Marijuana use affects long-term memory loss by removing 2 to 3 hours of memories each time a joint is smoked. In other words, during the days, months, and years of marijuana use, all those nuances and repartees that are shared with family and friends when the user is high, do not even exist in the user’s memory (not in any accurate way). Therefore, the bonds that are established with these personal and subtle exchanges do not exist in the user’s mind, to be looked back on and appreciated, as they should. Even more troubling is the fact that those nuances and repartees which help build relationships probably do not even happen, since during intoxication, attention, judgment, short term memory, and other cognitive functions are quite impaired. How could they happen? To perceive subtle differences or nuances while intoxicated is next to impossible, and responding with witty retorts or repartees while high is much too complex a task.
One of the most embarrassing things that can occur to someone that has smoked marijuana, and then said that they had a very deep and intelligent discussion, is to play a recording of that “deep and intelligent discussion" when they are sober. The revelations and profound thought that they somehow no longer remember were actually superficial, simple, and dull. They see how dim-witted they become when they smoke marijuana and how family and friends are viewing them. If this recording ploy moves the person to quit, then great. However, marijuana is addictive, so chances are, seeing how addled their brain becomes, and realizing that they sound ignorant and act doltish in front of family and friends would just be a huge embarrassment that may contribute to more problems in the future.
Marijuana use affects long-term memory loss by not allowing memories to take hold while the user is high. So not in the traditional sense of long-term memory loss but since marijuana use plays out over a long period of time and memories can not be made accurately, looking back 10, 20, or 30 years, it does become long-term memory loss.
So what long-term memories are affected? According to the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) 2005 Report, Working Americans, spend 4 to 5 hours a day caring for their family members and spending leisure time. The rest of the day is spent sleeping, working, grooming, eating, shopping, cooking, yard care, pet care, vehicle maintenance and repair and home maintenance, repair, decoration, and renovation. This family/leisure 4 to 5 hours a day becomes the most obvious time for the marijuana user to “relax". Since the high lasts about 2 to 2 ½ hours each time they smoke, that means that half of the family/leisure time is not turned into memories and if they smoke twice then none of the family/leisure time is turned into memories (accurate ones anyway).
For the daily user, this means that 50 to 100 percent of the time in life when they have the capability to build strong, fun, intelligent, and loving relationships has instead opted to become a witless, tedious and very simple partner or loner that cannot help but pursue an illegal, expensive, and mind dulling addiction.
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» left by Doc from Charlotte (2 years 294 days ago.)
That is such crap, my wife smokes pot and can remember what tie or shoes I wore on any given day two years ago. I abstain yet can't remember what I had for breakfast. Respond to this comment
» left by Robin Mackey(10) (2 years 294 days ago.)
Clothes that are seen repetitivly over and over when (straight and high) and that are noticed (you don't notice) better be remembered. Thus her recall. Respond to this comment
» left by Ernest from LA, CA (2 years 294 days ago.)
Yeah this article is complete crap. No relevant claim is backed up or sourced. Your information of the endurance of a high, the time when people do get high is too general. You claim marjuana makes socializing less effecient and harder? Even those incredibly ignorant about cannabis know of its beneficial social affects. Many, many deep and interesting coversations come from those under the influence of cannabis. "To perceive subtle differences or nuances while intoxicated is next to impossible, and responding with witty retorts or repartees while high is much too complex a task." This is completly untrue. Differnces are in fact magnified, thus allowing for deeper reflection. Your article would make sense if the drug you were discussing were about, lets say, ether abuse. Your assumption of users using a joint to get high only reinforces your tendency to generalize, and above all your general ignorance of marijuana use, its affects and its related culture. "One of the most embarrassing things that can occur to someone that has smoked marijuana" I'm suprised there is one thing that is embarassing to some one under the influence of marijuana. I am even more suprised that you happen to know it. According to you, a daily marijuana smoker has opted to become a witless, tedious and very simple partner or loner that cannot help but pursue an illegal, expensive, and mind dulling addiction. So marijuana destroys wit, makes you simple, makes you a loner, and dulls your mind? I would say from personal experience none of this is true. I have quarelled with many over the attributes of marijuana use, but i have never come across someone with such unsourced statments, limited knowledge, and complete ignorance. But perhaps, i cannot blame you. We all fear and hate that which we do not know. It is one thing to be ignorant and to generalize, it is another when you try to influence others and spread ignorance. I dont ask that you change your incorrect, unsourced, and biased views, i only ask that you do not spread them to others. Respond to this comment
» left by Robin Mackey(10) (2 years 293 days ago.)
