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I would offer the idea of weed doing far more than making one "feel different."

At least for me, being high on weed creates a serenity that I would not otherwise have. I pursued and smoked weed so I might feel joy and serenity, yet without the weed, I question whether there are sufficient conditions in my life to create the joy and serenity weed was providing. Hence the deception.

I feel overjoyed through God, nature and often my own works... but this overly-joyous feeling is generally only accessible through weed for me. Without weed, I can be happy, content and occasionally even joyful.

The difference between me on and off weed is about choosing. With weed, I take the power of directing my own joy. This taking of power seems an affront to God in some way. If God is truly interested in our joy then maybe it wouldn't matter how we attained joy. Instead, my reading of Scripture has led me to understand God as an entity more concerned with devotion and faith than he is with his children being joyful all the time. This leads me to either conclude weed as something displeasing to God or something God wishes me not to consume, but may not care if certain others do.

That is an interesting take. I definitely see that angle in some ways.

In a relevant strain I listened to a debate on psychedelics. One side held you can attain the same effect through years of constant practice. The other side said, "But you can work for years and not be guaranteed a transcendent experience, why not take the short-cut."

I can see this in your idea. Weed is a short-cut to communion... but do you want a short-cut? Or is a short-cut even the point?

Suffering or taking a harder route has shown in many aspects of life to be beneficial. I believe it's a necessity for true happiness.

On, that note, great point. Thanks for an opportunity to see it from a different angle.

Cheers! Have a great day.

Sharing is my pleasure. I agree about the shortcut perspective -- I'd say psychedelics are quite beneficial and useful for certain people at certain times. I've had my fill of taking shortcuts and now my real spiritual challenge is set in finding God through clean living and practicing faith regularly.

Here's wishing you a great day as well!

Wonderful words for the Word.