What is your guess as to the percentage of Villagers that use Cannibis in some form?

[graciegirl]

I wonder if anyone will answer this.

[bagboy]

Just a quick search, one survey says around 20% of Americans smoke marijuana. That's probably about right for The Villages. I'll add, my neighbor and I were talking the other day about our neighbors, how lucky we were, etc. And I commented that we were extremely lucky we don't smell pot, or even worse skunkweed in our neighborhood. My wife and I went to a pub in South Carolina this winter and I asked the server who was smoking skunkweed. She said noone, it's a draft beer that smell like that. 420 something. ... omg.

[Kenswing]

I figure it's none of my business..

[Taltarzac725]

Low now but will probably grow in the future as more of those who were young in the 1960s start retiring to the Villages.

[Kahuna32162]

From the lines at the dispensaries, I'd say alot.

[Spoiler]

I am confident it is not 100%, because I don't partake... I can not answer for the rest though...

:)

For the last 25 years though we lived on a lake in NC and we often would smell the potawami scent coming off of people sitting in boats out on the water...

[BobnBev]

I use CBD cream for my sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome, does not contain THC, the ingredient in MJ. It works wonders.

[Martian]

I would, but not in Florida. The risk reward is not worth it. Although we are considering get a prescription for our "glaucoma".

[BK001]

It's on my bucket list -- but then so are so many other things that I'll probably not get to. Sigh!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

..."in some form?" I'd say probably around 40-50%. CBD, which is derived from cannabis, is readily available and recommended by most geriatric physicians to help treat pain. Since most people living in the Villages are, by definition, geriatric - I'd say the percentage of people using it would be higher than the national average.

[CWGUY]

Low now but will probably grow in the future as more of those who were young in the 1960s start retiring to the Villages.

:ohdear: 1960 was 59 years ago. If someone was young then, say 16 years old...... they would be 75 now. Think maybe they will retire in 5 to 10 years when they are 80 or 85 and move to the Villages and start smoking dope? :coolsmiley: Getting the munchies thinking about it...... got any Twinkies? :popcorn:

[big guy]

I don't know what percentage but when we were renting here, we smelled MJ often. Don't ask me how I know how it smells.

[Chatbrat]

Only thing I know about it, it has been a good investment

[manaboutown]

Years ago when Andrew Blechman was accumulating data to write "Leisureville" he discovered many Villagers were pot smokers. At least one was even puffing away on an MJ stogie like Cheech and Chong in "Up in Smoke". Cheech & Chong - Up In Smoke - Funniest Scenes - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWxgfTMLtc0)

[Velvet]

Well, at my house, in any form, it is zero.

[manaboutown]

If there are many pot smokers in TV they may need to expand the number of 'Memory Care" facilities in the area.

[vintageogauge]

Low now but will probably grow in the future as more of those who were young in the 1960s start retiring to the Villages.

Those who were young in the 1960's are now in their early 70's and already here.

[DougB]

Some of these comments are a real buzzkill.

[rustyp]

///

[npwalters]

based on some of the responses on this site....at least 50% must be smoking something.

[Taltarzac725]

Those who were young in the 1960's are now in their early 70's and already here.

Let's see. Young in the 60s would be a teen to twenty-something. So, they would have been born from around 1939 through 1957. Some of them would be here. But most would still not be of retirement age unless they were retired around 55-60.

[blueash]

CBD, which is derived from cannabis, is readily available and recommended by most geriatric physicians to help treat pain.

You normally seem to be cautious about real data vs made up facts. And it seems you may have made up a fact to fit your own best guess. Most geriatric physicians practice evidence based medicine and adhere to the recommendations of national organizations such as the American Geriatric Society, the AMA, the American College of Physicians … Not a single one of these or any main stream medical organization has recommended the use of CBD products for pain treatment. The manufacturers, who are unregulated by the FDA or any other government organization, have very successfully marketed these products. There are some tantalizing small studies showing variable amounts of benefit from no benefit to significant benefit. Physicians will not prohibit you from using these products as obviously that is neither the role of a doctor nor useful for ongoing dialog. You may be advised of potential drug interactions and enormous variability in the actual ingredients in these products vs the label. And I suspect but do not have data to present, that if you ask your doctor, can I try CBD the answer will be yes. That is NOT the same as the doctor recommending the product.

