Poll: Opinions on Cannabis?

[Sovvolf]

Not really my thing, never touched the stuff to be honest. My brothers and their friends have and from what I've seen of it when they've been under the influence... Well they haven't been too bad. They just looked pissed (as in drunk) after a little too much. So I guess the effects are similar to that.

Though again, not my thing. I've got no moral standpoint against it. If you want to smoke weed, as far as I'm concerned you can go a head an do it. I don't have a problem with you doing it. The police may have a problem though, depending on the country and in no way am I advocating breaking the law even if I feel its a silly one.

My reason for not trying it is because... Well... I just don't want to, never have... I've also never smoked neither, I never wanted to and I never have. I do drink though ... Not often to the point that I can't move, think or feel. Mostly just the casual bottle of Newcastle brown or glass of Jack Daniels...

 

[Jewrean]

When I first clicked on this I thought it said 'Opinion on Cannibals'.

Anyway, I'm not the sort to look down on others for their life choices, you guys do whatever the fuck you like so long as you're not hurting anyone. But I refuse to take any drugs or smoke cigarettes. It's not the whole goody two-shoes thing, I share the same view-point as the South Park creators. People take drugs when they are bored and it's when you're bored that you should be trying new things to better yourself rather than fuel an addiction.

 

[Skeleton Jelly]

Smoked often for a while. Then I grew up. Drugs offer no greater truth or understanding, or really any boon of any kind to you. So why continue usage of a substance that offers a temporary and empty happiness, but costs so very much?

I dunno. I don't begrudge you for smoking if you do, but I feel that I must draw greater meaning from my life, and after running the total cornucopia of drugs, I've found them lacking.

Neither do video games or posting on forums. They're just a distraction and we gain nothing much from them. And if you're a working man, it's pretty cheap here in Canada. Considering 1g could last you about 5-6 smoking sessions with one person.

So please, stop acting like you're tying to find the meaning of life Mr. Philosophical. Weed is just a fun thing to do and fun hobbies are A-OK in life.. It shouldn't become a life-style though.

Not necessarily true. If I play a multiplayer game, I'm interacting with other people and at least creating mutual experiences and memories between myself and another human being (and that's without the fun you get from looking at the interaction as a whole under the magnifying glass. Human nature kicks ass.). Same could be said of forums, and the nature of the very discussion we are having.

Now, I'm not going to claim that these habits aren't our own habits of escapism (Hell, the forum/website is entitled as such.), and I'm not going to say that absolutely every single act that I indulge in must require meaning. I'd be idle my whole life like some sort of hyper-pensive chess player. But what I *am* saying, is that I examined what marijuana had to offer me, and I didn't like it. I didn't say it was inherently good, or evil, or anything else in between. Whenever I smoked, I got really high, giggled to myself for a few hours, came up with some absolutely shit-house crazy or stupid ideas/theories that I either wouldn't remember, or made absolutely no sense when I came down. Then I'd curl up in a ball and pass out. And this would be in a room *full* of people.

My reason for doing it in the first place was two-fold. Firstly, I wanted to get high and alter my perspective on the universe to see what I could glean in any semblance of understanding by doing so. And secondly, I wanted to get stupid with friends and have a good time in a social context with the company of people I enjoyed. I accomplished neither of these things. Ergo, marijuana is a waste of time in my eyes.

As for the Philosopher comment... I am. Are we not all seeking some greater understanding over the grand machinations of life? I don't impose my searches or thoughts on others, because they won't make sense in the same light that they do to me. Perception is reality, and my world is going to be different from yours, and that's fine. I pass no judgment on you, only on your hobby, and I'm sorry if you were offended by the comment. But if I seek not to pass judgment on you, I'd kindly ask you to do the same.

