Continuing the push for medical marijuana, on Monday’s CBS Early Show co-host Russ Mitchell declared: “As more youngsters are being diagnosed with autism, there is a growing need for alternative treatments. One California mother says medical marijuana has made vast improvements in her autistic son.”
Correspondent Hattie Kauffman reported: “Joey is severely autistic, so uninterested in food he was wasting away....But Mieko [Joey’s mother] claims it all changed with marijuana brownies.” Meiko Perez argued: “They’re seeing Joey come out. He’s never made noises. We didn’t even know he could make noise until the first batch of brownies.”
At the end of the brief report, Kauffman noted mild criticism of the controversial treatment: “The American Academy of Pediatrics opposes legalization of marijuana, but supports more research.” She then concluded: “Though there’s absolutely no evidence Marijuana cures autism, this mom says it has improved her child’s life.”
CBS has shown its acceptance of marijuana use in the past. On the February 3 Early Show, co-host Harry Smith commented on a photo of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps caught smoking pot: “So far there hasn't been much negative reaction to the photo....A few years ago, it might have ruined his career. Maybe it's a sign of changing attitudes.” Correspondent Randall Pinkston followed by touting a recent poll: “The seeming lack of outrage may reflect America's changing attitudes towards marijuana...While a majority of Americans still oppose legalization, a new CBS News poll shows a big swing in opinion in recent years.”
Here is a full transcript of the Monday segment:
8:02AMRUSS MITCHELL: As more youngsters are being diagnosed with autism, there is a growing need for alternative treatments. One California mother says medical marijuana has made vast improvements in her autistic son. Early Show national correspondent Hattie Kauffman reports.
[ON-SCREEN HEADLINE: Pot Prescription; Mom Says Marijuana Helps Autistic Son]
MIEKO PEREZ: You want a banana.
HATTIE KAUFFMAN: That Joey Perez wants to eat anything is amazing, says his mom, Mieko.
PEREZ: Everyone who came to my home was watching me watch Joey die. He was deteriorating hourly.
KAUFFMAN: Joey is severely autistic, so uninterested in food he was wasting away. At ten years old, he weighed just 48 pounds. Even bulky Halloween costumes couldn’t disguise his frightening look of starvation. But Mieko claims it all changed with marijuana brownies.
PEREZ: He only ate like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for four years.
KAUFFMAN: She says not only is Joey eating more, he’s communicating.PEREZ: They’re seeing Joey come out. He’s never made noises. We didn’t even know he could make noise until the first batch of brownies.
KAUFFMAN: Medical marijuana is often prescribed for cancer or aids patients who need to gain weight. But a prescription to a child is unusual. The American Academy of Pediatrics opposes legalization of marijuana, but supports more research. Though there’s absolutely no evidence Marijuana cures autism, this mom says it has improved her child’s life. Hattie Kauffman, CBS News, Los Angeles.
—Kyle Drennen is a news analyst at the Media Research Center. You can follow him on Twitter here.
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I don't think that his
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:08 ET by robert108I don't think that his "making noises" is any evidence that there has been any improvement in his life. Maybe he's screaming for help from the effects of the drug. Maybe he's trying to tell his mom to stop dosing him against his will.
Intoxicated
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:13 ET by allanfWhy does she want her son intoxicated? Very Sad
Cool, Drool Dude
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:13 ET by ptsonHe may have been trying to immitate Cheech and Chong. He was trying to speak and drool at the same time. This is not an improvement to his condition. If mom wants funny brownies, she should just keep them to herself.
MIEKO PEREZ: You want a banana?
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:12 ET by YahooWatcherJOEY PEREZ: You betcha. I'm so stoned I'll eat anything you got, Mom.
Don't Tax Me, Bro.