[IndianaJones]

I wonder if anyone will answer this.

Gracie, if I had to really pin it down, I'd say 40-50%. As time moves on (and it does!) you're getting more into the generation of frequent users, and now CBD is being touted as a cure for almost everything. Although technically CBD doesn't contain the active ingredient in marijuana (THC), it's "around the corner", and with the money that Denver and other places have made, legalization is a matter of time in Florida. Although I don't remember prohibition, my father reminded me "It didn't work well". LOL. So it goes!

[charmed59]

Let's see. Young in the 60s would be a teen to twenty-something. So, they would have been born from around 1939 through 1957. Some of them would be here. But most would still not be of retirement age unless they were retired around 55-60.

So your age range would be 62 to 80. I’m willing to wager most Folks in that age range are already here. Not a lot of brand new villagers in their 70s.

[pauld315]

I wouldn't be too concerned about the amount of cannabis users. I am much more concerned about the percentage of people being prescribed opioids around here.

[tophcfa]

My guess would be at least 50%, but probably more. Many people would not admit it because of the associated stigma, but anyone who grew up in the 60's was at a minimum exposed to it and most likely at least gave it a try at sometime in their youth. Personally, it was unavoidable to not be exposed to it during the years in which I grew up, regardless of weather or not one chose to partake. CBD works for my aching joints in my older age, but not THC.

[Spoiler]

My guess would be at least 50%, but probably more. Many people would not admit it because of the associated stigma, but anyone who grew up in the 60's was at a minimum exposed to it and most likely at least....

I think my neighbors are doing it because I always hear a lot of giggling over there on their lanai.

Actually when I’m out sunbathing in my back yard must be when they decide to burn one, because thats usually when I hear the giggling.

Its odd because wherever I have lived there always seems to be “stoners” next door.. :shrug:

[CFrance]

based on some of the responses on this site....at least 50% must be smoking something.
Now that's funny!

[kpd3062]

There was a very thorough article in AARP a few weeks ago . I highly recommend reading it. It even referenced people in TV who have prescriptions and are happy with the results. Personally if I had an ailment or pain and thought a cannabis product would help I'd be open to trying it. I wouldn't smoke it but now there are so many ways to use it through creams, tinctures, candies etcetera I think for some the stigma from cannabis being illegal for so long prevents them from trying it. To the question of how many, you could never get an accurate number until it is more widely accepted because of the stigma.

[Yung Dum]

The only reason I don't is because I don't have any connections. If someone would like to help, please PM me.

[thelegges]

I wonder if anyone will answer this.

So volunteering for cancer groups, will give you an idea. After you have picked them off the floor from non stop vomiting for 3 days after chemo, it about the only way you can get food in them. Not all have such horrific issues from chemo, and radiation, but weed has been used to for many years. Patients with MS also benefit.

Not sure why you are looking for answers.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You normally seem to be cautious about real data vs made up facts. And it seems you may have made up a fact to fit your own best guess. Most geriatric physicians practice evidence based medicine and adhere to the recommendations of national organizations such as the American Geriatric Society, the AMA, the American College of Physicians … Not a single one of these or any main stream medical organization has recommended the use of CBD products for pain treatment. The manufacturers, who are unregulated by the FDA or any other government organization, have very successfully marketed these products. There are some tantalizing small studies showing variable amounts of benefit from no benefit to significant benefit. Physicians will not prohibit you from using these products as obviously that is neither the role of a doctor nor useful for ongoing dialog. You may be advised of potential drug interactions and enormous variability in the actual ingredients in these products vs the label. And I suspect but do not have data to present, that if you ask your doctor, can I try CBD the answer will be yes. That is NOT the same as the doctor recommending the product.

First, you're right, I was looking at a totally different set of data and mixed it up with CBD vs. pain recommendations. Prescription CBD has been prescribed for treatment of seizures, not pain. And you are also right that doctors will typically say "sure" to people wanting to try CBD to treat pain, but will not necessarily recommend it. However in many states, it's pretty common for physicians to recommend CBD for pain. Not the prescription version of it though, because that would be off-label.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The only reason I don't is because I don't have any connections. If someone would like to help, please PM me.

