Do you play high?

Nope, never played baked. Though I will admit to the occasional drinking game fueled WarioWare festival. Aside from Guiness, I'm straight edge. No 'performance enhancers'. Why? Oddly enough, it probably has something to do with that stupid "Winners Don't Do Drugs" emblem we all used to see at the arcades.



I've been gaming since I was 3. (Apple IIc, Koala keypad, Sesame Street.) And some time in grade school, maybe third grade, I heard something on TV, or in class, about how ALL types of drug use cause brain damage, or deterioration, in some form. (for all you pro-pot people out there, sorry, but it's true. Same is also true of just about any mood stabalizing perscription drug. So don't jump over me about it.) So, that became the REASON I didn't ever try drugs.



Yep. You heard me. Video Games kept me off drugs. I didn't want to turn in to a burn out and start scoring like a jackass. I was proud of that number one spot on the local arcade's Galaga.



...of course, now I spend about 100 bucks a month or more on games...and I'm a bargin shopper...so it seems I ended up addicted to something after all. Oh well.

I know I do. Not all the time mind you, but when I partake in a little extracurricular activity from time to time, I usually pick up a controller and go to town. I find that it helps me focus on the game and usually play a little better. Of course that's the only thing I focus on and someone could drop a bomb in my living room and I wouldn't notice.

Hate to break It to you Insomniac, But alcohol is a drug...

Casual drugs / Casual Gaming. Just seems to go hand in hand for me.

yes pot, and alcohol come together at almost any videogame festival held with my friends. Doesn't matter if it's just a couple of us playing poker with some beers or a pipe, to showing up online and having people drunk or stoned. I do enjoy getting stoned and playing puzzle games, or watching a funny movie. I would have to say it's about 50/50 with the whole pot and video games thing with the poeple i know.

i find marijuana helps me forget about work and really get into whatever game i'm playing, otherwise i just end up with crap about work still in my head and can't enjoy whatever time i have left before i goto bed and then work again.

These comments seem biased towards those who do drugs while gaming. _Most_ people who don't aren't gonna post just to say "not me" because they really don't have a reason not to, they just don't partake. Those who do, have reason to do so, it doesn't happen by accident.



That said, I don't smoke pot, do illegal drugs, or even smoke cigarettes. I do have the *occasional* beer, or ale, or what-have-you.

That, however, is not substance abuse. So, to poster #1 and poster #3: yeah, alcohol is a drug, but in moderation, actually seems to be good for your heart (which is great for us sedentary gamers).



Oh, yeah, and do a search here on joystik for "addiction" and see if you don't get an article on the detrimental effect of that word's use in conjunction with gaming.



Insomniac, your so-called "addiciton" is what the rest of teh world calls a "hobby." It's what you do to relax and unwind.



I don't know if it is this generation's nonchalance toward destructive habits and "casual" drug use, or the older generation's vilification of video games, but Joystiq is making them seem like some sorta gateway drug. I would really like to be done with these pointless polls, really. They are statistically insignificant.

I almost never pick up the controller unless I'm stoned, It's been that way for the last 15 years, my friends too.

If I run out, which is as rare as a good EA title, then I tend to leave the gaming alone.

It doesn't improve my skills, I just enjoy the game more.

The BBC have just informed me of khat, which sounds like a good gaming drug as it's a bit of a stimulant, cheap and currently legal here in the UK. Thanks Auntie.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4615415.stm

I only really smoke sociably, so I only really play games and smoke with mates. For me, my flat mates and quite a few of my other mates, there's nothing finer than a four player mash up on Pro Evo. It's a riotous affair with plenty of mind games (still true when sober, but is much more prominent when a little marley'd). Red Alert becomes even more so a battle of psychological warfare on LAN and becoming engrossed in creeping around maps in CS is truly intense.



It's not that these feelings/sensations aren't there when playing sober, they are just more prominent and I feel I'm more engrossed by the game after a cheeky smoke. I generally feel more relaxed and treat it much the same as I would chilling out having a few beers whilst playing games.

only kind bud for me. I tend to either focus way better, or way worse depending on the mood and the game, but rest assured, i am stoned before i play anything. strike that- i am stoned before i do anything.



