I’m 53 and have been smoking cannabis on and off since I was 14. In my youth it was very occasionally, mostly in the summer because I was a choir geek and didn’t want anything messing with my air power.

For most of my college, graduate school and law school years it was also fairly occasional - usually didn’t have money to get it or a source if I did. Same was true in the years after graduating and beginning my legal career, with the added complication of being worried I’d get caught and be ruined for a little weed.

In 2016 my commonwealth legalized cannabis and shortly thereafter I began having regular access to high quality cannabis and using fairly regularly - most days of the week. Yes, it is high potency cannabis.

Most days I just smoke a few hits after work and enjoy the buzz like some of you would from a glass or two of wine or a beer or two or neat scotch etc.

Weekends and days off I like to wake and bake - I did that this last weekend, and managed to get my house cleaned, all my laundry done, a bunch of batch cooking to fill my fridge with healthy plant foods for the week, and a weekly shop at the grocery store. Also watched several hours of Ridley on PBS and a couple of movies. Very productive, not paranoid, a little deep thinking while chopping garlic and mashing beans etc.

I think it’s all about how you consume. Some people are addictive personality by nature and will overconsume - we all know these people and some of them do the same with alcohol, pills, food even - or cannabis.

I smoke a couple of hits and let it hit me and then ride that for a few hours and a few hours later maybe a couple more hits. Every now and then I take a sabbatical of a few weeks or months and then when I go back the high is more intense so I accommodate that reality.

EVERYTHING can be dangerous - even exercise - if we overdo it. Definitely younger people should be careful and not be consuming chronically because it may trigger latent mental illness - I’m certainly glad my cannabis use in my teens was occasional and not chronic.

But I’m also very glad cannabis is legal and regulated where I live, because I work a stressful career (hospice caregiving) and have the usual load of pain that a midlife person carries - probably more because I had childhood trauma that I only recently grappled with in extensive therapy. It’s nice to have something that takes the edge off but isn’t as devastating to my health as alcohol would be. I also really enjoy a great movie or show under the mind opening influence of cannabis.

I think there are reasons to be concerned about people who overuse cannabis just like everything else - but I don’t see it as being much different than it’s always been.

Anonymous wrote:This has been discussed a LOT in this board. There are tons of studies showing a 5x increased risk of psychosis, for instance, particularly in young men. I’m seeing a ton more psychotic men on the street now versus what I saw 10, 20, 30 years ago— I don’t know whether it’s the MJ or the fentanyl but it’s really noticeable.

I was vaguely ambivalent about pot until the last couple of years and now I think it’s really dangerous. I’ve really stressed to my teens to avoid it — I’d much rather they have a beer or a hard seltzer—we know exactly what’s in that and humans have had thousands of years to figure out how alcohol affects the body.

Yes, and the effects are terrible. Way worse than marijuana. This is widely accepted by pretty much everyone.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This has been discussed a LOT in this board. There are tons of studies showing a 5x increased risk of psychosis, for instance, particularly in young men. I’m seeing a ton more psychotic men on the street now versus what I saw 10, 20, 30 years ago— I don’t know whether it’s the MJ or the fentanyl but it’s really noticeable.

I was vaguely ambivalent about pot until the last couple of years and now I think it’s really dangerous. I’ve really stressed to my teens to avoid it — I’d much rather they have a beer or a hard seltzer—we know exactly what’s in that and humans have had thousands of years to figure out how alcohol affects the body.

+1 Cannabis-induced psychosis is insidious because so many people think "it's just weed". Cannabis detox can cause all kinds of emotional fallout, including a spectrum of upset that runs from irritability to outright rage. If people don't know to anticipate that rebound, they tend to just act out on their emotions, and the consequences to relationships, and even random encounters with strangers, can be deeply problematic.

Like most addicts, people who have a cannabis use issue don't often know it, and aren't particularly open to considering the possibility. At least, when it's booze or opiates or the like, there's cultural awareness of the potential for problems, including addiction.

Clearly evidenced by this post that so many of you have no idea what you’re talking about. You hold certain biases without any scientific evidence to support it.

As do you. You're on this thread, telling everyone to prove it to you (so you don't have to look it up yourself), and then claiming a contrary position but offering ZERO scientific evidence to back it.

