marijuana....what is the truth about it?

[Ultima200]

Hey I was just wondering if someone could tell me the truth of weed. Like does it kill brain cells, is it proven to be addictive, etc...

 

[geno]

It definitly affects memory - that's been proven. In moderaton it's pretty harmless.

About its addictivness - if you ask me, it's nonexistant. It really isn't habit forming on its own. What does happen is people don't know how to use it in moderation and take advantage of it and go overboard. About it being a gateway drug: That's BS. The only reason that rumor is around is because crazy ass people start out with it and move on to coke/heroin (which they woulda been doin even if weed wasn't around!).

People make it out to be worse than it is at times, but it can be dangerous if you abuse it too often... It's by no means good for you, but many things you consume aren't as well. I'm sure that all the fast food I eat is gonna take a bigger toll on me than the weed that I've smoked (which isn't much trust me).

 

[Ultima200]

Yeah i see your point, it's good in moderation. How much do you consider moderation, like only on weekends?

 

[geno]

I do it like 3-4 times a year...I consider that very light moderation!
It's not that accessible to me, even if it was, I'd probably do it once a month I guess.
Once a week is almost pushing "moderation" IMO - but it could be worse I'd consider every 2 weeks moderation. On the weekends is more of a hobby than smoking in moderation

 

[Ultima]

That's what I consider it hehe

 

[apoppin]

There is no 'truth' about it. Research is still in progress.

However, we know a lot about the plant as humans have been using it for many thousands of years. It is a plant that's very useful for oil, seeds, fiber and medicine.

As a pain-killing herb it's very useful. However, smoking anything cannot be good for you. It's long-term use generally has less undesireable side effects than medicines generally prescribed for killing pain.

Unfortunately, it tends to produce a psychological "addiction" in some of its users. Long-term effects on the brain cells (and body) are not known for certain as its active ingredient - THC - tends to be stored in the fatty tissue for a long time.

Do an Internet search. Much evidence is available from both US government files and from NORML (National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws). The US Government tends to exaggerate the negative things and NORMAL the positive things. However, it is definately not 'evil' as portrayed by it detractors.

 

[Buddha Bart]

Its about as addicting as biting your nails or picking your nose. The problem isn't the habit, its the person.

bart

 

[Czar]

Well, it not addictive I think, the problem is that it gets you high, and with time the body adapts to it and you wont get as high as before or not at all, that makes people go into harder drugs,

 

[basara318]

check out www.erowid.org all you need to know about psychedelic Stuff

 

[apoppin]

Czar, you could say exactly the same thing about alcohol. It depends on the individual.

 

[lotust]

Yep about once a month here. It helps calm me down. I sometimes get all stressed over nothing at all?? Go figure. Weed is harmless if used in moderation like every one else here said. I prefer to grow my own though. That way its not laced with anything I don?t want. I had a bad experience 2 years ago. It had angle dust in the weed. It really was not cool at all. I passed out while I was standing, I fell face first into the concrete and broke 6 teeth(all molars) also received 8 stitches in my chin. So let my story be a lesson. Just watch out from whom you get it from if you must consume it. BTW it took 1 year before I touched weed again. I wanted to kill who ever put angle dust in the weed.

 

[apoppin]

Angel Dust/PCP - what a truely horrible experience!

The only problem with growing it is the extreme penalties prescribed by most state's law if you are caught.

 

[vi edit]

Smoking one joint is roughly equivalent to smoking ten 10 filtered cigarettes; speaking on the behalf of tar anyway.

Also, there is no physical cause of the "burnout" syndrome, but there is definite psychological evidence that chronic and longtime abuse can lead to the "burnout" syndrome. By burnout, I mean the general apathy twords life that usually follows a very long, and heavy period of smoking marijuana.

It doesn't show up in everyone that smokes it heavily for years, but there is evidence that this does occur in many.

 

[CurtOien]

It makes you stupid and lazy.
It is habit forming and can be hard to quit, but it is not as addictive as cigarettes or crack.
It's not good for your lungs.
It can cost you money.

 

[geno]

Curt - you described what could happen with anything. Smoking cigarretes isn't good for your lungs and costs you money. Weed doesn't make you stupid and lazy - only when you have too much. And remember, too much of anything is bad for you, so I don't see how everyone can single weed out for being 'bad'. *shrug*

 

[apoppin]

<< Smoking one joint is roughly equivalent to smoking ten filtered cigarettes; speaking on the behalf of tar anyway. >>


I am not sure that this is just a myth. There is no equivalent between marijuana's bud tar and tobacco's leaf tar.

Marijuana does not need to be smoked - it can be eaten for it's drug effect.



<< It makes you stupid and lazy. >>


Another myth - it depends on the individual.

 

[vi edit]

&quot;It is habit forming and can be hard to quit, but it is not as addictive as cigarettes or crack.&quot;

Actually, marijuana is behind - Nicotene, Alcohol, cocaine, Narcs(heroine, morphine), Depressants(Vicodin, Xananx), meth ampetamines, and if I'm not mistaken, even caffinne! on the &quot;addiction&quot; scale.

 

[vi edit]

apoppin, concerning the tar content; that is what I learned in multiple drug/health classes.

It's not an incredibly huge issue if you figure it like this: 2 joints = 1 pack of cigarettes.
Average smoker goes through 3/4 pack of cigarettes a day, or 1.5 joints. How many people smoke 11 joints a week? I would venture to say that more don't than do, but I'm complete speaking out of my ass on that assumption.

It basically works out to be the same amount of tar that your average smoker inhales.

And yes...I am aware of &quot;green&quot; brownies

 

[Impact55]

I'm glad to see that no propaganda has been shown so far. Once a week is not bad, also I would not do it if you think you are doing it to be &quot;cool&quot;. It will only effect your memory if you do a LOT for a LONG time. It doesn't make everyone &quot;stupid&quot; and &quot;lazy&quot;, that's propaganda right there. It can enhance some peoples activities. Of course it costs money, idiot, it is also NOT addicting at all.

 

[vi edit]

And, the effects of THC are not as strong when ingested as they are are when they are smoked.

This is assuming that the ingested version is via a pill method. It's just not as potent when taken orally.

 

[Impact55]

True, it does take more. Once a week and you will not develop any lung probelms or choking randomly like the people that smoke 3+ joints a day..

 

[Ultima200]

That site that basara318 gave me was excellent. I HIGHLY recommend all of you to go over and read the FAQ on cannabis. Tought me alot of things. Remember, the more you know, the better you are.

 

[geno]

<< 16) I forgot, does marijuana cause short-term memory impairment?
Go away. >>


LOL

 

[Impact55]

The government was made for the pursuit of happiness, was it not?

 

[T4NNER]

don't like it one bit.