Cannabis is safer than the scaremongers would have you believe.

Updated 16/11/11

Thats right cannabis (marijuana) is safer than any other stimulant including caffeine and alcohol and is not even as harmful as salt and sugar (if you're a heavy sugar 'user' be warned, you can end up losing your limbs and I'm not kidding). So if you're closed minded and live in fear of your outdated beliefs, you may as well piss off now. This article isn't for you and let's face it, it doesnt matter how articulately it is written or how much evidence contradicts your sceptism. If you're not open to reason then just go now.

Go on, stop reading, off you go.

Have they gone? Good.

They are the most frightful borish people. Prejudiced on more than one topic too, I usually find. Some still dismiss dinosaurs roamed the planet and believe masturbating makes you go blind or insane, that if you are an ethnic minority you should be a second class citizen (if that) and that the law is never wrong, oh and that they are never wrong. Glad those people arent here reading this.

Anyway enough of my trivial pet hates over ignorant, uninformed, misguided bigots. If you are reading this not just out of interest but because you want a better understanding i.e., because your a kid or you're a parent wanting to protect your kids, then do read on. Part of the reason for me writing these blogs is to air my views and get this stuff off my chest, but also to inform whoever stops by and even if you want to chat about this or anything else on these blogs.

Drugs are a difficult subject to tackle for most people. Cannabis has unfortunately been lumped in with every other drug. The 'drug' label in itself doesn't help. Having a substance discussed as 'using', 'taking' or 'doing' sounds immediately seedy and gives off the wrong message from the start. For example, I dont 'use' lager, I drink it. I dont 'do' cigarettes, I smoke them (I actually gave up 4 years ago). I don't 'take' salt, I sprinkle it on my dinner. (I saw someone the other day in the pub, pouring salt all over their dinner. I almost had a heart attack watching!!) So lets just say I 'enjoy' cannabis, because that sounds much more fun already.

In my honest opinion and experience (25 years) I havent seen any adverse effects for myself or anyone I ever knew who enjoy(ed) it. That includes those who enjoy(ed) cannabis daily. And by the way, its not addictive. There are no cannabis anonymous meetings going on, on a Monday evening after a tricky weekend. Nicotine is addictive, not cannabis. My only concerns with smoking on a 'joint' is mainly just that, 'Smoking'. Tobacco can cause serious illness over time because it contains carbon-monoxide and that is why I ultimately stopped smoking when I hit 40. (That said if a spliff was going around now and I wasn't having a drink and it was the right atmosphere... Rock of Ages!)

However consider this, especially if you smoke. If you smoke 'joints', you will decrease your chances of tobacco related health issues by more than 50%. Others may argue differently, suggesting that cannabis burns hotter and therefore is more dangerous to your lungs. They may also argue that there is no filter in a spliff and is therefore more damaging. However the main fact they don't mention is that you will smoke significantly less and you will find your cigarettes will last twice as long, if not longer. This is because when you make up a spliff you use half as much, or less tobacco as a normal cigarette. Tobacco pouches are also usually bought rather than packaged cigarettes for ease of use. Pouched tobacco is not as damaging to health as they carry no artificial chemical additives. A 'spliff' also takes time and effort to make, so when you do sit down for a smoke its more of an occasion, whereas a cigarette is instantly available. You dont nip out for a quick spliff (well....occasionally). Make no mistake though smoking cigarettes is a health risk. Reducing smoking reduces those risk and in general terms cannabis smokers, smoke significantly less than that of a regular cigarette smoker.

http://cannabiscureuk.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/cannabis-is-safer-than-tobacco-science-reveals-again/


I will say this though, enjoying cannabis can occasionally have adverse effects, not unlike alcohol where you can be ill. If you are going to enjoy a spliff or two, make sure that this is during a recreational situation and you arent off to work or driving. Being 'stoned' wont help you concentrate on heavy machinery in any case. I wont go into all the possible effects, mainly it is a relaxant, gets you talking deep and meaningful nonsense and then creeps up on you by giving you the giggles. That's about it, you laugh and love everyone. One thing it doesnt do and which I have read on numerous occasions, is make you hallucinate. That's other drugs, not this one, Unless I've been smoking it wrong all those years.

