DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: I read that you support marijuana legalization (MAR 25) and was surprised that someone as educated as you is not aware of the dangers of this drug. I have never used the drug, but it is a killer. The idea that it doesn’t lead to worse addiction is not true. There are thousands of stories on the Internet of destroyed lives. I had first-hand experience in Vietnam. Fellow soldiers who smoked had poorer vision, hearing, and reflexes — and because of this, they died on patrol. Others fried their brains and never were the same. That legalizing it would lead to decline in use is speculative at best. How many lives do we sacrifice with our liberal thinking? — Dick Parsons, San Clemente, CA
Comments
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I am not saying that I condone using drugs because I think that anything that alters your mind is bad for you. But I also think smoking pot is the lesser of evils. As a past IV drug user I know that it started with smoking pot for me and I can’t say completely that pot was a gateway drug but that’s the one I started with so I would say to be careful. Hopefully a person will grow out of smoking pot. I don’t think smoking pot on occasion is a big deal, for most it’s just a phase. Parents don’t like it mostly because they want better for you and maybe even because they made mistakes in the past because of their drug use that they don’t want you to make the same mistakes. I know sometimes when I was having a hard time when I was younger, and was confused, I smoked pot and it helped me to clarify the situation because I thought more in depth about the situation. So I don’t think smoking on occasion is really all that bad. Just don’t lose yourself in the drugs.
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Smoking weed.is today’s life style; it is a part of growing up (sorry parents if you think your kids are not exposed to it). It is not bad, it is merely a phase.
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The key to weed and alcohol is moderation. In past columns Lauren and the rest of the panel has made clear the difference between ”green” drugs and “white” drugs. And I’m in no way promoting the use of white drugs. There are those who are born with a genetic disposition that makes their behavior more addictive, so they seem to get hooked on things more easily than others, but for those who smoke weed once in a while, are doing so safely, and still making good choices, I don’t see the harm. I’ve never met a person who has been physically “addicted” to weed. I know some people who smoke it on a daily basis, but even they seem to make good life choices and are productive in society. The key is that teens know their boundaries physically and mentally, know what their body can and can’t take. I smoke weed on occasion, and I’ve never wanted to do anything else because I think I have an addictive personality. It’s hard for me to stop drinking soda! I’m okay with just smoking weed every now and then and not experimenting further. I think it’s harder for parents to understand this because weed is associated with the “gateway” drug. I think as a parent I will have a hard time dealing with this issue as well. I think parents find it hard to trust their teens with any type of drug, because they are worried they may take it too far and regret it later. Parents are just looking out for their children’s best interest, and even though they may not know all the facts and or details, you have to cut them some slack, I mean, they’re just parenting after all.
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I have many friends who started smoking weed and ended up later getting into situations they didn’t know how to get out of. I understand that a lot of people feel that it calms them down or helps them think but the fact of the matter is its still horrible for your health. One joint is like smoking 17 cigarettes. Also people who start out smoking weed do end up a lot of times trying other drugs even if you’re not interested at the moment. When you’re stoned you can decide to do something you normally wouldn’t if you were sober. Not only that, but if you’re smoking weed and drinking alcohol there is a synergistic effect and you are doubly high.
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It’s entirely possible to be a responsible smoker, but it’s also entirely possible to assume that you’re non-susceptible to the ramifications of weed. I agree that weed is safer than drinking in a lot of ways, but you can get arrested for possession, have slow reflexes while driving, or smoke something that could be laced.
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As with everything: moderation. If I smoke enough weed, I will hallucinate big time. Under those circumstances, I would not trust myself to sign a binding contract, drive a car, or operate other heavy machinery.
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Great piece on pot….personally I think pot should be legalized, taxed and sold in controlled situation and tobacco outlawed (except for native american ceremonial use). I believe this because pot has proven less harmful that tobacco, popular over generations and impossible to otherwise control. I believe taking (some) control through legalization will at least somewhat reduce money going to illegal drug trade.
