Why Do People Think That Weed is Harmless, ITS NOT!!!?

Question

I have noticed questions on here about people joking about weed smoking, and make light of it.

I work in mental health and I can tell you now its NOT harmless, it can bring on schizophrenia in much too many people.

I have smoked it myself a few years back and know it chills you out nicely, but is it really worth the risk??

I also agree that Alcohol is worse in some ways before you all start on that one.

http://www.cannabis.net/cannschiz.html

http://www.schizophrenia.com/prevention/streetdrugs.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4486548.stm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12111342&dopt=AbstractPlus

There are 1000's of links I could post. Yes enjoy it, but i urge everyone who does, to consider this.

People who develop schizophrenia can have there life's ruined and IN MY EXPERIENCE end up being shunned by friends and family.

Of course this does not happen to all schizophrenics but the majority i have worked have.

What do u think??

I meant to say at the end

The majority I have worked WITH have

To the person who said I am two-faced as i smoked it when i was younger, Thats years ago before i new the dangers of it!!!!

Answer 1

Thank you for your concern - but I am neither Schizophrenic or Paranoid.

...Am I....?

Answer 2

But to be fair there are a lot worse things these guys could be doing. When you're young and unsanctimonious it is cool to get off your head - I did it, and probably still would if I wasn't saddled with a job, mortgage and kids (saddled in the nicest possible way - they're a joy like no other of course).

It also is a social thing, people do it for a few years and life moves on and then you don't. Obviously I'd be more than delighted if my kids never touched drugs, but to take a realistic view on life very few kids manage to get to adulthood without experimenting with something or other whether their parents know of not and I can safely say I would rather my child was sitting in a warm house with his mates stoned off his head finding stupid things funny than standing around pissed on a street corner being vile and aggressive.

Granted some people never move on from this but I'm not convinced that is because of the weed, I think that they'd find another crutch in life, alcohol, harder drugs, bad relationships, anything. Some people just need a 'thing'.

In a few years time they too are going to be stuck with the responsibilities you have as you get older - let them have their fun safe in the knowledge that we survived it and those of us that didn't could have found inumerable ways of messing up.

I commend you for what job path you've chosen - not an easy one.

Answer 3

I think that you're doing the right thing by sharing your past and present experience with people.
Some people just choose to believe it's fine; It makes them feel less guilty and gives them a better conscience.
I am not in the medical profession, but as far as I know, any drugs can become addictive, and I don't know of any addiction which is good: be it work, sex or food!
Some people just like the easy way, but what may start as an easy way, may well become the worst ever they chose.
We should never make a choice based on the fact that it was the easiest, it should be the easiest AND the SAFEST!

Answer 4

Strange you don't hear of alot of schizophrenia in Amsterdam, nor do hear about scotes beating and pissing on old ladies, or stabbing people, and saying the pot made me do it. Nor do you hear about it in Canada, the highest pot smoking population in the western world. Maybe the Brits are just less evolved. Of course it may affect some people negatively, but booze and cigarrettes affect everyone negatively. But that's ok, right. Personally I would rather someone blow a couple of bats at night and be ready for work in the morning, than drink 10 beers and stinking of booze and hung over when they come to work.

Answer 5

Good question, and some amazing answers!

Am completely on the fence on this one. I have also worked in metal health, although I believe there is no conclusive evidence that smoking weed leads to schizophrenia, there is a link in some people.

Answer 6

yeah schizophrenia is pretty awful, there's no argument on that one from me.

Weed? I smoked it for a few years- it just got boring.
Unfortunately I fell into the alcohol trap and am struggling to get out.

I think people think it's harmless because it makes you mellow and you are reasonably aware of what's going on around you. There are also the medicinal properties of the plant but the physical smoking can't be good for your lungs and the psychoactive element I'm sure can be disruptive to the minds of some.

Answer 7

I tried it years ago and it did absolutely nothing for me. I do know people who have smoked it for years and they're genuinely OK. As you say, there are obviously risks involved but like smoking ordinary tobacco or drinking alcohol, it's up to the individual.

EDIT: leeincognito: Paul didn't tell people to stop exactly. He was pointing out the RISK factors involved.

Answer 8

I think they overplay this. Yes I am sure some schizophrenics do smoke weed, however lots of people who smoke weed are not schizophrenic.

I have known people to smoke weed for donkeys ears and they are far from violent and psychotic. In fact, they are probably my most chilled out acquantances.

It is no worse than alcohol, or cigarettes for MOST people.

Answer 9

Maybe people with underlying mental disorders are just more prone to drug use? Maybe instead of pot bringing on schizophrenia, schizophrenics are more prone to using it. What do you think about that?
I also think that all of this crap about it being a gateway drug is a bunch of bull. People are going to do what they are going to do, and it is all about keeping control of your life. If you lose control of anything it isn't good, but you are the only one to blame.
Not to mention, we all know that the drug schedule is a government conspiracy to keep us in line. Think about it...each time a new LEGAL drug has come out over the years and entranced the youth of America, who then start speaking out against the government, the drug is blamed and put on the schedule. It has happened to LSD and Esctasy, to name a few. There was a great documentary done on this not too long ago. Most Schedule 1 drugs are only there for bs reasons.
Considering they are putting chemicals in the food we eat, pollution in the air we breathe, and there is not a safe place in the world, the least thing I am worried about is if someone is smoking a little weed. Worry more about the drunk in the car next to you.

Answer 10

It's called freedom of choice yes theres alot of speculation on the effects of cannabis but i have yet to see any of that alot of my freinds are smokers hell even some family and their all fine and have been smoking it for years.I I smoke it myself i could be down the pub getting drunk destroying my liver whats the difference? there is'nt a pleasure out there that does not have it's downfall.Why spend time worrying about it you do not smoke it so you are not in that risk factor those that do it's their lives their choice their gonna do it regardless of people preaching at them.

Answer 11

well i smoke it for 30 years never done me any harm.
nor any of the people i know that smoke it.
i know builders, fisherman ,accountants,architects,hairdresser's,shop workers,teachers,bar staff,landlords,parents and nurses.
i could go on
they all have smoked for years.
no probs.
what do the statistics say about drinkers and what about antidepressants.
well i think balls i,d would rather have a smoke then drink or pop antidepressants.
give me a spliff any day.
oh and by the way i stop smoking puff 3 months ago for no reason at all i just stop after 30 years of everyday smoking.
i did.nt need to rehab or see my doctor. i found it harder to give up smoking cigarettes which i manage 1 month later.
wheres the addiction every ones shouting about because i certainly did,nt get it.