.jpeg)
The societal ills, attributable to marijuana, warrant keeping it illegal! The term, “Medical marijuana” is a misnomer. Plain and simple, legalization is a dangerous scam and needs to be exposed as such! It’s no more a medicine than is the elixir a snake-oil salesman sold off the back of his covered wagon – the one that mixed opium with alcohol! Marijuana has been intentionally misrepresented to be medicinal, by those who want to get high, without incurring the consequences.
Odd. Tonight, I found that Jolene Johnson, alternative medicine examiner noted the same things, written from another perspective. I may have even used the same photo?
We don’t chew the foxglove plant in lieu of digitalis for heart medicine. We don’t eat moldy bread for penicillin, the gummy substance from poppy bulbs, boil willow tree bark into a tea for a headache nor do we drink a pregnant mare’s urine to replace estrogen. Yet legitimate drugs were all derived from these naturally occurring substances. Sick people do further harm to themselves, by smoking marijuana; self-medication with an unknown dosage, and smoking as a delivery system is unwise.
When my son was about to go away to college, over his protests, I mentioned, I wanted to tell him something about pot use. For almost two decades, he’d overheard me rail to others, about marijuana. Confident he’d made the right choices, and sure he’d grown tired of hearing my haranguing, I’d put this “talk” off.
Promising to make it short, I suggested when he heard friends even imply they were considering trying pot, to tell them to wait, that, before making a decision, that they should watch the users they know, for 3 to 6 months, and that if they watch, they’ll see their lives going right down the tubes. It would help them make a much wiser decision and save a lot of grief – for them and for those who loved them.
When I finished, . . . he surprised me. When I’d begun, he’d made it apparent he didn’t appreciate being a captive audience, on our way home. But as we pulled into the drive, instead of bailing, he turned to me, I noticed his eyes had welled up and he said pensively: “I wish you’d have told me that, a long time ago.” “So do I”, I replied, “so do I”.
Looking back, I can’t help it; every time I think of this moment, my eyes well up again! I know he too, lost friends along the way.
Comments
The societal ills, attributable to John English, warrant keeping him a retired hack! The term "Drug Policy Examiner" is a misnomer as John English writes nothing but anti-marijuana propaganda that directly challenges what real doctors and other actually qualified scientists have published about marijuana and it's byproducts. John English is no more a "Drug Policy Examiner" than any other retired locksmith.
these propaganda pieces are now bordering on actual comedy. this cracks me up, the whole creative writing of John English in general but especially the below statements. after misinforming his son with what i'm guessing is the same propaganda that he spews from this site he says:
"he turned to me, I noticed his eyes had welled up and he said pensively: “I wish you’d have told me that, a long time ago.” “So do I”, I replied, “so do I”."
did you really get that gay with your son about weed? he also goes on to say:
"Looking back, I can’t help it; every time I think of this moment, my eyes well up again! I know he too, lost friends along the way."
are you actually trying to say that you know people who have died from using marijuana? you are a joke and if this is true you and your son are straight up nerds.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3njjD41f48
...nerds...NERDS!...NERRRRRDS!!!...NERRRRRRRRDS!!!! NERDS! NERDS! NERDS! NERDS!...
You stupid douche. You obviously know nothing about the subject you are writing about. 20 million people have been arrested so far just for having or growing a plant. Thats only American numbers. Worldwide, the numbers are staggering. Research on this issue already lists 100's of potential medical benefits from this simple plant but the world is full of mis-guided do-gooders like you. Go have a drink and leave it be.
John English, over the past two weeks you've proven yourself to be a straight up liar.
Marijuana users, be PROUD of yourselves! Stand up and fight for the right to be peaceful, law-abiding citizens.
You are NOT criminals! Tell all of your legislators that your vote for them depends on them supporting the establishment of a legal marijuana supply in this country.
Now is the time. Get Loud!!
In the "Land of the Free" you are entitled to your opinion. But that is all it is. Where is your science? Where are your medical research facts? I agree with you that chronic marijuana smoking by our youth is not as healthy as living sober. On the same hand neither man nor law should be allowed to prevent sick people from using a drug that safely, efficiently and effectively controls their lifelong symptoms. As with all FDA approved drugs Marijuana's therapeutic value, even by smoking, far outweighs any negative effect(s) it may have. Marijuana's addictive nature is similar to the addiction you acquire to Caffeine from coffee, soda or whatever. I'm glad you had your talk with your son, but that is no reason to deny me, a 56 year old man, the use of Inhaled Marijuana Vapors which gives immediate relief from chronic nausea & vomiting due to Diabetic Neuropathic Gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach.)
