okay so i know many of you eat the seed, wear the clothing, and believe in using cannabis for various other recourses. I am curious though how many of you smoke it, and what your reasoning is behind it? do you think it is bad for you? do you think it is bad for your lungs? do you think it aids you in achieving optimal health?

just curious what people's view on this topic is, as I often meet raw foods and vegans people who partake.

thanks in advance.

the energies of healing where there is response to it. I have to tell you that earlier on - when I "worked" with people who had used pot and other drugs, I could feel that it left holes in their energy fields. It's hard to describe but I could feel it. Just thought you should have the option of knowing that.

YOu might want to ask yourself why you wish to smoke or imbibe? Would it be because you don't quite trust that which created you to fulfill you naturally? If so, you might wish to give trusting a chance. Whatever it is that manages to keep planets orbiting around the sun, and hummingbirds humming, and the pines growing----I"m betting it has the ability to grant you a sense of fulfillment and actually ecstasy greater than any artificial substance taken because one didn't trust, listen and obey life's quiet inner command. My experience anyway.

With love,
Piano Gal

i think you are confusing marijuana and hemp, while they are related they are not the same thing at all. mj is smoked but not made into cloth, paper etc. hemp is made into cloth, paper, rope, the seeds are eaten or the oil extracted for consumption etc but hemp is never smoked, it is nearly void of THC.

unfortunately this misconception is part of what keeps hemp on the controlled substances list with very restrictive regulations in place for growing and processing it. don't be confused, they are very different plants.

i do not smoke weed, smoke is a carcinogen regardless of what kind it is. i don't eat it either, i don't like alterants like that.
i do eat hemp seeds and hemp seed oil, it has a perfect balance of omega fatty acids unlike anything else. the fabric and paper are wonderful, very durable.

i think you two are assuming too much based on my post.

coco: i am aware of the differences between cannabis (as hemp) and cannabis (as a psychoactive). as they are different plants, and one does not contain enough thc to get u "high" they are still very similar.

I do not think this "misconception" is "part of what keeps hemp on the controlled substances list with very restrictive regulations in place for growing and processing it." as there are proven to be much more dangerous legal mind altering substances. rather, i feel it is more about lots of big powerful companies who would not be making nearly as much money as they are now if it were a resource for everyone to grow and reap it's uses.

Piano Gal:

nowhere in my post did i say i smoked, or was considering smoking. Thanks for the advice tho.

I am just wondering how many of you DO smoke (or eat, or vape, or whatever), and what everyone's views on the subject was. i thought it would make for an interesting topic, as i often meet people of the lifestyle that do. I am not asking for advice, i just thought it would be an interesting topic to be discussed on this board as i have not seen one before.

-ilovejen

In my own experience, those that are eating a high, lifetime percentage of fresh fruits and vegetables do not smoke pot (or anything else) and many do not drink at all. Just my experience from those I have met or spoken with.

-David Z. Mason

WWW.RawFoodFarm.com

I have nothing against it in any of its forms. Like any thing else though, mis-use is destructive. Like all the other beautiful creatures God placed on the earth, cannabis' worth should not be overlooked. There is a wisdom in psychedelics. It is a wisdom that most people who use it dont see/hear/learn; but used respectfully it can grant great insight. Highly spiritual indigenous people have used cannabis and other psychedelics for thousands of years with great benefits.

Blessed!

I still smoke a little and I also drink alcohol a little. I don't think it's healthy and I think about quitting all the time. I smoke and drink less and less as time goes by. It is losing it's apeal for me more and more. Pot helps me relax and that is what I like about it. It also helps me to enjoy cleaning house. If you see me scrubbing the corners of my house you know I smoked some .

I'm going to crawl completely out of the closet with this one... (oh my!)

For a long time, I was stuck in a bad loop of smoking for escapist reasons. It also became very tempting for me when I got a roommate who smokes like a FIEND.

