Marijuana

by **Murgatroyd** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 12:32 pm

Touchy subject for me, but I'll spill my guts anyway.

Within my father's side of the family, alchoholism is a dominant trait. My father's an alchoholic, his father was an alchoholic, his mother was an alchoholic, their parents, etc. etc. as far back as I can trace my family tree.

My father is what is known as a "functional" alchoholic. He currently maintains a six-figured income job engineering weapons systems for the military through a contracted civilian engineering firm. Most recently, he designed electronics for the "daisy cutter" bombs, and developed some new technology for night vision.

With that said, I do not drink alchohol - I've decided to break the chain. I also do not smoke pot, because I found myself heading down the path of addiction.

Anyone who says pot is not addictive is either naieve or in denial. I was addicted to pot. It started with lethargy, I managed to get myself into alot of debt. I got laid off, and didn't "feel" like getting another job. Then, I began developing mental problems. It started with paranoia, then moved on to psychosis. At this time, I realized what was happening, put down the pipe and have never looked back.
That was five years ago.

Now, I have a good job, I've gone back to school, I'm getting myself out of debt, and I have been more mentally sound than at any point in my life prior.

Is marijuana dangerous? Yes. Should it be legal? Why not. I was smart enough to put it down when it became a problem, and have never looked back. Same with alchohol - I never started.

I have no opposition to people using alchohol or marijuana to "have a good time". I know it's not for me, because it is a problem for me. Occasional use is fine - when you do it all the time, then there is an issue.

by **JimmyTango** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 12:47 pm

Originally posted by RCglider
A friend I grew up with has been smoking pot for 25 years. His use of it hasn't changed him at all; he still has low paying jobs, doesn't care much about improving himself, can't remember anything, is paranoid everyone's out to get him and dreams of the day he can collect disability or win the lotto so he can have more time to smoke dope so he can cope with life. Nah, it's not addictive.

If anyone thinks pot doesn't have negative health effects, both mental and physical, they must be smoking something.

And people are poor slobs that do not smoke pot.

Fact of the matter is, the first independant study that was funded by the US government(implemented by Clinton) came back saying that pot is not a narcotic, as it does not meet the requirements. A narcotic must have a physical addiction, which pot does not have. What you typed above has nothing to do with addiction at all. Your friend has other issues, and pot is not part of it, just his excuse.

by **JimmyTango** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 12:57 pm

Originally posted by Murgatroyd

Anyone who says pot is not addictive is either naieve or in denial. I was addicted to pot. It started with lethargy, I managed to get myself into alot of debt. I got laid off, and didn't "feel" like getting another job. Then, I began developing mental problems. It started with paranoia, then moved on to psychosis. At this time, I realized what was happening, put down the pipe and have never looked back.
That was five years ago.

Naieve would be thinking what you typed is addiction, as it is not. Wanting something, or to do something, is not addiction. By your definition of addiction, every single thing is addictive. You can be addicted to playing a game since that is all you want to do or can think of. However, when you go to bed, you are not shaking with cold sweats needing to play that game.

This is the problem, many people are ignorant to what addiction really is. And no, since I need a disclaimer when I use the word ignorant, ignorant is not calling you, or anyone else, stupid.

Smoking pot will have side effects, which paranoia is one. However, it is not life threatening, and in no way worse than drinking or smoking.

There is absolutely no reason for it being illegal for medical use. It can be taken in a pill form(no need to even smoke it) and has two great properties. One is pain relief and the other is it makes you hungry. This is excellent for people with cancer.

by **lil_Tigga** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:07 pm

this is what i think they should do. they should legalize it and the government can put tax on it that why there happy and we are happy. also if they legalize it they might drive out the criminal element

by **Murgatroyd** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:38 pm

Originally posted by JimmyTango
Naieve would be thinking what you typed is addiction, as it is not. Wanting something, or to do something, is not addiction. By your definition of addiction, every single thing is addictive. You can be addicted to playing a game since that is all you want to do or can think of. However, when you go to bed, you are not shaking with cold sweats needing to play that game.

Well, it's comforting to know that you have a better grasp of what I experienced than I, myself do. Next time I decide to share an anecdote of a painful period of my life, I'll be sure and consult you to ensure that I'm being as accurate as possible about what I was experiencing, ok? Sound good?

And to rebuff your statement, I believe that a compelling, seemingly uncontrollable urge to do something, regardles of what that something is, is addiction. Last time I checked, gambling isn't a narcotic, but it is widely believed to be addictive.

by **lil_Tigga** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:40 pm

seriously i think it depends on the person becuase i have tried it and i probelly do it about once a month and i have in no way have found myself saying "damn i need to get more weed" i do it becuase i choose to not becuase i am addited

by **hightimber** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:48 pm

Originally posted by Murgatroyd
Well, it's comforting to know that you have a better grasp of what I experienced than I, myself do. Next time I decide to share an anecdote of a painful period of my life, I'll be sure and consult you to ensure that I'm being as accurate as possible about what I was experiencing, ok? Sound good?

