Originally Posted by kat  There are a few different issues that have been raised in this thread: regular use of marijuana/addiction, whether one is actually coherent when stoned, the danger of relying on crutches, and whether it's useful for personal development.
Marijuana use is extremely common where I live; a majority of my classmates in University used it at least occasionally, and I know quite a few successful phd students who use it. I don't know anyone I'd consider it a serious problem or addiction for. Some people choose to smoke it most days; some use it very sporadically. Most are in-between.
It's possible to be entirely coherent when stoned, especially when lightly stoned; I know people who successfully hold intellectual conversations, write computer programs, and do art in this state. When heavily stoned, people can't do much beyond take a nap; I don't know anyone who is coherent in this state, and people try to avoid it. It is nothing like using alcohol, where drunks think they're witty but are not.
Relying on any crutch can cripple you. This could include marijuana. For many people in social situations, alcohol is apparently a crutch; I don't know anyone who finds the same for marijuana, but I suppose it's possible. I think that this threat can be avoided through carefully and honestly looking at use, and making sure to _not_ use any substances a significant majority of the time.
I'm of the belief that the use of marijuana can be beneficial to personal development. It can change perspectives and show a new state of being to those who use it (this doesn't always happen - plenty of people try marijuana, find it boring, and never use it again - but it does happen to some, including, by your description, yourself). If I were you, what I would do is file away the information that the state you experience is possible. You may or may not be able to integrate your stoned experiences into your everyday life and persona; I know some people who have, and who can essentially experience the social positives of marijuana while entirely sober.
There are a few other issues to consider. One is legality: the person I know who integrates the positives of marijuana best into his everyday life when not using it is Dutch and lives in Amsterdam, so he has no worries in this regard. In other parts of the world, possession of small quantities can get you jail time, or worse. Know your local environment.
Another issue is the use of other drugs. While the idea of marijuana being a gateway drug has been debunked, some people do choose to try other drugs. The term 'drugs' links together substances which vary drastically in their effects and risks. I'd council against taking any other drug without researching it in depth first; erowid is a good source of information.
A third issue is the health risks of smoking. Smoking anything is carcinogenic and damages your lung tissue. Alternatives include vaporizers (not recommended in areas where you can get in legal trouble for paraphernalia) and cooking with marijuana (better healthwise, but it leads to a different, and somewhat less light/social high, due to chemical reactions due to heating).
There is nothing wrong with choosing to not use marijuana, and there are some benefits to not using it. If you do choose to use it, use it occasionally and with due care. |