Smoking pot into your 30's, or even 40's.

[loseyourname]

Just like an albuterol hit. If you want it to work, you have to hold it in long enough for the drug to be absorbed. The only thing you don't want to hold in is crystal meth (which I am proud to say I do not know from experience).

 

[El Hombre Invisible]

May I ask the people who have smoked pot why they smoke/d it?

I once did three buckets in a row and sat on the floor. Then my friend jumped into the room wearing a gas mask and waving a teddy bear at us. I laughed for ten solid minutes. That is, if anything, an underestimate. No BS. That's a good reason for doing it.

Note: the above should be taken in the context of all arguments for and against the smoking or consumption otherwise of any part or refined extract of the hemp plant. In no way am I endorsing the recreational use of this miracle of a plant.

i like feeling my body...

Seconded.

I'd also heard that it can "stunt growth"...

I don't think anyone's condoning giving it to kids.

... or "interfere with sexual function."

True enough, it can, and in more than one way. It can make sex difficult for men if you're incredibly stoned, much like alcohol can. It can also make sex really, really, really good. I mean... REALLY good.

Maybe shrooms one day, when I have like 8 hours or whatever in which I have no responsibilities at all.

It's acid that lasts 8-10 hours. Shrooms last but a few.

Oh man, that stuff is still around? I remember a few years a buncha people I knew were doing that. It trips you out extremely for a pretty short amount of time, right?

That sounds like amyls?

But I remember in the DARE programs a long time ago we are all fed the line that all drugs are bad (except for pharmaceuticals which are specifically prescribed to you) and that smoking marijuana is equivalent to getting high on a powerful narcotic like heroin or cocaine.

Bollox.

Never smoked a cigarette either and go out of my way to avoid second-hand smoke as well (even if I wasn't concerned about the health effects, it just smells bad).

As a stupid cigarette smoker (but down to two a day \o/), I agree - tobacco smoke smells terrible and is one of the four mains I want to quite (the others being money, health and self-loathing at being addicted to something).

BUT... grass smells absolutely divine.

 

[Anttech]

The first few times it really got to me (and in post-high ruminations), there was also just the pure fascination with an altered state of consciousness in itself. Most people don't know, or don't really realize in any appreciable sense, that there are many, many more modes of consciousness than just 'normal' waking consciousness and dreaming, nor the extent to which, and manner in which, these alternate modes of consciousness are different from normal consciousness. Unfortunately, though, I do not think it is possible to communicate these points in anything more than a very hollow, surface scratching kind of way to one who has never experienced the effects of psychoactives. Langauge can only go so far in describing subjective experience, and even then it's only effective to the extent that speaker and listener share a common base of conscious experiences.

Hmm very true.. I take it from your responce that you have taken mind altering drugs before then?

 

[Kerrie]

And most adults I know who smoke a lot of pot have a lot of problems.

Can you elaborate on "problems"? That's a vague term. It would seem to me that marijuana was the cause of these problems rather then the problems causing the marijuana smoking.

Prior to full time parenthood, I smoked quite frequently. I enjoyed it mostly when I went into creative mode (I do a lot of arts and crafts) because it really did help me create some beautiful stuff. I agree with Hyp's theory of giving you altered states of consciousness, THC did that for me when I wanted to be creative.

But don't let anyone tell you that marijuana is not addictive. Physically it can be if you use it for pain relief, and especially mentally it can be as well. In my experience, I have found those who smoke on a frequent regular basis are oblivious and have no connection to those around them. There's a reason why they are referred to as potheads.

I don't believe though it's a drug that causes violence. Alcohol causes much more violence and death and it's legal. Just like anything, use of it in moderation is not harmful so long as you are considerate of those around you.

 

[revelator]

I'm smoking my bong right now! :shy:

 

[El Hombre Invisible]

But don't let anyone tell you that marijuana is not addictive.

It's not addictive in the strictest sense. It can be addictive in the "oh, I just must have chocolate" sense.

In my experience, I have found those who smoke on a frequent regular basis are oblivious and have no connection to those around them.

Could that be because people who smoke on a frequent regular basis are frequently, regularly stoned and so frequently and regularly observed to be stoned? The effects of a joint can last hours. People who smoke a lot feel the effects of it less, but nonetheless are still affected. It's no more true to say that smoking a joint makes you oblivious and disconnected than it is to say drinking scotch makes you clumsy and disorientated.

The other point to make here is that anyone who is frequently stoned has problems anyway, in the same way that people who drink too much have problems. A huge argument against the legalisation of cannabis is the statistical 'evidence' that people who smoke a lot of pot have problems in life, so cannabis is bad. The fact that normal people don't waste their lives away smoking pot doesn't seem to occur to them.

 

[Kerrie]

It's not addictive in the strictest sense. It can be addictive in the "oh, I just must have chocolate" sense.

