Study Suggests 'Pothead' Stereotype Might Be Real

[Spungo]

People with ADD and ADHD tend to be attracted to marijuana and use it to self medicate. I think this leads to a lot of the stereotypes of long term effects. We know pot isn't really physically addictive, but it can play a crucial roll as medication to people with ADD. Its amazing how similar ADD symptoms and pothead stereotypes are: Lack of concentration, lack of ambition, inability to plan for the future, poor in school etc.

I've pondered this too. The people I know who are big into weed had attention/learning problems long before they started smoking. A surprising number of them were on ADHD medication at some point, usually methylphenidate, but they stopped taking it because it made them feel tired.

I'm one of those people who has a very negative reaction to weed. It makes me feel sick like I have the flu or something. Head gets cloudy, general pain all over, very high anxiety, slight nausea. In contrast to my ADHD friends, I do great on ADHD medication. Unfortunately I can't get any of it on a regular basis because I don't have attention problems. If anything, I pay too much attention.

 

[hans030390]

deleted

 

[gorcorps]

I don't know, I think a few people (americans) can actually reach that point where their body produces endorphins to desensitize them to pain, etc.

Most others just get really light-headed and tired and tweet something like, #runnershigh , when really they are just exhausted.

Do you mean in every day life, or when something painful actually happens? I fell off a ladder when I was younger and dislocated my ankle (foot was at a funny angle). I imagine it should have been crazy painful but I didn't feel anything, and on the way to the hospital I was giggly and felt really weird. Endorphins was what I figured played a big role in that feeling and reaction, but I don't know. It was a very weird experience.

 

[TechBoyJK]

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/...udy-suggests-pothead-stereotype-might-be-real


The idea that pot is harmless is just nonsense. Anybody whose been around more than a few decades have seen the long term effects of constant pot use on friends and family. Even if it is by some miracle the one substance humans can ingest on the planet with no negative physical side effects, its very clear the the anxiety reducing power of THC traps many people in tolerating a life far below their capability.
It is our anxiety, being unsatisfied with what we are compared to what we think we could be, that drives us grow intellectually, emotionally and creatively. Pot just switches that drive off making us content with "whatever." That's why stoners don't cause problems, they just don't care about anything enough to exert enough energy to harm or inconvenience others. They tolerate insults, loss of social status, theft etc because the THC just switches off all the anxiety and anger.
But they are also fine with their lack of personal growth, evolution or creation. They stagnate. Loss a job? Smoke enough pot and you won't care. Have to take a boring, low paying job way below your capability. Smoke enough pot and you won't care. You'll work that job for years and years with no promotion or even hope for advancement. Lose a relationship. Don't care. Never get around to trying that great idea you had? Don't care. Even artist clearly lose their intensity and creativity if you can objectively compare their work before and after.
People who start routine pot smoking in their teens will never be what they could have been. Nothing dramatic will happen but that's rather the problem.
Of course, the stoner is like the alcoholic. Most people who drink aren't alcoholics and most people who smoke pot won't have any serious problems but some people will. The problems are largely personally, at least until it becomes a "disability" that the rest of us have to pay for, but it's not "harmless" by any useful definition.

None of your business. You shouldn't have even made this post because what other people do in their free time is none of your business.

Say what you will about 'pot' being 'harmful', but taking your logic I can apply it to other stuff like Coffee, Soda, etc. and make that stuff out to be much worse.

Should we start calling people 'soda' heads. Or (pop heads). Coffee heads?

At least acknowledge in the grand scheme of things, people that drink coffee everyday (got to have my morning brew, right?) are far worse drug addicts than 'pot' heads.

 

[TechBoyJK]

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/...udy-suggests-pothead-stereotype-might-be-real

BLAH BLAH BLAH

News at 11: Soda might cause diabetes.

 

[TechBoyJK]

I'm going to go see a bunch of homeless alcoholics, pretend they are the only kind of people who drink alcohol, and brand everyone who touches alcohol as potentially homeless alcoholic.

You drink wine once a month! You're a worthless alcoholic drunk!

