"The trooper did not see evidence that Katz was driving while impaired..."

Wait a minute.

Either the trooper was lying about detecting a "slight odor" of marijuana from the car, as cops often do; or he was telling the truth and there really was an odor of marijuana. If he was lying he got lucky and bagged an idiot. But if he was telling the truth, wouldn't that indicate that marijuana had recently been smoked inside the car?

Hypocrisy is not too troubling here.

No matter how much the guy likes weed, there's nothing to admire about the "medical marijuana" people. There's no effect from smoking weed —whether for appetite or blood pressure or whatever— for which there aren't better and cheaper remedies from genuine medications.

These people just want to smoke weed.

Fine by me; I don't give a fuck. But there's no excuse for all these people to pretend their need is medical, especially as the costs of healthcare generally are proving so dangerous.

It's like me and gay marriage. You're a man who wants to suck another man's wee-wee all the way to paradise? You're a woman who wants to lick lips all the way to Heaven? Well, you little rascals, have at it! Do what you wanna do! When you have willing partners, why would I care?

That's no excuse for denying a loving mother with a loving father to a child, though.

Rule #1 is No Bullshit.

If you think this guy's a monster for not giving his life to the reform of marijuana laws in all contexts, fine... But I LIKE the fact that he doesn't pretend, or assist those who pretend, that it's a matter of fundamental well-being.

Well, gee. Is this guy another one of those people who will magically act responsibly if their drug of choice is legalized?

We could argue that he wasn't being a hypocrite. Maybe he really doesn't believe in the whole medical marijuana craze because he thinks it's just a way for those damn hippies to smoke their weed legally. Besides, maybe he was just "holding it for a friend." [sarcasm]

Ken, pot doesn't have to be burned in order to smell it. Thus the reason drug smugglers usually pack the weed in something like coffee to mask the scent.

Crid, I have to disagree with you re: medical marijuana vs. regular drugs. There are some days that my prescription medication doesn't even begin to touch my pain. On those days, a little medical marijuana goes a long way. On nights like last night, it takes the pain down to a bearable level and gives me a few hours of sleep. Don't knock it for pain management. Another great way to use pot, is to drop some in a bottle of rubbing alcohol and leave it there. Rubbing the alcohol on sore areas is a great pain reliever. My MIL had arthritis and she used this to get relief when the meds weren't helping.

Oh for the love of Christ!

It's pot. It's harmless. It helps with lots of medical conditions, yes. People, like me, also smoke it because they enjoy it. I would rather smoke a joint than drink a beer. Why? People stoned on pot don't tend to cause bar fights, assault wives, etc etc etc. They do tend to finish off chip bags and go to sleep. Why the stigma? If politicians smoke it, fine, legalize the shit! This asshole shoulda done lotsa time, just for the hypocrisy alone!

I don't understand why most countries don't want the revenue generated by taxing the shit, while saving the taxes spent on trying to fight a battle everyone stands to lose, including civilians.

What, you guys wanna get all precious about hypocrisy?

Have at it.

> There are some days that my prescription
> medication doesn't even begin to touch
> my pain.

Sorry to have to say this, but dope smokers say that all the time anyway.

'There's a delicate, subtle place in my deepest, most personal inner heart that can only be touched by the loving kiss of Columbian Fuckweed....'

It's no excuse for invoking medical pity. These MM people aren't healers, and they have no excuse for pretending they are... To hell with the weed, they belong in jail for dishonesty.

[1.] National Lampoon, circa 1975, imagined a conversation between a tax cheat and his accountant:

Jerry, food is not deductible as a medical expense.

But if I don't eat, I get sick!

(The Man of the House, ransacking the coat closet, after Parson Rogers has concluded his monthly housecall): "Where did Daddy leave his medicine?"

Again Crid,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnzYG0ZkrXg

Amy, never really thought about it. I always assumed it was out of laziness. Most parents I've seen use technology as an unpaid sitter.

Crid writes: There's no effect from smoking weed for which there aren't better and cheaper remedies from genuine medications.

No effect? Cheaper?

That is a lot of opinion with no citations.

> Again

As many times as you want, I've never followed the link. Go sick with it. Amy has lots of disk space. Also, you're a pathetic, needy Canadian.

> That is a lot of opinion with no citations.

As is the insistence that "ONLY weed can cure what ails me!" Seriously, Andy, that's a ridiculous comment. Apparently, you and your pothead friends are going to demand extensive, double-blind research initiatives to prove that marajuana isn't better than everything in the world ever, from aspirin pills to the eye of a newt, before you admit that this is just indulgence.