Amusing
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:27 ET by countmein5050Amusing to note that any thing Jenny McCarthy adds regarding treatment for autism is warmly embraced by the MSM...as they have also done with this Mom and her MJ Brownies...however...NOTHING that comes out of Palin's mouth is of any benefit to any one and in fact is DANGEROUS. The idea of treating autism with MJ isn't the issue. It's the blatant bias they have for liberal vs. conservative. If they would just admit this I think we could all move on. Liberals hate conservatives for no other reason than they are not liberal....and they wonder why we balk at their altruistic hypocrisy.
This is child
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:22 ET by stratman1) This is child abuse.
Giving a Schedule I narcotic to a child is criminal.
Well meaning intentions only count for so much and do little to mitigate the abuse this mother perpetrates on a child.
Where are Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services in this story?
2) It is a lie that marijuana is "often perscribed" for cancer, AIDS or anything else. Proof, Ms. Kauffman?
Shyeah--who knew givin' him
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:22 ET by HockeyKidShyeah--who knew givin' him weed would give him the munchies, man? Far out.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
I don't know, if this it
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:23 ET by bigtimerI don't know, if this it true, if he was only 48 pounds, and had never made a sound or such...let it be.
That's how I feel about it, I may choose to do the same if I was in the same situation.
It's easy to judge others, but we haven't walked in their shoes.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
Questions BT
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:46 ET by cajun2You are correct that we do not have enough info on this boy. Symptoms such as: underweight, delayed developement, flat affect, no speech, poor appetite, have other causes. One diagnosis similiar that I saw in my previous profession is called "non organic failure to thrive". It is severe emotional and physical neglect over a long period of time. And I agree, child protective services should be involved. Soon.
Child Protective Services?
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:43 ET by Kingfish17If we don't have enough inforation on this boy, how can we say that a government bureaucracy like Child Protective Services should be involved? This should be a private issue between the parent and her doctor. If the doctor thinks there is abuse then he can notify a higher authority.
I too will not sit in judgement of this mother. We have no idea how much or how little of an effort she puts into caring for her child. But it's her child and it's up to her how she cares for him.
CPS should be involved when
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:18 ET by bigtimerCPS should be involved when needed, it has been over-used, politicized and everything else under the sun, let alone the lazy workers that really could give a rats rear less to get out of their chairs and really investigate what is going on in a home if it is real child abuse, from beatings, starvation over time, torture and yes death...yet a child can call on their own parents if they are told to take out the garbage, the child refuses, cusses, throws a tantrum, may even threaten the parent and then call CPS ....
the whole system needs to be over-hauled and used for what it once was for, I know, I've been on both ends of the barrel in my life-time.
Don't get me wrong, there are darned fine people that work there, it's just become a mess in my opinion, and children die each day from no one caring, doing anything about it until it is far too late...at one time in my earlier life I wanted to be a social worker for abused children as well.
As a conservative, I don't like seeing so many people saying call CPS...especially since we really don't know all of the story and don't walk in this mother's shoes.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
When a mom gives a child who
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:50 ET by Radical1979When a mom gives a child who already has a brain dysfunction and illegal drug, there should be an investigation. Child care becomes the governments business when the child is put in harms way. Unless there is a doctor involved in this, this situation needs to be investigated.
If marijuana has medicinal
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:24 ET by deerjerkydaveIf marijuana has medicinal benefits, let's turn it into a pill you swallow like any other medicine and make it prescription only.
Smoking marijuana is clearly for social reasons and not for medicinal needs.
There are prescription
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:34 ET by stratmanThere are prescription synthetic THC pills available called Marinol.
The anecdotal evidence is that the THC pills do not work as well as smoking marijuana.
This is such a piece of BS.
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:28 ET by ThisnThatThis is such a piece of BS. Wonder how many brownies mom munches? Or hands out to dad, or the cub scouts?
I also wonder how much this is going to cost me under the health care bill. Go to Section 4305 (page 1257) of the Senate bill. One year after the bill is passed, the gum't is going to convene a "Conference of Pain" whose goal is to "increase the recognition of pain as a significant public health problem in the United States."
