Some Of The Real Cons Of Marijuana Use

[Fangz]

What with magazines like High Times and medical marijuana being approved in California and I think Boston as well we hear more and more about how benevolent pot is to people even helpful at times. However for every point there is a counterpoint and while movies like Reefer Madness have become the stuff of comedy I wonder what are some real concrete reasons to avoid cannibus. I know most of the anti-drug commercials have also been exaggerated to the point of being ineffective but I know there have to be SOME reasons to avoid this drug. Isn't there?

 

[Artoo]

Sure there's cons.

If you use it too much, you turn into a vegetable.

 

[Fangz]

Ah so it gets you massively lazy.

 

[Mister Scruff]

One time I got over-bonged and fell asleep in a field. I woke up covered in mud and with one shoe where before there were two. That was a major fucking con.

 

[LeeAllure]

What happened in Boston, and the rest of Massachusetts, is
that small amounts of marijuana, under 1 ounce, are now
punishable with a fine instead of being arrested, going to
court, etc. So not exactly decriminalized, and not paying the
fine is likely to result in going to court, but at least the cops
can now focus their attentions on more major crime.

Lee

 

[chicago]

Cons to the drug? It's illegal in most places, meaning it's not regulated, kids in high school say it's easier to get than alcohol, sometimes it's laced, etc.

If it were legal, it could be taxed, regulated, and thus safer and not as easily accessible by kids under 18 or 21 or whathaveyou.

Another con? People say it makes you lazy and stupid. Although there are no current laws against being either of those things.

I'd say, like anything, if you're paying for weed instead of for your electricity, and smoking it instead of tending to responsibilities, it can be a problem.

 

[Mephistopheles]

Yeah, some people develop a mental addiction to it and neglect their responsibilities.

But for those few there's loads of people who're just recreational users having a great time.

And if everyone would swap alcohol for marihuana there'd be alot less violence.

 

[chicago]

Yeah, some people develop a mental addiction to it and neglect their responsibilities.

But for those few there's loads of people who're just recreational users having a great time.

And if everyone would swap alcohol for marihuana there'd be alot less violence.

Yeah, seriously, anyone know anyone that's died from smoking weed? Not me. And weed is less addictive than caffeine. Those that say they are addicted probably have bigger problems than they're saying.

 

[Mephistopheles]

Yeah, seriously, anyone know anyone that's died from smoking weed? Not me. And weed is less addictive than caffeine. Those that say they are addicted probably have bigger problems than they're saying.

Indeed. There has been no recorded overdose of THC thusfar. (although I recently spoke to this guy who works in the lab I'm working for my study who had actually bought the 99% pure thing from the US 😀 Turns out that there's loads of rules and regulations, but if you state you need it for research you can buy it and the only place to get the stuff is in the United States, lol 😀)

Addiction, like with abuse of other substances, stems from the desire to escape from your problems by chemically altering your mind in such a fashion that you are no longer troubled by them for the time that the substance lasts.

 

[Iggy pop]

A large percentage of Marijuana comes from Mexico, and the drug cartels are some of the most violent criminal organizations in the world. In the last couple of years, the murder rate in Mexico has more than doubled mainly due to drug war. Of course it was decriminalized, alongside cocaine and heroin, these cartels may be forced out of business.

 

[Mephistopheles]

A large percentage of Marijuana comes from Mexico, and the drug cartels are some of the most violent criminal organizations in the world. In the last couple of years, the murder rate in Mexico has more than doubled mainly due to drug war. Of course it was decriminalized, alongside cocaine and heroin, these cartels may be forced out of business.

Yeah, that's the problem with the policy we have here. It's legal to buy it, it's legal to sell it for the propietor of a so-called coffeeshop, but it's illegal to grow it in larger quantities than 5 plants. (which is classified as for personal use)

Problem is that we have signed some UN-treaties banning the production of drugs other than alcohol. As far as I know three of those treaties have come into existance, one in the 60's banning marihuana and cocaine, one in the 70's banning drugs like LSD and another one banning desingerdrugs such as XTC.

Bloody morons if you ask me.

 

[Sandrock74]

I would say the main con is in buying it. Don't kid yourself, your breaking the law. Its illegal. Plain and simple. My mind boggles at all the rationalization that people do over this one simple point.

Also, your money goes into the pockets of some very seedy people. In large enough amounts, its blood money. How many people have died in Mexico for the end result for you to smoke dope in the United States?

