Marijuana, The Good, The Bad, The Lolz.

[Pyxis]

I'm against drugs and alcohol, the world would be a million times better off without them. Look at Britain, the culture of this country is pathetic and people don't seem to know any better. Nobody needs drugs to make themselves happy, nobody should feel that they do. The British people's love for alcohol has made this into one very dull and worthless country. We're a nation of good for nothings.

 

I personally think its pathetic to take drugs, it is like a pigs appetite for food. You shouldn't just do things because they feel good, you'll end up causing a lot of harm. Self control is a very good thing and so is realising that you dont need chemicals to mess with your brain in order to make you feel good about yourself and life in general. I dont think people are just harming themselves, but they are ruining society for the decent people in life.

 

It's really sad to see people defending a very sick and depressing way of life. You could be much happier than drugs could ever make you if you just looked at the world and the other experiences it has to offer differently.

[Hem]

Stop being so one-sided. Yes, you make some valid points, but those points are about alcohol - not what this thread is discussing. The positives of very limited marijuana use far outweight the negatives.

 

Personally I only use the drug once or twice a month, I don't use it as a social lubricant and I prefer not to use it in social settings that alcohol consumers benefit from.

 

Whenever I use it I have the most wonderful, philosophical and spiritual thoughts that I just can't have to that great a level sober. The level of well-being and self worth also produces a very comforting feeling, as well as the short bursts of euphoria. However, the main reason for me taking it is to experience music on. Sitting in a dark room and listening to a decent album is one of the most rewarding experiences ever. Just shutting your eyes and being transported to a different place, closed eyes visual, an increased imagination... I could go on and on.

 

As for the evils... I personally don't like getting the munchies, and for some reason I must be one of the few in the world that thinks food tastes worse when high. Also, the slight paranoia is a nuisance, but is very limited, unless I use the drug in a very social situation. However, the main problem this drug gets, is the amount of people that are dependant on it daily. I would never deny to anyone, that the majority of people who use it regularly change into different, more negative people.

[Pyxis]

Whenever I use it I have the most wonderful, philosophical and spiritual thoughts that I just can't have to that great a level sober. The level of well-being and self worth also produces a very comforting feeling, as well as the short bursts of euphoria. However, the main reason for me taking it is to experience music on. Sitting in a dark room and listening to a decent album is one of the most rewarding experiences ever. Just shutting your eyes and being transported to a different place, closed eyes visual, an increased imagination... I could go on and on

 

Well, none of the great philosphers I am a fan of were drug users. Buddhism is strongly against drug use and that religion is all about reaching enlightenment. The brain works at its best when its working the way it's supposed to. Drugs just disrupt it. Maybe the drug you are using is simply blocking off the part of the brain telling you that your thoughts are wrong, thus leaving you feeling enlightened and as if you are on a spritual journey. Perhaps your brain would normally tell you not to be so silly. You say that you cant achieve that level of thought while sober, but I bet you could get a lot further, it just might not 'feel' like it.

 

Im not a Buddhist or anything, but I certainly agree about desire and how its a bad thing. I feel as if no unhappiness = happiness and that happiness is really the sense of feeling nothing at all. Desire = unhappiness. It's best not to have any need for drugs or to feel the desire to feel good, coz not feeling bad is good, if you know what I mean. Parklife!

[jayseven]

Pyxis - I do have to agree with Hem about you being one-sided. You act as if everyone who takes drugs is living the drug-crazed lifestyle, who cannot feel good without doing drugs.

 

It's not like that for the majority of people. Drugs are mind-altering substances and sure the mind works fine when you don't interfere with it - but you realise we interfere with the biochemical side of the brain through all sorts of ways? Go for a run, have an orgasm, eat some chocolate BAM you got your adrenal cortex pumping out a world of drugs -- sorry, hormones altering the way you think. But of course, hormones are natural so if changing the brain this way is fiiine.

 

Which it is! But what about caffiene? what about prescription drugs? What about people on morphine drips? Necessity lowers the moral boundaries, yes? These nasty drugs can be taken in some sort of positive light. Hell I don't know why I'm attempting to argue this for my side of this is too flawed, but basically I want to say that not all drug users take drugs because they can't cope with reality - they take drugs to alter how they think about reality, to see the world in a new way. The brain is a fickle thing, and it's mesmarising to see how such a small amount of something (drugs) can change how the brain works. I can tell you after doing salvia my eyes really did open about a lot of things. How do you know your brain is working properly? How do you know your using it to the fullest of its capacity?

 

Also I'd like to ask whom your favourite philosophers were? And please excuse the rubbish post, I only woke up 25 mins ago and haven't even left the bed yet.

[Oxigen_Waste]

Pyxis, I would argue, but Hem and Jayseven pretty much said it all. Stop being a condescending arse, you're reminding me of myself.

 

Can't help but think this thread is still glamorizing drug use. We have a lot of young members we need to set an example

 

Marijuana is a good thing.

[somme]

Never argue with people who take drugs. At the end of the day they've most likely researched heavily what they put into their bodies and have the added knowledge of what it actually does.

