YAMPT: The Union--Documentary

[sandorski]

Worth a watch.

The Documentary covers all aspects of the issue, very informative and well made. Most of us here seem to be on the same side of this issue. So much so it seems rather odd that the issue still exists. Alas, the stupidity continues.

Anyway, here's the link: The Union

 

[bamacre]

The only politicians courageous enough to tell the truth about our drug war are considered nutjobs. Instead we elect leadership who want to continue the drug war, and we consider them sane.

Thanks for the link.

 

[Fear No Evil]

You guys and your pot.. Do you not have any other hobbies in life besides smoking weed? I tried it maybe a half dozen times.. its not really that interesting.. I kept wondering why some people seem so obcessed over it.. Go find a girlfriend or something... or maybe a job now that Obama has saved them all.

We always hear about how harmless it is.. but honestly I've seen it really impact some of my friends and associates.. Many of which are wondering why they can't hold jobs or are sitting in a dead end job while others just pass them by. Maybe you need to grow up and realize that drugs aren't a real productive way of spending your life..

I had a guy a played football with in highschool who smoked pot ALL the time.. even during school.. eventually moved on to worse drugs, his life fell apart, and he ended up smashing his girlfriends head into a nail on the wall because he thought she was cheating on him. Do I blame that on pot? No.. but it certainly didn't HELP..

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Fear No Evil
You guys and your pot.. Do you not have any other hobbies in life besides smoking weed?

I quit smoking pot years ago, and the drug war still doesn't work.

 

[frostedflakes]

Originally posted by: Fear No Evil
You guys and your pot.. Do you not have any other hobbies in life besides smoking weed? I tried it maybe a half dozen times.. its not really that interesting.. I kept wondering why some people seem so obcessed over it.. Go find a girlfriend or something... or maybe a job now that Obama has saved them all.

We always hear about how harmless it is.. but honestly I've seen it really impact some of my friends and associates.. Many of which are wondering why they can't hold jobs or are sitting in a dead end job while others just pass them by. Maybe you need to grow up and realize that drugs aren't a real productive way of spending your life..

I had a guy a played football with in highschool who smoked pot ALL the time.. even during school.. eventually moved on to worse drugs, his life fell apart, and he ended up smashing his girlfriends head into a nail on the wall because he thought she was cheating on him. Do I blame that on pot? No.. but it certainly didn't HELP..

Pot doesn't affect motivation. Lazy and unmotivated people turn to pot (and other drugs) because, well... they're losers, and they'd be losers whether they smoked marijuana or not. There are also a lot of people who can use the substance responsibly and lead productive lives.

And FWIW I'm not even a smoker, I just think that the benefits of legalization outweigh the negatives. I'm also pretty libertarian when it comes to stuff like this, I think people should be able to do whatever they want as long as it doesn't harm others.

 

[zCypher]

It's extremely rare that pot smokers cause trouble, most trouble-making is involved with heavier drugs. I agree that it's not a particularly exciting drug though. IMO the more you use it, the more boring it gets. I do find it makes you lazier, a lot lazier. Maybe it does take initial lazy tendencies though. I think alcohol can be much more dangerous and causes many more problems than marijuana though, and it's legal! There's also many prescription drugs that are far more dangerous, many drugged up people driving around but that's okay cause they're sick and are just following what their doctor said...

It ultimately comes down to people having to take responsibility for their own actions. I don't think huge resources should be spent on a supposed war on drugs (definitely not against marijuana). They'd better spend the money exploiting the plant for commercial uses. In Canada, marijuana is widely accepted even though it's not exactly legal. You'll get in shit if you're obviously selling it, but you don't really get in trouble for smoking it or having a small quantity.

To be honest, I grew out of drinking and smoking - it just isn't that great of a way to spend what little time you do have. Life is short. I will still have a drink once in a while, but for me getting smashed is really a thing of the past. People that have chronic problems with alcohol, marijuana or other substances have a problem and that cannot be blamed on the substance, although it does almost always makes the problem much worse. I personally haven't found alcohol or marijuana to be addictive, not even slightly. I smoked for several years and had no problem stopping cold turkey, with no symptoms whatsoever. In fact I find caffeine and sugar to be far more addictive.

I don't really think it should be illegal, people will smoke it whether it's legal or not but there are much more important things to spend time and money on - but it being illegal doesn't really bother me either.