And to rebuff your statement, I believe that a compelling, seemingly uncontrollable urge to do something, regardles of what that something is, is addiction. Last time I checked, gambling isn't a narcotic, but it is widely believed to be addictive.

Good counter, Murg.

Glad to read that you've got yourself straightened out.

by **Jim0322** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:57 pm

Originally posted by Murgatroyd

Anyone who says pot is not addictive is either naieve or in denial. I was addicted to pot.

Pot is not really physically addictive. It can be psychologically addictive. You can quit cold turkey without it killing you. My statement was just medical fact. While being physiologicallly dependent upon a substance can kill you, the hardest part for addicted people is overcoming the psychological aspects. Physical withdrawal is usually over within a few days.

Pot, alcohol, cigarettes, narcotics and other drugs can all lead to severe addictions. The physiological consequences of quitting cold turkey without medical help are different though.

Jim

by **JimmyTango** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:35 pm

Originally posted by Murgatroyd

Well, it's comforting to know that you have a better grasp of what I experienced than I, myself do. Next time I decide to share an anecdote of a painful period of my life, I'll be sure and consult you to ensure that I'm being as accurate as possible about what I was experiencing, ok? Sound good?

It is good you got your self straightened out, but this is nothing more than a pitty party post. In no way did I tell you how you felt or what you experienced. Again, nice that your life is straightened out, but no need for this pitty party post with what I posted. I did not kick on you, make fun of you, or anything like that.

Originally posted by Murgatroyd

And to rebuff your statement, I believe that a compelling, seemingly uncontrollable urge to do something, regardles of what that something is, is addiction. Last time I checked, gambling isn't a narcotic, but it is widely believed to be addictive.

It is CLEARLY defined in what constitutes addiction when dealign with narcotics by the DEA, and what you explained does not in any way fall into the classification of an addictive agent.

by **shockwave203** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:40 pm

I think it should be decriminalized (like it's going to be in Canada) but I don't think it should be made legal.

if it's lega, we'll have so many people walking around, driving around, while they're high as a kite. it would be like wandering around in public while you're drunk off your face (although you don't have the exact same effects, it can still be dangerous)

decriminalized yes (so you don't have a criminal record if you're caught with a small amount). legal, no.

by **Murgatroyd** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:47 pm

Originally posted by JimmyTango
:violin:

It is good you got your self straightened out, but this is nothing more than a pitty party post. In no way did I tell you how you felt or what you experienced. Again, nice that your life is straightened out, but no need for this pitty party post with what I posted. I did not kick on you, make fun of you, or anything like that.

It is CLEARLY defined in what constitutes addiction when dealign with narcotics by the DEA, and what you explained does not in any way fall into the classification of an addictive agent.

So now that you're going to claim that this most recent post is devoid of personal attacks as well? I believe you began your previous post was "What is naieve is that you typed...",
but I'm not going to bicker about semantics, because I'm not that petty.

I get the jist that you're trying to drag me into some sort of confrontation, but it's not going to happen - enjoy your residence on my ignore list.

by **LeVar Burton** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:50 pm

Oh snap!!! Score one for the pacifists.

by **JimmyTango** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:52 pm

Originally posted by Murgatroyd
So now that you're going to claim that this most recent post is devoid of personal attacks as well? I believe you began your previous post was "What is naieve is that you typed...",
but I'm not going to bicker about semantics, because I'm not that petty.

I get the jist that you're trying to drag me into some sort of confrontation, but it's not going to happen - enjoy your residence on my ignore list.

Maybe you missed the point of the naieve comment, as your post I quoted started as:

Anyone who says pot is not addictive is either naieve or in denial.

See, I defined what naieve is after you called just about every poster in here naieve. Jesus Christ, grow up you over sensitive baby. You cry like a little kid after I reflect back onto you what you just called the majority of posters in this thread? Boo freaking hoo. Liek I said, it is nice your life is back together after your dangerous life with weed!!!, but I am not going to stroke you off over it after calling the majority of poster naieve.

There is no dragging you into anything. If you are going to tell people they are naieve for something that is a false statement, then i am going to say you are naieve for believing it.

Boo hoo, oh no.
:roll:

:violin:

by **AnimalCracka** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 3:00 pm

Damn, cant we have a civilized conversation without some bullshit arguments. Come on guys.

by **Murgatroyd** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 3:02 pm

Originally posted by AnimalCracka
Damn, cant we have a civilized conversation without some bullshit arguments. Come on guys.

I'm sure we could if there weren't those of us who decide to make inflammatory, derogatory remarks and cause these conversations to degenerate into pissing contests.

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