Cannabis haul! This is a Joke, Wake Up Smell the Beans

[Cato]

What do you think about skunk, specifically?

I don't know enough about it to make a call either way, but my default position is that it should be legal unless a compelling case can be made for it to be criminalized. As I said though, I don't have enough data to make any call on it.

[femmefatale]

Junk science abounds in relation to the Skunk issue. It's become a bete noire for prohibitionists.
Even the pro-decriminalisation London Independent appears content to peddle the nonsense about Skunk containing levels of THC well in excess of what any plant could produce:
The Big Question: What is the truth about skunk, and have the dangers been overstated? - Health News, Health & Families - The Independent
While the above article makes some very valid points about prohibitionist scaremongering, it continues to peddle nonsense science about THC levels.
THC is created only on the flowers, or colas, of the female plant, themselves less than 10% of the plant. And even then, it exists as microscopic crystals that grow on top of the cola, in order to catch pollen from the male.
Here is an image of those crystals captured by camera under magnification:
And that is a heavily crystallised cola. Does that look like 14% of the plant to you?
Remember, beneath that cola lies leaf, wood and root material which is utterly unused.
Like I said, junk science.

Just because you say it's junk science, doesn't make it so. The UK Independent has led a long campaign to decriminalize cannabis. It wasn't always the popular cause it is now. They have no vested interest in engaging in scare-mongering about skunk. If anything, the evidence about skunk makes their campaign look naive and irresponsible. Why you think they would peddle junk science and hype up concerns about skunk, I don't know.

[femmefatale]

I don't know enough about it to make a call either way, but my default position is that it should be legal unless a compelling case can be made for it to be criminalized. As I said though, I don't have enough data to make any call on it.

Did you read the article I provided? Here below is a similar one.

Warning: this article is not part of some conservative anti-cannabis witch-hunt!!

Rosie Boycott: I know a joint is more dangerous now than in my day. But I still say legalise cannabis - Commentators, Opinion - The Independent

[JCSkinner]

As I have demonstrated simply with the images above, it is physically impossible for any cannabis plant, Skunk strain or otherwise, to generate levels of THC in excess of around 2%.
Concepts of relative strength of cannabis relate solely to the levels of THC to CBD in the cropped and cured cola. More CBD, and it feels stronger, hence couchlock. More THC, less couchlock and more psychoactive effect.

[i.m.o]

Some strains of skunk are stronger than other strains of skunk, and some non skunk strains are stronger than the strongest skunk. Look up the various websites that sell seeds such as greenhouseseeds.com, they have all the information about the levels of THC and CBD's,etc in their strains. When it comes to risk, there is no real difference skunk and other strains.

I am all for legalising cannabis, but I too feel that us Irish might take the piss, as we do with the drink. Opening coffeeshops might not be the best idea so I think we should take the canadian approach and set up "mom sites", thats, "mail order marajuana" for those of you not in the know. To my knowlage there are four or five of these sites that offer cannabis to people for "medicinal purposes" and they have been operating successfully for many years.

Everyone should also be allowed to grow their own. Cannabis that is grown outside is not as strong as cannabis that is grown indoors. It was prohibition that forced people to grow inside and this has ultimately led to stronger cannabis which unregulated, is available to everyone!

[Wakeupcall]

Armageddon SKunk is unbeatable.

armageddon skunk - Google Images

[Wakeupcall]

One funny real life observation:

I dont drink alcohol generally (once this year so far!), my friends do. My friends dont smoke weed or tobacco. I still run rings around them at footbal / astroturf (They are similar build to me).

I think alcohol and the events associated with it a far far more damaging than weed.

[sarahj]

One funny real life observation:

I dont drink alcohol generally (once this year so far!), my friends do. My friends dont smoke weed or tobacco. I still run rings around them at footbal / astroturf (They are similar build to me).

I think alcohol and the events associated with it a far far more damaging than weed.

I know someone the exact same - never exercises apart from football and only smokes doesn't drink - he is the best of his team when he does play

Perhaps ye are just great soccer players?

[sarahj]

Sarah, what other use does the marijuana have, other then winding up conservatives?

Um, I will go and have a proper look for evidence, but:

Possible treatment for mental issues,
Possible antibacterial/antibiotic,
Anti-emetic for chemo patients,
Relaxant for people with insomnia,
Possible treatment for alsheimers,
Possible treatment for cancers.
Has shown benefit for HIV/AIDS,
Benefit against lung cancer,
Arthritis,
Glaucoma,
Any and all chronic pain (including menstrual cramps)

(These are just off the top of my head, will need an hour or two for evidence collection)

It's savage stuff though!

[reknaw]

Um, I will go and have a proper look for evidence, but:

Possible treatment for mental issues,
Possible antibacterial/antibiotic,
Anti-emetic for chemo patients,
Relaxant for people with insomnia,
Possible treatment for alsheimers,
Possible treatment for cancers.
Has shown benefit for HIV/AIDS,
Benefit against lung cancer,
Arthritis,
Glaucoma,
Any and all chronic pain (including menstrual cramps)

(These are just off the top of my head, will need an hour or two for evidence collection)

It's savage stuff though!

In addition to which, it gets you stoned; when you listen to music, it feels like every pore in your skin is an ear, when you have sex [censored by moderator] ...

Some drawbacks: Never try to boil an egg when you're stoned ... uh, I've forgotten the others.