I wouldn't advise continually enjoying spliffs daily 24/7. This is nothing to do with losing 'brain cells'. I'm sure drinking is worse and I like a drink too yet I never see many people judging me on that basis. Personally, I wouldn't want to be stoned daily, because I have other interest and commitments and to be honest it just isn't as enjoyable on your own. Again that's just my opinion though. I wouldnt advise pregnant women to either, again because of the harmful tobacco. I doubt it would be a problem from a bong but there's not enough researched knowledge about that, so I wouldnt risk it in any case. Oh and best avoid booze and spliffs, it'll make you throw up and want to die ('whitey').

Cannabis can be inhaled through a bong which, in my opinion, is safer than smoking and it can even be ingested (mixed with orange juice etc., if you're desperate). Actually, I've heard there is a marijuana wine thats new out. I believe its sold in Portugal, so I need to read up on that. Seems to me like a contradiction in stimulants though. I'm not going to go into the whole cannabis vs alcohol argument. Mainly because I enjoy both, but I also think it's a pointless argument. If I was tempted into campaigning, it wouldn't be on those grounds. Governments are only funny. They might listen for a change and ban booze too.

I just want fairness, freedom and to be rid of a 'nanny' state that tells people what they can or cannot do. Just make EVERYTHING legal and improve everyones education with all the known FACTS. That way we are all armed with the truth and not rumours and scaremongering. The law has controlled, good law abiders into believing rubbish for generations and they in turn end up alienating friends and family with dodgy beliefs. How many people do you think die because of health issues with tobacco? From alcohol? From acid? From E? From marijuana? From cocaine? From heroin? I dont know the stats. I wont bullshit anyone, (I dont work for government) but if the tables linked below are to believed tobacco and alcohol are coming in at around a million people per year compared to zero deaths through cannabis. Cannabis is mentioned on death certificates a handful of times although there is no scientific evidence suggesting this contributed at all in a single death. In fact, if you put together ALL drug deaths per year they come to around 2,500. Thats in a population of 7 billion people. Does make you wonder what the scaremongers reasons are for doing that.

http://www.drugscope.org.uk/resources/faqs/faqpages/how-many-people-die-from-drugs

There is no doubt whatsoever that in relation to vices, alcohol and tobacco and not cannabis are the real hazards when it comes to danger to yourself or others, either through injury, accident or illness. If you take tobacco out of the equation, then marijuana is seemingly harmless. I work in health, funnily enough, and I've never seen anyone in hospital suffering from the effects of marijuana. I've seen plenty of COPD, cancer and vascular illnesses caused from tobacco. Through alcohol, I have seen incredible, (unbelievable) things. In comparison Cannabis Oil and sprays are proven to reduce cancer and ease suffering of medical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis.

http://cannabiscureuk.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/breaking-news-cannabis-science-inc-cannabis-oil-shrinks-one-of-the-worst-cancers/

Below is a link to an online book that will further assist. It will also help you to understand why your government is lying to you, depending on which country you live in. It is an excellent read. You can also find links to articles and awareness sites at the bottom of this webpage.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/30178916/Marijuana-Is-Safer

Oh and if you are a parent concerned about your kids, whether it's drugs or not. Try talking 'with' them rather than 'to' them (or at them) and find out more about what makes them tick. Everybody has their own personality but the influences around them, help shape them. Try staying inside the loop and be understanding and use respect through friendship rather than force. It might prevent you from years of ill feeling, broken bonds, misunderstanding and who knows even prevent them going towards heavy drugs, late nights, bad crowds and more sinister secret stuff, that you won't know about - until it's too late.

Rant Rant...Just breathe...Just breathe..... Aaaaah.

So why is it illegal?? Read, consider and discuss. Keep an open minded :)
http://www.thehempire.com/index.php/cannabis/cannabis_hemp/why_cannabis_is_illegal

Other related blogs by me:
http://philosophical-ranter.blogspot.com/2011/11/be-clear-on-cannabis.html
http://philosophical-ranter.blogspot.com/2011/11/franks-campaign-of-fear.html

I am not Stalin!!!

Hi. Ok, some people in my circles, who endure my nonsense have called me a socialist. Actually recently I was called a communist and Stalin. This is shocking to me but not unremarkable. I'm obviously none of these things. Oi! I'm not, right!

I look at life and think it either fits or it doesn't fit. If it doesn't fit I don't just moan. I will try to look at a solution and then verbalise it in layman's terms. Ok sometimes I slip up. If I was in power... I'd probably be corrupted and persuaded to take advantage of my situation... Just kidding... I wouldn't ...I'd heal the world... Yes thats the one.. I would!! Don't start!

