Smoking. I do it because I love it.

[MelziGurl]

Growing up, I could never stand the smell of tobacco smoke, and never saw the point of doing something that was physically addicting, made you hack up phlegm on a consistent basis, and caused all sorts of health problems later on in life. Weed smoke, on the other hand, I never had the problem I did with tobacco smoke. Just seemed lighter and lacked the general foulness that I got from cigarette smoke. It is also only psychologically addicting (and even then, less so than chocolate or caffeine), and has been proven conclusively that it not only does not cause cancer (which was the conclusion of a study done by a group who specifically set out to prove that it did), but can be used to help treat and prevent cancer (proven by at least two different studies) as THC was shown to kill off decaying cells before they could become cancerous.

What seriously pisses me off about this all is despite all these facts that there is nothing harmful whatsoever about smoking marijuana, it still remains illegal, while something far more harmful and addicting is legal. It just defies any sense of justice or common sense that the government is more than happy to allow so many lives to be destroyed, both by the government putting so many people in jail for possession, and by gang violence over the black market the government created by making it illegal. There is absolutely no benefit to anyone (the government spends far more than it takes in through fines fighting pot-related crime), and a great deal of harm caused by keeping it illegal, yet most people are against its legalization due to gross misinformation and an attitude of "I don't smoke it, therefore, why should I care if it's legal?"

Steering back on topic, I've actually found that enjoy smoking pot more for the actual smoking of it than the high I get off of it. There's just something relaxing about the act of taking a nice, big drag, holding it in, then letting it out. The high can often be either overwhelming or underwhelming, but when it's just right, I actually find that I do my best thinking when stoned. Almost every epiphany I've ever had throughout my life was from a chain of thoughts I had after smoking pot. There really is something about it that opens your mind under the right conditions. Even so, there's definitely something to be said about the enjoyment of smoking in and of itself, whether it be tobacco, weed, or something else.

Sorry, but Marijuana can be harmful.

http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/pot/f/mjp_faq12.htm

I'm sorry, but that's exactly the kind of misinformation I'm talking about:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501729.html
http://www.alternet.org/drugs/142271/smoking_marijuana_does_not_cause_lung_cancer/

You'll notice all the sites that claim all these different negative, long-term health effects of marijuana rarely site any actual studies, and are all anti-drug and alcohol sites, like the one you linked. Whereas articles that actually site scientific studies conducted on the issue report that there has yet to be shown any long-term health effects of smoking marijuana, even from the studies conducted by research groups that were specifically attempting to prove that there are long-term health effects of smoking marijuana. At the worst, there is a study that links a certain chemical found in both marijuana and tobacco smoke, acetaldehyde, to damaged DNA, which leads to cancer, but in marijuana smokers, the cancer never materializes, because THC kills the cells damaged by acetaldehyde, whereas with tobacco smoke, there is no such chemical that does so, allowing cancer to develop.

I've seen what the effects of Marijuana has done to long term users, so you'll forgive me if refuse to believe there are absolutely NO harmful effects. I've known alot of people, some have and some haven't suffered from it.

 

[YouCallMeNighthawk]

Finally! someone who is brave enough to publicly speak freely even with the anti-smoking crusade going about.

I SMOKE BECAUSE I LOVE IT! The taste you get off of it after a bacon sarnie or smoking one with a pint ... is well fucking heaven!

I've been smoking since i was about 13 (I think) and i am now 20. I'm not going deny that i am addicted because i am, but i'm addicted to something i like. The best thing about smoking is when someone walks up to you, trash talks you about smoking and you blow a nice big puff of smoke in their face!! HAHA! (he did indeed go nuts at me!) lol

You know, I can understand you not tolerating trash talk but really, to go as far as to show that much disrespect is just disgusting. You don't like what someone has to say, then match it with words don't be such a arse about it. And I say this as someone who has smoked before.

talking of respect. Why can't they show it. What gives them the right to come upto me and preach about smoking? If i wanted councilling on smoking i would go up hospital and ask someone who actually knows about that stuff.

