Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with marijuana

Lung-Health Measures

moorooka — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:54:34 -0800

Why doesn't my cannabutter work? Actually it's not mine... it's a friend's.

Anyway, there's lots of recipes out there, but this friend needs some reliable instructions. First time, he just chucked it in the pot, let it simmer, and then poured it into a dish and let it settle in the fridge overnight, leading to the most unexpectedly potent stonage of all time! But when trying to replicate this using the exact same simple procedure, the butter was a dud (I mean, tasted equally shite, but no effect). What happened? Is there a certain temperature that kills the active ingredients, or a certain length of time or what? It can be pretty annoying when you waste a big bagfull like this. Or so I've heard. Any special cannabutter secrets, or directions to fail-safe, idiot-proof recipes, will be appreciated.

Drug test questions

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:11:32 -0800

I have a question about being hired as a contractor for the Department of Justice and having to take a drug test. I applied for an entry-level position at the US Attorney's office in my city. I was brought in for an interview, and before it started I sat down with a woman from HR. She explained that if I were hired it would be as a contractor and not as a federal employee, which meant that my benefits would be provided by an outside company. She told me that I would have to get a security waiver, which meant a background investigation. She told me, without being asked, that there would be no drug test. I was glad to hear that, since I use marijuana most days.

The next day she called and said that they were offering me the job and I could start once my security waiver went through. They sent me forms to fill out. One of the questions on the form asked whether I have used any illegal drugs in the past 7 years, and I answered no. I submitted the form and went in for fingerprinting. They told me it would be a couple of weeks before it went through and then I could start.

Today I got a phone call from someone at USIS/Labat-Anderson, whom I recall the HR person saying would be the company providing my benefits, but with whom I had had no contact so far. The guy on the phone told me that he'd sent me something in the mail I'd have to sign and fax back to him. The package I received contained USIS/Labat-Anderson's substance abuse policy and a memo stating that the substance abuse policy was "referenced in the conditional offer letter of employment that you have received. As you acknowledged by signing your conditional offer, all applicants for employment with USIS are subject to pre-employment drug screening." The memo also says that I will have to take the drug test within 48 hours of receiving the notice. The aforementioned offer of employment, which I had never seen before, was also in the package.

Here's what I'd like to hear from anyone who has actual experience here:

1) Is there any way to salvage this job opportunity?
2) If not, how should I proceed?
3) Would failing the drug test mean more than just not being offered the job? Would it mean e.g. I would face penalties for lying on the security form?

What should I do about my dishonest job interview?

Anonymous — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:22:41 -0800

I was not truthful about my past drug use in a job interview. Now I have a job offer and need to get a secret security clearance. What should I do? I smoked weed five days a week for most of this year (from maybe January to halfway through August) before quitting and moving out of the college town. In the past couple years before that, I have a smattering of other drug uses (shrooms, coke, addy; 3-5 times each and in small quantities). I might be able to make a case that I was in a different situation then since I had become a member of a fairly drug laden crowd which I'm now completely disconnected from.

Two weeks ago, I went in for a job interview at a defense contractor and things went smoothly. Towards the end, the interviewer asked me if there was anything that would prevent me from getting a secret level security clearance and listed off a couple of things such as bankruptcy or a criminal record. I said no. After I said no, he made some joke about drugs and we laughed. I silently realized that my drug use might be an issue, something I hadn't thought about until that point. I'd previously figured they'd give a drug test, I'd pass, done deal. Last week, I got call from them saying they were going to be offering me a job.

I've been doing research on security clearances and realized that past drug use can definitely be grounds for clearance denial, but the details on how much use and how long you've been “clean” are fuzzy. I'm not sure if I should even be thinking about accepting their offer. I'm nervous about going for the clearance and ashamed that I ended up being dishonest to the interviewer (even though it was mostly accidental). As soon as he mentioned drugs, even though it wasn't a direct question, I should have piped up but I didn't and now here I am.

My main question:
How should I approach this? Should I call them up and say “I've made a mistake and was dishonest, take me or leave me”? Maybe it's not as bad as I think and they can still work with me. It would be a nice job if I get it. Or should I turn down the offer, give some vague reason, and make the problem go away? I don't need the money and have plenty of time to keep looking for other jobs. I'd still feel bad about the whole thing, but nobody would have to know.

