We’re in no way condoning drug use, but a significant number of gamers prefer to play their videogames when they’re off their pips; fogged up in a marijuana-induced oblivion. They say that smoking weed before grabbing their controllers or manning their keyboards allows them to focus on the task at hand; killing n00bs, beating times and getting high scores. The chaps at Vice did some testing in the name of science, to see if their scores and times were better, or worse under the influence of weed.
According to some literature, Cannabis can be a performance enhancing drug. And no, not just in eating competitions.
Clearly, cannabis induces euphoria, improves self-confidence, induces relaxation and steadiness… Cannabis enhances sensory perception, decreases respiratory rate and increases heart rate; increased bronchodilation may improve oxygenation of the tissues… based on current animal and human studies as well as on interviews with athletes and information from the field, cannabis can be performance enhancing.
Does that enhanced performance carry through to games?
Vice’s Jagger Gravning and some friends got hold of some pot, got stoned, loaded up some games and tested their average times and scores against the same games when stone-cold sober. The results were a little interesting. For the most part, their scores were roughly the same; sometimes worse, sometimes better. What’s interesting though is that they felt like they were doing better even when they weren’t.
Here are the comparative scores.
Super Hexagon (average of three plays sober, three plays stoned. The game score is a timer to see how many seconds you can last before hitting the walls of a spiraling maze.)
- Me sober 4.03 seconds / stoned: 4.03 seconds
- Dutch Mogul sober: 3.44 seconds / stoned: 5.19 seconds
- Ben sober: 5.92 seconds / stoned: 6.38 seconds
- Brian sober: 2.32 seconds / stoned: 3.87 seconds
Tetris DS
- Me sober: 13,766 / stoned: 15,360
- Dutch Mogul sober: 40,338 / stoned: 97,462
- Ben sober: 65,095 / stoned: 56,447
- Brian sober: 18,860 / stoned: 15,843 (Brian said he felt he was doing much better stoned at Tetris, and was surprised to see at the end that he was not. “I thought I was in control of my own destiny,” he said dejectedly.)
Pac-Man Championship Edition CX+
- Me sober: 989,120 / stoned: 968,540.
- Dutch Mogul sober: 558,830 / stoned: 635,350
- Ben sober: 1,104,470 / stoned: 836,200
It may have little impact on scores or ability, but it certainly helps some people enjoy the game more. Do you play games while high? Do you find you play better or worse when you’re blitzed? Perhaps our very own, very scientific study is in order.
Last Updated: May 26, 2014
Dutch Matrix
May 26, 2014 at 14:35
’tis all fun and games until the Fuzz arrives…
“I can laaik to know what you are finking you are doing Boetie!”
Umar_Zero
May 26, 2014 at 14:38
I can laaik to tickle my koeksister
Sk3tz0
May 26, 2014 at 14:41
he looks hungry.. some1 give him a custard donught..
Umar_Zero
May 26, 2014 at 14:36
Never been high before…closest I got to smoking anything was double apple and mint hookah…ah yum ah yum ah yummy yum yum
Sk3tz0
May 26, 2014 at 14:39
I was gonna finish the game and beat the boss.. but then i got high..
Stupid Skevie Stoners.. I bet thats the most common excuse on line for getting ur ass handed to u in a multiplay match.. U only beat me cuz i was stoned.. or u beat me cuase i was banging ur mom.. ahhh joys of COD..
Kingoffools
May 26, 2014 at 14:39
A ridiculous amount of kids thinks it’s insanely cool to claim they’re “high” or “drunk(which is especially ridiculous when its 3pm and the guy is sitting on his pc alone)” while they deliberately screw over your game of lol/dota2 or whatever.
Devourer of Small Bunnies
May 26, 2014 at 15:14
Gotta remem 1 thing. Its 3pm for you, but theres a whole planet of folk too #justsaying
Weanerdog
May 26, 2014 at 15:43
3 pm is a bit late to be drunk I am normally starting the hangover by then.
Kingoffools
May 26, 2014 at 19:00
Sigh..some smartass just HAD to make that comment.and that’s precisely why i named lol as an example
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 26, 2014 at 14:42
I hardly ever even have a drink while playing. Stone cold sober is me generally.
Sk3tz0
May 26, 2014 at 14:43
cannabis can be performance enhancing. – Ya if that performance is to run to the kitchen to raid the cookie jar..
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:00
o/
Weanerdog
May 26, 2014 at 15:43
Planning will ensure that the cookie jar travels with you.
