Medical Marijuana--

[mousepod]

I sense a little bit of silliness in this thread. I'm all for legalization of drugs, but to argue that there are no real adverse effects of pot is plain stupid. I wouldn't knowingly get into a car driven by someone under the influence. I've experienced several friends disappear into a lethargy brought on by their incessant pot use. I've terminated business relationships with stoners because of their unreliability.

The argument that these people probably had those traits (or a tendency toward them) is as valid as saying that someone who drinks alcohol and acts inappropriately "had it in them anyway". Altered thinking can and often does lead to dumb decisions.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by mousepod

The argument that these people probably had those traits (or a tendency toward them) is as valid as saying that someone who drinks alcohol and acts inappropriately "had it in them anyway". Altered thinking can and often does lead to dumb decisions.

This is true and I don't think anyone would argue that there is zero chance of negative side effects. It's a matter of likelihood and root cause. Pot COULD lead to serious permanent alteration of mental state, but most evidence suggests that it does so in the small segment of people who happen to be wired in a way that pot triggers it.

To me, it's like wanting to outlaw rollercoasters because of the aneurysms people have had. Sure, if those people hadn't gotten on a rollercoaster they probably wouldn't have died. And the rollercoaster definitely had a direct contributing role in their death. But does that mean that rollercoasters are inherently dangerous?

[PanTheMan]

Originally Posted by mousepod

I sense a little bit of silliness in this thread. I'm all for legalization of drugs, but to argue that there are no real adverse effects of pot is plain stupid. I wouldn't knowingly get into a car driven by someone under the influence. I've experienced several friends disappear into a lethargy brought on by their incessant pot use. I've terminated business relationships with stoners because of their unreliability.

The argument that these people probably had those traits (or a tendency toward them) is as valid as saying that someone who drinks alcohol and acts inappropriately "had it in them anyway". Altered thinking can and often does lead to dumb decisions.

There are adverse effects to anything not done in moderation. 'Stoners' are unreliable. So are Alcoholics. You use the term incessant. that is the key. Some people will always go over the edge. It hapens with any addiction. Addiction to pot is purely a mental addiction rather than chemical. And it is rare. There are FAR more alcoholics which is BOTH physically and mentally addictive than stoners out there.

[Not Afraid]

Originally Posted by PanTheMan

There are adverse effects to anything not done in moderation. 'Stoners' are unreliable. So are Alcoholics. You use the term incessant. that is the key. Some people will always go over the edge. It hapens with any addiction. Addiction to pot is purely a mental addiction rather than chemical. And it is rare. There are FAR more alcoholics which is BOTH physically and mentally addictive than stoners out there.

I've got so many problems with the statements made in this post I don't think I can even begin to refute.

[innerSpaceman]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

I've got so many problems with the statements made in this post I don't think I can even begin to refute.

No, please begin. I really am always interested in your insights on alcoholism. And it would be an education because, as of now, I am in complete agreement with Pan's statements which are tasking you to refute.

[Chernabog]

Originally Posted by PanTheMan

There are adverse effects to anything not done in moderation. 'Stoners' are unreliable. So are Alcoholics. You use the term incessant. that is the key.

Inability to stop once started on a run, or inability to stop despite serious negative life effects, perhaps. But "incessant" is not the key.

Some people will always go over the edge. It hapens with any addiction. Addiction to pot is purely a mental addiction rather than chemical. And it is rare. There are FAR more alcoholics which is BOTH physically and mentally addictive than stoners out there.

Except that once the physical withdrawal from alcohol/meth/heroin/benzos/etc. stops, you STILL have the disease of addiction, same as any pot smoker. The physical aspect of it has a smaller connection than you might think. Why is it so hard to quit smoking? It certainly isn't the physical withdrawals -- you're over that in three days.

I don't think the case is closed on pot being a "purely mental" addiction. And honey, pot addiction is NOT rare. Not at all.