I am also a wine drinker and there is invariably a glass next to me.



I work a very crazy schedule at work (im here now actually, about to go home), so i have noticed my drug consumption go through the roof in the past 1.5 years.

No drugs. Maybe a beer. But it's pretty sad to see the number of people responding (and proudly it seems) that they play stoned. But when you think about it, people who play a lot of video games already have a reputation for not being very sociable. I guess it's not surprising that those same anti-socials add drugs to the mix to withdrawl even more from reality.

I have not played high, but I've played TFC and GTA3 with friends after doing several shots of whiskey and for the life of me, I couldn't concentrate on the games. I still don't see how people can play all messed up.

I don't know why, but I think I'd be really good friends with everyone here who answered yes.



I haven't smoked in years b/c of my job and more responsibility than I had ever bargained for, but when I did smoke, it went hand-in-hand with gaming, especially FPS games and puzzle games.



When Capcom vs. SNK and its sequel came out, my best mate and I played marathon sessions for an entire summer that we now refer to as 'the summer of the ring' because the constant fog of euphoria resembled Frodo's time spent wearing the one ring. By September, we had gotten absurdly good at both games and had a library of spectacular replays that we still covet to this day.



I would never outrightly advocate or mindlessly glamorize drug use, but those were certainly some of my happiest moments, especially in light of the seemingly endless grind that my life has become.

No wonder why so many crappy EA games are selling through the roof. Do you people buy games stoned, too? ;)

It's really sad to read people's ignorant opinions about marijuana. If you don't want to smoke it, fine (although, you're really missing out =) ). But stop shoving that bullshit down our throats!



Go and read a study about it instead, you can start here: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Study_finds_marijuana_use_leads_to_brain_development_in_rats



Cannabis really is one of the safest drugs known to mankind and not toxic at all, unlike for example our society's favorite drug Nr 1: alcohol. Did you know for example that the active substance in cannabis, THC, is naturally occuring in your own body?



Sure, it's not good for your lungs to smoke weed. But causing brain damage?! Sheesh... it never stops to amaze me how gullible most people are.



As for playing games when in the enhanced state of mind that marijuana gives you, I think it's really great. You tend to notice all the small details more and of course enjoy the graphics and sound more than usually. I also find it easier to connect emotionally with games (and everything else) after smoking. It really gives you a different experience, I highly recommend it!



Sorry about the rant, but you people are really getting on my nerves. So, if you could just stop spreading lies and false propaganda about this wonderful plant that would be great. Ok, thanks.

I don't do any drugs, but I have been known to drink and play racing games. safe drunk driving! I still want to play one of the Burnout games drunk, but I don't have any of them yet

In College, I played stoned mostly among friends. While playing madden, blitz, tiger woods, and the odd round of SNES classics like street fighter 2.



However, if I need to play very seriously, with no jokes, then I must play sober. Same goes for guitar. I mess up a lot when drunk or stoned.

Super Mario:



What about people that don't somke being sick of people like you preaching about all its merits?



You don't like people telling you its bad, well I dont like people telling me it's good. If you want to do it, go for it. Just don't give me reasons why it is so great.

I don't smoke marijuana often, if ever. Though when I do I don't want to play video games. Sometimes I play while drinking. I might have a beer or two, or three or four but thats only if I have friends over who like Mario Kart DD.

I do it as often as I can. I have too much responsibility at work to do it on most weekdays though.



I'm not sure if I play better stoned, but I definently get more in to it. It's much more exciting and engrossing. As said before, you notice much more detail.



Just because you smoke, doesn't make you a reject to society or antisocial. I have a wonderful job, great friends. I'm not a parent. That's the only thing that would stop me from smoking.

When I play video games, I don't *necessarily* smoke.



The inverse is not true.



When I smoke with my friends (I don't smoke alone), we inevitably play some console games or hop onto some multiplayer online (usually BF2).



Hence, my relationship between video games and pot is non-commutative (if you don't know what that means, bugger off).



