Hi drofnats,

I can appreciate your point of view, but must add my own spin, if you don't mind.

I started smoking reefer in '68; I remember the first experience like it was last month, very enjoyable. Soon found out about the effects of being easily sidetracked as you mentioned in the telling of your fire incident. I liken it to learning to drive a standard transmission car; at first it takes all your attention, and you're still not so good at it. Eventually you get to the point where it's almost a reflex; you can pull away from a traffic light, uphill, while unwrapping a stick of gum, talking with the passenger next to you, and admiring the legs of a girl in a miniskirt walking on the sidewalk, always in full control of the car. Getting stoned is something like that. You find out what the effects are, and then compensate by whatever means are necessary to keep you fully functional. Just realizing your mind might wander is half the battle; you allocate your resources accordingly, and control your impulses to do too many things at one time. It doesn't take too long to understand that the thing has its place, and don't let yourself be impaired while doing anything that'll require more concentration than you expect to have when stoned. Driving is something I don't do, as is operating a milling machine, a lawn mower, doing my taxes, etc. It comes down to good judgement, and a sensible person usually has enough to get by.

Not saying you're wrong about all this, just offering my opinion.

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