As with most emotive topics however, hysteria and misconceptions tend to blot out any sort of meaningful discussion. Let me preface what I have to say with two interesting points :
1. According to a study the BBC reported on, ranking drugs in terms of
Physical harm (Acute, Chronic, and Intravenous harm)
Dependence (Intensity of pleasure, Psychological dependence, Physical dependence)
Social harms (Intoxication, Other social harms, Health-care costs)
Alcohol and tobacco were ranked to be more harmful than cannabis in all three categories.
List of dangerous drugs
2. Steroids have become hugely controversial of late. The following is taking from wikipedia:
One common misconception in popular culture and the media is that anabolic steroids are highly dangerous and users' mortality rates are high. Anabolic steroids are used widely in medicine with an acceptable side-effect profile, so long as patients are monitored for possible complications. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabolic_steroids)
Ok then. What's my point?
Firstly, I want to say that I am not an advocate of breaking rules or laws. My discussion is in the reasoning behind them and the accompanying societal phobia.
I think drugs are all around us - legal and illegal. Caffiene is a stimulant, as is adderall. Is the man who goes to drink after a hard day at work fundamentally different and better than the one who smokes a joint?
They are different in terms of one is breaking the law and the other isn't. They aren't in terms of what they are doing and its effect on themselves.
I think it is important to realise that the labels we place on things are often a function of society and its perceptions. This is not a reflection of actuality. Drugs can be psychologically and physically addictive, and while I am a big advocate of self determinism, rules are important.
Knowledge is good though, and people should question and challenge the status quo.
A last word:
If you are from Trinidad, you are probably hungry right now looking at the delicious pelau to the left.
To quote someone from a football (soccer) messages board I frequent:
"Some of you like to put on a pair of brown sun glasses, eat a pot of white rice, and say the pelau tasting real good" - Touches
Everything is not as it seems.
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