That's right -- a significant health problem. Any bets on how "therapy brownies" will be pushed as a medical solution to this significant public health problem? We've got problems here, folks. Katie bar the door -- drugs will become legal, cuz, you know, it's a health care solution.
__________
"mmm, mmm, mm. Barrack-Hussain-Øbama↓." - The liberals coolaid drinking song
Why would you instantly
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:31 ET by balboaWhy would you instantly assume that mom and dad are eating the brownies, or even more ridiculous, giving them to cub scouts?
Why not? Who would have
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:38 ET by ThisnThatWhy not? Who would have thought a mom would give them to her kid in the first place, for goodness sakes?
__________
"mmm, mmm, mm. Barrack-Hussain-Øbama↓." - The liberals coolaid drinking song
If your child was dying from
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:41 ET by Another Dead KennedyIf your child was dying from self inflicted starvation, would you not try ANYTHING to keep him alive?
No, the question is -- why
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:48 ET by ThisnThatNo, the question is -- why should I (a) accept the fact that the gov wants to declare drugs legal, and then (b) have me pay for their questionable use?
__________
"mmm, mmm, mm. Barrack-Hussain-Øbama↓." - The liberals coolaid drinking song
Exactly where do you get
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:51 ET by Another Dead KennedyExactly where do you get your ideas from? The people want this drug legalized, not the government. If the government wanted to legalize pot, it would take a simple vote on the matter. The growing legalization locally among cities and states is done exclusively by the voters, and it's funded entirely by private citizens.
How about your idea's?
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:57 ET by general companyThe people want this drug legalized, not the government. If the
government wanted to legalize pot, it would take a simple vote on the
matter.
Shouldnt the Gov follow the will of the people?
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Yes, I agree. The
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:05 ET by Another Dead KennedyYes, I agree. The government should follow the will of the people. The government should also let the states do as they wish, but that's not happening either.
Constitution
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:52 ET by Kingfish17Exactly what part of the Constitution gives our Federal Government the authority to arrest and punish people for possessing a plant that grows in the wild? (And yes, I know it's a "tax issue" but we all know that's a ruse. They could make anything a "tax issue", and they often do.)
This should be a state issue, and if the states so wish they could leave it up to their local community. If I'm not mistaken it was legal in Alaska to own and grow a limited amount of marijuana until relatively recently.
Kf... It was, and the
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:04 ET by bigtimerKf...
It was, and the pot-heads didn't get off their arses to bother to vote...yet they sure complained sky high.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
Funny stuff
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:26 ET by Kingfish17Now that's pretty funny.
I understand alcoholism is a
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:29 ET by Another Dead KennedyI understand alcoholism is a much bigger problem for Alaskans.
Teddy... I think that
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:49 ET by bigtimerTeddy...
I think that applies to the lower 48 as well.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
Sheesh, BT. This is twice
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 14:03 ET by Another Dead KennedySheesh, BT. This is twice now that I'm agreeing with you on this thread.
Worry not Teddy...it won't
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 14:10 ET by bigtimerWorry not Teddy...it won't happen often.
Btw...you forgot to call me 'dude'.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
Dude, I was just trying to
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 14:15 ET by Another Dead KennedyDude, I was just trying to be nice.
Holiday spirit and all...
Lol...there now, you didn't
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 14:18 ET by bigtimerLol...there now, you didn't disappoint me.
Have a great Turkey Day yourself.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
Thanks, bt. Hope you have
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 14:19 ET by Another Dead KennedyThanks, bt. Hope you have a great one too.
I believe they did vote bigtimer
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 18:02 ET by shawn228....and they voted overwhelmingly for Obama. If a conservative promises to keep the Feds from raiding dispensorys, perhaps they might be able to negate the pothead vote.
Exactly what part of the
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:04 ET by Another Dead KennedyExactly what part of the Constitution gives our Federal Government the authority to arrest and punish people for possessing a plant that grows in the wild? I'm not a constitutional scholar, but I'm pretty certain that nowhere in the constitution does this authority exist.