You're a contrarian troll, and probably an addict. Nobody fights this hard for their drug of choice if they can put it down without trouble.

You’re just an idiot. I don’t even use marijuana. I don’t like how it makes me feel. I have an occasional drink and that’s it. I’m just not about baseless fear mongering. Anyone who is too dumb to realize that they are they ones who need to support their claim when they make one I can’t have a rational conversation with. Am I supposed to prove a negative?

Oh, and I can’t wait until you come back with something super clever like “suuuuurreee you’re not a pot head.” Or would be so on par for you.

You don't know the first thing about me. It's a good thing you don't smoke weed (allegedly); I'd hate to see you even stupider than you already seem.

I'm not looking up case studies you can google for yourself. If you're not demotivated due to cannabis use, you're just intellectually lazy. If it doesn't apply to you, scroll on by.

The fact remains: high-potency cannabis has health risks. Google it or don't, it'll still be true.

And you'll still be a clown's ass.

Funny you call me lazy but can’t post even one study 😂😂😂😂

There ya go, PP. Here's a doctor who'll hold your hand and walk you through it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Classic fear mongering. More potent means less consumed for the same effect.

This math works on paper, and is not supported by evidence/real-life experience.

Totally disagree. I’ve seen serious health problems

Correct. PP's claim that "more potent means less consumed for the same effect" doesn't hold up. Not only are people consuming more, but it's often WAY more than they might've meant to, and the consequences are considerable.

What consequences? Observed how and by whom?

OP provided an article with multiple links to credible sources. Too high to read?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This has been discussed a LOT in this board. There are tons of studies showing a 5x increased risk of psychosis, for instance, particularly in young men. I’m seeing a ton more psychotic men on the street now versus what I saw 10, 20, 30 years ago— I don’t know whether it’s the MJ or the fentanyl but it’s really noticeable.

I was vaguely ambivalent about pot until the last couple of years and now I think it’s really dangerous. I’ve really stressed to my teens to avoid it — I’d much rather they have a beer or a hard seltzer—we know exactly what’s in that and humans have had thousands of years to figure out how alcohol affects the body.

+1 Cannabis-induced psychosis is insidious because so many people think "it's just weed". Cannabis detox can cause all kinds of emotional fallout, including a spectrum of upset that runs from irritability to outright rage. If people don't know to anticipate that rebound, they tend to just act out on their emotions, and the consequences to relationships, and even random encounters with strangers, can be deeply problematic.

Like most addicts, people who have a cannabis use issue don't often know it, and aren't particularly open to considering the possibility. At least, when it's booze or opiates or the like, there's cultural awareness of the potential for problems, including addiction.

Clearly evidenced by this post that so many of you have no idea what you’re talking about. You hold certain biases without any scientific evidence to support it.

As do you. You're on this thread, telling everyone to prove it to you (so you don't have to look it up yourself), and then claiming a contrary position but offering ZERO scientific evidence to back it.

You're a contrarian troll, and probably an addict. Nobody fights this hard for their drug of choice if they can put it down without trouble.

You’re just an idiot. I don’t even use marijuana. I don’t like how it makes me feel. I have an occasional drink and that’s it. I’m just not about baseless fear mongering. Anyone who is too dumb to realize that they are they ones who need to support their claim when they make one I can’t have a rational conversation with. Am I supposed to prove a negative?

Oh, and I can’t wait until you come back with something super clever like “suuuuurreee you’re not a pot head.” Or would be so on par for you.

You don't know the first thing about me. It's a good thing you don't smoke weed (allegedly); I'd hate to see you even stupider than you already seem.

I'm not looking up case studies you can google for yourself. If you're not demotivated due to cannabis use, you're just intellectually lazy. If it doesn't apply to you, scroll on by.

The fact remains: high-potency cannabis has health risks. Google it or don't, it'll still be true.

And you'll still be a clown's ass.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This has been discussed a LOT in this board. There are tons of studies showing a 5x increased risk of psychosis, for instance, particularly in young men. I’m seeing a ton more psychotic men on the street now versus what I saw 10, 20, 30 years ago— I don’t know whether it’s the MJ or the fentanyl but it’s really noticeable.