I think I have figured John out.
These daily articles are for his financial benefit. No-one spews this much misinformation and propaganda... unless there are either required because of their job, or they are getting something in return.
I believe that John is not a trustworthy soul. He has voluntarily chosen to put this junk out there, knowing much of it is false.
That guy is not my daddy ,and I don't a biased idiot to decide what kind of medicine is right for me! He can go pop his vikes and eat his viagra ,and leave me out of his fricked up equations.
There are far to many commas in this rubbish.
"The societal ills, attributable to marijuana, warrant keeping it illegal! The term, “Medical marijuana” is a misnomer. Plain and simple, legalization is a dangerous scam and needs to be exposed as such! It’s no more a medicine than is the elixir a snake-oil salesman sold off the back of his covered wagon – the one that mixed opium with alcohol! Marijuana has been intentionally misrepresented to be medicinal, by those who want to get high, without incurring the consequences."
Prove Your Statements with Science, Apply Common Sense and Rationality to your statements.
Until then it's simply Your opinion and I disagree with your Bias because You are hurting the sick! It is a Civil Rights Violation to Deny Access to Efficacious Medicine.
SEE:
www.mamas.org/Images/HazardsOther.pdf
www.mamas.org/Images/HazardsMortality.pdf
Drug Safety = Truth in Drug Education!
The MOST Dangerous Element Surrounding the use of Cannabis Are the Laws, Rules and Policies that Gove
You honestly believe that the terminally ill who use marijuana are doing so just to get high? If they are at that stage why not just use heroin or cocaine to get high? Also, what about the studies that show marijuana use helps when no other form of medication does? Are those people just trying to get high too?
Besides that you state that after a few months of using marijuana a persons' life goes right down the drain? Really? I am also in college and have been smoking for about two years. I have a lot of friends, a 3.9 GPA, a great family, etc. And, get this, all of my friends who smoke weed also do well in school and have healthy social lives.
You might say we are an exception to the rules or something along those lines. How about you look at the millions of others who smoke marijuana and find out about how many of their lives are in the toilet due to marijuana.
This kind of ignorance is the reason marijuana is so demonized. Fools with NO proof otherwise.
With all due respect sir,do u really gonna keep ignoring history, science and the facts surrounding illegal. U offer nothing to the dialog that helps advance the dismal so called war on drugs. (Which is a war on u and all the rest of us american's john.) If u r ok with letting ur son and grand children work to pay for this follishness it ur right as a citizen. But dont insult reasonable dissent who present thoughtful arguments to the contrary of your position. We have tried it ur way john.....IT DOSENT WORK!!!!! cant we at least have an adult discussion with ur son so he can have a say in his furture country. Be well john, just be open, so we can improve, not hate!
One trick pony...reefer madness. BTW, where did he get his doctor degree?
"Marijuana has been intentionally misrepresented to be medicinal, by those who want to get high, without incurring the consequences."
Just what are the consequences of 'wanting to get high'? Why shouldn't I be left alone if I want to get high in the privacy of my home? If I harm no one why should I be molested? Why do you insist on forcing your way into my life? Does freedom ring a bell with you? You sure like nosing into other peoples business. I can just imagine what kind of neighbor you are. Typically, I have found that someone with this type of one issue focus generally is deep into it. Wouldn't surprise me if this guy is dealing and just trying to keep the prices up. Fishy!!!
John, John, John - you're making stuff up again. I'm in my late 50's, have smoked pot for approximately 40 years. I started a company from scratch on my back porch (literally), grew it to 75 employees and $!5 million in revenue in ten years. I think that's being fairly productive and sold it for twice that. Not bad for a pot head, huh? Marijuana is relatively easy to procure (tax free!) - tens of millions of people smoke it regularly. There are a lot of good - nay,excellent - human beings who smoke it for health reasons, maybe for cancer or multiple sclerosis or something else. Before you write another article filled with errors, may I suggest that you meet and interview a few of these folk? I look for ward to reading your first article after you've accomplished this.
"We don’t chew the foxglove plant in lieu of digitalis for heart medicine. We don’t eat moldy bread for penicillin..."
We do however eat fruits and vegetables for anti-oxidants, vitamin c, vitamins, and minerals.
My Biochemistry teacher, Dr. Fennel would always tell us that nature does a much better job at synthesis than man. It is much healthier to obtain nutrition and supplements from natural sources becuase it is often more effective and cheaper.
Does anyone hear support John English? Please write some fact based articles or responses. i have already seen Reefer madness and I have already heard the government lies.
