Why Are Stoners Typically Depicted as Stupid?

[MoganFreeman]

Because you tend to be very naively euphoric whilst high.

The habitual users who are intelligent and productive and effective do it mostly by balancing highness and sobriety.

 

[7ru7h]

I think the problem is people are confusing the idea of stupid.
Was John Lennon stupid?
Were Bob Dylan or Jimmi Hendrix?

Hendrix took 9 of a sleeping pill that you typically take a half of one, I love the guy...but that's less than smart if you don't want to die.

OT: Exaggeration is the easiest way to flesh out a character, especially for comedic purposes.

Last I checked, spending your money on addictive, illegal substances isn't a sign of intelligence.

Well, first of all, pot isn't addictive. You may develop a psychological craving for the drug, but it is not addictive. As for the second bit of that (illegal substance), there are other substances out there that are even more addictive and worse for you (see tobacco and alcohol). If anything, it would make more sense to waste your money on the non-addictive, mind-altering illegal substance, rather than spending money on actually addictive substances that will give you many more problems quicker.

weed kills your brains cells which has for consequence the effect of making you stupid, simple as.

Source? Because I would love to see the proof that pot kills braincells (kinda like alcohol does - but wait, that doesn't count because it's ok since it is legal), especially since they have done studies that say that pot can slow the advance of Alzheimer's (that's the funky disease that kills your brain cells, and destroys your memory)

Neither directly kill brain cells, but that's not to say that they both can't lead to problems.

That's not exactly true. I have seen no evidence that comes close to saying that pot as brain damaging effects (and I've seen a lot of stuff in the news about the positive effects that pot can have on your brain), but there is scientific proof that alcohol kills brain cells (by starving the brain of oxygen IIRC).

Sure, alcohol and pot can lead to problems, but the negative effects of the two substances are in two entirely different leagues

Yes they are... And what I said was purposely vague, I didn't specify brain problems...I just said problems.

Even disregarding brain problems specifically, and moving into the general problems that both substances cause, they are in two entirely different leagues, even more so than if you just look at the brain.

At most, pot would damage your lungs directly, and that's only if you smoke it. Alcohol on the other hand can cause problems with your entire body, specifically the brain and liver. Also, when was the last time you heard of someone overdosing on either substance? Pot? never. Alcohol? That's damned near a daily occurrence.

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

Everyone in this thread is so feckin' snarky and defensive of their position. I'm not anti-weed just because I'm willing to accept that holding smoke in my lungs isn't terribly good for them. I have smoked, I have enjoyed it...I've never smoked with anyone who has this kind of tech lying around. It's neat...but it's not entirely relevent to the reality of the situation.

I think you'll find it's a pretty natural reaction to having to deal with people that tell me I'm wasting my life based on propaganda disseminated by organizations that profit from the illegality of a generally harmless substance.

Secondly, yes, it is entirely relevant to countering your argument that usage of cannabis is a harmful practice.

I don't wish to deny anyone anything, and I never once passed judgement on anyone who smokes...I smoke. But I've never used a vaporizer, and never met anyone who owns one...so I have most likely been doing myself damage...I also eat too much sugar, but that isn't entirely relevent other than as an example of me not thinking that things that are potentially harmful...aren't worthwhile.

Maybe I'm not the most informed on the cutting edge methods of use, but at least I'm not guilty of the "you're with us, or against us!" mentality that has been directed at me, simply for not being willing to say that smoking weed is entirely without consequence. It's childish...

 

[Low Key]

I've seen it turn very intellectual people into mindless no-hope conspiracy nuts. I've also had a close friend become schizophrenic and terribly disturbed over years of abuse of this drug. It's terrible because we know this happens and people still smoke.

Sounds like the people you know had their weed laced with something, probably PCP. Seriously, that's the only thing that would cause a behavioral change like that. I am neither a conspiracy nut nor a schizophrenic, and up until I quit smoking 6 months ago, I was a regular weed smoker from the age of 13. That's 12 years. To me, it sounds as if you have been watching too much "Reefer Madness".

I really wish people didn't have such gross misconceptions about marijuana, especially when they themselves have never tried it.

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

I think the problem is people are confusing the idea of stupid.
Was John Lennon stupid?
Were Bob Dylan or Jimmi Hendrix?

Hendrix took 9 of a sleeping pill that you typically take a half of one, I love the guy...but that's less than smart if you don't want to die.

OT: Exaggeration is the easiest way to flesh out a character, especially for comedic purposes.

