The Daily OrangeBurnt out: 'We all know that cigs are bad, but what's the real damage with weed?'
By Gavin Godfrey
Posted: 2/20/06, 11:49 PM EST Section: Pulp
Everyone was doing it.
David Gil, a senior at State University of New York Upstate Medical University, watched with utter amazement at the different types of people indulging in the act. There were young kids his age, corporate businessmen in three-piece suits, elderly couples and mothers and fathers all smoking marijuana.
Gil remembers every element of the Amsterdam coffee shop he visited with his brother and three close friends during last winter break. The pub-esque style café had an intimate atmosphere to it, equipped with posh, brown leather couches, round tables and dim lighting. Gil and his friends approached the register where the marijuana was put on display in a glass case, reminiscent of the local bakeries in his native New Jersey. The freedom to purchase and consume the product in public thrilled his friends with every pre-rolled joint.
"It was the most relaxing environment I've ever experienced," Gil said. "There was no worry of the law, the hype and the stress."
After leaving the shop, Gil and his friends trekked the Amsterdam streets, and the vibe carried them throughout the intricate paths and avenues of the European city. Gil recalls the numerous people walking outside smoking joints and hanging out on streets, taking hits from assorted glass devices; however, when he noticed everyone seemed to be smoking cigarettes as well, Gil stopped to contemplate the serious health effects of marijuana.
"If you think about it, cigs are killing people every day," Gil said. "These people were smoking weed and cigs and seemed content with life. We all know that cigs are bad, but what's the real damage with (weed)?"
The Damage
According to studies, no human being has died as a direct result of marijuana consumption. But when it comes to the negative health aspects of marijuana, the list is long. Marijuana users can and will experience any of the following: paranoia, dry mouth, respiratory problems, heart problems, inability to concentrate, impaired memory and motivation loss.
David Gil, a senior at State University of New York Upstate Medical University, watched with utter amazement at the different types of people indulging in the act. There were young kids his age, corporate businessmen in three-piece suits, elderly couples and mothers and fathers all smoking marijuana.
Gil remembers every element of the Amsterdam coffee shop he visited with his brother and three close friends during last winter break. The pub-esque style café had an intimate atmosphere to it, equipped with posh, brown leather couches, round tables and dim lighting. Gil and his friends approached the register where the marijuana was put on display in a glass case, reminiscent of the local bakeries in his native New Jersey. The freedom to purchase and consume the product in public thrilled his friends with every pre-rolled joint.
"It was the most relaxing environment I've ever experienced," Gil said. "There was no worry of the law, the hype and the stress."
After leaving the shop, Gil and his friends trekked the Amsterdam streets, and the vibe carried them throughout the intricate paths and avenues of the European city. Gil recalls the numerous people walking outside smoking joints and hanging out on streets, taking hits from assorted glass devices; however, when he noticed everyone seemed to be smoking cigarettes as well, Gil stopped to contemplate the serious health effects of marijuana.
"If you think about it, cigs are killing people every day," Gil said. "These people were smoking weed and cigs and seemed content with life. We all know that cigs are bad, but what's the real damage with (weed)?"
The Damage
According to studies, no human being has died as a direct result of marijuana consumption. But when it comes to the negative health aspects of marijuana, the list is long. Marijuana users can and will experience any of the following: paranoia, dry mouth, respiratory problems, heart problems, inability to concentrate, impaired memory and motivation loss.
