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UMS Student
Posts: 22
| Hey there, I was just on another forum and saw a little discussion about marijuana and its medical uses, what do you guys think about it? I would be interested in your opinions.
I am not a heavy user of marijuana, but I do use it as medicine for what I call "emotional emergencies." I think that's one thing it's good for. For instance, if someone is feeling really angry, and might do something crazy, it makes you simply too lazy to take action! That way an inappropriate action doesn't happen, there are no consequences, and once my head clears I can think more reasonably about whatever is going on. I think marijuana was always meant to be used as medicine, and of course other people use it in their own ways, but the way the medicine has served me is that it makes me stop long enough to cool down and then I can work it out more peacefully after it wears off. I don't think it was meant to be used every day, but still has it's uses as a medicine. What do you think? | |
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| Medical marijuana is a big issue in California. Some people swear by it and others say it is bogus. I personally think that to each his own. Afterall, it all comes from the Earth, and all kinds of pharmaceuticals and other such medicines are derived from plant sources. There is nothing that doesn't come from some sort of bio-organic source, be it aspirin, herbal remedies, or more serious drugs that are considered "legal" but would actually be far more harmful than something like marijuana. I of course am not advocating it, since it is not something I'm attracted to myself, but I do think there is a place for it in the world just like there is a place for aspirin, morphine, hayfever medicine (which can also be mind altering!) and other such legal substances. I personally have no judgment toward anyone's choice of medicines if they are needed. | |
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| Many believe that marijuana became "illegal" because the government wanted to replace the use of hemp with manmade materials... I haven't done much research on this, but I definitely believe there is merit to it. Hemp is a valuable resource that it seems most people have forgotten about and that is so unfortunate! As a "medical" marijuana user, I have to agree with Dancing Daisy that it is meant to be used as medicine and it really does help me to clear my head when I need it. I have been using it for 10 years and I find that I have my best ideas and creative productivity when I smoke. I know a lot of people who have medical conditions, such as cancer, and have found marijuana to be of great comfort. It is a "plant helper" because it comes from the earth and people have been using it for many, many years. I think everyone needs to lighten up and pay more attention to the positive aspects of it and the ways it can help people. It frustrates me that our culture groups marijuana together with things like cocaine and heroin... Maybe someday we can all agree that it does help people, whether or not we believe in it. | |
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| I find it redirects my energy to the other side of the brain, the creative parts that come from the mental inhibitions that are relaxed. Art and music come easier with a little mari stimulation. However, if I get into a pattern of being habitual about it, my sense of mental disipline gives way and it becomes difficult to focuso on things that don't necessarily depned on the free flow of creativity... | |
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PhD Alumni
Posts: 584
 
Location: Nigeria | I do not know the teaching of all Paths, but in the teaching of the path I was raised there are names of God called 'descriptive-names,' names like The Great, The Merciful, The Compassionate, The Beautiful etc. I want to believe all our Paths have similar names that are meant for clothing and uplifting the mind when meditated upon. Such names are like wine, marijuana and all the pleasurable intoxicants that are creeping into life and into the onerous life of spirituality.These names too if misused could cause fatal mental problems as marijuana and the drugs do. But I think that it is worthier and more natural being mad from the love of God and Chanting His Holy Names than from any induced substance that is only able to temporarily reach the brain to solace. Not in the least in doubt as to the medicinal effect that is being said about Marijuana and spirituality of the changing times.
