Fire

well, here in Columbia they have made it a misdemeanor, tops $250.00 fine and NO CRIMINAL RECORD, and it is now by law the "lowest enforcement priority " of the Columbia PD- we voted this in at the same time as a majority of us voted for bush- the major reason being that its a big time college town here- and drug bust= loss of scholarship= less revenue for the town= no opposition from the powers what is to the reform innititave- so here, legality is a minor issue, but my feelings have not changed, its basicly a controll issue for me- I rarely, ie once a year, get drunk, as while it may be fun, it erodes my controll of the situation, which is something I really like having- I also agree with Art, in that I feel that my body has enough drug dispensers built in for my taste- I love that natural feelings that we get from lifes experiences, unfiltered by any artificial substances......

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Thought the harder, Heart the bolder,
Mood the more as our might lessens

Coppertop

Smoked back in my early 20s. And yes Bingle, it is amazing the amount of misinformation out there about it. Like most other things in life it can be harmful if taken to extremes. It's unfortunate that it has been so scapegoated in this country. Thanks Hearst!

Echodork

Because smoking pot is something I would do if I had nothing else to do. Sitting around my basement, nothing on TV, nobody's home, ain't got shit to do... yeah, sure, light a joint. But my life just isn't boring enough. I don't need to smoke weed to relax, I don't find it particularly fun to try to get stuff done while I'm stoned off my horse, and it's a more expensive habit than just about anything else I do.

Soo... there's a few reasons.

antisuck

I did for years, and I think in some regards I am the worse for it.

The few times I smoked in recent years I tended to withdraw and ruminate on problems and get generally paranoid and stressed out. I'm not sure what changed.

I have a tendency to lack motivation in the first place, and smoking sucked any remaining desire to do anything right out of me.

Also, it was never a social thing for me (vegging under headphones or watching TV); now that I have a family I don't often have time like that for myself.

Stick

Over the last 3 decades I've smoked pounds of the shit. I stopped 4 years ago when I realised I had nothing after working for 24 years. Since then I've bought a house, a new car and a Harley. The brain cells have regrouped and the paranoia and pyscotic behaviour have ceased. I have a life! What better reason to not smoke anymore?

isis

For argument's sake, I don't think pot and alcohol should even be classified in the same substance category. They work in different ways, and do different things to people.

Alcoholism is nothing like being addicted to drugs, the effects of alcohol are significantly different than of pot.

I personally smoke pot, and I do it to relax and loosen up a bit. Maybe I'm a bit stiff, but I like to be able to be more open to people and I find that pot allows me to relax and have a good time.

Daoust

I haven't smoked in over 6 years, but I won't lie to you - I loved getting high on that stuff. I think a pot high is 100x better than getting drunk. I think I'd have a hard time turning down a joint now if it was offered to me, but chances are good that I would, because...
1. I did stop smoking for a reason. I grew out of that lifestyle.
2. I'm a family man, wife and kid, and that's too important to me to let drugs get in the way.
3. I have no contacts to get it, and even if I did, I have no $ to buy it.
4. God and pot don't mix, and I"m into God.

Also, I love the smell of pot. It's so unique. I don't know why so many people dislike it.

__________________
I have faith in a few things - divinity and grace
But even when I'm on my knees I know the devil preys

joeyaz

-I've never really enjoyed myself the few times I've tried it I tend to get to really paranoid.

-Random drug test at work, too much risk I'd get worried that I'd be the one to get screened.

MikeyChalupa

I'm in the military. It's illegal. Doing it just once means you're kicked out.

No thanks.

-Mikey

Lockjaw

But you don't have to pay any money to stay up a long time and if you have any sort of normal sleeping habit you can be right as rain in a single day.

Lockjaw

Because it smells like a skunk sprayed you and you pissed your pants and stewed in it for 3 days in 100 degree weather. I shared a cubicle at my old job with a guy that smoked out all day everyday...stinkiest bastard I ever worked with.

animosity

I am in school and need my memory/brain cells.

I am too hungry, laid back and tired as it is. The last thing I need is something to highten that.

avhg1

I'd don't smoke because I become a lazy ass, good for nothing pothead. I lose all motivation to do anything but eat. With a big family, school and career, I have no time to be lazy. While I was in high school, I smoked up, but now that I have other people depending on me, I can't.

__________________
I shake the devil's hand daily... I'd do it hourly, but my hand gets tired.

kel

Because society is run by ignorant cow turds who won't let me.

Although I agree with animosity. I still believe it should be my choice.