Old man English is a pathetic hack, a one trick pony. Day after day he posts rehashed anti-marijuana propaganda. His poorly written prose and factual inaccuracies make him a laughing stock, a parody of right wing ignorance.
He clearly has no first hand knowledge of his subject. At some point Examiner will pull the plug on this inept buffoon. He brings shame upon himself and the Examiner.
As with every time I find one of this guys articles.....PUTZ!
What a clueless hack. Cannabis prohibition is a crime against humanity.
Google "once secret Nixon tapes"
Google Anslinger+jazz+swing
Google "Francis L Young"
Get a clue, chump.
For a century since the creation of the FDA medicines derived from plants must go through a process of testing and approval before being prescribed by doctors. That is why it is illegal for doctors to prescribe marijuana. They can only recommend. The Institute of Medicine says smoking is not a safe delivery system--John is right on that point. It is also true that people who want to get high can and do get recommendations for medical marijuana from a few doctors, whereas the vast majority of doctors would frown on this abuse. You can see a video of 60 minutes from 2007 showing a room full of "patients" joking about how they are going to fake their illnesses. The idea of medical marijuana in most people's minds is that it is for very sick people who can't get relief from approved medicines, but there is no doubt it is being abused
John English is a disgrace to Examiner.com!!
Why do you let him spew unsubstantiated lies on your website? Is this your new standard of excellence?
Fire him!
Jim,
I would appreciate the link; I'll search for it, but I'll put it up. Thanks!
He has a point. Smoking anything is bad for your health. So dont pretend it is for medical reasons. Say what you all really mean.. You want to get high. There is nothing wrong with that, however to fly it under a medical flag is an inslut to everyone. Because of its medical status in Ca kids and pregnate women have been issued recommendations to use it. MediCann Inc is at the for front of abusing the medical marijuana scene making sure anyone who wants it gets it with no medical problems what so ever. They were featured on ABC channel 7 SF and exposed for not following the medical board guidelines and giving MMJ to children some younger than 7 yrs old. How come no one is saying shame on them? Dr Jean Talleyrand should be tared and feathered for giving weed to children and pregnant women....
Yes people have died from marijuana. Maybe they did not OD but they have definatley been in accidents where they have died.... Get a clue!
John is the human embodiment of failed Prohibition of Cannabis policy. May I make a suggestion, GET OUT OF MY LIFE, in America we still think about freedom.
"John English, a retired professional locksmith of 27 years..."
Says it all.
While you have No authority to speak on the subject, I respect your opinion. Why dont you try respecting mine?
Perhaps we should start a campaign illustrating the ills locksmiths have brought on our society. Robberies, murders, kidnappings - all born from your trade of picking locks. It should be banned and all locksmiths should be put in prison. How does that feel.
Why don't you get off your gluteus maximus and go visit the oncology or HIV patients whom find relief from mmj? How about some spine patients whose spine continues to fail and hot knives and/or razor blades slice into the feet daily? Opinions and free speach are a great and powerful aspect of this country and we are all entitled to our own. I just truely wish Johnny would search out truth from the horses mouth(like the sick and in pain), rather than spew out his own personal experience as if unequivical universal fact. BTW, your argument supports EXACTLY what Israels medical research has been doing for over two decades, studying and using cannabis's natural elements, but here in the U.S. o' A. the study of cannabis has been rejected for over 6 DECADES! WHY? Because of folks like John. Johnny and his type clearly live in a self perpetuated fantasy land fueled by ignorance of the most extreme order. You're a hyperbole spewing clown whom only does harm when speaking.... SHHHhhhh!
FYI Mr. John English, Cannabis was THE MOST COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MEDICINE by doctors before it was made illegal, so your argument that it has no medical use is ABSURD. But then you probably know that, and get paid to write this stuff. Either that, or you're hopelessly brainwashed. If you really were a pot smoker in the past, you would have noticed your fellow pot smokers becoming mellow and pleasant to be around after imbibing. I've used marijuana 40+ years, and have seen countless thousands of people using it, so I know it doesn't USUALLY cause psychosis. A friend of mine used to run the medical tent at Greatful Dead concerts, and he treated all kinds of people having adverse reactions to drugs, but he rarely saw marijuana related casualties. LSD can cause a psychotic episode, but it's the persons mind-set and not the drug that causes that to happen. Cannabis is not only the most useful medicinal herb, it's also the most useful plant on the planet, plus it's non-toxic & SAFE!
This guy is not only clueless as to the realities surrounding Cannabis and its uses but he has the writing skills of a second grader.