As a former pothead myself of 10+ years, I can guarantee that marijuana can be addictive in the mental sense-maybe not for you personally, but I have seen it grip people who feel they need it.

A huge argument against the legalisation of cannabis is the statistical 'evidence' that people who smoke a lot of pot have problems in life, so cannabis is bad. The fact that normal people don't waste their lives away smoking pot doesn't seem to occur to them.

I think the biggest argument of why cannabis is illegal is because of the threat that hemp-the non THC relative of cannabis-has on major corporate industries such as lumber, cotton, and the big one-oil.

 

[hypnagogue]

Hmm very true.. I take it from your responce that you have taken mind altering drugs before then?

Yes, I thought that was obvious from my previous post.

 

[hypnagogue]

If someone uses marijuana for chronic pain, how long does it work? The problem with most painkillers is that tolerance (accompanying addiction) develops and higher and higher doses are needed to block the pain, or a different class of drugs needs to be used. Is marijuana any different?

It's most certainly the case that with frequent smoking, the user will gradually need higher and higher doses to achieve the same subjective effect. I don't know how that relates to the issue of pain relief though. It seems somewhat plausible that any pain relieving properties of using marijuana might last longer than the ~2 hour subjective high itself.

Are you sure you weren't just suffering oxygen deprivation? You can get quite a loopy feeling just holding your breath too long too, especially if you've just replaced all the oxygen in your lungs with carbon monoxide!

Holding one's breath for 30 seconds, or even holding in cigarette smoke (carbon monoxide) for 30 seconds, certainly does not have any effect that can be confused for holding in marijuana smoke for 30 seconds. My own experience and experience observing others agrees with Jason's explanation.

 

[Anttech]

Could that be because people who smoke on a frequent regular basis are frequently, regularly stoned and so frequently and regularly observed to be stoned? The effects of a joint can last hours. People who smoke a lot feel the effects of it less, but nonetheless are still affected. It's no more true to say that smoking a joint makes you oblivious and disconnected than it is to say drinking scotch makes you clumsy and disorientated.

Yep

IMO The reason with Marjauana is illegal in some countries is because of the perceived "lifestlye" associated with people who smoke it. Which maybe true in some cases, but in my experience no where near as much as it is perceived

When it is legallised you will find that normal people will come out of the woodwork who were smoking maruajana before it was made legal...

The real reason why it is illegal is because of the Dutch (ironically). They (Royal family) implemented the opium laws to make great wealth, and in turn the domino effect was legislations against Marajuana

I can guarantee that marijuana can be addictive in the mental sense-maybe not for you personally

yes it can be, but just the same as someone can be a workaholic..

I don't smoke Marajuana anymore, I used to but I don't like it now.. I also don't take LSD anymore, for anyone who has taken this drug in enough quantiy will understand, its not the kind of thing a 'mature' adult can do every weekend, if they want to stay saine... But I am not against these things.. And I think the laws are out of date and unworkable, especially for Marajuana. Which can be seen in the UK now. Police won't even arrest you for possesion, only dealing. They just don't have the man power, and need to be concentrating on real crimes...

 

[Anttech]

I also find it ironic that people find Binge drinking normal?
What is it with that...
If I was to say, I'm going out tonight to get drunk because its friday I would be perceived by the majority (especially in the UK) as a normal person doing normal things. But If i was to say, man I am going to go home and get stoned out of my tree, people would look at me as if I was wired dope fiend. (Well not with the people I associated myself with, but in general)...

Binge drinking is worse for your health and has far more undesirable effects than smoking Dope, but the perception Falsely is otherwise!

 

[El Hombre Invisible]

As a former pothead myself of 10+ years, I can guarantee that marijuana can be addictive in the mental sense-maybe not for you personally, but I have seen it grip people who feel they need it.

What were the withdrawal symptoms?

I think the biggest argument of why cannabis is illegal is because of the threat that hemp-the non THC relative of cannabis-has on major corporate industries such as lumber, cotton, and the big one-oil.

I'm sure all of these are legally sold in the UK. Certainly products containing or made out of hemp wood, hemp cloth and hemp oil are sold legally.

 

[El Hombre Invisible]

IMO The reason with Marjauana is illegal in some countries is because of the perceived "lifestlye" associated with people who smoke it. Which maybe true in some cases, but in my experience no where near as much as it is perceived

Meanwhile the lifestyle associated with drinking appears of no concern to anyone. It's hardly an argument, is it. "Legalisation of cannabis will introduce a drug culture." "Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't listening due to this group of pissed-up 14 yr olds trying to set me on fire for no reason."

When it is legallised you will find that normal people will come out of the woodwork who were smoking maruajana before it was made legal...

If they just allowed it to be smoked at home, no-one would be none the wiser anyway - that's what we're doing now, just illegally.