Thank you for you time and thoughts. In reference to "No relevant claim is backed up or sourced”, I wish to apologize since I erroneously assumed that the sources for the problems such as short term memory and cognizant responses were mostly addressed in my other articles, that I did not need to repeat them. My fault. If you look at one of my earlier articles Meth Use Is Really Ageing On Steroids, you would see some sources that show laboratory and statistical results. However, I feel that I should address you personally on sources. I have found that if you click on Google and click more and then click even more, then scroll down and click scholar and type Marijuana, you will have access to at least the abstracts of all the scientific journals in the world. If you want to get the full article find a science major in college and they can send you the article because they generally have access. There have been thousands of studies, so I hope you take a look at the work that has been done in the medical, clinical and research laboratories. This one in particular may give you some insight as to why society in general does not use drugs. Neurology 2002;59:1337-1343 Dose-related neurocognitive effects of marijuana use From the Department of Neurology (Dr. Bolla and D. Eldreth), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Hopkins Bayview Research Campus; and Molecular Neuropsychiatry Section (K. Brown, K. Tate, and Dr. Cadet), NIH/NIDA-IRP, Baltimore, MD.
In reference to “Many, many deep and interesting conversations come from those under the influence of cannabis” As I said before, you need to record it and then review it when you are straight. The chances are, when you see how deep and interesting the conversation is you will show it to no one. Third party perspective does not work when the third party is slammed.
In reference, too “I'm surprised there is one thing that is embarrassing to some one under the influence of marijuana. I am even more surprised that you happen to know it.” What I stated was that they are not embarrassed until they are sober. Because that is when their mental faculties finally perceive how stupid they have acted. In addition, to address why I know that they are embarrassed, it is simply because everyone has watched people apologize for how badly they behaved when they were high. These questions make you appear naïve to the nth degree.
I do believe in altering the brain and thought. One instance is The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential where, for decades, parents have learned to enhance significantly the development of their children physically, intellectually and socially in a joyous and sensible way.” To enhance” has meant raising their intelligence, orders of magnitude, to levels of genius. It is known as “The Gentle Revolution”
Another and very direct way of altering the brain and thought is much more radical, and much newer, it is called by several names, Transhumanism, Singularity, Converging NBIC, GNR, and SENS.. The protagonists are Ray Kurzweil, Aubrey de Grey, MIT, and pretty much most Technology Schools and Major Laboratories in the world. Live to be 100 so that that you can become 1000.
» left by Ernest Wilde from LA, CA (2 years 293 days ago.)
"This one in particular may give you some insight as to why society in general does not use drugs." I assume that you mis-spoke when you said this. Would you not consider nicotine, alcohol and caffeine drugs? In response to "To address why I know that they are embarrassed, it is simply because everyone has watched people apologize for how badly they behaved when they were high. These questions make you appear naïve to the nth degree." You don't feel that you are making a sweeping generalization when you say everyone has seen people apologize after acting badly high? Do you not also think it is a generalization when you claim that being high is equivlant to behaving badly? Perhaps you have confused my accuracy in contrast to your false claims for naïvety. The H+ movement is not so much for the creation of methods of mind alteration, but rather it seeks to grapple with emerging technologies and the eventual day of the posthuman. Even so, such movements and institutions you have listed does not come close to the mind altering affects, of lets say 400 ug's of LSD. To "As I said before, you need to record it and then review it when you are straight. The chances are, when you see how deep and interesting the conversation is you will show it to no one." Thanks to such revolutionary devices as the video camera, I have done this many times, as well as had sober Third party members agree to a conversations complexity. You speak very generally and harshly of things you clearly do not know. Have you smoked cannabis? How many times? What kind was it? Have you used other drugs? You say we've all seen people apologize for behaving badly while high, how many times have you seen this? I was suprised you listed IAHP as a good credible source. They are under increasing criticisms for their treatment of epilepsy, as well as general claims of pseudoscience. As I said before, you are only a threat to knowledge and truth because you spread false and at best generalized information. There would be no problem were you to keep such falsities to yourself. Respond to this comment
» left by Robin Mackey(10) (2 years 292 days ago.)