Uopme says:
He has a point. Smoking anything is bad for your health. So dont pretend it is for medical reasons. Say what you all really mean.. You want to get high. There is nothing wrong with that, however to fly it under a medical flag is an inslut to everyone. Because of its medical status in Ca kids and pregnate women have been issued recommendations to use it...
============
MM patients generally vaporize their medicine, or take it orally, rather than smoking it, and using it medically is not because we want to get high. Cannabis was the MOST PRESCRIBED MEDICINE before being made illegal, so please don't tell us it isn't medicine! Being a MM patient is NOT about "getting high", as this ignorant person insinuates. In fact, most medical marijuana patients don't get high from it anymore. CBD is what treats chronic pain, and it doesn't get you high, like THC can. Using THC every day make you immune to getting stoned after awhile. The above comment was ignorant like Mr. Engl
Medical marijuana has reduced my Healthcare costs by more than 85%. I helped revolutionize the treatment of thyroid cancer. But my cancer wasn't diagnosed for more than 4 years because my doctor was so busy practicing drug war politics, that she refused to practice medicine in my exam room. I am going to die from the most treatable type of cancer known to man because she was mad that I smoked pot to cope with it. The war on drugs kills legitimate patients.
Uopme says:
Yes people have died from marijuana. Maybe they did not OD but they have definatley been in accidents where they have died.... Get a clue!
=========
Please furnish an example, because I've never heard of anybody who died from marijuana, and studies have found it makes people drive more carefully - the opposite of what alcohol does. Sure there might have been an accident at some point in time where the person had previously used marijuana, but to use that justify your scare-mongering about cannabis is aburd. And you didn't (couldn't?) even provide one example. Why do you hate the most useful plant on the planet, which also happens to have the most medicinal uses of any plant and is totally non-toxic and safe? It's also good for pregnant women, and even children in some cases - much better than the pharma-poisons you probably want them to take. It cures cancer, along with myriad other medical problems. If you drink coffee or tea, you are a HYPOCRITE!
What a piece of trash article!
You begin by saying that the societal ills of marijuana warrant keeping it illegal, but then you provide absolutely zero facts or data to back up the claim...just your ill-informed opinions.
Then you go into a rant and compare the medicinal uses of marijuana to snakeoil and elixers, when cannabis has historically been known as a medicinal plant for thousands of years...as well as its use for paper, rope, clothing, fuel, feed, and as a soil regenerative.
Your next ridiculous point goes into self medication using marijuana, and how it does more harm than good because it is an unknown dosage. Well here's a FACT: In the history of mankind there has NEVER been an overdose death from taking too much marijuana. It is medically proven to be impossible to oversdose on marijuana!
I sincerely take offense to your ill-informed, self-righteous, propaganda-riddled drivel, that is based on pure dis-information about the wonderful God-given and blessed plant!!
For anyone not convinced that marijuana is a medicine, please visit wamm.org.
WAMM, the Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana, is the longest running medical marijuana collective in the nation. It is comprised of terminally ill patients and patients with permanent and severe disabilities.
They provide medical marijuana on a donation basis. The notion that these patients are using their medicine to "get high" instead of alleviating symptoms and side effects of diseases like AIDS, cancer, chemotherapy, MS, epilepsy, and so many more diseases is a farce.
The Examiners village idoit speaks again.
I've left numerous comments trying to actually help this man see the error of his ways and he propbably hasn't read a single one. Or if he has, he's obviously ignored my sincere attemps to show him that he is fomenting pain and suffering for a lot of people.
He continues to come out with one of these every other day.
John. You will lose this battle. I promise you that.
If Jesus christ came up to you and told you the hellish path you are travleing would you listen? Or would you dismiss him as a druged up hippie?
Or would someone as blinded by crooked faith as yourself even recognize him?
You don't have many years left John. Please don't waste them causing sorrow for others and further tainting your own spirit.
This is no joke Mr. English, PLEASE wake up. It's never too late.
Funny how ALL my comments get deleted after about an hour...
Bottom line: Anyone that rants as much as this guy does about something has a hidden agenda. He's either using, transporting, or dealing. I've seen too many preachers and politicians rant about some sin only to be caught doing it in a dark alley with a $2 hooker. You have too!
John English and his son are...
...nerds...NERDS!...NERRRRRDS!!!...NERRRRRRRRDS!!!! NERDS! NERDS! NERDS! NERDS!...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3njjD41f48
Wow, Interesting that my comments were deleted as well. What is the matter Mr. English? Do not like people who oppose your opinion, and make you look like a fool?