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: zCypher
It's extremely rare that pot smokers cause trouble, most trouble-making is involved with heavier drugs. I agree that it's not a particularly exciting drug though. IMO the more you use it, the more boring it gets. I do find it makes you lazier, a lot lazier. Maybe it does take initial lazy tendencies though. I think alcohol can be much more dangerous and causes many more problems than marijuana though, and it's legal! There's also many prescription drugs that are far more dangerous, many drugged up people driving around but that's okay cause they're sick and are just following what their doctor said...

It ultimately comes down to people having to take responsibility for their own actions. I don't think huge resources should be spent on a supposed war on drugs (definitely not against marijuana). They'd better spend the money exploiting the plant for commercial uses. In Canada, marijuana is widely accepted even though it's not exactly legal. You'll get in shit if you're obviously selling it, but you don't really get in trouble for smoking it or having a small quantity.

To be honest, I grew out of drinking and smoking - it just isn't that great of a way to spend what little time you do have. Life is short. I will still have a drink once in a while, but for me getting smashed is really a thing of the past. People that have chronic problems with alcohol, marijuana or other substances have a problem and that cannot be blamed on the substance, although it does almost always makes the problem much worse. I personally haven't found alcohol or marijuana to be addictive, not even slightly. I smoked for several years and had no problem stopping cold turkey, with no symptoms whatsoever. In fact I find caffeine and sugar to be far more addictive.

I don't really think it should be illegal, people will smoke it whether it's legal or not but there are much more important things to spend time and money on - but it being illegal doesn't really bother me either.

Caffeine is sneaky. I have 1 cup everyday, just after waking up. Occassionally I run out for a couple days and don't have my morning coffee. I feel tired the whole time often having troubles staying awake only a few hours after waking up.

 

[ManyBeers]

To me this whole issue of illegal substances comes down to one question--Do I as an adult citizen of the United States of America have an inviolate right to injest,inject, or inhale any substance i choose to--for me the answer is yes and should be for all citizens.

 

[piasabird]

I dont see how smoking pot is any worse for you then drinking Alcohol. So, my conclusion is alcohol should be banned. However, we tried that and it did not work. People love doing what is bad for them, no matter what kind of laws the federal government tries to pass. You know what would happen if the US governemnt made it legal they would be selling a Joint for $20.00 and keeping all the tax and making it illegal to grow your own. Nothing the government does ever helps the people.

Government = Evil.

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: piasabird
I dont see how smoking pot is any worse for you then drinking Alcohol. So, my conclusion is alcohol should be banned. However, we tried that and it did not work. People love doing what is bad for them, no matter what kind of laws the federal government tries to pass. You know what would happen if the US governemnt made it legal they would be selling a Joint for $20.00 and keeping all the tax and making it illegal to grow your own. Nothing the government does ever helps the people.

Government = Evil.

I disagree. The opposite is true, it would become cheaper or no more expensive.

 

[frostedflakes]

I also seriously doubt the government could stop people from growing at home.

 

[JFoobar]

Originally posted by: zCypher
I think alcohol can be much more dangerous and causes many more problems than marijuana though, and it's legal!

Don't think it. Know it. The percentage of violent incidents that police respond to, fights and domestic disputes, that are alcohol-related is staggering. There is virtually no association between marijuana use and violence.

 

[Elfear]

So how much truth is there to "smoking yourself stupid". I don't ask that question in attempt to start an argument, I really want to know if there has been any research done or what people's experience has been with friends or family. I grew up in an area with pretty low drug usage so I have almost no experience with it. The only people I met who admitted to smoking weed, complained about their diminished mental abilities. One guy dropped out of college because he felt he couldn't figure things out as well. Not sure if it was the weed or an excuse though.

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: Elfear
So how much truth is there to "smoking yourself stupid". I don't ask that question in attempt to start an argument, I really want to know if there has been any research done or what people's experience has been with friends or family. I grew up in an area with pretty low drug usage so I have almost no experience with it. The only people I met who admitted to smoking weed, complained about their diminished mental abilities. One guy dropped out of college because he felt he couldn't figure things out as well. Not sure if it was the weed or an excuse though.

While High, you're not necessarily "Stupid", but it gets hard to concentrate. When I was smoking way back when, sometimes the High involved having a barrage of Thoughts coming at once. 5 seconds pondering for 1, then onto another for 5 seconds, over and over again. It was neat, but I was oblivious to anything else.

Doing anything while really High. like School, Work, or Conversation(in everyday situations) is not really a good idea. It interferes just as much as being Drunk would. Too many people seem to go all out and be High as much as possible. They shouldn't, keep it to a couple nights a week and it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Elfear]

Originally posted by: sandorski

Originally posted by: Elfear
So how much truth is there to "smoking yourself stupid". I don't ask that question in attempt to start an argument, I really want to know if there has been any research done or what people's experience has been with friends or family. I grew up in an area with pretty low drug usage so I have almost no experience with it. The only people I met who admitted to smoking weed, complained about their diminished mental abilities. One guy dropped out of college because he felt he couldn't figure things out as well. Not sure if it was the weed or an excuse though.

