From my personal experience on the matter, which I would argue I have more of than anyone else here, weed dulls the senses if used regularly. If used occassionally, it skews it. Some people find this skewd perciption as pleasurable to the listening experience.
I find that I enjoy my listening sessions more when sober and I can hear details better. On the other hand, lsd and extacy opened my hearing up so much that music became a spiritual experience; many times it was the best experience of my life, others it was the worst (think hell) and that's why I stopped.
Again, I feel like I am very qualified to speak onthis topic. Weed does make you dumber than you'd be if you didnt smoke it and it is bad for memory. Like all things in life, moderation is key. Anything we love and enjoy becomes dull and boring if done all day, everyday.
I think alcohol is more physically and mentally destructive. I also think that smoking a pack of ciggerettes a day is harder on your lungs than smoking 5 or 6 bowls a day.
As for vaporizing your herb, if you are concerned about your lungs, try shatter. I've tried shatter that tasted amazing (think oranges or lemons) and gets you exactly where you want to be after 2 rips (I am a heavy smoker with a high tolerance). Honestly, for as analytical as we audio guys are, shatter is where it is at.
As far as xanex and oxy, etc, are concerned, they are far far worse for you than weed. Oxy is heroine without all the dirty junk in it. Most heroine addicts would prefer to take oxy than heroine. Many people are prescribed oxy and when they no longer have a prescription, turn to heroine.
Another ill side effect of smoking herb is making poor decisions regarding the sale or purchase of audio equipment. Its happened to me before. I do my best now to be sober when making those types of decisions!
Anyhow, Im off to meet up with a cutie, burn a j and enjoy the beautiful mountains where I live (by the way, weed is legal where I am, both med and rec).
Happy Listening, and Living :)