![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 9 to 33 of 63. Go back in thread:
Posted by starlight on July 28, 2004, at 13:11:56
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too! ? TexasChic, posted by partlycloudy on July 28, 2004, at 8:57:24
Another way to quit. Put your baggie of weed, in another baggie that has some water in it then freeze it. That way you know it's there, but if you really want it, you have to wait for it to thaw, and by then you're usually back to not wanting it.
Posted by anthology on August 1, 2004, at 16:33:19
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by starlight on July 28, 2004, at 13:11:56
Damn... When I think of not smoking weed, I wonder how i will make it thru. I know i need to stop because i've smoked for years and i think that all the smoking has taken it's toll. I don't want to do ANYTHING! When i don't smoke i feel really grouchy and cranky. I mean it's like i have the devil inside of me.(not religiously speaking) I just get really, really hatefull. Then sometimes i think i don't want to stop smoking, i just want if out of my system for a while. Just so i can regain some energy and motivation. Does anyone relate to this? Btw, i hate drinking. i used to drink ALL THE TIME. I loved it, but now, can't stomach it. Weed is different, weed is my baby, i love weed. I can't stop! But it's hurting me now. i just need to ease off of it and clean out. How do i clear my mind and body from this substance? In my opinion, or how i think of it i should say, is that weed has this energy the has consumed me. i read one of the post, someone had mentioned to replace smoking with something else. Everything i do goes hand in hand with smoking, i.e., Eating, games, movies, tv, WORKING!! Please advise, Thank You
Posted by TexasChic on August 3, 2004, at 15:01:39
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by anthology on August 1, 2004, at 16:33:19
Dude, I'm right there with you. I'm so full of anxiety these days, all I look forward to is going home and smoking. I have been trying to put it off by reading a book or something – which does help me put it off. But I still want it before the nights over. The best is when I put it off so long I don't want to smoke before I go to bed, because then I won't be awake to enjoy it, which to me would be a waste. I think the problem is we become psychologically dependent on it to escape our problems. At least that's how I feel about it. So I guess the trick is to take care of the problems we're trying to escape. Of course if it was that easy, we wouldn't have ever taken it up in the first place. Anyway, I just wanted to say I understand, and if you come up with any pointers, let me know.
Posted by jonh kimble on August 10, 2004, at 0:29:46
In reply to Re: How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by starlight on July 27, 2004, at 15:24:24
Hi. Well I feel like anything I say will be a direct copy of what you said so maybe just an affirmation of finding something better than well whatever drug does the temporary trick. See drugs never made me kill anyone, (well lets start a little lower) or do anything really nuts. What I THINK they did is accustom me to immediate reward. Its hard to see in the murk of so many different drugs. I mean lsd makes me think wonderful things, pot too to a lesser degree.. But the best highs are (no i dont work for the nida) the times I did something, got the same high as drugs, but also the high of the intellectual, the monetary, the social, the whatever that drugs just wont do consistently. I say this without REALLY living it. Just last night picked up some meth. But I KNOW that there are better things. Social relations are great for this. Try going out with friends and laughing at what you just said cause you're so freakin smart, and/ or social acceptance is a great high. Sex! What the hell happened to the greatest dopamine surge that exists? Maybe thats not you're thing, but it should be. Ok this is rather murky and all but its a thought that I think is well worth pursuing. Cause when you get nothing but THROUGH your day, it would be crazy to say that your an idiot for doing drugs. We all need to feel high, sadly drugs are the easiest and most devastating way to get there. Did this make sense? Get high on telling me Im an idiot if it didnt. Id be proud.
Posted by octopusprime on August 11, 2004, at 0:51:17
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by TexasChic on August 3, 2004, at 15:01:39
> So I guess the trick is to take care of the problems we're trying to escape.
this is funny to me texaschic ...
when i quit smoking daily, i didn't bother solving my problems first. in fact, quitting smoking weed made some of my problems worse. my social network thought i was "weird" for not smoking up. some of my friends couldn't relate to me when i was sober. and i lost friends. and made things worse. it was hard. hard. hard.
but then again: when i quit it was on the advice of my doctor. that my psych meds would never get a fair trial if i didn't try quitting. and i was more scared about being depressed for the rest of my life, about feeling awful forever, that quitting weed and causing problems was worth it to avoid that pain.
it took me forever to work on solving the problems that "caused" me to smoke. in a way i haven't solved them, i wouldn't be returning to med therapy if i had. but i did wind up meeting a man who had just quit smoking dope, had a relationship with him (learning how to behave sober almost the whole time), left a relationship with him, and spent some time on my own filling my days without drugs. hard. hard. hard. but worth it! so worth it. i can't recognize the person i left behind two years ago when i quit. i feel so much stronger in so many ways.
but i think "solving your problems" first is a red herring ... we can never solve all our problems. if you don't have a compelling reason to quit, don't. but i did it for my mental health, and for that i was grateful, so if that's at all inspirational to you, take hold of that. if it's not, leave it, and do what makes you happy.