"The People". DO NOT
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:55 ET by ThisnThat"The People". DO NOT WANT THIS DRUG LEGALIZED.
There! I presented as many facts as you just did, another dead kennedy. And since I posted last, I win.
"The People" my eye.
__________
"mmm, mmm, mm. Barrack-Hussain-Øbama↓." - The liberals coolaid drinking song
Are you smoking pot right
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:02 ET by Another Dead KennedyAre you smoking pot right now, as your arguments seem to suggest?
Cities and states all over the country have legalized marijuana use and possession. Are you denying this? Voter initiatives are popping up on ballots regularly, and being passed by the voters. So yes, the people DO want it legalized.
Your turn to get the last word in again.
Desparation, trying
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:49 ET by stratmanDesparation, trying "anything", is exactly what snake oil salesmen prey upon.
Even so-called "do-gooders" that may not monetarily benefit from making these recommendations or enabling this behaviour do receive a "secondary gain" from their actions.
IIRC, people went to foreign countries for Laetrile treatment for their cancers even after it was well established there was no benefit and in fact was toxic.
There are many sham treatments offered by quacks. Giving false hope is not an excuse. See Quackwatch.com for more.
Obviously she was
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 11:22 ET by balboaObviously she was desperate.
Because Balboa, I for one,
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:46 ET by Radical1979Because Balboa, I for one, have no idea where to get pot since I'm not in high school anymore. I'm thinking mom uses it anyway so she just stuck it in the brownies.
Insurance doesn't cover
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:33 ET by Another Dead KennedyInsurance doesn't cover marijuana prescriptions, at least in California. Insurance also doesn't cover the doctor's visit. And as long as the federal government considers pot an illegal drug, it can't be covered under a federal health care bill.
You need to go read the
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:44 ET by ThisnThatYou need to go read the health care bill. This whole issue of "pain" is designed to open the door. There are a lot of other door-openers in there too.
1. Gender-specific health care studies. This will lead to full support of transexuals, "gender-identity" services, and others
2. The provision to put all children who can't otherwise afford it immediately on medicaid when born. This is the back-door to accepting all children born to illegals in the US.
3. Aids onto medicaid. This is the doorway to placing all homosexuals onto medicaid, and all the expensive costs associated with that.
Just to name a few. Go read the bill.
__________
"mmm, mmm, mm. Barrack-Hussain-Øbama↓." - The liberals coolaid drinking song
You've read the 2000 page
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:52 ET by Another Dead KennedyYou've read the 2000 page health care bill? Please link me to the pages that can back up your arguments.
I do not believe you've read this bill, but are merely repeating something you heard on a right wing radio show, publication, or blog.
Wrong again, another dead
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:32 ET by ThisnThatWrong again, another dead kennedy. I not only read the Senate bill, but I read the house bill too.
1) Gender: SEC. 756. MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND TRAINING GRANTS (page 1370 of Senate Bill): To be eligible for a grant under this section, an institution shall demonstrate—‘‘(1) participation in the institutions’ programs of individuals and groups from different racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, linguistic, and class backgrounds, and different genders and sexual orientations
2) Newborns: SEC. 305. OUTREACH AND ENROLLMENT OF EXCHANGE-ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS -- (d) COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN NEWBORNS UNDER MEDICAID (page 188 of House Bill). — In the case of a child born in the United States who at the time of birth is not otherwise covered under acceptable coverage, for the period of time beginning on the date of birth and ending on the date the child otherwise is covered under acceptable coverage (or, if earlier, the end of the month in which the 60-day period, beginning on the date of birth, ends), the child shall be deemed—(A) to be a Medicaid eligible individual for purposes of this division and Medicaid; and to be automatically enrolled in Medicaid as a traditional Medicaid eligible individual (as defined in section 1943(c) of the Social Security Act).