I was going to make some comments about some of the blantantly misguided, negative statements made by people who don't smoke. But it's not worth my time.



I'll stick to what I know, and hopefully future comments will stick to what they know instead of making judgements about 'things wot you know nuffin about'.



Back to the topic: weed and video games.



Here are some things that I have noticed whilst playing high. Note that this applies to my own experience ONLY:



-Tends to level the playing field if everyone is baked.

-Nintendo games are especially fun when stoned (super smash on gamecube, mario tennis on N64, mario kart of course).

-Not a good idea to play a game that requires significant amounts of short-term memory and features bad level design ("What is the objective? where are we going again??").

-Laughter is the best medicine.

-Just like doing anything else stoned (like listening to music, sex, shopping, driving), it's *almost* the same as normal gaming but just viewed through a different 'tint'.

-Moderation is the key.

-Winning or losing is not the point. Just have a good time and you're already ahead.

-I'm going to smoke a joint tomorrow night.

-Bulleted lists are fabulous for bite-sized information.

Can't do it. Don't wanna end up like this loser;)

http://www.lifeisajoke.com/pictures177_html.htm

"No drugs. Maybe a beer."



"I don't do any drugs, but I have been known to drink and play racing games."



--------------------------------------------



Is anyone else getting completely sick of this widespread hypocrisy? How can intelligent people live under the misconception that A) Alchohol is not a drug and B) Alcohol is not harmful in the way that 'other drugs' are.



Trust me, im being one hundred percent serious when I say that I would be much much happier if my kids had a propensity to smoke weed over drinking.



Why? Because alchol causes more brain damadge, ruins more relationships, causes more accidents, creates more social problems and generally messes people up MORE than all other drugs combined together. That is the *reality*. If you don't know and understand this fact then you don't have the right to partake in this discussion, and you should seriously just shut up.

Jody Anthony:



Well, if people are sick of hearing about how great marijuana is they should probably stay away from the comments to an article called "Do you play high?", no?



And actually, I would very much like to hear from people that think it's bad as long as they have a good reason why they don't like it. Of course cannabis is not for everyone, I can understand that. What drives me crazy are ignorant people spreading lies and false propaganda without even reflecting for a second over what they are saying. They just keep repeating what they've heard somewhere else like a braindead parrot. For the love of God, don't do stupid crap like that!



To keep this post on topic: Have you ever played Super Mario World... on weeeeeeed?! It's freakin' awesome! =)

Yup, love to light up and play some 360. Though with the custom soundtracks I end up just listening to all my music.

First of all I never said drugs were bad, I said I didnt do them. every single one of my friends smokes pot. so what? I dont do it, thats all I said.



and when I said 'drugs' I meant illegal narcotics. Alcohol, while doing what alot of drugs do, is legal. I dont care who smokes, shoots up, snorts, whatever. I just said I dont, all I do is drink.



As for 'staying out of this thread', super mario..allow me to quote from the original post:



"Tell us about how you do or don't engage in substance abuse while gaming. "



Whats that? Do or Don't. I don't. I just thought I would voice my view on the matter.



I hate being lumped in with drug haters and people that don't know anything about weed or anything. I have never in my life (or in my posts above) said anything about pot or any other drug being bad. I was just stating what I do. I just get frustrated when people have to go on rants about the glory of marajuana to justify their use of it. If you want to use it, use it. You don't have to preach to others about how wonderful it is. If theres anyone you are writing or talking to that doesnt do it, no matter how good it is for you or whatever, its not going to change their minds.



People that do smoke get all bent out of shape because other people say stuff about how they dont do it. You know what? Just don't say anything. No matter what you say, if someone doesnt like it, you are not going to change their mind. Just don't stoop down to these peoples level and realize for yourself that everyone has a right to their own opinion. If people don't want to smoke, thats fine. If people do want to smoke, thats fine too. Its your body, do with it what you will. Just don't go forcing your opinions of pot on other people, be they positive or negative.



I also don't appreciate being called a hypocrite. Again, I never said drugs were bad, I said I didnt do drugs (again, meaning Illegal substances)



If you want to see a hypocrite, look at Super Mario and the like that bitch and whine about people forcing their views onto others, and then turning right around and doing the same thing.

