When Bayer introduced aspirin
in 1899, cannabis was America’s number one
painkiller. Until marijuana prohibition began
in 1937, the US Pharmacopoeia listed cannabis as the
primary medicine for over 100 diseases. Cannabis was such an
effective analgesic that the American Medical
Association (AMA) argued against prohibition
on behalf of medical progress. Since the herb is
extremely potent and essentially non-toxic, the
AMA considered it a potential wonder drug.
Instead, the invention
of aspirin gave birth to the modern pharmaceutical
industry and Americans switched away from cannabis in the
name of “progress.” But was it really progress? There
can be no doubt that aspirin has a long history as the drug of
choice for the self-treatment of migraines,
arthritis, and other chronic pain. It is cheap and
effective. But is
it as safe as
cannabis?
History:
Marijuana has
been used for over 5,000 years.
No one has ever overdosed on
marijuana.
Aspirin has been used for 108
years.
Approximately 500 people
die every year by taking aspirin
The
Law:
Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug, meaning
the US government believes it is extremely
dangerous, highly addictive, and of no medical
value.
Aspirin is available for
pennies and can be purchased by children at any drug,
grocery, or convenience store. Often they are just
handed out free by people with no medical education.
Marijuana side
effects and dangers:
The dangers of marijuana
include possible respiratory problems caused by
the deposition of burnt plant material on the
lungs. This danger can be eliminated with alternate
forms of consumption such as eating or vaporizing
the medicine.
For two to four hours,
marijuana causes short-term memory loss, a
slight reduction in reaction time, and a reduction in
cognitive ability. (It makes you stupid for a little
while.)These conditions DO NOT persist
after the herb wears off.
Hunger
Paranoia
Depression
Laughter
Introspection
Creative Impulse
Euphoria
Tiredness
Forgetfulness
Aspirin side effects and dangers:
When
taken with alcohol, aspirin can cause stomach
bleeding.
Reye Syndrome in children: fat
begins to develop around the liver and other
organs of the child, eventually putting severe
pressure on the brain. Death is common within a few
days.
People with hemophilia can
die.
People
with hyperthyroidism suffer elevated T4 levels.
Stomach
problems include dyspepsia, heartburn, upset
stomach, stomach ulcers with gross bleeding, and
internal bleeding leading to anemia.