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"It better be funny"

Redlemon

I'm very happy with my life. It is possible that if I used pot (or any other drug), I'd prefer being high, and therefore like the way my life is less. I see no reason to go there.

Secondary reasons: I don't want to be dependent on something that is illegal. I hate smoke in any form.

rfra3645

wow pot...

well pot is something i did evreyday for a long time.. i learned alott of things while high that i retained.. althought that amases me.. i do think it is possible to learn while stoned and depending on id say the person it is posible to retain it.. i quit becasue my wife didnt want me getting in trouble locked up and leaving her and my kids at the time kid. i miss it.. i miss the idea of partying. i dont drink dont like to drink. i think that people who say drinking and pot rnt in the same catagory are techiclly right but really in reality they are 1 in the same.. both change your state of mind. both have the abilty to make you think irationally. both have anonymoys meetings.. both can be expensive. on that note id would say evreyone has 1 "vice" drink, smoke, gamble, sex, shop, work, or use drugs of 1 sort or another. lets look at rush... he was addicted to oxys for goodness sakes.. yes i can say everybody has a vice . i think evreyone should have the right to choose what they do. who is the "man" who should decide if smoking a bowl is bad? or ey lets go pick up a couple cases of beer. anyone who says drinking isnt bad when done evreyday wether once or twice or 6 pack or whatever really needs to re evaluate thiere ideals. i see no diffrence in drinking a 6 a night or smoking a joint or 2 a night. i dont think it should be illeagl. i doubt anyone could change my mind on this. why smoke pot. why smoke cigaretts why drink beer why do shots of curevo ?? i cant figure out any of theese things.. or can i......


oh yes it all becomes clear.. we do things that arnt natural for the high whatever it is.

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this post is a natural product made from recycled electrons.
the slight variations in spelling, grammar and punctuation
enhance its individual character and individuality and are
in no way to be considered flaws or defects.


if you cant read my post i dont want to hear about it move on. thanks

Glory's Sun

I'm far from being part of any anti-drug campaign, but I don't smoke pot because I don't like the type of high I get. I smoked it a few times and it wasn't all that great. The first 2 times were pretty good..but after that.. and I we had the good shit, it just gave me headaches. I found better drugs to use.. (please spare the flame as it is purely recreational and yes I believe that recreational use of *some* drugs can be a good thing.)

Now on to what some people have mentioned. I really don't think one can truly take an anit-drug stance unless he/she is against alcohol as well. Let's face it, alcohol does some weird shit to a person mentally. It does alot of physical abuse as well. Not to mention that it kills alot more people than pot does. I don't have any stats but I'd be willing to bet that alcohol kills more people than all drugs combined. (just guessing there)

So why don't I smoke pot?? Because it's just not the drug for me

Nancy

alrighty!

-scientists at the Institution of Neurology at the University College in London has found out (via animal tests) that canabis can make the severe convulsive fits of sclerosis go away after within one minute after taking it.

-people with AIDS use canabis to lower their sickness

-chronically ill people use it as an alternative to other pain-stilling medicine

Ironically alcohol is just as injurious to health as canabis yet you don't hear anyone argumenting against alhohol the same way as they do about canabis

__________________
I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don't know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy.
I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.

Stug

I originally bought cannabis back at College, to try it with a mate. He posted half of his back to his Mum, who was (and still is) a Multiple Sclerosis sufferer. She claimed it helped to ease her symptoms (especially her muscle spasms - Nancy), but even if getting high just took her away from her immediate situation then it's a good thing right? Later on I also scored for my Dad who wanted to re-live his 'missed out on' hippy years, but he developed a cough and got bored of it pretty quickly.

Personally, I smoke it now and then. It's best when I'm relaxing at home (with a beer) and a good computer game/book or film. I find I just get lost in the moment that little bit more, I know I'm probably pretty 'goofy' at this time so I don't inflict myself on others.

The number one honest reason why I wouldn't smoke it again..? Well apart from the obvious health implications and lack of sense of smell that come with smoking.
I find that if I smoke too much over a period of time it robs me of creativity - a really useful prerequisite for a Graphic Designer like me!

If you enjoy smoking/drinking then do it, it's your life to live but everything in moderation means you may be around to enjoy it that little bit longer...

