in the present study show that a sizeable percentage of deceased veterans
who tested positive for drug died of drug and/or alcohol related causes according to death
certificates. Of the deceased drug positive veterans 37 percent had alcohol or drug
related causes of death, and 14 percent were found to be homicide victims.
While these men tested positive in one single drug test, the authors noted that it was
interesting that this one test seemed to have predicted both the high mortality and a high
risk of certain causes of death. The authors noted that drug use was not the only
statistically significant predictor of premature death, since veterans who tested negative
for drugs still had a four times higher death rate than men of similar age and background
who did not go to Vietnam.
COMMENTARY: This important study should carry major alarm messages for those who advocate
casual drug use and minimise its impact on the medical and psychiatric health of the
population.
TOXIC PSYCHOSIS PRODUCED BY MARIJUANA SMOKING WHILE ON ANTABUSE
A 36-year-old man who was on Antabuse for alcohol treatment smoked marijuana as a
substitute for alcohol. He immediately developed an acute toxic psychosis with
disorientation, lack reality, and a manic psychosis. This lasted for 48 hours. The
manufacture of Antabuse have had one previous report of this type of drug interaction
(Lacoursiere et al., American Journal of Psychiatry, 140;242-244, 1983.
COMMENTARY: People attesting to a relative safety of marijuana forget that there are
interactions between many drugs that may lead to adverse reactions. This example of an
acute toxic psychosis in someone under treatment for alcohol abuse emphasizes the
potential for marijuana interactions with prescription and non-prescription substances,
which could be of great danger to the patient, and of course would be unanticipated.
Drug Watch, Oregon, USA., Marijuana Research Review, Comments by William M. Bennett, M.D.,
Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Clinical Pharmacology and Hypertension at
Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon.
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While attention has been directed to the dangerous implications of the two flawed "Medical Marijuana" initiatives passed in California and Arizona in November, 1996, another equally dangerous effort to influence public policy is underway -- and gaining steam in some parts of rural America. As one of its many strategies to soften public resolve against the legalisation of marijuana, the well-financed pro-legalisation lobby has spearheaded a movement to legalise the cultivation of marijuana under the guise of "industrial hemp." This fraud must be exposed, particularly in Illinois and other states that are targets for "industrial hemp" legislation in 1997.
Marijuana hemp is one of a number of plants commonly called hemp. It is the only hemp plant that contains psychoactive chemicals. It is the only hemp plant that is not already legal to grow. Hemp is a term applied to the woody fibre from a wide variety of plants including sisal, jute, Manila hemp, Mexican hemp, India hemp, Sunn hemp, New Zealand hemp, and even fibre from banana, pineapple, cactus and coconut fronds.
Marijuana hemp contains over 450 different chemicals, some of which are psychoactive, addictive, and dangerous. Other than for a short time during WWII, marijuana hemp cultivation has been illegal in this country since 1937.
THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, exists in "industrial" grade marijuana at the same level as was typical of the "pot" smoked in the 1960s (1.5 - 3% THC). Today's hybrid marijuana has been known to yield in excess of 29% THC and is indistinguishable from the hemp grown for "industrial" purposes -- just as sweet corn in the fields is indistinguishable from field corn, until you bite into it!
Although today's leading agronomists and successful farmers have determined that marijuana hemp is neither a viable nor an economically feasible agricultural crop, an attempt is being made to get the support of farmers and of the American Farm Bureau for the growing of "industrial" hemp, without excluding marijuana.
Just imagine the huge government bureaucracy that would be necessary to track and make sure the allowable THC level was not violated and that the marijuana hemp crop was not diverted from its intended use!
Just imagine fields of legal marijuana blowing in the breezes, with long lines of young people volunteering to help the farmer harvest his crop!
Incredible, you say? Well consider these quotes from the "Hempsters" themselves . . .
According to an article in High Times, a pro drug magazine, a group of Americans who own a hemp emporium in Amsterdam maintain that "once the rest of the world accepts the practical uses of the cannabis plant, it's only a matter of time before they warm to the beneficent uses of smoking it as well."
The H.E.M.P. legalization lobby stands for "Help Eliminate Marijuana Prohibition."
The National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, a pro drug legalization lobby, "is trying to educate people on the usefulness of hemp, the plant that produces marijuana," according to an article in the University of Minnesota newspaper.