The third possibility, which I've been rejecting as unethical, is not saying anything them, accepting the offer, and then acting surprised if my clearance ends up being denied.

Secondary question:
What are the chances of me actually getting a security clearance given my habitual drug use until three months ago?

Related question

What are the negative unintended consequences of medical marijuana?

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:47 -0800

What are the unintended, negative consequences of having a medical marijuana prescription? I've hit a point with my anxiety where I literally cannot function anymore. I am on antidepressants already, and have sedatives for when I anticipate an anxiety attack, but they aren't working- I feel like the antidepressants don't do anything at all, and the sedatives knock me out cold- and I'm already on the minimum dose.
In the past I have been a non-user, a full-on stoner, and an occasional, recreational user of marijuana. I mean this honestly (and I type this while sober)- the happiest, most productive time of my life was when I smoked on a daily basis. It was the first time I was ever able to hold down a job, I was in the best shape of my life (I had a six-pack!), and my anxiety attacks disappeared. So, now I am considering getting a medical marijuana prescription. I'm not trying to get high- I am hoping to consume low doses of edibles, just enough to get rid of my anxiety.

However: the whole thing just seems too easy. Even though it is now legal in California, are there consequences I'm not considering? Will this show up on background checks? Can I be denied a job for using medical marijuana? Somewhere, I remember hearing that if you have a medical marijuana prescription, you can be denied financial aid for college- I just applied to graduate school, and I'm going to need financial aid.

In short, I need to know every negative consequence that they don't tell you about when you want to become a medical marijuana user.

Relaxing alternatives to marijuana use

Anonymous — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:03:53 -0800

How can I unwind in the evening if I give up pot? And no, alcohol is not an option. I'd like advice for sober ways to unwind, as well as tips for making the transition. I'm an intense, hard-working person who often puts in 12 hour days at work, runs and lift weights, volunteers and has a robust social life, and most of it does not involve pot. I've also smoked weed in the evening probably 5 or 6 nights a week for the past decade.

It doesn't take much. I go through an eighth of an ounce every month or two. I also go without a few weeks a year while traveling, and have quit for months at a time during job searches. But when I have it on hand and I'm having a tough day, it's better than anything else. When I'm having a normal day, it's still pretty nice.

I'd like to stop smoking except when offered by others (a rare event in my life), and I don't want to replace this drug with something else. But I have a constantly-whirring brain that sometimes goes off the anxiety rails, and I'm worried about controlling my worry. I know that pot increases anxiety in some people, but before I started smoking I was WAY more stressed than I am now. Nights when I don't smoke, I often wake up in the morning with a sore jaw from grinding my teeth in my sleep, which is something I've been doing since I was three years old.

Can anyone suggest new, intoxicant-free rituals that might help satisfy the role that marijuana has played in my life? I'm already exercising regularly after work, which helps me relieve tension, but it doesn't shut off the brain churn. I'm thinking meditation might be a good thing to try. What else? I don't want to take on activities that will make me MORE productive. I think I'm inclined to be too productive as it is, which is what leaves me seeking shortcuts to relaxation.

I'd also appreciate tips for sticking with this plan. Pot has become an important part of my life, and I know that it will be psychologically hard to give up. Will I still be able to smoke once every month or two when I get together with my brother or visit my pothead friend? Or should I worry about "falling off the wagon"? Can you share your experiences with giving up or cutting back on pot?

(Nod to this thread.)

Photography - on drugs?

infinitefloatingbrains — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:22:42 -0800

Legality of photographing a controlled substance? (you're not my lawyer)

A photographer I work with is producing a shoot involving marijuana. As this is for a promotional piece, photo credits are pretty much required.

Partly inspired by this story that recently appeared on Metafilter. That photo essay was more journalistic, and there was no discussion of Young's legal exposure.

After some searching I haven't been able to find much. Yes, High Times is sold on the newsstand but it seems most of the drug photos are published under a pseudonym, and yes, there are photos of marijuana being sold on stock photo sites (usually uncredited).

My main question is - are there any legal implications to be associated with the creation of photos (still life - no people) of a controlled substance? I'm not asking about any kind of possession-related charges - just a name on a photograph.

Thanks!

security clearance + previous drug use?

