Marijuana

[Melchior]

This topic was lightly touched upon elsewhere in the forum, so I thought some of you might like to talk about it some more.

Not aiming for political controversy here of course, though I'm not dictating thread content either

I'm been a marijuana user on and off since about 18 years old. Started as recreational, lately it's more about pain relief. Most of the time I can manage alright with the pain I have, but sometimes it is nice to be pain-free for a few hours.

I strongly believe in MJ as an alternative medicine, but only for scientifically proven uses. I see claims of curing cancer and such, and I'm not on board with that, but pain relief and inflammation absolutely. Having said that, I don't actually care why people use it as it is their choice to do so, but if someone tells me it cures cancer I want to see the peer-reviewed study.

I've never been a daily user, nor do I use much at one time. I always aim for just-enough, which my stoner friend thinks is both 'weak' and amusing (all in good fun though). I don't enjoy being too stoned because I can't think straight, but there is a nice point I reach where obsessive worries are forgotten and 'normal' activities become more enjoyable (TV/games/socialising).

In Australia, it is all still very much illegal. I find it amusing that the U.S. is more progressive than us in this matter, since most Australians like to harp on about how great our healthcare is here compared to there. I'm very envious of the available strains and the quality you guys have in the States.

There was a time in Aus when owning 1-2 plants was 'decriminalised', meaning if you got busted it was confiscation and a $ fine, but no criminal record. Sadly this was repealed a few years ago, so I no longer cultivate. Though it is something I really enjoy doing.

That's all I have to say at the moment, hopefully you other MJ enthusiasts aren't too shy to speak up and have a chat about the magical herb.

[Timinator]

Never used, not going to. I very much agree around the evidence based approach to quantifying exactly what the benefits are.  Now there are some states where you can do all sorts will allow scientific trials to work this out.

In New Zealand, they are talking about getting medical weed in very quick.  There is some discussion if this will be pharmaceutical or just let people grow their own.  There is supposed to be a referendum in 3 years time.

I know there are a LOT of people who have tried it at least once, there are a bunch of regular users, and like you say, some idiots who try and claim too many good things, and will never say anything bad about it.  They might say "but alcohol is much worse!"

The fact is if you take it, it can hurt your career prospects in some places, so is it worth it?

[Melchior]

Never used, not going to.

Any particular reason Tim?
I always had a negative view, mostly because the only people I knew that were users, were stereotypical lazy sacks of shit who watched TV all day. Once I found my comfortable limit, I started to see it a lot differently.

In New Zealand, they are talking about getting medical weed in very quick.  There is some discussion if this will be pharmaceutical or just let people grow their own.  There is supposed to be a referendum in 3 years time.

I'm pro-legalisation. BUT the issue has been muddied by stoners taking on the "medical use" argument to legalise their recreational drug of choice. I'm not sure if that detracts from the legitimate medical user's petition for legality, or if it's just 'more support=better'. I guess it doesn't really make a difference to me, I just don't like the subterfuge.

I know there are a LOT of people who have tried it at least once, there are a bunch of regular users

Me too. The thing is, every one I know had waaay too much for their first time. My first time was like 3 bowls because it was with seasoned stoners. I vomited all over their lounge room floor and was put off for a couple years.

The other issue is that many people have their first time when they are already drunk. If I get fairly drunk and have weed, the room spins and I spew.

I recommend trying small amounts, like 1/2 a bowl or a couple hits from a joint and appreciating the subtlety of the high. Too much at once is a ticket to chunder-town or couch-lock for me.

Though I do understand that it just isn't for everyone. I'm not one of those elitist types.

They might say "but alcohol is much worse!"

Alcohol is worse is many ways, but everything can be bad without moderation. Unless the same people are lobbying for alcohol to be illegal though, it's kind of irrelevant and they're rationalising.

The fact is if you take it, it can hurt your career prospects in some places, so is it worth it?

My company doesn't test for it, though many do. Even if it is legalised, it will most likely be an issue with many employers. I mean, I can't be drunk at work, have to be 0.00%BAC at all times. The problem with weed is that you return a positive result when you aren't currently affected/impaired.

[Timinator]

I also don’t play wow or drink coffee. I’ve never started some things and don’t intend to start.  I have a bit of an addictive personality and already have enough vices to deal with

[Sssith]

I will start by saying that I am an avid drinker of coffee, and I will fight anyone who gets between me and my cup.

As for MJ you can count me in the group that firmly believes that alcohol is much worse than pot.  That said MJ is a drug and it does have negative affects.  To believe otherwise is I think foolish.  I have seen intelligent people waste their potential smoking. 