Police won't even arrest you for possesion, only dealing. They just don't have the man power, and need to be concentrating on real crimes...

When cannabis was given a lower classification in the UK, a Guardian reporter sparked up a spliff outside a police station window to see what would happen. Nobody cared. The only people who care about cannabis staying illegal are those who benefit financially from it and those who have no idea what it does, and more importantly what it doesn't do. Fools and villians.

 

[Anttech]

I'm sure all of these are legally sold in the UK. Certainly products containing or made out of hemp wood, hemp cloth and hemp oil are sold legally.

Yes they are.. It is also a very good renewable source, Marajuana is a very easy to grow in the right climate, thus it is called "weed"

 

[El Hombre Invisible]

Yes they are.. It is also a very good renewable source, Marajuana is a very easy to grow in the right climate, thus it is called "weed"

I know. Once you get the conditions right, the stuff grows like wildfire. It's actually quite scary how fast it grows. A friend of mine grew it in his loft. It got out of control and he was worried about the logistics of disposing of an illegal plant in bulk quantities. Heh heh.

Anyway, my point was that, so far, the hemp trade hasn't dealt such a blow to major industry. However, we're not doing it on an industrial scale.

If I remember rightly, we can grow hemp though. I'm not sure why or when someone is allowed to farm it. Any ideas?

 

[Anttech]

It got out of control and he was worried about the logistics of disposing of an illegal plant in bulk quantities. Heh heh.

How about, up in smoke ;-)

Not sure, I know in the Netherlands you are allowed up to 51 plants (high grade) for "personal use" LOL I found that funny...

In the UK I *think* one is allowed to grow hemp (Low grade) for use as a fiber, but you have to have a license, so no seeds or smoking ;-)

 

[Kerrie]

What were the withdrawal symptoms?
I'm sure all of these are legally sold in the UK. Certainly products containing or made out of hemp wood, hemp cloth and hemp oil are sold legally.

withdrawal symptoms are anxiety and moodiness for those who need it on a mental basis. of course marijuana addiction is nothing like heroin addiction or alcohol, but it can still have some control and grip on a person and their choices.

in america, industrialized hemp is illegal, therefore mass production of it cannot be produced because of the threat to big businesses. the stigma of hemp and marijuana being one and the same is one derived from ignorance.

here's a festival i have attended once, and had the opportunity to see woody harrelson speak, who is a big hemp advocate:
http://www.seattlehempfest.com/

all in all, i don't think we need to glorify marijuana as a substance that ik okay for all to use. it still affects people's choices that ultimately can affect another-just like alcohol or any other narcotic. if it ever became legal to consume, i think the laws we enforce for alcohol should be consistent for pot. the most practical reason to legalize is because of the effect it has on the legal system (at least in america).

 

[Anttech]

the most practical reason to legalize is because of the effect it has on the legal system (at least in america).

How about releasing funds and resources to the law enforcement agencies to actualy tackle crime? I think that is a very practical reason also.
BTW- I don't consider smoking marajuana any more of a crime than drinking, or even inflicting harm upon oneself by hitting there own face!

 

[El Hombre Invisible]

withdrawal symptoms are anxiety and moodiness for those who need it on a mental basis. of course marijuana addiction is nothing like heroin addiction or alcohol, but it can still have some control and grip on a person and their choices.

Where these people also cigarettes smokers and, if so, did they continue to smoke cigarettes after they stopped smoking grass?

all in all, i don't think we need to glorify marijuana as a substance that ik okay for all to use. it still affects people's choices that ultimately can affect another-just like alcohol or any other narcotic. if it ever became legal to consume, i think the laws we enforce for alcohol should be consistent for pot. the most practical reason to legalize is because of the effect it has on the legal system (at least in america).

I agree. Smoke-driving not a good idea.

 

[Kerrie]

How about releasing funds and resources to the law enforcement agencies to actualy tackle crime? I think that is a very practical reason also.
BTW- I don't consider smoking marajuana any more of a crime than drinking, or even inflicting harm upon oneself by hitting there own face!

that's what i was implying when i said the affect it has on the legal system-criminalizing it takes away from more important criminal issues.

 

[Kerrie]

Where these people also cigarettes smokers and, if so, did they continue to smoke cigarettes after they stopped smoking grass?
I agree. Smoke-driving not a good idea.

no, myself nor the others i have known were addicted to nicotine. not having it for a few days made me experience even more moodiness and anxiety, same with others who smoked chronically then stopped cold turkey. my stand on the issue is the responsible use of it, but i don't glorify it like i once had in my 20's.

 

[russ_watters]

Can you elaborate on "problems"? That's a vague term. It would seem to me that marijuana was the cause of these problems rather then the problems causing the marijuana smoking.