 

[child of wonder]

I've known enough potheads in my life to say that, yes, pot does mess with your head. They've all been unmotivated failures at life that are content to deliver pizzas while living in their moms basement so long as they can spend their wages on getting high with their friends. All the ones I know who ended up like that started smoking pot long before their 18th birthday, however, I also know some guys who are successful professionals who didn't start smoking until their 20's.

It seems while pot may be relatively harmless, it does mess with your mental development and those that get addicted to it before maturing fully are the most likely to become "potheads."

 

[TechBoyJK]

I've known enough potheads in my life to say that, yes, pot does mess with your head. They've all been unmotivated failures at life that are content to deliver pizzas while living in their moms basement so long as they can spend their wages on getting high with their friends. All the ones I know who ended up like that started smoking pot long before their 18th birthday, however, I also know some guys who are successful professionals who didn't start smoking until their 20's.

It seems while pot may be relatively harmless, it does mess with your mental development and those that get addicted to it before maturing fully are the most likely to become "potheads."

It's important to realize most 'pot'heads aren't open about it. The smarter, more descrete users (most likely to be in the 'successful' group) aren't going to wear a badge on their sleeve.

So while you might have seen a few losers who happen to also smoke pot (you seem to blame your friends' failures on it.. maybe they are just shitty people?) you aren't acknowledging that all of the successful 'stoners' are not telling you they are stoners.

Basically you only notice 10% users, but the 10% that stand out the most to you because you blame their laziness on pot use. In reality, the other 90% are probably doing as good as you in life if not better, and you have no idea they use.

I used to smoke pot everyday all the time. This was when I went to church constantly and even played bass for the church every Sunday.

Nobody ever had a clue I was a 'stoner'. Since I don't drink, most people I know actually assume I'm anti drugs and have no idea I like to toke.

Again, it's like saying the only people who drink are the drunks you see stumbling around at night.

 

[preslove]

It always amuses me that pro-marijuana people always have to use alcohol as part of their argument. They are also stupid enough to think that alcohol is worse because someone could abuse it. It's called moderation, ever heard of it? You automatically assume that all alcohol use is harmful, which simply isn't true. Not ever noting the fact that it has health benefits and other uses as well. It's a terribly weak argument when used.

You should promote the legalization of marijuana on its own merits.

Alcohol is worse because alcohol abuse has worse short term AND long term side effects than Marijuana abuse. Marijuana abuse exists, but it really doesn't warrant making the substance illegal.

 

[TechBoyJK]

It always amuses me that pro-marijuana people always have to use alcohol as part of their argument. They are also stupid enough to think that alcohol is worse because someone could abuse it. It's called moderation, ever heard of it? You automatically assume that all alcohol use is harmful, which simply isn't true. Not ever noting the fact that it has health benefits and other uses as well. It's a terribly weak argument when used.

You should promote the legalization of marijuana on its own merits.

Alcohol is worse than cocaine.

Alcohol is used as a comparison because it's legal and far worse than marijuana.

It's not stupid to think alcohol is worse. Because it is. 'because someone could abuse it' also plays a role in that.

Fact: Someone who smokes pot everyday is going to be better off than someone who drinks everyday.

Do you really think cannabis is 'as bad' as alcohol? It's not even in the same park. In regards to harm:

Meth
Heroine
Alcohol
Tobacco
Cocaine
Soda
Coffee
Tea
Marijuana

 

[PliotronX]

No one has ever straight up died from marijuana basically in the history of mankind because theyll pass out long before that point, but their lifestyle suffers quite a bit basically because of the belief that it is harmless. It tends to make people lazy and smell bad which creates a condition where other people who do not smoke it avoid being around them. Hold onto your stories of those productive stoners who did better on tests and homework when they were high because day-to-day from what I have observed they are lazier. I know alcoholics who function societally better than most stoners but their livers will crap out before stoners lungs do.

This is not to say there is not a valid use for it, for insomniacs and cancer patients and those who cannot eat a normal diet otherwise, it is great and should be as easily accessible to them as tylenol but damn near everyone who uses it tends to overdo it and have no real need for it.

 

[Rakehellion]

Still, before coming across like an ignorant ass, you might want to consider regular users like myself that enjoy life, work hard, and do very well for themselves.

Yes, I'll take anecdotal evidence from a random pothead over a scientific study.

