590 replies to this topic

[Tehpengwan]

Firstly, I am not keen about having to walk through a geyser of marijuana smoke whenever I need to enter a public building. Tobacco smokers are insufferable enough, blowing smoke at me that is proven to cause cancer and lung problems. Do not make it so I have to now endure a smoke that has sketchy, under-researched effects on my brain. The claim that less information has been gathered about this drug is just another reason not to haphazardly expose the public to it.Furthermore, alcohol, for instance, can be taken in moderation throughout a person's life without the person suffering any significant damage. As for its abuse, the legal system does at least have laws against DUI, and the authorities are not sympathetic against alcohol abuse related crimes. Small amounts of alcohol taken enter the liver, but if the drug is not abused, the person quickly recovers. Only large, unresponsible amounts will start to destroy the brain (along with the rest of the body). Red wine, as a matter of fact, is often noted as been able to actually extend one's life by promoting a healthy heart. However, marijuana, no matter how small someone claims the effects are, and no matter how little or sparingly it is taken, is a drug that directly effects the brain. People take marijuana for that very reason--for the effects it has on the brain. People always take marijuana to get high, but do not always drink alcohol to get drunk. Marijuana does not immediately physically disolve the brain as severely as severe alcohol abuse does, but unlike alcohol abuse, taking marijuana, even in moderation, will start to change a person's behavior. They can become lethargic, depressed, and so on.The point is, while alcohol may be a more destructive substance in nature than THC, it is not possible to take marijuana in moderation without experiencing its negative effects, while human bodies are able to at least endure small amounts of alcohol in the body without any permanent damage. While this argument would also beg the question of why we don't ban smoking, I honestly cannot stand smokers either. I would love it if smoking of any kind was banned, but society is apparently leaning in the opposite direction.I suppose you could compare my argument of alcohol vs marijuana as being tied to the hood of a moving car vs working on the car with your face engulfed in exhaust. While it is possible to ride on the hood of a car without sustaining injury at first, if the car goes too fast, you will probably get maimed and suffer horrible injuries, wheras, working on a car with the exhaust on may not have the potential to instantly mangle your body, but it is not possible to remain where you are without inhaling any exhaust, and not matter what, you will suffer harm, even in moderation.In any case, I would certainly be opposed to the legalization of marijuana--especially laws that allow them to smoke in public. I may be less worried if marijuana smokers--and tobacco smokers too for that matter, were required to be in a place where they could only poison themselves, more or less enacting a system of natural selection against these stoners. I find it extremely difficult to understand the decision of someone lucky enough to be born with a healthy brain deciding to risk manually degenerating it.

Edited by Tehpengwan, 20 June 2009 - 08:44 PM.

[Ragamuffin]

Merged new weed thread with old one.l2search, people

[Ragamuffin]

But really, the really important thing is not marijuana, because the cannabis is used in other things. It should be sinthetic drugs, they're really strong. That ones have to be phorbiden forever.

I agree that harder drugs are more dangerous, but it's all about who uses the and how often they're used. With a little self-control, not getting addicted to say, coke isn't all that hard. Though I will add that addiction does depend on your personality, but even the most addictive substances can be kicked (such as nicotine, which is even more addictive than heroin.)

[Ragamuffin]

I will agree to your point that any habit can be kicked, but physically speaking, an addiction to heroin is forever. One can get off of it but the desire always remains. The withdrawal symptoms for nicotine and other things are a walk in a field of flowers compared to the withdrawal symptoms from heroin and alcohol detox, which could result in death. Marijuana is probably one the easiest habits to kick if you have to.

Serious question; have you ever used heroin?I can tell you first hand that the desire to use doesn't last forever. Sure, you might get a craving once in awhile like with cigarettes, but that's just you remembering what it was like (well, only the good parts). Also, dying from heroin withdrawal is quite rare, but yes it is possible.

[Ragamuffin]

You're right. I have never tried or been addicted to heroin (semi-synthetic opiates yes, heroin no). I guess that in my previous point I was just going off of what I've seen on TV and read in medical books. So to answer your question, I have no background experience to speak of what the detox symptoms for heroin withdrawals are. I stand corrected and apologize sincerely.

Oh no problem, but there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to addiction, especially with heroin.While it is true that getting off of it is much harder than, say, weed, and yes the cravings can come back every so often, an ex-addict can live their lives without even thinking about the stuff again, at least thinking about it in a positive manner.