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:44:40 -0800

If a person smoked pot in early July 2009, what is the likelihood of that person getting a secret security clearance for summer 2010 federal government internships? Is there anything that person can do now to maximize chance of getting a clearance? Other relevant details: various drugs used from 2004-2006 (though in relative moderation except for high frequency of smoking weed), then 1x or 2x a month marijuana usage from then on. Came to a full stop after July 4, 2009 before starting graduate school and have no plans to resume drug use ever.

Various websites say that the general rule is "12 months of no drugs," but it is ambiguous as to whether that is for top secret or secret.

Again, this person is looking for secret clearance rather than top secret, and this is for non-intel positions with the US government. And most internships start in May.

Basically, is it worth it to even apply for positions that require applicant to eventually get a secret clearance for the summer? Is there anything that can be done to help get this thing? (and, uh, if the answer is "there's no way in hell that you'll get the clearance," does anyone know of any federal agencies that don't require clearance?)

Throwaway gmail account that I'll check: governmentandsmoking@gmail.com

1st time marijuana smoker

goofyfoot — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:05:16 -0800

1st time marijuana smoker! My partner will smoke weed for the first time this weekend - a friend gave us a joint. What can I do to make this enjoyable for him? Besides making sure there are munchies? I started smoking weed, and stopped smoking weed, long enough ago that I don't remember what's necessary to make the first time an enjoyable experience besides the necessity of snack food and a comfortable space. Any tips for me and for him?

The dude who said too much.

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:19:50 -0800

Told my doctor I smoked pot, now I just got a disconcerting letter from my insurance company. First of all I live in Ohio, in case that matters. I experienced a heart arrhythmia a few months back and went to the ER for it. When meeting with a cardiologist about it afterwards we went through a number of lifestyle questions one of which was do you do any drugs. I answered honestly that yes I do smoke pot once or twice a week.

I asked if this could be a cause of the problem and he said that was highly unlikely and as long as I used in moderation that shouldn't pose any specific problem with my heart.

Now I just got a letter from my insurance company saying before they could process my claims for the incident they need more information.

It says - Diagnosis: History of Cannabis Abuse
and asks for first date of symptoms, treatment and my drivers license number. Where I've sought treatment, when I started, when I quit and how often I used.

I am pretty much shocked, I assumed my statement to the doctor was going to be safe and confidential.

So yeah, anyone else experience this? Am I screwed? Will I get my license revoked? How do I respond to date stopped when I used just a few days ago. Are the insurance folks permitted to share this info with the police? Is this just an attempt to scare me out of filing the potentially expensive claim with them?

Any info or advice would be much appreciated.

From leaf to bud.

Gordion Knott — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:47:45 -0800

Was marijuana, in recent history, ever consumed predominately in leaf form? Looking through movies, TV shows, and other cultural artifacts from the 60s, it seems that very little--if any--attention was given to smoking cannabis in the form of buds, rather than leaves. The word "bud" rarely appears in hipster vocabulary from this period, an era when "lids" (or ounces) were rolled into joints and smoked in large amounts. Potheads would select hash or hash oil as their drug of choice for an especially intense high--one often described as "hallucinogenic" or "psychedelic." And the counter-cultural logo that became the globally recognized symbol for cannabis was the marijuana leaf, rather than a depiction of buds or flowers. (Granted, the symmetry of the leaf lends itself to symbol-making).

Today, most marijuana users smoke bud exclusively, and have never even seen a marijuana leaf, apart from depictions in photos.

Is it true, as the evidence (and my hazy memory) suggests, that the majority of marijuana smokers in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s smoked primarily leaf, rather than bud? If so, when did the turning point occur? Is leaf ever consumed in lieu of bud today?

Why am I almost fainting every time smoke pot?

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:35:47 -0800

Why is marijuana making me faint? Up until about 5 months ago, I had been an almost daily marijuana user for about 8 years -- smoking half a joint or a few hits from a bowl in the evening, and a few times during the weekend. Then, starting this summer, I began to nearly pass out when I stood up or even moved around after smoking. I once actually passed out while walking between rooms and having a discussion with friends, collapsed to the floor and came to a few seconds later.

About me: male, mid-30s, no health issues, competitive (amateur) athlete, fit, healthy diet, occasionally drink one or two beers. Blood pressure and all other vital signs are normal -- just had a physical.

