[Shazbut]

I was a long term user (12 years) and found that it masked an underlying depressive condition - which, when I was out of my brain on blo, became way more pronounced. Paranoia was only a part of what I did to myself abusing marijuana. I was in denial about the effects it was having on me.

My EX-husband is addicted to the stuff and, although basically a kind and gentle man, became an absolute monster if we ran out of cash and he couldnt buy some more. Many fights broke out when I wanted food in the cupboards, when he wanted his drug.

I dont know about the new scientific studies - I still believe it is exaggerated - but I know through personal experience (myself, ex-hubby and mutual groups) that marijuana, when abused, can lead to paranoia, keep people locked in the past, make a person rather introspective, keep them depressed, dependant and skint!