Interesting thread, folks.

Some points of discussion on the topic;
- I believe that paranoia is supposed to be one of the possible side-effects of long-term heavy use of Cannabis; does anyone know if this is true?

- I know that there is mental deterioration - but that is only significant _IF_ one uses it heavily, for several years - and there is the problem with the tar, but there again, mj is not usually smoked the way cigarettes are (if nothing else, the user is bound to pass out...). Alchohol causes mental deterioration at a greater rate, and cigarettes cause cancer more easily and are ten times as addictive. So, other than it being illegal (which is why I stopped), why is pot so bad?

- I've heard that cannabis is used as a "Thresh-hold" drug, a way of easing users into harder drugs. If it were legal, would it stop being used that way? (or, will it always be a risk that way, since folks high on mj are more suggestible?)

- I think this was addressed already, but if drug money finances terrorism (hey, I thought that was _Cigarettes_ those dudes smuggled interstate to raise money for the Taliban?), would making marijuana legal deny those terrorists income from marijuana?

Jim - yes, there actually _is_ probably a correlation between your quitting pot and starting to write music. From my own past experience, creativity is not as easy while under _any_ influence that dulls the mind. There's a reason they call it "dope". On the other hand, some folks need that dulling to bear unusual pain or harsh conditions. The trick is not to let it become a habit, or a means of avoiding facing something difficult, surmountable, or strengthening.

McGrath; I like what you say. "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"!

Bobert - great posts! Interesting input...

Guest whom some call Asshole - Life is not black-and-white, but a creation extremely difficult to decipher. While keeping one's conclusions simple may be very satisfying, it is unfortunately true that this complicated world seldom matches those conclusions very widely, or for very long.
Making wide-ranging and absolute statements does not usually fit in with reality. Name-calling does not solve problems. Those who yell because they don't like what others say are not listening, and might miss information that would be useful and enlightening (or is that the idea?).
Life is change, like a good piece of music that you play a little differently depending on when and where you are, and how good you are (which itself changes). I hope you will keep this in mind next time you come across an amiable discussion in a controversal subject like this, and flame a little less, o dragon!

WinterChild
who does not smoke, or partake of drugs, and seldom drinks, but who understands that the needs and situations of others may be drastically different.

Winterchild