 

[mnewsham]

Yes, I'll take anecdotal evidence from a random pothead over a scientific study.

What scientific study proves pot users actually have shittier lives and are less successful? I've yet to see a single SCIENTIFIC paper proving anything like that. Many make claims and say the "data suggests" or things of that sort to avoid actually saying they can't prove shit.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Meth
Heroine
Alcohol
Tobacco
Cocaine
Soda
Coffee
Tea
Marijuana

Cocaine below tobacco and alcohol?

hehe

do you sniff?

 

[destrekor]

No one has ever straight up died from marijuana basically in the history of mankind because theyll pass out long before that point, but their lifestyle suffers quite a bit basically because of the belief that it is harmless. It tends to make people lazy and smell bad which creates a condition where other people who do not smoke it avoid being around them. Hold onto your stories of those productive stoners who did better on tests and homework when they were high because day-to-day from what I have observed they are lazier. I know alcoholics who function societally better than most stoners but their livers will crap out before stoners lungs do.

This is not to say there is not a valid use for it, for insomniacs and cancer patients and those who cannot eat a normal diet otherwise, it is great and should be as easily accessible to them as tylenol but damn near everyone who uses it tends to overdo it and have no real need for it.

Day to day, those you see, that you say must be marijuana users (and possibly stoners), are only see the equivalent of alcoholics, or at least alcohol abusers. There are some who use a little less than full alcoholic level, but if they appear to be obvious users, they've settled to being just that.

The number of "normal" users only continues to rise, and nobody knows it's happening.

I think it'll eventually just reach a boiling point with the number of "secret users". Perhaps we'll get a young Congress who has a large number of former users.

Many use it secretly, and prefer to keep it secret, because they know they'd be unjustly fired. They feel it's ridiculously wrong to keep it illegal and they often see it as a better recreational chemical than alcohol, so they take that risk with employment but do what they can to ensure nobody knows their "evil habit."
When it's that crowd deciding political victories, we'll be that much closer to some much needed reform. I for one would gladly give up alcohol (except the occasional brew - I can thoroughly enjoy sipping one or two beers any given night) and move to taking a small toke after work or while curled up watching TV before bed. And if it's legal, paranoia can take a breather. 😛

 

[destrekor]

Cocaine below tobacco and alcohol?

hehe

do you sniff?

It's actually true. You may think it worse due to the prevalence and abuse of crack cocaine, but it's a cheap diluted product, and those who are addicted to it are also ones who are basically destined to get addicted to just about any drug.

You'll notice those who stick to proper cocaine, are usually a little better about it - often, not that many are ever addicted but just love to take a line and get their rocks off from time to time.

 

[TechBoyJK]

Cocaine below tobacco and alcohol?

hehe

do you sniff?

No but I read qualified information about the topic and speak the truth?

 

[TechBoyJK]

No one has ever straight up died from marijuana basically in the history of mankind because theyll pass out long before that point, but their lifestyle suffers quite a bit basically because of the belief that it is harmless. It tends to make people lazy and smell bad which creates a condition where other people who do not smoke it avoid being around them. Hold onto your stories of those productive stoners who did better on tests and homework when they were high because day-to-day from what I have observed they are lazier. I know alcoholics who function societally better than most stoners but their livers will crap out before stoners lungs do.

This is not to say there is not a valid use for it, for insomniacs and cancer patients and those who cannot eat a normal diet otherwise, it is great and should be as easily accessible to them as tylenol but damn near everyone who uses it tends to overdo it and have no real need for it.

Tell us how you really feel? At what age did the dirty stoner touch you?

 

[Vdubchaos]

No but I read qualified information about the topic and speak the truth?

from Body damage/health perspective.....maybe, BIG maybe

From a life perspective and the effects the person has on their loved ones etc.....not even a remotely close.

Crack/Cokeheads isolate themselves completely once the addiction hits the full swing.

 

[PliotronX]

Tell us how you really feel? At what age did the dirty stoner touch you?

Nice job punting, is it that stoner laziness in you? Look, I'm not saying it's bad in fact I voted for Prop. 64. I think the prohibition adds to the problem. You cannot tell me that weed is not abused because I see it all the time and I'm not a cop or anyone who actively seeks it. What I'm relating is my experience that most who use it let it take over their lives when in moderation it can be a good thing.

