My dad was run over on his bike by a pick up truck in '90. 3 years ago, my dad and daughter were in an accident, both seriously injured. Dad was in ICU for 2 weeks. As a result of this accident and progress in pain management, he lives and feels better today than he did 4 years ago. A number of years ago, we found him some pot to try to see if it would help him (much to my mom's dismay), but it didn't work for him.
I think pot today is much different than it was when I was in high school. Its stronger, lasts longer and affected me much differently than it did 20 years ago. I don't follow pot trends, nor read articles or research nor care to, I just know that something is different.
Understanding both pot and mushrooms are natural, the point was it lead to an event that although serious as it was, could have been much worse if his friends had not intervened. Mixing even natural substances can be fatal.
As in everything in life, if abused, it can and will have consequences. Fast food, alcohol etc. I smoke and totally addicted, if it was illegal when I was 16 would I have started, not likely. Do I understand the health risks and costs? Obviously, I still chose to smoke.
My past is extreme and I know that better than anyone, I would not wish my experience on my worst enemy, but not everyone ends up where we did. Raising teenagers, I have to cope with their choices, knock on wood, so far so good. My 14 year old came home stoned last year, I went off the deep end, but thankfully my bf reminded me she is not her father and we worked through it. One day at a time, I know I will live the rest of my life this way.
I do believe that abuse of one substance can be a gateway to others. Alcohol to pot, pot to crack, always looking for that extreme high. No, not all or even most alcoholics will reach for something different. It is though a fine line and no one knows who will be pre disposed to such actions. No I do not speak with scientific knowledge or research, just my heart. I do not judge those who use, have friends who do, its just not for me.
I'm not looking for sympathy, I just feel sometimes the ugly side of substances that alter our bodies and brains is not portrayed with a dose of reality. Some people smoke pot, some drink beer, its all good, but there are so many other things out there that can kill so fast and it does not just affect one person, it affects all that know that 1 person. Where does legalization then stop??
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