An article in High Times states, "the way to legalize marijuana is to sell marijuana legally." So, some pro legalises have begun to market a variety of trendy "hemp" products, containing a variety of hemp fibres, to youth and young adults. The strategy is to represent marijuana hemp as an "industrial hemp" fibre, and thereby gain acceptance and normalcy of marijuana.
And the crowning blow comes from hempster Chris Boucher, director of The Hempstead Company in Costa Mesa, CA, owned by actor Woody Harrelson, an admitted marijuana smoker. According to an article in High Times, Boucher feels that we are near to the time when "supermarkets will sell hemp cookies and pharmacies will sell hemp medicines." Details Magazine, April 1995, reported that Harrelson was a past participant in a bong-hitting contest in Amsterdam, at which contestants suck down marijuana and hold it in their lungs for 10 seconds.
Ridiculous, you say? Well, consider that pro marijuana legalization advocate, former Colorado Senator Lloyd Casey, is reported to have said, "I would like to work with legislators as a lobbyist. I hope to get industrial hemp bills sponsored in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Washington" [in 1997].
As Janet D. Lapey, M.D., a drug prevention specialist said, "The legalization of cannabis sativa, better known as marijuana, under the guise of "industrial hemp" would result in a massive increase of psychoactive marijuana on the street with a concomitant increase in users, especially the youth."
Once again, Illinois Drug Education Alliance, Drug Watch International, and many local, state and national drug prevention organisations are ringing the alarm bell. If parents, farmers, and government officials don't heed the warning, the dangerous situations created in California and Arizona are bound to be repeated.
The bottom line is . . . Marijuana is not a medicine. It is a plant composed of over 400 different chemicals. The marijuana hemp plant has limited industrial uses and is not economically viable. The "Medical Marijuana" propaganda and the "Industrial Hemp" propaganda are just that -- propaganda. These are cleverly crafted strategies to circumvent Federal laws against the cultivation and distribution of marijuana and the United Nations treaties to which the U.S. is a signatory.
Joan Bellm, Illinois Drug Education Alliance, Board of Advisors, Drug Watch International, Board of Directors
January 8, 1997. As published in The Best of IDEA newsletter.
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Marijuana causes many mental disorders, including acute toxic psychosis, panic attacks,
flashbacks, delusions, depersonalisation, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, and
"uncontrollable feelings of aggression." (1)
Increased aggressive behaviour after smoking marijuana has been reported in inner city
males. (2)
Marijuana has long been known to trigger attacks of mental illness, such as bipolar
(manic-depressive) psychosis and schizophrenia. It has been shown that marijuana users are
six times more likely to develop schizophrenia than non-users. (3)
Marijuana use is associated with the development of Amotivational Syndrome. (4)
"Often the relationship of impairments and symptoms to marijuana use becomes evident
only when the user is persuaded to stop, shows clear-cut improvement in mood and
behaviour, and describes a feeling of coming out of a fog." (5)
Marijuana impairs perception, judgment, thinking, memory, and learning. Memory defects may
persist six weeks after last use. (6)
Mental disorders caused by marijuana (cannabis) listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) IV, published by the American Psychiatric Association May
1994 include: Cannabis Dependence; Cannabis Abuse; Cannabis Intoxication (impaired motor
coordination, anxiety, impaired judgment, sensation of slowed time, social withdrawal),
often includes perceptual disturbances; Cannabis Intoxication Delerium (memory deficit,
disorientation); Cannabis Induced Psychotic Disorder, Delusions; Cannabis Induced
Psychotic Disorder, Hallucinations; Cannabis Induced Anxiety Disorder; other
Cannabis-Related Disorders.
