I hear guys all the time that make the argument that pot is not a harmful drug and it isn't addictive. There are studies that do support their claims, but I have my own experiences that leads me to my own conclusions. My mom was a pothead. She smoked it all the time. She smoked it so much she would run out and would go out and buy more. So where does that leave her children? She hardly bought food for the house because she spent it on weed. Thank goodness for free lunch program in school or I would of gone hungry. That is my experience with weed. You can say as much as you want about it not hurting you and not being addictive. But my mom was basically addicted to it. She spent most of her money on it. Her kids suffered because of her need to smoke it more. Just because you claim it doesn't hurt you, it doesn't mean that others are not suffering from your addictions.
I agree with you that weed is addictive in spite of what many people may say that it's not and I'm sorry about your though childhood but it's different for different people, as it seems your mom was very prone to addictions.
I'm am so sorry about your childhood and I hope things are better for you now. I am in no way defending what your mother did, it was awful. But, when people say that marijuana isn't addictive they mean it isn't physically addictive, like opiates. Anything can be psychologically addictive depending on the person. Marijuana is a highly habit-forming substance but it can be stopped without physical withdrawal symptoms. That's why it's considered non-addictive but it can ruin lives. If you listen to the lyrics of "'Cause I Got High" by Afroman, it's more of a warning not to get high than a fun song about smoking pot. These are close to the last lyrics: I messed up my entire life because I got high I lost my kids and wife because I got high Now I'm sleeping on the sidewalk and I know why 'Cause I got high Because I got high Because I got high Situations like the ones you grew up in are awful and I'm very sorry you experienced this. I wish you the best.
It is sad when a parent chooses drugs over children and in the mind can be fighting over what to do and mostly will choose drugs and if they care about the children, may buy food but on rare occasions and can be hard for the kids because of this. It is shocking that some children have to deal with this on a daily basis when they should be in a home, where they are protected and can trust the parents for food and security in this day and age. I reckon that some people can have a hard time in their adult years, as the memories can still be there and takes time to overcome it and make positive changes in their life.
It's in the past, so I'm over it already. Just needed to make a point to those that say it isn't a addiction by their findings. Even though we all know addiction affects everyone downwards. I get into discussion with a few pro weed smokers and they thinks its just fine to smoke it, even though they are on the run from the law for not paying child support. So where is there money going to? Looks like the addiction is a higher priority then buying your kids food.
I also agree that marijuana is addictive to some extent, especially with the increasing potency in this day and age, although some people seem to be more susceptible to it than others. I've had similar experiences and concerns in my own life. I have seen this happen but in fairness, most of the parents do take care of their family first. I think it's more about getting your priorities right.
I'd say that whilst marijuana is definitely habit forming and psychologically addictive, it doesn't create a physical addiction. However, that's not to say that a psychological addiction cannot harm those around you. Whatever substance they are using, a parent who puts their habit over and above their children's welfare clearly needs to address their dependency issues.
Marijuana can be psychologically addictive, but that can also be quite bad, specially for people who is prone to addictions. It's like me and my sugar addiction, I am quite aware it all is psychological and not physical at all... like it happens with opiates. Despite that it still is a pain to quit consuming sugar and binge eating. It's so hard to fight that kind of addictions.
Mmm, to be entirely fair, that situation doesn't apply just to marijuana. Yes, it was considered an addiction, because it was something that your mother did excessively and that harmed herself/those close to her. But you could really apply that to anything that someone can be addicted to. Someone can be addicted to eating bananas, and they leave their family unattended or bankrupt themselves from buying so many bananas. People can be addicted to literally ANYTHING.
Sugar really is a physical addiction you know! You've heard of the term "blood sugar", right? Well, eating sugary foods causes your blood sugar to "spike", making you feel good. However, when these levels drop back down to normal, you really feel the "slump" because it's so different to the "high". And what do we want when we feel the slump? You got it, sugar!
For me it's more psychological than physical to be honest. I'm quite aware about sugar spikes, but really if my addiction was more physical than psychological the rest of the week I'd have cravings for sugar, which i don't. I don't usually get them during the weekend either, but I can't stop consuming what I do every Saturday out of pure habit and the desire to eat my feelings. The fact I suffer from OCD doesn't help either. My sugar addiction is highly psychological; it's my only outlet to deal with everything that is going on in my life right now.
I agree with you. People should be careless with weed just because they say it is not addictive. It can form int a habit and that can still be detrimental as was the case of Josh's mum.
So many people have that myth that pot is harmless. But Josh points out such a good points, using pot can hurt those you love. It's proven to make you anti-scoial and lazy, and you may neglect the ones that need your love and support.
Sorry to hear about what you endured being a part of a household in which this occurred. I have first hand experience with individuals around who are themselves addicted to marijuana, family members as well as friends. When they are unable to find that fix, all hell break loose and they are either withdrawn from the rest of us or they become aggressive easily.
I remember that song! A kid showed it to me in elementary school. I thought it was a funny song but now that I'm older I can appreciate the lyrics a lot more.
I know plenty of people that will buy weed over food. These people are men without kids. I'm sorry to hear that your mom put her pot use above feeding her kids. Like i said I know men that spend plenty on weed, and booze. Had no idea that a woman could be the same way especially being a parent.
Yeah, weed is far from a harmless substance. It's still a drug, even if it's not nearly as bad for you as a lot of drugs out there, and the psychological impact overusing it can have is pretty severe. That's one of the main reasons I've always strived to stay away from the stuff: yes, it's 'harmless' to your body - not really, smoke inhalation is seldom a good thing - but it can still force you into a spiralling habit that's difficult to escape. As ever, if you're going to do anything, moderation is the key. (Or just don't do it.) I'm sorry you had such a difficult childhood as a result, and I'm glad you've moved past it now.
Too much of anything is a bad thing. I think pot although not necessarily physically addictive certainly is psychologically so. I guess I am wondering how this affected you and your decision to use pot or other substances. Did this make it more or less likely to use these substances? I imagine it is like growing up in alcoholic home. Some children will never drink and others walk down the same road.
I tried pot and I never took a liking to it. I smoked it a handful of times and never got my jollies from it. Alcohol on the other hand is what fueled my for years. 20 years of liquor is enough. I think seeing them do it with no regards to their immediate family and the law has a effect on me down the road. It validated my alcohol usage and tendency to break the law and rebel.
Although your experience is dark in style, you cannot use it as a blanket to cover all cannabis smokers. Yes, like many substances, it has its own ills and problems. It however has been clearly shown to have less harmful effects than the more recreational substances such as cigarettes and alcohol. You state that your use of alcohol has been validated by a reason which wasn't exactly clear to me. I find this mildly strange due to the fact that alcohol causes more deaths, addictions, and economical problems on a global perspective. Every individual is different however and has the right to their own opinion.