I was vaguely ambivalent about pot until the last couple of years and now I think it’s really dangerous. I’ve really stressed to my teens to avoid it — I’d much rather they have a beer or a hard seltzer—we know exactly what’s in that and humans have had thousands of years to figure out how alcohol affects the body.

+1 Cannabis-induced psychosis is insidious because so many people think "it's just weed". Cannabis detox can cause all kinds of emotional fallout, including a spectrum of upset that runs from irritability to outright rage. If people don't know to anticipate that rebound, they tend to just act out on their emotions, and the consequences to relationships, and even random encounters with strangers, can be deeply problematic.

Like most addicts, people who have a cannabis use issue don't often know it, and aren't particularly open to considering the possibility. At least, when it's booze or opiates or the like, there's cultural awareness of the potential for problems, including addiction.

Clearly evidenced by this post that so many of you have no idea what you’re talking about. You hold certain biases without any scientific evidence to support it.

As do you. You're on this thread, telling everyone to prove it to you (so you don't have to look it up yourself), and then claiming a contrary position but offering ZERO scientific evidence to back it.

You're a contrarian troll, and probably an addict. Nobody fights this hard for their drug of choice if they can put it down without trouble.

You’re just an idiot. I don’t even use marijuana. I don’t like how it makes me feel. I have an occasional drink and that’s it. I’m just not about baseless fear mongering. Anyone who is too dumb to realize that they are they ones who need to support their claim when they make one I can’t have a rational conversation with. Am I supposed to prove a negative?

Oh, and I can’t wait until you come back with something super clever like “suuuuurreee you’re not a pot head.” Or would be so on par for you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This has been discussed a LOT in this board. There are tons of studies showing a 5x increased risk of psychosis, for instance, particularly in young men. I’m seeing a ton more psychotic men on the street now versus what I saw 10, 20, 30 years ago— I don’t know whether it’s the MJ or the fentanyl but it’s really noticeable.

I was vaguely ambivalent about pot until the last couple of years and now I think it’s really dangerous. I’ve really stressed to my teens to avoid it — I’d much rather they have a beer or a hard seltzer—we know exactly what’s in that and humans have had thousands of years to figure out how alcohol affects the body.

+1 Cannabis-induced psychosis is insidious because so many people think "it's just weed". Cannabis detox can cause all kinds of emotional fallout, including a spectrum of upset that runs from irritability to outright rage. If people don't know to anticipate that rebound, they tend to just act out on their emotions, and the consequences to relationships, and even random encounters with strangers, can be deeply problematic.

Like most addicts, people who have a cannabis use issue don't often know it, and aren't particularly open to considering the possibility. At least, when it's booze or opiates or the like, there's cultural awareness of the potential for problems, including addiction.

Clearly evidenced by this post that so many of you have no idea what you’re talking about. You hold certain biases without any scientific evidence to support it.

As do you. You're on this thread, telling everyone to prove it to you (so you don't have to look it up yourself), and then claiming a contrary position but offering ZERO scientific evidence to back it.

You're a contrarian troll, and probably an addict. Nobody fights this hard for their drug of choice if they can put it down without trouble.

I work in GI. I see many patients who use marijuana regularly. For patients who have symptoms that are associated with marijuana use, I recommend limiting/stopping for a month. Many of the patients who abstain report feeling better off marijuana. This is my personal experience, but it is consistent with my colleagues.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This has been discussed a LOT in this board. There are tons of studies showing a 5x increased risk of psychosis, for instance, particularly in young men. I’m seeing a ton more psychotic men on the street now versus what I saw 10, 20, 30 years ago— I don’t know whether it’s the MJ or the fentanyl but it’s really noticeable.

I was vaguely ambivalent about pot until the last couple of years and now I think it’s really dangerous. I’ve really stressed to my teens to avoid it — I’d much rather they have a beer or a hard seltzer—we know exactly what’s in that and humans have had thousands of years to figure out how alcohol affects the body.

+1 Cannabis-induced psychosis is insidious because so many people think "it's just weed". Cannabis detox can cause all kinds of emotional fallout, including a spectrum of upset that runs from irritability to outright rage. If people don't know to anticipate that rebound, they tend to just act out on their emotions, and the consequences to relationships, and even random encounters with strangers, can be deeply problematic.