Marijuana causes both dependence and addiction. "Marijuana is an addictive
drug...Addictive use is defined by compulsive, repeated use in spite of adverse
consequences. Marijuanas effects include tolerance, leading to dependence, and then
inability to cease use." (7)
In many parts of the country, there are more people admitted to drug treatment centers
because of marijuana addiction than heroin addiction. (8)
A withdrawal syndrome occurs, consisting of "anxiety, depression, sleep and appetite
disturbances, irritability, tremors, diaphoresis, nausea, muscle convulsions, and
restlessness." (9)
Since marijuana impairs coordination, perception, and judgment, it is the cause of many
accidents. A study of 1023 trauma victims revealed that marijuana had been used by 34.7%;
alcohol had been used by 33.5%.(10)
This is similar to a 36.8% incidence of marijuana use reported in fatally injured drivers
in California.(11)
A study of 182 fatal truck accidents revealed that 12.8% of the drivers had used
marijuana, 12.5% alcohol, 8.5% cocaine, 7.9% stimulants. (12)
A roadside study of reckless drivers not believed to be impaired by alcohol found that 45%
tested positive for marijuana. (13)
The effects of marijuana, which is fat-soluble, persist much longer than the effects of
alcohol, which is water soluble. An experiment on pilots, using a computerised flight
simulator, showed that their ability to land a plane was still impaired 24 hours after
smoking a single marijuana cigarette. (14)
The use of marijuana during pregnancy is associated with babies of low birth weight. (15)
Also, there is evidence that such infants will show intellectual impairment a decade or
more later. (16)
Children exposed to marijuana prenatally have increased behavioural problems; they have
decreased visual perception, language comprehension, attention span and memory. (17)
Babies born to mothers who use marijuana during pregnancy have an eleven-fold increase in
nonlymphoblastic leukemia. (18)
In males, marijuana diminishes testosterone production and lowers sperm counts. In
females, marijuana disrupts hormone cycles. (19)
Studies have shown that marijuana is mutagenic and impairs DNA synthesis. (20)
Marijuana smoke produces airway injury, acute and chronic bronchitis, lung inflammation,
and decreased pulmonary defenses against infection. Smoking one marijuana cigarette leads
to airway deposition of four times as much cancer-causing tar as does tobacco smoke. (21)
Recently, there have been cases of cancer reported in young marijuana smokers, including
cancer of the mouth, tongue, larynx, jaw, head, neck, and lungs. (22)
Marijuana causes impairment of the white blood cells which fight infections. (23)
Marijuana use decreases resistance to diseases such as herpes. (24)
Marijuana smokers have increased outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses, accidents,
and other illnesses. (25)
The use of marijuana tends to lead to the use of other drugs. 20% of persons who use
marijuana 3-10 times go on to use cocaine; 75% of persons who use marijuana 100 or more
times go on to use cocaine. (26)
Non-marijuana users virtually never become cocaine users. In Alaska, when marijuana use
was decriminalised, use by Alaskan youth of both marijuana and cocaine became the highest
in the nation. The National Survey of High School Seniors showed that whereas nationally
17% of seniors had used marijuana in the past month, the Alaskan rate was 45%. The
Alaskans then sensibly decriminalised marijuana use in 1990.
From Drug Watch International September 1996
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* * * Babies born to mothers who use marijuana during pregnancy have eleven times the risk
of getting childhood leukemia. These children are the innocent victims of their parents
marijuana use. Based on research by Dr. L. Robison in the publication Cancer and Dr. J.
Buckley in Cannabis: Physiopathology, Epidemiology, Detection.
* * * Marijuana smoke produces airway injury, acute and chronic bronchitis, lung
inflammation, and decreased pulmonary defences against infection. Smoking one marijuana
cigarette leads to airway deposition of four times as much cancer-causing tar as does
tobacco smoke. Based on research by Dr. D. Tashkin as reported in the Western Journal of
Medicine.
* * * Cases of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, tongue, larynx, jaw, head, neck, and
lungs have been reported in young
marijuana smokers that would not occur in tobacco smokers until much later in life. Based
on research by reported in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, the Journal of the
American Medical Association and Southern Medical Journal.
* * * A 1995 study of blood samples taken from one thousand four hundred and forty-one
dead or impaired drivers across Canada found marijuana present in 38% of these samples.
Based on research by of Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of
Manitoba and Wayne Jeffery, R.C.M.P. Police Forensic Laboratory.
* * * Marijuana has long been known to trigger attacks of mental illness, such as bipolar
(manic-depressive) psychosis and
schizophrenia. It has been shown that marijuana users are six times more likely to develop
schizophrenia than are non-users. Based on research by of Dr. S. Andreasson published in
Britain's The Lancet.
