#23 - Getting Stoned Is Horrible

In countries like Iran and Yemen. I mean, I assume it’s horrible. I’ve never been stoned before, at least that way. stoning is a measure of torture. In fact, it is considered a form of capital punishment whereas a group essentially pelts a person with rocks until they die. Ok, I think we can agree that it’s horrible and drop the assumption.

So, how did the term “getting stoned” happen its way into the English vernacular to become a colloquialism for intoxication, when for ages, it’s been a way to frighten the public into behaving according to religious doctrines? Well, if you actually look into the etymology, it is in fact derived from the inanimate object with which the aforementioned group will kill the aforementioned adulterer, blasphemer, sodomite, etc. And that inanimate object is indeed a stone.

The term originated as a description for someone who is intoxicated, or “blind as a stone”, or “stone cold drunk”. Which is ironic, because when using cannabis, the exact opposite is actually true. Your perception is heightened, your heart is full, and people’s actions are more tolerant. In fact, you may find yourself laughing at the absurdity of politics. You may actually enjoy being stuck in traffic. You may want to call your mother and tell her how beautiful she is.

Therefore, I think it is safe to say that what we have here is a prime example of a double entendre. Because cannabis cannot kill you. It is physiologically impossible to overdose on cannabis.

Oh, and by the way, people in Iran and Yemen should try getting stoned. The good kind.