Why are pot smokers so smart?

[TPot]

Seriously. For the most part, weed smokers are really smart, yet we have such a stupid stereotype. Why do you think this is? Why do people judge us as stupid, and why do so many smart people smoke weed?

I have my own answers, just want to know yours.

[Markass]

because what they say about marijuana is wrong...

I find it very interesting to read and learn about things....

[ProGroWannabe]

My theory....its not that pot-smokers are so much smarter than the populous as a whole....it's that smart people understand the value of smoking pot! Therefore you get smart smokers:D.

As far as the stereotype, I think that probably started from government propaganda years and years ago. "Smoking drugs kills brain cells"...or remember this one..."this is your brain, now this is your brain on drugs, any questions?"---that kinda shit. Oh well there's my two cents.

[RhinoGrowUK]

I agree dudes , when i was in amsterdam , i asked a shop owner who actually would buy a £900(us-$1839) glass bong that id seen in there. She said that she knew of all sorts of government, police and political figures buying smoking gear, people you wouldnt expect to even be in that area let alone smoke the Ganj !

It just shows the ignorance of some people !

[beachguy in thongs]

Because they've found out that chronic use creates brain-cell proliferation.

[RhinoGrowUK]

They *believe* it does , we have seen no evidence on a large enough scale to declare that they have "found out" , thats my 2 quids !

[Land of Drought]

Propaganda is a powerful Thing to combat against.............

Plus toking increses Brain cells have you not Heard? ,,,lolol Time to start some posative Propaganda of our Own..

Drought

[beachguy in thongs]

J Clin Invest. 2005 Nov;115(11):3104-16. Epub 2005 Oct 13.
Cannabinoids promote embryonic and adult hippocampus neurogenesis and produce anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects.
Jiang W, Zhang Y, Xiao L, Van Cleemput J, Ji SP, Bai G, Zhang X.

Neuropsychiatry Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

The hippocampal dentate gyrus in the adult mammalian brain contains neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) capable of generating new neurons, i.e., neurogenesis. Most drugs of abuse examined to date decrease adult hippocampal neurogenesis, but the effects of cannabis (marijuana or cannabinoids) on hippocampal neurogenesis remain unknown. This study aimed at investigating the potential regulatory capacity of the potent synthetic cannabinoid HU210 on hippocampal neurogenesis and its possible correlation with behavioral change. We show that both embryonic and adult rat hippocampal NS/PCs are immunoreactive for CB1 cannabinoid receptors, indicating that cannabinoids could act on CB1 receptors to regulate neurogenesis. This hypothesis is supported by further findings that HU210 promotes proliferation, but not differentiation, of cultured embryonic hippocampal NS/PCs likely via a sequential activation of CB1 receptors, G(i/o) proteins, and ERK signaling. Chronic, but not acute, HU210 treatment promoted neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of adult rats and exerted anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects. X-irradiation of the hippocampus blocked both the neurogenic and behavioral effects of chronic HU210 treatment, suggesting that chronic HU210 treatment produces anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects likely via promotion of hippocampal neurogenesis.

Sorry, if you don't believe in rat studies.


These findings are consistent with recent literature suggesting that cannabis use is not associated with structural changes within the brain as a whole or the hippocampus in particular.
Am J Addict. 2005 Jan-Feb;14(1):64-72.

But, this is interesting.


Chronic exposure to Cannabis sativa (marijuana) produced a significant down-regulation of cannabinoid receptor in the postmortem human brain.

The density of cannabinoid receptor 1 mRNA-positive neurons was significantly lower in Cannabis sativa users than in control brains for the caudate nucleus, putamen, accumbens nucleus and hippocampal region (CA1-CA4, areas of Ammon's horn). No hybridization was seen in the mesencephalon and globus pallidus.

Neuroscience. 2007 Mar 2;145(1):323-34. Epub 2007 Jan 10.


Some more interesting reading.


Drug abusers present significant alterations in extensive areas of the cortex (especially in the frontal and temporal cortex), subcortex (amygdala, hippocampus and insular cortex) and basal regions (striatum). These alterations are associated with abnormal patterns of activation during cognitive memory tasks, inhibition and decision-making. Cocaine abusers present more pronounced and generalised alterations in the brain. By combining neuropsychological and neuroimaging findings is has been shown that the motivational, memory and executive control processes can play a key role in rehabilitating drug addicts.
Rev Neurol. 2007 Apr 1-15;44(7):432-9.

[stinkyattic]

Simple.
The stereotype continues to exist because of a perceived social stigma against smoking weed that prevents the more successful/professional/ambitious stoners among us from being open about our cannabis use.
If those of us who did not fit the 'stupid smoker' stereotype could make a point of being more candid about our own smoking, thus bringing marijuana use by professionals into the mainstream consciousness, that stereotype would be disproved and fade into the past.