If you have a valid medical reason to use it, you can get a medical marijuana card for it. Medical marijuana is legal in Florida and there are a couple of dispensaries near the Villages.

You can get CBD oil extracted from hemp, which is a variety of cannabis sativa containing low-to-no THC content. This is also legal in Florida, and available all over the place. The caveat: what they advertise isn't necessarily what you end up getting. CBD is not regulated by the FDA and is considered a supplement, not a drug.

[Ben Franklin]

You normally seem to be cautious about real data vs made up facts. And it seems you may have made up a fact to fit your own best guess. Most geriatric physicians practice evidence based medicine and adhere to the recommendations of national organizations such as the American Geriatric Society, the AMA, the American College of Physicians … Not a single one of these or any main stream medical organization has recommended the use of CBD products for pain treatment. The manufacturers, who are unregulated by the FDA or any other government organization, have very successfully marketed these products. There are some tantalizing small studies showing variable amounts of benefit from no benefit to significant benefit. Physicians will not prohibit you from using these products as obviously that is neither the role of a doctor nor useful for ongoing dialog. You may be advised of potential drug interactions and enormous variability in the actual ingredients in these products vs the label. And I suspect but do not have data to present, that if you ask your doctor, can I try CBD the answer will be yes. That is NOT the same as the doctor recommending the product.

Just so you have some accurate information. The United States has been subsidizing marijuana resarch in Israel for over 50 years now, via the NIH, but they wont tell you. Israel has the best medical marijuana system in the world, thanks, in part, to our tax dollars. Israel also decriminalized marijuana. Here are two links for your perusal.

The Outsourcing of American Marijuana Research (https://www.newsweek.com/2015/12/25/outsourcing-american-marijuana-research-406184.html)

Marijuana was legal in the US for roughly 140 years, until this man needed to justify his job.

The man behind the marijuana ban for all the wrong reasons - CBS News (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/harry-anslinger-the-man-behind-the-marijuana-ban/)

[karostay]

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Whats the question ?

[graciegirl]

So volunteering for cancer groups, will give you an idea. After you have picked them off the floor from non stop vomiting for 3 days after chemo, it about the only way you can get food in them. Not all have such horrific issues from chemo, and radiation, but weed has been used to for many years. Patients with MS also benefit.

Not sure why you are looking for answers.

Both daughter and I effectively used a prescription called Kytril for nausea due to chemo and radiation. kytril medication - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=kytril+medication&form=EDGHPT&qs=AS&cvid=d23b97226fb5442f847481aa12b3c239&refig=c49250fdd224439f8378625b5eed28bf&cc=US&setlang=en-US&elv=AXK1c4IvZoNqPoPnS%21QRLOOYuHkU8POP4zwhkP23OaHN kVVAEydWDdVaOCHK*Cmw6V9kusFHLTx5go5BrnKys1Y1JZwtfp byNMXBvdhMVsHm&plvar=0&PC=DCTS)

I am looking for answers because I am curious.

[Cedwards38]

30%

[Kerry Azz]

I’d say the percentages are well over 40%, if you really believe that the minions opened up all those hydroponic grow greenhouses to grow vegetables you’re delusional, once it becomes legal here in Florida those greenhouses will be growing marijuana. The minions seen a way to get a jump on the grow business if you think they did it to Feed us healthy veggies you’re be naive.

[karostay]

I wouldn't be too concerned about the amount of cannabis users. I am much more concerned about the percentage of people being prescribed opioids around here.

Your 100% right Few years back I had sever back pain
Pain scale 1-10 it was a 12
My Nuro Dr recommended pain clinic. Till surgery could be preformed
After 1 visit I was convinced the clinic was just legal way to create drug addicts.The waiting room was packed with patients they would enter one door few moments later leave with what ever meds
The line was endless
I started to fill out a form for treatment .
Just as I was going to sign I thought about what i saw in the waiting room stood up ripped up my form said no thanks walk out the door dealt with my pain till surgery

[New Englander]

I’d say the percentages are well over 40%, if you really believe that the minions opened up all those hydroponic grow greenhouses to grow vegetables you’re delusional, once it becomes legal here in Florida those greenhouses will be growing marijuana. The minions seen a way to get a jump on the grow business if you think they did it to Feed us healthy veggies you’re be naive.