Posted by TexasChic on August 11, 2004, at 16:06:54
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too! » TexasChic, posted by octopusprime on August 11, 2004, at 0:51:17
> when i quit smoking daily, i didn't bother solving my problems first. in fact, quitting smoking weed made some of my problems worse. my social network thought i was "weird" for not smoking up. some of my friends couldn't relate to me when i was sober. and i lost friends. and made things worse. it was hard. hard. hard.
>
> but then again: when i quit it was on the advice of my doctor. that my psych meds would never get a fair trial if i didn't try quitting. and i was more scared about being depressed for the rest of my life, about feeling awful forever, that quitting weed and causing problems was worth it to avoid that pain.
>
> it took me forever to work on solving the problems that "caused" me to smoke. in a way i haven't solved them, i wouldn't be returning to med therapy if i had. but i did wind up meeting a man who had just quit smoking dope, had a relationship with him (learning how to behave sober almost the whole time), left a relationship with him, and spent some time on my own filling my days without drugs. hard. hard. hard. but worth it! so worth it. i can't recognize the person i left behind two years ago when i quit. i feel so much stronger in so many ways.
>
> but i think "solving your problems" first is a red herring ... we can never solve all our problems. if you don't have a compelling reason to quit, don't. but i did it for my mental health, and for that i was grateful, so if that's at all inspirational to you, take hold of that. if it's not, leave it, and do what makes you happy.
>Touché.
Posted by lulu garcia on August 11, 2004, at 22:16:28
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too! » octopusprime, posted by TexasChic on August 11, 2004, at 16:06:54
I'ts social... If we lived in a more tolerant society, we probably wouldn't get all psyched up because of this... but we still gotta quit...
luck to all!
Posted by Starlight on August 20, 2004, at 14:40:56
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by lulu garcia on August 11, 2004, at 22:16:28
I bet we'd all feel differently if it were both socially and legally acceptable. It's kind of like drinking (only ultimately better since it has none of the superdetrimental side effects of alcohol). One thing I like about it is the way that it transports me to a more spiritual place - I've decided that my new religion is Rasta! And I hate the adds that infer that it's a gateway drug. I've never tried anything else as a result of smoking weed. Never wanted to. I tried LSD and Mescaline in college, but that was for different purposes.
Starlight
Posted by TexasChic on September 15, 2004, at 9:01:35
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by Starlight on August 20, 2004, at 14:40:56
If its a gateway drug, then so is alcohol. I mean, what's the difference anyway? I think its so hypocritical that our society frowns on weed, but accepts alcohol, which is a man made product specifically designed to get you drunk (high). I honestly think keeping pot illegal is a political money making thing. There just isn't a logical reason to allow alcohol but not pot into our society.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.
Posted by watergirl on September 17, 2004, at 21:44:23
In reply to How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by Cottonwool on July 20, 2004, at 11:09:29
I used to somke ALOT-ALOT-ALOT of pot! Consistently for 12 years (with the exception of my pregnancy and while I nursed). I'm 28.
When I started taking effexor XR I smoked more pot than ever before. At that time, my then fiance (who is a major pothead), would coment that I should just glue the damn pipe to my lips..... Effexor was awfull for me (just my personal experience) I had soo much anxiety while on the drug, I could not have survived without smoking pot......UNTIL I was prescribed Xanex (which took "the edge" off), then taken off of the Effexor.
When Wellbutrin was prescribed to me, I MAGICALLY DID NOT WANT TO SMOKE ANY WEED! ! I just had no desire, it was amazing! I did'nt care about smoking cigerettes or drinking alcohol.
Wellbutrin was my miracle drug. Wellbutrin saved my life and restored my sanity!
Best Wishes,
Cindy
I also broke up with my fiance, he could not handle my mood swings while I was on Effexor. I think being away from the weed and my ex, also helped too.