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and so ends the thought process for another day...

zen_tom

Wow Stompy, I totally relate to your experience there - I don't touch the stuff at all now (for many of the reasons suggested here), but used to LOVE the focused concentration you get when you really 'get into' something. If there was something I could buy legally that had the same effect, I'd be onto it instantly. Pot gives you that, but with a whole host of other unwanted side effects that I'm just not interested in.

the_marq

it makes me jumpy and paranoid...FUCK, who said that!!??

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The Truth:

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#3 in a series

roachboy

pot tweaks my hearing, so i kinda like it.
pot tweaks my short term memory in the opposite direction, so i kinda dont.

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a gramophone its corrugated trumpet silver handle
spinning dog. such faithfulness it hear

it make you sick.

-kamau brathwaite

Stug

Oh yeah, and another thing! People who insinuate that pot smoking effects your short term... uhhhh... ummmm.... short term.... uhhh...

the thing about the last thing...

ummm... hmmm....

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and so ends the thought process for another day...

asaris

I don't enjoy the buzz, and the taste isn't particularly good.

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"Die Deutschen meinen, daß die Kraft sich in Härte und Grausamkeit offenbaren müsse, sie unterwerfen sich dann gerne und mit Bewunderung:[...]. Daß es Kraft giebt in der Milde und Stille, das glauben sie nicht leicht."

"The Germans believe that power must reveal itself in hardness and cruelty and then submit themselves gladly and with admiration[...]. They do not believe readily that there is power in meekness and calm."

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

superiorrain

I don't smoke because people who smoke it lose IQ points faster than you can gain them. I have some friends who are all clever don't get me wrong, their all studying but you can see over the years instead of them becoming wiser they seem to get dumber or less interested. The thinking process slow down to.

My theory is as us guys carry on smoking pot the world will be taken over by women. Our rule is over and now its time for women to take over the top spots. Perhaps this isn't a bad idea, i long for the day for a women to sit in the whitehouse as head of the USA.

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"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible." - Arthur C. Clarke

boredom

its easier to manipulate someone on MJ when your not on MJ at the same time.

__________________
Wiggum: Find anything this time, boys?
Cop: Uh, no sign of him, Chief.
Wiggum: Princess Opal?
Opal: I see nothing here, but I'm afraid it's splitsville for Delta
Burke and Major Dad.
Wiggum: But they seem so happy!
-- ``Bart the Murderer''

OFKU0

I've smoked pot for 25 years on a recreational basis (sometimes heavier than other times) and believe that the affects are as individual as anything else. Some people eat fast food and get obese. Some eat it and don't. Some people smoke cigs their entire life without lung cancer yet others never smoke a day in their life and get lung cancer. Some people get stupid when they smoke pot (over prolonged time periods), some don't.

Everyone has an opinion as to what other people do with their time and that's fine. Some people think smoking pot is stupid. Others think that going on forums like this is stupid. Horses for courses. Everyone is different with said opinions.

I like what Stompy said though. Music is my living, has been for over 20 years and the creative avenues that pop up when I smoke are interesting to say the least. For me anyways it compliments an already creative mind.

I'm not advocating drug use ( or any other self afflictions) because I don't care what people choose to put in their bodies, be it crap food, no food, alcohol, drugs, whatever. It's not for me to judge. I'll tell you one thing though, one of the best things I ever did as a teenager was drop acid about 10- 12 times. I don't think my creativeness would have even been as close to what it is if a mind altering drug didn't open my mind. The first hit of acid I took at 16 years old total changed the way I thought of things from that day on. But that's just me. I did it knowing the potential outcome so I looked forward to it, rather than just as an excuse to get wasted. Same with pot. I don't and have never done it to get hammered but rather to explore the potentials it offers.

Has pot and alcohol killed some brain cells? I'm sure it has. Does it bother me? No. I do what I do, when I want to do it, regardless as to whatever social stigmas are the rage of the moment. It's purely a random fancy if you will. It couldn't be that damaging for me since I'm almost 40 and have been mortgage free for 5 years in a rather affluent community. Go figure.

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f6twister

#1 Reason = my son. It will be easier to keep him off of it if I can tell him honestly that I never needed it in my life

#2 Reason = my job. I work with cops. I don't think that needs explaining.

#3 Reason = why?. I can function in life just fine without the effects of any drugs. Somedays I'm happy, some days I'm not. That is life. That makes me who I am. Why change?

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tropple

My only reason is liability for urinalysis.

Otherwise, I'd love to. I smoked for many years.

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+++++++++++Boom!

grendel

i have no interest in smoking pot, so i guess that's why.