When this started happening over the summer, I stopped for a month -- no fainting. But I missed it, right? So now I indulge maybe once a week or less -- still just as fainty. This never happens, except when I smoke. It is somewhat mitigated, but not entirely, if I stand up and move very slowly.

I grok that if I want to stop fainting, I'll have to stop smoking weed, but I want to understand the mechanism behind what's happening. Could something be wrong with me? Does this happen frequently? And more importantly, might it go away?

I know you're not my doctor, but this isn't something I'm too comfortable bringing up with a doc -- I have a lot to lose.

Medical Marijuana in San Francisco

MattMangels — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:36:36 -0800

Exactly how hard is it to acquire a medical marijuana recommendation in San Francisco for $100 or less? I am 19 years old, live in San Francisco, and am considering getting a medical marijuana recommendation for my chronic anxiety. Basically I'm not too good at interacting with other people, especially strangers, and often feel very awkward in conversations. At night before I go to sleep my mind will often replay all of these awkward moments and I'll obsess over really stupid things like "man I shouldn't have offered that girl a handshake it probably made her feel butch FUCK", and insomnia usually results. Weed, especially Indica strains, help to ease my mind.

So my question is, without any formal documentation from my Primary Care Physician, how hard would it be to get a recommendation? I am considering going to Green Relief on Sutter street. Being on a budget, I am not really willing to spend more than $100.

Also, since I am a dependent student on my parent's health insurance plan, will they automatically find out about this?

Thanks for the help, Hive mind.

With a little help from his friend

Anonymous — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:47:51 -0800

I'm trying to help a friend get a medical marijuana card in San Francisco, CA. Although I'm asking for a friend, some people at work know my username here, and I don't want to deal with the "knowing looks" thing, hence the anon.

My friend Jay has HIV. He's on a number of meds, some of which make him sick to his stomach, and some of which kill his appetite altogether. He's talked to his doctor about medical marijuana; his doctor has had him try Marinol, but it hasn't worked well for him - he needs to hit a sort of sweet spot when he's both psychologically and physically wanting/able to eat, and the Marinol doesn't seem to work like that for him. His doc is reluctant (for her own reasons, I think, licensing and such, not because she's opposed to it) to prescribe it for him, and Jay is a little weirded out anyway about how it would appear in his insurance records.

So, the question: how can he find a doctor who will write him a prescription/recommendation (I'm not entirely certain how the process works, exactly)? He's seen the ads on the backs of the free weeklies, but he's hesitant about going that route if he doesn't have to. If you have personal recommendations, those would be welcome. If you don't want to broadcast your knowledge to the world, or have questions, you can email anonymedsSF at gmail. Thank you all!

The War on Drugs claims another one.

Anonymous — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:10:11 -0800

Dear AskMe, Should I be concerned about writing to someone in prison that knows about previous illegal activities I've participated in? Three people involved: X (my friend), Y (in prison), and I (me).

In the past, all of us went to the same college. (Y dropped out second semester senior year, X and I graduated in 2006.) The last time we heard from Y (before this incident) was last year at our homecoming. Y and I went out at around 4am to smoke pot since X didn't want to wake up to go. That was the last time any of us had spoken to Y until about a month ago.

X found out about Y's imprisonment via Y's mother posting a message on Facebook asking people who knew Y to write letters. X told me about this and said that they already written Y and said that I should write him as well. I pretty much forgot about it due to some personal stuff getting in the way.

In college, Y sold X pot on several occasions. (I was there, but never actually exchanged or recieved drugs or money. I have smoked in the presense of Y (and X) on several occasions.)

As far as the understanding of the situation Y is currently in (which I've only been able to find out through X's recounting of the letters Y has written X), Y is in federal prison awaiting trial for some sort of conspiracy and drug trafficking charges. Apparently Y has not had a trial yet, but has said that it will likely be a 10 year sentence. The trial is apparently going to happen in about 6 months or so.

Before this, I would've said that Y was nowhere dumb enough to get involved in anything obvious enough to draw this kind of attention to themselves. X, however, would be, and has actually been fired from one job already on being ratted out by another coworker for smoking on the job and continues to smoke on a regular basis. X was also a lot closer to Y than I ever was.