Peace! | |
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UMS Student
Posts: 31
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC | I've been a smoker since my early 20's (that's over 35 years folks -- YIKES!) Regardless, I have always found that my ability to both create and to focus if necessary have always been enhanced by it. I used to be a computer programmer, and without exception, those in my field who 'indulge' find that they can lose themselves in, and almost 'become' the logic that's necessary to write code. Hours can pass and you can accomplish incredible amounts of work! (I guess that's a good thing and a bad thing  Anyhow, I'm also a fledgling potter and photographer, and my work takes on a whole new flair when inhibitions and doubts are lost, and creativity reigns. And when I get into decorating my house -- look out!!Just my thoughts.... | |
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PhD Alumni
Posts: 1882
 
Location: NE Ohio | I don't think it should be illegal at all..... but, since it is and i have kids, i stay away from it. If it's a matter of court fines and negative news publications, i would rather not touch it. The minute it becomes legal.... tell me where i can get some. Love the stuff. LOL
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| I think legality is one of those things you have to leave the country for... | |
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UMS Guest
Posts: 1938
Location: United Kingdom | I have never used any drugs, but I do believe most strongly that none of them should be forbidden by law. To my way of thinking it would be far more constructive to help people - as early as possible in their present lifetime - to become aware that spiritually we are responsible for everything, every word, thought and action. We are all responsible towards ourselves, each other, our world and everything that is in it - to God, the Universerse, our Highest Self; call it what you like. 'Call Me by any name and I will be there! Lo, I will be with you in all Eternity and you are responsible towards Me.' With love and light, Aquarius | |
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| Aquarius your post made me wonder: Do you suppose the pursuit of spituality and the pursuit of a good pot buzz are confused by some with one another? It seems things I've heard about Native Americans wanting to have that blurring because perhaps it puts them on the path.... Sometimes I question my own motivations.... | |
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UMS Guest
Posts: 1938
Location: United Kingdom | Hello Steelie, It seems to me that some of those who use drugs are trying to find a shortcut into the ecstasy that can only be found in communion with and becoming one again with our Highest Self, God - if you like. Let me assure you, there are not shortcuts. If there were any, we and our world would probably all have chosen that way already. Throughout our many lifetimes that temptation is bound to have been presented to each one of us, at some stage. Beware those whose turn it is in this lifetime, I would say. They do deserve our compassion and our love, for they know not what they are doing to themselves and their spiritual evolution. But then, that in itself may well be their main lesson for this lifetime and who would we be to try and prevent them from learning it? With love - Aquarius | |
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| Sometimes I think the use of "power plants" is appropriate and at other times it is not. Some people can't handle it, and for some people it is useful. For instance, when I was a young 19 year old, I had no idea about anything in life or spirituality or anything that my eyes couldn't see really. I didn't know there was a such thing as "the beyond." However, after my first mushroom journey with a shaman, my whole life changed. I believe that these moments are not shortcuts, but rather they are glimpses of the consciousness we are attempting to achieve, glimpses into our true nature of magic and eternalness that is independent of the human form we are currently inhabiting. That first journey freed my mind in ways nothing else ever could, and I didn't go on to become a drug addict or anyhing like that either!
I agree with Aquarius that it is not a shortcut to enlightenment, for prolonged use will actually damage your physical brain. However I disagree that "medicine" is useless on the spriitual path. It has been used for eons in spiritual contexts by many cultures, and it serves as a glimpse into the not so ordinary realities that are all around us all the time that we ignore. It served as a catalyst for the start of my spiritual path, and from then on, the 15 hallucinogenic journeys I took during my 20s brought much wisdom and freedom into my mind. I learned things during those times that cannot be learned without a little assistance to break down the barriers of the human mind and its limitations. I began to see things more openly and with greater tolerance and acceptance of all that is. I saw people in a way I wouldn't have, seeing their spirit and heart instead of their human form. I began to look deeper into reality than I ever would have before.
For those of us who are not super duper amazing yogis with the power to travel over space and time and transcend all parameters of physical reality, it is only fair that we have a useful tool to see what it is we are attempting to attain in our consicousness. If someone just happens to be lucky enough to be born with and never lose super duper yogi abilities, then he or she certainly needs no assistance from mind altering substances. For those of us who are a little bit more ordinary, perhaps the assistance is a lucky thing! It is sort of like training wheels for the mind, and then eventually the training wheels come off and there you go into super duper skilled yogi land.
At this time, I have had no use for hallucinogenics for decades, they seemed useful in my 20's. However, I got what I was supposed to get from them already and now they only hinder me because I have attained much of what I used to get with the spiritual medicines and can go there naturally. It only took 20 years of meditation and such! I'm glad I didn't have to wait that long to get a glimpse. It was a good thing in my younger years and served as a carrot on the string in front of the horse so that I was inspired to stay on the path!
I think that when people are rigid against spiritual medicines, it is because they are afraid of them and have never tried them or they had a bad expereience their first time and are afraid to try again. It is easy to adopt a rigid stance, but once one sees what gems are there for the taking in one's own being that are so suddenly made available, there is no going back. The creativity that was released by these journeys was incredible.