* * * The use of marijuana leads to the use of other drugs. Of those who use marijuana 3
to 10 times, 20% go on to use cocaine. Of those who use marijuana one hundred or more
times, 75% go on to use cocaine. Based on research by as reported in the Journal of
Clinical Psychiatry.
* * * Marijuana causes both dependence and addiction. Addictive use is defined by
compulsive repeated use in spite of adverse consequences. Marijuana's effects include
tolerance leading to dependence and inability to cease use. Based on research by of Dr.
Mark Gold published in his book Marijuana.
* * * It's not just alcohol that caused impaired accidents. A roadside study of reckless
drivers who were not impaired by
alcohol, showed that 45% of these drivers tested positive for marijuana. Based on research
by of Dr. Dan Brookoff, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
* * * The effects of marijuana persist much longer than the effects of alcohol. Using a
computerised flight simulator, an experiment on pilots showed that their ability to land a
plane was still impaired 24 hours after smoking one marijuana cigarette. Based on research
by of Dr. V. Leirer in Aviation, Space & Environmental Medicine.
* * * Children exposed to marijuana prenatally have increased behavioural problems, and
they have decreased visual perception, language comprehension, attention span and memory.
These children are the innocent victims of their parents marijuana use. Based on research
by of Dr. Peter Fried of the Ottawa Prenatal Prospective Study.
* * * In males marijuana use diminishes testosterone production and lowers sperm count.
In females, marijuana use disrupts
hormone cycles. Marijuana is mutagenic, fetotoxic (poisonous to the foetus) and impairs
RNA and DNA synthesis. Based on research by of Dr. Mark Gold in his book Marijuana and
Drs. Latour and Nahas in the Medical Journal of Australia.
* * * Marijuana impairs the white blood cells which fight infection. Marijuana also causes
decreased resistance to diseases such as herpes. Marijuana smokers have increased
outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses, accidents and other illnesses. Based on
research by of Drs. Spector, Djeu, Watzl and Cabral in Advances in Experimental Medicine
& Biology and the Western Journal of Medicine.
* * * Children prenatally exposed to marijuana experienced more than two times the number
of sleep arousals at night and
more awake time after each sleep arousal than children not prenatally exposed to
marijuana. Based on research by published in The Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent
Medicine.
* * * Cases of cancer from marijuana use are now well documented. In one California study
90% of young cancer patients are marijuana smokers compared with 40% of young people in
California as a whole. Based on research by Dr. P. Donald in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck
Surgery .
* * * HIV positive marijuana smokers have increased incidence of bacterial pneumonias in
comparison to non-smokers. HIV positive smokers develop full-blown AIDS twice as fast as
non-smokers. Based on research by in the journal, AIDS Weekly 1993, and Dr. Neiman, in the
journal, AIDS 1993.
* * * In a survey of one hundred and fifty marijuana using students, 59% surveyed report
they sometimes forget what a
conversation is about before it has ended. 41% report that if they read while stoned they
remembered less of what they had read hours later. Based on research by of Dr. Richard
Schwartz, Vienna Pediatric Associates in Psychiatric Annals.
* * * Long-term use of marijuana may cause irreversible memory problems. Marijuana users
find it more difficult to separate
irrelevant information from the relevant, their reaction times are longer and electrical
activity of the brain is slowed. Based on research by from Macquarie University, Sydney in
conjunction with Australia's National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre.
* * * Marijuana impairs perception, judgment, thinking, memory and learning. Memory
defects may persist for 6 weeks after last marijuana use. Based on research by of Dr.
Richard Schwartz, Vienna Pediatrics Associates in the American Journal of Diseases of
Children.
* * * There are significant negative effects of prenatal marijuana exposure on the
performance of children in standard
intelligence tests. On average children exposed prenatally to marijuana will have a lower
IQ compared to children who are not exposed. Based on research by of Dr. Day et al, in
Neurotoxicology and Teratology.
* * * A cannabis (marijuana)-state-dependent effect in users includes weaknesses in
analytic and synthetic skills. This includes
having difficulty sorting out information, synthesising and classifying information
correctly and understanding subtle shades of meaning. Based on research by of Dr.
Lundqvist in Life Sciences.
* * * Fetal Marijuana Symptoms are similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are two diseases
children are born with that are totally preventable. One of the leading specialists in
cellular heredity, Dr. Akira Morishima of Columbia University, has said that in his 20
years of research on human cells he has never found any other drug, including heroin,
which comes close to the DNA damage caused by marijuana.
