I believe that its time to end this illegal and unconstitutional so called "War on Drugs". This domestic policy, which started back during the Reagan administration, has done nothing but violates the US constitution, suspends common rights, waste tax payer's money, and creates a criminal enterprise in which there is not chance of toppling.
This WoD violates the principles of limited government which is embodied in the US Constitution. It has created a large, complex federal bureaucracy that has destroyed lives, and put the power to the criminals. It has also overfilled out prisons with citizens convicted of simple possession.
According the book The Pursuit of Oblivion;

"10-15% of illicit heroin and 30% of illicit cocaine is intercepted. Drug traffickers have gross profit margins of up to 300%. At least 75% of illicit drug shipments would have to be intercepted before the traffickers' profits were hurt."

This just illustrates that the efforts in this witch hunt have minimal effects, all the while wasting valuable man power and tax dollars

There is no reason why the federal government should dictate what private citizens put into their own bodies. It has been proven time and time again that marijuana is less dangerous than both alcohol and tobacco.

Go ahead, do all the drugs you can, start with Heroine, enjoy it, have fun. I smell a troll looking for a fight.
EM1

quote:

Originally posted by CamelCoastie:
There is no reason why the federal government should dictate what private citizens put into their own bodies. It has been proven time and time again that marijuana is less dangerous than both alcohol and tobacco.

Yup Time and Time again.....

Study: Even Infrequent Use of Marijuana Increases Risk of Psychosis by 40 Percent
Friday , July 27, 2007



LONDON —

Using marijuana seems to increase the chance of becoming psychotic, researchers report in an analysis of past research that reignites the issue of whether pot is dangerous.

The new review suggests that even infrequent use could raise the small but real risk of this serious mental illness by 40 percent.

Doctors have long suspected a connection and say the latest findings underline the need to highlight marijuana's long-term risks. The research, paid for by the British Health Department, is being published Friday in medical journal The Lancet.

"The available evidence now suggests that cannabis is not as harmless as many people think," said Dr. Stanley Zammit, one of the study's authors and a lecturer in the department of psychological medicine at Cardiff University.

The researchers said they couldn't prove that marijuana use itself increases the risk of psychosis, a category of several disorders with schizophrenia being the most commonly known.

There could be something else about marijuana users, "like their tendency to use other drugs or certain personality traits, that could be causing the psychoses," Zammit said.

Marijuana is the most frequently used illegal substance in many countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. About 20 percent of young adults report using it at least once a week, according to government statistics.

Zammit and colleagues from the University of Bristol, Imperial College and Cambridge University examined 35 studies that tracked tens of thousands of people for periods ranging from one year to 27 years to examine the effect of marijuana on mental health.

They looked for psychotic illnesses as well as cognitive disorders including delusions and hallucinations, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, neuroses and suicidal tendencies.

They found that people who used marijuana had roughly a 40 percent higher chance of developing a psychotic disorder later in life. The overall risk remains very low.

For example, Zammit said the risk of developing schizophrenia for most people is less than 1 percent. The prevalence of schizophrenia is believed to be about five in 1,000 people. But because of the drug's wide popularity, the researchers estimate that about 800 new cases of psychosis could be prevented by reducing marijuana use.

The scientists found a more disturbing outlook for "heavy users" of pot, those who used it daily or weekly: Their risk for psychosis jumped to a range of 50 percent to 200 percent.

One doctor noted that people with a history of mental illness in their families could be at higher risk. For them, marijuana use "could unmask the underlying schizophrenia," said Dr. Deepak Cyril D'Souza, an associate professor of psychiatry at Yale University, who was not involved in the study.

Dr. Wilson Compton, a senior scientist at the National Institute on Drug Abuse in Washington, called the study persuasive.

"The strongest case is that there are consistencies across all of the studies," and that the link was seen only with psychoses — not anxiety, depression or other mental health problems, he said.

Scientists cannot rule out that pre-existing conditions could have led to both marijuana use and later psychoses, he added.

Scientists think it is biologically possible that marijuana could cause psychoses because it interrupts important neurotransmitters such as dopamine. That can interfere with the brain's communication systems.

Some experts say governments should now work to dispel the misconception that marijuana is a benign drug.

"We've reached the end of the road with these kinds of studies," said Dr. Robin Murray of King's College, who had no role in the Lancet study. "Experts are now agreed on the connection between cannabis and psychoses. What we need now is for 14-year-olds to know it."

