Marijuana and Spirituality

1. 61

   maxwelljrposted 13 years ago

   I do believe that smoking, or ingesting marijuana has led me to be more spiritual. Not, however has it been the sole contributor. I see life quite a lot different over the years, and I see humans in need of change. People all to often need to be led, because without guidance from an external source, they are lost. What do you think?

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      perfumerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you when you say we need external guidance for our spiritual advancement but this has to be a Living Guru who must be a SELF realized one. I don't believe in depending on any substance for my spiritual advancement, I would rather search for a SELF realized GURU (not just a teacher or a guide - much more than that) who is capable of transforming others through RESONANCE.

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      sneakorocksolidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Send me some of what you're smoking and I'll let you know what I see! I did hear a joke once about a head who was meditating and he saw God! God told him to stop meditating, go figure!

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      rebekahELLEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I think if people are looking for a 'spiritual' experience, they can find it anywhere they're expecting to find it~~
      
      very often the people who use drugs are more spiritually open before they start.
      
      and you would need to define 'spiritual'.

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      rednckwmnposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      try mushrooms

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         Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I took some photos of some shroons the other day.  My cattle are prolific producers.  In Jamaica you can order a shroon omelet.  I'm told they are trippy!

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            earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Could be! what color are they?

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               Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               I have no doubt they were psilisibe and according to some are quite potent.  I have very contented cows!

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                  earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  Whoo hoo! Better than alcohol!

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                  earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  The last lot I did were "blue meanies" a bit rough at first, but oodles of imagery!

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                     Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     Never tried those. Will have to check out the blue ones!

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      mistyhorizon2003posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Quite interestingly my Sister has been on a certain medication since she had a stroke in her late twenties, (she is now 44). Some months back she tried a legal high called "Spice" that is smoked, but has no tobacco or illegal substances such as marijuana in it. Mainly it seems to be made from such things as marshmallow plant etc and smells like freshly baked biscuits. What was odd, was that when she had some, she had the strangest spiritual type experience, and as a naturally spiritual person, she told me that for about an hour she felt like if anyone had asked her anything about the meaning of life, death, the world, etc she would have known the answers. She also said she felt she could have easily communicated with any lost loved ones or pets for the duration of the effects.
      
      This may sound strange, or unbelievable, but if you knew my Sister you would probably feel differently, as this has never happened to her before, although she does follow spiritualism and knows lots about such subjects a Reiki healing, Wicca etc.
      
      I do believe certain minor drugs can or could facilitate easier communication with spirit, and that if you know what you are doing and are very careful they could be a useful aid.
      
      After all, many ancient religions used drugs for this purpose!

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      beth811posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I had experience smoking pot when I was in my teens. I admit, it felt good then. I became creative in some things I do. I even wrote some poems whe I was high, experimenting playing tunes on my guitar, too. But the longer I used it, the stronger it took hold of me. I could not do things without it anymore.
      
      It's a long story to tell reminiscing my experience on marijuana smoking.
      
      You become spiritual for the moment, evil at the end.

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      rhamsonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The funny thing about your post is that to a certain degree the use of marijuana and spirituality seem to release inhibitions and calmness and is not far from meditation or a dream like state of conscience.
      
      The book of Revelations was inspired by a dream the Apostle John had about the end of times.  I would think it more a nightmare. But the way this dream has shaped modern day thought and actions I would be very careful with the conclusions your marijuana induced spirituality takes you.

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   8. 59

      FREEMASON ONLINEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      BLESINGS MAXWELL
      IN OUR CULTURE WE PERCEIVE GANJA AS A HOLY SACRAMENT, MEDITATIONAL AID TO ASSIST AS ONE BEGINS THEIR JOURNEY WITHIN. I ONCE MENTIONED THAT STATEMENT WITHIN EARSHOT OF A SELF PROCLAIMED BIBLICAL SCHOLAR AND WAS 'REBUKED' FOR IT (LOL)
      BUT DID NOT THIS GOD HE SPEAKS SO HIGHLY OF CREATE ALL HERBS AND PLANT LIFE?
      
      IN THE WORDS OF MY PERSONAL HERO
      'MAKE LOVE NOT WAR,
      CAUSE WAR IS UGLY
      AND LOVE IS LOVELY' (BOB MARLEY)
      
      
      ONLY A MARIJUANA ADVOCATE CAN APPRECIATE THE SIMPLICITY OF A STATEMENT LIKE THAT!
      