I play alot of video games and smoke even more (between a 1/16 and an 1/8 everyday between me and a couple of mates). I have been smoking this much for over a year and a half and been playing video games since Sonic was first fitted with a pair of red kicks. In my opinion there is nothing damaging about either activity as long as you have some self control (which is quickly faiding with-in me) and don't let them take over your life. Then again that's how I feel about pretty much everything. The steryotype of a smoker and a gamer aint too dissimular, (anti-social, dark rooms, obsucure knowlege of the unreal...) BUT if there is one thing I hate it's a stoner. The whole Bob Marley merchindise, saying dude at the end of every sentense, all the colloquilisums involving pot, draw, weed, hop and all that other crap. To sum up my first rant - Play pissed, play high, play junked out o your head. But there is more out there than weed and games, lets all go on a trip together

i stay baked playing games the more baked the better i play lets rename the 360 to the xbox 420 sounds good to me haha

"and when I said 'drugs' I meant illegal narcotics. Alcohol, while doing what alot of drugs do, is legal. I dont care who smokes, shoots up, snorts, whatever. I just said I dont, all I do is drink."



-------------------------------------------------



Therin lies your glaring misconsception - that the law is all-knowing and just, and its classification of drugs is carefully selected based on health risks. You think that, by following the law, you are being more 'sensible' and have got it 'right'.



The tone of your post is that of a self rightous do-gooder who says things like "I dont do drugs - i think its totally cool that you do them, i just want to look after my body and dont want to break the law", which annoys the pot smokers who are made to feel that their habits are worse than yours because you constantly cite the law against cannabis - a law that is created with finacial and not public health interests in mind.



You said:

"I also don't appreciate being called a hypocrite. Again, I never said drugs were bad, I said I didnt do drugs (again, meaning Illegal substances)"



The hypocrisy is right there for you to see - the refusal to acknolage that legal drugs are still drugs, and that by choosing the legal drug over the illigal drug you have somehow made the better, more enligtened choice. Its completely wrong, and is a misconception that reinforces the current status quo on public views about cannabis, which in turn limits the liberty of decent, hardworking people who want to enjoy the very good and very safe drugs which, for some arbritry reaon or another, are not endorsed by the law.



It just annoys me how easily people are led when they refuse to think AROUND the issue.

Wow!



Is that a picture of America today?



The great nation of Freedom and military might, with a youth that largely admits to using drugs regularly?



Wow!



I am a liberal, but that's a state of emergency and I almost became a conservative after reading these posts.

So by not wanting to get arrested or fined or whatever, I am not a good person?



You sit there and write about how you should have the freedom to smoke pot. What about my freedom to not smoke pot?



yet again, I never said drugs were bad. I also didnt say drugs were good. I said everyone has the right to choose what they want to do, and I just choose to not do drugs.



Face facts. no matter what the reason is, pot is illegal. You can try to justify it all you want, it doesnt change the fact that according to the law of the united states, it is illegal.



I dont care why its illegal. If it was legal, I still wouldn't do it. I have the right to make my choice. In your writing, you are basically saying that I am somehow wrong by choosing not to do illegal drugs. How am I wrong?



And what issue should I be thinking AROUND? The law of the united states?



Finally, I HAVE made the better choice. Why? BECAUSE ALCOHOL IS NOT ILLEGAL.

i am a dankster.



i smoke before durring and after i play games watch movies eat at fancy resturants.



smoking makes everything better in my opinion.

The only fair thing is to bring back prohibition!



Then no one can have a good time and we'll all be sober, healthy, and productive!

ok after we debate whether drugs are good or bad (probably bad), and whether legal drugs are better or worse than illegal drugs(theyre not)... thats kind of a waste and not the point here. might as well start in on republican vs democrat while you're at it, cuz that argument aint goin nowhere either.



i prefer to play when im high, because:

-it gives me more patience with frustrating levels

-allows me to get in the "zone" when racing

-allows me to play games target at stupider people (can anyone play the guy game and leisure suit larry straight? really...)

