Sunday, April 6, 2008

Misinformation and Fearmongering

Why is it that otherwise intelligent people have to create an aura of fear when it comes to the Cannabis debate?

The following is a prime example of misinformation and fear mongering:

Cannabis and Schizophrenia: The Links

Eleven studies dating back as far as 1972, no references or mention of what studies, but enough to make the ignorant associate Cannabis as a 'cause' of Schizophrenia. Yes, we all know that people pre-disposed to Schizophrenia can have this disease manifest with Marijuana abuse. However, Alcohol and other drugs can also bring on this disease or exacerbate the symptoms.

The problem with the majority of 'anti-cannabis' articles is that they do not differentiate between use and abuse. Until such time as these people do make the distinction, the fight to legalize Cannabis for medicinal purposes will continue to be a hard fought battle.

As Paul Flynn, British MP states:

'It has always been known that cannabis can exacerbate the symptoms of mental illness. It’s rare but serious. Cannabis should not be used by those who are vulnerable. But is has never been shown to be a cause of mental problems.'

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