Oh come on. :popcorn:

[Marathon Man]

I’d say the percentages are well over 40%, if you really believe that the minions opened up all those hydroponic grow greenhouses to grow vegetables you’re delusional, once it becomes legal here in Florida those greenhouses will be growing marijuana. The minions seen a way to get a jump on the grow business if you think they did it to Feed us healthy veggies you’re be naive.

Really. WE are the delusional ones?

[billethkid]

I’d say the percentages are well over 40%, if you really believe that the minions opened up all those hydroponic grow greenhouses to grow vegetables you’re delusional, once it becomes legal here in Florida those greenhouses will be growing marijuana. The minions seen a way to get a jump on the grow business if you think they did it to Feed us healthy veggies you’re be naive.

:22yikes:

[Aloha1]

:ohdear: 1960 was 59 years ago. If someone was young then, say 16 years old...... they would be 75 now. Think maybe they will retire in 5 to 10 years when they are 80 or 85 and move to the Villages and start smoking dope? :coolsmiley: Getting the munchies thinking about it...... got any Twinkies? :popcorn:

Screaming Yellow Zonkers

[Aloha1]

I smoked a little in the mid '60's. Quit because anything you are inhaling into your lungs is a prescription for serious pulmonary issues down the road. Florida was correct when they legalized medical marijuana by pill form only. There is NO need to inhale. Governor DeSantis caved to the Mary Jane lobby by allowing smoked pot. The only reason to smoke is to get high with buddies. This and vaping are health dangers no matter how you slice it.

[Dionysos]

I smoked a little in the mid '60's. Quit because anything you are inhaling into your lungs is a prescription for serious pulmonary issues down the road. Florida was correct when they legalized medical marijuana by pill form only. There is NO need to inhale. Governor DeSantis caved to the Mary Jane lobby by allowing smoked pot. The only reason to smoke is to get high with buddies. This and vaping are health dangers no matter how you slice it.

I think your statement is pretty false! Maybe you have not spent anytime with someone under going chemo or high dose rads. But I can assure you that smoking or vaping is the best way to go for controlling nausea or the 10 other side affects you encounter. Taking any form of Cannabis that is not decarboxalated (such as pills) is just prolonging lots of beneficial results. Why wait 3-4 hours to convert the active THCa to THC just because it might create "pulmonary issues"

Its cool you tried to smoke a little in the 60's but we are now almost 60 years later and there is undeniable benefits with far few risks over big pharma and what they throw at us. Yes big business is trying to capitalize on the growth but it does not change the fact it helps a lot of people. I personally don't use cannabis but my wife sure does and not by choice just sayin.

To the OP, Based on Mg sales in the Villages its a huge number based on Trulieve and Surterra numbers alone. With plans for GTI and Medmen coming its only going to grow.

[Aloha1]

I think your statement is pretty false! Maybe you have not spent anytime with someone under going chemo or high dose rads. But I can assure you that smoking or vaping is the best way to go for controlling nausea or the 10 other side affects you encounter. Taking any form of Cannabis that is not decarboxalated (such as pills) is just prolonging lots of beneficial results. Why wait 3-4 hours to convert the active THCa to THC just because it might create "pulmonary issues"

Its cool you tried to smoke a little in the 60's but we are now almost 60 years later and there is undeniable benefits with far few risks over big pharma and what they throw at us. Yes big business is trying to capitalize on the growth but it does not change the fact it helps a lot of people. I personally don't use cannabis but my wife sure does and not by choice just sayin.

To the OP, Based on Mg sales in the Villages its a huge number based on Trulieve and Surterra numbers alone. With plans for GTI and Medmen coming its only going to grow.

Let's just agree to disagree. Most medications take time to activate and THC in pill form is no different. I sympathize with your Wife's condition but my concern is more for the children and young adults who will inevitably get access to this narcotic. You are certainly entitled to your opinion however.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Screaming Yellow Zonkers

Best food for when you are using cannabis in some form.