If your first time is coming up, then be sure your environment is safe and sound, nurturing and beautiful. Also, VERY CAREFULLY pick who you will journey with. If you are journeying with a person who is a lame-o, your journey isn't going to be good! Also, might not try going to the roller coaster amusement park for your first journey. Be wise about your surroundings and your company. This goes for something as mild as marijuana too, not just the hallucinogenics.
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UMS Student
Posts: 12
| As an RN I have no agruments against legal and prescriped use of marjiuana. I also have to comment that in my 20 plus years of nursing I have never seen anyone overdose on it, become agressive and combative on it, nor go through withdrawal as with the legal alcohol. I suspect that marjiuana is in wide spread use yet it is not often we hear of one being killed by a marjiuana driver. Anyway, I think you see my point. Have a great day everyone! | |
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UMS Student
Location: Bellingham | I think it's great to have a chance to talk to a professional. I would be interested in what medically you think it would be useful for? and if you have seen it used, and if so, for what? | |
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UMS Student
Posts: 12
| Cause, Marijuana has been proven to relieve nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, it is also used for pain, reducing high pressure in the eyes of glaucoma patients, the list goes on and on. More studies are always being done to find other benefits and uses of it on a legal basis. Some good news for glaucoma patients is that research is being done to use the same incrediants in an eye drop form. (ok guys--no you should not blow the smoke in your eyes) lol | |
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UMS Student
Posts: 12
| ingredients* ok everyone it looks like I need to re-check my typing! | |
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UMS Guest
Posts: 1938
Location: United Kingdom | The way I see it, everything on this Earth is a gift from God - the Universe, if you like. Nothing in itself is inherently good or evil; it is always our intentions behind everything - for example, in this case the use of Marijuana - that decides whether an action is good or evil. Life on Earth is a school and life itself is the teacher. We are all here to learn, each through their own experiences, to differentiate between good and evil. Through encountering evil, we get to know what good is - and vice versa. With love - Aquarius | |
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| I believe that THC can be used for medical purposes and that it is a plant that is obviously intended to be used for the effects that it can give a person. Everything has some sort of purpose we should be taking advantage of it not abusing it as the law does now. | |
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Expert
Posts: 2118
Location: The Heart of Space | Hi all:
Just a caution in this type of discussion....the Internet is public, and email, blogs, postings, MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, yada yada yada are ALL public! Even your opinion about matters such as this can be known by anyone who wants to know, and your posted opinions can be used by those who have a mind to do so for your betterment, or to your detriment.
I know what some might say, but NO, NO, NO.....email is not private! Just ask a few certain people in Congress, and they will agree! Man, did they get a rude awakening.
Regards,
Marty | |
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| I agree with Aquarius. People try to use drugs for shortcuts to their Higher Self and/or a connection to the Otherworld. I'm pretty heavy into Druidism and one of the books I was reading called Exploring Celtic Druidism stated that help with Merging can come by psychoactive drugs and alcohol. I have not picked up that book since and I am pissed that I even bought it. The fact that the author suggested you be wasted or baked to experience Merging or Oneness with Nature is absolutely ridiculous. You must be in a clear state of mind to find your connection with Nature, any mind altering substances gives you false positives. If you cannot experience these connections without alcohol or drugs maybe you just need more practice Merging.
Again, very disappointed by this statement.
Edited by jmalzone 6/3/2007 8:33 AM
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UMS Student
Location: Bellingham | People have used alcohol and drugs like marijuana for many generations, and interestingly they can be used as to fill the same function as spirituality, and they can make one susceptible to suggestion. Unfortunately they in many cases take the place of true spirituality in a persons life, and the substances are not a replacement, so we get addiction and disconnection with our world. I am sure that you would agree that drugs can work wonders in the hands of doctors, and many doctors believe in unconventional treatments.
To redirect; the use of drugs and alcohol is not a replacement for or an enhancement of true spirituality. My question however is, why do you feel this thread about drugs is in a forum for metaphysics?
thoughts?
Edited by cause 6/3/2007 5:04 PM
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UMS Student
Location: Hirosaki, Japan | I dont think marijuana needs to have a "medical" application at all.
Its a great recreational drug, and before i was in the military I used marijuana constantly.
