I was thinking about the paranoia brought on by smoking marijuana and was wondering whether the paranoia is caused by the marijuana itself or the conditions under which people first smoke marijuana?
Most people's first time smoking is usually done knowing full well that it is illegal. Most have either heard or read the scare tactics brought out by government's and media on the dangers of marijuana (and all drugs) and most people's first times smoking is usually done in an environment that's not fully suitable for the experience (i.e. a session in someone’s car in the middle of nowhere, someone’s house while the parents are out etc). I’m sure most people would prefer to be in the safety of their own house or a safe public place instead of having to sneak around and hide what they are doing.
If peoples first experiences with marijuana were done in a friendly instead of hostile environment would they therefore have reduced paranoia as what they are doing isn't illegal, isn't frowned upon in society and wont get them in trouble with parents/law/criminals etc?
Most people's first time smoking is usually done knowing full well that it is illegal. Most have either heard or read the scare tactics brought out by government's and media on the dangers of marijuana (and all drugs) and most people's first times smoking is usually done in an environment that's not fully suitable for the experience (i.e. a session in someone’s car in the middle of nowhere, someone’s house while the parents are out etc). I’m sure most people would prefer to be in the safety of their own house or a safe public place instead of having to sneak around and hide what they are doing.
If peoples first experiences with marijuana were done in a friendly instead of hostile environment would they therefore have reduced paranoia as what they are doing isn't illegal, isn't frowned upon in society and wont get them in trouble with parents/law/criminals etc?

I think weed does affect people's relationships in a subtle way though if they smoke reasonably often. I know a few people very well who do, and they are always the ones that end up finding stupid problems with their partners... I think the effect is quite subtle - not paranoia - but it makes it easier to dwell on negative stuff. As with all drugs, I reckon it is important to montitor yourself every so often and see if they are affecting your attitudes, mindsets and so on in a negative way...