Sk3tz0
May 26, 2014 at 15:52
U’re stoned you’ll have forgotten to take the cookie jar and once u sit down pick up the controller you’re like .. fuck i wanna cookie.. and then the process repeats itself
Weanerdog
May 26, 2014 at 16:56
Planning as in before you even sit down for your first hit.
Gerard Matthews
May 26, 2014 at 20:29
Spoken like a seasoned weed smoker.
Weanerdog
May 27, 2014 at 08:27
Nope not at all. I may have had a friend or two that partook in the practice. So ensuring that the munchies were in the same room as them ensured that they were not running to the kitchen every two minutes.
NickTheEagle
May 26, 2014 at 14:47
In COD it makes you a lot more aware of where people are in the game and my aim didnt change. Nothing could distract me from it.
Hammersteyn
May 26, 2014 at 14:52
LOL more aware or paranoia?
NickTheEagle
May 27, 2014 at 08:17
Both! The sounds are better so you know where people are, but yes i suppose you could parry a bit from it.
Hammersteyn
May 26, 2014 at 14:51
No, they only sell kak were I live. I do climb deep into a whiskey bottle though
Admiral Chief in Space
May 26, 2014 at 14:52
Super Hexagon, man that game is difficult!
Hammersteyn
May 26, 2014 at 14:53
I cried a bit of blood and had a migraine
Brandon Mackay
May 26, 2014 at 14:52
Admiral Ackbar says…
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 14:59
Yes !
Expect when I play battlefield 4 ( I find myslef slow in response and confuse myself and my fingers on witch key to use )
When I play hearthstone I have to play stoned , else I make decsions to quik with out thinking it through ) also being stoned while playing hearthstone helps me to think of broader tactics and styles
Most games , I play stoned …. Expect twitch finger games …. Ha ha Gana roll me a phatty when I get home …
Big ups lazy !
Ps weed is not a drug , it’s a plant … A drug would be alcohol or cigarettes , I can’t go a day with out my cigs , but have been smoking less am less green with no with drawls or anything of the sort
Gavin Mannion
May 26, 2014 at 15:00
your spelling is not helping the Make it Legal crowd win their point
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:07
It’s this thing called auto correct on my silly iphone I am sorry … And safari doesn’t always play nice with me
My apologies gents
( away from keyboard sucks )
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 15:27
Iphone … there is your problem. 🙂
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 15:29
Happens when you are baked in Vodacom
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 15:30
Got high … felt hungry … bought Apple. I can see your point of view. 😛
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 15:32
or “IT IS SO SHINY!!!”
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:32
Yes ( thinkin the new Nokia 8.1 flagship phone 1530 or something ) iPhone and windows doesn’t play so nice , also tired of This kak small screen ( hence the amount of typing errors )
Gavin Mannion
May 26, 2014 at 15:51
lol just wondering if you were totally stoned already
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 16:06
I dig that the whole site has a sense of humour , keeps me commin back
loftie
May 26, 2014 at 15:44
I play worse on fps, and better on slower games as well lol
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:52
Same … But hearthstone I play like a champ ( just a slow champ )
Maxiviper117
May 26, 2014 at 15:58
What, ? of course weed is a drug. Narcotic(drug): “any of a class of substances that blunt the senses, as opium, morphine, belladonna, and alcohol, that in large quantities produce euphoria, stupor, or coma, that when used constantly can cause habituation or addiction(not with weed necessarily) , and that are used in medicine to relieve pain, cause sedation, and induce sleep.” What do you think all that THC in weed does to your perception.
So by your made up definition, Cocaine comes from the coca plant, so you saying cocaine is not a drug?
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 26, 2014 at 16:00
It’s CAAAAAANDY! O_O
Maxiviper117
May 26, 2014 at 16:02
OMG YOUR TOTALLY RIGHT,
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 16:18
It’s candy for the brain – fact
If Steve jobs didn get high we would never have had the iPod ( stand to be corrected or was it acid he took )
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:21
So drugs are to blame for Apple products? Now it all makes sense.
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 16:30
U say it like it’s a bad thing
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:38
Not a fan of Apple. Or Steve Jobs (like most people on this site).
But everyone I know who owns Apple products seem to love them. (not sure if brainwashed or actually serious though 😉
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
May 26, 2014 at 16:40
I own Apple and Android devices..and both have their pros and cons. I do like the iDevices a heck of a lot, though I’d rather cut off my own balls than use a Mac.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:44
Haha. Honestly I can’t say that I know enough about some of the smaller devices to really make an educated diss (regardless of how much fun it is), but a Mac is pushing it.
I’m not much of a phone or tablet person (which means I use it for texts, phone calls and email), so when it comes to handheld devices I usually pick the best I can get for the price, which was always android.
