OT - Mary Jane

Are you into smoking weed? What are the positives and negatives you find with the practice? Does it personally effect your ability to train?

Thu. May 15, 9:08am

LOL you fruitcake! I thought you were looking for me (my name is Mary Jane) because I didn't post to my group for the past 3 days.

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 9:22 AM

Uncontrollable munchies...just can't do it.

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 9:33 AM

OMFG!!!! You BOTH crack me up. ROFLMAO!

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 9:44 AM

I've heard coke brings up productivity levels and makes you not hungry....maybe we should try that! can you imagine a workout on coke? HAHHAHAHAHAHA

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 10:39 AM

Nah Dude..you gotta try Meth...duh! JK JK JK JK JK hahahahahaha

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 11:27 AM

My ex husband was a chronic user of Mary Jane. He was grumpy and foul when he didn’t have it, and very lazy when he did have it. People say its not addictive, but it is. That said, the occasional puff – why not? But all the time – bad news.

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 11:37 AM

pot smokers are generally losers and a little creepy in my experience. there is a reason for the societal taboo I think. Aren't there always good reasons for taboos?

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 12:27 PM

I am a professional in my late 20s and I will partake in Mary Jane on occasion. Camping, at a party, whatever. It doens't affect my eating or workouts as I do it pretty seldomly.

I do have friends that smoke on a regular basis and I do see if affect their lives in that they don't get much done! And what they do get done is VERY slow paced. I wouldn't say that it's linked to "creepiness" though - at all.

Oh and I was a pretty regular smoker in my college years!

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 12:44 PM

we had a guy at my job who smoked it all the time, and he was in incredible physical shape as a professonal gymnastics tumbler, and he was a really nice guy and not creeepy AT ALL but sometimes you could tell he came to work (working with kids) a little affected and that is uncool, I guess he was addicted... If I was the manager, I would have had to regrettably fired him, but they didn't b/c he was otherwise an awesome employee.

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 1:47 PM

I am about the same as 12:44 - used to smoke a lot now just occasionally. While it saves cals on drinking beer I usually subcome to the munchies so.
My roommate and her boyfriend are big potheads and they both run quite a bit. I am sure it isnt good for your lungs but it doesnt have all the tar like cigs.
and to clarify - There is no such thing as a physical addiction to pot (like with coke, meth, and alcohol), just mental addiction.

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 2:09 PM

I smoke weed VERY regularly. I get the munchies. I have found that not smoking=not snacking. So I cut back. I don't puff all week and stick to my diet.Then on the weekend, I blaze one up. Start eating. No good for the diet!

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 3:46 PM

I'm one of the anti-weed people. Can't say anything good about it.

I've only met two kinds of pot smokers- smart, but completely underachieving ones, or hardworking idiots. I've heard there's a middle ground, I've never met one.

And all I can say is that of my criminal clients in jail, maybe 2% don't smoke weed. The rest do.

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 6:12 PM

Haha, funny topic.

I used to smoke pretty regularly in high school but have, since then, cut down a lot. High school for me was pretty lackadaisical and getting by was something you could do with minimal effort. Smoking pot fit neatly into my agenda. Not only was it relaxing but it was fun as hell. Once college came around, so did an onslaught of work and personal responsibility, something I was grossly unused to. Suddenly, pot no longer fit into my life. While it remained an enjoyable and relaxing activity, I found that I no longer had the time to “relax.” I eventually made the choice to cut back when I recognized that habitual smoking invoked in me certain characteristics that, although once trivial, had now become dangerous; lack of motivation, apathy and lethargy accompanied my frequent use.

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 6:22 PM

I tried it in high school. All my friends were doing it and they seemed to be having a blast. Laughing and having a great time. Whatever they felt, it didn't happen for me. The only thing it did was make me cough al lot and made me ravenously hungry. As well as made every food look and smell absolutely delicious. So I ate like a pig, then fell asleep for about 10 or 11 hours. After 3 weekends of trying this with my friends I had gained 12 lbs. And never once felt the giddy high they all did. So I never did it again. Why bother?

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 8:53 PM

The only time I "inhaled" was when they dumped a 20 ft. UHaul full of it into a hole and burned it. I was on duty when this Controlled burn took place and had to be drug tested afterwards. Other than that I never touched the stuff but know some people who do and they are mostly unproductive and don't work out at all...