* * * Saying nobody ever died from smoking marijuana is like saying nobody ever died from
smoking tobacco. Marijuana contains the same cancer causing chemicals as tobacco.
Marijuana contains acetone, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, carbon monoxide, benzene, benzo
pyrene, nitrosamines and many other cancer causing pollutants. Based on research by of G.
Huber in Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behaviour.
* * * Who is really killing our rain forests? The United Nations reports that in Jamaica
growers of marijuana plant their crops on isolated mountain slopes disturbing fragile
forest soils. Growers clear cut and destroy the forests exposing fertile soil to runoff
and erosion causing permanently damages forests.
* * * Marijuana causes many mental disorders, including acute toxic psychosis, panic
attacks, flashbacks, delusions,
depersonalisation, hallucinations, paranoia, depression and "uncontrollable feelings
of aggression". Based on research by of Dr. Richard Schwartz, Vienna Pediatrics
Associates in Pediatric Clinics of North America.
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A breakthrough report published in the journal Science, October 18, 1996, provides the
first true molecular evidence conclusively linking components in tobacco smoking to lung
cancer. A chemical found in tobacco smoking, benzopyrene, causes genetic damage in lung
cells that is identical to the damage observed in the DNA of most malignant tumors of the
lungs.
Although scientists have been convinced in the past that smoking causes lung cancer, the
strong statistical associations did not provide absolute proof. This paper absolutely
pinpoints that mutations in lung cancer cells are caused by benzopyrene.
An average marijuana cigarette contains 30 nanograms of this carcinogen, compared to 21
nanograms in an average tobacco cigarette (Marijuana and Health,
National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine report, 1982).
This potent carcinogen suppresses a gene that controls growth of cells. When this gene is
damaged, the body becomes more susceptible to cancer. This gene, P53, is related to half
of all human cancers and as many as 70% of lung cancers.
Clearly marijuana smoke contains more of the potent carcinogen benzopyrene than tobacco
smoke. Furthermore, the technique of smoking marijuana by inhaling deeply and holding the
smoke within the lungs presents a chance of much greater exposure than a conventional
tobacco cigarette.
* * * * * * * * * *
This material has been reviewed and commented on by William M. Bennett, M.D., Professor of
Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Clinical Pharmacology and Hypertension at Oregon Health
Sciences University, Portland, Oregon.
Dr. Bennett, who is listed in "BEST DOCTORS IN AMERICA," states, "The idea
of using smoked marijuana containing these carcinogens as medicine, particularly for
patients who have suppressed immune systems like those with AIDS, should
be unthinkable. Thus, prior to considering marijuana as medicine, one must abide by the
old edict, "first do no harm."
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| Measurements | Marijuana Cigarette | Tobacco Cigarette |
| Gas phase | ||
| Carbon monoxide, vol.% | 3.99 | 4.58 |
| Carbon dioxide, vol.% | 8.27 | 9.38 |
| Ammonia, µg | 228 | 199 |
| HCN, µg | 532 | 498 |
| Cyanogen (CN)2, µg | 19 | 20 |
| Isoprene, µg | 83 | 310 |
| Acetaldehyde, µg | 1,200 | 980 |
| Acetone, µg | 443 | 578 |
| Acrolein, µg | 92 | 85 |
| Acetonitrile, µg | 132 | 123 |
| Benzene, µg | 76 | 67 |
| Toluene, µg | 112 | 108 |
| Vinyl chloride, ng* | 5.4 | 12.4 |
| Dimethylnitrosanline, ng* | 75 | 84 |
| Methylethylnitrosamine, ng* | 27 | 30 |
| Particulate phase | ||
| Total particulate matter, dly, mg | 22.7 | 39 |
| Phenol, µg | 76.8 | 138.5 |
| O-Cresol, µg | 17.9 | 24 |
| m- and p- Cresol, µg | 54.4 | 65 |
| Dimethylphenol, µg | 6.8 | 14.4 |
| Catechol, µg | 188 | 328 |
| Cannabidiol, µg | 190 | - |
| Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, µg | 820 | - |
| Cannabinol, µg | 400 | - |
| Nicotine, µg | - | 2,850 |
| N-Nitrosonornicotine, ng* | - | 390 |
| Naphthalene, µg | 3 | 1.2 |
| 1-Methylnaphthalene, µg | 6.1 | 3.65 |
| 2-Methylnaphthalene, µg | 3.6 | 1.4 |
| Benz(a)anthracene, ng* | 75 | 43 |
| Benzo(a)pyrene, ng* | 31 | 21.1 |
* indicates known carcinogens.