It's flatly dishonest. These fuckers should be ashamed.

I keep two big "citations" in my ballsack, warm and swingy, just for you.

And apparently, you need to get a job.

In many many many cases, you are the first and last poster. In most cases, people resent your comments. You argue with anyone with the gall to disagree with your, or, aka, a logical argument. You have a problem with women, Canadians, and people with disabilities to name a few. Your postings are confrontational without fail, and I have to think it's that lucky little Canadian girl who took out the trash before he trashed her life.

Crid darling, I suggest you get something to do during the day. Even if it's only therapy. Maybe then you can work out your psychotic hatred of the population in general, and your tiny little penile challenged self in particular.

By the way, if you never followed the link, how do you know it's the same one? If it's the address, yet another point in favor of my argument that you, my dear deluded sub-moronic bigot, need a job.

Seriously, boys, seriously.

Where do you think the burden of proof lies?

If you want to understand why all these stoned people have been unable to get forward motion on this, there it is. It's not just that they're distracted by shiny objects. They seriously think medical science happens by badgering people who don't let them think whatever they want to think.

For love of Christ: If medical science really demonstrated that weed were better for symptoms, why can't YOU offer the cite?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR6A-Bk9eZQ

> you are the first and last poster.

I'm right going in and right going out... It's not a burden.

> In most cases, people resent your comments

Naw, the masses adore me. 'Specially women. You should see my emails.

Y'know, most people turn on the internet just to find out what's going on out there. They're not desperate for affiliation or validation. They're not terrified of "resentment"... Adulthood is all about different opinions. They realize that life's not a grade-school party where everyone's supposed to suck up to the most popular kids.

> need a job.

Fully employed, but grateful for your concern. The American dream has paid off for me in more ways that I can count (or had ever personally dreamt of): Exotic vacations, tail(☺!), home ownership, investments, charitable impulses, generous gifts for loves, cars, trinkets, etc., mostly earned as a freelancer.

You're Canadian and touchy about it. And you ought to be… but it's still amusing.

Go easy on him. He's in the New York Legislature. For those of you unfamiliar with New York politics, the Governor, and majority leaders of the Senate and Assembly make all the decisions. These guys just vote. They have all the control of the kid in the back seat turning his steering wheel while dad drives the car.

I'd use mind altering substances if I were him. It's tough to live without self respect.

The "him" to which I was referring above was obviously not Crid. Agree, or not, Crid has no shortage of self esteem.

Where do you think the burden of proof lies?

With those making the claim.
The pot smokes claim it sooth what ails them, they provided proof by saying it soothed what ailed them
Claim/proof

You claimed they were lying, you provided no proof

As to why there has been no momentum, lets play what if . . .

What if a company did spend billions on research created a pill and got it approved for sale. Anyone with half a brain could argue that if the pill were safe, it should be safe enough to consume the raw, unconcentrated product.

Who would buy a pill for 10/100's of dollars when you could grow your own in the flower bed?

There is no upside for the pharma corperations to invest in a product that people can grow for free and damn near no labor if they were to develop anything from it

> With those making the claim.

Nope, with those asking for a change in the status quo. There are people asking for coke and heroin every time they get a paper cut, and they don't have much science to support their medical neediness, either: Miah, Miah.

Fantastic job of not caring Crid. You almost managed to convince yourself on that one. At least, I assume that's why your such a douche. And the bag it came in.

"Fully employed, but grateful for your concern." As what? Drug dealer or professional welfare addict? Telemarketer? I'd say mimbo but there are some really intelligent ones out there.

So, any of those famous Canadian drugs help you get it up yet?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQsZujjZWs0

"The "him" to which I was referring above was obviously not Crid. Agree, or not, Crid has no shortage of self esteem."

Actually Mark, he does. That's why he subjects us to this bile. He was either born a dumbass ugly motherfucker, or a cheesedick, and is taking it out on the rest of us while lying in safety behind his computer screen. You can damn well bet not in a million years would he say it to anyone's face. Crid is a coward who was cut from the basketball team, and his ego couldn't take it, so twenty years later he's here, taking it out on people who can't hit him. He needs to make himself feel all better and have us nurse his little boo-boos by proving what a big strong jackass he is a million miles away.

I would stop bothering him, but I'm karma's little helper. Also, it's just so much fun!!!

He needs to make himself feel all better and have us nurse his little boo-boos by proving what a big strong jackass he is a million miles away.