I do understand why people would say these things about me though. I rant about greed and corruption and I believe Capitalism is a failed model, particularly the style of capitalism we have developed in the UK and especially the US. However, in my opinion, there are two reasons I've been getting labelled as a socialist.

Firstly, when they hear me speak of, anti-government, world poverty, sharing, fairness, corruption, greed etc., a light goes off in their heads and their programmed mind kicks in.  They quickly revert back to previous decades when the propaganda soundbites used by government and media to dismiss communism and totalitarianism. It's like a hypnotic state of mind hits them when certain keywords are used and it immediately induces thoughts of 'Communist', 'Stalin', 'Marx', 'Chairman Mao', 'lefty', 'socialist'. Keywords that have been left etched in people's minds deflect them away from any rational argument regarding, say, conquering corruption and instead directs them toward nonsensical labelling or name calling.

The other reason of course and regrettably more so, is sheer ignorance and laziness on their parts. The truth is the majority do not understand what these terms really mean anyway. They didn't go to college or University so were not opened up to social interaction on a political or intellectual level. They certainly cant be bothered or would ever conceive to read anything intelligible beyond a good, sci-fi, crime or horror novel. Let's be as stereotypical as the morons they are, their world doesn't get more important than football for the lads and XFactor for the girls. The big debates are more likely to be, which soap opera character is getting married is OR which footballer is in the news for having a 'wild party' OR who is appearing in the next "I'm a celebrity, Get me out of here!" They would never consider something like, 'Why do we endure this Eastern block version of capitalism with its overly controlling policies and how do we fight the corruption within, feeding off our tax money?'

Ok yes, I am sulking about it. I mean, c'mon 'Stalin'?! Me?? I'm trying to save people's lives, not execute them! This is truly reflective of today's society and the level of education out there. Just to spew out soundbites and try to pass it off as intelligently contributing but really not knowing what they are talking about. Argghhh!! Idiots-don't know-what-they're-talking-about-bastards. I know they are thinking of Karl Marx. Obviously it's Marx! Why I ought to shove a book down their throat. (Alex Jones rant!! What do you mean who? Arggghhhh!!!)

Sshh... breathe...Aaaahhhh...and rest.

To my mind, yesteryear the cold war was on sale aplenty especially in the US but back in the day, to all of  us Westerners and we bought it. This cloned belief, this passive, subliminal, unconscious scar prevents a serious message becoming actioned. People would rather grumble but do nothing actively, not to mention not even really care and ultimately put up with their circumstances. These same assholes are the ones that are self-governing against those who rock the status-quo, just in case we all start drinking vodka and start calling each other Vladimir and (think of a stereotypical female Russian name and insert here). Oh and of course these days the Communist threat has transformed into the Terrorist threat in order to play on people's fear.

The serious side to this topic though is that every 4 seconds a child dies from poverty and/or disease. A truly preventable death. We allow this and it doesn't touch us. Westerners do not understand, appreciate, care (pick one) about the connection. The sad truth is that other people's untimely death, particularly third world death is of no consequence to them. To others it may be a conscience cleanser for them, so that every 'Children in Need' or 'Red Nose Day' charity TV night, if they are at home to watch it, they'll contribute money. To others faced with a begging bowl it's an exercise in blame or excuses and any reason whatsoever not to do something to help change things. They are the people who say 'Charity begins at home' which is a perverse thing to say when you really consider it.  For me the majority of people are guilty of manslaughter through neglect, something a nurse would serve time for.

Socialist, Marxist, Communist, Fascist or Capitalist. I'm none of these things and sometimes on a micro level, all of these things. I simply want not only a fairer system of government in my country but the same throughout the world. I do not think of us and them. I think we're all in this together. Break down barriers, change mindsets, feed everybody and educate those with 'normalcy bias'. Lets not forget in a democratic 'nanny state' country with big government control measures the US for example has around 3.5million adults and 1.5million children homeless, realistically 15% unemployment and 45million people now consider below the poverty level. Tell people!

Oh and I have to be honest here, when I say them, they and the majority, I really mean You, Us and We. We are all to blame for the ills that happen in our world and it's mainly because we sit on our hands and don't even bother to pass on a message. 'What can I do?' Seriously? Minimum, if you read or see injustice, inequality, corruption, cruelty, brutality, bullying, intimidation, on any level, no matter how obscure or how well known, pass on the message and shout about it. Even if you get it wrong sometimes and someone corrects you. Try this on facebook and discover how many of your friends are interested, how many are aware and how many come back with moronic nonsense that I've discussed in this blog.

