I agree with what you said about cigarettes, but what is the "pro" to weed or alcohol?
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Drugs Debate
- Thread starter mf
- Start date
I agree with what you said about cigarettes, but what is the "pro" to weed or alcohol?
Obviously you didn't read the article Misty linked to or you'd know that marijuana being a "gateway drug" is a load of garbage and proven to have little to no correlation. The research done while trying to prevent marijuana usage showed that it really didn't curb other drug usage at all. EDIT: and obviously a link from the White House isn't going to claim one of the programs they're throwing millions of dollars at is based on a wrong assumption.
No offense, but that's a high school type mindset at least when it comes to weed (I can't really speak for any other drug). In the last year or so, I've discovered that there are a lot of people that smoke. And these aren't different people or new friends I've made because I picked up the habit (it was probably only about 3 months ago that I even started smoking on a semi-regular basis) but rather people I was already friends with who just kept this stuff secret. Nobody talks about it because of being judged like that, true, but to claim that there is a clear cut line between people that smoke pot and people that don't is completely untrue. It would be like calling anyone that has a beer on occasion an alcoholic. There's different levels of users of pot just as there are different levels of drinkers. If you smoke like every day, then you're getting to the "drug user" category you're talking about but if you're doing it on occasion you really don't fit into that stereotype at all. As for making you a different person.. I'd say it only really does this when you're actually high but then drinking does the same exact thing. People get louder when they drink and just plain stupid sometimes and when people get high they tend to mellow out a lot and giggle at stupid shit. But sober, you're still essentially the same person. Weed can change your priorities I think, but so can alcohol. In fact, I find both marijuana and alcohol to be on a pretty level playing field in terms of what they do and how you should use them. Both should be used in moderation and really only on occasion for enjoyment. The only real difference between them for this discussion is one is illegal.
I took weed, despite all warnings from my friendly United States government that stated that I would get AIDS and die within the next 48 hours.
Seriously, people are overreacting. If I want to do stupid shit with my body, don't fucking stop me from doing so. In my opinion, if sites like youtube are allowed, which pollute the mind far worse than weed or any drug for that manner, then I have every right to go do whatever I want with my body.
Seriously, people are overreacting. If I want to do stupid shit with my body, don't fucking stop me from doing so. In my opinion, if sites like youtube are allowed, which pollute the mind far worse than weed or any drug for that manner, then I have every right to go do whatever I want with my body.
There seems to be "evidence" for either side, making this is a relatively hard topic to argue. I still believe drugs are bad, and there is little (most likely nothing...) that can make me think otherwise; however, because there is so much evidence for both sides it can sometimes be hard to come to conclusive...conclusions. I chose to believe that marijuana IS a Gateway Drug and you have your reasons not to. I understand where you are coming from (I think), but when it comes down to it, your decision is based off of whichever information you choose believe in. I can respect other decisions, because I know that you all probably have a reason for them, but in return I ask that you respect my decisions.
Okay, I feel that being high every once in a while is 10X better than being a typical normal citizen who proceeds to live a life according to the teachings of a piss-poor Baptist church in Kansas, whilst popping out 2.5 kids in a small house that you manage to afford using your salary you get from being a manager in an insurance company, whilst you proceed to watch monday night football religiously because you were a quarter-back in high school, ultimately leading to your death where you've failed to accomplish anything with your life and not had a moment of joy or recklessness.
also in b4 logical fallacy.
thank god for assholes like above poster to make us feel good about ourselves
anyways moderation seems to be the key here. The problem with habit forming drugs like heroine/crack/meth is that its all but impossible to practice moderation with them, the jury's still out on coke but it's such a dirty drug either way
so long story short im ok with any drug that you can do without needing to do it all the time.
Im also not down with the physical side effects of drugs. as of yet there is no way to make yourself feel awesome by ingesting something without some sort of bodily consequence.
alcohol is a poison and drinking too much will fuck your liver
weed pops brain cells if you use it enough
ecstasy eats your muscles
cigarettes tar your lungs
etc etc. I myself drink and smoke weed every now and then
anyways moderation seems to be the key here. The problem with habit forming drugs like heroine/crack/meth is that its all but impossible to practice moderation with them, the jury's still out on coke but it's such a dirty drug either way
so long story short im ok with any drug that you can do without needing to do it all the time.