Friday, May 16, 2008, 1:02 AM

I assume you mean positive/negative effects in regards to PeerTrainer, diet, exercise, etc. (If you actually meant general effects, then I misinterpreted you; disregard my comment.)

I broke the effects down into two categories:
DIETING: I smoke pretty frequently and have for a long, long time. A lot of people get the "munchies" and kill their diet giving into temptation. This has never been a problem for me; lucky me, I don't get them! Sometimes I cook while I'm stoned and I just get really creative with the recipes. But I don't binge. And I don't stray away from my general eating habits.

EXERCISING: Believe it or not, pot helps me get "into" working out. When I'm sober, I generally stay away from the gym; it gets a bit boring for me. I prefer exercise that doesn't seem like a chore. When I smoke, though, the boredom just seems to dissipate along with everything around me and I'm really able to focus and keep at it.

Hope that answered your question.

Friday, May 16, 2008, 5:13 AM

I'm with 5:13.

I do it about twice a day (not this week, because I havent had time, with exams). I've been doing it for about two years.

I usually do it before I work out, and yes, it doesnt make it feel like such a chore. When I smoke, I think a lot. Overtime I've put a lot of thought towards my approach at weight loss, and have lost 40 pounds since summer '07.

I'm not saying that none of this would have been possible if I had never smoked, but personally, for me, it's just helped. I do find there are a lot of typical "stoner idiots" and I just kind of roll my eyes at them. But I always make it to work on time, I don't spend my entire paychecks on the stuff, and I've been responsible with it.

It's a tricky subject to argue for in its defense, and I don't think that my own arguements will help change anyone's mind about it, but I'm just saying.

Friday, May 16, 2008, 8:25 AM

OP Thank you so much for posting this thread I have been thinking about starting this discussion but was worried about the response. I have been a regular smoker for about three years now which is not uncommon with university students. I don't think people who smoke are creepy, underachievers or stupid its a pretty mellow drug when grown organically. However to my surprise I have recently developed a strong sensitivity to the smoke from pot and have forced myself to cut back. I have noticed a lot of bennefits and a few draw backs from cutting back.
Pros- More motivation to go to the gym (although like one blogger posted I have a lot of friends who can blaze before the gym and be more productive)
- improved breathing and lungs (I used to hack and cough like a TB patient, stopping smoking and doing hot yoga have helped this)
- less munchies for sure! It was the hardest part in maintaing my diet I love stoner munchies
Cons - I get a little more irritable and have difficulty sleeping also when all my friends smoke it can be socially ostracizing (not that they won't hang out with my its just harder to say no)
All in all I am happy I am cutting back but I hold no judgement against drug users

Friday, May 16, 2008, 10:33 AM

I think a lot of people who dont smoke would be surprised at the amount of people who do - they arent all your stereotype dreadlocked hippy/art student sitting on the street corner playing guitar for money. I know a lot of successful adults (lawyers, businessmen, etc.) that smoke and the general public would have no idea. They keep it a secret from people who dont smoke because of the stereotype.

Friday, May 16, 2008, 11:13 AM

Yeah, I know a lawyer who smoked too- he sucked. He was also later arrested for an aggravated assault against his girlfirend.

I think a lot of stoners would be surprised at just how underachieving or stupid they *really* are, regardless of the job they hold. I've heard so many say "yeah, but look at me" and I have to bite my tongue from saying "That supports my point, not yours...."

Friday, May 16, 2008, 12:55 PM

I agree entirely with 11:13AM. My husband and I partake often - several times a week, and when anyone finds out who didn't already know, they are always very surprised. We are both professionals, well-educated, moving up in the ranks more quickly than our peers (who tend to go out drinking often - that kills your morning way more than pot does!), live in a gorgeous condo that we own, with our dog, and have a good deal of savings in the bank and no debt other than our mortgage. I'm 25 and he is 26. I believe that is a lot to have accomplished, being only 4 years out of college!

I actually cannot handle alcohol - any more than 1 drink, and I get very nauseous and start shaking/shivering (although I am not drunk after 1 drink). So, I don't drink at all, except for an occasional half glass of wine or half a beer. Maybe that is why I've chosen to smoke.

It is possible to control the munchies, but it takes practice, and usually also requires the people around you to not be eating. But sometimes not. I used to have an anorexic roommate who was also a pothead (in college). She'd chew sugarless gum and drink diet soda if she got munchy. For those who like to partake, gum really does help if you don't want to eat much!

Friday, May 16, 2008, 4:04 PM

12:55PM

Boy, I sure love to generalize..