Last I checked, spending your money on addictive, illegal substances isn't a sign of intelligence.

Well, first of all, pot isn't addictive. You may develop a psychological craving for the drug, but it is not addictive. As for the second bit of that (illegal substance), there are other substances out there that are even more addictive and worse for you (see tobacco and alcohol). If anything, it would make more sense to waste your money on the non-addictive, mind-altering illegal substance, rather than spending money on actually addictive substances that will give you many more problems quicker.

weed kills your brains cells which has for consequence the effect of making you stupid, simple as.

Source? Because I would love to see the proof that pot kills braincells (kinda like alcohol does - but wait, that doesn't count because it's ok since it is legal), especially since they have done studies that say that pot can slow the advance of Alzheimer's (that's the funky disease that kills your brain cells, and destroys your memory)

Neither directly kill brain cells, but that's not to say that they both can't lead to problems.

That's not exactly true. I have seen no evidence that comes close to saying that pot as brain damaging effects (and I've seen a lot of stuff in the news about the positive effects that pot can have on your brain), but there is scientific proof that alcohol kills brain cells (by starving the brain of oxygen IIRC).

Sure, alcohol and pot can lead to problems, but the negative effects of the two substances are in two entirely different leagues

Yes they are... And what I said was purposely vague, I didn't specify brain problems...I just said problems.

Even disregarding brain problems specifically, and moving into the general problems that both substances cause, they are in two entirely different leagues, even more so than if you just look at the brain.

At most, pot would damage your lungs directly, and that's only if you smoke it. Alcohol on the other hand can cause problems with your entire body, specifically the brain and liver. Also, when was the last time you heard of someone overdosing on either substance? Pot? never. Alcohol? That's damned near a daily occurrence.

And you're assuming that I'm anti-weed and pro-alcohol? Neither is true, but I'm pro-choice on both. I've already stated that I think it should be legal, and that I know it is enjoyable...

 

[Digikid]

All the ones that I know are as dumb as a boot.

IMHO....you do that shit and you ARE dumb as a boot. LOL!!!!

 

[7ru7h]

1. If you smoke then you are, it's illegal for a reason. (simple enough) BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.... ah thats just great... tell us another one. try actully researching the truth instead of assuming that the gov't does everything because it cares about you [http://www.drugwarrant.com/articles/why-is-marijuana-illegal]
2. When they are high they are they are stupid. The intelligent revelations they have in this state are only so amazing because they are high. possibly. or it could be that something in that altered state triggered a realization that they wouldn't have gotten another way
3. Long term effect on the brain. Can trigger psychological disorders. it can also prevent Alzheimer's disease

I've seen it turn very intellectual people into mindless no-hope conspiracy nuts. I've also had a close friend become schizophrenic and terribly disturbed over years of abuse of this drug. It's terrible because we know this happens and people still smoke.

And what's worse is the fact that it does comparatively little damage compared to tobacco and alcohol, and those are legal

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

Pot smoke has cancer causing chemicals and causes brain cells to die. Whether people smoke it to get hurt or not doesn't change the fact that they will get hurt by it.

But anyway, I'll play. Weed smoke contains many of the same cancer causing compounds that tobacco smoke does, often in higher concentrations.

You're right, there's absolutely no way to consume cannabis in a way that isn't even remotely detrimental to your health.

Oh, wait.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaporizer

Everyone in this thread is so feckin' snarky and defensive of their position. I'm not anti-weed just because I'm willing to accept that holding smoke in my lungs isn't terribly good for them. I have smoked, I have enjoyed it...I've never smoked with anyone who has this kind of tech lying around. It's neat...but it's not entirely relevent to the reality of the situation.

To counter, I know plenty of people who use a vaporizer, and many more who cook with it. Vaporizers are cheap (about $80 for a decent one) and cooking with it gives a different kind of high (more of a body high, not a brain high like when you smoke it).

That's cool, and I appreciate the amicable tone. I live in England and I have never seen one, my location could be a factor in that.

 

[sofrekinbored]

Probably because their not smart enough to stay away from what kills them and its illegal for a reasons

 

[Weofparadigm]

Interesting question. Allow me to ponder it as I go smoke a bowl.

That's better. The answer to your question is very simple. Stoners are seen as stupid in media for the same reason that gay guys prance around like princesses, women nag everybody to death and/or have cleavage you could lose your pillow in, men are cold and emotionless and communicate entirely through grunts and farts and children are hair-rippingly annoying: Cheap humor and bad writing. Some people get high and turn stupid (Actually, better make that "most people") but some people use pot or other drugs to channel their creativity and create some of the greatest artistic works of all time. Sure, there is some Drug War paranoia to it but more often than not it's just a writer being lazy or the social stigma stoners seemed to have amassed over time.

