I’m working on an article about climbing (any kind) and drug use.  I would be interested in hearing from anybody who has mixed the two.  Broadly speaking I have two main areas of investigation

a) use of anti-depressants (other than tricyclics)e.g.Prozac and later
b) use of marijuana or other psychedelics

I am interested in…why you use these, what effect they have, what your philosophy of climbing is and how (if?) drug use fits into it, risks, benefits etc.  Also any specific stories where drug use plays a role would be welcome.  Complete anonymity guaranteed.  If you are interested in contributing, you could post general comments here, or email me at

chris.stolz(att)gmail(dot)com

I need to get comments from a real email address in case there are follow-up questions etc.

chris

Technically, marijuana is not actually classified as a psychedelic drug.  Are you interested in climbing-related experiences with psychedelics (e.g. LSD, mescaline, etc.) or psychoactive drugs in general (e.g. marijuana, alcohol, etc.)?  Clarity is important.

Cheers.

I believe it was Alpinist mag that had an ‘enlightening’ article on climbing and dope. Check the back catalog. This may prvide some interesting ‘data’.

Poor dude. How the hell did he get up there in the first place?

Re the original question, I’m sure I speak for many of my climbing brethren and schwesteren when I say that weed is as commonplace a part of the day’s supplies for cragging or the alpine as is water and a headlamp, but generally it is only sparked up once the ropes have been pulled or the easy part of the descent has been reached. It’s relaxing, amusing and can enliven a long slog back to the car (by which time, one would hope, the effects have largely worn off).
While a quick toke might sharpen the mind to concentrate on the sequence of a boulder problem, when you’re up off the deck prolonged puffing can result in befuddlement when serious decisions or actions need to be taken; smoking in those situations would just be irresponsible and potentially dangerous to you and your partner(s).

I know a hell of a lot of climbers that smoke weed all the time including while climbing. Never have had a problem. Never. They have been climbing for the last twenty or thirty years with NO accidents to date.

Some of them even smoked a little on the big E and still to date have no issues. But you are not going to get many people who will tell the truth.

I have also seen people freak out because a guy smoke a joint on a minor little climb.

It may not be for everybody but nor is climbing.