In the U.K., the government will soon reconsider how marijuana should be classified in its hierarchy of drugs. In 2004, it was downgraded and penalties for possession were reduced. Many expect marijuana will be bumped up to a class "B" category, with offenses likely to lead to arrests or longer jail sentences.

Two of the authors of the study were invited experts on the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs Cannabis Review in 2005. Several authors reported being paid to attend drug company-sponsored meetings related to marijuana, and one received consulting fees from companies that make antipsychotic medications.



Report

quote:

It has been proven time and time again that marijuana is less dangerous than both alcohol and tobacco.

The last time I looked, I don't seem to recall the government holding a gun to someone's head and forcing them into drug, alcohol, or tobacco addiction. DoD and the CIA experimented with LSD in the late 50s - early 60s on unsuspecting participants who were "loose" in public but I do not see your logic in which as you say:

quote:

violates the US constitution, suspends common rights, waste tax payer's money, and creates a criminal enterprise in which there is not chance of toppling.
This WoD violates the principles of limited government which is embodied in the US Constitution. It has created a large, complex federal bureaucracy that has destroyed lives, and put the power to the criminals. It has also overfilled out prisons with citizens convicted of simple possession.

Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Addiction (the big three - there are more just as deadly and destructive: food, sex, gambling, and others) destroy more lives and familys then anything else; and you want to do away with the efforts to eradicate an effort to stop drug smuggling? Brilliant Idea CamelCoastie...let's have Coast Guard Cutters escort the smugglers into port so they don't get lost.

One of the largest maritime drug busts ever ended in San Francisco in the late 1980s;

quote:

May 23, 1988, the cutter Cape Romain (WPB-95319), a 95-foot patrol boat, and two 41-foot boats from Station San Francisco, intercepted a tug and barge near the Golden Gate bridge. A search revealed approximately 37.5 tons of hashish and 13.5 tons of Asian marijuana. After the seizure, it took "almost 12 hours" to unload the contraband. It was the largest seizure of hashish in U.S. history.

A lot of cutters searched high and low for that tug and tow...

Illegal drugs are going to be around as long as people put them in their bodies...aggressive law enforcement and educating people to not use drugs help but stopping the flow and stopping people from using it would work best...

quote:

Originally posted by CGSCOTTY:
Go ahead, do all the drugs you can, start with Heroine, enjoy it, have fun. I smell a troll looking for a fight.
EM1

I'm not a troll. I just stating my opinion on a topic. I don't see a problem with that on a message board call "The Soap Box".

Anywho, A meta-analysis of biased government-sponsored "studies" proves nothing except that their propaganda has been consistent. There are no new findings here, just a summary of bad science.
Furthermore, Marijuana use has actually reduced by about 8% in the UK since they downgraded its status, according to a British crime survey. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

But dont take my word for it, visit these no good dirty scumy hippies. Oh wait, those are law enforcement officers against prohibition.

Prohibition didn't work with alcohol, what makes you think its working? against drugs?

quote:

Study: Even Infrequent Use of Marijuana Increases Risk of Psychosis by 40 Percent

In article:

quote:

The researchers said they couldn't prove that marijuana use itself increases the risk of psychosis

Now thats just funny right there

I have a brother-in-law who has smoked every single day of his life since the 60s. He's beyond slow, I believe time stops in his clouded mind. He can't focus on anything because he's always stoned. He said he quit last year but the residuals are so strong he recently failed a piss test (or he just never quit, a distinct possibility).

End the proverbial war on drugs. Nah, too much money in it for all concerned.

quote:

Originally posted by CamelCoastie:
[
Anywho, A meta-analysis of biased government-sponsored "studies" proves nothing except that their propaganda has been consistent. There are no new findings here, just a summary of bad science.
Furthermore, Marijuana use has actually reduced by about 8% in the UK since they downgraded its status, according to a British crime survey. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

Now how is it your study done in the UK can be so obviously correct but the UK study I quote is "A meta-analysis of biased government-sponsored "studies". Now you just go ahead and put a bigger sinker on your little troll poll and make another big, manly, drug induced, hippie loving cast. Im curious are you still an active duty coastie? Its hard to tell when you a private poster but im thinking if you are active and your so pro on all drugs this may lead to a conflict of interest. Well unless of course your new sew on name tags say "Private" then well just never know.
EM1

quote:

End the proverbial war on drugs. Nah, too much money in it for all concerned.

Maybe just like the War on Poverty and the War in Iraq, we should declare victory and move on!



