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There is now abundant evidence that man isn’t the only cognitive
species; several varieties of mammals— from primates to dolphins— are
clearly able to communicate abstract ideas, learn new skills, and
transmit at least some knowledge thus acquired to their young.
However, as we also know from our experience with human language, ‘word
of mouth,’ is imperfect. Precisely because the quality of information
passed from one generation to another can deteriorate so quickly,
literacy became one of the key developments required for humans to
progress rapidly from planetary insignificance to the dominant species.
We can also see our own emotions clearly mirrored in animal
behavior; recent advances in our ability to observe and
photograph their interactions, coupled with an increasing interest in
‘endangered’ species, has heightened our awareness of how similar their
emotional responses are to our own; a perception that shouldn’t
surprise anyone with some knowledge of comparative neuroanatomy.
That brings me to another point: as knowledge of our environment and
its complexity has accumulated, it’s become more specialized. We are
thus increasingly dependent on various authorities to keep track of it
all and help synthesize the rules and policies which determine how
newly acquired knowledge affects daily life. That the process has been
untidy and contentious is painfully evident: ‘sovereign governments’
interactating in a loosely knit ‘community of nations’ have produced a
world which is arguably more polarized and dangerous than ever; in
essence, we are reprising the Crusades of an earlier millenium––
only this time with nuclear capabilites. As we confront the sorry
melange of hypocrisy, exploitation, and violence being reported with
increased speed and efficiency from all corners of the planet, it’s
gradually dawning on some of us that along with an increase in the
planet’s temperature, its humans are experiencing a rapid increase in
ambient stress levels.
For me, at least, the obvious link with cannabis has come from four
years of unique clinical interaction with a population that’s been
chronically self-medicating with it, despite Draconian legal penalties.
That experience has convinced me that of all the therapeutic benefits
cannabis offers, its ability to quickly and safely relieve anxiety is
what rapidly propelled it into third place among all agents
initiated by American adolescents in the early days oif the drug war––
and a mere decade after large numbers of ‘Baby Boomers’ first began
sampling it in the mid- Sixties.
Alcohol and tobacco still retain shaky holds on first and second place.
They are also seperately ‘regulated’ and not even considered by most to
be ‘drugs,’ which gives them a decided competitive edge over pot;
despite its obvious edge in both safety and efficacy.
Doctor Tom
Posted by tjeffo at June 11, 2006 08:28 PM