He had an opinion on you and your habit and he expressed it with words, not a fist to the face or anything along the lines of physical. You took it one step unnecessarily further by blowing your poison in his face. Fair enough you don't have to like what he says, but he never did anything to physically harm you. How are you meant to earn respect from others when you blatantly disrespect them in such a manner? There was no need for what you did, just as there was no need for what he did, you could have been the better man but no, you had to blow cigarette smoke in his face. As I've said, I was a smoker I have been there and I have been on the other end of people for it but at least I could walk away from it without doing what you did.

That's fair enough, but why did he feel the need to preach at me? what was he expecting me to do drop to my knees and confess my sins! or maybe a hug and me cooking him dinner!

It's not like i don't know smoking kills you. To be quite honest that doesn't bother me in the slightest. And i do give respect to others as i always use the smoking shelters provided not idolly in the middle of a mass crowd.

 

[MelziGurl]

I've seen what the effects of Marijuana has done to long term users, so you'll forgive me if refuse to believe there are absolutely NO harmful effects. I've known alot of people, some have and some haven't suffered from it.

Two questions here: What harmful effects have you seen, and is marijuana the only drug these people have used long term?

The effects I've seen have been mental and the Marijuana has lead them to use other substances that weren't otherwise consumed beforehand. I'd say that's harmful. I'm not going to expect you to understand my experiences from being around Marijuana users. But sometimes being an observer brings forward a better perspective than one from a person who uses.

 

[MelziGurl]

Finally! someone who is brave enough to publicly speak freely even with the anti-smoking crusade going about.

I SMOKE BECAUSE I LOVE IT! The taste you get off of it after a bacon sarnie or smoking one with a pint ... is well fucking heaven!

I've been smoking since i was about 13 (I think) and i am now 20. I'm not going deny that i am addicted because i am, but i'm addicted to something i like. The best thing about smoking is when someone walks up to you, trash talks you about smoking and you blow a nice big puff of smoke in their face!! HAHA! (he did indeed go nuts at me!) lol

You know, I can understand you not tolerating trash talk but really, to go as far as to show that much disrespect is just disgusting. You don't like what someone has to say, then match it with words don't be such a arse about it. And I say this as someone who has smoked before.

talking of respect. Why can't they show it. What gives them the right to come upto me and preach about smoking? If i wanted councilling on smoking i would go up hospital and ask someone who actually knows about that stuff.

He had an opinion on you and your habit and he expressed it with words, not a fist to the face or anything along the lines of physical. You took it one step unnecessarily further by blowing your poison in his face. Fair enough you don't have to like what he says, but he never did anything to physically harm you. How are you meant to earn respect from others when you blatantly disrespect them in such a manner? There was no need for what you did, just as there was no need for what he did, you could have been the better man but no, you had to blow cigarette smoke in his face. As I've said, I was a smoker I have been there and I have been on the other end of people for it but at least I could walk away from it without doing what you did.

That's fair enough, but why did he feel the need to preach at me? what was he expecting me to do drop to my knees and confess my sins! or maybe a hug and me cooking him dinner!

It's not like i don't know smoking kills you. To be quite honest that doesn't bother me in the slightest. And i do give respect to others as i always use the smoking shelters provided not idolly in the middle of a mass crowd.

People do stupid things for stupid reasons or no reason at all. You should have just walked away though, instead of dragging yourself to a lower standard than he did. And I'm brutally honest, so please don't take offence to that last part

 

[Zeromaeus]

Personally, I think smoking after it was discovered that smoking will kill you and those around you in a slow and agonizing way is rather stupid. It kills you. Kills you.
...
I've had relatives who've died horrible deaths because they liked to smoke. Bad experiences.

 

[thom_cat_]

snip

Have you seen a long term user one marijuana who is completely brain dead?
They are not fun to see, and you can notice them go downhill quite quickly. People you once knew who are now completely screwed. No life.