Then, it does alter your mind chemically. That is fact. Can't argue it. Again, another rationalization that people spend WAY too much time on, "Well, its better/safer/easier/etc than alcohol." Go back to my first point above.

Finally, it is a gateway drug. It is. Personally, I don't know of one single person who only ever just smoked dope. ALL of them went with dope first, THEN something more harsh. Some of them had real problems from then on! Yet again, look back to my con number 1 above.

I know everything I just pointed out will just be rationalized to death if not just dismissed, but there is four cons right there for you.

 

[chicago]

I would say the main con is in buying it. Don't kid yourself, your breaking the law. Its illegal. Plain and simple. My mind boggles at all the rationalization that people do over this one simple point.

I agree with you that this is a con and breaking the law (even when it only involves paying a fine and going about your business) is not cool. That said, marijuana really shouldn't be illegal if things like tobacco and alcohol are.

Also, your money goes into the pockets of some very seedy people. In large enough amounts, its blood money. How many people have died in Mexico for the end result for you to smoke dope in the United States?

True, but if legal, this would happen less.

Then, it does alter your mind chemically. That is fact. Can't argue it. Again, another rationalization that people spend WAY too much time on, "Well, its better/safer/easier/etc than alcohol." Go back to my first point above.

Caffeine can also alter your mind, as well as alcohol (which is legal). Alcohol on the other hand causes cirrhosis of the liver among other horrible diseases if used heavily over many years. Marijuana, probably can cause lung cancer if used heavily over many years, though I haven't read any proof on that, just as cigarettes can (which are also legal).

Finally, it is a gateway drug. It is. Personally, I don't know of one single person who only ever just smoked dope. ALL of them went with dope first, THEN something more harsh. Some of them had real problems from then on! Yet again, look back to my con number 1 above.

I'd like to see proof of where it's been proven that weed is a gateway drug. Odd that you'd know so many people that smoke it despite your obvious aversion to the stuff, but personal experiences do not make it true. If I said I didn't know a single blonde that wasn't stupid, it wouldn't mean that all blonds must therefore be of less intelligence than brunettes, now would it?

 

[Bugman]

Finally, it is a gateway drug. It is. Personally, I don't know of one single person who only ever just smoked dope.

I knew quite a few people who never went beyond smoking pot back when i was into it.Instead of knocking back a few beers or a Jack and Coke,they smoked a joint.Just my personal experience.

 

[xionking]

Yeah, seriously, anyone know anyone that's died from smoking weed? Not me. And weed is less addictive than caffeine. Those that say they are addicted probably have bigger problems than they're saying.

Weed's the drug that causes all of the other problems. Saying, 'those that say they are addicted probably have bigger problems than they're saying' is oversimplifying it. The reason why that person can't get a job, is because he smokes weed everyday so it affects his motivation. The reason why that person can't get through school, is because she gets high all the time and doesn't study. The reason why that person can't resolve relationship issues is because he gets high all the time, and becomes more reclusive and shut off as the smoking sessions continue.

Firstly, Choof is addictive There's no tip-toeing around that fact. Yes, I believe in moderation and all of that, but weed is addictive. People say, "but it's not an addiction, it's a dependancy'. Well, that's just a cop out. 'Addiction and dependancy' pretty much mean the same thing, you're still reliant on smoking weed.

'Weed is less addictive than caffeine' is a useless statement. No offense.

Secondly, 'anyone know anyone that's died from smoking weed?" Well, yeah...dick heads hop into cars under the influence all the time, crash, and are killed or kill somebody else and then are found to have THC in their blood. Add alcohol into the mix and you've got a fairly deadly combination.

Or what about the guy that lived down the road from me, smoked heavily through most of his adolescence, and the weed manifested his depression, leading him to eventually hang himself one quiet afternoon?

The direct affects of weed might not seem as heavy as the Class A drugs out there, but the indirect affects of weed are devestatingly real, making it a dangerous drug.

Sandrock74, this whole 'gateway drug' thing is a bit contraversial. In Australia alone, 3 million ecstasy tablets are consumed over an average Australian weekend. What's to say that ecstasy isn't the gateway drug now? Younger generations now are trying pills at the same age they try weed for the first time.

