In the law enforcement world of the U.S., narcotics refer to any illegal drug. Not technically correct, true, but it came about from common usage by law enforcement personnel. In the medical arena though, your definition is correct and it bugs medical personnel to no end that the term is used incorrectly all the time.





>>>>>Cannabis use had been cited as a cause of schizophrenia in young people and I have seen several cases where users have committed violent crimes ... UK alchol consumption is going up against a European trend where its going down.
>>>>
>>>>I think any kind of narcotic can accentuate (not necessarilly cause) psychological problems that already exist, especially when abused. Cannabis can (and is by some) used to stimulate deliberate "brain change" by some people (the late Robert Anton Wilson was one such) - these same people often warn against the "misuse" of any "brain change" drugs.
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>>>Cannabis is not a narcotic. That's drugs like opium and morphine, that stuporfy you, put you in a dream state, so to speak.
>>>
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>>Isn't anything that alters your mental state a narcotic? If you don't think pot does that, you must never have smoked it.
>
>No. Narcotics are such as opium, heroine, morphine, that leave one in a dream-like state, zoned out. Ultimately from the Greek word for numbness. cf. amphetamines, cocaine, etc.
>
>Perhaps the so-called "narcotics divisions" of US TV shows and films, if they exist, are a misnomen, if they deal with other than the narcotric drugs.
>
>Erm ... er ... from what I've heard blow produces a mild state of euphoria, an enhanced appetite and enjoyment of munchy food, an increased and more intense appreciation of music, et al, but doesn't conk you out and leave you in the arms of Morphius