      ONE LOVE
      
      MAXWELL

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   9. 59

      FREEMASON ONLINEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      BLESINGS MAXWELL
      IN OUR CULTURE WE PERCEIVE GANJA AS A HOLY SACRAMENT, MEDITATIONAL AID TO ASSIST AS ONE BEGINS THEIR JOURNEY WITHIN. I ONCE MENTIONED THAT STATEMENT WITHIN EARSHOT OF A SELF PROCLAIMED BIBLICAL SCHOLAR AND WAS 'REBUKED' FOR IT (LOL)
      BUT DID NOT THIS GOD HE SPEAKS SO HIGHLY OF CREATE ALL HERBS AND PLANT LIFE?
      
      IN THE WORDS OF MY PERSONAL HERO
      'MAKE LOVE NOT WAR,
      CAUSE WAR IS UGLY
      AND LOVE IS LOVELY' (BOB MARLEY)
      
      
      ONLY A MARIJUANA ADVOCATE CAN APPRECIATE THE SIMPLICITY OF A STATEMENT LIKE THAT!
      
      ONE LOVE
      
      MAXWELL

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   10. 63

       R.Edwardsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       If only the whole world thought the same...4-2-0.

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   11. 61

       thesecondadventposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       My Dear Sweet Friends,
       
       Our church distributes marijuana as a way to raise funds for church activity.  Here in Chicago, Ill, usa, we find too many people force and coerced into taking pharmaceutical medications.  The pharmceutical manufacturers art little less than pill pushers.  And, many of their drugs have too many negative side affects.  Some art even life-threatening.

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          Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I'll agree.

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2. 61

   maxwelljrposted 13 years ago

   Indeed, You make good points. I do not believe in the slightest that I have a dependance for marijuana, to advance my spiritual connectivity. However, that being said, I use what I need, when in need. I to believe that people need a positive character to see and hear, because the media just does not cut it. Any thoughts?

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3. 66

   perfumerposted 13 years ago

   Hi maxwelljr,
   
   Have you tried cannabis flower essence?
   
   Cannabis sativa flower essence:
   Cannabaceae, Hemp Family
   
   Body: Clears sinuses, relaxes and empties bowels; assists bone building, kundalini.
   
   Psyche: Clarifies issues of will and initiative in relation to authority figures. Brings playfulness and light-heartedness to being on the planet; "lighten up."
   
   Spirit: Useful for shamanic journeys, vision dreams, awareness around altered states; brings clarity and order to journeys between dimensions.

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   theageofcakeposted 13 years ago

   I am fascinated by drugs other than marijuana that open up spiritual pathways.  I've never liked the effect of cannabis on my psyche, it makes me feel more removed than I am comfortable being.  Granted, I've only done it socially - The experience might be much different (in a better way) had I done it alone.
   
   I am however interested in taking a drug like peyote, which, in Peruvian culture, is revered for its spiritual capabilities.

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      sneakorocksolidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Back in my lost youth I had the pleasure of throwing that up a couple of times.

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         theageofcakeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Yes, I've heard it can be very physically unpleasant, but ultimately rewarding.  Did you enjoy the trip overall?

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         mohitmisraposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             its called purging which is natural haven't tried it though

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   torimariposted 13 years ago

   I was both disturbed and found it funny when I read the first post...my friend who is a recovering addict of oxycotton was addicted largely because he felt more 'spiritual and enlightened.'
   
   Haha, if I need to drugs to bring about my 'spirituality' I rather be drug and spiritually-free.
   
   But, that's just me. :]

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      theageofcakeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I definitely agree with this.  Drugs should not be the source of one's spirituality, but I do think certain drugs can kind of reveal the mind to itself.  If you are a spiritual person who also happens to enjoy and understand the effects of drugs on your mind, it can be really profound.

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         torimariposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Haha, well I can't make much of an opinion on that since I have not had the chance to do this.
         My sibling did turn into a bowl of soup with some magic shrooms though...

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            theageofcakeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I've never tried the magic shrooms, though I hear resoundingly mixed accounts of its effects.
            
            Anyway I respect your position - its not for everyone.  If its something you're interested in, I highly recommend it.  Otherwise, don't bother, especially since the wrong frame of mind can mean an awful trip.

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               mohitmisraposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               LSD was the result of magic mushrooms. Researching psychedelic plants , cant remember who it was but some of the liquid from the shrooms dropped on his hands. He went home and started hallucinating . He went back to the lab studied the properties and then came out with acid or LSD.Forgot the chemical name, wrote a piece for an organization many years back as to the harmfulness of drugs
               
               It basically changes the liquid between your synapses (gaps between nerve cells).