Much love, of course. <3

I could very much say the same about smoking weed. See you gave me a situational answer. Yeah, if you played a multiplayer game and actually found someone who likes to talk about things aside from things in the game, you might learn something the from social experience. But then I can say I mostly smoke weed with my friends, providing a deeper emotional social experience. Because when me and my friends get high, we talk about all sorts of things until we eventually get tired and part ways. Both provide social interactions, and weed CAN be a activity performed by one person (you can still gain from that experience. One time I spent the entire length of my high-ness just watching a documentary on a wart related disease and learned much about it), just as video games can as well (single player games). Both are equal in their value, BECAUSE THEY ARE BOTH SIMPLY HOBBIES THAT CAN BE ENJOYED ALONE OR WITH PEOPLE.

But it sounds like you enjoyed yourself. I, personally, had a very similar experience myself the first time I smoked. I laughed, I enjoyed everything, said obscure things and eventually came down. Now like you said, everything you do doesn't have to contribute to your over-all life. But marijuana can contribute something to a persons life, as you practically mentioned. It sounds like you had a great time, and so what if people were in the room? Did they not know you were high? If they didn't, you need to learn to control yourself. I've learned to do so, and can do it with ease. Did they know you were high? Then why should it matter if what you did may have been a little embarrassing? It'll make for a funny story in the future (more social interactions) and they knew you were high, so it's not like they've deemed you're mentally retarded from then on out.

Maybe that's why you think so negatively of it? You expected to alter your perception (it did do that) and give you new idea (it did do that) but you expected to take what you gained from getting high and use to to better understand things? It's RECREATIONAL. For fun. And from what you said, it certainly sounds like it was. and while you said you don't expect everything you do in life, has to contribute to life, you certainly make it out to be like that. It's for fun, and is a small little distraction in life. You really don't understand that due to that philosophical view of your colon.

 

[ezeroast]

I'm dopey enough without it so I only smoke alone to chill out after work on a Saturday night.
I see it as more or less a harmless drug when its taken properly. Dont come to work stoned or it will be your last day, just like you wouldn't come to work drunk.

 

[FC Groningen]

As a Dutch student, I can't help but to know a lot of people that used it in the past or are still using it. I used it myself once, but I wasn't very impressed and I really hate the smell, but that is just me personally.

In a country where it is legal, you will notice that a varied group of users is admitting to use it on occasional basis. Because its both legal and socially accepted to occasionally use it, a lot of people don't bother telling others. Both the "upper classes" and "lower classes" of society use cannabis on an occasional basis or tried it once or twice. All except 1 just use it whenever they feel like it; It can be compared with getting home and grabbing a beer or a glass of wine, or lighting a sigarette. I know 1 guy that might smoke too much, but I know a lot more that drink too much alcohol or eat too much fastfood.

We can all find a list of potential threats of using cannabis, there are lists to be found for everything. The thing is that you should only do it on occasional basis, which goes for everything. Products like coffee and tobacco are soft drugs as well, but socially accepted in most societies. All addictions are harmful as well so I don't see why cannabis, one of the least addictive soft drugs available, should be marked an exception.

Actually, I'm rather puzzled about Americans on this topic. Historically speaking, most American products have been very healthy but they panic if it comes to Cannabis. It started with coffee and tobacco, later it became Coca Cola (the more harmful edition) and fastfood. Also, Immigration made the US prosper, but that's a whole different topic.

About behaviour, cannabis strengthens emotions, but does not create them. If people become violent, its because they are a liability anyway. In the Netherlands, driving after using any substansion is strictly against the law and it doesn't happen a lot. If people are caught, its usually for using alcohol before driving.

In fact, there is a great market be exploited here. A lot of money is still going to criminals here. If the government would invest in cannabis, it could either simply tax it, or regulate the entire market. In times of economical crisis, they sure could use the money. Apart from that, the number of drug crimes will go down and the threshold for seeking help in case of an addiction will be lowwer.

Its also possible to have people using cannabis (or just living unhealthy) pay more for insurance and maybe an extra "own risk" bill.

 

[Sven und EIN HUND]

I tried it once with a friend... Nothing really happened, though :c

 

[FC Groningen]

I tried it once with a friend... Nothing really happened, though :c

Are you sure you got quality stuff? It may be just you, or you simply got scammed.