From Marihuana and Health, National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine
Report, Washington, D.C. 1982.
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HNN Press Release November 27, 1995
On December 8, Thomas Lundqvist will present a thesis in applied psychology at the
University of Lund. The title of the thesis is 'Cognitive dysfunctions in chronic cannabis
users observed during treatment - An integrative approach'.
Abstract: Clinicians report that chronic cannabis users seem to have symptoms, such as
mental confusion and memory problems when entering treatment, that it is difficult to
understand the cognitive style of chronic cannabis users, and that it is difficult to
motivate them to submit to and keep them in treatment.
This is the incitement of the present thesis, which is based on clinical observations made
during treatment of chronic cannabis users during and after a cessation of cannabis use
over the past ten years. The systematized observations provide knowledge of how cannabis
influences patients that submit to treatment. A treatment method is extensively described,
based on the observations and the pharmacological knowledge of the cannabinoids. It is a
strategy to help the patients in identifying the cognitive deficits and to help them in
improvement and consolidation of the cognitive functioning.
A comprehensive description of the impact of cannabis on human cognitive functions is
described in the conceptual framework of seven cognitive categories. The origin of the
cognitive dysfunction is discussed in a context of biochemical, neuropsychological, and
cognitive theory, as normalization of these cognitive functions during therapy with a
cognitive
approach.
The thesis contains three studies. In the first study the observations, compiled since
1978, are presented according to the cognitive categories, which can be considered a
logistic framework. The reversible process of the dysfunctional behaviour is the subject
for the second study, describing the differences in thinking patterns between being a
cannabis smoker and a
former cannabis smoker. In the third study chronic cannabis users were tested using the
Sense of Coherence scale (SOC) to determine the extent to which patients display
comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness of life, which normalized between
admission and the completion of therapy with a cognitive approach six weeks later. This is
discussed in the context
of cognitive and psychosocial problems associated with chronic cannabis use.
It is concluded that the observed cognitive dysfunction is reversible.
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Our national leadership as well as the public is inflamed over recent reports of the
tobacco industry increasing nicotine content in cigarettes, suppressing information about
fire resistant cigarettes, and just generally being bad actors. Strangely, neither the
public nor some members of Congress recognize the parallels to marijuana.
Tobacco is responsible for over 400,000 deaths every year from cancers, lung, heart and
other vascular diseases. Marijuana has been linked to over 30% of vehicular trauma cases
and is the most commonly abused illegal drug. It contains higher concentrations of cancer
causing agents than tobacco.
Marijuana and tobacco cause at least the same amount of injury to the airways, pulmonary
function, and lung immunity. Recent studies have demonstrated increased health care
utilization among heavy marijuana smokers for respiratory problems.
Tobacco is addictive. Many physicians, including this writer, consider tobacco one of the
hardest drugs to quit using. Marijuana is addictive, and is also one of the hardest drugs
for addicts to quit. They often return to marijuana first if they relapse. The nicotine
content of cigarettes varies. The major addictive ingredient in marijuana, THC, varies
from 3%-29%.
Tobacco is associated with birth abnormalities. Marijuana is associated with decreased
birth weight, length and shorter duration of pregnancy. Recent studies have demonstrated
that young children exposed to marijuana during pregnancy have a ten-fold higher risk of
developing acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia.
Patients frequently refuse to quit tobacco because it helps some of them lose weight and
manage anxiety despite severe health consequences. A strong movement is supporting the use
and legalization of smoked marijuana as medicine despite severe health consequences,
toxicity, and the availability of safer more effective medications for the various medical
problems. No
major medical organization would ever support tobacco as medicine. No major medical
organization supports the use of smoked marijuana as medicine.