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      sneakorocksolidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      You are 100% correct and I admire your strength. I don't know about enlightenment but in the 60s and 70s that just what we did. I guess we thought we were enlightened and deep we were just high. You should grow out of that but some don't thats the danger.

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         torimariposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Ahhh, thankies.

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         mohitmisraposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Well said

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   Sue Adamsposted 13 years ago

   Magic mushrooms jus for a good laugh - spirituality? Please define that for me.

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      mohitmisraposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The Shamans call it the flesh of the gods and the dance with the angels_ trip on magic mushrooms.

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   Pr0metheusposted 13 years ago

   I see no problem with experimenting.
   
   
   DMT peaks my interest - but just because everyone reports the same thing (and your body produces it when you die).
   
   Just don't make a habit out of it.

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      theageofcakeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Well put.

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      perfumerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      My question is why do the vast majority of psychedelic drug users do not gain any recognizable spiritual benefit?

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         Pr0metheusposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Because the vast majority of people who take psychedelic drugs take them to get fucked up, not to expand their spirituality, or their understanding of the universe.

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            earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            This may well be true unfortunately, but not all.

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               Jewelsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Ernest you may be the exception to the rule. But ask anyone who is a reformed drug addict and they will dismiss your words in a heartbeat.
               
               Marijuana is also a mind altering drug and it is known that it will eventually impede the attempts of a spiritual seeker to the heights they are seeking.
               
               Spirituality and high levels of consciousness are not determined by the brains function and it's interference by drugs, but are beyond it.

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            Jewelsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            totally agree with this.  I have a friend who was addicted to drugs for years.  I spoke to him about this very subject not long ago.  He wanted to get out of his mind also, and for a time he did have amazing experiences.  But as quickly as it happened, it quickly ended and never came back.  It all imploded in on him and it f*cked him up so badly.  Like any addict will tell you it's an alluring game that the mind gets hooked into.  But it's b*llshit.

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   My Friend Shiylohposted 13 years ago

   When one is consumed with Divine Love, one needs nothing more to consume.

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   Sue Adamsposted 13 years ago

   I love you too devinely, Shiyloh.

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10. 85

    earnestshubposted 13 years ago

    Talking about divine love, if you haven't tried MDMA you don't know what divine love is!

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    mandybeau1posted 13 years ago

    Well I doubt anyone with a sound mind could have a Spiritual adventure on "P"
    Nah dont need drugs not too spriritual either. Pass on Both.
    Brain cells last longer.
    Earnesthub what is the one you mention?????????????

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12. 85

    earnestshubposted 13 years ago

    MMDA Is "Ecstasy" or Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
    The love drug.

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13. 85

    earnestshubposted 13 years ago

    How did you come to believe that?
    Brain chemistry is involved in all mental processing, and altering it can certainly lead to spiritual benefit.

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       Jewelsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       But it will also become your downfall.

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    quietnessandtrustposted 13 years ago

    Sorcery

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       earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       If so, then food is sorcery!

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    perfumerposted 13 years ago

    There are many reasons why intoxicants are banned in authentic Buddhism. You can't meditate properly or be fully mindful when you're under the influence. Your concentration and awareness should be as sharp as a knife; if you're on drugs your senses and awareness will be completely warped. There were ascetics in Buddha's time- as there are today- that promote drugs to "explore your mind", but Buddhism would seem to say it's all illusory and unhelpful in order to reach enlightenment.

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       earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       This is patently wrong.
       Brain chemistry changes with food and environment, and the drugs you are so against are already a part of your body from birth!
       
       Modern life creates a lot of stress, balancing of brain chemistry brings sanity, sharpness of mind and better access to empathy. All good things.
       If you front up for medical treatment for anything, what do you call what you are given? Not drugs?
       All the MAO and SSRI drugs that are prescribed alter consciousness, they are not as effective as any of this family of chemicals though.
       They are known as Phenethylamines.
       You can know about them from their source here:- http://www.erowid.org/library/books_onl … hkal.shtml

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    perfumerposted 13 years ago

    Self medication?

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       earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       With knowledge yes.
       Who knows my body better than I do?
       
       I have an open mind, I can decide what is good for me with my own moral radar, I certainly do not just buy the beliefs sold by drug peddling doctors.
       No money to be made out of well people!
       Look in to the habits of the rich and famous. Many take "nootropics" to keep them young, an MAOB to slow cell death etc etc.
       So much of life is wasted with poor brain chemistry. Ask your doctor, and if he doesn't know. sack him!