I also experimented with mushrooms and other phychodelic drugs and strongly believe
that great potential lies in those substances for expanding the mind and spirituality.
Of course not all people are affected the same on these drugs and they should be taken with great
caution and supervison from someone of experience, as it deals with altering your mind.
But if one has a strong will, and a strong mind, then I believe that these drugs can very beneficial.
Before the military, and after I'm sure, I didnt recognize "Man's" laws.
Only the laws my conscience set forth for me.
I figured, if I wasnt consulted in the creation on these laws, then I shouldnt be expected to follow them.
Not if i am already goverend by my heart. | |
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UMS Student
Posts: 31
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC | Substances that alter the mind I think do belong in a thread about metaphysics, since our minds are so tightly connected to the physical and what we see & touch that a little 'jump start' to get to a point where the the non-physical aspects of the universe are is fun. Not necessarily a replacement or enhancement, but enjoyable. As a side note, my son (age 23 & the joy of my life) has Down Syndrome, and is quite often in 'Matty's world' as we call it. I find that I connect pyschically with him and his world much easier and at a whole different level when I'm high. His mind isn't cluttered with all the junk that we clutter ours with, and when I've lost a few inhibitions and uncluttered my self, the connection is truly there. Namaste | |
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PhD Alumni
Posts: 1882
Location: NE Ohio | I also agree that it very much has natural healing properties and is an herb, and should fall under the catagory of Metaphysics and even more since it has psycho hallucinate side effects that tribes used widely for spiritual growth as well as visions they used as predictions. It's only in the last 50 years, has it all of a sudden been given a bad name and made illegal. There is not a single reported death from an overdose off marijuana.
In some places like Amsterdam, they have public bars for smoking and socializing, which they do not have problems with it. I do not feel this should be illegal anywhere. It all basically comes down to money. The government wants their cut.... MONEY is the bottom line.
If it were legal, i would smoke it occasionally. As with anything and everything, moderation is the key.
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Expert
Posts: 2118
Location: The Heart of Space | Hi all:
Yours, mine and "our" feelings about the nature, expansiveness, and exclusiveness of the study of metaphysics cannot ignore historical fact. Fermented plants and hallucinatory substances have played major roles in the spiritual life of many cultures and civilizations. In some cases, it is not for reasons that one might think. For instance, in, say the year 1000, in England's more populated areas, people were quite intoxicated most of the time, as they drank "beer" and "wine" to the exclusion of water, as the nearest water was used for a great many things other than drinking. Some of which are disgusting, so they will be left unsaid.
Even in areas where there are religious proscriptions concerning these things (such as Islamic countries) , some great araq, raki and razoukie are produced, consumed and even exported. A former French colony, and a predominately Islamic country grows hashish said to be quite exquisite. Shisha gathering places are common. A Sharia ruled country has, as it's chief export crop, poppies and its derivatives. And I think we all know what can be derived from that plant.
The question is what and how much do these things play in "spirituality." I have always found that the influence is greater rather than lesser.
For example, in a country of (so called) mystical significance, Nepal, there is a fermented beverage that is coincidentally a routine drink, part and parcel to meditation.
I think we really have to try to understand this a little bit better, rather than drawing lines of demarcation into the nature of spirituality.
Regards to all,
Marty | |
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Member
Posts: 32
| I know a person who suffers from Chronic Pain Syndrome who regularly uses Medical Marijuana in order to manage her condition. In her case, the slightest touch in the wrong spot can set her off into a pain hallucination which is completely debilitating, and so managing life to avoid that is important so that she can do very basic things: eat, go to the bathroom, sleep, twitter, and talk on the phone. Despite her limitations, she is quite social and belongs to a world wide support group of people who suffer in a similar way. I think it is interesting that with the immense pain they endure, they are rendered hypersensitive. (Often there are episodes of pain flare ups shared in this group coinciding with earthquakes.)
California is a state of pioneers who often show by way of example other ways of life. I think the TV show "Weeds" helps people think differently about Weed. Much of California Culture seems open minded about the place Medical Marijuana can occupy in providing value to society. It provides legitimate jobs for growers and distributers with many opportunities of science in its growth and various hybridizations of the plant. It offers Doctors a choice in prescription with little side effect downside. It lends many disabled people some quality of life to higher degrees than they would be able to manage without it. Learning about people contending with disabilities can foster states of compassion in others. Helping people grow compassionate is valuable. I argue that the with some degree of comfort, a disabled person may then be better able to choose a path of spiritual seeking.
paddy
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Member
Posts: 6
| Good to see activity in this topic considering it has been 3 years since anyone's posted on it.