Literally marijuana can kill your brain.

Most people don't get these effects, but some people can get screwed with small amounts, others it may take a few years of drug taking for you to notice the fact they have become partially braindead.

Just saying, it mightn't cause cancer, but it can ruin peoples lives and their personalities.

 

[Phoenixlight]

Well cigarettes are just bad, they cause premature wrinkles as well as yellow teeth in the short term with the long term effects being cancer and other diseases.

 

[Kouen]

I Dont smoke, never have smoked and never will smoke. nuff said

 

[MelziGurl]

I've seen what the effects of Marijuana has done to long term users, so you'll forgive me if refuse to believe there are absolutely NO harmful effects. I've known alot of people, some have and some haven't suffered from it.

Two questions here: What harmful effects have you seen, and is marijuana the only drug these people have used long term?

The effects I've seen have been mental and the Marijuana has lead them to use other substances that weren't otherwise consumed beforehand. I'd say that's harmful. I'm not going to expect you to understand my experiences from being around Marijuana users. But sometimes being an observer brings forward a better perspective than one from a person who uses.

Ahh, but then you have to ask yourself, why did they try marijuana in the first place? Does it not make more sense that the same motivation for trying marijuana contributed to them trying other things and not marijuana itself? You also have to ask yourself whether or not the fact that marijuana is illegal has anything to do with it. IE, did they figure that since they're already using something illegal, there's no reason not to try something else that is likewise illegal? Also, did any of these people smoke tobacco before smoking marijuana? If so, wouldn't it be tobacco's fault for them trying marijuana followed by other things under this logic?

snip

Have you seen a long term user one marijuana who is completely brain dead?
They are not fun to see, and you can notice them go downhill quite quickly. People you once knew who are now completely screwed. No life.

Literally marijuana can kill your brain.

Most people don't get these effects, but some people can get screwed with small amounts, others it may take a few years of drug taking for you to notice the fact they have become partially braindead.

Just saying, it mightn't cause cancer, but it can ruin peoples lives and their personalities.

Once again, if marijuana was truly the cause, wouldn't it be something that affects most people that smoke it rather than a small amount of them? Wouldn't this suggest that it is something with the physiology of the people who get these effects? Some people are deathly allergic to peanuts, does that mean peanuts are bad for you? Not unless you're allergic to them it doesn't.

Or maybe they needed a stronger substance because they had become so used to taking Marijuana?

Just because one person suffers strong mental imbalances from Marijuana doesn't mean another is going to feel the same way. As I said, it CAN cause harmful long term effects and it has. It's the same with smoking a standard cigarette, once your body adjusts to the dosage it starts to crave something much stronger. I generally don't have a problem with the occasional user, but I'm talking about people who smoke this shit 24/7.

 

[Cuppa Tetleys]

I know you didn't post this thread so that people could ***** at you, but honestly I think you would benefit greatly if you stopped altogether. I'm aware that, in moderation, smoking is relatively safe, but think about others around you as well. I don't just mean second hand smokers (although they get it worse than the smokers themselves) but your family and friends and even children; how do they feel about you smoking? I know it's your choice, but how would you feel if your child started chain smoking?. I'm not saying you are, but it gives an example

The risk is there and ignoring it is what kills people, I've tried to be empathetic but ultimately, smoking is detrimental to your health, it's anti-socia, it makes your teeth go bad and it makes you smell, and no amount of arguing can change that.

The moment that smoking and consumption of other drugs is completely stopped will be the moment the world becomes a better place.

 

[thom_cat_]

snip

Have you seen a long term user one marijuana who is completely brain dead?
They are not fun to see, and you can notice them go downhill quite quickly. People you once knew who are now completely screwed. No life.

Literally marijuana can kill your brain.

Most people don't get these effects, but some people can get screwed with small amounts, others it may take a few years of drug taking for you to notice the fact they have become partially braindead.