I began to notice things about constant, chronic use that impacted me in a very negative way. Smoking ALWAYS leads to binges for me. Smoking too much gave me a ton of anxiety. I also really hated what would unfold in my living room: the roommate and I would spend a night with some people, we'd sit on the couch totally incapacitated, there would be a huge mess on the table the next morning, and there were almost always arguments about who smoked what, who left what mess, whatever.

It was getting ugly, so I had to stop. It was a very unconscious, destructive cycle. Smoking ANYTHING also decreases the amount of oxygen available to the brain. I've become very sensitive to this feeling, whether it happens with smoking too much or eating bad food.

Plus, I can't seem to find a torch lighter that will burn substances no hotter than 118 F.

Then I took some time off and got my head together.

I have had some powerfully healing psychedelic experiences, as well (MJ and otherwise), so I've lately been looking at the issue as one of respect. I think certain plants do have some things to teach us, and from what I've discovered, it's all about embracing life, loving yourself as you are, harmony in nature--very similar to the same "teachings" or "moments of realization" I've gotten from eating nothing but biologically active plant matter (RAW FOOD!) over a period of months. It makes me think all plants are working toward the same end when it comes to humans--the planet can't heal unless we, too, are healed--every single one of us.

Plus, I think, if I am going to ask the plants to help me out, it also seems disrespectful to ignore them and indulge in the sensory glitz that may come with the experience, and then fade ("Let's get stoned and watch South Park!", rather than getting into the introspection or trying to learn a state of peace/oneness to take home and apply to the rest of everyday life. Smoking pot for repeated casual, mindless entertainment feels kind of like eating nothing but decadent raw gourmet cheesecake for breakfast everyday... there is a means, but you're missing the end...

Mindfulness will really make or break any experience in life, no matter what it is. So if these states are helping me reach my goals, I have to approach them with total consciousness and intent.

Now, today, I can have an occasional nature walk with MJ that is very nice. I also have plenty of ecstatic nature walks just as they are. MJ also opened the doors for having some very transpersonal lovemaking experiences--I don't NEED to get high to have them anymore, but it definitely showed me how to focus in different ways that radically altered the experience for the better (it's possible I may have noticed on my own over time anyway).

If anyone finds themselves naturally attracted to altered states of consciousness and raw food, I read this amazing book, called Left in the Dark... :O It gets down to the nitty-gritty of neurotransmitter activity, too (including possible changes in neurotransmitter activity over generations of ancestral fruit-eating!). =D

But the subtle, permanent changes happening in my mind, and the whole "accidental spirituality"/awareness of being PART of life that came with raw sometimes meets a blurry line with profound, psychedelic healing. I'm also figuring out something about general non-abuse--substances, food, myself, other people, the planet. Everything is a gift...

Edit: Not sure if I should make a disclaimer that these practices in question, of course, should only be engaged in where legal, and I do not promote illegal activity...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/11/2008 03:09PM by phantom.

Argh, too late to edit again. Anyway, I thought I should also add, the real healing so many of us need doesn't have to be lost in a ton of psycho-spiritual mumbo-jumbo--we just need to sit down, turn off our ipods and listen to the birds, eat some oranges. Just to find the peace of remembering everything is already perfect. I think that's the basic appeal... the basic want that drives us to seeking these experiences, anyway.

I use MJ before I meditate or go to yin yoga classes. For whatever reason, it seems to help me focus more on my practice and center more easily.

Just my experience!

I'm not very productive when I do it and it seems to affect me in different ways that I don't like now that I'm older, but my art is incredible when I have done just a little bit. So I generally reserve it for that occasion.

I know it affects people differently. My husband becomes lazy, tired and hungry and I become energetic, inspired and can't eat for hours. It affects me differently as I get older also.

Good Lord.
Here we go again.
Just like the thread on alcohol,whats the point of taking in something of death on a raw food diet?
Cant understand this at all.
Brian

Brian,
I totally agree with you on this. If you are consciously taking something to alter you sense of mind, then why are you taking it?

