Recreational use of Pot?

Question

I wanted to hear what some people thought on the subject of marijuana. I think that it isn't a bad thing to do, if its done in moderation (kind of like drinking)....I don't think any of these things should be done if you're going to be driving, or if you're pregnant or something like that, basically if you're responsible when you do it. I feel like a lot of people are against it simply b/c it's illegal and the law/government makes it seem worse than it really is. I heard that it is illegal simply b/c hemp is made from the same plant, and hemp was a rival to cotton, which the US was the major distributor of...and basically to keep down the competition they didn't want to legalize it. Let me know your thoughts.

Answer 1

Since its origin in the 1950s, the "gateway drug" hypothesis has been one of the central pillars of marijuana drug policy in the United States, but this model of cause and effect has not been proven.

Although illegal now, the United States has had a long history of producing and using cannabis.

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess, use, buy, sell, or cultivate marijuana anywhere in the United States. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, Federal law in the United States preempts conflicting state and local laws. Nevertheless, some states and local governments have established laws attempting to decriminalize cannabis, which has reduced the number of "simple possession" offenders sent to jail, since federal enforcement agents rarely target individuals directly for such relatively minor offenses. Other state and local governments ask law enforcement agencies to limit enforcement of drug laws with respect to cannabis.

I have been smoking since I was 15, I am 28 now and have a Doctorate in World History. I teach at Stony Brook University of New York.

I believe I am living proof that Marijuana, or any drug for that matter, used in moderation will not harm, but will actually improve the quality of life for you as a person.

Answer 2

Yes, I recently heard the same about pot rivaling cotton. And yes, I do believe it. I never really got "into" pot but know a few people who have indulged for 20+ years now. They have families who they support and do it well. Not setting the world on fire or anything, but everyone has what they need and some of what they want. Kids went to and graduated from private schools. These people who have been regular smokers are not stupid or lazy. They are intelligent, hard working, devoted fathers,mothers, husbands and wives. Now, like could they have done even better without smoking, we'll never know. What I do know is for many, many adults this is recreation, like you said, as in drinking socially, and I don't have a problem with it. I don't think they should have to hide in shame and fear even though they're responsible, productive members of society who pay their bills on time and wouldn't think of driving without insurance, a valid license, etc..Yes, I think the government could and should spend this wasted time on something more important, r own greed and lack of morals. They'll chase after a guy who smokes pot to alleviate an illness but won't make sure that same person has adequate health care...ridiculous! And they totally ignore it's benefits when it comes to equating it with medicine. All because in the 60's it was decided that it was dangerous and they will never admit that MAYBE they were wrong. Typical but aggravating.
Thanks for the question, interesting .

Answer 3

I don't have anything against pot smoking, in moderation. However, when you're a parent, the risks of losing your kids and your livelihood (and thus your ability to provide for your kids) is a much more serious matter. Because pot is illegal, I think it's a risk that a good parent would think twice about before taking. However, I also note that very small quantities are not serious criminal issues in some states, and the severity of the criminal offense engaged in should also probably be considered. I used to smoke occasionally before we had kids. Since I became a Dad, the only time I've inhaled (so to speak) has been in international waters. Even then, it just wasn't as enjoyable as it used to be! I vote for legalization or decriminalization each time it comes up on the ballot, and if it were legal, I would smoke occassionally. I seriously don't think pot smoking is any diferent than drinking beer. In moderation, it's fine, and does not reflect negatively on character or judgement.

Answer 4

I'm college educated and have a good job for the government. I attend work every day without fail and am good at my job. I live in a rural area and have a comfy, cozy, clean house that I own. My bills are all paid on time.

I am married and have 2 children. My children are happy, intelligent, creative and well-adjusted. We are involved in extra-curricular activites...son plays baseball, daughter takes gymnastics, I play in a community orchestra.

