Personally it would be nice to get some neutral info, from some organization without an axe to grind.
I find it risible that things like marijuana is illegal for people with terminal illnesses and in extreme pain. I guess they’re afraid they’ll have a monkey on their back for their last few months and become a menace to society from their sickbeds.
Although I’m sure Rush Limbaugh can tell you that you ain’t safe from addiction to medically prescribed, legal pharmaceuticals either.
Here’s my take:
Positives about marijuana:
- not physically addictive (compared to baccy/alkie)
- less tar/harmful chemicals than 'baccy
- definite benefits for the amelioration of suffering/symptoms of various illnesses
- smoke smells nicer than tobacco smoke (to me, anyway)
- cool gear
Negatives about marijuana
- psychologically addictive
- mood altering/intoxicating, even in minute doses
- soporific/sedative; impairs judgement/reaction time
- while lower in tar/toxins than tobacco, as mentioned above, the smoke is far hotter and held longer in the lungs, causing its own detrimental effects
- the stuff the gov’t of Canada legally grows and issues to medical marijuana recipients wouldn’t stone Ned Flanders
- is illegal (this is a biggy)
- since it can only be purchased illegally, it helps to support/fund the continuation of a number of criminal enterprises
- the stuff sold now is far more potent than the grass of the sixties, and often cut with other unknown substances, with no quality control (it’s not like it’s FDA approved, eh?); I have heard from some who indulge (anecdotal evidence, mind) that some of the new stuff is a depressant with a similar effect as hard alcohol (depression, anger, sadness, etc)
I don’t use myself; I spent 20 yrs in the CF, and with the constant threat of random drug testing, I wouldn’t be caught in the same room as a joint, in case the second-hand smoke screwed up my blood test or whatnot.
Also: Me =
Once, when they were talking about decriminalizing, and they stated that they were not going to prosecute people for simple possession of tiny amounts, I tried it, just to see what the fuss was about. I coughed too much and ended up swallowing the smoke. I spent the next half-hour or so burping up stale dopey gas. I didn’t get high or stoned; the only “buzz” I got was a mild dizziness from the lack of oxygen and coughing.
Never went back.
Course, I never smoked ciggies, either, so my lungs were pretty “virgin” (except for tear gas).
So, my personal view is that smoking grass (because it’s illegal) is a sin. Mortal or venial? IDK.
If you go operate a motor vehicle or machinery while under the influence, I’d definitely wager mortal.
If you get your stash from the little old lady up the street who grows it in a few planters next to her aspidistras all descended from her own batch of seeds and cuttings she got from that lost weekend with Jimi Hendrix, maybe venial.
If you get it from a pusher who sells other drugs, is connected with any kind of gang, or has a house converted into a grow-op, mortal.
If you’re dying/in chronic suffering (AIDS/cancer/whatever) and weed helps you keep your food down and living another day, I’d say that it’s a mitigating factor, like stealing bread when you’re starving.
Thus speaketh the Ghoti. That and four quarters will get you a loonie.