-i notice details id otherwise miss



nothing is perfect tho, the obvious drawbacks are:

-slightly worse aim

-care less about outcome or progress

-occasionally get lost in levels

-get crumbs on my controller

::To Jody Anthony::



“So by not wanting to get arrested or fined or whatever, I am not a good person?”





- No, not really – it merely makes you a selfish person taking care of your own interests. You seem to imply that following the law makes you a good person, yet as we all know, slavery was permitted under US law until comparatively recently, yet few today would claim that by adhering to the law and taking black slaves they were being a good person.



-------------------------------------------------------



”You sit there and write about how you should have the freedom to smoke pot. What about my freedom to not smoke pot?”



- Read what I said, I never mentioned that. However, I do believe that I have that freedom, as do you have the same freedom to waive your right to smoke pot. That’s not the issue here.



-------------------------------------------------------



”yet again, I never said drugs were bad. I also didnt say drugs were good. I said everyone has the right to choose what they want to do, and I just choose to not do drugs.”



- See above



-------------------------------------------------------



”Face facts. no matter what the reason is, pot is illegal. You can try to justify it all you want, it doesnt change the fact that according to the law of the united states, it is illegal.”



“No matter what the reason is”? Are you seriously suggesting that the law should never be questioned? What about in my slavery example above? What about the fact that different governments have chosen not to make pot illegal? Does that make us the lucky people who a fortunate enough to belong to the government has got it right, while they are in the wrong? Why would that be the case?



-------------------------------------------------------



”I dont care why its illegal. If it was legal, I still wouldn't do it. I have the right to make my choice. In your writing, you are basically saying that I am somehow wrong by choosing not to do illegal drugs. How am I wrong?”





- I am saying you are wrong because you assume that the law is made with your best interests at heart and that it should not be questioned, and that the position of the law is the correct guide for our opinions on important subjects. I think that makes you a sheep who refuses to think for yourself and are content to be told what to do. That is wrong.



-------------------------------------------------------



“And what issue should I be thinking AROUND? The law of the united states?”



- Frankly, yes. If everyone thought like you, the principles of the law would be at the sole discretion of the government and law making bodies, which can, and has throught history, allowed tyrannical governments to control the unthinking populous into committing acts of disgusting, horrific proportions (the holocaust, for example).



-------------------------------------------------------



”Finally, I HAVE made the better choice. Why? BECAUSE ALCOHOL IS NOT ILLEGAL.”



This is what offends me most about you – your utter conviction that, because you are an honest, god fearing, law abiding American, you are the ethical and moral paramount – an example for the world to listen and have faith in. Your self righteous pomposity, when based on such flimsy conformist grounds, is downright sickening.



Your choice is not better – it in fact represents in full what is wrong with America. Well done, I’ve never seen it put so succinctly.

Yes indeed I play games stoned! As most gamer-stoners will tell you, there is an elusive "stone zone" one can reach where you're so on point with a game you're almost unbeatable. I won't even log onto xbox live unless I've had a bowl or two to the head.



regarding post #27: "Face facts. no matter what the reason is, pot is illegal." -- You must not live in california, or any of the other states that have legalized it for medicinal use. I have a perscription, which for the record I got from my regular doctor, that allows me to legally smoke/possess/buy it. In fact, I even go to the store to buy it! On top of that, even if you don't have a perscription, it's better to get pulled over in Cali with an ounce than get pulled over for speeding. The ticket (an ounce or less is only a misdemeanor) is only $100.



Regarding #26 - Do your research. It's clear which side of the "war on drugs" propaganda you chose to believe. But let me ask you, do you drink? Because, you know, drinking/drinking related accidents kill thousands more every year than pot (which, as far as I know, doesn't kill anyone.... ever)

First off, Caffiene is a drug. Tylenol and Aspirin are drugs. Alchohol is a drug. It's all just varying degrees of effects and strength.



I'm not against or for marijuana, but I will say that my time I spent with it was dulllll. I hated how I was so lethargic and generally confused. Also hungry for horrid 7-11 nachos.



Once I got out of that cycle, I never regretted it.