[ProGroWannabe]

Very good points. Nice read too beach guy. Thanks!

[Jah420]

The theory on brain cell proliferation is interesting but kinda out there.. I think the reason stoners are generally smart is because we are the ones that see past the propaganda bullshit that everyone else sucks up. The stereotypical stoner I can only think is a byproduct of the media's relentless cannabis hate campaign.

[ukmonkey]

because every intelligent pot smokers know it's an illegal (and carrer ruining if ever discoved) habit and keep their mouths shut about their habit. Whilst all the stupid, goofy, good for nothing, pothead, layabouts wear it as a badge of honour beacuse they have nothing else going for them.

[geonagual]

eye niver can undirstend wy the thenk we r dumm, whin whe ar accttualy viry smert:)

[Chronisseur]

Doood, r u stopid! I'm soooo hi and i stil no ho 2 spill "viry" DUHHH itz 'VARY (smert)':D

[Zonyc]

that study linked above uses a synthetic cannaboid, which is ~100x more potent the the most potent bud, so im sure, that while the results are indeed accurate, the effect of naturally occuring cannaboids will have a slightly different (less) effect on the proliferation of brain cells as a whole.

Edit: The synthetic cannaboid is at least 100x more potent, and up to 800x more potent, that would certianlly present some skewed results in compraision to non-synthetic cannaboids.

[Reefer Rogue]

Because cannabis covers a large field of knowledge. There's spirituality, econonmy, maths, legality, chemistry, biology, herbology, history etc.

We are the chosen people who seeked to find the truth behind the lies of the authority. That is why we are intelligent.

[EbelEyes]

Although I will agree that there are a decent amount of smart people who smoke, there are a lot of fucking idiots who smoke as well.

[psychocat]

I don't believe tokers are smarter than non tokers.
I have met just as many stupid stoners as I have stupid non tokers (percentage wise) and just as many smart non tokers as smart ganja fans.

[beachguy in thongs]

that study linked above uses a synthetic cannaboid, which is ~100x more potent the the most potent bud, so im sure, that while the results are indeed accurate, the effect of naturally occuring cannaboids will have a slightly different (less) effect on the proliferation of brain cells as a whole.

Edit: The synthetic cannaboid is at least 100x more potent, and up to 800x more potent, that would certianlly present some skewed results in compraision to non-synthetic cannaboids.

That's good!

At least, they've proven that it does the opposite of the other drugs, it was outlawed with.

[Zonyc]

At least, they've proven that it does the opposite of the other drugs, it was outlawed with.


Exactly, but propoganda and faux governments are hard to beat with so called "flower power" lol.

[cannabis campbell]

Well, you could ask the question how come people who dont smoke weed are so smart!? couldn't you?

[beachguy in thongs]

Even if you smoked once, and, didn't like it, at least you average in the positive range (times in a lifetime) for pot smoking, so I think that only people who've been stuck on pills, their whole lives, haven't tried cannabis.

Well, maybe not their entire lives. My father has never tried it. I'd offer it to him, but, they have him on heart pills, now.

[dragonrider]

I don't think people who smoke are any smarter than people who don't, or vice versa.

I think smoking can lead to deep thinking because it tends to make you more introspective, and it can give you a sense of wonder that makes you want to think about things. Sometimes it makes me feel very smart. But smoking can definitely impair your memory. I tend to want to think about things when I am high, and sometimes I can get some great ideas. But sometimes I can't even remember my great idea 30 seconds after I had it, so that is not really all that smart. Sometimes I can't read a book when high because I can't remember the begining of a paragraph by the time I get to the end, and that's not smart. Or I'll get so distracted my my own thoughts spinning out of control, that I can't follow the train of thought that someone else has written. And I have definitely done some stupid things when I was high that I would not have done when not high.

So it's hard to say what the effect really is. It makes you want to think and gives you new ideas, but memory and focus can be a problem.

One thing's for sure, some of the smartest people I have ever known smoke, and some of the dumbest as well.

[LIP]

We're Superior.

[Stoney Toney]

Because cannabis covers a large field of knowledge. There's spirituality, econonmy, maths, legality, chemistry, biology, herbology, history etc.

We are the chosen people who seeked to find the truth behind the lies of the authority. That is why we are intelligent.
well said.
if anybody who lives in the states who likes george carlin and wants to see a movie that might change your perspective of the government check out zeitgeistthemovie. I don't beleive the 9/11 stuff but I have to ? JFK's assasination. Its two hours long the but the second hour is the best. If your religous don't watch it, but then I woulddoubt u like george carlin either. stay :stoned:

[Storm Crow]

First off, all the really dumb stoners are in jail! :(

That left a "gene pool" of somewhat smarter toking people. Cannabis use spreads like a contagion. You tend to "turn on" friends and relatives. :thumbsup: People in a smart person's "group" include relatives, who, being genetically related to the person, have a better chance of being intelligent, and their friends, who would have a tendency of also being intelligent.

