Personally I think that pot itself isn't that big of a deal. I think a lot of what we know about it is false, and it's actually not the horrible evil. I've done some research on it because where I live medical marajuana is a legal thing, and I've seen that there is a lot of split opinions on the research done for it, especially in the mental health field. I smoked as a teen as well, only socially. And I understand what you mean when you say "it opened something up" or made you feel clear. I understand that. I remember for me the first time I tried it, I looked my friend right in the face and said, "I'm only thinking one thought at a time." This was amazing to me. It felt like the storm in my head settled down.

I find it unfortunate that there are not more research studies or something we can participate in to discover if in small doses or moderation it could help people with mental health issues.

That being said, I think it's like any other type of medication or alcohol in that it should be done properly and in moderation. If you're also drinking a lot and thinking of doing other things, then that could be a sign you're trying to self-medicate which can be dangerous. Too much of anything is bad.

Be careful and don't go down the wrong road.