Best Wishes,
Cindy**After not smoking any weed for almot 4 months, I smoked on Tuesday evening then went to the bar with my girlfriend. I felt good and had fun. Then I went to my boyfriends house and pretty much destroyed our relationship because he would not recriprocate with Oral Sex. DUMB, DUMB
I hope I'll learn one of these days** I dont take Wellbutrin any more :(
Posted by TexasChic on October 8, 2004, at 12:52:52
In reply to How I stoped smoking WEED » Cottonwool, posted by watergirl on September 17, 2004, at 21:44:23
Okay, I stopped smoking weed about 4 weeks ago. It was pretty much everyday before then, and little activity. I've been pretty active the last two weeks at a job that takes alot of physical exertion and sweat. So do you think I'll be good for the test? I'm tempted to go get a drug test from the drug store, but they're about $60 bucks.
I plan to drink lots of water, but am not sure when to start. The night before? 12 hours before? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Posted by partlycloudy on October 10, 2004, at 13:45:57
In reply to Re: Drug test monday, posted by TexasChic on October 8, 2004, at 12:52:52
You'll be fine. 4 weeks is plenty enough time to get it out of your system. Drink as much water as you like (I do drink a lot anyway, but especially when I know I have something traceable in my blood). I kept waiting for the axe to fall (I had smoked 72 hours before the test because I was hired so quickly) after my drug test. I did one of those alka-seltzer type purification systems, and it is mostly water...
You'll be fine. I am so glad for you.
Posted by TexasChic on October 10, 2004, at 21:08:09
In reply to Re: Drug test monday, posted by partlycloudy on October 10, 2004, at 13:45:57
Thanks PC. I did a home test and the line for THC was lighter than all the other lines. The insert said lighter or darker lines didn't mean anything and not to read anything into it. But it was so very, very faint, I don't know what to think. I got some detox tea, and plan to drink alot of water tomorrow, I'm just worried about being tagged as someone trying to beat the test. I'm going to take vitamins so it won't be too clear, and I've also heard asprin works as a screen. I guess I'm over reacting, but that's what I do best! I'll be very relieved once I am actually sitting behind that desk!
Posted by TexasChic on October 12, 2004, at 21:51:42
In reply to Re: Drug test monday » partlycloudy, posted by TexasChic on October 10, 2004, at 21:08:09
Posted by partlycloudy on October 13, 2004, at 4:43:29
In reply to Re: I passed! Yea! (nm), posted by TexasChic on October 12, 2004, at 21:51:42
Posted by lulugarcia on October 16, 2004, at 9:39:29
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by lulu garcia on August 11, 2004, at 22:16:28
so... it's been a little more than a month that I stopped smoking. i had smoked, regularly (almost everyday), for ten years. i have to say, it feels good. i'm not saying that smoking weed is bad. of course we live in an intolerant society, and this doesn't help. but i do think that one of the things about smoking weed, or doing any other drug, for that matter (because, let's not lie to ourselves, marijuana is a drug), is to know when to stop, to know when is enough. and also to accept that a regular pot smoker is, to a certian extent, less productive than someone who is clean (i hate that word, as if pot was dirty). and the fact that we live in a extremely competitive and over-productive society puts us, oh dear weed worshipers, in a disvantageous and awkward position. i'm not saying i'm quiting for ever, or telling anyone to do so. i don't want to be a moralist. but know (yes you) that one of the best things in life is two know oneself (to get to know oneself is both a delighful and intriguing process), and marijuana sometimes gets in the way, thus bluring our selfimage, our selfknowledge, and therefore our disires and goals in life. marijuana is not always a carrier of knowlegde.
peace.
Posted by stankdtree on December 8, 2004, at 21:08:43
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by anthology on August 1, 2004, at 16:33:19
hey texas chic i have the same wrong wid me if u find out how plz let me know ive been smoking for 10 yrs an feel i cant cope without it everything i do includes weed and when i dont have it there is nothing that can replace it
Posted by wilson711 on December 26, 2004, at 23:36:58
In reply to How I stoped smoking WEED » Cottonwool, posted by watergirl on September 17, 2004, at 21:44:23
I was doing a random google search for any information or suggestions on how to temporaraliy quit smoking weed for a drug test that is coming up. I read almost every one of these posts because I feel like everyone here knows how difficult this really is. I have been smoking weed everyday, 1-10 times a day, for the past 3 years. My boyfriend of 2 years and I have gone to Amsterdam for the cannabis cup, smoked some of the best weed in the world, and now I have to give up my favorite hobby!