 

And the American government use mind altering drugs to try and induce remote viewing. And a lot of people have used drugs as a means of reaching some sort of enlightenment, as drugs have often been described as, "opening the mind". Which they can do.

[Pyxis]

"Never argue with people who take drugs."

 

Especially if they're off their head on coke. There's this guy at work who is such a gentleman, but whenever he drinks or takes drugs (anything and everything) he will go nuts. He is famous for going around town at night and randomly attacking people. I hope he doesnt read this forum.

[Oxigen_Waste]

There's this guy at work who is such a gentleman, but whenever he drinks or takes drugs (anything and everything) he will go nuts. He is famous for going around town at night and randomly attacking people. I hope he doesnt read this forum.

 

Hmm... are you affraid you'll be his next victim?

[Pyxis]

Pyxis - I do have to agree with Hem about you being one-sided. You act as if everyone who takes drugs is living the drug-crazed lifestyle, who cannot feel good without doing drugs.

 

Sorry if im coming across too strongly Jay. What I am saying is that there is no need to take drugs to feel good, I think its safe to say that's why people take drugs in the first place. To me, drugs have as much worth as a mirage in the desert. Im sure people high on drugs would find staring at a brick wall fascinating, so i'd be very interested to hear about the amazing things that they have come up with while stoned. My favourite musician - Damon Albarn - uses cannabis to help boost his creativeness, but he is really loopy these days and a lot of his songs dont really make any sense! Im sure they make sense to him.

 

Go for a run, have an orgasm, eat some chocolate BAM you got your adrenal cortex pumping out a world of drugs -- sorry, hormones altering the way you think. But of course, hormones are natural so if changing the brain this way is fiiine.

 

I wouldnt put Cannabis into the same catagory as dairy products or chocolate. That's really pushing it. As for me, I dont really get stimulated by food, but I know what you are getting at. We need to eat, so I dont see what we can do about that. Im a vegetarian and I cant eat most sweets, so I'm stuck with chocolate and Im quite sick of it. I love meat, but thats a different story.

 

Which it is! But what about caffiene? what about prescription drugs? What about people on morphine drips? Necessity lowers the moral boundaries, yes?"

 

If there's a medical need for it, then that isnt what I have a problem with. As for caffeine, I dont drink tea or coffee. I used to drink a lot of tea when I was younger, but then realised that I was drinking so much of it because I was addicted and had no control over myself. I think that coffee is a lot worse for people and addictions to coffee dont do anybody any good. They feel as if they NEED coffee to survive the day. I'm the same about other things sometimes and I need to get over it. They're better off drinking fruit juice or water, rather than having something similar to a smoking addiction. I do drink quite a lot of hot chocolate and chocolate flavoured milk, but in my defence, I need to for the protein, because im a veggie and milk doesnt taste that good.

 

I want to say that not all drug users take drugs because they can't cope with reality - they take drugs to alter how they think about reality, to see the world in a new way. The brain is a fickle thing, and it's mesmarising to see how such a small amount of something (drugs) can change how the brain works. I can tell you after doing salvia my eyes really did open about a lot of things."

 

Ok, I'm hearing you. I'm quite happy with a good book.:wink: I've got so much to explore and learn about, so I'm fully occupied. Im studying Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture, so I've got a few thousand years of history and over a billion people to keep me entertained. If you see it as a form of exploration, then that's certainly interesting. The Chinese have a lot of their own problems where drugs are concerned, so I'm not one of those the grass is greener on the other side types, but their history and all of those ancient philosophies have taught me a lot. I'd recommend for everybody to read a book called Journey to the West. The book is probably the best story ever written and it has more lessons in it than any holy book. It's absolutely stunning:

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-West-Chengen-Wu/dp/7119016636/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207420548&sr=8-1

 

After you read it, you will forget about the Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. Its considered as one of the four great Chinese novels and China has the longest written history in the world. The book is 100 chapters and over 2,000 pages long. It was written before Shakespeare was even born.

 

How do you know your brain is working properly? How do you know your using it to the fullest of its capacity?

 

I just want to learn from life and become wise with age. I'm happy with what I have. I like long distance running, but would never want to be a skinny Ethiopian.

 

Hmm... are you affraid you'll be his next victim?

 

Yeah, Im borrowing 3 of his Xbox 360 games and he has me playing Call of Duty 4 with him! I'm quite freaked out by it all.

[Caris]

I'm against drugs and alcohol, the world would be a million times better off without them. Look at Britain, the culture of this country is pathetic and people don't seem to know any better. Nobody needs drugs to make themselves happy, nobody should feel that they do. The British people's love for alcohol has made this into one very dull and worthless country. We're a nation of good for nothings.

 

I personally think its pathetic to take drugs, it is like a pigs appetite for food. You shouldn't just do things because they feel good, you'll end up causing a lot of harm. Self control is a very good thing and so is realising that you dont need chemicals to mess with your brain in order to make you feel good about yourself and life in general. I dont think people are just harming themselves, but they are ruining society for the decent people in life.