I have a hemp t-shirt, and hand cream made with hemp oil (you can get it at The Body Shop).

Though I personally recommend waiting to slather the hand cream on your hands until after you've eaten your Screaming Yellow Zonkers, and wash your hands first too.

[Dionysos]

Let's just agree to disagree. Most medications take time to activate and THC in pill form is no different. I sympathize with your Wife's condition but my concern is more for the children and young adults who will inevitably get access to this narcotic. You are certainly entitled to your opinion however.


Seriously a Archaic statement but since you are comparing your experience from the 60's, not surprising! On a other note thank you for sharing your sympathy although she has no more "condition" to speak of and is feeling 110% and looks and feels better then ever. Just a bit high and happy from time to time:wave:

[tophcfa]

Regardless of what all of us old folks think about marajuana, if TOV is still operating in about 30 years, and Gracie's granddaughter starts the same thread, the answer will be much closer to 100% than the current response. The biggest funding lobbies against marijuana are the pharmaceutical and alcohol industry. They both know that their industries future is not going to be nearly as profitable once the marajuana stigma becomes a thing of the past. Personally, I only use CBD. However, over my long lifetime I have known several people who either use alcohol or marajuana. Many of the people who drink have had a variety of bad problems, the ones who smoke are all doing very well. I never have heard of a man who smoked a joint and went home and abused his wife. But heavy drinkers, well we all know how that sometimes turns out.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Let's just agree to disagree. Most medications take time to activate and THC in pill form is no different. I sympathize with your Wife's condition but my concern is more for the children and young adults who will inevitably get access to this narcotic. You are certainly entitled to your opinion however.

THC isn't a narcotic. Cannabis is also not a narcotic, nor is CBD.

[Velvet]

I’m trying to understand the various chemical forms of marijuana; it sounds like one form is narcotic and one form is not. In my native country farmers grow poppy just like they grow wheat. The liquid resin from poppy is heroine or morphine which is narcotic, and the poppy seed itself is not. The poppy seed is as narcotic as sesame seed or sunflower seed. We use poppy seed in meals and my favorite is poppy seed lasagna. It is slightly sweet and has an entirely different flavor than meat lasagna.

[PrudentLifer]

I’m trying to understand the various chemical forms of marijuana; it sounds like one form is narcotic and one form is not. In my native country farmers grow poppy just like they grow wheat. The liquid resin from poppy is heroine or morphine which is narcotic, and the poppy seed itself is not. The poppy seed is as narcotic as sesame seed or sunflower seed. We use poppy seed in meals and my favorite is poppy seed lasagna. It is slightly sweet and has an entirely different flavor than meat lasagna.



May I ask what your native country is?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Velvet]

Central Europe. Many European bakeries have poppy seed pastries.

[JimJohnson]

I figure it's none of my business..

Your right, some questions should be private. :boom:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I’m trying to understand the various chemical forms of marijuana; it sounds like one form is narcotic and one form is not. In my native country farmers grow poppy just like they grow wheat. The liquid resin from poppy is heroine or morphine which is narcotic, and the poppy seed itself is not. The poppy seed is as narcotic as sesame seed or sunflower seed. We use poppy seed in meals and my favorite is poppy seed lasagna. It is slightly sweet and has an entirely different flavor than meat lasagna.

Cannabis is not narcotic, at all, in any form whatsoever. It is not comparable to poppy. Also, there are a wide variety of poppy plants, only the opium poppy is used to produce naturally-derived opium. That's why it's called an opium poppy.

Just because they're plant-based mind-altering substances doesn't mean they're narcotics.

Understanding the drug classes might help you understand. You can google it, FDA class III vs class II drugs.

[Velvet]

I don’t take anything other than some vitamins, so far. I was just trying to follow this thread. Probably it is not the opium poppy that they farm, but it sure is delicious.

[John_W]

I wonder if anyone will answer this.

My guess is about 12%. On my street of 13 only one fellow smokes weed. He did it before it was legal, got it in Orlando where he lived for 12 years before moving here 8 years ago. Then when legalized he got the doctor's note and now has it delivered to his home.