Alcohol is my drug of choice, but never for video games. I don't get drunk and I drink in moderation, but unlike pot, it makes me social, funnier, and an even smoother dancer. Pot, on the other hand, made me bored and likely to laugh at/make jokes that weren't funny.



I've also tried telling myself that music and games and the like are better when I'm smoked up, but then I realize I'm lying to myself. However, the one time I took acid and played EVO: The Search for Eden was incredible.



Heavy smokers (and even light smokers) I knew in high school were boooooring, and often annoying. Heavy smokers outside of High School that I know tend to be lethargic and anti-social.



These are just my observations.



Plus, some of us have real jobs. At these real jobs, they drug test. I don't want to have to arse around with bloody piss kits. Oh, and I have real rent, bills and food cost too, which makes the cost of marijuana a pretty big turnoff.

blunt + w.o.w = WOW!

I love how people throw links to studies and such when they are in these debates on marijuana use, if people spent the time actually reading all the information available, they'd realize that NO one really knows what happens long term with marijuana use. Which in my opinion means that it's effects are really based on the individual. Much like people can say "oh, he's a happy drunk" or "he's a depressed drunk", it all depends on the person. So, while some people who smoke marijuana lead great lives (trust me, I have some friends who use it and they've got the good life), I do have friends from high school, who was never to far away from the bong, and now they are useless.



The second thing I want to say (and I apologize for straying from the original intention of this forum...), in regards to addiction. I don't think marijuana has addictive properties in the same sense as nicotine, but I do believe it falls into the same "addictive" catagory as sex and chocolate and video games. If you like something a lot, you'll continue to do it, and it does create a hold on a person. So, in that sense, I think marijuana is addictive.



As for me personally, I've never smoked marijuana, and never will. I induldged a little too much into drinking at one point and I try and stay away from substances that alter my state of mind.



- The Alex

Alcohol is a drug; A stronger then weed by a fucking long shot. Anyone who disagrees has never tried it, is a fool, or a liar.



Just becuase the gov't has left alcohol legal, doesn't mean its not a drug. Think you sheep. If you drink, you ARE NOT drug free; no way shape or form.



Disclaimer: I am not drug free :)

video games+drugs=teh shit!!!

smoking pot and then playing katamari damacy is the most amazing trip ever. that game was made for stoner-gamers. i am surprised that more people have not mentioned it. i mean you just roll around and pick shit up. now add being high to the mix, its totally insane.

I can't believe how many people are saying they don't use drugs but maybe some alcohol when they game. Legal or not, alcohol is a drug. I have known many losers who are alcoholics and many losers who are potheads; I have also known many responsible alcoholics and many responsible potheads. As for gaming, when I smoke, I stare at the screen (play the game) for hours; if I was gaming drunk, I'd probably pass out.

yes. I remember being 16, and sucking at Super SF2 on the Genesis after 11 bottles of MGD Light. alcohol is not a performance-enhancing drug.



however, Marijuana most certainly has been. I started smoking weed about the time Super Smash Bros: Melee came out, and I found I was actually better while under the influence. I could concentrate better, and I was able to reach that "zone" (you know, where you almost feel like you're meditating) much easier than I could without (I'd usually only get that way during long tetris/tetrinet games).



however, being perception is fairly skewed during times of hallucinogen ingestion, I decided to get another opinion. using my gaming buddies, I fired up MAME, and played through a few games of Last Blade 2, Garou, and Street Fighter Alpha 3. I'm a pretty goddamn good player, so I beat them with little effort. then I went outside, and sparked a bowl of really high-grade sativa. the second session, with my friends now officially a "control group", was just plain scary. two of my friends actually got angry enough that they threw my controllers down in frustration, making random comments about how I should have lubed them up first before playing. they all agreed that I was indeed a better player while high. upon further questioning, they all admitted that I had destroyed them in similar ways while sober, but it wasn't as consistent.



I don't think you'll see any real difference in how you play, really. more that you're forced to dedicate more of your focus to the task at hand, thus enabling you to play at your peak more often than you would normally.