We have been given this glorious thing called life. Why mess it up?

samhein Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Brian,
> I totally agree with you on this. If you are
> consciously taking something to alter you sense of
> mind, then why are you taking it?

Doesn't all food alter your state of mind in some way?

Plants are there for us to eat and they all affect us in different ways!

Rob

--
Rob Hull - Funky Raw
My blog: [www.rawrob.com]

-- moved topic --

Samhein.
Cigarettes?

Just think about it.
Its up to you.
Please stop.
My brother in law smoked his whole adult life.
He is now over a year abstinent.

Brian



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/12/2008 05:05PM by Raw1228.

Everything in moderation, including moderation. MJ can give you a much needed different perspective in life and bring up what needs to be healed OR it can make you lazy and burnt out if abused. I use MJ bi-weekly and it has helped me tremendously.

[www.youtube.com]

I believe MJ has been of benefit to me also. I don't think it is right for everyone, but I am a self-medicator and sometimes it is right for me. I am a holistic person and at times it helps me to relax and meditate which helps my mind and spirit to thrive and grow. It has helped LOTS of people. I think it should not be considered "something of death" by any means. If (because of your own addictive issues) have to think of it that way than that is fine but no one but me knows what is RIGHT for me. I think any thing done in excess is not good. Addictions is a completely different thread. Any thing can fit into an addiction category but that isn't what this thread is about.

I think about eating it instead and I am not sure if I would feel that is bad for me. My main concern is smol=king. I think that is bed for my lungs but not necessarily the MJ.

pakd I use the Phedor ( [www.phedor.com] ) and take a few puffs through a water pipe, it doesn't feel unhealthy in the least.

[www.youtube.com]

Lets all get high!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Unbelievable.
total Hypocrites

This is probably the thread that will make me leave this website.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/12/2008 08:48PM by Raw1228.

Good!


Raw1228 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Lets all get high!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> Unbelievable.
> total Hypocrites
>
> This is probably the thread that will make me
> leave this website.

[www.youtube.com]

Do you know that if you get caught with pot and a gun in your car,its a life sentence in some states?
So something must be bad about it.
I tell you...post like that.....just go ahead and smoke.
I WILL have to agree though that cigarettes do not screw your mind up like pot.
Really ugly dog by the way.
Never have been a dog person.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 05/12/2008 11:16PM by Raw1228.

Thanks for link flex4life.
I will check it out.

Fantastic dog. It looks like a Doberman without the ears cut. The ears look so much better not cut.

Raw1228,

After you lost it and posted all kinds of porn and violent messages most people here responded with kindness and compassion... now you are ranting at the entire community because some of the members don't share your view of weed and alcohol. Now, only a few weeks later you are qualified to judge other peoples health choices? Obsessing about other peoples health choices is just a way of avoiding dealing with what you see in the mirror. Deal with your issues and don't stress about what others choose to do with their bodies.

...and 100 years ago you could be put to death for assisting a slave to freedom... by your reasoning that must have been bad too.

... and furthermore, calling flex's dog ugly is such a bizarre and unnecessary non-sequitur and it shows a completely childish state of mind.

And Flex...man, your dog looks awesome!

Aloha Nui Loa,

Greg

A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices. - William James

There is no pill that can be swallowed,
There is no guru, that can be followed, - Michael Franti (Pray For Grace)

The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. - Albert Camus

alcohol and pot= death
sorry
on to better forums

I still cant believe it.
Pot smoking on a raw food forum.??
Might as well be crack,meth,...anything.
Do you folks realize that not only are you lighting fire(non raw) to a plant,that plant is illegal.?? Cops chase you down for having it?
Really amazing I am even talking about it anymore.
I just had to address it one more time,as a service to anyone who might consider themselves raw,and are smoking a burning illegal substance.

