Now I'm not one to feel strongly over any particular topic nor am I one who enjoys debating. But within the past year my outlook on marijuana or "pot", if you will, has COMPLETELY changed. All throughout school we were taught to stay away from drugs and Marijuana was always included. I was taught from a young age that pot is a "gateway drug". School honestly drilled the idea in my head that MARIJUANA KILLS (it doesn't by the way). I had never been an advocate of pot but recently my outlook has changed. Pot smokers are often stereotyped and viewed by society as stoners, lazy and unmotivated, unintelligent, or they are possible users of other hardcore drugs. Some scientists have stated that smoking marijuana even casually can cause "major" changes to your motivation. I don't believe that's the case for a few reasons.

As a recreational pot smoker myself, I live a very productive life. I go to work, I enjoy time with my family, friends and I also have hobbies. But guess what? I'm able to enjoy my life, be successful and smoke at the same time! But pot isn't something I just use recreationally either, medically as well. I'm not sure about some of you ladies but I dread that time of the month mother nature comes around. My cramps are unbearable at times and my migraines are the WORST. Sometimes nothing touches the pain but if I smoke a little pot, it helps so much. Not only physically has it helped but also mentally. For someone who suffers from anxiety, pot has eased my anxiousness tremendously. I use to be so anxious to the point where going to sleep at night was an absolute struggle. I remember getting so aggravated with how restless my mind and body was. After I started smoking before bed my sleeping habits changed completely. I no longer had insomnia and I could finally stay asleep through a full night. Although it alters my mental state, it's in positive ways. I found that I am able to focus longer on my tasks at hand. Although I may overanalyze the tasks and situations, I found I'm able to comprehend and process them better leading me to be more creative. My view on the world, people and society have definitely changed.

At the end of the day, you are either a motivated, ambitious person or your not. Life is all about balance. Everything in moderation and we need to learn how to juggle multiple things. We have to know what our main priorities in life are and put those first to be successful and productive.