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 16:48
My Mac treated me well , got me where I am today , but lack of games hurts the system more than anything else
Also try find anything on the Mac is a pain
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 16:46
I dig my 4s , but lately I ve been less than impressed …. It’s too small
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:48
Haha. Like I said below, I’m not much of a phone person so I went for an S4 mini. I need a phone that works when people are looking for me but doesn’t take much space in my pocket.
I know, my requirements for a phone is mad.
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 18:02
I am seriously contemplating , getting a Nokia 3310 , and a phablet , or a Tablet for my emails and what’s app on the go
All jokes a side , I have to charge my iPhone 2 or 3 times a day , when I get phone calls all day it’s like 3 or 4 times
So my logic is , old phone for calls and such. -and a tablet for internet on the go
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 16:17
Ha ha hectic dude
Drugs cause dependency right ? I use to smoke 3 times 5 to 7 days a week , 2 months ago I completly stopped smoking expect for on Sundays ( I have had no with drawls , I don’t crave it , I miss it , but I am not Gana go Rob a bank cause I need it )
What about all studies that are starting to be published about all the positive effects of canniboids and such ( breast milk contains canniboids by the way )
So if u have been brain washed to think that weed is the problem and not alcohol or cigarettes , then u part of the problem I think
Do yourself a favour and smoke this ” drug” and tell us all how horrible it was , and how it caused u to beat your wife and sell your children into slavery
We can chat about it over a bottle of rum
Read sarcasm
Maxiviper117
May 26, 2014 at 18:28
Yes but none of that detracts from the fact that weed is a drug or rather the THC in weed that is the drug, plain and simple, regardless of whether it has positive or negative side affects benefits.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 18:33
Yeah, there’s no denying THC is a drug, or that Marijuana contains a laundry list of other chemicals and cannabinoids beyond THC, that have effects. The more ways you ingest Marijuana, the more you realize the differences.
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 16:21
http://us.cnn.com/2013/05/23/health/time-marijuana-diabetes/index.html?sr=sharebar_twitter
By the way , this is one of 15 articles I ve come accross today alone
” open your mind and will see , you have been brain washed , the ” choices ” u seem to make have all been made for you ” smoke a blunt open your mind free your thoughts , and have some cookies am milk ready
Gavin Mannion
May 26, 2014 at 15:00
“I thought I was in control of my own destiny,” he said dejectedly.”
lol that’s so awesome
Devourer of Small Bunnies
May 26, 2014 at 15:00
Welp. I had to comment now didnt I?
Firstly, lets get it out in the open. Most gamers I know, have known, have met, have irc’d, most of them smoke green. Now its not to say folk get coma stoned, but its treated +- the same (in consumption) as alcohol. Its not particularly overly used as too much of anything can really screw up your game. These same folk dont smoke outside of their gaming. Its primarily a game experience enhancement. They all seem to enjoy it thoroughly, but since they dont use it at any other point of their day to day lives, it becomes an occasion. I think thats a pretty healthy/responsible/informed way of going about the subject, for those who feel strongly about it.
The point being, people get high and play games. Not because theyre scumbag hooligans on the loose in a cyberspace near you. Theyre folk who, as a lot of folk, like mixing a bit o business with a bit o fun. Have a joint or a 6 pack? Ill have the joint please.
I wouldnt advocate everyone to go grab a sticky and have a game, but if its your kinda bag, youre willing to experiment and you have trustworthy folk/friends, go for it. Its a different experience to playing sober/drunk/tired. Sometimes for better (dota) sometimes for worse (outlast)
Remember one thing, for the most part, folk who use green everyday arent doing so for a medicinal purpose. Transcode “joint” to “whiskey” or “Glass o red”. Now you’re in the right mindset. Again, not all. There’s also a few who use it for anxiety, stress and numerous other new age ailments.
I have many justifications for my use, but I keep 2 things in mind. Its my body and I will do with it as I see fit. Secondly, as this is my decision, its my responsibility to make sure that I am accountable for what I do, and that no one else has to be effected by it. Its something to think about next time you spark up.
