I've seen some of my really bright friends get hooked on to it and become slow and lazy (anyone who says weed isn't psychologically addictive is lying), and it's just sad.

Not to mention that it is almost always mixed in with a little tobacco which is a smell I can do without.

That's their choice though. Are you really going to blame a plant for their becoming slow and lazy versus their decision to use it? Furthermore, I'd just point out that people who seem bright and happy on the outside can actually be suffering on the inside. It's possible they're happier and "brighter" now, just not in the same metric you were measuring them by.

(Note: I don't have a horse in this race- I don't use marijuana because I don't like the effects, but I'll be the last person to act like it's some demon plant out to hurt capitalism's productivity.)

It's sad that you've grown cynical, but it's nothing to brag about.

Cynicism is nothing but a mechanism of self-defence against this evil and degenerate world; I encourage others to become cynics too before they go mad.

Cynicism is when this self-defence enters a degenerate state. This kind of negative outlook is an actual precursor to various kinds of psychosis widely studied with causal links established. You should check yourself.

The world is evil and degenerate only for your personal definition of those words. Your worldview is the actual defense mechanism.

Still a rather sad story on your side, sorry to hear that. Don't want to stir up things more but maybe have a smoke and relax a bit, world is just fine ;)

On a more serious note, cynicism is one way to fail to cope properly with reality, not something that gets you far and high in life. But hey, more jobs for us positive folks compared to bitter sad cynics!