On the other hand, I only smoke pot when I hang out with X (which is every few months or so for a few days). Other than that, I haven't smoked pot on a daily basis since I graduated. I also happen to have my life together (house/mortgage, car, decently-paying job, etc) more than X and Y. Therefore, I'm a bit concerned about letting Y know that I'm still around and doing pretty well in the world.

So, the question is, should I be concerned about writing to Y? Is there any way that Y can somehow implicate me their current situation? Also, what sorts of things should I tell Y about? I feel kind bad being all 'oh yeah, my life's going wonderfully' while they're in jail awaiting trial.

If anyone doesn't want to respond publicly, here's the throwaway email address: M8R-dp02fx@mailinator.com

Should i quit my apprenticeship?

djduckie — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:14:21 -0800

Should i quit my apprenticeship? Ok i just started an apprenticeship at a glass shop here in town and i love it, even though my skills aren't up to par yet. Here is the problem:

I'm was a straight edge for a large chunk of my youth and at 27 have just barely started drinking casually (and alcohol still does little for me). The shop master and the second in command apprentice smoke pot for the majority of our work day. They noticed that i don't smoke with them this saturday and started questioning me about it. I just said it wasn't my thing. They decided that they wouldn't let me make a piece of glass until i smoked with them. They didn't hold me to this this weekend, but i am a little apprehensive that it's going to come up again.

So at this point you are probably thinking "what's this guy's problem with pot?"

well i don't neccesarily have one, but having been a straight edge and never partaken and having had an ex-girlfriend who i dated for a long time who thought i looked down on her for having been a habitual pot smoker before we got together, it feels like it would be more than a little hypocritical to try it now. I don't imagine it would do anything for me either. Their thing is their thing and as long as i don't get hurt they can smoke all they want, that said i don't want to be peer pressured into this. It's like a bad after school special and we are all adults (i'm 27, the 2nd in command is 28 and i don't know his age but the master of the shop has been doing this for 20 years, so is probably in his mid 40's).

So should i stick with it? They are the only glass shop in town, and other than that situation i have a lot of fun being there and I am learning a lot.

Don't try to shampoo a shampooer!

Anonymous — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 08:47:32 -0800

Flying back to Canada via US - from Amsterdam. Will US Customs hassle me about coffeeshop visits? I've booked a trip through Europe, passing through several countries but flying back to Canada from Amsterdam via a major US airport. As I understand it, I will have to pass through US Customs during my layover.

I'm not an active smoker of anything, but during my time in Amsterdam I just might want to stop in at one of the legal establishments in that city and sample substances that are allowed in the Netherlands, and condoned in Canada.

My only worry is that, coming back through the US, I'll say I was coming from Amsterdam and get a steely-eyed customs officer who asks specific questions about my activities there and uses the opportunity to search my luggage and/or person, causing me to miss my connecting flight.

For what it's worth, I'm a fairly young, Caucasian (half-Dutch in fact), short hair, clean-shaven, button-down-shirt wearing nerd. Not sure if that fits any profiles or not. I'd also prefer to not lie to anyone, so if it's going to be a big deal I'll just stick to poffertjes.

Anyone had negative encounters with customs after returning from Amsterdam? Is this a legitimate concern or just (ironically, drug-induced) paranoia?

Help me find some new drugs

Anonymous — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:23:14 -0800

I use to self-medicate with marijuana for my social-anxiety and low-level depression...can that fact be used to direct me towards a specific antidepressant? Several years ago I was smoking pot very regularly - it was essentially a miracle drug for my semi-severe social anxiety. It would totally relax me around other people, even strangers, and allow me to speak, smile, and have an otherwise "normal" social life.

After a couple bad experiences, and several months of being alone and smoking by myself regularly, it completely turned on me and now I can't even smoke with my good friends without having a complete freakout of social paranoia...

I've been wondering...I have tried a number of SSRI's, with only very subtle improvements in my social anxiety and overall mood. I'm still searching for a better solution to supplement therapy. Is there any research on how cannabis acts on the brain, specifically with regards to anxiety and depression, which might point me towards a specific antidepressant to try?

Research or anecdotal information - any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

What penalties does a friend face for a small grow operation? (Canada)

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:54:33 -0800

What penalties does a friend face for a small grow operation? (Canada) Recently, after remarking on the many (legal) plants I currently have, a friend confided in me that he is preparing to grow a small number of marijuana plants. He was uncertain of the exact number, but said 5 was the maximum. He felt any penalties he might incur if caught would be relatively trivial.