You all should not bother trying to convince John English of the flaws in his arguments against cannabis. His opinions dismiss themselves by his inability to use deductive reasoning and his failure to back up claims with facts. He is the perfect spokesperson for prohibition.
John,
I wish you would address just ONE little question... can you confirm, or just say it in one of your articles, that YOU FAVOR IMPRISONMENT FOR SMOKING CANNABIS? In other words, do actually WANT all people who are currently in possesion of some small amount of cannabis to go to prison, even if they are currently well-adjusted, responsible job-holding adults with no behavioral or criminal history?
Can you just say that so everyone here will understand that you are not sympatetic to those whose lives have been ruined by your Prohibitionist laws? ANd leave all the BS out?
That would be a refreshing change from all the nonsensical propaganda. I mean, really John, you can't smell the stink of your own beliefs?
dp63
Bless his heart....He probably actually believes what he wrote.
Uopme,
No, not maybe they did not OD, they did NOT OD. No one ever has because cannabis is a non-toxic substance!
Please provide some evidence or an example of people dying in accidents because of pot, backed up with facts. Until then your idea is just that, an idea.
And if that is your test for banning something, we should ban: cell phones,loud music, deep thoughts, sleepiness and a trillion other things that lead to accidents.
Oh right, John English is actually helping the legalization movement with his factless and baseless rants and completely assinine stories about his family so please Examiner, keep him writing!
John English is a coward and has to delete opposing messages. Thank you John fro writing this fantasy of lies.
Where's my comment John? All I did was say you're a disgrace to examiner.com and that you're a straight up liar.
Did you delete it? Why didn't you just post a comment of your own citing your sources and proving that you aren't lying to the American people?
Maybe because you can't!
i don't think comments are getting deleted, i think they are getting moved to a separate page as new comments are added. there's a link just above the comments submit function (above the name field) and when i clicks on it i see the comments mentioned about John English being a disgrace to this Examiner.com. some sites keep all the comments on the same page as the writing itself and let the page get how ever long the comments dictate, and some sites show only the most recent comments, but let readers who want to see the other comments click links to get to them.
i still think John English is a blatant propagandist and un-American for supporting the prohibition of marijuana (marijuana is safe enough for our society, stop imprisoning Americans for it) but i don't think he is deleting comments, at least none of my comments have been deleted and i burned him pretty good on several of his opinion pieces.
After reading through the other articles John English wrote attacking cannabis, I have to conclude this guy is the GOOD for the pro-legalization of cannabis movement! His articles are full of misinformation (lies), and illogical conclusions. If Mr. English is the best the anti-cannabis 'powers that be' (the international bankers who run the world) can come up with to fight us, then we will surely win. Medical marijuana is spreading, easing suffering and saving lives, while hemp is being recognized as the plant which can save our planet. The absurd arguments and lies Mr. English uses to push his war on drugs, demonstrate that he can't find any logical evidence to support his position. I had thought he must be a paid agent of the international bankers, but they would never pay a 'mentally challenged' person like English, so he must be running on his own hate. He obviously hates other people being able to live in peace and happiness, and wants to spread misery and death...
John,
Do you think that Jesus want you to imprison people for smoking a plant? Do you think Jesus would want the state to take their homes? Do you think Jesus would want to take the opportunity for a young adult to go to college away from them, label them as felons for life, and essentially ruin their lives because they may have made a judgement in error?
So John, what WOULD Jesus want YOU to do? I'm ok with you being against drugs and marijuana, so why don't you advocate for a better drug education system instead of more prisons? Why is it that you and people like you are so determined to let America continue to be the world's largest incarcerator of it's citizens? Is that representative of a free country? ISn't that more like what the old Soviet Union used to do? And weren't we always against tyranny and oppression by the state against it's citizens?
Seems to me like you priorities are a bit mixed up John. Reread Jesus' words and you will find you're in the wrong.
One year ago my doctors had given up on my ever being able to function and live a normal life. I was on a shoebox of medications that caused hypertension, nausea, mental memory problems and internal bleeding as SIDE EFFECTS. I was applying for lifelong SSI because I was told I would never get better. One year later, after using medical marijuana, I am able to go back to work, my life is functional, I can get out of bed, my memory has improved, and I am off the shoebox of meds that were killing me. My doctors are astounded...I have a new lease on life that the pharmacy could never have given me.
John, you sir, are an ignorant fool...a clueless, ignorant fool. I'm a Medicare ombudsmen, and I see 1000s of patients who could benefit from medical marijuana who instead suffer daily because of idiots like you.
THE BASTARD, deleted my comment!!!
What a lying disgrace. This guy isn't a journalist, he's a propagandist.
Pages
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!