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:05
Nice man , respect …. By the way , Jermery acton was in court last Friday tryin to get a stay on all weed cases etc etc
Also , I have never hit anybody out of anger while I was high , I have how Eva done some pretty regretful things while I was drunk , probs the reason I don’t drink in public , if I drink it’s 2 beers and I better be at home
Devourer of Small Bunnies
May 26, 2014 at 15:12
Some get a kick out of downing a bottle of absolut, some like to use themselves as pincushions for opiates. Im very partial to the old dark Red Heart bottles lurking everywhere. You gotta do what works for you 🙂
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:18
I find the less I drink the more I enjoy it eg: quarter glass of wine with dinner , more than enough
Anything more than that I find myself doin stupid things
But yes , each to his own
Devourer of Small Bunnies
May 26, 2014 at 15:22
I prefer to be blitzed while gaming and drinking while out. Works out best, but usually gases over liquids in my case 🙂
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:26
Only certain games can I pull it off ( else the dead clan is on my tits for underperforming )
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:26
But yea , gases over liquids any day
FSR
May 26, 2014 at 15:11
Here, here. +1 for responsible stoners.
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 15:00
The only time weed is a performance enhancing drug is when you put a cupcake at the finishing line of a running event. 😛
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:10
Dude … Show me the cookie
Norm
May 26, 2014 at 15:19
HAHA!
Gavin Mannion
May 26, 2014 at 15:02
I feel like I’m missing out, I don’t think I’ve ever played a game stoned… oh wait… okay but not in a very long time and in my defence I did everything stoned at that time in my life
Devourer of Small Bunnies
May 26, 2014 at 15:03
can you just shuttup and pass the cheetoh’s 😛
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 15:09
Did you hire Darryn during this time?
“So what is your special skills?”
“I have a batman suit and can find left tot right nekkid ass in 30s flat”
“Dude you are hired”
Admiral Chief in Space
May 26, 2014 at 15:26
Sounds legit
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 26, 2014 at 15:32
I think you just proved people do make good decisions while stoned.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 15:03
I have no comment, it’s still a federal offense in America.
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 15:04
Actually that depends on certain states and if you have a health problem (mainly cancer) also there is that one city/state (can’t remember) that it was legalized in.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 15:05
Federal offense. Civil offense (State) is different. Marijuana is still classified as a schedule I drug (same as heroine) to the Federal Government. They don’t care what your health problems are.
There’s a reason why the fed can target landlords receiving rent money from growers, even medicinal, in California. State and Federal laws are different, and until the Fed changes it’s policy, they can simply waltz into any state, regardless of their laws and charge anyone with possession, cultivation etc…
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 15:25
Oh well … doesn’t really matter to me. Everything I learn comes from south park anyways. 😛
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 15:27
South Park isn’t exactly a great teaching tool for this one anymore, since it’s 100% Legal in Colorado right now (unless the Fed decides to be a bunch of dicks).
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 15:29
Yeah that is why I switched to family Guy. They seem much more informed. 😛
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 15:32
South Park is still very culturally and socially relevant to the US, as they have running commentary on a great deal of the crazy bullshit that occurs in the US. Family Guy has some interesting factoids lately about science, due to Seth McFarlane’s true passion in the area, and his INTEGRAL role in getting Neil Degrasse Tyson, Brannon Braga, and the other original creators of Cosmos together to take another shot at the series.
I still watch both 🙂
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 15:34
Same here. I am just joking around. As for NDT. I respect him but hate him at the same time after what he did to Pluto.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 15:38
Haha, there are a number of speeches where he talks about Pluto. He still gets hate mail for it. *chuckle*
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 15:42
I understand why Pluto is not a planet anymore and even understand the logic and reasoning behind it but for 25 years of my life Pluto was a planet and DAMMIT it should stay one!
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 15:46
On March 13, 1781, William Herschel discovered planet George. Named so, by the fact that King George of Britain was paying him an annual 200quid fee. It would not be renamed to Uranus until 1850.
Should that have stayed the same? 🙂
Things change, and the reasoning for Pluto’s reclassification is sound. We’ve been discovering planets, planetoids, celestial bodies and other galactic phenomena for centuries, but not classifying them properly. Makes for terrible study. It had to happen sometime.
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 15:49
Humans inherently don’t like change. Like I said. Just because I don’t like it does not mean that it should not be done. I will always be sad though.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 15:58
Bah, the correct answer is Planet George would be hilarious. 🙂
S’ok, I understand the attachment, hell, I’m sure some kids grew up having an unnatural passion for astronomy due to a story, or a sighting or whatever of Pluto they had. It’s unfortunate, but don’t blame NDT, blame the scientists who came before him who didn’t follow a sensible classification pattern hehe.
NDT is probably one of the most pivotal and important scientists out there right now, especially in America where a whole new and rather well-funded anti-science mentality has sprung up. He can do no wrong in my eyes.
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 17:00
Yeah that is why I respect him still. Well him and old Bill Nye.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 17:18
And the really old one, the guy (Don Herbert) who used to do Mr. Wizards World on Nickelodeon. I used to watch Mr. Wizards World like freekin clockwork, for years.