Hey, Crid, I hear Medical Marijuana will fix that.

I think the jackasses are those who need to describe their lust for weed as medical, and I sincerely resent those who think it's my task to prove that it's not. When this stuff becomes legal — as it someday will — all those medical marajuana shops are going to close, yet the incidence of genuine illness won't change at all. How credible will the "jackasses" be on that day?

They're kids, demanding to stay home on a school day to watch games shows on TV.

lujlip: "There is no upside for the pharma corperations to invest in a product that people can grow for free..."

Pharmaceutical companies are indeed exploring the potential for both natural and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists, and have been since about 1940. It has been known for decades that cannabinoids are effective pain relievers. I've worked on at least a dozen clinical studies of new drugs that were- or included- some form of THC, or blocked the effects of endogenous cannabinoids.

Such drugs are currently on the market and are available by prescription. For example, Marinol and Cesamet are synthetic THC. They're available by prescription and used to treat chronic pain, nausea and vomiting, and anorexia. They're being studied for treatment of fibromyalgia, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

Sativex is a mouth spray that contains THC and cannabidiol derived from cannabis plants (not synthetic) that is used to treat pain, nausea and vomiting, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and nightmares related to PTSD. It's marketed throughout the world by companies like GW Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, Novartis, Schering and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals (in the U.S.).

Cannabinoid receptor antagonists prevent the effects of cannabinoids. There are several that are being explored for the treatment of obesity and regulation of weight.

Many medical marijuana users prefer smoking marijuana to taking Marinol because marijuana is less intoxicating and has fewer side effects than Marinol, and takes effect within minutes rather than the hour or more for Marinol.

More Than Any Anti-Pot Zealot Ever Wanted To Know About Cannabis:

Cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems and many other systems and organs of the body have cannabinoid receptors.
- (One subject in a clinical drug study I worked on commented, "Oh my God, it's like our brains were designed to receive marijuana!")
These receptors play a role in the relief of pain, the regulation of appetite, and probably a lot of other areas yet to be discovered. They are activated by three main types of ligands:

- Endocannibinoids, like the neurotransmitter anandamide, that are synthesized within the body;

- Phytocannabinoids found in plants like marijuana;

- Synthetic cannabinoids, which are more interesting to pharmaceutical companies because they can be hundreds of times more potent than cannabinoids in plants, can be designed to target certain receptors in certain parts of the body, and can be patented.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) increases the effects of anandamide.

Chocolate contains anandamide. It also contains two other substances that increase the amount of anandamide in the CNS.

Women's serum anandamide levels increase at ovulation.

Golly, that makes it sound like medical science has integrated weed's blessings into the wonderful tapestry of modern health care.

So why are these people demanding that others prove that weed doesn't help them on an individual level?

If aspirin didn't cure MY headache, could I demand that it be removed from the marketplace?

Well, I won't go quite as far as Crid (Who will?)

But I don't see this as "hypocrisy".

The trooper asked Katz if there was any pot in the car - and the assemblyman said "yes" and handed over a small bag that contained less than 25 grams, Baker said.

The trooper did not see evidence that Katz was driving while impaired so he ticketed him for unlawful possession of marijuana, a noncriminal violation, and speeding -- and let him drive off, Baker said.

...As as assemblyman, Katz last year voted against a bill to legalize medicinal marijuana.

OK. Did he also try and legalize speeding?

Or ever vote against changing speed limits?

Is that "hypocrisy" to mandate certain behavior - and accept responsibility for violating the rules?

Nothing in that seems to indicate he claimed that the officer shouldn't write him up - nor hide it - he accepted his penalty, just like he did for speeding.

But, as Crid says, with his loveable scamp-ness, there's a lot of problems with "medical marijuana" laws and their effect.

And Ken, stop it with the relevant knowledge and information, what do you think this is, somewhere not the internet?

> And Ken, stop it with the relevant knowledge
> and information

'Zactly. Noobs, right? Sheesh.

"It's pot. It's harmless."

Oh, really? I bet the same was said of tobacco.

And Crid is the one spouting off?

and I sincerely resent those who think it's my task to prove that it's not.

Dont you really mean you resent those who think you aught to be held to the same standards you demand of others?

Crid, the best way to cure a headache is to chop off your head! Quick, to the hardware store!!!!

Radwaste, would you rather be on chemical anti-depressants and painkillers? Or smoke a joint?

"Don't you really mean you resent those who think you aught to be held to the same standards you demand of others?"

Oh he does, he really does. Don't expect him to admit it tho....

