I like it when threads I missed before suddenly pop back up again. If some of your points totals have risen unexplained, itās cos I was reading back through in here.
Originally posted by @prickly
I think that your personality more than āgatewayā products is what will lead to drug and alcohol use and abuse.
I very much agree with this. At least as far as that someone with an addictive personality is going to be much more likely, to succumb to cannabis addiction as a result (assuming they try it of course).
Iāve seen both sides, as someone who enjoys the odd puff or two when Iām not working the next morning, I appreciate the magical herb for its immediate relaxing and mellowing qualities. Yet having seen a close family member succumb to a heavy cannabis addiction that did indeed have serious mental health implications as a result ā I also understand the view that the plant can be dangerous to some who are already disposed to mental health issues, which can be aggravated by excessive use of strong cannabis.
The key here for me, as in so many areas of life ā is in moderation, and taking personal responsibility for your actions, and consumption rates. I love the stuff myself, and swear by its medicinal qualities ā but I donāt abuse the substance. And therein lies the secret. Likely pretty much any substance, if overused and abused, is going to lead you into difficulties. So if you know youāre inclined to over indulgence and addiction ā then probably best to leave it well alone.
But if youāre perfectly capable of being a responsible human being, and taking care of yourself, knowing your limits etc. I see no reason you canāt enjoy a nice chillaxing smoke a couple of nights a week.
As to whether or not it should be legalised ā I voted āyesā mainly as I donāt like government legislation being so invasive as to poke its dirty little snout into our private lives. What is done in the privacy of oneās own home, as long as youāre not murdering and raping people etc. should be no-ones business but our own.
But more than anything, with the massive tax windfall that could be raised with its legalisation ā I think the government is missing out on a potentially huge source of income for the country, which seems somewhat insane to me. Certainly it seems to indicate some confused thinking on their part, at least. Almost like theyāve been smoking too much weed, and canāt follow a train of thought for more than a few seconds .
Thatās what it is. They want to keep their stash all to themselves, for those sneaky behind closed doors āSessionsā of Parliament.
For me, Iād be happy with decriminalisation. I donāt think an otherwise good and law-abiding citizen should be tarnished with a criminal record, for enjoying the odd toke on a phat spliff, whilst chillinā out listening to mellow electronica in their car at night by the beach (as happened to one of my neighbours). But even with that, Iād still think the government are missing out on a massive opportunity, by not taxing its sale.