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 18:15
Yeah we did not know of Nickelodeon till the late 90s. 🙁
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:05
A glass of wine when the mood strikes. That’s all.
Gavin Mannion
May 26, 2014 at 15:05
I actually now feel like a glass of quality red wine… this must be rectified immediately
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:06
STAT!
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 15:25
Highly recommend Masi Costasera Amarone Classico, we had a 2009 last night with a grilled pork loin that was insanely good.
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 15:07
Good single malt is my alone/gaming drug of choice.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:16
I really do enjoy a good whiskey myself (though I’m not very picky about it), but grew up in the winelands so wine comes first.
Anon A Mouse
May 26, 2014 at 15:23
Come now be honest, you’re revering to a papsak aren’t you?
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:24
Haha.
Not since University days. Back then it cost us between R7 and R10 a liter where I grew up.
Anon A Mouse
May 26, 2014 at 15:25
Tassenberg was my poison while in / at / around varsity.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:39
Oh yes. Could’ve build a castle with all the bottles we had to remove from the student house when we left.
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 15:46
Didn’t you go to Maties, we just head out to the nearest farm where it was R10 drink as much as like/can. Otherwise R5 doubles + mix stumbling around on bouncy floor listening to dance music.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:47
Yep. I did.
Ah, the R5 doubles. Don’t know what time you were there, but I think it was Tollies in my day.
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 26, 2014 at 15:49
There used to be a place in the Neelsie centre, can’t remember the name. Was a couple of rand for a glass of “punch”.
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 15:49
BROLLOKS!!!! – shame they turned it into an ABSA of all places.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:49
Holy crap I remember that place.
Weanerdog
May 26, 2014 at 15:52
Tollies! was after my day you youngings. Best we had a 2 for one 2 hour Tuesdays for local beers at the Garage in the Neelsie. That would be R4 for two beers.
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 26, 2014 at 15:55
Yes that’s it. Garage. I loved that place. Even when the smoke on the dance floor was actually tear gas.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:55
Haha. Didn’t know that place.
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 15:56
I think that was more than 13 years ago.
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 26, 2014 at 15:57
Probably closer to 15 *sigh*
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 15:55
Only went to Tollies with Elsenburg buddies. Place across the road before they demolished the mall across the “stegie” from Stones. Was called Equilibrium at one stage but had a lot of name changes.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:58
Haha. Excellent. Met my girlfriend at that place (under one of the other names it had), everything has changed so much there now.
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 15:30
Stein papsak mixed with 4L of PnP Lemonade
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 15:30
Bushmills 21 year old Single Malt…a FINE drop, if I do say so myself.
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 15:31
Do not agree with you a lot of the time, but sir you have good taste in whisky.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 15:35
Whenever I have a spare hundred bucks to spend, I always get a bottle of 21 year old Bush…god that stuff is heavenly. Other than a 1985 Burmester Porto, it’s probably the most complex, and beautifully layered liquor/wine I’ve ever had.
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 15:43
Spoil myself once a year with a $100 whisky or brandy (either a Bushmill 21y (bought it twice) or something unique from Islay or top SA potstill brandy) but always have a bottle of the plain Bushmills around when friends visit.
Wines I stick to South African wines; being in the Winelands and having a few contacts can always score a few bottle for around $10 that will go for $100+ in the US or EU and as many everyday wines I can fit in the boot of the car at under $2 (typically exported to the US for $10+) a bottle
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:46
SA wines really are some of the best. Had some great Californian wine before though.
Weanerdog
May 26, 2014 at 15:54
I had some pretty nice California wines but they seemed so expensive, but I really like our local fare.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:59
I agree. Stick to the locals. Had a Chilean wine the other day…good, but still prefer our own stock.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 16:01
Once a wine area becomes known for it’s quality the prices skyrocket. Pre-Judgement of Paris, most Sonoma/Napa Valley California wines were dirt, dirt cheap.
But once Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay hit Paris…it was all over. The same will happen to SA, and any other country producing wines in an optimal climate (and once the vines age properly).
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 16:02
We also have arm long list of taxes especially on wines, so prices typically triple if it is imported.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:04
Don’t forget that some of our great wine farms produce solely for export and you can’t even buy their wine here.
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 16:16
Nope you can (and I do) buy the export wines; most exported wine is the middle range stuff (R50 wines) and produced specifically by exporters (Origin, African Terrior) and not the farms. Input cost for high end wines is too high too be competitive with top French wines. The exception is the international prize winners but even those are still available locally.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:20
I worked at a wine farm when I was in my early twenties and (for the life of me I can’t remember the name) there was a farm we dealt with that literally boxed everything for export. Was some fancy brand. But I suppose its an extreme case. Wasn’t a very big farm either.
