Is it time to legalize marijuana?

[Uben]

I just read this article-

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/23/synthetic.marijuana/index.html?hpt=T2

It's about synthetic marijuana. Kids are smoking spices laced with chemicals that mimic the high of pot. This stuff is legal and sold as incense, but the target is for kids to smoke it. It's quite obvious that teens will find something to get high with, so why not give them something that has health benefits rather than something that likely harms them? For decades, the government has been trying to quell pot use by using the same fear tactics they use to sell us bogus wars. Don't pay any attention to the facts, trust us!

No one has ever died from smoking pot, and just about every claim that has been made against it has been debunked. So, I think it is high time (pun intended) to legalize it!

[ShortnFiery]

1. Yes, or at least take REAL measures to decriminalize it.

:smoke: :thumbsup:

[unhappycamper]

10. Massachusetts decriminalized MJ.

If you're caught with one oz. or less, the cops can take your stash and give you a ticket for a $100 fine. I think we should work on lowering the fine but the state's finances really suck so I doubt that will happen.

[anarch]

21. legalize it and tax the sale of it, as with alcohol

and then, hey, you've got a revenue stream for the state! and a productive agricultural enterprise! Current black market drug traffickers would probably be upset, but they'd get over it...maybe they could become happy, socially integrated entrepreneurs instead of worrying about getting arrested all the time.

And there would be all kinds of other potential benefits from this amazingly useful plant.

I think drug prohibition is stupid in general, but extra stupid when it comes to marijuana.

[KG]

2. long past time to decriminalize.

[Christa]

3. Yes. nt

[ThomWV]

4. There is none one single chance in all of creation that Democrats would take up that cause

[Flaneur]

30. Perhaps that will change once states start voting for it.

Legalization will be on the ballot in California in November.

Legalization might be on the ballot in Oregon in November.

Legalization will likely be on the ballot in Washington in 2012.

Legalization will likely be on the ballot in Nevada in 2012.

The pot train is picking up speed. Democrats need to hop on board or get out of the way to avoid being run over.

[Hawkeye-X]

57. Colorado is also trying to legalize marijuana

Denver is legal up to 1 oz, and Mayor Hickenlooper (who is running for Gov this November) has made marijuana possession arrests a very low priority.

MMJ is legal here. We have tons of dispensaries, which the state is trying to regulate (and hoping they will fail because it's a stupid legislation) Recently, the City Council limited dispensaries to 6 patients (or something like that)

Breckinridge (a ski town) is also legal up to 1 oz as well, but prohibited smoking during skiing.

Hawkeye-X

[Buddyblazon]

59. No...

they TRIED to limit dispensaries to 6 patients. I'm pretty sure it got shot down.

The one part of the new legislation they're trying to push (they're always trying to push something new on the MMJ industry) is to require dispensaries to grow at least 70% of their product...something that will limit small growers because they tend to sell their "overage" to the dispensaries. $1000 a quarter pound on average.

Really, the big California growers that swept in to the state when the original limit for patients for dispensaries was lifted, have lots of money...and lots of lobbyists...and lots of politicians. What they're trying to do is push out the Coloradans with start up grow businesses and keep it all to themselves. They want to "Wal-Mart" the industry.

That's why it's important for you to ensure you and your friends with their cards always buy from Colorado growers. To be exact, people you know are Coloradans. That have had roots here. Not Californians living in Colorado because they saw a new market they could expose and corner.

This industry is doing a lot to keep Colorado from going over the economic brink like so many other cities/states. The amount of jobs it's creating is large. Grow shops, dispensaries, big growers, contractors to build grow rooms (i.e. electricians, carpenters)...they all need workers. A lot of people are getting their cards and creating start up businesses by growing.

It's really a wonderful time in Colorado for Marijuana. It's also being threatened by out of staters with greed on their mind.

[eShirl]

5. They're smoking laced herbs, not laced spices; the "Spice" brand is a reference to fiction.

(the science fiction novel "Dune" if I'm not mistaken)

[FormerDittoHead]

6. The way you're presenting this, NO. I do NOT support making pot more available to kids.

>It's quite obvious that teens will find something to get high with, so why not give them something that has health benefits rather than something that likely harms them

No way. This is not the way to sell it or do it.

IMO, one of the reasons I would support legalization is GREATER control, as the systems we have today are broken and anyone can get it

Kids *can* get booze, but IT'S ILLEGAL. I'd want something of equal / greater control in place for pot as for booze.

