My synergy with Cannabis

Cannabis (my preferred term) is an amazing, consciousness-enhancing plant. The synergy it has with humans (mammals and likely other organisms) is either an incredible coincidence or some amazing evidence of potentially deep co-evolution.

I strongly believe Cannabis has helped me manage and stay completely off prescriptions for my Bi-Polar disorder. I was originally diagnosed 18 months ago along with an epic manic episode (I just couldn't stop talking). Once I got back home it was a constant struggle to keep up with the prescriptions I was provided (particularly seroquel which would just zap energy and alertness). Along with my amazing girlfriends love and support I transitioned off the medications over time and now only medicate regularly with the herb.

This isn't to say it's perfect, for everyone or couldn't be abused of course. There have been times I've had to cut down my usage for tolerance and times where smoking is a purely social, even partying, type activity. But I've always remembered that we humans always gravitate towards vice if available and possible. Cannabis is not inherently a vice but can be used as one. It may be the healthiest vice man has ever abused, it may be the most conscious social lubricant available. Just like selecting which foods to eat, when to meditate or exercise I think that intentionally picking your vices is important, otherwise the vices may just pick you. This is a vice that fights cancer, this is a vice that relieves pain without opiates, this is a vice that reduces chronic inflammation, so I think this might just be the responsible vice to pick (dangers of the drug war notwithstanding, and hopefully soon irrelevant)

It has been a tremendous ally in being active, enjoying the outdoors and losing weight (stereotypes need not apply, dude). It has enhanced my social relationships (with others who partake and otherwise). Cannabis even enhances my creativity and can be a delight to work with (I'm a software developer). I understand this doesn't apply for many jobs but I find most solitary pursuits (labor, creative, administrative etc.) can become much less monotonous with Cannabis. On top of all that it has the relaxing effects of an intoxicant but instead of poisoning (cough booze) the body of medical evidence is now showing it overwhelmingly helps the body, fights all manner of chronic and degenerative disease and basically makes being human a bit better ;)

So what do you think Co-Evolution or Coincidence?