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 16:28
Most of those farms either sell all all their grapes or the farm have been sold entirely to a big exporter. For instance you go through to Worcester area you will see every second farm is now part of “House of Origin”. Durbanville Hills, Nederburg is owned by Distell and they use grapes from other farms as well for their bulk wine.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:33
The one I worked for was privately owned and literally just sold from the farm itself – like I said, very small farm. The other one, I’m not so sure actually. Was in the Paarl area. But I’ve heard of House of Origin (though you’re giving me a nice lesson now 🙂
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:02
So true. But I would seriously love to one-day take a tour of US’s wine routes.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 16:08
You and me both dude, holy batshit are there a TON of exceptional vineyards in California. There’s a really really awesome TV Show with James May (of Top Gear fame) and Oz Clarke (expert on Wine), where they travel all across Italy and France and California tasting wines from a vast number of wineries/vineyards, then they follow it up by doing a tour of beer brewers in Europe, I think. (Damn shame they don’t do it again, one of the best beers in the world, right now, comes from my State in the US).
It’s a great show though, gives you a mere glimpse of what’s out there.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:11
I’ve been “planning” a trip to your country for years now, but with SA’s terrible exchange rate etc etc, it’s quite difficult. But I’ll get there eventually.
Here in the Western Cape we’ve also got a few nice breweries, but it being Africa and the communities rather small, they don’t get much attention internationally.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 16:24
Most ‘local’ breweries don’t man, I’m sure you’ve never heard of The Alchemist Brewery, or Heady Topper IPA…though I’ve probably mentioned it a time or two…sec….
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rRLzKtc5NRg/T_2J3ZdEyoI/AAAAAAAABdg/jCEX8eiNM8c/w1101-h826-no/DSCN4594.JPG
I tend to go to Beeradvocate.com, for all things beer, and I’ve had the distinct pleasure to watch it skyrocket to the top of their All-time 250 list. But yeah, it’s still hard as hell to find, outside Vermont USA. Prior to it’s real discovery by American’s, it was even hard to find in Vermont lol.
The brewery is in Waterbury, VT, and in August 2011, they opened up their new brewery ‘building’ (can’t call it a plant, because it’s not huge), and also watched their Pub get destroyed by Hurricane Irene (We had a storm system that I believe was big enough to cover 2-3 States at once, stall over us for ~36 hours dumping rain the entire time….Vermont is lined down one side of it with a mountainous range (The green mountains), it largely angles down from those mountains to lakes that border it on the other side. So when it rains like that, the water just picks up speed/volume as it travels downhill….Alchemists Pub was perched on a bank overlooking a stream that is directly fed by the mountains, these streams can raise water levels 10-15 feet in hours).
Anyway, heh, it’s near and dear to my heart. Had a friend who worked there for many years lose his job. If you _ever_ get the chance to try it, I strongly, strongly recommend.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:26
Things such as this intrigues me so much. Smaller breweries always have the best beer.
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 16:33
Have you tried those in and around Cape Town? Some very good stuff, some interesting and some just plain nasty (but everybody got their own taste).
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:36
Cape Town Brewing Co has some nice ones.
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 26, 2014 at 16:44
Also Devils Peak (actually go to the Taproom and have the epic burger or the 6 beer with food pairing), Darling and Birkenhead.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:46
Darling I’ve also had (Bonecrusher). Good stuff. And had ObsBru the other day in Observatory.
Heard good things about Devils Peak though never tried it.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 16:33
They really are amazing, and something to be celebrated. Vermont has 6.38 breweries per 100,000 people (#1 in the US), and it accounts for ~2.4% of GDP in the State, so it’s part of our culture here.
There’s a particularly popular brewers festival, every year, and most of the stores have a rather healthy selection of local stuff, and even some select imports. There’s a _heaven_ for beer in our State, Winooski Beverage, that has a selection of over 900 beers, that’s like Toys ‘R’ Us for adults.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:36
That’s a definite stop to make then.
That state looks incredible btw man.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 16:50
Vermont…is problematic. We have an exceptionally low population (626K) in comparison to the rest of the country, but I’d imagine our weather+terrain combo has much to do with it. It’s a mountain range that evens out to a lake, basically. There are plenty of flat areas for farmland, but the Mountains and proximity to a large body of water, compounded by our global position makes for some heinous winter/spring weather. ~6 months of snow, and then all that melts, and drains down the streams/rivers into the Lake taking anything that gets in its way with it.