I'm not particularly comfortable discussing this with him, and told him I wasn't interested in assisting. If he was caught and a connection made to me, there could potentially be negative consequences relating to my career.

I will likely be seeing him again this weekend. I probably won't bring it up, but if he does, I'm not sure if I should try to dissuade him or not. He has, as far as I know, no record whatsoever, and I'm inclined to believe him when he says he'd grow five or fewer plants. He was adamant that he's "not a dealer", so these are strictly for personal usage.

On one hand, the whole thing seems relatively benign, but I'd like to make him as aware as possible of possible consequences, if he is at some point caught. So, what are the likely or possible consequences? Any experiences? As mentioned, this is in Canada.

What other substances might show up in a blood test for valproic acid levels?

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:17:02 -0800

What other substances might show up in a blood test for valproic acid levels? Asking for a friend:

Twenty-something female has been epileptic since she was a kid, and taking Depakote to control seizures. Her doctor ordered a fairly routine blood test to check for valproic acid levels, but since her last round of blood tests, she's gotten into the habit of smoking marijuana. She probably gets high once a week, on average, but sometimes more often. The lab order is written for a "Valproic Acid Level Test."

So on to the question: Is there any way to know whether her blood test for valproic acid might reflect her marijuana use? And if it does show up in a blood test, are there any legal repercussions? It seems like a valproic acid levels test shouldn't be looking for any other substances, and my instinct is that even if she tested positive for pot somehow, the doctor would just counsel her on the risks of drug use, but she'd like to know for sure.

Just FYI, she hasn't taken the blood test yet, but needs to schedule it in the next week or so.

Throwaway email at epilepsy.and.pot@gmail.com if there are any follow-up questions.

Can I just pretend to not know?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:13:34 -0800

Currently renting a place with a friend. Want to buy a place, and keep living with the same roommate. However, he uses and, apparently, grows pot. Been living with the guy for a year, and he's a great roommate, a good friend, and we decided we want to keep living together. I decided I'm going to buy a place instead of renting and he agreed to keep being my roommate. Great!

I know that he smokes pot (never inside the house), and has baked brownies on a few occasions (also, never seen a whole batch in the house or anything). A week ago he showed me that he GREW A MARIJUANA PLANT inside his computer case in his room. He brought back seeds from his trip to Amsterdam, and the whole set-up is pretty brilliant, actually, I was very impressed. He's got air filters to get rid of the smell, I've been in his room while the thing was growing and there was no smell or anything, there was no way of knowing that that was going on in his room. Even when he was drying it/curing it/cooking it or whatever the other day (since he's not hiding it from me anymore, he told me when he was doing it) there was no smell.

I don't get high, and don't really care if he does - I know he doesn't do it often, he's responsible with bills and rent. However, I'm not sure how I feel if this will be going on in a house I *own*. I personally have nothing against it, I think it should be legal, but of course there is some hesitation if this will be in *my* house. I know that really, there is no way anyone would ever find out (I was living with him and have been in his room before and I was clueless until he told me!), and I know a ton of people who have pot at home and no one's ever gotten in trouble.

So I guess my question is: How bad is it to keep pretending I know nothing about this and rent out a room to him - Is it a relatively safe risk? Please share stories of how people have gotten caught, because at this moment, I don't see how that's a possibility at all. I mean, if no one can smell it from anywhere, then there is no way anyone will ever come into the house and into his room looking through it for pot, correct? My reasoning is, also, that I could've been clueless about this for another year until he told me and then I wouldn't even have this question, so can I just pretend to keep not knowing?

We are in NJ, if it makes a difference.
throwawaymetafilter@gmail.com

Anyone know of a hiphop song that goes "I smoke marijuana, listen to Nirvana"?

ascetic — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:05:12 -0800

I heard a song on the radio, and I only remember two lines. The lines are "I smoke marijuana, listen to Nirvana." It was a hip-hop song, I'm pretty sure the artist is unsigned. Anyone know?

unlike the former president, my son inhaled

headnsouth — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:02:27 -0800

Help me respond appropriately to my teenage son's marijuana use. My son is 15, a long-haired, skateboarding, guitar-playing punk who has begun smoking pot. I caught him red-eyed today, but I have been suspicious on another occasion, and I'm guessing he's done it maybe a half-dozen times. He is, of course, a good kid, has been earning As and Bs this year for the first time ever, loves kids & animals, serves lunch at a local shelter, mows the neighbor's lawn, etc. He is also lazy and stubborn, and sometimes disrespectful. He's typical. I worry about him because ... well, because of the usual reasons, I guess. I'm his mom.

