>smoked it for over 50 yrs now,
Yes, I know an autist or two who has.
Those autists are in top form, mentally sharp, work out strenuously almost every day, productive, happy.
I guess it depends on the person.
Maybe makes some stupid lazy people more lazy and passive, but does not have that effect on an energetic bright person.
Alcohol on the other hand … responsible for a lot of illness and death. That's fact not subject to debate.