Help!

[JAT14]

My friends want me to go to the "park" to smoke pot with them. I don't know what to do because I'm strongly opposed to drugs and I don't want to lose my friends. They aren't like the classic addicts or anything, they are really good friends and are nice and smart. Also I know that they were sucked into it by someone else and how do I make them stop?

[norcaldude18]

You cannot make your friends stop smoking. The only thing you can do is tell them you don't want to do it. I grew up in a town full of stoners. I mean 80% of the kids at my school smoked on a regular basis. It really is not hard to say no. If you don't want to do it, that's your choice and you have to stick to your guns. They should respect your decision if they are good friends. I have never smoked and I am very happy with my decision.

[tundravortex]

srry dude once there on it theres no turning back and since u dont do it dosnt mean u wont lose them

[VictoriaGotaSecret]

By what you've said I doubt they'd risk losing you over a joint, so just say no and your best bet is to not go unless you plan on getting high off the smoke on the pipe or joint and what they breathe out. Hope it all goes well, :-)

[anyone50]

I agree if they are really your friends your not going to lose them over not wanting to smoke with them. Stay true to your convictions.

[Nellerin]

My friends want me to go to the "park" to smoke pot with them. I don't know what to do because I'm strongly opposed to drugs and I don't want to lose my friends. They aren't like the classic addicts or anything, they are really good friends and are nice and smart. Also I know that they were sucked into it by someone else and how do I make them stop?

Hahahahahahah you can't be addicted to pot, so of course they aren't the "classic addicts."

Anyways, why make them stop? Since when is pot bad, literally in any way? You don't have to do it, but they do not have to stop either. Latest scientific studies say that smoking bud is GOOD for you not bad in any way.

Read up on it, then make your own decision to smoke or not.

[SosbanFach]

Hahahahahahah you can't be addicted to pot, so of course they aren't the "classic addicts."

That is a very heavily asserted and yet seemingly poorly backed up comment. Scientific studies have shown evidence of psychological dependency, linked to dopamine stimulation from use of the drug: see here (http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro05/web3/emadresh.html) or here (http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-abuse/marijuana-addictive).

Since when is pot bad, literally in any way?

Legality is the obvious issue. In the UK, possession of cannabis, as a class B drug, may result in a maximum prison sentence of five years, and/or an unlimited fine. Possession with intent to supply (including giving away to friends) of a class B drug can result in up to fourteen years imprisonment, and/or an unlimited fine. I am not versed on the situation in other countries.

There have also been links between cannabis use and development of psychosis/schizophrenia (voilà (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/774128), et encore (http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/schizophrenia/content/article/10168/2017327)). Finally, cannabis use through smoking has been shown to have a significant effect on the lungs, especially with prolonged usage: here (http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/06june/Pages/cannabis-lung-health-risks-underestimated.aspx) for more. It contains all of the same carcinogens as tobacco smoke, and may even be more potent.

Latest scientific studies say that smoking bud is GOOD for you not bad in any way.

In which case, please do cite it. Unfortunately, without that, this statement is purely personal assertion.


In response to the original question, if you don't want to participate in such activity, then it is imperative, regardless of the pressure that you may face on that front, that you stand your ground on your decision. You ought perhaps to do some of your own research, and hence reach a conclusion on the benefits and disadvantages of each decision. Insofar as the potential loss of your friends, I have one thing only to say: if they are unable to accept your decision, then they cannot be considered 'friends'.

On your final dilemma, my advice would be to have a serious conversation with your friends, preferably individually, in order to discuss their reasons for use. Consider that there are various possibilities for them to have begun in the first instance. However, at the end of the day, it is their own decision on whether to continue or not (disregarding momentarily the legality). You can offer advice and opinions, but none prepared for rejection of those. Good luck!

[Nellerin]

That is a very heavily asserted and yet seemingly poorly backed up comment. Scientific studies have shown evidence of psychological dependency, linked to dopamine stimulation from use of the drug: see here (http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro05/web3/emadresh.html) or here (http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-abuse/marijuana-addictive).



Legality is the obvious issue. In the UK, possession of cannabis, as a class B drug, may result in a maximum prison sentence of five years, and/or an unlimited fine. Possession with intent to supply (including giving away to friends) of a class B drug can result in up to fourteen years imprisonment, and/or an unlimited fine. I am not versed on the situation in other countries.

There have also been links between cannabis use and development of psychosis/schizophrenia (voilà (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/774128), et encore (http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/schizophrenia/content/article/10168/2017327)). Finally, cannabis use through smoking has been shown to have a significant effect on the lungs, especially with prolonged usage: here (http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/06june/Pages/cannabis-lung-health-risks-underestimated.aspx) for more. It contains all of the same carcinogens as tobacco smoke, and may even be more potent.