Friday, May 16, 2008, 4:37 PM

pp, unless you're gonna provide stats, which I'm sure you can't, all anyone can do is generalize.

Friday, May 16, 2008, 5:07 PM

12:55PM (Maybe it's time to take a cue for kindergarten 101.)

Perhaps I cannot provide concrete statistics but it is no secret that the are millions of pot smokers worldwide. That being said, it is very difficult for me to believe that each and every one of these people fit neatly into your stereotype. Essentially, what you're saying is:
all pot smokers are underachieving [and/or] stupid.

Obviously, you're not an advocate for smoking and, by extension, smokers. This completely explains why it's so easy for you to propagate these flawed assertions: they serve to dehumanize people, placing all members of a group into one, simple category.

Not only does your mentality reduce each smoker to a rigid, inflexible image but it fails to account for the complex and multidimensional nature of human beings. Surely, a few bad experiences cannot warrant the condemnation of an entire group..

Friday, May 16, 2008, 5:49 PM

I agree ...

that the non-smokers would probably be very surprised to find out who and how many ppl actually do smoke, regularly or otherwise. It's not a billion dollar industry b/c the deadbeats are funding it!!!

Personally, I don't see what the difference is in drinking a beer or having a toke - both have the potential to be negatives if abused. (yes I know one is legal and the other isn't)

I know a LOT of professionals, my husand and I included, who partake very regularly and still manage to lead very happy, productive lives.

It's the people who sit in judgment of everything everyone else is doing who *I* worry about! :)

In response to the OP - I think the biggest downside, with respect to diet is the munchies, but I also agree that they can be controlled and I know a some VERY regular smokers who have NO weight (or motivation) issues at all! Drinking lots and lots of water definitely helps in my experience. Also, the munchies are phase and will pass if you can get through them without caving. Of course if you are really struggling with keeping your eating in control, why bother adding in something that is working against you at all?

The upside - I too find that exercise can be a lot less boring when proceeded by a little toke ...

to each their own people, to each their own ...

Friday, May 16, 2008, 5:51 PM

12:55 ...

and did YOUR opinion of those people change WHEN you found out they were smokers or did you consider them to be "case-in-point" before you knew they were smokers????

Friday, May 16, 2008, 5:53 PM

Hell, I'd start smoking it if it were legal - alcohol has TOO many calories!!

Friday, May 16, 2008, 6:53 PM

Amen! Hahaha.

Friday, May 16, 2008, 9:32 PM

Interesting topic! I used to smoke *very* regularly but quit when I had to take my first drug test for an excellent job opportunity, and haven't much since. Both my current and ex boyfriends are heavy smokers (daily). I don't partake anymore because it has been so long (years and years)... now if I try I get the munchies terribly, get a tad paranoid, very lazy, etc. Which is a shame because it is so much better for you than drinking alcohol!

I have to say that when I smoked regularly, the 'side effects' were much less of an issue. I just don't have the time to get my tolerance back up. And yes, it ruins my diet!

As to those who think smokers are creepy, they probably don't realize that most of the people around them are getting high after work in the comfort of their own homes. And, both my boyfriend and I are 35+ professionals (making plenty of money - and hopefully not creeping anyone out!).

Saturday, May 17, 2008, 4:20 PM

all drugs affect your ability to train. I have prescriptions that I will not take the day before a long run because it makes it harder to reach my mileage for that day.

Sunday, May 18, 2008, 9:05 PM

I used to love to smoke (in high school). Now, it just makes me paranoid. I just freak out and get anxious. I usually drink once a month to be social and relax. I can usually control my eating while drinking, but that was never the case with smoking. I remember smoking, once, and thinking I was going to eat until my stomach exploded...that was right after I had decided I knew the meaning of life (but I wasn't going to share it with anyone because I didn't want to ruin the surprise)...haha. It's been about 4-5 years since I was able to smoke, and I'm somewhat jealous of those that still can.

Monday, May 19, 2008, 10:53 AM

mary jane

The smokers I know are thin. I have one good friend, I think she never eats. A more reasonable approach is in my other good friend. She has a puff before bed, no midnight snacking allowed.

Monday, May 19, 2008, 1:36 PM

12:55

12:55 It must suck to be so judgemental. How do you live with yourself?

