My thoughts on...

Marijuana.  Yup, you heard me.  I've decided that the time has come that I should perhaps publicize my two cents on the plant.  Basically it boils down to this: I don't approve, but I also don't care.  Its a personal choice that I do not want to be involved with.
I can count on one hand the number of times I was even peripherally exposed to pot prior to moving to our current area.  Five, to be exact.  Twice, from incidental exposure (hanging out at a concert,) once from unwise neighbors who forgot how thin apartment walls are, once from an artist friend who happened to be baking "special" brownies when I stopped by, and once via a guy who was desperately trying to seduce me (and whom I later learned was an incredible pothead.)

Since moving to Kansas, it seems like every other person I befriend is a casual user.  It completely baffles me. I've smelled it/been around people who recently used multiple times at Brock's house.  Its happened more than once that we go to someone's house to play, and have to leave because someone in the house is using.  In discussing it with friends, I've found that at least half of my friends partake at least occasionally.  Even Kitten uses, which bothers me to no end, but is ultimately out of my control.

And even now, I've never actually seen the stuff.  I've smelled it, to be sure.  But I've never seen it.  I assume I'd be able to recognize a joint if presented with one, but that just tells you exactly how sheltered from the stuff I choose to be.  From this, you can probably guess that I've never tried it, myself.  Not my bag.

For one, I think it smells awful.  The scent conjures up thoughts of rancid food and day-old vomit.  As you can imagine, that's not something I'm very interested in being around.  Plus, I'm not sure if I could handle smoking it.  The thought of inhaling smoke, regardless of its purported lack of carcinogens, makes me queasy.

For two, I'm an annoyingly sheltered and well-behaved rule-follower.  The sheer fact that it's illegal is probably enough to keep me away from any crazy "risk taking" behavior.  Add that to the knowledge that it could cost me my job, and you've got a pretty good reason for keeping away from the stuff.  Not to mention Alpha's job at an office that deals exclusively with drug tests, and his need to keep cleaner than clean.

So, what does all of this mean to you, the potentially pot-smoking reader?  It means that I don't want to know.  I won't stop being friends with you if you use, but I don't want you to light up around me, and I don't want to be exposed.  I don't need you to offer me a hit, or try to convince me to change my mind by extolling all of pot's dubious virtues.  Just respect that I've made a very clear choice here, and I'll respect you far enough not to lecture you on legalities.