Smoking weed is truely my passion. I am in college and doing very well. I have gotten two scholarships and passed every class. There really isn't any reason for me to think that weed is negatively affecting my life. The ONE AND ONLY reason I am quitting is for a drug test. After I graduate, I am going into a profession where random drug tests will most definitly occur. I have about 5 days left of smoking, and rather than smoking some good stuff right now, I am here writing because I am so worried about how this hiatus will affect me and my realtionship with my boyfriend. (His profession does not drug test)
When weed is hard to find, or I don't have any when I want to smoke, I get very mean. I know you all know what I am talking about. Sometimes (though I hate to admit it) I will even cry if I can't get it. Now when I take a step back this sort of seems like how a cocaine addict would act although I don't have any physical withdrawls. I already see myself getting angry at my friends who will still be sitting around ripping bongs and listening to music. I know the best thing would be to stop hanging out with them, but I have known them for years!
I then start to think, "why the hell would I choose this profession with all these drug tests?" I could be much more happy if I just moved to Amsterdam and started my own coffeeshop, but I guess that is not in my cards. I am giving up one of the biggest parts of me and honestly I'm scared. Will I be the same when I quit? Will I still like my friends? Will my entire life SUCK after this?? I can't imagine doing my daily activities without being stoned. It just seems like it wouldn't be as fun! I don't know, I guess I have no choice. I started to think about other careers I could have chosen. After a couple years of college on a track towards one major, it might be pointless to change now. Then again, I might be a lot happier. Smoking weed is a part of me, and I don't know if stopping for a career that is against that is worth it. If anyone has some advice, I could use it. Thanks
Posted by starlight on December 30, 2004, at 0:37:15
In reply to know thy self, posted by lulugarcia on October 16, 2004, at 9:39:29
This is such an excellent post. I'd like to quit. But I haven't yet. This has been a very hard year to cope with, and I've found myself smoking more now than never. I'd like to have the epiphany that would release me from this in an instant, but then, I enjoy the feeling as well. It's a tough place. I've been having lower back pain as well and am taking flexeril for that, and worry about my tendency to like to be drugged up.
My past has been very painful, but my present is lovely. I try to focus on the present - to be present minded yet the habit is constant, and it seems that I have convinced myself that it's better. But in the end, I worry about my lungs and health, and also think I'd be more productive as an artist and in my day job. My dad always said that I had no willpower and I'd like to see myself prove that wrong, but no luck so far....
I was bullimic/anorexic when I was in my late teens, early twenties, so the addiction thing is in my genes. I'm aware of it, but so far, have yet to control it through willpower and not feel like I'm missing something.
I also take Effexor XR - 75 mgs, lamictal and trileptal too - so when you add all those factors in - I worry that I might have a problem.
Thanks for reading and happy new year to all of you.
starlight
Posted by Sebastian on January 6, 2005, at 21:23:32
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on December 26, 2004, at 23:36:58
What profeshion are you going into? Is there a different company you could work for? Could you start your own bussiness? Can someone else pee for you? I've known people in the army who smoke, and pass tests. I think the vigorous exercise, lots of water, and not being excesive in your smoking; can work.
I was quit for 3 years, yess your life will suck, you will have no freinds that you enjoy hanging with. You must change everything, or go out and not smoke which sucks. One thing that helped me was a night cap of zyprexa, the sedative in it gave me sleep. When I stoped the zyprexa I could not sleep. Thats an option. I think it makes you not want the pot as much. I would find myself wanting to not smoke for periods at a time out of knowhere. I went 3 years and now I am going NUTS. My parents which I still live with will through me out if I smoke pot. I'm 28, I should move out, but now I have no freinds???, since I stoped the pot. I didn't want to hang out anymore. I feel awfull, all I can think about is making new freinds, which is not happening, because I don't know how to have fun with out the pot. so I take meds all day and night, since I quit the pot I went from needing one med dose pill, to taking 5 meds all at med or high doses. And it still is not enough. I want to drink all the time and its making me sick, not to mention the anger consumes me..... If you have a joint could you send it to me?????