...gjd

quote:

Originally posted by geejaydee:

quote:

End the proverbial war on drugs. Nah, too much money in it for all concerned.

Maybe just like the War on Poverty and the War in Iraq, we should declare victory and move on!



...gjd

I'm in. Who we going to vote for to get 'er done?

quote:

Originally posted by CGSCOTTY:

quote:

Originally posted by CamelCoastie:
[
Anywho, A meta-analysis of biased government-sponsored "studies" proves nothing except that their propaganda has been consistent. There are no new findings here, just a summary of bad science.
Furthermore, Marijuana use has actually reduced by about 8% in the UK since they downgraded its status, according to a British crime survey. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

Now how is it your study done in the UK can be so obviously correct but the UK study I quote is "A meta-analysis of biased government-sponsored "studies". Now you just go ahead and put a bigger sinker on your little troll poll and make another big, manly, drug induced, hippie loving cast. Im curious are you still an active duty coastie? Its hard to tell when you a private poster but im thinking if you are active and your so pro on all drugs this may lead to a conflict of interest. Well unless of course your new sew on name tags say "Private" then well just never know.
EM1

Nice try by attacking my character. Yes, I am active duty. I'm stationed in Kodiak, AK. Is this a contrast of interest? I dont think so. I don't do drugs because the CG said I can't. Its simple as that. Does that mean I can't have the belief that marijuana should be legal? Of course not.
Anyways, why do you think this is a troll? I have this belief and stated it. You countered it, and I countered your argument. It seems like a healthy debate, that is until you attacked my character.
I cited the orginization LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) to show that reasonable people, and not hippies (who I despise, BTW), think that there should be a reform in our drug policy.
And another thing about that study you listed. There is also a link between alcoholism and depression. Does that mean we should go back to alcohol prohibition?

the "war on drugs" is nothing more then a bumper sticker slogan. the drugs that the govt does prevent from getting into the country is nothing more then the tip of the iceburg. big drug busts are just news stories to make people think their money is being spent wisely.

the govt should do one of two things, make drugs legal, or actually come up with a logical solution to winning this so called war.

one possible way to highly reduce drug use in this country, would be to secure our borders.(this would also win the war on terror and illegal immigration) it is so simple. you want to keep drugs, terrorists, and illegals out of this country...so...keep them out of the country. if all the resources we have used the past several years in iraq, were used to actually protect our country, this country would be a very differnt place.

or, you could simply make them legal, which i have no problem with. what someone else does to themselves is none of my concern, as long as, no govt funds or tax payers money is going towards any type of rehab program.

I am pretty much a libertarian and believe that drug use should be legal. We could insure the high quality of the product and increase the tax base. If someone wants to drink booze (which is unhealthy) they can. If someone wants to eat too much and become obese (which is unhealthy) they can. If someone wants to smoke cigarettes like a chimney (which is unhealthy) they can. If someone wants to participate in risky sports – sky diving, BASE jumping, etc - (which may be deadly) they can. So the excessive use of drugs is harmful. So what? Too much booze is bad. Too much tobacco use is bad.

Now, if someone drives while stoned we nail them for violating the DUI laws. If they commit a crime to get money, we bust them for violating those laws. But investing millions of dollars annually into keeping drug users behind bars seems a waste to me. That money could be better used in many other places.

And, with a thank you to Peter Tosh:

Legalize it - don't criticize it
Legalize it and i will advertise it

Some call it tampee
Some call it the weed
Some call it Marijuana
Some of them call it Ganja

Legalize it - don't criticize it
Legalize it and i will advertise it

Singer smoke it
And players of instruments too
Legalize it, yeah, yeah
That's the best thing you can do
Doctors smoke it
Nurses smoke it
Judges smoke it
Even the lawyers too

Legalize it - don't criticize it
Legalize it and i will advertise it

It's good for the flu
It's good for asthma
Good for tuberculosis
Even umara composis

Legalize it - don't criticize it
Legalize it and i will advertise it

Bird eat it
And they leave it
Fowls eat it
Goats love to play with it

disagreed:

You efforts are for nothing. For we are just trolls looking for a fight. Never mind that our arguments are rational and well grounded. Also, we cannot show are support for drug law reform without being pot head Coasties who are on the verge of getting booted.
I recently started a group DISCO (Drugs In Schools, Christmas Outlawed) where we all sit around and do bong hits and talk about ways we can destroy right wing traditions.
You see, we don't care about the countless families that have been destroyed on drugs busts gone bad, or the trillions spent to keep 15% of drugs off the street. We just wanna get high.

