Oct 14, 2023·edited Oct 14, 2023Liked by Don Akchin
This article does a good job outlining concerns that I have had and provided more information. Without really considering the implications, legalization may seem like a great idea. But there are real consequences and seemingly very little coverage of those consequences. At a time when we are so focused on how products and chemicals affect our bodies, it is surprising to see the rush to use a “cool” but rather undefined product that has consequences.
When I used it in college many years ago, a major element was that it was a reasonably safe way of showing your anti-establishment credentials. Today it is so popular and widespread that it seems almost anti-establishment to not use it. Glad to have my anti-establishment credentials back after 50 years.
In my day, we called it grass (not weed) and we used quite a bit of it. That said, I'm one of those people who find its universal availability lessens my interest in it. It wasn't only a substance. It was an entire outlaw culture that made us feel special. It had its own lingo, its own costuming, its own music. Now it's a business. Bleh.
Thanks for the clarification about the difference from so many years back. I, too, was a very well-behaved kid but when I left for college, everything changed. Grass/weed/pot was definitely my drug of choice and I loved it--and the marvelous feeling that I was so creative and brilliant while using it. Aside from the laughter that was so indulgent and contagious.
I’ve wanted to try it again but have heard a lot about the potency and a lot more about bad experiences than good. Guess I’ll just have to content myself with wine.
My kids could not fathom why I’d never tried weed and brought edibles to my 60th birthday party ten years ago. Made me totally paranoid for about an hour. I in turn cannot fathom the appeal. Never again.
I am so happy to hear that THC provided you the relief you needed. You were wise to start with small doses and proceed carefully. Thanks for providing another voice in the discussion.
This is such an important topic and you covered it so well. I’m eager to learn more information about the long-term effects of THC use, as (like many here) I suffer from chronic pain that prevents sleep, and low-dose THC gummies are the only reliable sleep aid I’ve found outside of the addictive Ambien. Where are the scientific studies? As our country is aging and nursing homes are sending “Canna-Buses” of residents to pot shops, shouldn’t we have better answers?
As is often the case, I will be the voice of dissent.
In my youth, I too was a certified pothead, even earning a little spending money on the side making deliveries at high speed on my 15 speed Peugeot racing bike, up streets and down alleys, hard to follow. With my trusty army surplus canvas bag which nicely fit my goods to be delivered. Call me the Amazon delivery guy of the 1970's.
Over the years I began to quit everything that I thought might contribute to the suffering that was and is an inseparable part of human existence. Over time alcohol, pot, fast foods...it all went to away. A 2 or 3 mile walk became a part of each and every day.
Then I developed cancer. The pain that came with the surgery that followed was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Sometimes I sat on the edge of our couch in tears, the pain relentless, never-ending. I was living on 2 hours or so of sleep each night. A friend who had lost his wife and had also suffered without sleep suggested a THC tincture and said it essentially saved him. I was pretty much ready to try anything that might offer some relief.
I am lucky to live in an enlightened society and so, with cane in hand, I made my way the two blocks to my closest cannabis shop. The fellow who worked there gave me good guidance and off I went with my little bottle of 'Nightfall.'
Over the coming weeks I, starting with a very small dose, working out what was just the right amount so as not to go over the line into a less pleasant state. While it provided more of a distraction from the pain rather than a cure, I did immediately find I was able to sleep very well again. It made my recovery much more endurable and I believe made it shorter.
Now I've resumed my love affair with THC. I enjoy modest amounts and never experience any unpleasantness from over-indulgence.
If I live a typical lifespan for men in my country, I have a couple of decades or so to go. I intend to enjoy it to the extent I am able.
This article does a good job outlining concerns that I have had and provided more information. Without really considering the implications, legalization may seem like a great idea. But there are real consequences and seemingly very little coverage of those consequences. At a time when we are so focused on how products and chemicals affect our bodies, it is surprising to see the rush to use a “cool” but rather undefined product that has consequences.
When I used it in college many years ago, a major element was that it was a reasonably safe way of showing your anti-establishment credentials. Today it is so popular and widespread that it seems almost anti-establishment to not use it. Glad to have my anti-establishment credentials back after 50 years.
In my day, we called it grass (not weed) and we used quite a bit of it. That said, I'm one of those people who find its universal availability lessens my interest in it. It wasn't only a substance. It was an entire outlaw culture that made us feel special. It had its own lingo, its own costuming, its own music. Now it's a business. Bleh.
Thanks for the clarification about the difference from so many years back. I, too, was a very well-behaved kid but when I left for college, everything changed. Grass/weed/pot was definitely my drug of choice and I loved it--and the marvelous feeling that I was so creative and brilliant while using it. Aside from the laughter that was so indulgent and contagious.
I’ve wanted to try it again but have heard a lot about the potency and a lot more about bad experiences than good. Guess I’ll just have to content myself with wine.
My kids could not fathom why I’d never tried weed and brought edibles to my 60th birthday party ten years ago. Made me totally paranoid for about an hour. I in turn cannot fathom the appeal. Never again.
Thanks for echoing many of my feelings. I’m with ya.
The dearth of research is no accident. You can thank former President Nixon.
I am so happy to hear that THC provided you the relief you needed. You were wise to start with small doses and proceed carefully. Thanks for providing another voice in the discussion.
That's certainly a different spin on the outlaw instinct!
This is such an important topic and you covered it so well. I’m eager to learn more information about the long-term effects of THC use, as (like many here) I suffer from chronic pain that prevents sleep, and low-dose THC gummies are the only reliable sleep aid I’ve found outside of the addictive Ambien. Where are the scientific studies? As our country is aging and nursing homes are sending “Canna-Buses” of residents to pot shops, shouldn’t we have better answers?
As is often the case, I will be the voice of dissent.
In my youth, I too was a certified pothead, even earning a little spending money on the side making deliveries at high speed on my 15 speed Peugeot racing bike, up streets and down alleys, hard to follow. With my trusty army surplus canvas bag which nicely fit my goods to be delivered. Call me the Amazon delivery guy of the 1970's.
Over the years I began to quit everything that I thought might contribute to the suffering that was and is an inseparable part of human existence. Over time alcohol, pot, fast foods...it all went to away. A 2 or 3 mile walk became a part of each and every day.
Then I developed cancer. The pain that came with the surgery that followed was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Sometimes I sat on the edge of our couch in tears, the pain relentless, never-ending. I was living on 2 hours or so of sleep each night. A friend who had lost his wife and had also suffered without sleep suggested a THC tincture and said it essentially saved him. I was pretty much ready to try anything that might offer some relief.
I am lucky to live in an enlightened society and so, with cane in hand, I made my way the two blocks to my closest cannabis shop. The fellow who worked there gave me good guidance and off I went with my little bottle of 'Nightfall.'
Over the coming weeks I, starting with a very small dose, working out what was just the right amount so as not to go over the line into a less pleasant state. While it provided more of a distraction from the pain rather than a cure, I did immediately find I was able to sleep very well again. It made my recovery much more endurable and I believe made it shorter.
Now I've resumed my love affair with THC. I enjoy modest amounts and never experience any unpleasantness from over-indulgence.
If I live a typical lifespan for men in my country, I have a couple of decades or so to go. I intend to enjoy it to the extent I am able.