 

[Vdubchaos]

It's actually true. You may think it worse due to the prevalence and abuse of crack cocaine, but it's a cheap diluted product, and those who are addicted to it are also ones who are basically destined to get addicted to just about any drug.

You'll notice those who stick to proper cocaine, are usually a little better about it - often, not that many are ever addicted but just love to take a line and get their rocks off from time to time.

Never heard of a such a thing as "casual" cocaine usage. It's an extremely addictive drug that causes havoc on your personal and financial life.

 

[lxskllr]

It's actually true. You may think it worse due to the prevalence and abuse of crack cocaine, but it's a cheap diluted product, and those who are addicted to it are also ones who are basically destined to get addicted to just about any drug.

You'll notice those who stick to proper cocaine, are usually a little better about it - often, not that many are ever addicted but just love to take a line and get their rocks off from time to time.

I've seen both. Playing with coke is like playing with fire. It's all fun and games until you get fired for not showing up at work, and you're pawning your stereo, and looking out the window for non-existent people coming to get you.

I don't think it should be illegal. Just avoided by most.

 

[child of wonder]

It's important to realize most 'pot'heads aren't open about it. The smarter, more descrete users (most likely to be in the 'successful' group) aren't going to wear a badge on their sleeve.

So while you might have seen a few losers who happen to also smoke pot (you seem to blame your friends' failures on it.. maybe they are just shitty people?) you aren't acknowledging that all of the successful 'stoners' are not telling you they are stoners.

Basically you only notice 10% users, but the 10% that stand out the most to you because you blame their laziness on pot use. In reality, the other 90% are probably doing as good as you in life if not better, and you have no idea they use.

I used to smoke pot everyday all the time. This was when I went to church constantly and even played bass for the church every Sunday.

Nobody ever had a clue I was a 'stoner'. Since I don't drink, most people I know actually assume I'm anti drugs and have no idea I like to toke.

Again, it's like saying the only people who drink are the drunks you see stumbling around at night.

It's not a matter of "noticing," it's a matter of knowing them personally: in-laws, friends, co-workers, etc.

I'm not saying smoking pot makes one a pothead or an unmotivated loser. However, I have seen that it affects some people very strongly and I'd wager contributed to their lot in life. To others it may have little, if any, effect on their behavior, work ethic, or personality. The same goes for alcohol. Some people can handle it and not let it interfere in their lives and some cannot.

I'm all for the legalization of marijuana in America. Adults should be free to smoke pot if they want to. However, no matter how much anyone denies it, it can have psychological effects on people that reinforces the "pothead" stereotype.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Never heard of a such a thing as "casual" cocaine usage. It's an extremely addictive drug that causes havoc on your personal and financial life.

I know a few people who are very casual users. They buy something called an "8 ball" about once every year or so ... not sure if that's a lot as I have no experience with it at all. They own their own home, only a few years left on the mortgage ...

 

[TechBoyJK]

It's not a matter of "noticing," it's a matter of knowing them personally: in-laws, friends, co-workers, etc.

I'm not saying smoking pot makes one a pothead or an unmotivated loser. However, I have seen that it affects some people very strongly and I'd wager contributed to their lot in life. To others it may have little, if any, effect on their behavior, work ethic, or personality. The same goes for alcohol. Some people can handle it and not let it interfere in their lives and some cannot.

I'm all for the legalization of marijuana in America. Adults should be free to smoke pot if they want to. However, no matter how much anyone denies it, it can have psychological effects on people that reinforces the "pothead" stereotype.

See, I think you're seeing people that would be troubled no matter what, and since pot is so stigmatized, you associate it's use to the cause for their problems. When if fact, they're most likely using BECAUSE of their problems.

Kind of like the old tired argument of 'pot use causes schizophrenia'. It doesn't. While pot use has gone up, the amount of cases of schizophrenia have not.

It's not that pot causes schizphrenia, it's that people with schizophrenia tend to medicate with pot.

It'd be like seeing a bunch of sick people, noticing that they're all drinking DayQuil, and then blaming the DayQuil for them being sick.