Posted by wilson711 on January 7, 2005, at 10:55:50
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on December 26, 2004, at 23:36:58
I wish I had a joint right now, trust me. My profession is going to be in the medical field so I find it hard to even think that I will be able to smoke once I start my job. It has been 6 days since I quit. Everyday has been getting easier and that might be because I have been keeping VERY busy! The first couple of nights I was taking vicadin to help me feel better. I then started chugging beers and taking valium when I realized that it was unnecessary. I felt really out of control and it made me think poorly of myself which I don't like. I know 6 days doesn't seem like a lot, but my entire life has changed. I haven't seen any of my friends. My best friend has called me less than my grandma and it hurts. It really hurts to know that my "friends" would rather smoke than chill. Then I realize that if I was in there position and I was still smoking, I would probably do the same. Everything is fine between my boyfriend and I. Both of us quitting has caused some stress but we're doing okay. It seems like there is nothing fun to do when I don't have weed though. Even my normal everyday activities seem pointless. The good side to all of this, my mind is clear and I'm saving money. Both of those I don't really care about, but still. If anyone needs help quitting, I am here and willing to talk. It's tough, but everyday I feel it's getting easier.
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 9, 2005, at 14:38:43
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on December 26, 2004, at 23:36:58
Cottonwool, I have heard so many talk about the sam ething... stopping because of drug tests. I don't always understand the good of drug tests. I have heard so so so many people say that cannabis is improving their life without getting in the way of daily functioning at all. I have heard of people who has used it as the only workable solution for many diseases, including epilepsy, migraine and bipolarity! It is HORRYFYING that weed is treated the same way as for example amphetamine, when it is such a help for so many.
I also find it hard to believe how professionals can be so negative to using cannabis as medication, when they DO use benzodiazepines, morphine and amphetamine. All of those have a lot higher chance of abuse than weed has, and a lot more devastating result if abused.
Though, who am I to complain, living in the Netherlands, less than an hour away from Amsterdam :-)
I would like to say though, you don't have to go to the Netherlands just to open a coffeeshop, they have many other professions here too :D I went here from Norway to work as a psychologist (and no, I don't realaly speak good Dutch), and it's plenty of americans working ere in different professions that don't speak Dutch. I was actually tipped by someone in Den Haag that i should work as a psychologist for all the americans working in Den Haag, since they are more confident going to psychologists than europeans (she knew what she was talking about, having been married to one of those americans for 8 years, hehe). I couldn't count on my fingers, nor if I also include my toes, how many foreigners I have met that has moved here because here they can smoke here without being paranoid about police. And for me, none of them seemed to have any problems in their life because of their smoking.
To finish off, I moved here because of a man, and not because of the weed :-)
CC
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 10, 2005, at 7:04:25
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 9, 2005, at 14:38:43
> WILSON, I have heard so many talk about the sam ething... stopping because of drug tests. I don't always understand the good of drug tests. I have heard so so so many people say that cannabis is improving their life without getting in the way of daily functioning at all. I have heard of people who has used it as the only workable solution for many diseases, including epilepsy, migraine and bipolarity! It is HORRYFYING that weed is treated the same way as for example amphetamine, when it is such a help for so many.
>
> I also find it hard to believe how professionals can be so negative to using cannabis as medication, when they DO use benzodiazepines, morphine and amphetamine. All of those have a lot higher chance of abuse than weed has, and a lot more devastating result if abused.
>
> Though, who am I to complain, living in the Netherlands, less than an hour away from Amsterdam :-)
>
> I would like to say though, you don't have to go to the Netherlands just to open a coffeeshop, they have many other professions here too :D I went here from Norway to work as a psychologist (and no, I don't realaly speak good Dutch), and it's plenty of americans working ere in different professions that don't speak Dutch. I was actually tipped by someone in Den Haag that i should work as a psychologist for all the americans working in Den Haag, since they are more confident going to psychologists than europeans (she knew what she was talking about, having been married to one of those americans for 8 years, hehe). I couldn't count on my fingers, nor if I also include my toes, how many foreigners I have met that has moved here because here they can smoke here without being paranoid about police. And for me, none of them seemed to have any problems in their life because of their smoking.
>
> To finish off, I moved here because of a man, and not because of the weed :-)
>
> CC
Posted by wilson711 on January 10, 2005, at 17:35:40
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 9, 2005, at 14:38:43
Crazy_Charlie,
Thanks for replying! It's hard to explain to my friends what Amsterdam is like because compared to America, it was like heaven. I know every country has their positives and negatives, but it's hard to live in a country where it seems like my daily life is monitored. Not to mention I dislike our government and their decisions. I am going to receive my Nursing degree in two years. I am not sure what the hospitals are like in the Netherlands, but if they are in need of nurses, I would very much consider moving there. Is the health care paid for by your government? Do you need insurance before a treatment is done? I'm sure if I was in that profession I would need to learn Dutch. (My mother's friend teaches it so that is not a problem.) The whole coffeeshop idea is like my dream. Not only because I have so many ideas, but because I love to talk and meet new people! I read up on the coffeshop college that they offer there, but with how expensive college is here, I don't think I could afford to do it, let alone start my own. It will always be my dream tho :) Thanks for writing me back. It's been about 10 days since I've had to stop smoking, not too much fun, but you gotta do what you gotta do to pass these drug tests! Bye!