-Xionking

 

[chicago]

Weed's the drug that causes all of the other problems. Saying, 'those that say they are addicted probably have bigger problems than they're saying' is oversimplifying it. The reason why that person can't get a job, is because he smokes weed everyday so it affects his motivation. The reason why that person can't get through school, is because she gets high all the time and doesn't study. The reason why that person can't resolve relationship issues is because he gets high all the time, and becomes more reclusive and shut off as the smoking sessions continue.

First of all, I smoke weed nearly every day and have no problem getting up in the morning, going to work, etc, just like many people. What you are saying is the exception, not the norm. Some people can't handle certain things, and like I said, probably have underlying issues.

Firstly, Choof is addictive There's no tip-toeing around that fact. Yes, I believe in moderation and all of that, but weed is addictive. People say, "but it's not an addiction, it's a dependancy'. Well, that's just a cop out. 'Addiction and dependancy' pretty much mean the same thing, you're still reliant on smoking weed.

'Weed is less addictive than caffeine' is a useless statement. No offense.

I have no idea what choof is, and what I said wasn't a useless statement. It was fact. See here: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_marijuana_addictive
But some make a habit of it, forming a psychological habit in which people THINK they need it to function, however if they stopped taking it, would not suffer any physical withdrawal symptoms.

Secondly, 'anyone know anyone that's died from smoking weed?" Well, yeah...dick heads hop into cars under the influence all the time, crash, and are killed or kill somebody else and then are found to have THC in their blood. Add alcohol into the mix and you've got a fairly deadly combination.

Or what about the guy that lived down the road from me, smoked heavily through most of his adolescence, and the weed manifested his depression, leading him to eventually hang himself one quiet afternoon?

So, of course I wouldn't recommend driving after having smoked weed (or drinking alcohol). That's pretty much a given. And I think the guy you knew had problems that were more than just having a marijuana habit.

The direct affects of weed might not seem as heavy as the Class A drugs out there, but the indirect affects of weed are devestatingly real, making it a dangerous drug.

Devastating? Not nearly as devastating as alcohol or even tobacco. Lets be real here.

Also, let's keep in mind this gateway drug thing, is a theory.

See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_drug

 

[Dussicar]

On the morality issue, Canada dosen't really have to truly contend with major drug cartells. Pretty much all of our pot is either grown in British Columbia or right here in good old Saskatchewan.

On a side note: I have had the..."pleasure" of trying Mexican pot.

It was crap.

Fuck, they don't even know how to lace anything properly.

 

[MrMacphisto]

I don't think anyone's saying that pot is good for your health. If they are, they're full of it.

The question is... should the government ban something that is no more harmful than alcohol or tobacco?

I think not.

Also, when you weigh the costs of the War on Drugs vs. the benefits of legalizing and taxing marijuana, logically, legalization makes more sense. It would actually make it harder for it to end up in the hands of minors as well.

 

[Mephistopheles]

Finally, it is a gateway drug. It is. Personally, I don't know of one single person who only ever just smoked dope. ALL of them went with dope first, THEN something more harsh. Some of them had real problems from then on! Yet again, look back to my con number 1 above.

Nope, it is not. I happen to know alot of potheads and none of them has any interest in the harder drugs that are out there on the market. As for myself, yes, marihuana was the first drug I tried because it was so readily available, but I did not use all those other substances because I started smoking marihuana, if I hadn't stumbled on weed first I would have tried them anyway. The people who use other drugs such as cocaine, XTC, LSD etcetera would do so anyway.

And xionking, it's sad to hear that it has caused you alot of trouble, but in the end it still is you that makes the decision to smoke large amounts of weed. Don't blame the drugs for your own faults.

 

[MrMacphisto]

I would say the main con is in buying it. Don't kid yourself, your breaking the law. Its illegal. Plain and simple. My mind boggles at all the rationalization that people do over this one simple point.

Law is not flawless. Some laws have had to change over the years, so illegality is only a con with respect to punishment that can be rendered.

Laws must be questioned and examined for their logical worth. If the costs of enforcing a law outweigh the benefits of enforcement, then that is a law that needs to change.

Also, your money goes into the pockets of some very seedy people. In large enough amounts, its blood money. How many people have died in Mexico for the end result for you to smoke dope in the United States?

and via legalization, this factor ceases to exist. Once a drug is legalized and regulated, it greatly decreases the participation of criminals in its distribution.

Then, it does alter your mind chemically. That is fact. Can't argue it. Again, another rationalization that people spend WAY too much time on, "Well, its better/safer/easier/etc than alcohol." Go back to my first point above.