Ok....
My strong emotions have calmed down.
Happy to exit this site.
I found one.
It seems so much better.




Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 05/13/2008 01:56AM by Raw1228.

ilovejen,

i'm new to this site but i'd like to tackle this one based on my own experiences. take what you will!

i've been a whole-foods organic vegan for 3 years; i'm studying to be a holistic nutritionist and in the long run i'd like to run a home-based naturopathic clinic, open to everyone regardless of income! that's my dream.

i'm not raw yet, but i'm planning to transition within the next month. that's why i'm here. it makes me sad to see so much judgment here because i came here for support and friendship, and now i'm very concerned that i won't receive either if i toe the party line. luckily it seems to be from only one or two people, and i see much kindness from others.

i smoked pot once or twice as an adolescent. i didn't like it. after i birthed my son i was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. the doctor wanted to put me on seven different medications including oxycontin, antidepressants and three different medications for sleep. i could barely walk at the time and i could not carry my newborn son. this was three years ago; i became vegan around this time. i refused all medications and instead changed my diet and lifestyle. this helped me enormously but i still flare from time to time, especially when i don't get enough sleep (FMS manifests in me primarily as a sleep disorder). stress, caffeine, sugar, processed foods, changes in temperature and a lack of exercise are also all problematic for me. i do what i can to prevent flare-ups and feel mostly normal most of the time. when i flare, however, life is very difficult for me. i was considering, at one time, accepting a prescription analgesic for these periods. a friend suggested cannabis. at the time i was a member of a religion that forbids the use of drugs (mormon), so i resisted. but ultimately i decided that i'd try it in the hopes that something, anything, would help me.

the first time i smoked pot with this intention i was amazed at the effect. i was overcome with relaxation and every ounce of pain left my body; for the first time in months i could move freely without pain. the effects lasted for an entire day and i had no side effects.

for the past couple of years i have studied the medicinal use of cannabis extensively and used it from time to time for its analgesic properties. i have shifted from smoking it to vaporizing and i use the leftovers to make tinctures and salves for aching muscles and joints. i am convinced of its medicinal properties. for me, it has never been a hallucinogenic and i do not use it recreationally. in fact, i do not enjoy being "high" and i have learned how to use it appropriately to receive its analgesic effects without becoming intoxicated.

when we decided to have another baby, i immediately stopped using it with no withdrawal. throughout my pregnancy i didn't consider needing to use it. this would have been very different had i accepted the stack of prescriptions my doctor recommended, none of which are compatible with pregnancy and all of which would have resulted in severe withdrawal and a sudden return of symptoms when i had to stop using them.

i am so convinced of its value as a healing plant that i hope to operate my clinic in an area of canada or another country where i'll be free to grow it and made remedies for my clients.

to each their own, but i feel that cannabis in many ways saved me. over the past couple of years as i have learned of the origins of my disease and as i have improved so many aspects of my life, i have found myself using it less and less. i've always been honest with myself about my intentions in using it. it's a powerful pain reliever and shows great promise for patients with aids, cancer, MS and other serious diseases. of course, it's not a cure-all, and it should not be a primary avenue of healing for anyone. but for pain relief and assistance with anorexia and side effects from chemo and other drugs, i think it has great value.

i hope this answers your question from a different point of view, and hopefully i won't be shredded for sharing my positive experience.

chandelle

just so there is no confusion, in my above statement i am referring to the clinical "loss of appetite" version of anorexia, which is a common side effect of many medications, chemotherapy, and so on - not forced starvation.

raw1228, i hesitate to even respond to you, but i just wanted to mention that there are other ways to use this plant besides burning it.

chandelle

Thanks for sharing chandelle! I was just chekcing out youtube and there are many vids regarding medicinal use of cannabis. Those who know, know.

No need to respond to Raw1228, he has already got his mind set in stone. I just want to say he is in no way,shape or form reflective of the majority of people here at rawfoods.

[www.youtube.com]