The tobacco lobby is a powerful, well financed and aggressive group that has successfully
fought efforts to regulate, tax, or otherwise control it. The marijuana lobby is also well
financed and organized. It continually floods the media and public with misinformation
suggesting that marijuana is harmless and should be available medically and for general
use via legalization of the drug. The drug culture "experts" downplay recent
massive research showing health problems with marijuana. The tobacco "experts"
deny the link of tobacco to cancer and other health problems.
Recently Rep Henry Waxman (D-CA) gave this admonition to the public:
``I wouldn't trust these so-called independent experts the tobacco industry has paraded
out to the public and the Congress over the years to tell us things like tobacco smoking
is really good for you because it relaxes you, or there is no connection between cigarette
smoking and addiction, and of course their latest one that they don't manipulate the
nicotine levels."
Congressman Waxman's admonition also applies to the current social atmosphere surrounding
marijuana. We need to learn from the mistakes surrounding tobacco and not extend these
mistakes to marijuana and other drugs. The one major reason that the health impact of
marijuana and other illegal drugs is still less than tobacco is that the other drugs are
still illegal. The drug culture and its lobbyists are every bit as insincere,
manipulative, and self-serving as the tobacco lobby. Urge your local press and
governmental leaders not to fall into another trap.
Eric A. Voth, M.D. FACP
Chairman, The International Drug Strategy Institute
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas,
School of Medicine
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Babies born to mothers who use marijuana during pregnancy have an eleven-fold increase in
nonlymphoblastic leukemia. (Robison LL et al. Cancer 63:1904-1919, 1989)
In males, marijuana diminishes testosterone production and lowers sperm counts. In
females, marijuana disrupts hormone cycles. (Gold MS. Marijuana, NY:Plenum Medical Book
Co., p. 69-71)
Marijuana contains some of the highest cancer causing substances known. Marijuana contains
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetone, benzene, toluene, vinyl chloride,
dimethylnitrosamine, methylethylnitrosamine, benz(a)anthracene, benz(a)pyrene, ammonia,
hydrogen cyanide, and many more. (Huber, Gary: Pharm.Biochem.Behavior Vol.40. P.630, 1991.
National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine report, Washington DC 1982, Marijuana
& Health 1982)
Marijuana smoke produces airway injury, acute and chronic bronchitis, lung inflammation,
and decreased pulmonary defences against infection. Smoking one marijuana cigarette leads
to airway deposition of four times as much cancer-causing tar as does tobacco smoke.
(Tashkin DP. West J Med 158:635-637, 1993)
Cases of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, tongue, larynx, jaw, head, neck, and lungs
have been reported in young marijuana smokers. (Donald PJ Otolaryn Head & Neck Surg
94:517-521, 1986. Ferguson RP et al. JAMA 261:41-42, 1989. Taylor FM. South Med J
81:1213-1216, 1988, Donald PJ Adv Exp Med Bio 288:33-46, 1991)
Marijuana causes decreased resistance to diseases such as herpes. (Cabral GA et al. Proc
Soc Exp Bio Med 182:181-186, 1986)
In a recent study of blood samples taken from 1441 impaired or dead drivers across Canada,
marijuana was found in 38% of the samples. The study underestimates the drug use because
in a number of cases, if alcohol were found, drug analyses may not have been done. (K.
Wayne Hindmarsh, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Wayne K. Jeffery,
R.C.M.P. Police Forensic Lab)
Marijuana causes many mental disorders, including acute toxic psychosis, panic attacks,
flashbacks, delusions, depersonalization, hallucinations, paranoia, depression and
"uncontrollable hostility". (Jenike MA. Drug Abuse. In:Rubinstein E, Federman
DD, eds, Scientific American Medicine, NY:Scientific American, Inc., 1993)
A roadside study of reckless drivers not believed to be impaired by alcohol found that 45%
tested positive for marijuana. (Brookoff D et al. New Eng J Med 331:518-522, 1994)
Marijuana has long been known to trigger attacks of mental illness, such as bipolar
(manic-depressive) psychosis and schizophrenia. It has been shown that marijuana users are
six times more likely to develop schizophrenia than are non-users. (Andreasson S et al.
Lancet 2:1483-1485, 1987)
Marijuana is a "gateway drug". Children who smoke pot are 85 times more likely
to use cocaine than non marijuana users. (Joseph A. Califano, Jr., President of The Centre
on Addiction and Substance Abuse)
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