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    Tom Cornettposted 13 years ago

    I use to get stoned and pray there was something good to eat in the refrigerator...wow it is spiritual! 

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       earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       ... and if last weeks porridge looks like a feast, you know you got the dose right!

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          Tom Cornettposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Oh yeah...ate some bad ham once...just fired up another one and had a conversation with Elvis! 

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             earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Ya can't go past food poisoning for a good trip!

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                Tom Cornettposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                So true...Elvis said that death sucked....God makes him sing to Christians that burned rock records...but the doughnuts kick ass! 

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                   earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   Yep the king gets around. He was spotted the other day again in Australia.

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    Jewelsposted 13 years ago

    Here is a testimonial from a recovering drug addict:
    
    "In short, I have had massive experiences of consciousness, primarily by way of L S D back in the 1970's.
    
    I was a teenager, had access to pharmaceutical grade stuff, and had not only a desire for high states of consciousness, I had an ability to attain them (structure).
    
    So, there were only between 10 and 20 major and minor experiences. after that, I could not access those states again, the doors just shut. THEY ALWAYS DO.
    
    that is the thing with drugs. you get a window, then it closes. either a trick or likely just the nature of consciousness itself.
    
    After taking copious amounts of MDMA (again pharmaceutical grade) in the 80's i started having full on OOB experiences and travels through the what seemed like physical spheres. it was amazing.
    
    again, they lasted for about a month, never to return.
    
    the thing, in the long run, i got from those experiences was that consciousness is fluid and things aren't what they seem. the problem was is that i thought drugs were the way. They aren't., in the long run. ANYONE who did drugs for any length of time will say the effect wears off, only leaving you wanting more.
    
    The only thing you can tell someone in that phase is, "when the drugs stop working, i hope you have the Will to get off them"
    
    **********
    
    I've heard spiritual masters talk about similar things re drugs and spirituality.  They have even been used by some spiritual teachers to have those same experiences as mentioned above.  And they gave the same response as this former drug addict.
    
    The reason I asked my friend about his experiences, was because I could not explain the differences between my experiences of higher states of consciousness done via meditation and spiritual practices, and those experienced by drug addicts.  Because I've only had one experience via marijuana and didn't pursue an interest in drugs, I didn't feel an authority to speak about the differences.
    
    I would never advocate the taking of drugs of any kind for the purpose of seeking spiritual experiences.   Pain relief of the physical condition is another matter. 
    
    But don't kid yourself on the mind altering states of consciousness and expect enlightenment in return.

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    earnestshubposted 13 years ago

    All conscious states of mind are governed by brain chemistry. If it is out of whack. Depression and other mental illness are the result.
    I have lost friends to drugs. Prescription and so called recreational.
    The addiction to drugs is also governed by brain chemistry.
    Some nootropics and foods make major changes to brain chemistry, as does exercise, which is also addictive.
    
    Too much emotion about drugs, not enough knowledgeable unprejudiced information. 

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       Jewelsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       No they are not Ernest.  Chemistry of the brain is determined by the consciousness state and the better that is the better the chemical reactions in the brain.  It's the other way around.
       
       This is what I'm passing re mapping of consciousness.  If you get to a point where you can see consciousness as being not of the body but beyond it, you see differently and you are effected differently.  The hub here is in regard to Marijuana (or drugs) and spirituality). 
       
       If you like you can split brain chemistry into sections diet and brain chemistry, drugs and brain chemistry, emotions and brain chemistry, sex and brain chemistry etc. etc.  But if you are putting spirituality and the brain in the mix, you have to talk consciousness as a separate thing to the brain, which it is.  Conciousness - thoughts and emotions impact on the brain. The brain is the organ through which these impulses are cognized and acted upon by our physiology.  Brain chemistry is part of our physiology, consciousness is not a derivative of the human body.

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20. 85

    earnestshubposted 13 years ago

    Take 80mg of MMDA and then tell me that!
    A prolonged low mental state does contribute to problems accessing seratonin. that is fact, but causes of depression and other mental illness are manifold.
    There are hundreds of illnesses that result in a loss of brain chemistry too.
    
    If neurons are not firing because of a lack of transmission, no state of consciousness will be available to help.
    
    The only tools medicine is using currently are MAO's or SSRI's to return thought patterns to normal. They also kill a lot of people!
    
    
    Access to "self" using other drugs has cut 6 year therapy to as little as 6 months, and saved many lives.
    Evidently "god" thought Cannabinol delta9 was OK too, having provided us with it's own neural pathway.