Either that, or we don't fit in CGSCOTTY's narrow minded, propaganda fed ideals.

Camel, I think that’ll most people here believe that I write what I believe. I don’t normally write something just to get the excitement level raised (sarcasm excluded). That’s too easy and morally deceptive.

As for illegal drug use, I don’t do it. I don’t do it because it is illegal. I would like to see if I could buy a drug that would help me better handle the constant pain I suffer, but using drugs to alleviate pain is somehow illegal. Were it legal I would experiment to see which drugs helps me improve my life. I know the stuff the doctors give me don’t help much!

Also, I do care about people lives being harmed by excessive drug use but if someone wants to destroy their lives who am I to stop them? If families are being destroyed by drug use, they have many resources within the public sector to provide them aid. We have tons of places that help alcoholic try to put their lives back together.

Lastly, I find it hypocritical that the same people standing against legalizing drugs endorse handing out free needles to junkies. I do not. They should have to pay to willingly violate the law. Heck, I can’t violate the drug laws, why should the taxpayers be forced to aid someone in the willing violation of the drugs laws? It doesn’t make sense.

Oh, and I can see why people think you are simply stirring the pot. With your opinion on families, you sound like Towely on South Park.

WOW and to think I was just about to post a reply stateing that I may have jumped the gun a little and read a little far into Camel's initial post. O'well here goes.

In your initial post you stated %'s on drugs stuff and then ended in a little comment about pot. I looked at that as if you think all drugs should be legal and think that there is little the US Govt is doing in the "War On Drugs"
Living in Key West I see and hear more drug stories than most can imagine. My favorite is when someone tells me "I don't do drugs I smoke pot but don't do drugs". I have never done a drug in my life and will most likely never, as for pot yea its a weed and every pot smoker will give you all these lines about how it is so harmless. What ever talk to one for a few minutes and you'll find out thats wrong. As for every other drug out there they are so f'ed up its just crazy. For anyone to think that drugs should be allowed in the US is absolute crazy and may be on them themselves. I took this as you initial view and believe I was wrong. I suspect im a little more stubborn on this topic since I see drug seizures often and hear about drug problems all the time(have a friend that works night in the ER)Illegal and illiceit drugs do no good for our society and only make things worse. I agree alcohol and tobacco are not much better but it is where our society has drawn the line. When it comes down to it, its just a Friday night, I have OOD tomorrow and going to go have a beer and a nice Fat Cigar.(got a new box of TTT Trinidad's in today) Have a good one and im done on this subject, piece out and have a good weekend.
Final note--- I think drug are for dirt bags, if you want to do drugs, go for it as you won't be alone.
EM1

Me thinks it be time for Camel Coastie to be selected for a "random" piss test.

quote:

My favorite is when someone tells me "I don't do drugs I smoke pot but don't do drugs".

This sounds a lot like having oral sex, but "I didn't have sex with that woman!"

quote:

Originally posted by CamelCoastie:
I believe that its time to end this illegal and unconstitutional so called "War on Drugs". This domestic policy, which started back during the Reagan administration, has done nothing but violates the US constitution, suspends common rights, waste tax payer's money, and creates a criminal enterprise in which there is not chance of toppling.
This WoD violates the principles of limited government which is embodied in the US Constitution. It has created a large, complex federal bureaucracy that has destroyed lives, .

OK pal...ya, we really violated all kinds of civil rights with these cocaine seizures. Just think of how many "destroyed lives" are on our hands by not letting it get to the streets.

Your statements make me a VERY CONCERNED that you are an Active Duty Coast Guardsman.



5182 lb cocaine seizure in Lower Keys, FL


1988, 542 lbs cocaine, USCG Islamorada



These are only a few seizures I am proud to have had a part in. I'm guessing you have yet to assist in any with the opinions you have. Besides, a Coastie in Alaska whining to legalize drugs is like someone in Northern Maine arguing to allow all the illegal aliens to be allowed to stay. Not really in your backyard now is it?

Don

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 21yrsUSCGUSCS,

As I said, I doubt you personally are making any seizures but there are men and women in many different agencies that believe in the War on Drugs and are working hard to make a difference. I've read of some very large seizure made recently by the WHEC's and WMEC's. Someone must be doing something successfully.

2000, 1,200 lbs cocaine- Key Largo


1999, 2278 lbs of marijuana, Key Largo


Anyone who is offended by my photos and sea stories....tough luck. Sometimes you have to either put up or shut up.

Don