Reply #19: Exactly ! Psychological addition ... like to jelly beans!

[ElectroPrincess]

I've worked in addiction counseling off-and-on for the greater part of 15 years. I've known my share of "pot heads" who would wake up in the morning and take a hit from the bong before driving to their first college class of the day. You may ask - How can they do THAT? It's termed "state dependent learning." Yep, like many alcohol addicted folks can pull off ... well before their first DUI.

Yes, younger users and abusers of marijuana often get into trouble with the law, but are not by any far stretch of the imagination, physiologically addicted. The biggest fax paux the young folks who fall into the criminal justice system are the goofballs (Gore Jr?!?) driving 20mph in 40mph zones and/or driving in urban areas at night with one's headlights OFF.

Don't get me wrong, I do not want my daughter to smoke marijuana. However, despite it's increased potency, there is no valid scientific evidence of THC being physically addictive. And yes, I should know because my Masters is in the field of physiological psychology. <curtsy and blush>

People we like to term as "pot heads" who *must* smoke it every day, sometimes all day (Psychologically Addicted), at worst (which is BAD but not a detriment to society as a whole) they have NO motivation (Amotivational Syndrome). If using pot alters interferes with enjoying a productive life (daily use will do just that) then the Psychologically Addicted should seek counseling, IMO through a 12 step program.

No, intelligent and ambitious young Americans would be very unwise to use marijuana for recreational use. They don't call intoxication "stoned" for no reason, i.e., you sit around and don't accomplish one damn productive task save for trecking to the kitchen for some soda and munchies. However, if any close friend or immediate member of my family was suffering with chronic pain or enduring chemotherapy, I'd not hesitate to help them move to Canada where they can legally be prescribed Marijuana for medicinal purposes.

IMO *Northing's* (no legal medication) is better at staving-off nausea during Chemotherapy treatments than medicinal marijuana. It helps these patients keep their food down and maintain their weight. A Godsend and added benefit promoting treatment efficiency.

Nope, I'm no pothead. Type A folks like myself hate using pot. However, if I'm on my way "out of this life" IMO it's an insightful and pain minimizing way to fade out. :-)

On edit: A few typos ... corrected so you can read better. NO I'm not high! lol