Andrew Sullivan, an insomniac and asthmatic, is also a stoner (habitual user of marijuana), and after years of experience gives forth on its effect on him. Summing up:
My mind, moreover, shifted into a much more nonlinear and creative mood when I was high. I never write when stoned. But I do let my mind wander, revisit my writing in my head, see better its flaws, drill down past my defenses, and allow myself to explore alternative ideas. One more thing: My experience of music changed. For the first time, I was able to turn off the ordeal of consciousness and allow myself to listen properly. It hasn’t really enhanced my appreciation of food (eating still basically bores me) but it has sharpened and deepened my visual capacities. It can make Cape light even more transcendent and transforming.
But my memory? Much worse. My lungs? They’ve taken a hit, even if vaping has helped. Weed may shorten my life by hurting my lungs — but endless insomnia might have shortened it more. Could I go cold turkey? I have from time to time, but it’s not easy, largely because the insomnia always returns. In that sense, I’m busted. By some criteria, I am dependent. Others may find that dependence an impediment to their lives and work, and legalizers don’t need to deny that. We’re all different, and weed most definitely isn’t for everyone. But compared with all the other substances available, and most other avenues to chill and friendship, it remains, it seems to me, a no-brainer to legalize it, and for many sane adults, one of God’s great gifts to humankind.
Given weed’s effects, both negative and positive, on the human organism, it seems to me this should be one of those decisions left up to individuals rather than taken away by government. In a sense, government embodies the most overwhelming opinions of the day, tempered by certain timeless principles. Weed does not appear, to my eye, to fall into the category of overwhelming opinion, but rather the sort of thing that should be explored by individuals and evaluated as to its usefulness in their lives. Andrew, for example, is well aware of the tradeoffs and is willing to pay the costs for the benefits.
Me? I’m not interested in trying it. Maybe when I’m a bit older.