Im also not down with the physical side effects of drugs. as of yet there is no way to make yourself feel awesome by ingesting something without some sort of bodily consequence.
alcohol is a poison and drinking too much will fuck your liver
weed pops brain cells if you use it enough
ecstasy eats your muscles
cigarettes tar your lungs
etc etc. I myself drink and smoke weed every now and then
Well, the problem with believing in whatever information you choose to is what happens when that information you picked is completely incorrect? There was a time in the early 1900's when people chose to believe that brain size indicated intelligence (when there is no correlation) and went even further as to suggest that certain races had larger brains than others making them smarter. Data was even skewed to represent this assumption to ensure that white males were number one. You could make an argument that this set back some of the equal rights movements a bit. Obviously this isn't a debate about civil rights but my point is that believing something that could be right doesn't make it the right choice to believe in. Yes, this does go both ways.
Even though in the situation it's hard for me to be right and you to be wrong, I'm not only basing my information off of different articles I've read but also on personal experience. I still don't have an urge to go out and try some crack or meth and this is pretty true for everyone I've talked to who has smoked pot. I'm not advocating everyone go out and try drugs but to at least be a bit more skeptical about instantly believing a website that is supposed supply support for current legislation.
Even though in the situation it's hard for me to be right and you to be wrong, I'm not only basing my information off of different articles I've read but also on personal experience. I still don't have an urge to go out and try some crack or meth and this is pretty true for everyone I've talked to who has smoked pot. I'm not advocating everyone go out and try drugs but to at least be a bit more skeptical about instantly believing a website that is supposed supply support for current legislation.
I understand what you are saying, but I am also basing my opinion off of things that I have read (more than just governmental things) and I have come to the personal conclusion that drugs are not something I would ever want to try.
P.S. Off topic: does anyone else see the drug counseling ads on the top of the page?
Also, moving on to something NOT about what I think, where does everyone else stand on legalizing drugs?
P.S. Off topic: does anyone else see the drug counseling ads on the top of the page?
Also, moving on to something NOT about what I think, where does everyone else stand on legalizing drugs?
your resistance only makes my penis harder.
Anyways, I agree with your stance. I don't think anything is bad when used in moderation. I suppose that when it comes to drugs like weed and alcohol, it is the user's fault for failing to have self control. The problem does lie within the drugs that develop a serious dependency, which people should strive to avoid all together.
That's fine and understandable. This is clearly a personal choice to make which is why marijuana being illegal can be argued to begin with. It shouldn't be up to the government to automatically make that choice for you.
Legalizing marijuana might not be a terrible idea, since some people, particularly the younger users, do it because it's forbidden and want to rebel, but if it is legal, people might not want to do it as much.
In hindsight, this unfortunately might backfire. If someone answers my question in my last post in the thread about whether they can put nicotine into weed if they're selling it, and if you in fact can, then keeping it illegal might be better, because then companies can get people addicted so fast, and then the government won't be able to do much about it, because it's "helping the economy".
In hindsight, this unfortunately might backfire. If someone answers my question in my last post in the thread about whether they can put nicotine into weed if they're selling it, and if you in fact can, then keeping it illegal might be better, because then companies can get people addicted so fast, and then the government won't be able to do much about it, because it's "helping the economy".
I don't consume any type of illegal drugs, or smoke, or drink, but to be honest I agree with the legalization of drugs. Taking something away from somebody leaves a greater feeling of desire, which is why I think so many people are curious about taking drugs: it's illegal.
However, I don't think they should be consumed in public places. I'm an almost complete ignorant about most drugs, but I at least know how serious second hand smoking is and its effects on non smokers. If people bother to take drugs, which, to be honest, I don't see much point in, they should at least do it in places where non consumers (except for those who don't mind) aren't affected.