I read this thread, which has some good advice in it, but because my son is not in trouble, or rebelling, or slipping in school, and I'm not concerned about pot per se the way the OP in the other thread was, I'm seeking additional responses. My feelings about pot are that it ought to be legal, but it isn't. I have talked to my boys (my other son is 13) about both safety concerns and legal concerns. They know I've done it, they know my opinions about its legal status, and they also know the consequences are more punitive now, and that it's stronger and more anonymous (therefore risky) than it was back in the day. (They do not know that I still occasionally --- like once a year occasionally --- get high. I don't think it has any bearing on the situation, but I'm putting that out here for full disclosure.)

I've addressed it with them the same way I've addressed sex with them --- I don't want you to do this at all unless and until you're old enough to understand and face the consequences, but if you're going to do it, you have to protect yourself.

Bringing these boys up has been easy up to now. All previous issues have been pretty much black-and-white. Yes you can do that, no you can't do this. Here's why. OK mom. I think whatever success I've had raising them so far can be attributed to my being consistent with regard to rules and punishment/reward. I'm ambivalent about this one, because acknowledging that they might/will smoke pot comes very close to approving it.

I busted him under these circumstances: he was hanging out with friends at a local skatepark after school, and when I left work & the grocery store I told him I'd stop by there on my way home to give him a drink. So I did, and when he leaned in to the car to talk for a minute before I went home, I saw the telltale look. I had him sit in the car with me and we talked a little bit. He admitted to it, but the discussion was actually more about his denial and talking back to me than about the pot itself. He was stoned though, so it would have been pointless to discuss it in depth then. I found myself surprisingly unprepared as well. So we tabled it and I will bring it up later this weekend.

I don't want him to smoke pot. He's going to smoke pot. To forbid him to smoke pot is inviting secrecy and lies. To allow him to smoke pot is endorsing dangerous, illegal activity.

My brother, whose opinions about pot are similar to mine, thinks I'm making a mistake by not setting down firm unbendable rules about this. His oldest child is 9. My brother also thinks I'm being alarmist about the legal consequences and the quality/purity/strength/questionable sources of whatever my son might be smoking.

So. What advice do you have for a mother who needs to talk with her teenage son about smoking pot? He is looking for his first summer job, he's practicing driving (although he won't get his license for at least a year if not later), and we're coming up on a summer where he's not in school but I'm at work.

Pot years before Pregnancy

Anonymous — Sun, 10 May 2009 09:34:40 -0800

Is marijuana okay years or months BEFORE pregnancy? I smoke pot 2-3 times a week. I'm a female, and want to be sure this won't hurt any of my potential, future children. I'm concerned about it because I know that females are born with all their eggs, so it occurred to me--- when I smoke, are my eggs being damaged? Does smoking pot years or months before conception cause birth defects?

Amtrak security measures

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:25:52 -0800

How strict are Amtrak security regulations with regard to marijuana? About a year ago, Amtrak announced that they would be implementing new security restrictions which would include bomb-sniffing dogs and guards with automatic machine guns. My father, who resides in Oregon, is planning to take a trip up to Washington state and he'd like to bring his medical marijuana in his carry on luggage. He does have paperwork stating he is approved for medical marijuana usage in Oregon, but is still concerned about getting in trouble with federal agents.

I know you are not a lawyer and this doesn't constitute legal advice, but does anyone know if these random bag searches have been implemented or if any k9 units they use are also checking for drugs? Even anecdotal answers regarding whether or not you've experienced these new security measures on recent Amtrak trips are welcome.

Thanks for your help!

If I bury this pot seed will it grow?

It ain't over yet — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:02:42 -0800

So every now and then a few seeds show up in the shake. Are these real, growable marijuana seeds? If I planted one, and gave it all the TLC yer supposta, would it grow? Or do you need to get your hands on some sort of special seed stock if you hope to raise a plant?