The medical side of the equation is pretty clear to me.  There is no doubt that for pain control there are few things that are better.  The US is in a crisis because of opiate addiction.  A lot of it beginning with prescription usage.  While switching to MJ won't magically solve the issue but the lack of alternative is dumbfounding to me.  Additionally it is documented with helping with nausea.

For the record I do not use MJ much at all.  Under ten time up to now, none in the last five years.  I am glad that it is becoming legal in California in the new year.

[maxbeedo]

I also don’t play wow or drink coffee. I’ve never started some things and don’t intend to start.  I have a bit of an addictive personality and already have enough vices to deal with

My thoughts as well. 

[Cluck Kent]

I was going to post something...but I forgot what it was.

[Ray Patean]

I was going to post something...but I forgot what it was.

That could just be old age setting in...

[TheNix]

MrsNix has had chronic nerve pain after she had a brain tumour partially removed getting on for twenty years ago.  Nothing shifts the pain at all and the vast majority of prescription painkillers just send her to sleep (if they work at all).  We have tried MJ both as cannabis oil and smoked, and neither have any effect either.  She says that it doesn't take the pain away, it sort of takes her away from the pain; she still feels the pain but can cope better with it.

[mn4nu]

I'm with Sssith on most of his thoughts.  I've used a few times, probably less than 20, in my life, all for recreational purposes.  I also believe it should be legalized in the US where alcohol is (which is everywhere) because the amount of tax $ it could bring in is enormous.  The last time I was in Colorado I bought some edibles.  I found them to be pretty effective.  They are a nice alternative to actually smoking it.

[Orbert]

I try to be reasonably discrete online regarding my habits.  I'll make a passing mention here or there, but my basic rule is Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  And I was using that rule for a long time before the miltary commandeered it (pun possibly intended), so I get to keep using it for its original intended purpose.

While gaming, while playing music, while listening to music, pretty any time I'm not at work is possible time.  Or not.  If I'm hanging with those who don't partake, I'll refrain, or if it's suitable, I'll indulge before hooking up with them.  I've been doing this for 40 years; I've got it pretty figured out.  There are people who I've hung with dozens of times or more, and they know no other Orbert.  I find that interesting.

Different types affect different people differently, and there are all different types of both MJ and people.  I completely understand people who say it just makes them feel sleepy, or their senses feel dulled, or what.  It's a different buzz from, say, alchohol.  Personally, I rarely enjoy alcohol.  But I've found something I do enjoy both socially and recreationally, so hey, what a country.  Except it's still illegal in my state, so I still have to keep it kinda quiet.

[narsica]

Recreational use will be fully legal here in Canada by July (medical use was already legal, and RCMP operated on "Hey, don't flaunt that shit" approach to recreational usage mostly).

I've long supported the legalization (and taxation) of marijuana. I don't see how it's any different than alcohol really. Also, props to Tim and others for making healthy decisions for themselves. It can be tough to draw those boundaries. Good for you!

My mother in law used edibles to help with the nausea and pain from dealing with cancer - she found it was way more effective for day to day pain management than opiods, which totally fucked her up. I've also seen cannabis oil transform the lives of a couple of people with serious mental health issues.

Just don't fucking drive when you're drunk/high/sleep deprived. Please.

[Timinator]

So yeah I was reminded it’s almost July. Will be interesting what, if anything changes in Canada. Will tourism from the USA pick up? Lol

[narsica]

Details are still be worked out. There will be stores that sell it, regulated by the same agency that regulates liquor stores (not allowed to be sold in the same store though). People will be allowed to grow their own as well, max of 4 plants I think. Weirdly, I think they are waiting a year to allow for the legal sale of edibles - something about needing "additional research".

But, municipalities will be free to adjust the rules within certain limits, so rules will vary slightly from city to city. They won't be able to ban it outright, but might be able to force people to apply for permits to grow it, and ban consumption in public places. We'll see if all the bylaws will hold up to the inevitable court challenges.

Honestly, not much is going to change up here. I don't expect a lot of USA tourism, as I'm north of Washington (where it's already legal at the state level). Might actually have the opposite effect - I know the US border guards have started asking about marijuana usage, and hauling people in for questioning if they admit to ever using pot. That's likely to escalate, and it's not like American Border guards have a great respect for citizenship it seems. Papers please!

Y'all have a fucked up government culture.

[Timinator]

Someone was saying some mid October date is when it all starts off.  Better than than April 20 I guess

Is there any testing or banning it for certain things, you mentioned driving, certain jobs are better sober etc.  There is talk here about drug testing (of many forms) as inhibited drivers will have extra risks, but are the tests accurate, safe etc.