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       Jewelsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Why would I take a drug when I can do it without?  This is the point that's missing in your argument Ernest.  Though I'm not going to get into an argument about it.  We all make choices and each has their reasons.

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    Mishaposted 13 years ago

    Now you people (Julie and Ernest) are becoming interesting.
    
    *grabs some ice-cream and irish cream and makes himself comfortable*

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       Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I agree Misha!
       
       *takes glaucoma medication and grabs frozen snickers*

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          Tom Cornettposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Tossing hot dog in trash...going for chips and tea!

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          cosetteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          *takes glaucoma medication and grabs frozen snickers*
          
          omgsh that is a riot!

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             earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Love that glaucoma medicine!

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             Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Not kidding about the glaucoma, it's hereditary.  I have a choice of buying eyedrops at $70.00 per micro bottle (with insurance)two different bottles per month or smoking free pot.  Decisions, decisions!

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                earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                That really is a no brainer!

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                cosetteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                oh i meant that bad-a$$ smiley
                
                sorry about your glaucoma.

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                   Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   Oh, I know what you meant Cosette!
                   
                   I'm not as sensitive as some on here.  This is what my eyes look like before my medication.
                   
                   And this is what they look like after smoking....er taking my medication.

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                      earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      Randy, do you think you could have avoided glaucoma if you started taking MJ, say in food as a kid? I can picture that!

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                         Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                         I may have, Earnest.  I always felt kinda "fried" after eating my aunts fudge brownies.

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                            earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                            Ya gotta love that egg! Whoever came up with that needs a round of applause!

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                      cosetteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      haha those smileys!!! luv them....

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       Jewelsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Is that Baileys Irish Cream?  Could I have a glass?  It's my favorite.

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    sneakorocksolidposted 13 years ago

    Many, many years ago I was at the Milky Way and I almost had a homosexual experience. This english bloke was giving out shotguns on a very small pipe and I thought we touched lips, totally freaked me out so I went and watched some people dancing.

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       Colebabieposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Aww sneako, join the other thread

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    earnestshubposted 13 years ago

    SSRI's (selective seratonin uptake inhibitors, and MAOI's of type A (monoamine oxydase inhibitors include all the big name antidepressants.
    They have many of the same problems and risk as each other, and newer tests point to them even being counter productive.
    The do something similar to MMDA, but take 5 weeks or so to start working. The effect is nothing like MMDA, but the mechanism remains primarily the same.
    Give the brain access to its momoamine neural transmission.
    No 5 weeks wait with marijuana or E!
    I believe the experience of taking MDMA is a life changing one.

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       Pr0metheusposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Can't argue with that, but I think most people that try it once don't have the discipline to stay away (or do it on such a rare occasion that it does not lose its effect).  I've seen way to many kids (by my standards... 18 and 19 year olds) get addicted to MDMA, taking it upwards of 15 times in a year.  Not only do they lose the original effect of the drug, but they lose a lot of their brain capacity too.  It's pretty sad.  E-tards are no fun.

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          earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          MDMA is non addictive. it does minimal or no brain damage.
          Show me medical evidence otherwise. The stories about drugs are mostly like the religious stories, total bunkum based on illogical fear.
          Stories like the one in the press that is still accepted as fact today like River Phoenix's O/D on Gama Hydoxy Butole.
          
          His autopsy showed no more GBA than any of us have in our bodies now.
          the fanatics then changed it's name to GBH (great bodily harm) no problem lying and changing it's name. There are witch hunts on for those selling this "deadly" drug.
          GHB is probably one of the quickest and cleanest drugs I know of. It is a much better antidepressant than any of the prescription drugs available today, especially with severe cases.
          Like anything else in the world of chemicals and foods, some do not mix, and GHB with alcohol is dangerous.
          
          Instead of teaching kids a pack of lies, why not tell them the truth about drugs.
          It is my belief that no one should take anything they know little about, and that means prescription drugs and yes, even food.

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          earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          And they are not taking MDMA either!
          Run a test on street MDMA, I have.
          No sign of anything pure for 6 years now! It is all cut with speed. The kids do not like real MDMA, with a half life of 90 minutes, the "new" MDMA keeps em boppin all night!

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             Pr0metheusposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             True, but it is very very hard to find pure MDMA.

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    perfumerposted 13 years ago

    Do you deny the possibility of consciousness existing apart from the biological brain?

