pipe

I'm almost 100% certain that if marijuana had never been illegal, its true value would become readily apparent. The people who work the hardest to make Marijuana legal come up with some really fascinating claims - that marijuana is a wonder drug, that its a god-send, that its spirituallty uplifting; that its somehow the secret to some divine form of euphoria that most people aren't blessed enough to experience.
The only reason claims like these have even been made is to justify the futile (yes futile) efforts of those who try to legalize it. I'm convinced that the vast majority of people who work towards getting marijuana legalized in the US are aware, at least at the subconsious level, that their efforts are in vain, so in order to justify their pointless struggle, marijuana is suddenly given a mystical status.
The main arguement against this theory, no doubt, is that people of ancient cultures used the drug spiritually, and although this might seem like a valid arguement, you have to realize that they used tobacco and caffiene spiritually as well - but I doubt theres a caffiene.com or a tobbaco.com with thousands of visitors who all claim that their drug of choice has immense spiritual value. The illegal status of the drug breeds the mystical aura around it in the US, and I think its important to treat it for what it is: a plant.
Its a great stress reliever, and indeed a fun social diversion with friends, but thats it. All the daily stoners out there who prescribe to the marijuana religion that has come into existence in this country wouldn't be content to dedicate the majority of their time to a ****ing plant, and so they mystify it and bull**** themselves into believing its a life-saving spiritual miracle.
I personally love marijuana, but not anymore than I love a good frapuccino or the occasional cuban cigar, and I'm certain this is the more mentally healthy path. After all, who here would dedicate the majority of their time and even mold their personalities in accordance to caffiene? That sounds ****ing silly doesn't it? Marijuana is great, but its not something to dedicate your life to.

The only reason I want marijuana to be legalized is so that some day, several generations from now, the whole pseudo-spiritual aspect will die off and people will see it for what it is: a relaxing plant.

Nime

Im still trying to figure out how you consider it a vegetable?

Besides, anything can be a spirtual tool. I respect your right to your views, but to trash others is kinda arrogant. I for one belive mj does help the spirtualty of some. Each person must come to terms with thier own spirtual side, from worshipping buddha to thinking being a atheist.

May I ask why you think mj has no spirtual vaule?

On a side not, not many ancient cultures used caffeine for spirtual reasons. The main reason is caffeine tends not to enduce a typical "high" or "trip" rather as we all now it gets you wired.

schwadood

Remember, marijuana effects everyone differently. It is my personal belief that marijuana is one of the few drugs that have both the social and spiritual benefits. I have a friend that dosen't smoke more than once a day because he is only into the spiritual side. Some people just don't get the spiritual side and just use weed to party and relax and thats cool, too. I use it in both ways depending on the mood I'm in. The key here is just don't blast somebody's beliefs just because you don't share them. peace

pipe

I'd hardly call my theory arrogant, and I'm definetely not 'blasting' anyone's beliefs. I used to try using marijuana in a spiritual context, and yes theres some value in that direction, but not anymore than from meditating or being inspired by natural beauty.
I'm not trying to attack anyone, this section is called theories so I'm just presenting mine. LSD, which has 235902784096406734905690754 times more spiritual value than marijuana due to its intensity and proven ability to allow you to glance frighteningly deep into your subconsious, doesn't have the cult-like following that pot does. If you can give me a more reasonable theory, I'm all ears, but I think the most logical thing to assume here is that the psuedo-spirituality surrounding pot is brought on as a means of justifing the huge and futile struggle thats going on right now to legalize it.

Nime

1st I never called your theory arrogant, what I said was trashing others is. There is a huge differance.

Please if you will, tell me what studies prove "25" is a better spirtual drug then marijuana or any drug for that matter.

Your comparing 2 diff types of psycoactive state of the mind. The high and the trip, its like comparing apples to coconuts.

Each person uses drugs for different reasons. Some will find things on 1 level others dont get, while others may see it totally different.

KnattySpliff

Marijuana is part of nature.
Nature is believed to be interconnected to the Divine in many faiths. Don't knock it.

Some say Jah brought Ganja for our use, Shiva brought hash, etc. It's a matter of different belief systems, and who are you to say what is a better sacrament or what ISN'T a sacrament? Consider that.

Perhaps people believe in shamanistic practices, using marijuana as a tool to explore the mind, the divine, and the unknown.

Altered awareness and conciousness is bestowed upon marijuana smokers, and this altered sense of being can open one up to whatever their faith is.