Paddy- I agree that california is a pioneering state as it pertains to the usage of medical cannabis. Hopefully this November, the people of california will vote to allow adults to enjoy a plant that has been with us for a very long time. I've been doing alot of research regarding hemp/cannabis and found some very interesting info.
For example- the bible mentions the holy annointing oil in exodus and although contemporary interpretations of the bible fail to properly translate the list of ingredients, the original hebraic word found in the earliest writings is Kaneh-Bosm. (KANNA-BIS)
Also, much of the textiles and burning oil was made from both male and female hemp plants during "biblical" times. Most likely the very clothes that "jesus" wore were made from hemp fibers.
Anyways- I could go on and on haha!
On a serious note- hemp/cannabis could literally save the world from the damage humans have caused. Read the book "the emperor wears no clothes"- by Jack Herer and perpare to have your mind blown.
Earlier in this topic someone seemed to have a very negative view regarding the use of mind-altering substances. Most archaeologists and anthropologists agree that these types of substances were a part of everyday life during the neolithic period. I think it would be extremely short sighted to dismiss these substances as something evil and not "appropriate" to acheiving higher consciousness and/or enlightenment. There is a reason why these substances contain specific neurotransmitters that happen to fit perfectly into the neuroreceptors found in the human body. The substances are not good or evil. They are just another energetic expression of the universe like you and me and we have the ability to communicate with them by combining our DNA with the DNA of the substance. What WE do with this synergy is what gives it a bad or good reputation.
Anyways, I hope that everyone that reads this is doing well and I also hope there is more discussion in this thread.
A plant that can heal the the body and mind while also providing us with textiles, biofuel and food in abundance, is something not to be overlooked and it must be defended. This plant can help millions if not billions of people and if you dismiss it based on preconceived opinions, you are not a worker of light.
Ken
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Member
Posts: 6
| Just had a moment of synchronicity- After just submitting my prior post, I went back to to my studies and was perusing the "religious and spiritual use of cannabis" (wiki) I followed the link of citiation # 1 which referred me to a book by Peter C. Rogers Ph.d "Ultimate Truth: Book 1"
I then googled Peter and the first link that came up was one for umsonline.org which I clicked and there was his name- a UMS alumni.
I love it when the universe and myself come together like this- its magical! hehe
Ken | |
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PhD Alumni
Posts: 4414
Location: United Kingdom | Marijuana has been here before (still rummaging around lookignfor NE's photographs and this came up!) | |
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Expert
Posts: 2118
Location: The Heart of Space | You are in the attic and digging through old portmanteaus! People smoke, drink and take all sorts of mood enhancers and this is still an issue? History teaches us that we CANNOT legislate morality. If people want to drink, they will do it, the law be darned. If people want to smoke pot, they are going to do it, the law be darned. Will people who engage in these things be responsible? Well, YES, they will be more responsible than corporate entities or government entities who care less whether you live or die. Peace Signs and Stockwood, Martian and aliens Lucky, Poppy, Sisssssssssy (she has a snakelike tongue) | |
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New user
Posts: 1
| I and my friend were using drugs from last few months. We were taking just to decrease the work pressure but slowly got addicted to that. Wanted to overcome that but failed every time. My sister recommended addiction counseling Virginia center. We went there and took treatment for few months and were really happy to get over it. | |
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PhD Alumni
Posts: 1882
Location: NE Ohio | I think chronic pain sufferers like myself need to stay away from THC... But get CBD portion of the wonderful medication. I do not like being buzzed, but I want and need the healing properties of CBD which is already legal in all 50 states of USA. If I get the wrong stuff, I will not get relief but instead focus right smack on the pain..... How Horrid...... Distraction helps me... Massage helps.... Pain medication helps..... I have way too many issues to be turned down for medical pot.... But if I could find one here.... I would get some for sure. I smoked some made for meditation and it was so mellow I loved it. But I can't do it now that I'm in pain management. | |
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What Do You Think About Medical Marijuana?