This is mostly why I agree with the banning, starting today January 1st, of smoking in public places that aren't prepared for it. For instance, if the room is surrounded by walls it must be at least 100 square meters and must have certain equipment I won't specify. This is a bitch for small restaurants and cafes.
However, I don't think they should be consumed in public places. I'm an almost complete ignorant about most drugs, but I at least know how serious second hand smoking is and its effects on non smokers. If people bother to take drugs, which, to be honest, I don't see much point in, they should at least do it in places where non consumers (except for those who don't mind) aren't affected.
This is mostly why I agree with the banning, starting today January 1st, of smoking in public places that aren't prepared for it. For instance, if the room is surrounded by walls it must be at least 100 square meters and must have certain equipment I won't specify. This is a bitch for small restaurants and cafes.
Because taxpayers aren't already paying for treatments for cigarette smokers, road accidents and alcohol abuse.
Marijuana is a drop in the ocean compared to those 3.
That said I personally think banning cigarettes would be just fine, people smoking in public makes me irate.
yeah think of all the pokemon forums you need to post on!
seriously this argument is so dumb, you've completely contradicted yourself in a single sentence - you don't think getting drunk or stoned is a life experience?
just fyi
also
Do you think cannabis should be made legal?
Results so far:
Yes (17095 votes)- 82.5%
No (3627 votes)- 17.5%
I don't mind cannabis being legal, that's a different issue...I wouldn't take it myself knowing who I am but I don't think I can stop anyone else from doing what they want to do.
Here's my coupla coins on the drugs issue.
Let's take the example of the current legal drugs, being alcohol and cigarettes. And before we carry on, let's not kid ourselves, alcohol is a drug no matter what you want to convince yourself of. Anyway, it is fairly common to see the negative effects of alcohol, whether it be from physical abuse of others, domestic violence, and eventual brain damage and addiction. Alcohol is also the number one offender at the moment when it comes to drug-related deaths, but this is mainly a by-product of how easily available alcoholic drinks are, even to the under-age.
However, as bad as alcohol can be, it is not the drug with the most side effects, it is just the most readily available, and also is legal, so it has that 'socially acceptable' aspect.
When it comes to the hard drugs that are sold, they are the most dangerous in terms of side effects, with many being lethal quite easily straight off the bat, and of course there is the problems of addiction that come with these, in many cases the addiction from something like Heroin is heavily worse than that of alcohol. Like all addictions, once you have them you can never truly get over them and move on, but they can be managed.
There are programs available in the UK (and I'm sure in other countries too, all I can go off is my own experience), where Herion can be prescribed to addicted as part of a program to manage their addiction, rather than being forced to steal or use the substitute Methodone. I'm all in favour for these as a way of helping current addicts, but not as a way to encourage new ones.
On the issue of softer drugs, it's a case of 'everything in moderation'. I did smoke cannabis for quite a few years, but I haven't touched any since 3 years ago as I started getting more and more paranoid (to an extent I am still slightly paranoid even now, but not as bad as when I was smoking). It's also not like I was smoking it every day, maybe the odd joint every month or so with some friends, so I was managing my intake carefully enough. I guess that made it easy to quit, although cannabis isn't physically addictive, it can be psychologically addictive.
Personally I wouldn't take anything stronger than what my doctor prescribes me, mostly because I'm cautious about how my body would react (and I have a reasonably high metabolism, so the effects hit me quicker but fade just as fast). As for other people, it's up to them but do your research. Find out what you know from other friends who take stuff, if they are good enough friends they a) won't force you to take it, and b) will warn you of the possible dangers and side effects.
I guess I'm pretty much on the fence on the issue. Legalising drugs has its consequences, but then so does the current situation, and it would be hard to speculate which is the lesser of two evils right now. Complete prohibition obviously isn't working since drugs are still available even now. I believe even in it's current state of war Afghanistan is still the world's biggest producer of Opium at 95%, for a good example.
Let's take the example of the current legal drugs, being alcohol and cigarettes. And before we carry on, let's not kid ourselves, alcohol is a drug no matter what you want to convince yourself of. Anyway, it is fairly common to see the negative effects of alcohol, whether it be from physical abuse of others, domestic violence, and eventual brain damage and addiction. Alcohol is also the number one offender at the moment when it comes to drug-related deaths, but this is mainly a by-product of how easily available alcoholic drinks are, even to the under-age.