> Well, I won't go quite as far

Dood, you did.

Me: "Hypocrisy is not too troubling here."

You: "But I don't see this as "hypocrisy".

> Oh he does, Dont you really mean

You guys are so eager to write something snotty as soon as you possibly can that you aren't reading the comments.

That last comment wasn't for Unix, it was for the others.

Hypocrisy is a real problem, but we have to understand exact what it means, or it turns into a teenage taunt. Lileks said it best, and more than he's said it more than once:

Who believes that hypocrisy is somehow the greatest sin of all? Adolescents. Which ought to tell you something.

I think Amy's wording of this guy's sin, as seen in her last paragraph, is a stretch.

First, because a decent man who supported the legalization of pot WOULD resist the fraudulent description of weed-lust as medical need.

Second, because people sin all the time. People who think it's a sin to sleep with other men's wives sleep with other men's wives. People who think it's a sin to pretend to have lived lives of a achievement pack bullshit in their resumes. People who'd be absolutely enraged if you stole a fistful of Count Chocula from the box in their kitchen cabinets will sometimes take things that don't belong to them from others. And they'll feel bad about it... But they're not mistaken when they say that adultery, dishonest and theft are wrong.

Again, Unix sees this perfectly. And I think he understands that I'm an especially clear-headed and good-looking man... But if he doesn't want to be seen on the street with me, that's up to him.

BAD EDIT!!! I feel terrible. It's just a heartbreak when mistakes like that second line cloud a blog comment. I love you little pilgrims, absolutely adore you, and I promise that if it's the last thing I do, I'll make it up to you.

Seekers such as yourselves deserve the very best.... Always.

"You guys are so eager to write something snotty as soon as you possibly can that you aren't reading the comments."

HA!!!! Pot, meet Kettle!

"Radwaste, would you rather be on chemical anti-depressants and painkillers? Or smoke a joint?"

So it's not a chemical if I toke it?

What color socks do you wear with your Birkies?

Oh for the love of Christ!

It's pot. It's harmless.

Harmless?
As in, no effect?

It helps with lots of medical conditions, yes.

Well, which is it? It has an effect, or doesn't?

People, like me, also smoke it because they enjoy it.

So it's not "harmless".

I would rather smoke a joint than drink a beer. Why? People stoned on pot don't tend to cause bar fights, assault wives, etc etc etc.

And you tend to do these things when you drink beer?

http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2010/04/why_i_give_my_9yearold_pot_part_3.html

"In the meantime, cracks started to appear in J's cannabis-aided serenity. One day, his frustration boiled over into a tantrum. Next, hits. An occasional bite. Then the fabric-ripping screaming, sitting with toes pointing down at the floor—his clearest pain sign. Next, he woke up at night, crying and screaming when he had to go to the bathroom. One day, I noticed—could it be?—toothmarks on the neckline of his pajama top (pre-cannabis, he used to chew and eat his shirts and bedding). I went over his diet with a fine-tooth comb, looking for possible allergens I'd overlooked. I even upped his cannabis dose a bit by adding one more pot cookie. It only made him alternately a bit silly and belligerent. The number of reports he brought home for acting aggressive at school started to tick upward. ...

I called Organic Guy, to see if he had any ideas.

"It could be because he's not getting any White Russian," he said. "The stuff you have is, well, a mix of all the stuff I had left."

It took me a second to understand. J was getting a mix of Organic Guy's odds and ends.

"Is there any White Russian in this mix?"

"Nope."

"And when will you be getting more?"

"Depends on when I can start growing again. Hopefully soon."

... We hit the magic combination with White Russian, a hybrid of two strains: AK-47, a sativa that's peaceful despite its aggressive name, and White Widow, an indica/sativa hybrid. This seemed to be a perfect balance, giving J pain relief and making him more social without sedating him. The boy who used to push us away had begun to cuddle!

But by October, J was getting a mixture of all the previously rejected strains, and this grab bag wasn't working. We were in trouble. ... There was a communitywide shortage of White Russian, a favorite with end-stage cancer patients because of its superior pain-relieving properties. Organic Guy said that J consumed enough cannabis each day to knock out a 300-pound man. ...

(Good thing it's harmless.)

The whole article is well worth reading.

So in other words, not just medical pot, but different strains (Hell, at this point it almost sounds like .... medical research, don't it?, and if it's not the "Right" strain, it's pretty much worthless.

Gee, yes, that's much worse than getting 500 mg of purified chemical with binders to release in exactly the right place and all.