I suppose you have had a profoundly limiting experience when it comes to Ganjah. It seems that
your experince of Rasta is from the outside looking on the Inside. Your views on the effects of Ganjah; reminds I of the Petty Bourgeois Brown Menism that you so ardently oppose. The Ganjah herb is the healing of the Nations. Middle Class Western Oriented Individuals who use Ganjah without a spiritual guide or a Herbsman are at the risk of having a bad experience; such as paranoia, hyperglycemia and the munchies. If you
are familiar with the writings of Castaneda, you should sight my allusion regarding a one that can "bring you" as the Rases say. Using herb is more than just a high for self actualisation or just overstanding ones psychological foundations, parameters and underpinings. Ganjah is also used for mental strenght.

I remember during the seventies in Jamaica; young Rases being commited to the mental institution, by their parents for smoking Ganjah. Some were even shot. It was not until a Ras by the name of Dr. Hickling, took over the Belvue Hospital; that they were released. Any substance can be used properly through knowledge or abused through ignorance. There are other medical cures that Ganjah is used for; such as asthma, bronchitis, fevers, glacoma and other ailments. I find that the cutural divide between RastafarI and the Eurocentric neocolonial culture(Brownmenism)is like aparthied; a diferent mindset and way of thinking. In short an initiate needs a one famliar with the herb to bring them along and grounds as in grounding. Experience teacheth wisdom. The wisdom weed as a sacrement is to be respected. It is the symbol of all Plant life; their Healing, medicinal and food properties as a source of ecological survival for man. Their are receptors in our brain which has evolved with us, that mimic and produce stimulants that are obtained from the use of Ganjah. I Personally hold the View that Ganjah is the catalyst which stimulated our evolution and development into Homo Sapiens. So we disagree to agree; use it but don't abuse it, because I can't refuse it.