I get along with everyone from the elderly lady that I visit at least once a week that lives down the road to the young couple next door with small children. I rub elbows with a variety of people including our town's mayor and police chief. I am well liked and respected in my community.

Few of these people know I smoke pot because I don't advertise it. I don't go to work stoned and I don't get in any trouble. In fact, I've never been in any legal trouble at all.

It's the idiots who commit other crimes and are losers that give pot users a bad name. Just because some criminals are pot smokers doesn't mean all pot smokers are criminals!! People don't know about the majority of us pot smokers, like me, because we don't call attention to ourselves by acting stupid.

Nixon ordered a research study on marijuana at the beginning of his presidency. A panel of scientists, doctors and lawmakers were in charge of this study. After 3 years, their final report stated that marijuana was not as dangerous as once thought and that the penalties for possession and using were way too harsh. Nixon basically tossed that report out the window because it didn't go along with what he believed (source: Understanding Marijuana (A New Look at Scientific Evidence) by Mitch Earleywine.

The so-called studies that anti-marijuana agents refer to when they say that pot makes you insane were heavily biased. They exposed monkeys to 40,000 times the amount of marijuana someone would normal smoke during one "session". Of COURSE that affected the brain in a negative way!

The biggest danger of smoking pot is the inherent danger of inhaling smoke into your lungs. But of course, smoking tobacco is legal, so that's not really a reason to criminalize it.

Alcohol causes way more deaths, strife and trouble than marijuana even THOUGHT about causing. There has NEVER been a case of someone dying due to "marijuana poisoning" or overdose.

How can a man-made substance that KILLS people directly and indirectly be legal and a natural plant that grows from our green earth that has never caused a death be illegal?

I have no idea...

Those are my thoughts. :)

Answer 5

As an older adult I would say once in awhile its ok. The problem is like any substance it can be overused and that is the real issue. For those that think it is healthy that is alot of crock I have asthmas and when I have smoked it takes me days to feel better afterwards. The problem is overusage period. To the gentlemen below that thinks there is no harm done I totally disagree. I know someone that got to the point where she was using it as soon as she woke up. It became a thing she had to do to socialize period. eventually I find the mind slows down and you are running on slow. I know this as my own daughter was using it way too much and it was ruining her life. She gave it up totally and she is much more energetic. But again I say once in awhile yes everyday NO NO NO

Answer 6

In Australia possession is no longer an offence.
I think adults should be free to experiment but not sell.
It is not my thing though, I grew out of it.
People should not drive after using it either. It was just proven here that a man extremely high on pot caused the accident which killed 7 people (including him) in country Victoria this year. His blood THC levels was described as the highest ever seen.
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Answer 7

"what's from the earth is of greatest worth."

i've seen more lives ruined by alcohol than i can count. we americans tend to equate "legal" with "right" and "illegal" with "wrong." but it's not so cut and dry. i would rather find a joint under my teenage brother's bed than an empty 6-pack any day. what are a bunch of stoned kids going to do? eat too much and talk about life? please. it's the drunks i'm afraid of, not the hippies.

oh and i read somewhere that pot could replace somewhere along the lines of 15% of prescribed medication. don't think the pharmeceutical companies (or their paid-off counterparts in the government) would be too happy about a legalized drug they can't make money off of!

Answer 8

i totally agree with what you say. marijuana is no worse than drinking.. actually i can control myself 10x better when i'm high rather than when i'm drunk. im a true believer that marijuana is only illegal because the government cant tax it. pot is just a way for me to relax chill and when done in moderation definitely gets the job done. if everyone would just try it they would totally see its not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

Answer 9

I am a professional, work for the government, am college educated, lead a productive life, and active in the community....Im also a pothead and have been smoking for over 30 years now. Hasnt hurt me a bit.

Answer 10

Thats a well thought out and legitimate question coming from an obvious user. Which goes to show not all users are potaholics and weed should be regulated in a similar style to that of drinking. Only those responsible enough should be allowed to use it.