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    wyanjenposted 13 years ago

    Labeling on SSRI's & the like  only states what doctors THINK is happening in your brain when you take them. They are just frickin' guessing. Take enough of this garbage & you will find your spirituality is affected the same way any substance would affect it. Your consciousness and perception are a result of your brain chemistry.
    
    I agree with Pr0metheus about having discipline. It's a shame though that we can't really explore other uses for glaucoma medicine. It's a hell of a lot cheaper and a hell of a lot SAFER than what doctors are feeding some of us. (And may I add completely effective.) It's just not always safer to get...

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       earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       It is illegal in Australia too. The thing is the police won't enforce it where I live.

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          Pr0metheusposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Where in Australia are you?  I'm flying over there to Sydney, Melbourne and Bright for the last two weeks of November!  (I can't wait!!)
          
          Edit: Just read your profile :-P.  Melbourne too!  Cool!

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    hinckles komaposted 13 years ago

    warning!!
    smoking weed before sex can cause severe orgasm.
    
    Caution!!!
    smoking weed and operating a remote control while watching news can lead to severe depression.
    
    Be Careful!!
    
    smoking weed before food can lead to serious increase in appetite and taste ability.
    
    lol
    
    

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    Lisa HWposted 13 years ago

    It doesn't make sense to me that if spirits were able to get in touch with us there would have to some kind of chemical alteration of our brains to make it easier.  To me, if it were possible for them to contact us; and if any were trying to do that; I would imagine we would be equipped with the ability to receive such information/messages without anything but what we're born with.
    
    As far as being led by other goes, I think it's ideal when people are strong-minded, independent, thinkers who set out to find their own way - and who eventually reach a sense of peace at believing they've found it as much as any living person can.

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    habeeposted 13 years ago

    And sometimes Randy is nice enough to share his glaucoma medications with others!
    
    Earnest, I've never tried Ecstacy, but friends have. They had scary experiences. Could they have done too much? Or maybe gotten hold of some bad stuff?

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       earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Bad stuff I would say. It is hard to get anywhere now, the market does not want it you see, and the prime constituent is not easy to procure and any quantity if detected means serious jail time, so it is much easier to substitute other common and cheap substances.
       Rule one is never ever buy without a test kit.
       Rule two.
       If it is real it works almost always on almost everyone and is the nicest, fastest mind expansion you are likely to experience.
       it does weaken with constant use, but only a little and not always.
       Even the 20 year olds I know... (about 90 of them in my son's sports club, that I have seen most grow up)do not know enough about current drugs to use them safely.
       The ones who listen I send to the good drug guide.
       There are tricks to avoid any comedown. (called the 48 hour syndrome)
       Because of the intensity of the experience the first time, perception is changed. Because perception is changed, so does experience.
       MMA is not an "out of body" experience, it is a simple change in brain chemistry which allows more and better access to the part of our conscious that is about self love. The love remains after the experience as understanding.

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    earnestshubposted 13 years ago

    I had an experience of mind once through a motivational course that a friend in Australia was selling. My business was on auto-pilot at the time, so when he offered to pay for my course, I decided to put in the required 3 day live in course.
    
    People were encouraged to tell their stories, the trainers hyped everything done or said, and as usual with these courses people did get motivated at least for a while.
    I came out feeling great about myself and opened another branch of my business.
    Others got a bit over stimulated!
    A participants came out of the course believing that he was the king of England, another was certain he was Jesus Christ!
    
    It scared the daylights out of the owners of the course and they shut it down soon after!
    Who was it that said "anything the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve?"
    I would say the mind has all the elements required to believe anything, no matter how outrageous once the ego is firmly in charge!

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    habeeposted 13 years ago

    oops - should be ecstasy, not ecstacy. I'm half asleep!

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    habeeposted 13 years ago

    Okay, thanks. That explains it.

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    Lee Booleanposted 13 years ago

    Now this is a strange topic for a hub... I would think that any kind of doping would increase the spiritual experience. I live in Germany, about half an hour from the Netherlands where of course the weed is legal. Being a worldly kind of guy, I of course participate in local cultures and I must admit, sitting in a coffee shop in Amsterdam I never felt closer to god... for once in my life I knew exactly how Moses felt in front of that burning bush, although thankfully the bush did not give me any real instructions except for "go ye forth and find ye something to eat"

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       earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       
       
       The last E factories are gone from that region yes?

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          Lee Booleanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          E factories? I would not know, have never really bothered looking for any... but where there's a market there's always a fab

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    earnestshubposted 13 years ago

    Where in Australia are you?  I'm flying over there to Sydney, Melbourne and Bright for the last two weeks of November!  (I can't wait!!)
    