In which case, please do cite it. Unfortunately, without that, this statement is purely personal assertion.



True, through technicality Marijuana is addictive, however it is far less addictive than caffeine/coffee is, so honestly its a moot point.

http://healthland.time.com/2010/10/19/is-marijuana-addictive-it-depends-how-you-define-addiction/

Marijuna promotes brain cell growth http://budfacts.com/243/new-study-proves-that-marijuana-increases-brain-cell-formation/

Marijuana only has negative effects related to schizophrenia when someone is already at a higher risk of developing that condition.

On average, Marijuana results in lower depression rates and less anxiety.

Not to mention, Weed can't kill you, literally never has.

Laws don't matter in this discussion, bad and unjust laws are meant to be broken. It is only illegal so that the Gov's can make more money and large corporations in the pharmaceutical industry can make more money.

[Nellerin]

There have also been links between cannabis use and development of psychosis/schizophrenia (voilà (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/774128), et encore (http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/schizophrenia/content/article/10168/2017327)). Finally, cannabis use through smoking has been shown to have a significant effect on the lungs, especially with prolonged usage: here (http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/06june/Pages/cannabis-lung-health-risks-underestimated.aspx) for more. It contains all of the same carcinogens as tobacco smoke, and may even be more potent.





To this part specifically.

Of course it is more potent that cigarettes, since cigs don't have any THC lol:yeah:

And, Weed will never and has never caused cancer and overwhelming the consensus is that it does not have any way of causing cancer, therefore the carcinogen point means nothing and is false.

Comparing bud to cigs is just simply idiotic, cigs kill thousands each year, bud kills 0 people each year. Really, you are going to compare those? :yawn:

[Guillermo]

Laws don't matter in this discussion, bad and unjust laws are meant to be broken.

That's up to personal discretion, really. I don't think that you should impose your personal morals like that on the OP or anyone else, either. The fact of the matter is that breaking laws can get people in trouble.


In response to the original question, if you don't want to participate in such activity, then it is imperative, regardless of the pressure that you may face on that front, that you stand your ground on your decision. You ought perhaps to do some of your own research, and hence reach a conclusion on the benefits and disadvantages of each decision. Insofar as the potential loss of your friends, I have one thing only to say: if they are unable to accept your decision, then they cannot be considered 'friends'.

On your final dilemma, my advice would be to have a serious conversation with your friends, preferably individually, in order to discuss their reasons for use. Consider that there are various possibilities for them to have begun in the first instance. However, at the end of the day, it is their own decision on whether to continue or not (disregarding momentarily the legality). You can offer advice and opinions, but none prepared for rejection of those. Good luck!

Agreed.

[workingatperfect]

Just tell them you don't want to. If they pressure you, they aren't very good friends. Explain that it's cool if they do it, but it's not your thing.

As for making them stop, you can't. First of all, it's not your place to tell them how to live their life. Second, you said they're smart kids, so they likely know everything you could tell them.

Also, that bit about "classic addicts" made me laugh. Most of the stoners I know are either great athletes, really smart, or both, as well as loyal friends and generally delightful people.

[dontfiguremeout]

Here's the question. Would you rather keep your friends who do drugs and put the worse peer pressure on you? Or would you rather have friends who don't do drugs and are a better influence for you? My older sister had to say no to a lot of friends who asked her to come with her to go smoke or drink. I bet she lost those friends, but she knew what was right. Friends are not worth it if all they do is smoke or drink, even if they do a tiny, but a tiny can become an addiction. Deep down inside you know what is right, but sometimes the truth hurts.

[Hungman]

im not going to get into the weed isnt bad for you argument as that isnt relevant to the OP and you already have your brain washed thoroughly with government propaganda.

If you dont want to do it, then don't. If you truly are good friends then they wont peer pressure you into doing it. If they are truly your good friends, then likewise, you shouldnt peer pressure them to stop as it is their decision, just as you have made yours NOT to smoke. If your friendship ceases over this, then you guys arent really friends. Best of luck.

[rocketsheep]

fffff

[Troy35216]

I don't know what to do because I'm strongly opposed to drugs
then what you do is say, "Thanks but i don't smoke. see you later."

how do I make them stop?
you don't. It's not their job to make you smoke when you don't want to and it's not your job to make them quit when they don't want to, especially since you won't be able to anyway. all you'll do is piss them off and since you say you don't want to lose them as friends, give them the same respect you want them to give you.

[xmojox]

You can't, and shouldn't try to make them stop. As for how you avoid smoking with them, just tell them you don't want to, then, if they pressure you point out that you not smoking leaves more for them. Oh, and you could hang out with them at "the park" and not get high from secondhand smoke.