"Problems" is vague because of the "a lot" part. I know one married couple that gets high on a daily basis and they fight all the time (that's just the beginning of their problems). I'm not implying a definite cause-effect relationship here, I'm just saying I don't want to be like them, so whether it's a cause or an effect doesn't really matter.

 

[loseyourname]

"Problems" is vague because of the "a lot" part. I know one married couple that gets high on a daily basis and they fight all the time (that's just the beginning of their problems). I'm not implying a definite cause-effect relationship here, I'm just saying I don't want to be like them, so whether it's a cause or an effect doesn't really matter.

Marijuana definitely does not make anybody beligerent. You might argue over the fact that one is always high, but that's pretty hypocritical if both are always high.

 

[russ_watters]

Marijuana definitely does not make anybody beligerent.

Perhaps, but if you take a couple of highly beligerent people and remove their already limited inhibitions...

Anyway, it could be the combination of alcohol and pot. The point is, I don't want to be like them and that is one part of their personalities.

 

[Kerrie]

Marijuana definitely does not make anybody beligerent. You might argue over the fact that one is always high, but that's pretty hypocritical if both are always high.

generally not, i agree, but when someone is out of pot and uptight, then i can see how an argument starts. alcohol makes people far more beligerent.

 

[loseyourname]

generally not i agree, but when someone is out of pot and uptight, then i can see how an argument starts. alcohol makes people far more beligerent.

One of the reasons I don't really drink very much is just that. I already have anger control issues and I'm a little afraid of what I might do if I ever got that violent. However, the few times I used marijuana before developing smoke allergies, my experiences were of being very calmed and in love with pretty much everything. In fact, it seemed that any two people who were high instantly became best friends, regardless of whatever violence or anger they might otherwise have been hampered with. I think it's a great drug in that respect.

 

[El Hombre Invisible]

no, myself nor the others i have known were addicted to nicotine. not having it for a few days made me experience even more moodiness and anxiety, same with others who smoked chronically then stopped cold turkey. my stand on the issue is the responsible use of it, but i don't glorify it like i once had in my 20's.

Couldn't quite follow your answer. No, they weren't cigarette smokers? It's just that you describe nicotine withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, mood swings) after ceasing smoking marijuana. If they weren't smokers, this is more likely attributed to the tobacco they used in their spliffs.

 

[Kerrie]

Couldn't quite follow your answer. No, they weren't cigarette smokers? It's just that you describe nicotine withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, mood swings) after ceasing smoking marijuana. If they weren't smokers, this is more likely attributed to the tobacco they used in their spliffs.

i am saying that i experienced anxiety and mood swings after ceasing marijuana smoking for years and i was not a cigarrette smoker either. those i have known to smoke MJ chronically also were not cigarette smokers and experienced the same symptoms as i did. one person i know who still smokes won't quit simply because he feels much less anxious when doped up (he smokes at least a bowl a day). if you refuse to stop because of the symptoms, that's addiction-whether it be on a mental level or physical level. i don't think marijuana addiction is something everyone experiences, but it is for some.

 

[El Hombre Invisible]

i am saying that i experienced anxiety and mood swings after ceasing marijuana smoking for years and i was not a cigarrette smoker either. those i have known to smoke MJ chronically also were not cigarette smokers and experienced the same symptoms as i did.

Okay, next question: what did you put in your joints other than marijuana? If nothing, fair play you are hardcore. Most people put tobacco in theirs. Thus when they stop smoking they feel anxiety, mood swings, lack of concentration, etc. This are all nictotine withdrawal symptoms.

one person i know who still smokes won't quit simply because he feels much less anxious when doped up (he smokes at least a bowl a day). if you refuse to stop because of the symptoms, that's addiction-whether it be on a mental level or physical level. i don't think marijuana addiction is something everyone experiences, but it is for some.

I don't know your friend, but it sounds to me like he is an anxious person and grass offers relief. If I suffer from chronic pain and smoke grass for relief, if I then stop the pain will come back. This pain is not a side-effect of cannabis withdrawal - it is a direct effect of whatever originally caused the pain.

 

[Kerrie]

Okay, next question: what did you put in your joints other than marijuana? If nothing, fair play you are hardcore. Most people put tobacco in theirs. Thus when they stop smoking they feel anxiety, mood swings, lack of concentration, etc. This are all nictotine withdrawal symptoms.
I don't know your friend, but it sounds to me like he is an anxious person and grass offers relief. If I suffer from chronic pain and smoke grass for relief, if I then stop the pain will come back. This pain is not a side-effect of cannabis withdrawal - it is a direct effect of whatever originally caused the pain.

I think we are getting off track here. Different experiences for different people. I smoked pot for over 10 years daily, after so long and so much, it had an effect on me. I don't think this forum is the place to glorify its use in anyway as we have readers who are nder age 18.

 

[Evo]

My opinion - drug use at best is stupid, it goes downhill from there.