http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_oralherpes.cfm is a terrific link for learning more about herpes. it's very down to earth and not gloom and doom.
sharing a pot pipe isn't going to transmit oral herpes. as an adult, oral herpes is almost exclusively transmitted through romantic type kisses. even though you feel like you are the only one who has hsv1 orally, statistically 1 out of every 3 of your friends has it. most folks who have hsv1 orally, don't get obvious cold sores to know it.
How do you treat your cold sores when you get them? when you first feel that tell tale tingle, starting oral herpes antivirals can help stop it from turning into a full blown cold sore. You can get generic acyclovir for $4 at walmart with a prescription.
grace
Hey thanks for the advice, you knocked some sense into me. Appreciate it.
Well not that I am going to discuss your medical need for smoking marijuana because I doubt that someone that is 22 has any medical need other then that "I want to" attitude.
About 50% of the American population has HSV-1 Orally. The fact is you aren't truly alone in the world with HSV-1. Its not a bad deal it just more or less is dermatolgic issue. Its not the mark of death or anything. Yes you have to be careful when cold sores are active.
Chances are it was your mom that gave you your HSV-1 Orally if in fact she has it. Its common that those who have it get it as a child when they are young. A kiss from Auntie or maybe in your case your mother. There is a chance that you could very well have not gotten from your mother but one of the women you have kissed. It happens. Nothing to stress over and it is not a big deal that you are making it out.
You are letting a virus (cowardly virus at that) determine who you are? Why? You had it this whole time it hasn't stopped you from being the "good guy" that you were before. If you are letting it have this much of an impact on your life maybe you should look into some professional counseling.