    Edit: Just read your profile :-P.  Melbourne too!  Cool!
    Melbourne will probably be cool to cold. I hope you have a great time, and feel sure you will.Keep in touch.

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    perfumerposted 13 years ago

    Long-term adverse effects of using MDMA:
    
    Research on possible long-term adverse effects of MDMA has mainly focused on two areas. The first area is possible serotonergic neurotoxicity. The second area is psychiatric and behavioral problems that might result from MDMA use. These possible adverse effects may be independent. Studies finding serotonergic changes do not always find cognitive-behavioral changes and studies finding cognitive-behavioral changes do not always find serotonergic changes.
    
    In addition to these main areas of research, there have been a number of animal studies suggesting MDMA can cause other possible neurological changes, including apoptosis, non-serotonergic neurotoxicity in the somatosensory cortex, and increased expression and altered processing of amyloid precursor protein.

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       earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I have seen these assertions before. Show me the tests!

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    perfumerposted 13 years ago

    Earnestshub, are you familiar with a drug called digital drug?

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       earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, and there are changes that take place chemically with sensory input of this type. There are hundreds of them by the way, but so far all the ones I have seen require a lot more research.

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          perfumerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Is that why digital drugs can cause seizure?

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             earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Yes, the ones I call the tin hat brigade, or some of the weird ones can cause unwanted mental effects in some people.

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                Pr0metheusposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                What are digital drugs?

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                   earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   All sort of them. usually audio or audio visual. Sound and vision, electronic or electrical pulses, and yes special aluminum hats for some!.

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    philip carey 61posted 13 years ago

    Various substances, reverently used, can be vehicles to a deeper understanding. That has been my personal experience. The Rastafaria believe this, and use Cannabis in a religious context.

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       mohitmisraposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Not only the Rastafarians but some  Indian sages are also known to smoke cannabis or marijuana.
       We have a god Shiva who supposedly smoked and meditated a lot.

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          Lee Booleanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Is Shiva the one with the many arms? would be quite practical for rolling the next one while enjoying the present...

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    perfumerposted 13 years ago

    Indian hemp is not as strong as what we know here as marijuana

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    rcisophieposted 13 years ago

    I didn't saw all answers here, but the ones I did were forgeting something.
    
    We that don't belong to any cultural tradition in which the use of substances was part of it always forget some details.
    The use of mushrooms, hemp, or ayahuasca as a way of opening our mind to other possibilities, to get in contact with some form of spirituality are part of a ritual.
    The ritual is the most important of it, because it offers the guidance and the sugestion.
    And there are today plenty of traditions maintaining the ritual.
    So ... the result of just taking the substance siting in the sofa is completly different from taking it in the ritual.
    my point is... if anyone whants to use external ways like substances in some spiritual path... there are ways of doing it that are not about being stoned.
    As for me... I think that if you are really interest (and believe) in developing your path in exploring your own spirituality there are ways as meditation and yoga, that also provokes organic (chimical) changes in body and of course in mind.

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    habeeposted 13 years ago

    I think cannabis should be given to all patients in nursing homes - especially to the ones who have been largely forgotten by their families. Why not let their last days be happy?

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       Lee Booleanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I think you just solved the pension crisis! although can you imagine the old fogies getting the munchies and forgetting where they left the teeth?

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    habeeposted 13 years ago

    Well, Lee, they could always have ice cream, pudding, and applesauce!

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       Lee Booleanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       count me in!!! but then of course we should give the old folks a bong, rolling with arthritis is quite difficult

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    Sterling Sageposted 13 years ago

    Can a drug enhance one's spiritual development? Of course it can!
    
    Any new experience, especially one that makes one feel better or worse emotionally, will leave its mark on us. The way we choose to view the experience afterwards is important, too.
    
    Different isn't always better, but I think it's generally good to expand our base of experience when we can do it safely. Opinions on the spiritual influences of cannabis vary a lot, but the down side to examining its potential is pretty small.
    
    In my own life, cannabis has sometimes helped me to see more clearly and sometimes made things murkier. I don't use it primarily for spiritual reasons, though; for me, the main benefit is pain control and the rest are side effects. I will say that these mental effects--at their worst--are more acceptable to me than the side effects of marijuana's prescription alternatives.

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    habeeposted 13 years ago

    Aw, c'mon', RD. Your eyes ALWAYS look like the first eye! Probably all that farm dust...

