The brains of marijuana users are different, especially if they start young

originally posted by: psyopscontrol
a reply to: LOSTinAMERICA

Sorry but saying your drive only came back after a few years of quitting is complete nonsense. It only stays in your system a few months in extreme cases. It can not effect you for years. If you had no drive it's because you're lazy, don't blame the pot you smoked a year or two ago, ridiculous

Long term-heavy use is admitted to cause lack of motivation in every single last long-term heavy user I know including myself. By heavy user I mean large quantities, daily, for years and years on end.

I am a huge supporter of legalizing cannabis, the law needs to stay out of our personal lives.

But we also need to be responsible and honest, and admit that caution needs to be taken with Cannabis just like caution needs to be taken with any other drug. I like the fact that people are coming around to the lies of the government but lets not go too far the other way and start lies and BS of our own.

If you can consume massive quantities of cannabis for long periods of time and have absolutely no change to yourself, you are a superman. Consuming large quantities of anything for long periods of time will change you. DOING anything repetitively for long periods of time can change you.

The blame isn't on Cannabis, the blame is on US the users for not being as responsible as we could be.

Nobody wants to admit something they like might effect them in ways that aren't positive, but me and plenty of other long-term experienced users are open and honest and will admit it has a negative effect on motivation.

I agree with the guy that says it makes you smarter, but your desire to use that intelligence gets lowered. Whether this works with a person's life is a personal choice.

But stop telling people that any negative effect of cannabis is fake, it's not. Everything on earth has negative aspects to it, and part of being a responsible mature adult is admitting hard truths.

originally posted by: ParasuvO

originally posted by: proob4
Sounds like Marijuana use defrags the mind, just like on a PC when you defrag, helps it run faster.

Yes, but you do not want to , or need to defrag PC with SSD Harddrive, it does nothing but destroy it.

Every kid I have seen that smoked a lot of marijuana in youth, seemed to have a far harder and longer time adjusting to adult life........

I smoke every day (for my condition), I'm college educated, I have a great Director job... We aren't all burnouts like the media would like you to think. I'm doing rather well in life, I also don't promote my smoking to the world (I know I admit on ATS, but this is rather anonymous), some know I smoke, others don't, but I do it late at night when I have nothing left to do for the day... I also know a lot of people like this too... Lots of people/adults smoke marijuana, just people don't talk too much about it. There's like an understanding among us all...

And you shouldn't base your judgement on weed off youths... I've seen lots of youths attempt to drink alcohol and fail miserably w/ binge drinking, early alcoholism, etc...

People need to get REEFER MADNESS off their brain... Far worse things in the world, alcohol, Rx prescriptions, etc...

i for one am pretty tired of the articles and studies and theories.....
bottom line is adults should be able to enjoy MJ if they want....
no matter if it makes you a genius or turns your brain to mush....personal choice...personal responsibility...thats what it should be about....

edit*
the justifications also get old....

i do it because this...i do it because that.....its better than this or that....

im an adult and i partake cause i like it....thats it...shouldnt have to go any further than that...

Thankyou OP for sharing this! Its really interesting.

I usually avoid threads like this because i get sick and tired of reading about how everyone that smokes is a dumb stoner, its really offensive and it shows their lack of maturity and lack of info, in the real world its simply not like that. Even after giving them positive info reflecting this they still don't accept it, people seem to have it ingrained in their brain from it being demonized for so long. Its really sad, and their loss.

Yeah, it's likely far better to let brains mature without a chemical stew... and that includes 'legal' RX's most of all... and use of ANY intoxicating substance in a non moderate or habitual way is likely 'bad' in some manner, especially in too young brains... but whatever consenting adults want to do at 12 a.m. when adult swim gets going is their own choice... uh, was that too much info?

I love the folks who post about the hazards of weed over the rim of their martini... but whatever... they may lay down the law in their own domains... just leave the rest of us psycho-nauts alone! Freedom begins in your head...

I think it is safe to say that everyone's brain is different, regardless of drug or alcohol use, correct? I'm not a "pot head," nor do I use it on a daily basis, but I do use it. I'd say maybe once a week? I use it recreationally, for medical purposes. I have anger, depression and anxiety problems, and when I feel that it's all coming on, I smoke a bowl. It almost immediately decimates my symptoms of the aforementioned personal issues. I become happy, out going and quite literally.. nothing can piss me off. I feel that my mind is more open whilst under the influence, I think more clearly, more rational and critically all together. Maybe that is not the case for everyone, but like I said everyone's brain is different regardless. We all are affected differently by food, supplements, alcohol and drugs. Is it possible the chemical compounds of Marijuana shows your minds "true colors" so to speak? I honestly think so. One also has to understand that different strains of marijuana have different effects. I'm happy to say that my home state (Oregon) has just recently approved it for legalization. Is that going to make me smoke it nonstop every day? No. I'll use it for what I've always used it for.

I've known plenty of avid users, whom have been using it for 20+ years, and none of them are lazy, stupid or otherwise "dull" as one person has stated. They are hard working, intelligent, contributing adults. The only common traits I've seen with these individuals are; non-religious affiliations, critical thinking abilities, OPEN minds, peaceful and happy. They work all day, go to the gym afterwards and are just generally happy people. I've come to the conclusion that these younger, confused individuals who are users of marijuana, do nothing but TRY to fit into the stereotypical depiction of a "stoner." They parade around advertising their marijuana use as if it's some sort of mechanism to raise their social status. It goes the same way for the younger generations who drink avidly. Or maybe they do it so they can become acquainted with like-minded individuals? There's a thought.