 

It's really sad to see people defending a very sick and depressing way of life. You could be much happier than drugs could ever make you if you just looked at the world and the other experiences it has to offer differently.

 

Dude, chill out. Your so miserable it's depressing.

[Pyxis]

I'm not miserable, im the happiest i've ever been.:p Who isnt after they've got past those problematic days of being a teenager? I'm in an 8 year relationship with a very beautiful woman and every day is a great one for me!

 

 

edit: Trying not to contradict!

[jayseven]

Pyxis; much respect, i think you are a decent discussor

 

I think there still needs to be a differentiation between drug use for recreation and habitual drug use. Sure the word 'recreation' suggests people taking drugs because they want to have fun - but that does not mean that they are incapable of having fun through other means. I like to think of weed as another choice on the shelf.

 

I don't believe in black-and-white boxes which everything exists in. I love movies, really love them, but there's nothing quite like getting fairly high and getting completely absorbed in a film or two. You can empathise with characters, or take a step back and really imagine the actor is acting. Sure you can do this sober but it comes naturally when your stoned to try and connect things, to try and understand things that little bit more. Plus your brain is able - each drug is a lock and key, locking up parts of your brain and freeing others. You can't imagine the brain as this system which gets smaller and worse when you use drugs - it alters.

 

Recreational use of many drugs over the years have been fine - things get banned when they become a problem, and they only become a problem through addiction. I am one of those green-hippy guys who believes that education is the way to prevent addiction, not a blanket-ban where everything is tucked away and kept a secret for your own good. I'm also a firm believer in free choice upon our own lives, as long as the choices we make do not impede anyone elses liberty.

 

But that is besides the point (that's about how the perception of drugs being 'bad' is what we've been told, not what we've experienced - isn't empiricism a massive thing in philosophy, or, like, something?), the point is that I have done drugs not because I am incapable of enjoying myself through other mediums like movies or books (BOTH, incidentally, have been the strong focus of the governing body over the centuries, BOTH of which have been called sinful and evil by several churches around the world for decades for various reasons. Why can't we go back to enjoying our little wooden toys and bicycle wheels with sticks? Why do we feel such a desire to play these computer games? again, this is a bit of a losing analogy because nothing is ever comparable to drugs. For shame.), and there is an inherant difference between books and movies; they enter your mind through different senses, and they demand different aspects of your thinking brain in order to be processed. As does playing sports or computer games.

 

The joy of drugs, for me, is not in alienating myself or escapism (well it isn't ALWAYS, but to be honest my biggest addiction and form of escapism is watching 20 hours of dvds straight, which I think is a serious problem) but in discovering more about the world. I have seen things and thought things that you are incapable of experiencing. That doesn't mean my life is better than yours, of course. Again, I'm also a believer in the importance of the full spectrum of emotion and feeling. We feel pain, we feel love. What about fear, guilt, pleasure, hate... yeah all those too. But what if you went through your whole life never experiencing one of them. Like, say, hate. Sounds good, right? Well yeah, just got love and happiness all the time... But there's that age-old conundrum; if there was no evil, could good exist? Of course in this example, it's not as extreme as that, but I do believe that you would not be able to appreciate happiness if you didn't have the infrequent moment of torment. Living life to the full is impossible without the full range of emotions. What makes emotions so different from perceptions? Our brains perceive one way sober, another way drunk. Another way high. Isn't it interesting? Isn't it amazing how you don't need to pay £1000 to stay in another country for 4 weeks when you can get high for next-to-nothing and re-discover your own room for 4 hours?

 

What have I learned from smoking weed? Of course, I don't just 'rediscover my room'... Because I smoked weed, I took up philosophy at a-level. You know what I found? That the year before, me and my buddy sitting up a tree in the lagoon at 1pm instead of going to art class smoking spliffs had come up -- by ourselves -- with Plato's theory of the forms! Everything I covered - creationist's argument for the beauty of the world, the perfect design theory, st aquinas, utilitarianism, even some Kant, I already had rough workings of in my head.

 

Who says life has to be learned this way, or that? Life is NOT what people tell you it is. Life was around before them.

 

Now, I've been talking as if, like, woah all drugs are coool, man. They're not necessarily, but I don't want to talk about drugs I haven't (and most likely do not want to) try, because I simply wouldn't know what I'd be arguing against.

[Oxigen_Waste]

Jaysaidit.

[Raining_again]

LOL jay essay much.

 

I only ever remember one bad incidence of all my friends that did smoke pot. One of them overdid it a little (I think alcohol was involved too) He took a major whitey and passed out in the toilets of mcdonalds...While he was working.

[Pyxis]

Gosh Jay, I could talk to you all day, because I have a love/hate relationship with ideologies. Just my luck to bump into a philosopher.

 

What would you rather be, a woodcutter or a fisherman?

[jayseven]

I don't mind, so long as I'm not the dragon

[Sanchez]

Jay if you're still in school I hope you're saving these to rip bits to put in your dissertations.