He does have problems with his back from Agent Orange, so getting the note was not a problem. In fact he said, if you got $250, they'll find a reason. The doctor was on TV screen, they don't even see you in person. He now gets its from a dispensary in Lady Lake.

[rustyp]

Your right, some questions should be private. :boom:

I'm with you. I fail to see the benefit of this question. Is there an underlying motive for this question or are we firing for effect.

[Aloha1]

Seriously a Archaic statement but since you are comparing your experience from the 60's, not surprising! On a other note thank you for sharing your sympathy although she has no more "condition" to speak of and is feeling 110% and looks and feels better then ever. Just a bit high and happy from time to time:wave:

/////

[Aloha1]

THC isn't a narcotic. Cannabis is also not a narcotic, nor is CBD.

It is still a Class One narcotic according to the government. CBD is not because it does not contain THC. And take note of the latest on vaping where evidence is now pointing to vaping THC as the cause of the multiple deaths among young adults.

From the USDEA:
"NOTE: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, marijuana) is still considered a Schedule 1 drug by the DEA, even though some U.S. states have legalized marijuana for personal, recreational use or for medical use." (4/19)

And: "The DEA announced Thursday (9/18) that drugs including CBD with THC content below 0.1% are now considered Schedule 5 drugs, as long as they have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration."

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It is still a Class One narcotic according to the government. CBD is not because it does not contain THC. And take note of the latest on vaping where evidence is now pointing to vaping THC as the cause of the multiple deaths among young adults.

From the USDEA:
"NOTE: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, marijuana) is still considered a Schedule 1 drug by the DEA, even though some U.S. states have legalized marijuana for personal, recreational use or for medical use." (4/19)

And: "The DEA announced Thursday (9/18) that drugs including CBD with THC content below 0.1% are now considered Schedule 5 drugs, as long as they have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration."

Again, it is not a narcotic. Schedule 1 doesn't equate with the word "narcotic." The fact that you continue using the wrong terminology shows that you really aren't understanding it at all.

There are narcotics in all five Schedule grades. Darvon/Darvocet, which was actually banned in the USA, is still listed in schedule IV. Coedine is listed in Schedule III and Schedule V in different dosages and preparations. Schedule II is where you'll find most narcotics, and most of those are opioids. Schedule I is heroin, LSD, methaqualone, XTC, and peyote. The actual plant, cannabis, is also in Schedule I but the DEA is re-visiting that classification and has already made some changes effective 2017 regarding extracts and cannabidiol (CBD).

[PrudentLifer]

The history of cannabis reclassification.

Cannabis policy of the Richard Nixon administration - Wikipedia (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_policy_of_the_Richard_Nixon_administratio n)

[Fishers2tall]

If there are many pot smokers in TV they may need to expand the number of 'Memory Care" facilities in the area.

I was going to comment on your post but I’ve forgotten what I was going to say!! :D:D:D

[Aloha1]

Again, it is not a narcotic. Schedule 1 doesn't equate with the word "narcotic." The fact that you continue using the wrong terminology shows that you really aren't understanding it at all.

There are narcotics in all five Schedule grades. Darvon/Darvocet, which was actually banned in the USA, is still listed in schedule IV. Coedine is listed in Schedule III and Schedule V in different dosages and preparations. Schedule II is where you'll find most narcotics, and most of those are opioids. Schedule I is heroin, LSD, methaqualone, XTC, and peyote. The actual plant, cannabis, is also in Schedule I but the DEA is re-visiting that classification and has already made some changes effective 2017 regarding extracts and cannabidiol (CBD).

And yet, it IS in Schedule 1. Tomato, Tomahto

[ColdNoMore]

based on some of the responses on this site....at least 50% must be smoking something.