I don't see myself as a genius by any means, but I'm definitely not stupid or an imbecile by any means either, and I use marijuana and have used marijuana heavily in the past. Actually, the stupidity I've projected in my life regarding unwise decisions and other nefarious activities came pre-marijuana use. I do not personally think it has any adverse effects on intelligence or acumen in any given subject. Perhaps this could be directly correlated to the individuals' brain natural structure? Marijuana does indeed have encephalic characteristics, but I do not think they are harmful as the propaganda machine insinuates

ETA: It also helps me focus on my education a little bit more. As I'm a late college student, I find it betters my ability to focus on my coursework rather than being "sober" and exhibiting minor symptoms of A.D.D./A.D.H.D. Take that for what it is, personal experience and opinion.

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It was good enough for Carl Sagan; it's good enough for me.

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Preach!
a reply to: imthegoat

I never said that. I simply made a point that it obviously makes changes in people. Chill out man. You pot kids are all sensitive. a reply to: Bundy

Until i have an acquaintance that doesn't act like a Neanderthal after smoking pot CONSTANTLY I don't care. Read my post before you get all dope sensitive man. Chill out. a reply to: Krazysh0t

originally posted by: etombo
I never said that. I simply made a point that it obviously makes changes in people. Chill out man. You pot kids are all sensitive. a reply to: Bundy

"you pot kids are all sensitive"......


No, you're definitely not talking down to us users (rolls eyes)...

Do not try too hard in reinforcing my personal opinion ::rolls eyes:: this is no a topic about legalization or political correctness. The original post was about physical changes to the brain. I make a post that is like of course no $@!? It has impacts to the brain and everyone freaks out. I could care less about legalization , infact I hope they legalize marijuana for many reasons. One of them is that I will stop hearing grown ups cry about it. I suppose it is selfish of me to worry about things like a fruitful job that provides enough for me to pay a mortgage and support a family. Why would I spend my time trying to get those things established when I can tackle the real problems my life like the need for people to get stoned. I suppose I view marijuana as a nice to have rather than a need, an opinion which will get me virtually crucified. I hope that you can overcome the overwhelming oppression of marijuana being against federal laws. By this time if you cannot understand my sarcasm/cynicism/general playful nature I am not sure what' to say. Thank you for your time, my best. a reply to: jhn7537

a reply to: Krazysh0t

Apparently the brain rewired itself to make up for the loss caused by smoking the pot, so it's a wash?

Marijuana Use Shrinks The Brain, Study Shows

Instead, when will anti-depressants/psychotics be published, I can't count how much I've heard that they cause schizophrenia like symptoms. And the article I think shows how schiz can come about, tied to the reward centers?

a reply to: Calalini

All drugs can have negative side effects. Whether it is "harmless" OTC drugs or crack coc aine. The main issue is whether or not your brain/body is more susceptible to those effects and the amount that you use them. Some people can smoke pot/drink everyday and still live very productive lives. Other people may have a hard time making it to work on a regular basis which would cause them to lose their job/house and possibly their family.

In the end it all comes down to moderation no matter what your addiction is. Too much of anything can destroy your life.

a reply to: sanitizedinfo

I haven't heard much on that front. Any links you can provide regarding that connection with anti depressants and schizo?

It shrinks your "reward center"?

Ok. For me it is quite rewarding to smoke and draw, play a game of chess or billiards, a video game or even work out or play basketball or skateboard. I love to cook some good food, read a good book or listen to spanish/chinese people talk and try to figure out the words lol. I love meeting hotties who smoke and having insightful, humorous conversation while everyone else around has their face 3 inches from their iphone.

What "rewards" are we shooting for anyway?

a reply to: Krazysh0t

I know your not specifically saying this, just to other users here.

This whole situation with weed being good rather then bad is ridiculous. I have no idea why there is still so many threads and those talking about it as if its better that you smoke this stuff then if you are one of those that does not. It is pretty clear any of those that say weed is good for the brain or the body are those that smoke weed and intend to backup themselves for reasons why they smoke it. I have seen so many around me in my family too, smoke this stuff and they all end up in dead end jobs and not much motivation in life. This is true for the majority of those that smoke weed and it shows the study is correct. The stronger connection to the brain that this article talks about will have nothing to do with positive improvements, this will be the brain hanging on for dear life trying to regain strength and connection for it to do this shows the decay it causes.

Will those that smoke this understand me, probably not.....

a reply to: Swills

and here is another user showing how it affects the brain, which is correct. Its damaging not repairing.

Good post.

originally posted by: BlackProject
a reply to: Krazysh0t

I know your not specifically saying this, just to other users here.

This whole situation with weed being good rather then bad is ridiculous. I have no idea why there is still so many threads and those talking about it as if its better that you smoke this stuff then if you are one of those that does not. It is pretty clear any of those that say weed is good for the brain or the body are those that smoke weed and intend to backup themselves for reasons why they smoke it. I have seen so many around me in my family too, smoke this stuff and they all end up in dead end jobs and not much motivation in life. This is true for the majority of those that smoke weed and it shows the study is correct. The stronger connection to the brain that this article talks about will have nothing to do with positive improvements, this will be the brain hanging on for dear life trying to regain strength and connection for it to do this shows the decay it causes.

Will those that smoke this understand me, probably not.....

So why is it that heavy drinkers know its bad for them? Heroin users know its bad for them. Yet smokers contend otherwise......must be something in that sneaky plant. Like the OP says, it rewires the gray matter. Therefore it only stands to reason its a government conspiracy to dope us with a plant, making us think its good when really its bad. The govt. says its wrong and illegal but secretly believes otherwise.

Some of the brightest minds on ATS as evidenced in their posting history, have also acknowledged partaking of said plant. Surely they are not all "one off's", right?