However, as bad as alcohol can be, it is not the drug with the most side effects, it is just the most readily available, and also is legal, so it has that 'socially acceptable' aspect.
When it comes to the hard drugs that are sold, they are the most dangerous in terms of side effects, with many being lethal quite easily straight off the bat, and of course there is the problems of addiction that come with these, in many cases the addiction from something like Heroin is heavily worse than that of alcohol. Like all addictions, once you have them you can never truly get over them and move on, but they can be managed.
There are programs available in the UK (and I'm sure in other countries too, all I can go off is my own experience), where Herion can be prescribed to addicted as part of a program to manage their addiction, rather than being forced to steal or use the substitute Methodone. I'm all in favour for these as a way of helping current addicts, but not as a way to encourage new ones.
On the issue of softer drugs, it's a case of 'everything in moderation'. I did smoke cannabis for quite a few years, but I haven't touched any since 3 years ago as I started getting more and more paranoid (to an extent I am still slightly paranoid even now, but not as bad as when I was smoking). It's also not like I was smoking it every day, maybe the odd joint every month or so with some friends, so I was managing my intake carefully enough. I guess that made it easy to quit, although cannabis isn't physically addictive, it can be psychologically addictive.
Personally I wouldn't take anything stronger than what my doctor prescribes me, mostly because I'm cautious about how my body would react (and I have a reasonably high metabolism, so the effects hit me quicker but fade just as fast). As for other people, it's up to them but do your research. Find out what you know from other friends who take stuff, if they are good enough friends they a) won't force you to take it, and b) will warn you of the possible dangers and side effects.
I guess I'm pretty much on the fence on the issue. Legalising drugs has its consequences, but then so does the current situation, and it would be hard to speculate which is the lesser of two evils right now. Complete prohibition obviously isn't working since drugs are still available even now. I believe even in it's current state of war Afghanistan is still the world's biggest producer of Opium at 95%, for a good example.
Taking drugs is a personal choice. I have no problem with it unless I am affected by it. If people want to ruin their own lives with their addiction, fine. But I become livid when i see people smoking in public. It shows a complete disregard for themselves as well as everyone else who is forced to breathe the putrid smoke that surrounds them. So does drinking and driving. I don't think I have a right to be harmed by some guy who makes a risky decision and drives home after downing 6 bottles of beer.
There's plenty of things to do in the world that don't involve drugs. Why anyone would choose drugs instead of a life where people don't attach a stigma to you is beyond me, but it's their choice. This is America. People already have control over most of their lives, why not let them do drugs? Banning drugs because they damage your body is like making McDonalds illegal because they make you obese.
The governments' programs for ending drug use are coming right out of, yes you guessed right, our pockets. Legalizing drugs would probably help the economy- drug companies can now advertise their products.
I don't mind if drugs are made legal, because i know what they will do to me. I just don't want to be affected by those who make that choice.
There's plenty of things to do in the world that don't involve drugs. Why anyone would choose drugs instead of a life where people don't attach a stigma to you is beyond me, but it's their choice. This is America. People already have control over most of their lives, why not let them do drugs? Banning drugs because they damage your body is like making McDonalds illegal because they make you obese.
The governments' programs for ending drug use are coming right out of, yes you guessed right, our pockets. Legalizing drugs would probably help the economy- drug companies can now advertise their products.
I don't mind if drugs are made legal, because i know what they will do to me. I just don't want to be affected by those who make that choice.
I don't have a lot to say on this other that if it's just lack of knowledge about a drug that stops you using it, then www.erowid.org is an awesome website to read about them on.
"People think it's all about misery and desperation and death and all that shite, which is not to be ignored, but what they forget is the pleasure of it. Otherwise we wouldn't do it. After all, we're not fucking stupid. At least, we're not that fucking stupid." - Trainspotting
Enough said.
Drugs aren't bad, some people just make it look that way.
McDonalds isn't bad either, some people just eat so much they make it look that way.