3) HIV/AIDS: SEC. 1785. OUTREACH AND ENROLLMENT OF MEDICAID AND CHIP ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS (page 1147 of House Bill). ...conducting outreach to inform eligible individuals about healthcare coverage under Medicaid ... providing assistance to such individuals for enrollment in applicable programs, and establishing methods or procedures for eliminating application and enrollment barriers. Such guidance shall include provisions to ensure that outreach, enrollment assistance, and administrative simplification efforts are targeted specifically to vulnerable populations such as children, unaccompanied homeless youth, victims of abuse or trauma, individuals with mental health or substance related disorders, and individuals with HIV/AIDS.
Sorry, everyone, for the long response. But I think it's important to actually read this stuff. Too much is dependent upon informed opposition.
__________
"mmm, mmm, mm. Barrack-Hussain-Øbama↓." - The liberals coolaid drinking song
You realize we're talking
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:41 ET by Another Dead KennedyYou realize we're talking about marijuana, right? What do any of sections have to do with the legalization and subsequent treatments involving illegal drugs?
Go back and read my post
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:45 ET by ThisnThatGo back and read my post and stop complaining.
__________
"mmm, mmm, mm. Barrack-Hussain-Øbama↓." - The liberals coolaid drinking song
First off, let's drop the
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:31 ET by Another Dead KennedyFirst off, let's drop the term "medical" from medical marijuana. It falsely projects a difference between the two, when in fact the only difference is that one requires a doctor's prescription. The drug itself is the same.
Second, THAT'S the whole story? Perhaps the kid is eating now, but the developing brain of the child has to be deteriorating rapidly. He won't die from the drug, but he probably won't grow into a functioning adult either. And I hope for the boy's sake, he's not smoking it. I can't imagine this is what the legalization advocates are fighting for.
In a way I agree with you
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:42 ET by stratmanIn a way I agree with you concerning the descriptor "medical".
The marijuana "prescribed" is in no way overseen/approved by the FDA for active ingredient amount, inactive ingredient amount, consistency between "batches", or the presence of actual or potential toxic chemicals.
"Medical" marijuana is more like a nutriceutical which skirts all requirements for FDA approaval and may or may not have the desired active ingredient at the strength touted, let alone any amount at all.
It's as if by using the term
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:48 ET by Another Dead KennedyIt's as if by using the term "medical," all of a sudden it's not a drug anymore. In California, the growers who provide the marijuana shops with their drugs are still growing it illegally, as opposed to a drug company growing FDA approved pot. It's the same drug, whether you get it from a dealer or a state licensed shop.
Where is the "medical"
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 14:56 ET by stratmanWhere is the "medical" marijuana coming from? The government or a private individual?
The term "medical" in these cases is meant to distinguish its use for "medical" causes versus "recreational" causes.
That's precisely what I'm
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:07 ET by Another Dead KennedyThat's precisely what I'm saying. Medical marijuana comes from the same place as where your pot dealer gets his supply.
As a Californian, I have several friends who have prescription cards, and NONE of them use it for medical purposes.
Clarification
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:26 ET by stratmanMy mistake for being unclear in my last post.
My last post was meant to be a two-parter in that the "medical" in medical marijuana may refer to
Concerning your last sentence about friends with prescriptions... I'm not surprised. There are well-intentioned physicians that can be duped, and there are corrupt physicians that clearly suspect/know the goal of the patient.
Oh, but it goes further than
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:57 ET by Another Dead KennedyOh, but it goes further than that. Most regular doctors don't prescribe marijuana, as it's still illegal on the federal level. To get a prescription, one must visit a special "pot" doctor - still a licensed physician, but most likely not one who has a regular practice. You visit these doctors, pay $100 for the consultation (which they insist does not guarantee a prescription), another $100 for the prescription card, and you're out the door.