Thank you for your continued input. When I stated, “…why society in general does not use drugs.” I was referring to illegal drugs. Just so we are clear, that while people may try a drug, the discussion is in reference to the steady habitual user. The reason is that these are the people that eventually end up with problems from their addiction. I wonder if the many problems that are caused by drug addiction are really none existent to you, or maybe the cause of explaining to others the positive aspects of marijuana over rides the slew of negative affects marijuana use causes. In regards to IAHP since it is mostly clinical, any claim to their science or pseudoscience is moot. The only kind of person that would speak that way would be those that have not worked with their brain-injured child or better baby with the IAHP. Although we have seen parents initially come in and decide that the program takes up to much time so, they did use their abbreviated form of therapy. The others are, to coin a phrase from (Moody Blues/ Timothy Leary) “on the outside looking in”. Your reference to the H+ grappling with the eventual day of the post human is exactly what they do not do. That is the point to using the word “singularity” you cannot see into it. What they do is work to make it happen, and the work involves neuroscience, AI, robotics, genetics, nano, longevity. The amazing work that has been done, has created what you would call “deep and interesting” realizations about how we, and the laws of nature work. Since you keep insisting that “deep and interesting” conversations occur this would be a great time to share one of your realizations unless now that you look back on your videos there is nothing worth sharing. Respond to this comment
» left by Ernest Wilde from LA, CA (2 years 292 days ago.)
"When I stated, “…why society in general does not use drugs.” I was referring to illegal drugs." I figured you were, but it is important to draw that distinction. I asked some important questions which you apparently ignored. Ill ask again: "To address why I know that they are embarrassed, it is simply because everyone has watched people apologize for how badly they behaved when they were high." You don't feel that you are making a sweeping generalization when you say everyone has seen people apologize after acting badly high? You also failed to answer:Have you smoked cannabis? How many times? What kind was it? Have you used other drugs? You say we've all seen people apologize for behaving badly while high, how many times have you seen this? In regaurd to: I wonder if the many problems that are caused by drug addiction are really none existent to you, or maybe the cause of explaining to others the positive aspects of marijuana over rides the slew of negative affects marijuana use causes." There are problems that arise from habitual marijuana use, you didnt mention them, you merely seemed to quote anti-drug websites for pre-teens. There of course exists the serious problem of lung damage. The risks of habitual marijuana use can be stifled if you are self-disciplined enough. Some real problems with "marijuana addiction" is that cannabis tends to justify boredom, and tends to turn focus more inwards. If these complications are not managed well, whether by choice or because the individual has little will power, then certainly more serious probelms will arise. The others are, to coin a phrase from (Moody Blues/ Timothy Leary) “on the outside looking in”. To "coin a phrase" is to create a new phrase, what you did is called quoting. I would be more than happy to share an insightful concept thought of under the influence of cannabis. I thought of this while rereading the Apology. Socrates is self deceiving in his battle against Homeric values. While he claims to condemn those who live Homerically (i.e. being #1 is most important, dying young in battle is honorable, physical beauty is what matters etc) Socrates himself is truly a homeric man. He in a sense "battles those he meets in the agora, he only spends his time with rich handsome boys. he loves the fame of his trial etc. It seems Socrates is aware that the Homeric system is reality, and that that is how he wants to succeed, yet he seems destine to bring down the homeric system, simply because he cannot succeed within it. I dont actually have recording of this, but I clearly remember it. Oh yes, and H+ stands for transhumanism, not lets say the transhumanism movment, it didnt make sense when you said: "Your reference to the H+ grappling with the eventual day..." you essentially said "Your reference to the transhumanism grappling with the eventual day..." As i said before, even the radical ideas of lets say the WTA, does not come near to the shift in thinking and perception due to even a low dose of 200 ug's of LSD. Just to make sure you dont forget to answer, I'll just ask my questions once more: You don't feel that you are making a sweeping generalization when you say everyone has seen people apologize after acting badly high? You also failed to answer:Have you smoked cannabis? How many times? What kind was it? Have you used other drugs? You say we've all seen people apologize for behaving badly while high, how many times have you seen this?
» left by Robin Mackey(10) (2 years 291 days ago.)
To answer your recurring question “You say we've all seen people apologize for behaving badly while high, how many times have you seen this?” Since I spend half of my time in a clinical setting, I have seen, and heard, the families of those killed and permanently injured by those who were high. I guess you might just say it is just part of evolution and leave it at that. Since the majority of drug users will mix the usage of different drugs on any given hour/day we could never acquire meaningful statistics on which high was the culprit at any particular time. Right. “How many times have you seen this?” Hundreds. (approximately 6 to 11 percent of fatal accident victims test positive for THC) Nevertheless, let us address the very well known syndrome that occurs during middle school and high school that will now be known as, to coin a phrase, “habit to hairnet”. There just may be some currency in this for you. It just so happens that at academically competitive schools when fellow students start getting high they immediately fall out of the running. While the other students feel bad for what will likely happen to the future of the new stoner, they are also ticking off another one of their competitors thanks to the “vile weed”. Ah but this is just that darn evolution thing popping up again. Right. There just may be some competitive students that would throw some cash your way by simply having you proselytize your understanding of the true nature of having your nueron’s transmissions interfered with by random activation of cannabinoid receptors. Of course these kids are smart and probaby would not pay you until your preaching took hold. Your basis of deep is random, the sober persons basis of deep is directed. To answer your inquiring mind, I get it, you smoke marijuana and just as you guessed I do not smoke marijuana. Whoop-dee-doo! I would appreciate your opinion on the article Dose-related Neurocognitive Effects of Marijuana Use that I was referencing. I was also wondering how your research on Google Scholar is going. THC is the main active ingredient in marijuana because it affects the brain by binding to and activating specific receptors, known as cannabinoid receptors. "These receptors control memory, thought, concentration, time, depth, and coordinated movement. An aside, “Singularity movement” might be used since H+ is really used by the world as the international sign for Hydrogen + ion. Just a thought. Hey, someone is being a mundane stickler. Respond to this comment
» left by Ernest Wilde from LA, CA (2 years 291 days ago.)
