|
I've noticed a few things. First, the article mentions cannabis sativa, and I wonder if there is any subtle difference between that variety's characteristics in regard to this new find and that of cannabis indica, which is the more common (at least among medical and recreational users)form marketed now? Knowing that the powers that be, including those that fuel medical research of any kind, are usually behind the curve so to speak and may not be using the latest designer varieties of hydroponic indica, etc. I wonder if the indica would be even more effective in this application?
Second, the reason I think for the snark of the anti-cannabis reaction and the predictable stereotypical criticisms seen so frequently in response to joy expressed about all of the new positive stories, seen recently surrounding the issue is that they have not lived for the last 98 years (since the International Narcotics Act of 1911)under the pervasive lies propogated regarding cannabis. They have not been treated and made to feel like a felon all their lives. That law was politically motivated, not medical or scientific or factual (see William Randolph Hearst and Harry Anslinger) and served the interests of several large economic groups, alcohol industry, timber industry, textiles industry, big pharma, corrections industry, legal industry, etc., that all have a vested interest in keeping a naturally occurring plant on our planet illegal. Not to mention the political and religious motivations for using a bully pulpit to keep control of something that is clearly uncontrollable in the long run. It's a no-brainer that the abolition of marijuana prohibitions would benefit our society all the way around. Freeing all the possession and sale prisoners that feed the corrections system is just one more positive that would result. Then maybe the prisons could be used for other violent offenders, like domestic abuse and child abuse. Restoring credibility to the authority of law in this country would be another.
Back to the objections/snark/rationales used by those critical of it. I notice that paramount and most vocal among their numbers are folks that never used, that are addicted to other substances like alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and/or had some misinterpreted negative experience happen to them or an acquaintance. Those anecdotes are miniscule to the millions of users that live normal, productive lives in harmony with marijuana use. Just ask any ER personnel what they think of marijuana use. The majority of critical non-users have only the crudest stereotypes embedded in their heads, like compulsive eating, lethargy, hysterical laughter, etc. Any long-term user that realizes hey, this doesn't really have serious side effects, it doesn't make me sick, will find ways to incorporate its use into their life without any major upset. I won't puke on my shoes, I won't crash the car into someone and not even know it, and I won't be inclined to over-react angrily to minor transgressions. No, reefer users are not just bleary-eyed airheads shuffling through life in a pot-induced fog. It is also true though that these behaviors can be the result in young users that do not even have any other behavior patterns established prior to their becoming chronic users. That is why, like with any other intoxicant, I would advise young people to desist its chronic use until their own brains and emotions are better developed.
There is no denial that there can be some minor side effects for the chronic user. Those include a psychological addiction to pot's good effects and over-emphasis on a state of mind that may not be appropriate in all occasions. That state of mind can be so attractive and pleasurable that people will find ways to be there as often as they can, if their lifestyle allows it. The basic mistake in perception by chronic users is that they think it is the pot that is the magic, that they must smoke again to achieve the benefits they so dearly enjoy. This is not entirely the case. The real magic is in them. The reefer does trigger good things in the brain, but those can be cultivated and appreciated and learned. They can be achieved without smoking all the time if one learns the magic is really in the user's head and the grass is only the catalyst. Still, the temptation is to simply spark a fattie, lay back and turn off and wait for the change of mind. That is the only bind psychologically I can see. Once again, honesty, self-discipline and balance would be my advice to anyone stuck in the pattern (not so bad it can't be changed and not so strong it cannot be lived without), give it a rest every once in a while. We humans are creatures of habit, just like most animals. We tend to rely on that which we find works, is comfortable and convenient. Our brains, however are more complicated and require a bit more nuance in their maintenance. In sum, pot is not nearly as bad as it has been made out to be and it is not nearly as magic as it seems to chronic users.
I know, I have smoked/vaporized it on and off for over 55 years. I have witnessed the evolution from dirt pot and Toledo Window Box to hydro super strains. Vapor is cleaner but smoke is noisier (in the head if you know what I mean).
Just my dos centavos
robdogbucky
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