Monday, May 19, 2008, 1:40 PM

6:53

No Calories!! right on.. but we've got to legalize it first

Monday, May 19, 2008, 1:42 PM

Hilarious

That this even comes up. I'm a body builder/31/female. I smoke every single night before I go to bed. It helps my racing mind relax.
I could never smoke and go work out, I do have lots of friends that smoke and get energized I'm the opposite.
Top it all off, I've been smoking it for 15 years :D

Monday, May 19, 2008, 2:22 PM

wish a group could be private...

I am a 31 yr old professional and fitness instructor who also tokes before bedtime every evening and occasionally before a trip to the gym (if I'm not teaching). I wish we could have a team or group, it sounds like I would have a lot in common with previous posters to this thread....

For me, it's a natural alternative to prozac - I need something to quiet my racing mind.

Monday, May 19, 2008, 2:43 PM

Bump

Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 10:09 PM

I am a 38 year old professional Sr Manager and I partake each night before going to sleep. Honestley I don't do it for recreational purposes, it is more to turn off my mind and make me go to sleep! I have tried all kinds of sleeping pills but they make me feel lousy the next day, lethargic and just down right crappy. The MJ does not and never has. The problem occurs when I don't have it I literally have a horrible time trying to sleep! However, I have 3 teenage children who now know I do and this has become a dilemma of do as I say not as I do. I have explained to all of them why I do this and tell them that this doesn't make it right, it doesn't make it legal and I would prefer if they didn't indulge but if they do decide to do it they are NEVER to drive or put themselves in any dangerous situation but to be responsible! I would never do it in front of them and I hide it behind lock and key, they just came out and asked me one day saying they had smelled it one time. I was completely mortified but didn't feel I could lie to my oldest when she asked me. We don't talk about it openly, it's just there and I told them we were never to discuss it again.
People at work would NEVER guess that I do this!

Thursday, June 19, 2008, 10:09 AM

hey 10:09 I just wanted to say this, I and my 3 siblings all grew up in a community where we all knew that many of the adults smoked pot. It was more commonplace and socially acceptable there than drinking actually. Many who grew up there became smokers as adults and many didn't. and quite honestly, I don't know anyone who was scarred or traumatized by it!!!

It may not be legal but it's MUCH more commonplace than many, many people think. It's not a billion dollar industry b/c the deadbeats are funding it! I used to work for lawyers - many of the smoked. And I live in a suburban neighbourhood - many of my neighbours partake.

I don't know that closing the door on the conversation is the right thing to do, but I would say that your own guilt about it maybe doens't need to be as strong. I'd keep those communication lines open and work on seeing it for what it is in your life. If there are no negatives and it brings you positives the one fact of legality shouldn't make you feel so bad about yourself for it.

and before anyone barks down my throat for the legal issue, think about the many day to day things that MANY people do that are illegal and much more hurtful to each other and the planet. Good people speed and litter and "bend" all sorts of rules for themselves when they need to!

Thursday, June 19, 2008, 10:36 AM

10:36 - 10:09 here. You are right to some extent. I haven't necessarily closed the door on the discussion but my youngest has a tendancy to have a big mouth and I don't want him telling his friends. You know these days that these are the types of things that can get your kids taken away from you so he is the only one that doesn't know and in fear of him hearing about it, it's a closed discussion around the house. I pat myself on the back a little for being open and honest with them about it and not being as hypocritical as some parents may be these days. But no, it's not something we openly discuss as I am a little embarrassed by it. My kids see me as somewhat conservative (well they did before they found out about this, imagine their shock when they found out about this.LOL!) Miss perfect mom always correcting our grammar, telling us how to dress and act appropriately and then she smokes pot!?? Just thinking about it from their point of view does kind of make me laugh. My daughter doesn't smoke it (she's 17) but she has a boyfriend that does and is open with me about that. At times when I've run out and can't get any I've been tempted to ask him but I don't dare involve her in this in any way so that's what I mean about keeping them out of my doing this. Actually, I don't even have involvement in getting it, my husband does it for me. He used to smoke but now gets tested all the time for work so he had to quit about 4 years ago but insists that he still be the one to take care of those issues. What a great guy! :0) However, he is not at all happy about me sharing this with the kids and felt that I should not have been honest with them about it. I've told him we need to just agree to disagree on that point.
And, the legal part of this IS scary. I travel for work alot, and like I said I use this as a sleep aid much of the time and when I fly I can't take it with me so it's basically tough luck and I feel like hell when I'm gone. However, when I drive to the places I travel it travels with me in my bra. Sad but true and always nervous that I will get pulled over for speeding or a tail light out or something but figure if I do that's the safest place for it UNLESS they happen to have a dog with them!
I wish they would just legalize the stuff!