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 11, 2005, at 5:10:34
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on January 10, 2005, at 17:35:40
Hoi
I haven't been admitted to any hospital here, but an american friend of mine was, and he seemed to enjoy it, hehe. I can't really compare it to the US, because I have never been there. But all the times I have been at the hospital with my child, I have been met in an amazingly good way, of very good doctors. I don't know whether you have to speak Dutch, because most Dutch are splendid in English. I know that I as a psychologist don't have to learn Dutch (but I'm doing it anyway, since I have made up my mind about living here). I don't think it will differ much from any other country as such, at least not from what you can see from th eoutside...The insurance here is a bit similar to US, but in my point of view maybe better? I can't say muc<h there either, because I only know what people have told me about the US health insurance, I don't know by my own experience.
I am still insured by my own country, so I'm not all that good in the Dutch insurance yet. If you have a job, the insurance will be managed through your company (as far as I have understood it).If you don't have a job or any income, you will get a different kind of insurance through the governement (as a Dutch citicen), I think. There is some kind of limit on how low your income is befor ethe governement steps in and help you. But I know it's not supposed to be any problems if you are too poor to buy an insurance, you will get help anyway.
If you really start thinking about this, you can e-mail me on this adress: psych0b1tch@yahoo.com (mark subject with: to Charlie), and I can give you my adress to an american friend of mine that lived in Amsterdam for 1 year. She probably knows a lot more, because it's completely different being here as an european than an american.
I found the Netherlands to be heaven too, not because of the weed (which IS the best in the world), but because of the relaxed atmosphere. Norway is more similar to US in that way, you simply feel monitored. You are not allowed to do this and that, and they check you out on a regular basis. Laws are not based on logic, but what is easiest for the governement to decide. here you get more the sense of being allowed to take responsibility for your own life. For some people that is not good, but for me that is the only right thing.
What I do find stunning though, is the facts. If you compare Norway an dthe Netherlands, you will see a lot things that is hilariously funny (ironic):
Norway is ten times as big as the Netherlands when it comes to size, but we have only one fourth of the inhabitants (4,5 millions compared 16,4). Norway is very strict on drug rules, marijuana is just as illegal as heroin, and if you are caught with more than 5grams you risk prison. Norway has the highest rate of violent crimes in western Europe, and it's just getting worse. Norway has a big problem with heavy drug abise, and as far as I remembee more than 50 people die of an drug overdose every year (and thats without all the grey and black numbers). In the Netherlands about 3 people die every year because of drug overdose, and problems with heavy drugs use is by percentage half of Norways! Of course you have violence here to, but not at all in the same way as in Norway. In Oslo (capital of Norway), there are areas where even the cops don't go out of their cars in the evening because their scared. I lived in Amsterdam for 8 months in 2001, and most Dutch people stared at me when I told that. Even the Red Light District is perfectly safe for most people in the evening. Violence here is connected to the big guys, those who rule the drug game. This is starting to change a bit, and I see areas here too that looks scary, but I have yet to find something as scary as Oslo in the evening.
How is it that in a country where people are almost stacked on top of each other in lack of space, they are actually LESS violent and MORE tolerant than the Norwegians that need a car to be able to go back and forth to the neighbour in one day? How is it that Norway, that has such a strict drug policy, we seem to have more problems with drugs than the Netherlands? Now, get this right: the Dutch are VERY strict when it comes to hard drugs, even more strict than Norway, so it's not because the Dutch are overlooking hard drugs. They have simply used their brains: instead of messing away a lot of money on a drug that does not seem to be a problem neither for the country as a whole NOR the user himself, they spend the money on fighting hard drugs.
Blablabla
But I guess you get my point, this really IS heaven... it's not only what it SEEMS to be, it really IS! With all the flaws and annoying features that somehow is inside the Netherlands too, they have passed the Norwegians in mostly everything positive possible.
CC
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