Just saying, it mightn't cause cancer, but it can ruin peoples lives and their personalities.

Once again, if marijuana was truly the cause, wouldn't it be something that affects most people that smoke it rather than a small amount of them? After all, most people who smoke/chew tobacco develop cancer, showing a clear cause between tobacco use and cancer. Why is it not the same for marijuana? Wouldn't this suggest that it is something with the physiology of the people who get these effects? Some people are deathly allergic to peanuts, does that mean peanuts are bad for you? Not unless you're allergic to them it doesn't.

You can't tell if it will effect you or not.
Every person can get these effects if they smoke it enough.

Chronic marijuana use, especially in a very young person, may also be a marker of risk for mental illnesses, including addiction, stemming from genetic or environmental vulnerabilities, such as early exposure to stress or violence. High doses of marijuana can produce an acute psychotic reaction; in addition, use of the drug may trigger the onset or relapse of schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals.

Marijuana has more carcinogens than cigarettes.
It increases the heart rate for a while [20-100%] (easier to have heart attacks)

It mainly effects memory, If you smoke weed for a while your ability to retain facts and information is lessened TONS.

What I don't get about your statement is that you are saying "if marijuana was truly the cause, wouldn't it be something that affects most people that smoke it rather than a small amount of them?"
That is a retarded view, are you saying that if only 1/10 has a lowering in memory retention and only 1/100 has a severe change in brain function (random figures), that this can't be the cause of marijuana, because it doesn't "affect most people"
So if a bullet in the leg doesn't kill everyone then it can't be the bullets fault if somebody dies! Oh no, it's just the fact they couldn't get medical care.

 

[Sceleratus]

When I was younger I used to hate cigarette-smoke more than everything. I remember how I got my mother to quit when I was about 7, I told her that if she wouldn't stop then I'd start to smoke.

Quite ironic when you think about it since I'm a regular smoker now, I won't deny that I'm mildly addicted to it. I don't smoke only because of my addiction though, I really enjoy the whole act and the taste of it. It's also a social thing for me, since the majority of my friends smoke aswell. And honestly, there's nothing that can beat the taste of a pint and a smoke.

 

[DoomyMcDoom]

I don't smoke, because it would cost me over $1000/year... anything that isn't a car or computer related that costs that much and isn't a necessity... isn't worth it... in fact i've done calculations and if i was smoking a pack a day of the cheapest stuff i could get it'd cost me around $2300/year...
that's too goddamn expensive a habit... hell costs more per year that my computer parts cost me in the space of 3 to 4 years... and i'm a pc gamer. not to mention I need money to buy parts to refurbish my car more... it's still only partially restored...

 

[Mad World]

I don't think that people should smoke; it's harmful to your body.

 

[Inmate13]

Well what've I got...

I own two pipes specifically for smoking tobacco: a 13-inch churchwarden reminiscent of Gandalf's pipe from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings, as well as a cheap, two-piece bamboo and wood job that I bought while on holiday in Edinburgh. While I have no preference for wet or dry tobacco, I have often found short-cut varieties easier to smoke.

I can't say that I smoke cigars as often as I used to (one could argue that they were what sparked my interest in smoking to begin with) although I will enjoy a good stogie with the brother, pops and uncle on Christmas.

Cigarettes I will smoke only when there is nothing else to smoke. The only two packs of cigs I have ever purchased were both cloves (which I don't smoke anymore because the fiberglass irritates my asthma). I don't ever see myself becoming a "smoker" by definition of regular cigarette usage; more often than not I will have one when I'm on the drinkin

My friend introduced me to opium sometime last semester, and thus far I have yet to know a bad experience with the stuff. I can't say I use it regularly, but I will say that it is quite relaxing when packed with nug.

Weed? Well... to quote 24-year-old Dave Chappelle:

"Hey, hey, hey, hey... Smoke Weed Every Day"