Don't let hatred rule our world. Don't allow politicians fill their pockets with your tax money. Don't allow soldiers to commit war crimes. Don't allow greedy bankers to pay themselves and their buddies through the hidden reserves. Don't allow pharmaceuticals make us dependent on pills. Don't allow police to assault people. Don't look on and observe other people's circumstantial misfortune. Expose it all in any way you can. If you read something interesting share it. Wake people up! In this way the majority become the minority and the hand that holds you down will become more apprehensive.

I was listening to a debate on the radio about Gaddafi... Gadhafi... Qadhafi. Oh just pick one. A man argued, '...now Libya is free of him, let them get on with it, it's none of our business to be meddling in their lives'. At first I thought, 'yeah leave 'em alone, we have our own messes to sort out'. Shortly after though I shifted, 'If we don't help their people they may end up with another tyrant or military rule that allows their people to suffer'. But hold on, democracy is not a reality either and capitalism is corrupt and based on debt. Western powers will go in heavy handed and help hand pick a new leader only to serve their own interest not the peoples. So you see caring for people is tough and the solutions are not always straight forward.

Good luck holding off the keyword vultures :(

Ps. Does anyone know when "I'm a celebrity..." starts back up?

Russell Brand and Occupy Wall Street

Caught this earlier on my Twitter page.

@rustyrockets - I went to #OccupyWallStreet and all I wrote was this lousy article http://t.co/VWHXgk3J

Thought it an amusing articulate read. So thought I'd reply and share with you all. Read article if you are interested. My reply is below. Enjoy (if you like)

Democracy rules, um, ok? Check the mirror – What have YOU done today to make YOU feel proud?

Nice colourful read Russell, thank you. As you made such an effort I felt compelled to join in. I do Hope this isn’t just a footnote though. Are you planning to be more involved? Will you promote this cause in other ways? Do you really see change from the hand that holds us down? (Selling the drama).

I’d like to, but I seriously doubt anything major will change. Politicians are politicians because they like power, not because they serve the people. Aristotle and Plato talked of Utopia. Politicians are all about realism not idealism. Money talks etc…

Corruption and exploitation. It’s older than any government and will always be part of our lives. As for the public’s view on scandal. We all just tut and moan, but basically will keep on voting in the next bunch of scandalous thieves who will in turn support and legalise corporate theft from powerful allies.

Greedy, selfish ‘capitalist’ will alway ensure that they and their buddies are overfed, while the the majority starve. They’re enjoying our money through tax, fees, fines, restrictions as well as exploitative corporations such as banking, insurance and energy companies who fund government as well as pay corporation taxes from our money. This cash is used to fund their ‘first class’ existence.

Let’s face facts though. Most people are the same. Yes it’s true! They are just less fortunate, lazy or too moronic to gain power. Do not trust anyone! Ok that might seem Machiavellian but most people want more than they own and let’s say, are apathetic to another person’s suffering or plight. Particularly, if they are from a “third world country” and starving until they die.

Ok middle class Britain/America you can stop reading now because this isn’t quite the ticket. Is it? What what.

Most people don’t see beyond their front doors Russell and before you and/or anyone else dismisses that statement, please deeply consider how many people can vote vs how many people do vote vs how many protest against crimes of morality let alone humanity.

We are all generally selfish outside of our small part of the universe or are conscience cleansers. That’s just inherent human behaviour. So don’t believe everything you hear just because a nice chunk of people get together to ‘stand together’. No one tells you what they really think.
However, the ministry for parasites worldwide have screwed us and the economy with their greed, while we are given a lot more transparency through the media. That’s mostly it in a nutshell, it has little to do with poverty in the world.

The #ows is a very small piece of an enormous jigsaw puzzle. Democracy is a fanatical religion not to be messed with. To bring about a radical representational change by hyperthetically sitting around singing “kumbaya” and “We shall overcome” is more than hopeful.
The working middle classes will keep moaning but ultimately, will cling hold of a democracy in exchange for the order that will keep them pacified. Control us, keep us orderly and suck as much money out of us as you can get away with. Overdo it and some of us will rock the boat a little. Here and forever after.


Amen.

P.S. Slowly getting used to this blogging malarky. Still a bit sore but applying ointment liberally so should be blogging smoothly in the coming days.