Quote: (02-16-2014 08:17 PM)The Lizard of Oz Wrote:
kapitaw, these testosterone studies (which are in any case inconclusive and contradictory) only serve to obscure the issue.
There is no need to rely on specific "studies" that look at a very particular and noisy measurement of the intractably complex human endocrine system, when we know from everyday observation that, while there are exceptions to this, habitual pot smokers have the tendency to become sluggish, lazy and passive as time goes on.
This kind of observation is of far greater value in understanding the likely course of chronic marijuana consumption than the poorly quantified measurement of this or that specific indicator that is hopelessly insufficient in capturing the full picture. Studies, if properly designed, have their place and usefulness, but they should not be blindly fetishized as if they could somehow replace the totality of human experience and common sense.
I agree Lizard. Common sense and observations are too often ignored in favor of scientific studies.
If you've ever read Antifragile by Nassim Taleb he brings up the point that scientific studies in order to get published in the best journals are biased towards findings that are "controversial". Confirming something that has already been accepted as the truth is not as good for your scientific reputation as authoring a
ground breaking new study refuting everything we've accepted.
It doesn't surprise me that some guys are not affected negatively by weed, or are even helped by it. For example, guys that are physically intimidating and extroverted might be benefited by weed since it could make them less intimidating to girls and playful. I think most guys become more introverted while under the influence though.
Also, I doubt that the medical community has been able to isolate the long term effects of marijuana itself since so frequently long term users also drink, take other drugs, or are inflicted by an illness which necessitated the marijuana use.
You can't ignore the legal implications either. While obviously it is pretty low risk to get high at your own house, if some freak incident happens and you do end catching a case you could end up limiting your career and or
travel options. It is kind of ridiculous but people tend to look much more favorably on alcohol infractions then drug infractions, even when it is just weed.
Experimentation in college is accepted in the US and almost expected somewhat from kids these days, but the farther you move up in your 20's the more stigma is attached.