If you know where your borders are, drugs are perfectly fine.
Enough said.
Drugs aren't bad, some people just make it look that way.
McDonalds isn't bad either, some people just eat so much they make it look that way.
If you know where your borders are, drugs are perfectly fine.
mcdonalds is chopping down rainforests :(
anyway yeah I don't know, I've not much to add to this, except the pot/paranoia/psychosis thing is vastly, vastly overplayed - I have had psychotic spells and I smoked pot during them to calm me down.
Does this mean pot caused my psychosis? No.
If you take that pot is an effective antidepressant - and believe me, it is, it's as effective as your average SNRI - and that 10% of depressives have psychotic depression, does this mean the pot caused the psychosis? No.
and as for smoking in public, just lol. Where else am I supposed to smoke?
Please. Fuck off.
Have a go at everyone who drives a car and uses any public transport or has a carbon footprint bigger than the size of your cock (which lets face it is pathetically small.)
They're far bigger pollutants than smoking will ever be.
If you don't like it, you don't have to stand next to me. :)
anyway yeah I don't know, I've not much to add to this, except the pot/paranoia/psychosis thing is vastly, vastly overplayed - I have had psychotic spells and I smoked pot during them to calm me down.
Does this mean pot caused my psychosis? No.
If you take that pot is an effective antidepressant - and believe me, it is, it's as effective as your average SNRI - and that 10% of depressives have psychotic depression, does this mean the pot caused the psychosis? No.
and as for smoking in public, just lol. Where else am I supposed to smoke?
Please. Fuck off.
Have a go at everyone who drives a car and uses any public transport or has a carbon footprint bigger than the size of your cock (which lets face it is pathetically small.)
They're far bigger pollutants than smoking will ever be.
If you don't like it, you don't have to stand next to me. :)
I stand by what I said, it is ok when used responsibly. Using it underage is not responsible, as being responsible includes being lawful. Deaths that can be rooted to alcohol (driving, abuse, etc) is not really using it responsibly, is it?
It is obviously fair to say one drug is more dangerous than another, to say that if you can use one drug you can use them all is preposterous, as the risks and addiction levels vary for each. Alcohol is socially acceptable, legal and again, ok if used responsibly. Heroin is addictive as hell, ruins your life and will most likely kill you. Not only myself, but also the government is making the decision that one drug is ok, but the other is not.
Carl, I respect your point that I may have a "high school" perspective on it, but that is most likely because I am in high school! I'm just telling it like I see it, im not going to comment on how it is in university, all i know is what ive been told by my friend. What you said that surprised me was that people would hide the fact that they smoke from their friends, a lot of people around here flaunt it.
And finally to whoever said "what is the pro of alcohol or weed", you enter another state of mind which many people find enjoyable, helps them become more sociable and allows them to have more intense experiences.
yeah, and the decisions are for the most part arbitary.
hundreds of thousands of people, millions in fact, have died as a result of alcohol.
the death toll for ecstacy/MDMA is I believe somewhere around 200 in the UK since 1987.
SHUT UP I FAILED MATHS OK
in ONE year alone in the UK [2004, because it was the first that popped up on a quick google] no less than 8,380 deaths were directly attributed to alcohol - that's medical causes, not even counting drink driving, alcohol induced violence, being pissed and falling in a river etc.
yet alcohol is sold in shops all over the country and possession of MDMA can and often will land you with a very hefty prison stretch.
hundreds of thousands of people, millions in fact, have died as a result of alcohol.
the death toll for ecstacy/MDMA is I believe somewhere around 200 in the UK since 1987.
SHUT UP I FAILED MATHS OK
in ONE year alone in the UK [2004, because it was the first that popped up on a quick google] no less than 8,380 deaths were directly attributed to alcohol - that's medical causes, not even counting drink driving, alcohol induced violence, being pissed and falling in a river etc.
yet alcohol is sold in shops all over the country and possession of MDMA can and often will land you with a very hefty prison stretch.
So anyways drugs can mess you up a bit like thinking the current year is 1997.
But anyways my opinion on drugs is pretty much null.