As far as the drug goes, it's impossible to deny the "medical" variety is any different from the street drug. The proof I find is in the name. Most users are aware that pot comes in a huge variety of choices. Hundreds, probably thousands of different strains exist. So while you can get your "Maui Wowie" from a licensed shop, your dealer will provide you with the same strain. And I doubt he gets his supply from an authorized dealer. Just the same, the prices of pot are the same whether you go to a shop or get it from a street dealer.
Kennedy to add to your
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:45 ET by Radical1979Kennedy to add to your post, my father was a doctor. He beleived the benefits of pot could be found in other legal drugs. Or, that you could pull out the medicinal effects from pot and leave out the "high", but then you'd have another drug already on the market.
And I'm not sure, if you get "medical marijuana" are you sure you aren't getting anything laced with another drug? I don't know, maybe you do.
As far as I know, medical
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 14:06 ET by Another Dead KennedyAs far as I know, medical marijuana is no more medical than a glass of OJ. The medical supply doesn't come from a drug manufacturer, but from the streets. And for certain, the pot shops don't test their product to see what other drugs may be added - they test it to see how high they get.
The thing is...
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:47 ET by Reality Check...marijuana is a really powerful appetite stimulant. Joke about the munchies all you want, but for a child who simply refuses to eat, cannot be reasoned with due to a medical condition, and is starving to death, I could see how this would be worth a try, and might possibly work.
I wouldn't overreact too much about the potential damage to the brain, either - use for the short-term to get the kid some nutrition is, in my opinion, solving a much more immediate problem.
The part that REALLY sets me off is the part about "a growing need for alternative treatments". Because, you see, the nationalized healthcare plan that CBS is continually pushing will kill any hopes for new and innovative treatments. I am still disgusted by this cluelessness, even though I've learned to expect it.
Reality Check
RC... Ditto all of
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:54 ET by bigtimerRC...
Ditto all of that... your last paragrah is dead on the money...I could not agree more.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
Many a mother
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:53 ET by PJed ORourkeMany a mother has used a little booze on her finger to calm the teething pain of an infant, technically a criminal act. So when some mother gives a pot-laced brownie to relieve symptoms of their child's disease, wasting away, it seems to me more an act of mercy from a loving mom than a criminal act. The mother in the story is not intent on harming the child, and may actually be helping the child. It may not be what I would chose to do, but then I'm not in her shoes. We conservatives complain when the government interferes with parenting, as we should. Freedom is messy.
1. I want to know if mom
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:57 ET by ChristianRebel1. I want to know if mom tried any other treatment before pot. There are many success stories of autistic kids going to treatment centers with doctors and nurses specifically trained to help kids overcome autism without drugs of any kind. Many of these children are now in society living normal lives and you probably would never know the difference.
If mom has not done the above then the use of pot as treatment is not justifiable.
End of story.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." -Ephesians 6:12
If I had a child who was in
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 15:59 ET by Jack BauerIf I had a child who was in pain, or suffered, with what is still such an unknown ailment, for which there is no relief in today's medicine, I would try and do anything to help my child.
As would most of us, I believe, when it came down to it.
beneficial
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:14 ET by WesenI lived in Nepal for a considerable period of time when pot and hash were legal. I noted that marijuana cured asthma attacks, true indeed. The trouble is that such things are drugs and it's hard to condone the use.
It seems a fair number of
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:40 ET by Radical1979It seems a fair number of people here are supportive of this because it's done by a mother out of concern for her child. A couple of points, she did this on her own without knowing the repurcussions. Her son could have had a very violent or life threatening reaction to the pot. Autism is a brain disorder, she had no one on hand to deal with it if things went bad. How did she determine dosage? And did she do any record keeping to document her results? What if she had decided to use hallucinogens, or someone else's anti pyschotic on her son? Is that justifiable?
I say this as the mother of a 19 year who was diagnosed PDD (on the autistic spectrum) at 2. He's made wonderful progress and is a little odd, but pretty "normal". I tried many therapies, always with a professional. I would NEVER give my son any type of drug without a doctor because you cannot guarantee the outcome with an autistic brain.