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       Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Dammit,I said I had glaucoma Holle! 
       you know how sensitive I am.

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    Kaabiposted 13 years ago

    I have not really used cannabis for spiritual purposes, as I'm not really spiritual, but I smoke it a lot for fun and it truly is great.  Can definitely increase connectivity with those and nature around you.  If you are spiritual, it will make you feel even more connected.  I had a somewhat spiritual experience with psilocybin mushrooms, but it wasn't very good and it made me depressed the next day.  But then again I was kind of stupid back then, I really want to do those again. 
    
    Cannabis is the best drug out there!  It doesn't hurt you and makes you feel real good.  What could be better?

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       earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       A bit of depression is not unusual after psilly cybin. The down time is good and contemplative for spiritual seekers though.

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    maxwelljrposted 13 years ago

    I am overwhelmed by the responses to this forum, thanks to all who have participated. I like to see the vast culture and differentiating opinions. I suppose I was making it blatantly obvious that I use marijuana and marijuana alone to enhance my spirituality, but let me say that is not the case. It is one of the many doorways, if you will, in pursuit of opening my mind, and helping me to better myself, by understanding myself. It would be an understatement to say that I was a little more than confused about the world and reality in which I exist. So, I use whatever is at my disposal to help me better grasp the world around me. I hope this discussion continues?
    -Danny

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    Ghost32posted 13 years ago

    I don't use and never have, but my viewpoint has definitely shifted some.
    
    Years back, I was absolutely against marijuana except for relief of pain in terminal medical cases.  I based this largely on having seen samples of Kirlian photography comparing people's auras before and after smoking.  After, the normally even, "Bunsen burner blue" protective aura was gone, with a ragged "aura-scape" remaining that looked like a burned-out sun with occasional ragged, violent, reddish sunspot type flares. 
    
    Of course, it's quite possible that "opening" yourself in such a forceful (?) manner has given you benefits and/or awareness you'd not have otherwise achieved; who am I to say?  But that's not why the paradigm shift.
    
    I have a stepson in his midtwenties who does use.  Not excessively (not any more--he actually "outgrew" that) but to get to sleep.  He has ADHD (as does his mother--who cannot use mj due to an extreme allergy to the stuff) and literally cannot shut his mind down without external help in the form of cannabis.  He does not drink--he's allergic to alcohol--but he does suffer from insomnia without marijuana.
    
    While I don't ever expect to use personally (and I am definitely committed to ongoing spiritual growth), I have come to realize that it is not for me to judge, even at a subtle level:  What is right for one may not be right for the next. 
    
    Thus: To each his own.

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    maxwelljrposted 13 years ago

    Ah! What a great way to sum that up! I've got what many psychologists lovingly refer to as bi-polar, and cpd, or complex personality disorder. BUT! who doesn't have a complex personality? Anyway, when you were talking about ADHD, I completely understand why he used. I find it intriguing when you talk about marijuana negatively effecting ones aura. I am interested and will now look into this type of photography you speak of. I find that when I smoke, I usually feel a bit more content and protected, mainly from negative evil thoughts and emotions. But, like you say, different strokes for different folks.

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    R.Edwardsposted 13 years ago

    The fact that marijuana is viewed in a negative light highlights one of mankind's biggest flaws, corrupting what was naturally intended for good.
    
    Hmmph, what more would you expect from us...only in a world like this! Smh.

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    thaninjaposted 13 years ago

    I think marijuana can open the doors of perception when used responsibly.   There is a spiritual aspect to it.   You can get there with meditation and a lot of hard work too.

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       maxwelljrposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Couldn't agree with you more.

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    Jonathan Jancoposted 13 years ago

    It has been put to us by the scientific and religious communities (in part, at least) that flooding your brain with beta waves inspires critical thinking and creativity. The easiest way to flood your brain with beta waves is to ingest cannibis. Alternatively, flooding your brain with alpha waves inspires superficiality and materialism. The easiest way to flood your brain with alpha waves is to use your cell phone.

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       R.Edwardsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       ...interesting.

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       maxwelljrposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       haha.
       I lol'ed.
       So true!

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    sneakorocksolidposted 13 years ago

    I'm still waiting on my samples to evaluate, then I'll decide if it's spritual or not. It better be good if you want my vote!

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       maxwelljrposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I don't feel comfortable sending samples via the mail..
       Sorry!
       lol

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          earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Here, have a toke on this!

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             maxwelljrposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Why, thank you!

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                earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                Maxwelljn wake up, 17 hours have past and you have been in a coma since that last toke!

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