more and more research is coming out acquitting marijuana of all previously held charges. Paul Armentano's book title "Marijuana is Safer So Why ARe They Driving Us To Drink" is spot-on. Interesting how this once-demonized "drug" has so little in the way of harmful effects and so much in the way of actual health benefits. Why does the government and my employer want to keep me from taking something I believe to be good for me and at least not harmful? Don't I as an adult have the right to decide what's good for me and what's not?
Mollyof OH7:33AM October 16, 2009
Never take a reporter's words as a statement of what a researcher found. You have to go back to the actual article. A lot of the questions raised here, like what else they looked at and the statistical methods used, are likely to be in the original research article. However, I would not dismiss this out of hand. It isn't saying everyone exposed developed psychosis, but those who were exposed developed psychosis more often. It is important to recall that just 30 years ago everyone "KNEW" that alcohol could not cause birth defects. The first reports of fetal alcohol syndrome were equally derided. Let's read the original research and then see if the findings can be replicated by others before dismissing it.
Allan Bargerof CA12:08PM October 06, 2009
If this is correct than the entire generation born between 1940 and 1980 should all be locked up. I don't know anyone who's mother DIDN'T smoke during pregnancy and I'm 41!!!!!
Sick of Ridiculous Studiesof AZ4:11PM October 02, 2009
What a bunch of rubbish. Almost every mother inmy mothers era smoked. We have 6 healthly happy adults born to her. None has ever had a psychotic episode. The oldest is now 72 years young. The youngest is 53. No cancer or psychosis ever in any of us. My mother smoked two packs a day until she died at 84.
Not nuts yetof FL2:23PM October 01, 2009
I think the study is total BS. Back in the 40's and 50's, most of the women smoked all through pregnancy. At the time, we didn't know any better. I never remember seeing or hearing about a psychotic child. We produced a lot of children during those years, and they were all normal! They are adults now, and they're still normal! Obviously it's best not to smoke or drink during pregnancy, but we didn't know it back then. Npw it's a different story - the majority of women do not smoke and it's for the best.
By the way - I'm not advocating smoking! We grandma's & grandpa's are paying the price for it now with lung cancer and emphysema! However, I don't believe it hurt our children.
Patof CA2:20PM October 01, 2009
I hate it how our government still allows us to make a few personal choices - like SMOKING! Michelle is right; we need comprehensive legislation to control the proliferation of tobacco.
Jaredof WA2:19PM October 01, 2009
If these findings have any level of actual validity then the BabyBoomer generation better watch out! Moms smoked in the 50's and early 60's. Does this mean that the strides made in the Women's Movement, voter's rights, integration, the glimmerings of the Environmental Movement, etc. were accomplished by psychotic BabyBoomers?
C'mon! Where's the data on mom's level of education, prenatal care? Did these moms experience domestic violence, did the children experience poverty, abuse? Useless study. It's difficult enough to be pregnant right now what with the environmental pollutants, pesticides in food, economic stressors, etc. Let's look at better funding for the above issues rather than padding the paychecks of out-of-touch academics.
I don't smoke, never have. I don't like to be around smokers. But really, let's lay off "guilting" smokers more than they already are. Guilt is not an effective treatment for addiction.
P C Leoof UT2:18PM October 01, 2009
Got love the vagueness of the article in relaying the facts. Pretty good dramatic effect though.
What exactly did they consider "psychotic" and how was it measured?
How did they determine that these traits existed and how did they determine that they were directly related to a mother's smoking?
I could go on, but you get my point. First rule of statistics = Statistics don't lie. Statisticians do.
anonof WA2:13PM October 01, 2009
Regarding "Yeah, most of them end up being liberal"......that is a GOOD one!!!
U.S. News's "Best" delivers recognized, authoritative information and clear, objective rankings that help readers plan for their life and ultimately, make the most of it.
Reader Comments
Back to article
Harris of WI 12:21AM February 06, 2011
Molly of OH 7:33AM October 16, 2009
Allan Barger of CA 12:08PM October 06, 2009
Sick of Ridiculous Studies of AZ 4:11PM October 02, 2009
Not nuts yet of FL 2:23PM October 01, 2009
Pat of CA 2:20PM October 01, 2009
Jared of WA 2:19PM October 01, 2009
P C Leo of UT 2:18PM October 01, 2009
anon of WA 2:13PM October 01, 2009
michelle of WI 2:08PM October 01, 2009