"Since I spend half of my time in a clinical setting, I have seen, and heard, the families of those killed and permanently injured by those who were high." Thats quite tragic. “How many times have you seen this?” Hundreds. (approximately 6 to 11 percent of fatal accident victims test positive for THC)" 6-11 percent of people being high will in a fatal accident doesn't tell me how many times you've seen somebody apologize for behaving badly for when they were under the influence of marijuana. So, I'll ask again, you say we've all seen people apologize for behaving badly while high, how many times have you seen this? “habit to hairnet”, not a good phrase, but I'm glad you've been able to master the concept behind coining a phrase, and can differentiate that from quoting someone. "It just so happens that at academically competitive schools when fellow students start getting high they immediately fall out of the running. While the other students feel bad for what will likely happen to the future of the new stoner, they are also ticking off another one of their competitors thanks to the “vile weed”. I thought we already had a talk about making large generalizations. I am suprised that you know the academic records of students at academically competitive schools, and have watched there GPA's decrease. I am even more surprised that you are aware of all of the other students' feelings when this occurs. You make several references to evolution as being justification, I have never even mentioned the word. "Your basis of deep is random, the sober persons basis of deep is directed." How was my theory at all random? I'm guessing you didn't understand it, and thats okay. "get it, you smoke marijuana and just as you guessed I do not smoke marijuana. Whoop-dee-doo!" I was not passing moral judgment, i was merely inquiring as to whether or not you have first hand experience of something you claim to know that would require experiencing it first hand. Unsurprisingly, you do not. In your original post you said that: "This one in particular may give you some insight as to why society in general does not use drugs. Neurology 2002;59:1337-1343 Dose-related neurocognitive effects of marijuana use From the Department of Neurology (Dr. Bolla and D. Eldreth), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Hopkins Bayview Research Campus; and Molecular Neuropsychiatry Section (K. Brown, K. Tate, and Dr. Cadet), NIH/NIDA-IRP, Baltimore, MD." The article does not discuss why society in general does not use drugs. I thank you for the lesson on cannibinoid receptors, but thats pretty basic stuff I know already. Singularity movement can not be used in place of the transhumanist movement, the singularity movement is more of a sect within the transhumanist movement. I very much doubt that someone of at least average intelligence would have trouble deciphering whether I meant transhumanism or Hydrogen + Ion due to the context of the sentence. "Hey, someone is being a mundane stickler." Mundane stickler? I would normally feel insulted by an insult, but I couldn't help myself from laughing. Mundane stickler? Do you still use the term "wino"?. How old are you? Due to your use of "stickler", I'm guessing you weren't born before the 30's. I'm so glad to see how successful you are. Part time you work at a clinic, the rest of the time you web design. Did your life turn out how you wanted? Oh, and i forgot, you spend your free time writing articles based on generalizations. Respond to this comment
» left by Ernest Wilde from LA, CA (2 years 290 days ago.)
I am sorry for my personal attacks, they were uncalled for. I stand by all my other statments however before I bring up "mudance stickler". I consider your work at a clinic to be very noble. I do want you to understand that there is a danger in you spreading your opinions and generalizations, and presenting them as fact. You seem to have little faith in humans, and believe that all people simply cannot control themselves when under the influence of certain drugs. I stand by the fact that your original article is generalized speculation. I have not written each day here so that i may make you feel bad, but I cannot express how important it is to not present generalizations and opinions as fact. As an educated person, you have that responsibilty. The stereotype of the stoner you have described certainly does exist, but you cannot use the word "everyone", and you should not present a fact without proof, especially if you are making a generalization. In a debate that already has so much contrasting information and opinions, generalizations and opinions presented as fact are especially dangerous. You have a strong opinion which is fine, but it should be backed up by data, and not based on personal generalizations. I hope in the future you will keep such things in mind.
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