Guys, I think we are neglecting all the crackheads, snorters, pill poppers, glue-sniffers, and shroomers out there who play vids. Since when was weed the be-all-end-all drug? Let's hear your hard drug stories (someone already covered acid) and get the christian-right COMPLETELY pissed off.

On a different note, consider this:

-Gaming is a matter of hand-eye coordination.

-Any substance that reduces your hand-eye coordination will make you worse at gaming.

-Any substance that increases your hand-eye coordination will make you better (provided you have not shifted out of reality and the room has not melted).

-I find that alcohol reduces my hand-eye coordination (sex and driving are particularly affected).



>>>Weed, on the other hand, enhances my hand-eye coordination--hold on, there's a catch here:

I will be the first to admit that weed *initially* interfered with my hand-eye coordination. However, it does not interfere with my instincts or reflexes. Hence, anything that you have practiced to the point of reflex is not affected. I can drive totally fine when i'm seriously baked. In fact, I have driven through many police checkpoints while stoned, and never been asked to do a sobriety test. It just takes practice. There is some danger at first when you can't get your head straight. It was irresponsible for me to drive around stoned at first (I had to pull over once and sit out a spell where i couldn't feel my fingers), but after many years I can do it now without a thought.

Same goes for video games, though they don't have life and death consequences. You could easily be confused and distracted when playing games stoned for the first time, but after a while you'll get used to the 'headspace' and be able to handle it AND enjoy it.

Anyways, it's funny when you get criticized for smoking. It's not just pot smokers who are useless and boring. I know completely straight and narrow people who don't do drugs. As well they shouldn't, some people just shouldn't take them cause they don't have what it takes to deal with it in their head. It's all just a mind game.

There is nothing in this world that a well-prepared mind cannot face. use the schwartz!

I think that "The Alex" has actually made the best points here so far in terms of the pot debate. Nobody knows how any substance is going to affect each individual person. It's like Lewis Black retelling that story of the guy in New York who lived to 100+, and they asked him how he stayed healthy, and the guy replied that he ate nothing aside from bread fried in fatback. (Think bacon, minus the "meat" part.)



According to modern medical research, that guy would have never made it past his mid 20s, and yet there he was, outliving vegans and dieters alike. It's all about knowing your own body.



Getting back on topic, I see a lot of the people in this post have turned the question into, "Do you game while on drugs?" That's not the question, though. It's "Do you play while HIGH?" and as further elaborated on, "Tell us about how you do or don't engage in substance abuse while gaming."



So, to clarify...if you use any *illegal* substance while gaming, that's substance abuse, and you should answer the question "yes".



(Note to whoever incorrectly claimed that marijuana was legal in CA and other states, you are WRONG. The Supreme Court of the US struck down the states' laws in July 2005, and reinforced federal rights over the states. Any usage of marijuana, medicinal or recreational is ILLEGAL in the US.)



http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/06/06/scotus.medical.marijuana/



If you game while drunk, that's also substance abuse, you should also answer "yes". If you game while drinking, but while you're not drunk...it's not substance abuse, you answer "no".



This wasn't intended to be a whole debate on the semantics, or legitmacy of government laws as it has turned into. I think they geniunely wanted to know how much water the "tokin' gamer" stereotype held.



Personally, I don't use any illegal substance, and I don't game if I'm inebriated. I've played enough games with bad cameras to know that if I feel like I'm going to hurl w/o a drink, I'm going to hurl faster with one. Chalk up another vote for no.

its amkes me paranoid and more difficult which of couse brings my high up especially when im playing online. id think it be ever more fun if more chicks played though

I don't.



And really hate the people on Live that play stonned. You're not 'in the zone', you're playing like shite and the giggling is fucking irrating.



However, I can understand the appeal of single player games (especially Monkey Ball).



And yes, the drunk people on XBL are just as bad.

There's nothing like toking a bit then leveling up your characters for a few hours in whatever RPG you're playing.

For me, it really seems to make the tedious things in gaming that much less tedious. Except it may be a bad idea for dodging lightning bolts in FF X.

I totally agree with you tellute. People that are stoned or drunk ruin the games because there is no competition.