 

[Enigma6667]

I wouldn't doubt it's some sort of anti-weed propaganda lol

Pretty much this.

"Hey kids, look at these losers! You wouldn't wanna end up like them would you? Of course not! So don't do drugs! And remember to buy more of our stuff!!"

 

[razer17]

Why are stoners typically depicted as stupid? Probably because they are.

Am I allowed to call you stupid, just because of some notion that you probably are?

 

[Shock and Awe]

Because they look stupid.

 

[7ru7h]

I think the problem is people are confusing the idea of stupid.
Was John Lennon stupid?
Were Bob Dylan or Jimmi Hendrix?

Hendrix took 9 of a sleeping pill that you typically take a half of one, I love the guy...but that's less than smart if you don't want to die.

OT: Exaggeration is the easiest way to flesh out a character, especially for comedic purposes.

Last I checked, spending your money on addictive, illegal substances isn't a sign of intelligence.

Well, first of all, pot isn't addictive. You may develop a psychological craving for the drug, but it is not addictive. As for the second bit of that (illegal substance), there are other substances out there that are even more addictive and worse for you (see tobacco and alcohol). If anything, it would make more sense to waste your money on the non-addictive, mind-altering illegal substance, rather than spending money on actually addictive substances that will give you many more problems quicker.

weed kills your brains cells which has for consequence the effect of making you stupid, simple as.

Source? Because I would love to see the proof that pot kills braincells (kinda like alcohol does - but wait, that doesn't count because it's ok since it is legal), especially since they have done studies that say that pot can slow the advance of Alzheimer's (that's the funky disease that kills your brain cells, and destroys your memory)

Neither directly kill brain cells, but that's not to say that they both can't lead to problems.

That's not exactly true. I have seen no evidence that comes close to saying that pot as brain damaging effects (and I've seen a lot of stuff in the news about the positive effects that pot can have on your brain), but there is scientific proof that alcohol kills brain cells (by starving the brain of oxygen IIRC).

Sure, alcohol and pot can lead to problems, but the negative effects of the two substances are in two entirely different leagues

Yes they are... And what I said was purposely vague, I didn't specify brain problems...I just said problems.

Even disregarding brain problems specifically, and moving into the general problems that both substances cause, they are in two entirely different leagues, even more so than if you just look at the brain.

At most, pot would damage your lungs directly, and that's only if you smoke it. Alcohol on the other hand can cause problems with your entire body, specifically the brain and liver. Also, when was the last time you heard of someone overdosing on either substance? Pot? never. Alcohol? That's damned near a daily occurrence.

And you're assuming that I'm anti-weed and pro-alcohol? Neither is true, but I'm pro-choice on both. I've already stated that I think it should be legal, and that I know it is enjoyable...

I wasn't assuming you were anti-weed and pro-alcohol, I was just trying to correct what seemed like a misinformed person.

 

[Wuvlycuddles]

There are no intelligent stoners. At least, not by how i define a stoner.

There is a world of difference between a stoner and a casual pot smoker, just like the difference between an alcoholic and a casual drinker. One drinks/smokes excessively and suffers the adverse effects the other drinks/smokes perhaps only on the one night of the week and does it socially and never by themselves.

So alot of these "intelligent stoner" stories i am seeing here? Well, i'm thinking that they're probably just casual smokers.

I figure it's hollywoods fault for the lack of awareness of this distinction, which is mostly down to the fact that an average guy who sometimes smokes pot isn't as funny as the cheeches, chongs or spicolis of the world.

And another thing that is often overlooked is that the way you THINK you will act when stoned actually effects the way you ARE when stoned. And that applies to nearly all mind altering substances, including (and especially) alcohol.

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

http://lungcancer.about.com/od/causesoflungcance1/f/marijuana.htm

I don't have a problem with anyone smoking, I used to get enjoyment out of it myself. But claiming that there are no adverse effects is pretty silly, it may not be as harmful as tobacco or alcohol(and it is hypocritical for it still to be illegal)but holding smoke in your lungs isn't good for them.

You said it causes cancer much in the same way tobacco does. That's flat out wrong, regardless of whether or not it's smoked. For fucks sake, even the page you link only says "probably", and that's about as usable as me looking at a cigar, then looking at a cigarette. "Wow, you have to smoke both of those. They are probably bad for you in the same way."