:1rotfl:

Although it's been over 45 years since I've done it and I understand that the current stuff is much stronger, I would just add to your statement that based on some of the constant responses/positions here on TOTV, a whole bunch of folks heart/blood pressure/rage would greatly benefit...if they started smoking it. :D

[Dionysos]

Such a stigma with cannabis it would be hard to get a true number as to users in the Villages. The Reefer madness mentality which is still prevalent from the silent generation is slowly coming to a end. My guess as more Baby Boomers move in the numbers will sky rocket here. I’m actually surprised there are not MMJ clubs here already, probably be a rather large club.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Such a stigma with cannabis it would be hard to get a true number as to users in the Villages. The Reefer madness mentality which is still prevalent from the silent generation is slowly coming to a end. My guess as more Baby Boomers move in the numbers will sky rocket here. I’m actually surprised there are not MMJ clubs here already, probably be a rather large club.

I also notice several posters who are ignoring the actual content of the original post, and turning it into a drug debate.

"cannabis in some form" is the topic. Not smoking pot. Smokeable flowers of the cannabis plant is just one form of cannabis. CBD, THC, cannabis extracts, edible cannibis, infused edibles, rope, clothing, various body and skin lotions and other preparations are ALL forms of cannabis.

MOST of them are legal, and in fact I would guess that the vast majority of people living in the Villages have been consumers of at least one form or another, at least once in their lives. If you've ever used a hemp rope to tether a raft to a dock, then you have used cannabis "in some form."

The ignorance is not surprising, but it is sad.

[Aloha1]

Were it simply something you take and not smoke and if there were stringent laws on impairment from usage, and if only licensed outlets could provide, I could live with it. BUT, I want nothing to do with smoke of any shape or form as it affects everyone in the vicinity of it So, knock yourself out (pun intended) in the privacy of your own domicile but leave the rest of us alone to enjoy our full mental capacity. Aloha out.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Were it simply something you take and not smoke and if there were stringent laws on impairment from usage, and if only licensed outlets could provide, I could live with it. BUT, I want nothing to do with smoke of any shape or form as it affects everyone in the vicinity of it So, knock yourself out (pun intended) in the privacy of your own domicile but leave the rest of us alone to enjoy our full mental capacity. Aloha out.

There already ARE stringent laws on impairment. DUI means "driving under the influence" not "drunk driving." Driving under the influence of ANYTHING - whether heroin or nyquil - is illegal.

Distracted driving laws are also a thing in most states, and are enforced.

I get the anti-smoking sentiment. I don't like it either even though I used to imbibe plenty when I was a kid. I definitely wouldn't want to be subjected to the smoke whenever I walked through a public area and tried to actually breathe.

Fortunately - that is only one of a myriad of "forms" of cannabis and most of the forms are undetectable. Your golf partner probably uses a hand cream or shampoo containing one form of it. That's because hemp is good for the skin and nutritious for the scalp.

[graciegirl]

Well that was interesting. I had figured out by responses prior to this which among the frequent posters were using for fun and which were self medicating.

It is none of my business what others do legally. I have inherited an addictive quality so I don't drink, chew, smoke, toke,OR eat brownies with pot but I really enjoy Rum Raisin Ice Cream..in moderation.

I still have a few friends who think I am fun.

I pay them. ;)

[tophcfa]

It is still a Class One narcotic according to the government. CBD is not because it does not contain THC. And take note of the latest on vaping where evidence is now pointing to vaping THC as the cause of the multiple deaths among young adults.

From the USDEA:
"NOTE: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, marijuana) is still considered a Schedule 1 drug by the DEA, even though some U.S. states have legalized marijuana for personal, recreational use or for medical use." (4/19)

And: "The DEA announced Thursday (9/18) that drugs including CBD with THC content below 0.1% are now considered Schedule 5 drugs, as long as they have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration."

Responding to the above post regarding vaping. It is not the vaping of either THC or nicotine that is causing sickness or deaths. It is the vaping of either product that contains certain flavor additives that are the issue. My question with this whole thing is this. A small number of people have gotten sick or died from vaping products with these additives and there is a huge uproar. The governor if Massachusetts has outlawed the sale of all vaping products. Where is the same uproar with cigarettes? Cigarettes have killed millions of people in a very painful and nasty way. I watched my father die of lung cancer from smoking cigarettes and it wasn't pretty. A small number of young people die from vaping and there is an instant uproar. Millions of people die over a very long period of time from cigarettes and it's business as usual. What's up with that? Disclosure, I neither smoke or vape so I have no ax to grind here.

