Legal Recreational Drugs

[Rosarium]

This article caught my eye recently: http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20110106/NEWS03/701069975/From-lab-to-streets

In short, a scientist developed various chemical substances for real scientific reasons, he published his work in scientific journals, anybody can read those, people used his work to make those substances which were then used for recreation. Those substances are usually not illegal to use or possess, yet, can have various effects. Some people are known to have died from using those substances and the scientist is troubled by the use of his work, especially since people died. His work is useful (he isn't doing it nothing), but he has to live with knowing that his work, to be useful, has to be published, and it can be abused. This troubles him. Would using such substances to effect the workings of the mind be sinful?

[Underdog]

This poor guy...he shares no culpability in others' exploitation of his research because he did not disseminate it in an irresponsible manner...and he should not feel ashamed or be made to feel guilty that others (who have free will) made wicked use of it.

As for mind altering substances...I think it depends whether they are part of a necessary medical treatment or in the case of recreational use, to what extent the substance interferes with one's reason, understanding, and sanity.  For instance, one or two cups of coffee helps to conserve one's sanity after a long night of laundry.    ;D

[Rosarium]

This poor guy...he shares no culpability in others' exploitation of his research because he did not disseminate it in an irresponsible manner...and he should not feel ashamed or be made to feel guilty that others (who have free will) made wicked use of it.

As for mind altering substances...I think it depends whether they are part of a necessary medical treatment or in the case of recreational use, to what extent the substance interferes with one's reason, understanding, and sanity.  For instance, one or two cups of coffee helps to conserve one's sanity after a long night of laundry.    ;D

If I had something which made you feel like you weighed nothing and made colours more vivid, and had no lasting effects and had no dangers while it was being used, and was not addictive, would it be a matter of concern to use this substance to alter the perceptions of the body merely for the thrill of it?

[3Sanctus]

If I had something which made you feel like you weighed nothing and made colours more vivid, and had no lasting effects and had no dangers while it was being used, and was not addictive, would it be a matter of concern to use this substance to alter the perceptions of the body merely for the thrill of it?

I don't see that being a mortal sin as presented.  That said, we aren't called to simply avoid mortal sin, but to actively live for Christ - not just to live away from Satan, or passively live for Christ.  For that reason I'd say this would be advisable to avoid - especially in social isolation - if the reason for using the substance were to gain the mentioned effects.

Like with drinking alcohol - going out with a friend and having a few drinks over the course of the night while you talk about good, wholesome things can be very positive.  Slamming down shots so you can feel the effects of the alcohol would be a definite negative.  Same thing with the above-mentioned hypothetical substance.

[Mithrandylan]

Well, I'm inclined to say yes because I just can't seem to imagine a decent reason for one to engage in the behavior aside from getting twisted or avoiding reality.  I'd say go to confession and then therapy.

[QuisUtDeus]

I think these fall under the same rules as drinking.  My opinion is we should never surrender our reason for recreational purposes.   The problem with a lot of these things is there is no equivalent to "a few drinks".  Most of them make you blotto no matter how little you take.

[Graham]

I think these fall under the same rules as drinking.  My opinion is we should never surrender our reason for recreational purposes.   The problem with a lot of these things is there is no equivalent to "a few drinks".  Most of them make you blotto no matter how little you take.

How about for spiritual purposes, and what if one retained one's reason, or even exceeded it?

[Bearded Man]

I think these fall under the same rules as drinking.  My opinion is we should never surrender our reason for recreational purposes.   The problem with a lot of these things is there is no equivalent to "a few drinks".  Most of them make you blotto no matter how little you take.

How about for spiritual purposes, and what if one retained one's reason, or even exceeded it?

Back when I was young and stupid  ;) I smoked various herbs with this in mind. I wasn't interesting in being high or whatever I seriously wanted to "open my mind". Nothing I ever saw or experienced was remotely spiritual. They are hallucinations...not visions.

[Rosarium]

I think these fall under the same rules as drinking.  My opinion is we should never surrender our reason for recreational purposes.   The problem with a lot of these things is there is no equivalent to "a few drinks".  Most of them make you blotto no matter how little you take.

How about for spiritual purposes, and what if one retained one's reason, or even exceeded it?

This is an interesting question.

But, as far as anyone can tell, people who are using "mind expanding" substances can feel spiritual or more understanding. In reality, they are just more stupid and less perceptive. It is basically an induced feeling which makes everything seem profound. If such people wrote down or tried to express these "thoughts", it would be clearly meaningless or simple.

Just because one feels something, that doesn't mean it is. And if one is tampering with the brain, the senses cannot be trusted.

[Graham]

I think these fall under the same rules as drinking.  My opinion is we should never surrender our reason for recreational purposes.   The problem with a lot of these things is there is no equivalent to "a few drinks".  Most of them make you blotto no matter how little you take.

How about for spiritual purposes, and what if one retained one's reason, or even exceeded it?

This is an interesting question.

But, as far as anyone can tell, people who are using "mind expanding" substances can feel spiritual or more understanding. In reality, they are just more stupid and less perceptive. It is basically an induced feeling which makes everything seem profound. If such people wrote down or tried to express these "thoughts", it would be clearly meaningless or simple.

A correct dose of marijuana allows me to perceive significance and interconnection where I otherwise do not. The best example of this is in musical performance. I've been able to perceive and execute the real beauty of, for example, a Handel sonata, while high on pot. And this has been verified independently by sober listeners. These experiences have improved my musical sense even when sober.

Just because one feels something, that doesn't mean it is. And if one is tampering with the brain, the senses cannot be trusted.

I agree that drugs are dangerous and shouldn't be abused. However, I feel that if one approaches them in a collected state of mind, and retains this throughout, they can be helpful.