| On the other I think that it would effect the non-smokers like alcohol does. There would be many more deaths related to marijuana and that scares me. Just look at how many people die from alcohol per year! I think one very important thing to remember is that just because something else is legal, that does not mean it is right or should be. -O Yoric O well - I have firsthand experience with it, so I think I have a pretty good idea about it, that said: For some people it may have a psychotic effect, just like alcohol will have on others. It's pretty rare though, and often it will be more harmless than alcohol ever wil. The problem with marihuana is that it slows you down (or leaves you with creative ideas and in good spirits) and the world around you often becomes less boring when you've had a smoke. You begin to depend on the damn thing, and it makes all the troubles and sadness seem less harsh and less important. When I quit smoking I was worse in school than ever and got much less done, than in the 2�-3 years I smoked heavily. I had less "reason to live" and I was very sad and felt my emotions were exposed all the time. Now I've been "clean" for almost 2 years - I still smoke occasionally (once every three months on average) but not every day as before - I still feel there's a void, but I fill it up with other less harmful stimulants, such as coffee and cigarettes (which I've cut down on A LOT). I'm getting away from the point. I've known people who horribly depended on marihuana, but I've known others who couldn't live without alcohol. I believe pot should be legalized, as a) it's less harmful than alcohol, b) kids will be better off buying something that's controlled and c) we need alternatives to alcohol and by legalizing marihuana there'll be a much longer step towards the "harder" drugs that can be seen in the same environment as the pot. edit: on the addictiveness: I quit from one day to the other - I know several people close to me who've done that. marihuana is addictive in the sense that if you haven't got anything better in your life you'll keep on needing it, or if you want to numb your emotions it's best to have a drug to do so. But I think it's much less addictive than alcohol! -Circle Zero Enlightenment I believe for some people, yes, it can be somewhat addictive. I once read in a magazine that about 225,000 people nationwide are in treatment programs primarily for marijuana. However, when people do stop smoking they don't go through withdrawls as with other drugs. Like I said, it all depends on the person. I mean I have a really good friend who smokes pot everyday and just seems like he needs it. I love him and all, but when he's not high or just hasn't taken a hit or two, he' can be a total asshole. He get's all uptight and annoyed be the littlest things. To me, it seems like he needs it. And then again, with another friend, she stopped and hasn't gone back to smoking since. Now, should it be legalized? Well, a medical study found that marijuana can stimulate the appietite (which is why you get the munchies!) reduce pain, decrease nausea, and lessen anxiety. These all being major reasons why cancer and AIDS patients find that smoking pot is very helpful during their treatment. Also, eight states have already legalized the use of marijuana if prescribed by the doctor.Not only that, but in Amsterdam, if you're over the age of 18, you can legally buy and use marijuana in governmnet-tolerated coffee shops. So right not just legalize it everywhere and for everyone? People are going to get it either which way. -BettyRage Next Months Topic: Do You Believe President Bush Made the Right Decision by Going to War With Iraq? What's You Opinion? Write to us at [email protected] |