Like most addicts, people who have a cannabis use issue don't often know it, and aren't particularly open to considering the possibility. At least, when it's booze or opiates or the like, there's cultural awareness of the potential for problems, including addiction.

Clearly evidenced by this post that so many of you have no idea what you’re talking about. You hold certain biases without any scientific evidence to support it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Classic fear mongering. More potent means less consumed for the same effect.

This math works on paper, and is not supported by evidence/real-life experience.

Totally disagree. I’ve seen serious health problems

Correct. PP's claim that "more potent means less consumed for the same effect" doesn't hold up. Not only are people consuming more, but it's often WAY more than they might've meant to, and the consequences are considerable.

What consequences? Observed how and by whom?

ERs, physicians, family, friends, people who encounter your skunky-smelling self in public when you're blazed out of your mind...

Just like I thought. You are just a lunatic who can't participate in serious discussions about this.

You're resorting to name-calling without offering anything constructive to the "serious discussion" and pp is the "lunatic"?

You must be high!

Yup, and I stand by it. Please provide credible studies without hyperbole and I’ll have a discussion with you.

If you're too high to google it for yourself, you're beyond my help, pp. I don't need to "earn" a discussion with an idiot.

So glad you’re above name calling. Also, you’re the one who made the claims. So support them.

Except you can’t. Because it’s a bunch of BS you conjured up in your head.

You also sound really angry for someone so well adjusted. Maybe go smoke a joint and relax a bit. You sounds like you really need it.

Anonymous wrote:This has been discussed a LOT in this board. There are tons of studies showing a 5x increased risk of psychosis, for instance, particularly in young men. I’m seeing a ton more psychotic men on the street now versus what I saw 10, 20, 30 years ago— I don’t know whether it’s the MJ or the fentanyl but it’s really noticeable.

I was vaguely ambivalent about pot until the last couple of years and now I think it’s really dangerous. I’ve really stressed to my teens to avoid it — I’d much rather they have a beer or a hard seltzer—we know exactly what’s in that and humans have had thousands of years to figure out how alcohol affects the body.

+1 Cannabis-induced psychosis is insidious because so many people think "it's just weed". Cannabis detox can cause all kinds of emotional fallout, including a spectrum of upset that runs from irritability to outright rage. If people don't know to anticipate that rebound, they tend to just act out on their emotions, and the consequences to relationships, and even random encounters with strangers, can be deeply problematic.

Like most addicts, people who have a cannabis use issue don't often know it, and aren't particularly open to considering the possibility. At least, when it's booze or opiates or the like, there's cultural awareness of the potential for problems, including addiction.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Classic fear mongering. More potent means less consumed for the same effect.

This math works on paper, and is not supported by evidence/real-life experience.

Totally disagree. I’ve seen serious health problems

Correct. PP's claim that "more potent means less consumed for the same effect" doesn't hold up. Not only are people consuming more, but it's often WAY more than they might've meant to, and the consequences are considerable.

What consequences? Observed how and by whom?

ERs, physicians, family, friends, people who encounter your skunky-smelling self in public when you're blazed out of your mind...

Just like I thought. You are just a lunatic who can't participate in serious discussions about this.

You're resorting to name-calling without offering anything constructive to the "serious discussion" and pp is the "lunatic"?

You must be high!

Yup, and I stand by it. Please provide credible studies without hyperbole and I’ll have a discussion with you.

If you're too high to google it for yourself, you're beyond my help, pp. I don't need to "earn" a discussion with an idiot.

This has been discussed a LOT in this board. There are tons of studies showing a 5x increased risk of psychosis, for instance, particularly in young men. I’m seeing a ton more psychotic men on the street now versus what I saw 10, 20, 30 years ago— I don’t know whether it’s the MJ or the fentanyl but it’s really noticeable.

I was vaguely ambivalent about pot until the last couple of years and now I think it’s really dangerous. I’ve really stressed to my teens to avoid it — I’d much rather they have a beer or a hard seltzer—we know exactly what’s in that and humans have had thousands of years to figure out how alcohol affects the body.

Anonymous wrote:My friend has totally lost her memory from edibles.

OMG. I didn't know this was possible.