While High, you're not necessarily "Stupid", but it gets hard to concentrate. When I was smoking way back when, sometimes the High involved having a barrage of Thoughts coming at once. 5 seconds pondering for 1, then onto another for 5 seconds, over and over again. It was neat, but I was oblivious to anything else.

Doing anything while really High. like School, Work, or Conversation(in everyday situations) is not really a good idea. It interferes just as much as being Drunk would. Too many people seem to go all out and be High as much as possible. They shouldn't, keep it to a couple nights a week and it shouldn't be a problem.

Interesting. I guess I'd heard that the effects were permanent is why I ask. After smoking for extended periods of time your mental abilities are diminished even after quitting.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: sandorski

Originally posted by: Elfear
So how much truth is there to "smoking yourself stupid". I don't ask that question in attempt to start an argument, I really want to know if there has been any research done or what people's experience has been with friends or family. I grew up in an area with pretty low drug usage so I have almost no experience with it. The only people I met who admitted to smoking weed, complained about their diminished mental abilities. One guy dropped out of college because he felt he couldn't figure things out as well. Not sure if it was the weed or an excuse though.

While High, you're not necessarily "Stupid", but it gets hard to concentrate. When I was smoking way back when, sometimes the High involved having a barrage of Thoughts coming at once. 5 seconds pondering for 1, then onto another for 5 seconds, over and over again. It was neat, but I was oblivious to anything else.

Doing anything while really High. like School, Work, or Conversation(in everyday situations) is not really a good idea. It interferes just as much as being Drunk would. Too many people seem to go all out and be High as much as possible. They shouldn't, keep it to a couple nights a week and it shouldn't be a problem.

I actually have the opposite effect... if im high, i can concentrate much better than not.

 

[KlokWyze]

This is a great documentary. They really get to the major points while filling in all the relevant details. Slowly I think more & more people are feeling confident in pointing these fallacies about bud.

 

[Tab3076]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: sandorski

Originally posted by: Elfear
So how much truth is there to "smoking yourself stupid". I don't ask that question in attempt to start an argument, I really want to know if there has been any research done or what people's experience has been with friends or family. I grew up in an area with pretty low drug usage so I have almost no experience with it. The only people I met who admitted to smoking weed, complained about their diminished mental abilities. One guy dropped out of college because he felt he couldn't figure things out as well. Not sure if it was the weed or an excuse though.

While High, you're not necessarily "Stupid", but it gets hard to concentrate. When I was smoking way back when, sometimes the High involved having a barrage of Thoughts coming at once. 5 seconds pondering for 1, then onto another for 5 seconds, over and over again. It was neat, but I was oblivious to anything else.

Doing anything while really High. like School, Work, or Conversation(in everyday situations) is not really a good idea. It interferes just as much as being Drunk would. Too many people seem to go all out and be High as much as possible. They shouldn't, keep it to a couple nights a week and it shouldn't be a problem.

I actually have the opposite effect... if im high, i can concentrate much better than not.

Ditto. I find it extremely relaxing and stress reducing.

 

[Tab3076]

Originally posted by: Elfear

Originally posted by: sandorski

Originally posted by: Elfear
So how much truth is there to "smoking yourself stupid". I don't ask that question in attempt to start an argument, I really want to know if there has been any research done or what people's experience has been with friends or family. I grew up in an area with pretty low drug usage so I have almost no experience with it. The only people I met who admitted to smoking weed, complained about their diminished mental abilities. One guy dropped out of college because he felt he couldn't figure things out as well. Not sure if it was the weed or an excuse though.

While High, you're not necessarily "Stupid", but it gets hard to concentrate. When I was smoking way back when, sometimes the High involved having a barrage of Thoughts coming at once. 5 seconds pondering for 1, then onto another for 5 seconds, over and over again. It was neat, but I was oblivious to anything else.

Doing anything while really High. like School, Work, or Conversation(in everyday situations) is not really a good idea. It interferes just as much as being Drunk would. Too many people seem to go all out and be High as much as possible. They shouldn't, keep it to a couple nights a week and it shouldn't be a problem.

Interesting. I guess I'd heard that the effects were permanent is why I ask. After smoking for extended periods of time your mental abilities are diminished even after quitting.

If you smokes for months on end you kinda get the "hazy" feeling. It's harder to wake up after sleeping and you never have any dreams.

