Re: Rellis Smith's July 15 letter, "More sound ideas?":
Mr. Smith sarcastically attacked the Ventura City Council's rejection of medical marijuana cooperatives, saying "A person smokes that mind-altering drug, and there's no telling what he/she might do."
Unfortunately, Mr. Smith's sarcasm is truer than he probably understands. In March 2010, John Bedell opened fire on guards at the entrance of the Pentagon. He was killed when the guards returned fire. According to MSNBC, Bedell was diagnosed as bipolar, or manic-depressive, and had been in and out of treatment programs for years. His psychiatrist, J. Michael Nelson, said Bedell tried to self-medicate with marijuana, inadvertently making his symptoms more pronounced.
Marijuana use has been well documented to aggravate feelings of anxiety or paranoia. Mr. Smith describes a more benign portrait of users as "munching an entire chocolate cake or five or six snickers bars. Then ... they finish up by sitting in a recliner and watch re-runs of 'Gilligan's Island.' " So, at best, it would seem that Mr. Smith and his stoner buddies are obese, unproductive couch potatoes. Is it any wonder that the Chinese are kicking our butts?
~ James Willis,
Oxnard
Well, props to Mr. Smith for recognizing that he doesn't know what one might do on that mind altering "drug".
Here, let me tell you Mr. Smith. As a former user in my youth, here is my personal experience just for you. You see, a light smoker of MaryJane just might get the giggles, even the munchies, which means, profits for stores who provide Doritos and Cheetos. That same light smoker may even become more satisfied with life, which means less likely to start a brawl, unlike it's competitor, Alcohol, which can cause one to become violent and even cause death. However, with cannabinoids, one can't O.D., nor will it cause death by over-intoxication.
NOw a heavy smoker, "stoner", will usually lock themselves in their house working on pet projects, like motorcycles, models, or even try to figure out a cure for cancer. However, they usually become couch potatoes and again get the munchies, which again leads to profits for the local convenience store.
But really, is this what we are really arguing about? Of course not. The argument is over how to control it. You can't. It's a weed and grows anywhere. A clipping means a crop, a seed means a Forrest. But let's look at the benefits outside of the recreational use or medicinal use.
Did you know that it can be used to produce green fuel for autos? Did you know that because of it's root structure, it makes the best erosion control? And seriously, it makes great clothes and rope. The oils from the seeds are great for cooking.
Now, I'm not Cannabis activist, but the real truth is, I would much rather have pot in bars than alcohol any day. I am so tired of the fights that break out, wouldn't it just be so nice to go out and get a bowl and chill with total strangers and brainstorm the origins of life without heated arguments that lead to fists flying? Visit a bar sometime and see the aggression that comes with alcohol and then, find a way to get invited to a pot party, they must still happen, see the difference for yourself.
Everyone needs to get off their high horse about cannabis and start looking at it objectively. It's not like they showed in the propaganda movies of the 1950's. It's totally mellowing and creates a sense of peace and calming for just about everyone who uses it.
Besides, with all the taxes that are being earned all over California, you would think that Ventura would lead the way in to legalizing for recreation and reap the profits before anyone else. This town is filled with artsy people who would buy it like mad if it were made available. However, there really is a good use for it in medicine. Talk to a cancer patient who has used to curb their symptoms, the munchies saves lives every day.
I may even use again if it would just become legal, and I promise, I will buy it from a regulated store.
Just think, most every politician who ever went into the White House since Reagan has admitted to some form of substance abuse. If it can get them to the White House, then maybe we are all candidates for greatness with a little help from our friends.... Buddah, Kush, Indica, Thaistick, Sativa, etc...
Well, props to Mr. Smith for recognizing that he doesn't know what one might do on that mind altering "drug".
Here, let me tell you Mr. Smith. As a former user in my youth, here is my personal experience just for you. You see, a light smoker of MaryJane just might get the giggles, even the munchies, which means, profits for stores who provide Doritos and Cheetos. That same light smoker may even become more satisfied with life, which means less likely to start a brawl, unlike it's competitor, Alcohol, which can cause one to become violent and even cause death. However, with cannabinoids, one can't O.D., nor will it cause death by over-intoxication.
NOw a heavy smoker, "stoner", will usually lock themselves in their house working on pet projects, like motorcycles, models, or even try to figure out a cure for cancer. However, they usually become couch potatoes and again get the munchies, which again leads to profits for the local convenience store.
But really, is this what we are really arguing about? Of course not. The argument is over how to control it. You can't. It's a weed and grows anywhere. A clipping means a crop, a seed means a Forrest. But let's look at the benefits outside of the recreational use or medicinal use.
Did you know that it can be used to produce green fuel for autos? Did you know that because of it's root structure, it makes the best erosion control? And seriously, it makes great clothes and rope. The oils from the seeds are great for cooking.
Now, I'm not Cannabis activist, but the real truth is, I would much rather have pot in bars than alcohol any day. I am so tired of the fights that break out, wouldn't it just be so nice to go out and get a bowl and chill with total strangers and brainstorm the origins of life without heated arguments that lead to fists flying? Visit a bar sometime and see the aggression that comes with alcohol and then, find a way to get invited to a pot party, they must still happen, see the difference for yourself.
Everyone needs to get off their high horse about cannabis and start looking at it objectively. It's not like they showed in the propaganda movies of the 1950's. It's totally mellowing and creates a sense of peace and calming for just about everyone who uses it.
Besides, with all the taxes that are being earned all over California, you would think that Ventura would lead the way in to legalizing for recreation and reap the profits before anyone else. This town is filled with artsy people who would buy it like mad if it were made available. However, there really is a good use for it in medicine. Talk to a cancer patient who has used to curb their symptoms, the munchies saves lives every day.
I may even use again if it would just become legal, and I promise, I will buy it from a regulated store.
Just think, most every politician who ever went into the White House since Reagan has admitted to some form of substance abuse. If it can get them to the White House, then maybe we are all candidates for greatness with a little help from our friends.... Buddah, Kush, Indica, Thaistick, Sativa, etc...