[pbkmaine]

My husband and I do not use it recreationally because it is currently illegal and we are risk averse, but a surprising number of our friends use it. We support legalization.

[karostay]

I smoked a little in the mid '60's. Quit because anything you are inhaling into your lungs is a prescription for serious pulmonary issues down the road. Florida was correct when they legalized medical marijuana by pill form only. There is NO need to inhale. Governor DeSantis caved to the Mary Jane lobby by allowing smoked pot. The only reason to smoke is to get high with buddies. This and vaping are health dangers no matter how you slice it.
No more of a risk than sitting outside any restaurants with outdoor dining in the Villages

[Topspinmo]

My guess 75% are high on something? But, it may not be drugs!

[PrudentLifer]

I wouldn't take any hallucinogenic, pain or no pain.

[DougB]

I wouldn't take any hallucinogenic, pain or no pain.

The question was about cannibis.

[queasy27]

The only reason I don't is because I don't have any connections. If someone would like to help, please PM me.

There are online doctors who will give you a medical prescription, or even make a house call. A quick online search will bring up a list. Costs average about $250.

I currently take CBD gummies for joint pain. Had researched getting a prescription for cannabis due to movement disorder/neuro-degenerative disease but decided against it for the time being, mostly weighing the disadvantages of increased appetite and weight gain vs the possible benefits. (Screaming Yellow Zonkers, indeed!) :icon_wink:

Fortunately with so many forms of marijuana now, smoking it is entirely unnecessary.

[Yung Dum]

If you have a valid medical reason to use it, you can get a medical marijuana card for it. Medical marijuana is legal in Florida and there are a couple of dispensaries near the Villages.

You can get CBD oil extracted from hemp, which is a variety of cannabis sativa containing low-to-no THC content. This is also legal in Florida, and available all over the place. The caveat: what they advertise isn't necessarily what you end up getting. CBD is not regulated by the FDA and is considered a supplement, not a drug.
Thanks, but I just want to get high.

[Yung Dum]

I would really appreciate if you or one of your friends would PM me. I need a connection.

[JimJohnson]

This started out as a sneaky question, but has turned out to be very funny.

[PennBF]

When I was in school it would have been a scandal to use any drug. (OK amateur joker's bring on your attempt at humor which falls short of original). I was at the original "Woodstock" and did not use the many available drugs. Just gives some thoughts to anyone who uses a mind altering drug. Puts their life at risk to avoid reality. Who misses the healthy part of life and appreciating all the wonderful things available to experience. They think they are having a good time as they miss smelling fresh air, breathing without a weeze, an abnormal fast heart beat, not able to sit still and are shaking their arms and seem in a daze a lot of the time. Think everyone else is stupid for missing these life joys by getting a medical prescription when not needed and are proud they "beat the system". There are many medical risks to "using" and a lot of the "users" rationalize the risks away in order to hide from real life. Sad to see these lives wasted. The only benefit to the rest of the people is that it assists in "thinning the herd"..:ho:

[roob1]

I assume when you use the term "mind altering drug" you are including nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and prescription opioids, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and antipsychotics....NOT

Oh, I forgot, the above are "approved" by society.

And with a broad sweep of your pen, you indicate they hide from real life, put their life at risk, and waste their life. Geez, can you generalize any more than that?

A very rigid, uneducated view...takes us back to the 1930's.




When I was in school it would have been a scandal to use any drug. (OK amateur joker's bring on your attempt at humor which falls short of original). I was at the original "Woodstock" and did not use the many available drugs. Just gives some thoughts to anyone who uses a mind altering drug. Puts their life at risk to avoid reality. Who misses the healthy part of life and appreciating all the wonderful things available to experience. They think they are having a good time as they miss smelling fresh air, breathing without a weeze, an abnormal fast heart beat, not able to sit still and are shaking their arms and seem in a daze a lot of the time. Think everyone else is stupid for missing these life joys by getting a medical prescription when not needed and are proud they "beat the system". There are many medical risks to "using" and a lot of the "users" rationalize the risks away in order to hide from real life. Sad to see these lives wasted. The only benefit to the rest of the people is that it assists in "thinning the herd"..:ho: