Decriminilizing pot: I'm more open to it now

[cynatnite]

Watched a bit on Connected at MSNBC which prompted me to do some looking around.

Found this:

http://www.drugpolicy.org/marijuana/factsmyths/

Given what I've learned so far marijuana isn't the bad boogyman as I used to think. I tried pot in high school and it didn't do all that much for me. It was no big deal.

I don't see any real reason to keep it illegal unless you're a tobacco company.

[knowbody0]

1. it is sweet leaf, gift from God

[ret5hd]

2. if you tried pot and it wasn't that big of a deal...

why did you continue to think it was the bad boogyman?

honest question...just wondering. :shrug:

[cynatnite]

5. I was in high school and didn't care

My attitude was that it must be as bad as heroin and cocaine if it's illegal.

Since I'm learning more now I see how over-exaggerated the claims are when it comes to pot. Also just outright lies.

What got this started was a guy on TV relating violence and smoking pot. I thought that sounded strange since people I knew and had known that smoked didn't have a violent bone in their body.

[Massacure]

3. Legalize marijuana or ban tobacco and alcohol.

That's my philosophy. I hate hypocrites.

[jojo54]

7. hallefuckinglujah!!!!

It is hypocritical. I've never heard of anyone getting black lung from pot and I've never heard of anyone having an horrific auto accident from pot.

Flame away.

[Sivafae]

12. I think it is hypocritical to say that one drug should be legal, but not

another. They are all drugs.

[SmokingJacket]

4. Pot actually has legitimate medical uses, unlike tobacco.

It needs to be studied and legitimized for use as a pharmaceutical -- but that will never happen because it can't be patented/profited from...

[jojo54]

9. Then why is the administration so afraid of it?

I'm being purely humble here, no offense. The legitimate medical uses have been proven and some states allow it's use for medicinal purposes.

Regression, not progression.

[SmokingJacket]

14. Symbolic reasons?

It symbolizes hippies and left-wingers, maybe. Good wholesome 50's-idolizing people think it's trashy and will turn the US into some loose, hairy, European, tied-dyed society.

Either that or it will cut into the profits of big pharma.

[wuushew]

15. State medical marijuana programs are now doomed

The recent Supreme Court Decision means The administration will not alter its view on MM in any way. Don't expect Congress to enact new laws either, since we are almost certain to lose seats in the Senate and remain a minority in the House come 2006.

[Rick Myers]

6. I loved it when the NORML guy pointed out

that the 'good doctor' arguing the other side is a member of the 'rehab' business. They don't want it legalized.

[JRob]

8. How many violent, wife beating pot heads can you think of?

Maybe the Chimp could use a toke...

[streblin]

10. i don't understand it either

potheads i know are mellow and fun to be with...
boozeheads i know get rowdy, loud and bust stuff up...

i don't get it... :shrug:

[0rganism]

11. Even the tobacco companies would be poised to benefit greatly

...if marijuana were legalized. Marijuana is not a competitor of the tobacco industry any more than the coffee pickers are competing with the beer brewers. But who would be better equipped to compete as marijuana-growers than tobacco companies?

Consider the potential for blends of marijuana and tobacco in pre-packaged cigarettes. Right now, marijuana is black market and overpriced accordingly. Legalize it, and suddenly it becomes a viable ingredient to any number of commercial goods, if mass-produced by the tobacco industry.

If you're a tobacco company, propping up the existing marijuana laws is anti-profit.

[RaleighNCDUer]

13. Considering what's happening with tobacco, I should think they'd

be first in line for legalization and diversification.