Also, you can vaporize it, or eat it, and not have to inhale any smoke at all, as others have already suggested you.

I don't remember saying that it causes cancer in much the same way that tobacco does, I said it contains some of the same nastiness...which appears to be an observed fact.

"Probably" could have alot to do with the scientific community being unwilling to speak categorically without categorical evidence. Nevertheless, if they say it's "probably harmful", they very likely have good reason to think so.

There may be a stronger connection formed in the future - but there isn't one now, and we can't base one side of the argument on facts and the other side on assumptions.

If all is not known, then neither side can have the definitive facts...
edit - Vaporizing sounds great, but it's hardly widespread where I am.

 

[Ryokai]

Because generally you need to be stupid to want to do that much damage to your body on a regular basis.

The question is, why aren't smokers also depicted like this? (This is coming from an ex smoker.)

 

[Neonic-Ink]

In films, stereotyping people is an easy way to get a laugh.

In other movies, let's just use Grandma's Boy as an example..
Alex and Dante both smoked weed pretty heavily and sure, Alex did burn his hands trying to get a hot cookie sheet with oven mitts under the influence of pot and Dante did illegally smuggle a rare African lion into the neighborhood.

However, Alex developed a whole video game by himself. He did the programming, coding, graphics and everything by himself. Sure it took him three years, but you have to have some intelligence to do video game programming, especially by yourself, in secret, with nobody but Google to help you.

I am very much for pure weed to be legalized and taxed, just as cigarettes and alcohol are.

And like my grandpa used to say, "There's a time and a place for everything." As well as, "Too much of a good thing is bad for you."

So, smoking a joint here and there isn't terrible for you, especially if you know when enough is enough.

As for people who are overall idiots "because of weed" you have to think how they were before they started smoking it. Were they idiots beforehand? If yes, and you are still blaming the weed, then silly you.

You should blame the person, not the weed.

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

I think the problem is people are confusing the idea of stupid.
Was John Lennon stupid?
Were Bob Dylan or Jimmi Hendrix?

Hendrix took 9 of a sleeping pill that you typically take a half of one, I love the guy...but that's less than smart if you don't want to die.

OT: Exaggeration is the easiest way to flesh out a character, especially for comedic purposes.

Last I checked, spending your money on addictive, illegal substances isn't a sign of intelligence.

Well, first of all, pot isn't addictive. You may develop a psychological craving for the drug, but it is not addictive. As for the second bit of that (illegal substance), there are other substances out there that are even more addictive and worse for you (see tobacco and alcohol). If anything, it would make more sense to waste your money on the non-addictive, mind-altering illegal substance, rather than spending money on actually addictive substances that will give you many more problems quicker.

weed kills your brains cells which has for consequence the effect of making you stupid, simple as.

Source? Because I would love to see the proof that pot kills braincells (kinda like alcohol does - but wait, that doesn't count because it's ok since it is legal), especially since they have done studies that say that pot can slow the advance of Alzheimer's (that's the funky disease that kills your brain cells, and destroys your memory)

Neither directly kill brain cells, but that's not to say that they both can't lead to problems.

That's not exactly true. I have seen no evidence that comes close to saying that pot as brain damaging effects (and I've seen a lot of stuff in the news about the positive effects that pot can have on your brain), but there is scientific proof that alcohol kills brain cells (by starving the brain of oxygen IIRC).

Sure, alcohol and pot can lead to problems, but the negative effects of the two substances are in two entirely different leagues

Yes they are... And what I said was purposely vague, I didn't specify brain problems...I just said problems.

Even disregarding brain problems specifically, and moving into the general problems that both substances cause, they are in two entirely different leagues, even more so than if you just look at the brain.

At most, pot would damage your lungs directly, and that's only if you smoke it. Alcohol on the other hand can cause problems with your entire body, specifically the brain and liver. Also, when was the last time you heard of someone overdosing on either substance? Pot? never. Alcohol? That's damned near a daily occurrence.

And you're assuming that I'm anti-weed and pro-alcohol? Neither is true, but I'm pro-choice on both. I've already stated that I think it should be legal, and that I know it is enjoyable...

I wasn't assuming you were anti-weed and pro-alcohol, I was just trying to correct what seemed like a misinformed person.

All I'm saying is that "weed is definitly consequence free" is a silly position to take...that's all. Other substances being worse is frankly irrelevent to the point I was making.