Alcohol and tobacco do the same. Other organs besides the mind are affected by alcohol, tobacco, and pot as well. In fact, to put it more bluntly, any drug that has mental effects alters your mind chemically. Aspirin, caffeine, etc. Pick your poison, because nearly all of us use mind altering substances -- legal and/or illegal.

Finally, it is a gateway drug. It is. Personally, I don't know of one single person who only ever just smoked dope. ALL of them went with dope first, THEN something more harsh. Some of them had real problems from then on! Yet again, look back to my con number 1 above.

And this would be a non-factor if it became legal, because the "gateway" logic has more to do with who you associate with to get pot. If you just went to the ABC store for pot, the cashier wouldn't push coke on you or lace your pot with coke.

I know everything I just pointed out will just be rationalized to death if not just dismissed, but there is four cons right there for you.

Indeed, because debate is entirely about conflicting rationalizations. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a debate. 😉

 

[kis123]

My biggest con and the reason I've been weed free over 20 years comes down to two words:

Quality control

I could go to ten different weed dealers and buy ten different products. Weed can be cut or laced with anything nowadays. I was done back in the day when people were soaking it in embalming fluid. Are you friggin' serious??? That stuff is used on dead people for a reason!

I know alcohol is probably worse than marijuana but at least it's quality controlled. I go to the state store anywhere in the country and will get the exact same product every time.

I thought it shouldve been legalized a long time ago right along with prostitution. Get outta' my pockets and tax them-they're making a killing.

 

[Mephistopheles]

My biggest con and the reason I've been weed free over 20 years comes down to two words:

Quality control

I could go to ten different weed dealers and buy ten different products. Weed can be cut or laced with anything nowadays. I was done back in the day when people were soaking it in embalming fluid. Are you friggin' serious??? That stuff is used on dead people for a reason!

I know alcohol is probably worse than marijuana but at least it's quality controlled. I go to the state store anywhere in the country and will get the exact same product every time.

I thought it shouldve been legalized a long time ago right along with prostitution. Get outta' my pockets and tax them-they're making a killing.

And that's why I love my country so damn much. Legal prostitution and legal weed. Hell, I can buy my favourite brands of weed here in most coffeeshops. If I want to buy "white widow" weed, I can go to virtually any coffeeshop in the country and get the very same stuff. We also did some nifty work in improving the various subtypes of marihuana that is being grown here resulting in an active content (THC) of 30% and over, whereas the most weed that's used in the US is stuck around 5%. So you get more quality for your buck and it's alot cheaper too.

 

[Libertine]

Finally, it is a gateway drug. It is. Personally, I don't know of one single person who only ever just smoked dope. ALL of them went with dope first, THEN something more harsh.

He's absolutely right. Another two of the deadliest substances to ingest are breast milk and/or baby formula. If sampled at an impressionable age, either, or worse yet, a combination of both will lead to absolutely everything.

 

[Saeria]

Cons?

Well, from once being a pot head and spending time with people who went well beyond recreational use and into habitual use, i saw a few.

The biggest one, IMO, is complacency. I would roll a joint and say "all right, this will make housecleaning more interesting" yet almost everytime i would start, get distracted by something on tv or a thought in my mind and before i knew it i was asleep on the couch, drooling halfeaten cheetos out of my mouth with the remote clutched in my hand. When there was pot in the hous, nothing ever got done.

The shady people it brings. For a very short time i thought i would try slinging since at the time i wasn't allowed to work outside of the house. Sure, there was extra money to be had but i had some of the most uncomfortable sorts hanging out around my house, most of them on other drugs along with the pot. To this day on rare occasion someone will come to my house to bum a quarter or something even though i have long since stopped.

The smell of bong water in carpet NEVER COMES OUT!

Smoking pot, for me at least, always led me into a cycle of benzodiazepine use.

random drug tests. Cannibanoids (sp?) stay in the system on average up to 45 days after use. I don't care how much water/pectin/Super System Flush you use, if you have the body type to retain said cannibanoids even after a flush, you're gonna come up positive.

that's why i stick to crack 😉

 

[Mephistopheles]

random drug tests. Cannibanoids (sp?) stay in the system on average up to 45 days after use. I don't care how much water/pectin/Super System Flush you use, if you have the body type to retain said cannibanoids even after a flush, you're gonna come up positive.

that's why i stick to crack 😉

LSD disappears from your system within 24 hours! WHOHOO!