So, here’s my back yard:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Bz1wsZ_CSY/UZ95jV-YUyI/AAAAAAAAC1U/BgZvVWVfStU/w1101-h826-no/DSCN5676.JPG
Here’s what happened after those clouds opened up. The first video is my backyard, the second video is the road that goes by my house. It should be noted this happens every year, it is not an oddity. The only question is how long and how many times will it do this. I have a number of other pictures if you wanna see heh.
https://plus.google.com/photos/116630782017965458490/albums/5881974797883322529?authkey=CNuQqdPTxvyamgE
But yeah, Vermont summer’s are absolutely beautiful, because of all the moisture accrued during the winter/spring, there’s plenty of water for everything to grow. It’s just…Winter and Spring can wear on people.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 16:54
Wow dude. Most snow I’ve ever seen was a few patches along the road up our mountain passes here.
But that’s still incredible. Regardless of its downsides, such a low population is nice.
The South Africans that don’t live in the Western Cape complain about our bad weather, which is about 6 months of rainfall and sunny the rest of the year. With barely any snow anywhere.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 16:59
Hehe, this is what tall grass looked like on Christmas Day this year:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qM0sb99LQXI/Urs0OwEBuBI/AAAAAAAADuA/NrLDkXmpK10/w992-h558-no/DSCN6398.JPG
Winter is certainly not without it’s beauty, it can be stunning. But…6 months of 30 to -30 degree (F) weather, can be rugged for some people to deal with lol.
Absolutely agree low pop > high pop. I hate cities, I have no desire to live in, or near one. I like being out in the relative quiet, and being able to go out and escape into nature is great. I take my camera with me everywhere.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 17:01
That’s really cool.
We don’t know that kind of cold here. I’d probably die.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 17:03
Nah, like most places on Earth, the clothing stores/companies in Vermont, are tailored entirely to Vermont’s climate. We also get allot of the high-performance Nordic lines out here as well. So there’s tons of ultra-thin, ultra-warm clothing/jacket lines. Most visitors are fine as long as they aren’t sticking with the shorts, in mid-January 🙂
But yeah, you won’t find many stores selling summer ware in the dead of Winter, so as long as you don’t mind a bit of shopping you’d be fine.
Brian Murphy
May 26, 2014 at 15:54
I am more of a fine beer/liquor person, my Dad handles all of the wine. He’s got a case of Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast 2011 ‘investors’ wine. Because of strange weather that year, the grapes came out in a unique fashion. I’d have to look it all up to recollect. Basically much of the season was marred by unseasonably cold, rainy weather, but the last couple months were hot and dry or something.
He has another case to a case and a half of wine kicking around the house of varying qualities. Basically, he chooses a wine then builds a meal around it. Though, he also loves Cognac (can’t stand), we usually get him a bottle of Hennessy XO Paradis yearly, though he’s developed an interest in Delamain’s Grand Champagne Cognac of late.
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 26, 2014 at 16:14
I used to drink fine brandy, but stopped once I realised it all tasted the same in coke 😉
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:40
You don’t agree with people for the sake of disagreeing. 😉
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 26, 2014 at 15:46
That’s not true.
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:48
LOL
Mossel
May 26, 2014 at 15:30
Nothing like a good Pinot Noir to relax.
Sir Captain Senior the First
May 26, 2014 at 15:09
It is clear to me that most of the posters here have never smoked, or only smoked once or twice in their lives. As a former (veteran) smoker, I can tell you that you do perform better in certain games when high. However, it is totally dependant on the smoker and the type of gaff. Sativas are definitely great for gaming. Indicas on the other hand, make you slow.
FSR
May 26, 2014 at 15:10
I smoke when I play. It makes the game more fun and interesting. It’s also a lifestyle choice. I’m very aware of my tolerance levels and the effects pot has on me, and only smoke when it’s appropriate.
I wouldn’t say pot improved my gaming, it just makes it more enjoyable. When I played competitive I would not smoke before matches (BF), but when I played Dirt2 I used to barely be able to see through my tiny eye-slits (still managed at some point to be ranked 78th in the world on 360 for “fastest combined lap times”).
I don’t try to force it on anyone else as I respect people’s choice not to smoke. I wish we could get to a place where people would respect my choice too. I’m an intelligent, functioning, contributing adult who choses to smoke weed (over alcohol), I’m just tired of being cast as a criminal.
