It's sounds like a lot of people here don't like to take the initiative and step up to the plate. They'd rather back away and turn the blame on the opposition.

I was always friends with everyone through school. Freshman year in high school, I was in a few advanced classes, so I got to know some 'really smart, do the right thing' thing kids and was cool with them. I was like them at the time. Summer going into Sophomore year I started puffing herb with my best friend from elementary (one of the smartest kids I know, but didn't give a shit about school too much)...along with a bunch of others I've known.

Then sophomore year, some of the 'really smart, do the right thing' kids in a few classes would give a couple jabs about the weed...I would just give a forceful right hand back (metaphorically). To let 'em know...I happen to puff a bit now, so what. 'Why you such a bitch, scared of a fucking plant dude? Come on give it a shot"...that's when they would back away. We were still cool in class, it was more of a subtle battle about the buda. These kids never drank or anything all the way through high school.

But, as everyone else slowly started smoking and drinking and partying, the jabs would not come (not that I gave a fuck anyway, I found it funny)...by Senior year, I still had no big problem with this bunch...and now that 90% of our class was heavily drinking a few times a week and a good percentage smoking (and those who didn't really didn't care...it was 'normal' to smoke weed by this time)....you could see the respect they gave me by looking in their eyes. Here I am...smart kid...a few advanced classes, sports, yet not devoting much time to studying and still doing good....all while being more respected than them, more 'popular' than them...and smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol as much as I wanted.

All in all...most of the time anyone calls you a 'stoner' or whatever you people say they call you...it's based upon either the fact that they are self-concious themselves, or they are jealous of your fun. If you use these two facts back against them, they will fold. Not that it should matter either way...if someone 'looks down on you', turn the situation around and 'look down on them'..they aren't perfect, noone is...let 'em know they are a piece of shit for calling you names...or let 'em know with a right hand if necessary.

Basically...moral: Take the initiative, don't let people stand above you...I really hope this gives some kids on the boards some faith and turns around their thinking to form a more positive approach to their life and people around it.

Thanks for your time lol.