Luck of the draw
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 17:01 ET by Kingfish17I think most of the sentiment here is based on how conservatives and libertarians view child rearing. It's not the responsibility of the "village", but it's up to the parents.
So who defines the line where an adult abuses a child? Physical violence is abusive, but is spanking a child automatically abuse? When it comes to medical issues, it gets really problematic. Some people think it's abusive to isolate children from everyday common alergens and bacteria and the like that results in developments like auto-imune disorders and asthmas that are more common today in developed society.
I'm going to give as much lattitude to the parent as possible. I don't want to go further down the road of taking away parental rights.
I'm a very conservative
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 17:11 ET by Radical1979I'm a very conservative parent, if you've ever heard of John Rosemond, he's my hero. But, anything involving drugs and especially brain function has to watched VERY carefully. The government currently limits drug use for everyone, children should be more closely watched since their brains more vulnerable to harm. From my experiences and knowledge, this is like playing Russian Roulette with a child.
There are other issues
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 17:24 ET by BKeyserI have learned recently, due to situations in my own family, that there can be severe brain development deficiencies for a child using marijuana and other illicit drugs. This can set a child's social and educational development back for many years. Research is showing that frontal lobe development doesn't really begin until age 17 or later, and this is precisely what's affected by drug use.
I'm not a doctor, but this is what I've been told recently- and not by some right-wing, anti-drug group either.
Just to clarify
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 17:34 ET by Kingfish17I'm not condoning what this lady did. But neither am I condeming her. Depending on the extent of the condition of her child, this has to be a heartwrenching, terrible situation. I would want to know a lot more about what this mother has been through before I would be judgemental.
Same here Kf. 'Doubling
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 17:42 ET by bigtimerSame here Kf.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
Kingfish
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 17:47 ET by BKeyserI'm not criticizing your post either. This is a very personal issue for many people, but one I think that is perpetuated by agenda-driven information. Some people think marijuana is not the least bit harmful, and some people think the earth is getting hotter. Sometimes there's more to the "evidence" than what is most often presented.
That being said, I personally don't care how this mother treats her child. Some people prefer to take their child to Mexico for natural cancer treatments too, so, to each their own.
Leave it to...
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 16:53 ET by Trickletown..a bunch of judgemental Republicans to make fun of a kid with little quality of life. "Drooler"? I submit the "droolers" are posting comments here ( not all, some folks seem to have some decency).
_____________________________________________
If I don't see you in the future, I'll see you in the pasture.
→ Typical Trickles
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 18:00 ET by Cool ArrowHave you any idea how silly it is of you to condemn the use of a word (droolers) by applying it to others?
You don't even see the hypocrisy of it.
If the term "retard" were offensive to you, would it be right of you to call someone that word?
Never mind, I see you're clueless as to what you've done.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
And if someone bought their
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 18:40 ET by RR GOPAnd if someone bought their kid a carton of cigs a week to help them relax, as a reward for doing well in school, etc....could you imagine the outcry?
Libtards hate cigarettes...they're so grubby and 1950s suburbanish...they hate anything that people liked in that era. Meat, big cars, booze, heterosexual marriages, going to church, Senator McCarthy...
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
Don't waste good green bud
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 19:31 ET by goldbarDon't waste good green bud on some damn retard!
goldbar...it's past time
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 19:37 ET by bigtimergoldbar...it's past time you were 'access denied'.
I am sick of this troll, I rarely say that, but it's getting to the point he needs to be gone.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
I agree
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 07:58 ET by jackssnHow do we make that happen?
Interesting Case Study
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 02:42 ET by red eye repubFirst, a disclaimer, I fully support legalization of marijuana. I honestly don't find anything wrong with it. Clearly, I lean Libertarian.
So at the risk of sounding bias, I think in this case you let the parent decide what's best for their child. The fact that the child can't really communicate is a little disturbing as they can't protest being given the marijuana. But that's what parents do...make decisions the child cannot make.