 

[Fridge]

I've done it before, it wasn't for me at least not smoking it. I much prefer to eat it when its baked in something, and even then only on special occasions like my birthday.

As for the laws, I can't remember its classification in the UK. I think its a class b at the moment. This means that you can get arrested for possession of it (I think).

I have heard some rumblings that it may be reclassified as a C, no idea what that will mean though.

 

[Nimcha]

I've tried it once, I was quite unimpressed. People often compare it to alcohol, but I can't really see the resemblance. All the weed did was make me tired and unfocused, and not in a good way. With alcohol I get a totally different effect, and a more controllable one.

I'm fine with the legislation in my country really, although I hate the reputation it's created. It seems most Americans think Amsterdam is the only city and that the only attraction is free weed and hookers. :/ Oh and abortions.

 

[AndyFromMonday]

I've been smoking spices for a while now along with Marijuana whenever I got the money(That shit is expensive here). It relaxes me after a stressful day and rids me of my anxiety. In fact, since I've started smoking weed and weed related products I've had less and less panic attacks which is great!

 

[ApeShapeDeity]

Like many I smoked a bit when I was younger. Then, I needed to hold down a job and be a dad in my off time. I didn't quit exactly, I just stopped. It's not cool to be drinking or taking drugs around kids.

The simple fact is that it IS a drug. It DOES have side effects and WILL affect your brain chemistry. Information on this is readily availiable. This is more fun (but still indicative) than some of the information out there. (be sure to check out the photos)

http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/spiderdrugs.htm

Legally speaking, I'm in favour of legalisation. Not because I think it's harmless, or that everyone should try it. Far from it. I think it needs to be highly taxed and regulated. Plus, if it's legalised, you take money away from organised criminals.

 

[lacktheknack]

NOOOOOOOO!!!!

NOT ANOTHER DAMN CANNABIS THREAD!!

Use the search bar!

THIS!!

We need a return of the search bar Gestapo...

 

[Exo-Mike]

Smoked it for a bit but I realised that I prefered drinking

Don't have any issues with other people smoking pot (I still smoke cigs) but my policy has always been one of personal choice, I don't condemn people for their choice to smoke pot and expect the same curtesy as in not trying to pressure me into smoking it again.

It took some time but eventualy my mates got the message

On a side note 2 of those mates have been arrested for posession of a controlled drug. Ironically in both cases they weren't caught smoking it. One made the mistake of putting up his hood when he walked past a cop car and got searched, the other was wrecking a pub garden while drunk!

 

[Max Goldfine]

I am an avid weed smoker. not ashamed to say it.

 

[GLo Jones]

Why on earth was I put on probation for my previous post?

Most likely the same reason people are put on probation for saying they pirate games. While I personally believe that probation for this is a bit excessive, I'm sure if you look, it'll mention this kind of thing in the Code of Conduct.

OT: Nothing irritates me more than ignorance on either side of these debates. I'd argue my opinion, but it's likely been posted in this thread already.

 

[Sinclair Solutions]

I personally would never use it, but its not my place to tell people that they should not use it. If they want to smoke pot, let them do it. I choose to seek my fun elsewhere.

 

[xdom125x]

have never used it but would if it was legalized here(U.S.).

 

[Mcupobob]

I live in central California, pot is bad here in less you have your magical card that suddenly 'OKs' you. I've tried and hell enjoyed it, its not for everyone and it does get abused but the whole thing about pot that is way overblown. Its either seen has a wonder plant that all should you use, or the source of all evil. It's neither its a simple drug like alcohol with simple effects. Using isn't going to kill you or give you epiphany, its just good fun and can be used for some positive medical effects. I say they make it legal already that way the stoners will stop bitching and a year later those really against it will move on to something else and we all can get on with our lives.

 

[Gaz6231]

People can be HILARIOUS high.

As well as dangerous.

I can't really say anything to this other than 'mon tae fuck. Stoners are about as dangerous as a puppy covered in bubble wrap.

I'm sure many people have said it above me, but this topic has been comprehensively covered elsewhere. A lockdown would be welcome.