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:14
Thank you … Being treated as an adult would really help our cause … As soon as I mention I prefer to smoke over a glass of wine , they start talking dumb to me as if I failed high school and some how lower than them ( 2 bottles of brandy later and look whose the fool now who can’t even walk straight ) let alone the stats of abuse that alcohol fuels
Mention one case of a stoner who beats his wife and I quit today
Anon A Mouse
May 26, 2014 at 15:28
I can mention a few cases where people that were stoned killed people and / or themselves, but then again I mention just as much cases for drunk / sober / mental / etc. which actually makes this point mute. As with all things in live, if it isn’t interfering with my enjoyment of life and how I chose to live it then to each it’s own.
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:36
Hectic dude … I imagine car accidents … I was more along the lines of , abuse like , drunk farther comes homes beats son and wife
I ve never herd somebody get stoned an say ” better beat my wife while I am high ” it’s more like ” let me go beat that fridge a lesson and show those cookies whose in charge ”
Nahuel Graziani
May 26, 2014 at 15:11
So, yeah. That’s me, man.
Smoking before gaming really immerses me into the game. I don’t feel it gives me any “edge” whatsoever though, and to be honest I actually play worse in competitive shooters when I’m baked.
However, it does really impact the enjoyment of playing intricate games like RPGs and Building Sims quite a bit, because you tend to be a bit meticulous to the finer details and soak in the little aspects here and there.
I used to get baked and go venison hunting in Oblivion. I’d get lost for hours in the woods chasing deer with a bow and totally forget that there was more to the game than just that. I’ve been playing Deus Ex: HR these last few days and spent hours just going through people’s e-mails and delving into their lives.
Weed is a subjective thing, that one person doesn’t necessarily experience things like others when on it. Some may enjoy playing games while high, and others not so much. Personally, it makes mundane and less-than-entertaining games more exciting when I’m stoned.
I even played Duke Nukem Forever until I sobered up.
Devourer of Small Bunnies
May 26, 2014 at 15:13
‘I even played Duke Nukem Forever until I sobered up.’ < #dies
MakeItLegal
May 26, 2014 at 15:15
Shovel ?
Anon A Mouse
May 26, 2014 at 15:11
I used it when I played ME3 and the ending had all those pretty colours.
Deadferret
May 26, 2014 at 15:16
Not so much stoned (Not since varsity days anyway) but give me a couple of ice cold beers and shit gets interesting. Hell, once I played Arma3 for half an hour thinking it was Dayz. Couldn’t find a zombie anywhere….
Jedi JJ
May 26, 2014 at 15:18
That’s hilarious
Kromas
May 26, 2014 at 15:26
Uhm … how is that different from normal DayZ? 😛
Jaded_Reprobate
May 26, 2014 at 15:21
i spent a large portion of my life with a crystal meth addiction. As bad as that was, from a gaming point of view, it was epic. Since recovery, i have yet to be that immersed in any game… even games of solitaire would go on for ridiculous amounts of hours
NOT that i’m condoning it… the cost on your body is way too high a price to pay, and i can’t say that it actually made me better at any games played.
loftie
May 26, 2014 at 15:37
I’m sure they used a lightweight as well. 😛
loftie
May 26, 2014 at 15:54
seems like Brian was the lightweight and Dutch mogul the heavyweight lol
Macfool
May 26, 2014 at 15:46
Used to smoke a lot of weed, but I found it just put me on my arse. Couldn’t really be bothered to do anything other than chat and giggle.
Abbie Clarrk
May 26, 2014 at 17:53
Are you a daredevil? I dare you to see this … CAUTION!! Not for people with weak hearts http://goo.gl/fqY2RK
Mike MacDonald
May 26, 2014 at 19:02
weed + watchdogs = omg i cant wait!
Maria Marry
May 26, 2014 at 20:31
No no I am not agree with that because of http://bit.ly/1tFDwSM
Ryanza
May 26, 2014 at 22:21
Interesting topic. First thing that needs to be said, is that weed slows down and in some cases stops cancer growth. So for that reason alone, weed needs to be legal. And we all should support weed becoming legal. There are just so many medical reasons to support weed.
Weed is not bad or doesn’t have a negative effect on the body, lungs and brain. The mind is a different story but that comes down to the individual person.
Hell, weed even helps you to shit.
Weed is not addictive. The body doesn’t crave the weed.
Everything I have said is based on unbiased studies. These are not my opinion.
Above all else, just remember that weed slows down cancer growth and in some cases stops cancer growth, with no negative effect on the body.
There is a real need for weed in this world.
Shannen Allison
May 27, 2014 at 01:43
I love this game because http://goo.gl/fwuuZK
Uberutang
May 27, 2014 at 15:20
This reminds me I need to visit a ‘friend’
Bad@$$
May 29, 2014 at 12:57
I am always high when playing games…….
High on Caffiene which I get from my refill every half hour or so