Averett

I've never been around it much. A handful of times. Was I offered some? Sure. Why did I turn it down? Well, at the time I was 24, and at that point why should I bother? Although now I'm a bit curious and thinking I should have tried.

A friend of mine is pretty much a pot head (though he'll deny that word), and he's one of the most intelligent, goal orientated people I know.

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Absence is to love what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.

roachboy

just cruised back through here on my way out...after reading ofkuo's post, i figured i should mention that i am a musician as well. pot tweaks how i hear our sets in particular. but i do not smoke when i play--playing requires too much emptiness and weed keeps little waves coursing around.

playing electric is different--i find it is easier to forget the mediations in the sound then.

__________________
a gramophone its corrugated trumpet silver handle
spinning dog. such faithfulness it hear

it make you sick.

-kamau brathwaite

quadro2000

I don't do any drugs, and I very very rarely drink. I like being fully aware and in control over all my senses. I find I'm very powerful when I'm in control, and I don't like it when that's taken away from me.

If I were to try and drug, pot would be the one. I think it's the least harmful out of any of them, certainly less harmful than alcohol, and the people I know who smoke it really enjoy it.

I was at a concert in 1996, one of the best concerts I've been to. I was really diggin' it. The guy next to me offered his joint. I took it, held it for a sec, and then gave it back. I decided the moment was so awesome that there wasn't a drug in the world that could ever make it better. That's how I feel about many experiences in life. I don't need anything to make me happier than I already am.

In college, what I really didn't like about pot was that it was "the great divider." We'd have a big party at our house, everybody would hang out, then the people who wanted to smoke would go downstairs to a corner, or go to a separate room and close the door, and then that was it for the big group social aspect. Suddenly there were two groups, and most times they never converged again afterwards. I hated that.

My brother smokes a lot of pot. I don't know what his frequency is now, but I know that before he left for college it was everyday. When he first started, he told me it took away a lot of his depression and made him feel better. I haven't asked him again specifically about it, but from talking to him, it seems like now his stoned state is his normal state, and so...now what is he going to do to ease any pain he's feeling in the stoned state? That's what worries me.

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Coppertop

Out of curiosity what makes you say this?

chance

I got hooked on it for 3 years. It did a lot of damage and I can't get a lot of things I loved back. It even caused "mania" and I had to get on special drugs to stop the affect of the pot. It Screwed me up pretty bad.

MSD

I'm having a hard enough time paying for school with the federal funding that I'd lose if I got busted for pot.

Pot conviction = instant denial of application for concealed carry permit

The one time I tried it, I didn't like it.

Grondar

I consider alcohol to be worse than pot, yet ironically it's legal, and pot isn't.

I haven't touched either, ever, but when I think of which is more hazardous to the user, alcohol comes to mind before pot does.

Health wise though, I still think pot is worse for you. Inhaling smoke and chemicals into the lungs just seems worse to me than drinking something, because at least drinking is natural and something the body needs, and is used to.

Alcohol seems to be dangerous through its affects on the user, while pot seems to be more dangerous from a health standpoint.

Both are bad news and a waste though, IMO.

__________________
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Captain Nemo

OFKU0, I agree with you, the affects of pot are different by person. I love the people who get on here and say you lose IQ points. Um, sure....

I am 40 years old, a CPA (probably why I smoke pot), I am in charge of all legal and regulatory matters for my company, I have my Master's degree, and I have worked in the professional world for 17 years. My wife, also a CPA and a member of the professional community, also smokes. Do we sit around at night and fire a bong up until we're too stupid too talk? Of course not. Our intake pretty much consists of a sole hit from a dugout. It is a nice way to ease the stress out of the system.

A small amount can last us for quite a long time at that rate.

Generally saying that pot makes you stupid is in itself a stupid comment. That would be like comparing my having a belgian ale in the evening, with the guy who goes to the party store so he can consume a case of Miller Lite.

Suave

Either that or you just get accustomed to living on less sleep, which isn't healthy either. I've read a decent amount on sleep deprivation, and on average it takes 1-2 weeks to recover from a single day's lost sleep from the journal articles I read.

I'll admit it doesn't cost money though, but when it's only 5-10 bucks for a smokable amount of weed, it's not a big deal for me anyways. :P I'm more turned off by the lung effects.

Jimellow

This is a good point, and I agree.

There is a big difference between using a substance (any substance) in moderation and excess.

Using a lot of things in excess will probably make you stupid over time. Pot might be one of them, eating paint chips another, but if smoked moderately and intellegently, I tend to think that your brain cells will be fine.