Cannabis smokers also tend to be open minded and able to deal with new ideas. I look at cannabis as a "mind lubricant"- I make novel connections in my mind when "stoned out of my little gourd".:stoned: My profs LOVED my papers when I was in college- I wrote most of them stoned!

Plus, as it was already brought up, the production of decent cannabis involves math, chemistry, botany, biology and more! Cannabis doesn't let your mind grow lazy (the body may be a different story if you got a good couch-lock indica!).

And the same "mind lubricant" effect brings out the creativity in many of us. I paint, sculpt, quilt, and design lesson plans for my special ed kids. I made most of my paraphernalia- pipes, mostly.

Yes, I believe that pot smokers are a bit above average when it comes to IQ and creativity. - Granny:hippy:

[suhl]

you cant base things off of your experiences alone. believe me, a lot of dumb people smoke. i have encountered a few. it isnt because they smoke, just like people arent smart. hell just look at half the threads on this site if you think the vast majority of smokers are smart. just dont generalize, and dont base things off personal experience alone. man there are a lot of dummies smoking. they think it is cool

[jsn9333]

Weed smokers are not smart. Weed smokers neither are dumb. They're of average intelligence. At least that is the result of the only statistical studies I've seen on the subject. You're life experience may be different; but the only statistical or semi-scientific studies I've seen concluded that pot-smoking rates seemed to stay relatively constant among race, income, and in fact education. If you're saying "smart" means something other then educated you would have a hard time proving that in any tangible way that is convincing to others.

I mean, in that case what are you saying, that pot smokers have more common sense then most? That they tend to be better at jeopardy? Or is it that they have more education? As a student at a top tier law school I can tell you personally I've seen no rise in the percentage of students who smoke pot as I've progressed through high school, college, and post-grad school. If anything I've seen a decline... especially after high school. That's only education though. If you define smart as common sense then all I can say is my smoker friends haven't been any more gifted in that area then my non-smoker friends. Who am I to judge common sense though... I'm just one person.


Seriously. For the most part, weed smokers are really smart, yet we have such a stupid stereotype. Why do you think this is? Why do people judge us as stupid, and why do so many smart people smoke weed?

I have my own answers, just want to know yours.

[angry nomad]

Simple.
The stereotype continues to exist because of a perceived social stigma against smoking weed that prevents the more successful/professional/ambitious stoners among us from being open about our cannabis use.
If those of us who did not fit the 'stupid smoker' stereotype could make a point of being more candid about our own smoking, thus bringing marijuana use by professionals into the mainstream consciousness, that stereotype would be disproved and fade into the past.

I agree.

If all the professionals who smoke pot, all the doctors, lawyers, professors, politicians, corporate executives, and celebrities all came out of the closet at once, it would pretty much be instantly legalized. But, most of them do not want to put their careers on the line for something they consider a recreational past time, plus, many of them don't care that poor and lower middle class pot smokers are the ones more likely to get busted for weed.

Think about it. If you live in a tiny house, with the fence between you and your neighbor's house four feet away from your window, they probably can smell it when you smoke. Hopefully they don't rat on you.

If you live in a tiny studio apartment, it is a possibility that cops knocking on your door because of a loud party may see a bong sitting on your coffee table in plain view, which gives them probable cause to search your house.



Now imagine yourself living in a big two story house. Cops knocking on your front door are just going to see a staircase.

Now imagine that same house in the woods on 50 acres, with a half mile long driveway. No one is going to smell shit.

Now imagine your live in a gated community where cops need to get permission just to drive around it.

Think about buying it when you are poor. You buy in small amounts, frequently. You may have to drive awhile to get it. Or, it may be all around you. But, transporting weed is always sketchy. You will probably make transactions in a public area at some point.

Now, imagine your are filthy rich. You can pay people to deliver pounds of the best stuff to you. You never have to leave your house.

Imagine you got busted for weed. I just did. One lawyer never returned my calls. One passed the buck to another who did the same. The fourth lawyer finally talked to me. I had to pay a $2500 retainer fee. Fortunately my wife and I are good savers. But, if we were rich, I would've told my lawyer to find me the best criminal defense drug lawyer in the state of Maine, and the legal fees wouldn't even bother me.

The War on Drugs is a war on the poor and middle class.

We have to pattern ourselves after the gay rights movement.

I think in 10 or 15 years, weed will be generally decriminalized, and there will be areas of true legalization, like with gay marriage. I think those in the media are doing good to make people realize that pot is not a big deal. Family Guy is a total pothead show. Homer Simpson smoked weed. Montel Williams came out of the green closet. Mike Gravel and Barack Obama have admitted to drug use.

And thank God for California!