EDIT : I'd be extremely interested in any research about the "hazy" effect one gets after smoking for months on end. You don't feel "high" or "dumb" you just kinda feel tired or sleepy. Quiting or reducing your use will remove this but how does it work exactly?

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: Tab3076

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: sandorski

Originally posted by: Elfear
So how much truth is there to "smoking yourself stupid". I don't ask that question in attempt to start an argument, I really want to know if there has been any research done or what people's experience has been with friends or family. I grew up in an area with pretty low drug usage so I have almost no experience with it. The only people I met who admitted to smoking weed, complained about their diminished mental abilities. One guy dropped out of college because he felt he couldn't figure things out as well. Not sure if it was the weed or an excuse though.

While High, you're not necessarily "Stupid", but it gets hard to concentrate. When I was smoking way back when, sometimes the High involved having a barrage of Thoughts coming at once. 5 seconds pondering for 1, then onto another for 5 seconds, over and over again. It was neat, but I was oblivious to anything else.

Doing anything while really High. like School, Work, or Conversation(in everyday situations) is not really a good idea. It interferes just as much as being Drunk would. Too many people seem to go all out and be High as much as possible. They shouldn't, keep it to a couple nights a week and it shouldn't be a problem.

I actually have the opposite effect... if im high, i can concentrate much better than not.

Ditto. I find it extremely relaxing and stress reducing.

Might just be me then. I liked it, I was just contemplating existance, there are too many possibilities!!

 

[Tab3076]

Originally posted by: sandorski

Originally posted by: Tab3076

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: sandorski

Originally posted by: Elfear
So how much truth is there to "smoking yourself stupid". I don't ask that question in attempt to start an argument, I really want to know if there has been any research done or what people's experience has been with friends or family. I grew up in an area with pretty low drug usage so I have almost no experience with it. The only people I met who admitted to smoking weed, complained about their diminished mental abilities. One guy dropped out of college because he felt he couldn't figure things out as well. Not sure if it was the weed or an excuse though.

While High, you're not necessarily "Stupid", but it gets hard to concentrate. When I was smoking way back when, sometimes the High involved having a barrage of Thoughts coming at once. 5 seconds pondering for 1, then onto another for 5 seconds, over and over again. It was neat, but I was oblivious to anything else.

Doing anything while really High. like School, Work, or Conversation(in everyday situations) is not really a good idea. It interferes just as much as being Drunk would. Too many people seem to go all out and be High as much as possible. They shouldn't, keep it to a couple nights a week and it shouldn't be a problem.

I actually have the opposite effect... if im high, i can concentrate much better than not.

Ditto. I find it extremely relaxing and stress reducing.

Might just be me then. I liked it, I was just contemplating existance, there are too many possibilities!!

Heh, speaking of which smoking can definitely lead to paranoia and just losing stuff.

Shit Shit were did I put my car keys... Wait maybe there under this stack of paper, *moves car keys off paper, looks under paper, no keys, places keys back on top of papers and continues looking for keys..."

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Fear No Evil
You guys and your pot.. Do you not have any other hobbies in life besides smoking weed?

I quit smoking pot years ago, and the drug war still doesn't work.

:laugh:

 

[bipartisanpwnage]

Marijuana actually has zero long term mental affects. New studies claim it can even stimulate brain cell growth. I actually used to smoke pot all throughout high school and found I could concentrate and think critically much easier than normal. I even took my ACT stoned out of my mind and got a 35 lol. Getting high means high test scores lol. I probably would have gotten a 22 if I was sober haha. As for pot making you lazy, I think if you are going to be lazy you are going to do so with or without pot. I tend to clean my apartment when I am stoned haha. On a more serious note, the prohibition has to end and The Union is a great documentary that pokes holes in almost any argument you could make for prohibition. My only complain is that it tends to overestimate the medical value for marijuana. This is a definite must see documentary for everyone. I was against the legalization of drugs and after seeing this movie my opinion immediately changed.

 

[ebaycj]

Originally posted by: frostedflakes
I also seriously doubt the government could stop people from growing at home.

Mass production and the free market could do that though.

"We will make electricity so cheap, that only the rich will burn candles." - Thomas Edison

 

[frostedflakes]

Originally posted by: ebaycj

Originally posted by: frostedflakes
I also seriously doubt the government could stop people from growing at home.

Mass production and the free market could do that though.

"We will make electricity so cheap, that only the rich will burn candles." - Thomas Edison

People's laziness is probably the biggest factor. Alcohol and cigs aren't exactly cheap, but most people do not bother to brew or grow their own.