Chronic cough? Yeah, MJ is notorious for that. I smoke stuff that is considered topgrade but I still have some of that. When I smoke more, I cough more. The problem with your friend is that he may either have an underlying lung condition that contributes (asthma, COPD) OR he is just smokin too much low grade grass. I had a very mediocre harvest with a hermaphrodite and tried to compensate for the quality with smoking more. MISTAKE!! I had a horrible cough as a result.
I agree, vaping is probably better. Much lower temps will result in less irritation. I have a vaporizer but I tend to smoke glass bowls.. just tastes better..
I have not been sick in 2 years and I smoke MJ on a regular basis. I think it has something to do with an underlying disorder and how much 'crap weed' you are smoking.
Smoking pot is just a symptom not a cause of lack of motivation and achievements.
I know plenty of 'motivated stoners' like myself who are doing plenty in their lives and smoking weed. I have three college degrees, run my own business, pay taxes, etc. I have a pretty comparable life to someone who doesn't smoke. I do not sell MJ and make all my income from completely different venues.
My neighbors are teachers, real estate developers, govt employees and their substance of choice is alcohol. I don't see them using it any differently than how I use MJ. Personally I think I have the better substance!
Anyone who blames pot, a computer game, rock lyrics, etc, is missing the point IMHO. It's the person, not the product that is the issue.
Should your friend give up pot? By all indications, absolutely, but just giving up a substance will not cure underlying problems.
While a person who smokes pot, drops out of school, has problems with an occupation is an issue, why not lay it on the person? Pot is a great way to forget all that, but it's not a cause.