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Good description of the life of a chronic MJ smoker. I've been there, too, although maybe not quite as bad. I was never a very outgoing person in the first place, so pot didn't make a big difference that way to me. And I've never experienced the panic attacks you describe.

Having said all that, would you agree that most people who use pot do not go on to this kind of chronic usage? (Although, among older users chronic users make up a larger percentage, as opportunities for use and availability tend to decrease as you get older). In fact, I would say most people can take it or leave it. Some of us have addictive personalities. If not for pot I would drink a lot more often. Oh, and one more thing, I would have to note that several of the negative effects of chronic use that you describe are more the result of its illegality than of the substance itself.

What's your opinion, does the current regime of illegality have a positive or negative effect?

yes, it is the chronic use that is destructive. If one were to smoke it like one drinks socially, it is probably no big deal. i preach to my sons the ills of having it control your life and your life decisions. I even make my one son go in for random drug tests as a condition for him to get a brand new car and be able to drive it. My concern is not if he lights up once in great while, my concern is that it doesn't control his life. I know once he goes to college, i am not going to be able to stop him from doing certain things , but if I can assure myself that he can function in this day and age, with all the peer pressure and social acceptance of feel good atttitudes, drug free, an occasional joint in college will be just that. By the way, he has come up negative on tests for two years, something that makes me very proud.