An ex-stoner writes ...

... seeing as discussing weed seems to be the order of the day for some reason, I'm going to throw my two-penneth in.

My personal opinion is that dope is a great drug when used properly. Some of the best times of my life were in halls, sitting around with people discussing politics or philosophy or football or watching Bill Hicks over a few joints.

That said, I was *always* smoking during the day, and having six or seven smokes a day doesn't allow you to get *anything* done, ever. And while I wasn't physically addicted to it, I *did* want to smoke, all the time, and it took me months to learn that I didn't have to say Yes every time it was offered to me. And I'm probably the strongest-willed person I know.

As for dealing, well, someone I lived with (who was still a heavy smoker) got into it as an easy way of making money around campus. He ended up taking ?1500 worth of solid on tick - i.e. he'd pay for it once he'd sold it. Someone stole the whole lot before he'd sold an ounce, and he ended up being taken down Hackney Marshes and told that was where he'd end up if he didn't pay them back. He got the money off his parents, but he had to drop out of his degree and leave home, and his head clearly wasn't working properly when I knew him.

And the maddest people I've ever met have been those who smoked a lot in their youth.

Basically, it's a good drug if not done to excess, like any other drug. I think it's a very easy drug to do to excess, however, and hardcore stoners are amongst the most boring people you'll ever meet.

And I think the present system here - of de-classification and police pursuing the dealers and not the consumers - actually works well enough.

Posted By: Ottosson Foxtrot, Jun 22, 10:16:58