Thursday, June 19, 2008, 11:46 AM

OP I love this thread!

This makes me laugh, because this weekend after I smoked, I unintentionally muched out. My team was asking why I ate so much that night ( I logged my munchies) and I couldn't tell the the real reason why! We sooo need a group for this. Anyone braver than me want to start one?

Sunday, June 29, 2008, 11:44 PM

LOL !!! I've been thinking the exact same thing!

- not that brave ;)

Monday, June 30, 2008, 12:22 AM

Bump

Monday, January 26, 2009, 4:08 PM

Why bump a thread from May 2008? Just make a fresh one..

Monday, January 26, 2009, 5:19 PM

pot is stupid. you're an idiot if you smoke pot. period.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 12:12 AM

Wow.

Saturday, January 31, 2009, 12:21 AM

I can't believe this thread got bumped. It's a funny thread though. I really liked the lady who said she smokes pot, and her 17 year old daughter's boyfriend smokes pot, but her 17 yr old daughter doesn't? Then proceeds to defend herself as a smart person! Perhaps if she weren't so smoked up she could think straight.

Saturday, January 31, 2009, 5:30 PM

I used to smoke a lot, now it's few and far between. When I was younger I'd enjoy getting creative and productive: redecorating, move furniture around, etc. I would get cottonmouth more than the munchies. So many people partake in the MJ, from uneducated "stoners" to successful professional adults. It's sad that it's stereotyped the way it is. What really bothers me is the fact that it's still illegal and that good, upstanding, productive members of society can lose so much if they get caught with it. Some states are extremely intolerant. Legalize it, don't criticize it!

Monday, February 2, 2009, 8:40 AM

I like your take, 8:40. To add to that ...

I smoke marijuana regularly, and I have for many, many years. I'm not a strung-out deadhead. I'm a financially successful person for my age and an honors student in college. I don't get high first thing in the morning and stay baked all day, I don't go to work high, I don't go to school high --- I just smoke at night, when I get off work and I need to relax. In fact, I usually go jogging after I smoke, and I work out a lot harder when I'm a little hazy than I normally do!

Smoking marijuana is very similar to drinking. If you overindulge or cannot handle yourself, certainly it will cause you problems. However, if you are smart and use it in moderation, it won't effect your ability to be a useful person --- in my humble and unsolicited opinion.

Monday, February 2, 2009, 9:06 AM

I don't smoke weed and I'm not one to judge, but if we're looking at health benefits...

isn't smoking one joint equivilent to smoking 3 cigarettes or more??

Monday, February 2, 2009, 11:11 AM

I'm having a difficult time with my weight loss because of smoking...I only do it every now and then in the evening to unwind, but I tend to eat everything in the house after! I'm trying a new technique to battle that by chewing gum or having low cal snacks like air popped pop corn.

Monday, February 2, 2009, 12:56 PM

You know, I just don't admire people who smoke weed or suck down a six pack every night, but you what? They didn't ask for my admiration. I think weed is stupid, but I also think it should NOT be illegal. Except, I have a question: if you're smoked up at the gym, did you drive there smoked up, or do you drive home smoked up, or both? It would explain a lot about the way people drive. It would also explain a lot about pathetic service received on a regular basis. I used to think people were just stupid, but after reading so much of this thread, I'm starting to think they just act that way because they are smoked up.

Monday, February 2, 2009, 4:58 PM

What's the difference if you are toked up behind the wheel of a car driving to and from the gym vs drinking a few and driving to and from the gym?? Aren't you impaired regardless??

Tuesday, February 3, 2009, 10:13 AM

I lost 45 pounds...

My roommate and I used to be big time smokers... as in, several times a day. We both worked at a restaurant and pretty much everyone we worked with smoked as well. I decided to cut back and start going to the gym becuase I had become a little over weight. I soon after, quit completely, I worked hard and lost 45 pounds in about 6 months... and my roommate was my motivation. After I stopped smoking I saw how lazy she was, and watched her continue to put on weight. I since then have moved on to have a great job, I'm in great shape, and she still works at that restaurant and smokes everyday. Quitting smoking pot was the best thing I ever did for my health.

Although I don't judge anyone that does smoke, as I cannot deny the relaxing effect it has on one's body... it was not for me. It effects everyone differently.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009, 11:41 AM

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