Pot IS addictive in that if it's THERE people will smoke it, and there are things you SIMPLY CAN'T DO AS WELL WHILE HIGH - like STUDY MATH. (I know this from direct experience)

I want the same kinds of laws in place for legal pot.

[Warren Stupidity]

9. "Pot IS addictive in that if it's THERE people will smoke it"

kind of like milk and oj in my house. The horrors.

Yes of course marijuana sales should be regulated as we regulate alcohol and tobacco. But pot simply is not addictive, sorry if the brainwashing has confused your thinking. Rinse that brain and try again.

[FormerDittoHead]

27. Do you think I haven't smoked pot?

I'm glad we agree pot should be legal, regulated, and yes, taxed, but every word I wrote was from direct experience.

I wasn't using the medical definition of addiction.

I was using both the first and second dictionary definitions of addiction.

http://freedictionary.org/?Query=addiction

[EOTE]

33. The first definition does not apply.

The second one certainly can depending upon the person. But then again, the second definition could apply to just about anything that a person really likes, so it doesn't mean much at all.

[piratefish08]

12. there. changed a few words.

A Twinkie is addictive in that if it's THERE people will eat it, and there are things you SIMPLY CAN'T DO AS WELL WHILE Morbidly Obese - like move around.

I want the same kinds of laws in place for legal Twinkies.

[asdjrocky]

24. Pot IS not addictive.

You can build a dependency, but it is not addictive.

The only people that push the addictive crap are the people that make a fortune in the drug "rehabilitation" industry and fools.

Heroin is addictive, meth is addictive, any number of prescription drugs are addictive.

Pot it NOT addictive.

[FormerDittoHead]

28. I wasn't using the medical definition of addiction - check the REGULAR dictionary...

I wasn't using the medical definition of addiction.

I was using both *these* first and second dictionary definitions of addiction. (which is common usage, IMO):

http://freedictionary.org/?Query=addiction

BTW: compare that with the 2nd definition of dependency, which you make such a distinction with:

http://freedictionary.org/?Query=dependency&button=Search

I don't see much difference there.

OK READ THIS:

If you look up THIS definition of addition:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction

YOU'RE RIGHT. It's NOT a "habit forming substance" in and of itself.

I am for legalizing, but I want it CONTROLLED like alcohol (which is addicting in every sense).

I've smoked WAY TOO MUCH to stand by and listen to suggestions that it's like chewing gum and that kids should be allowed to have access to it.

[asdjrocky]

40. Who here is advocating giving pot to kids?

Not me. Not anyone I know.

[FormerDittoHead]

42. Did you read the original post?

QUOTE FROM THE ORIGINAL POST IN THIS THREAD:

"...It's quite obvious that teens will find something to get high with, so why not give them something that has health benefits rather than something that likely harms them?"

[EOTE]

32. Your experiences do not jibe with everyone else's.

First of all, pot is THERE, and just about any kid can get their hands on it if they wanted it. Also, for many people, pot allows them to think differently and better. As far as math goes, I took college level calculus in high school and a little toke helped me greatly. I've been tested and I'm in the top percentile in terms of mathematics ability and spatial relationships. And I'm quite fuzzy as to your definition of addictive. Addictive how? Psychologically? Physically? There are no true withdrawal symptoms for pot. So it basically boils down to if a person likes the effects that pot provides, he/she will try to seek it out. The same goes for anything.

I'm quite sure you would get that greater control under legalization in the U.S. You ask any high schooler nowadays which is easier to obtain, alcohol or pot, 4 times out of 5 they're going to tell you pot.

[bamacrat]

37. With that logic food is addictive as well as water, air, soap and shampoo.

I don't think kids should smoke and legalizing it would help that. In Holland they have seen a large decrease in teen pot use since its legalization. It's easier for kids to get weed than alcohol because it isn't regulated.

[eridani]

63. Omigod! A multiple substance abuser! I knew it! n/t

[Romulox]

38. I think it's important that everyone understand the illogic and incoherence that motivates

the Drug Warriors. The post to which I respond is a prime example of utter incoherence.

[Leftist Agitator]

50. Forget it...

You aren't worth my time.

[fascisthunter]

51. many things legal are actually addictive, yet pot isn't

those who feel the need for a crutch, will do so with alcohol and others substances of choice. Not everyone wants to smoke pot, nor does everyone need to or inclined to become addicted.

[jmowreader]

73. Availability and reduced capacity does not equal addiction

An addictive drug alters your brain's chemistry so as to create a need for the drug. Pot doesn't do that. OTOH, meth, crack, heroin, alcohol and nicotine all do that.

[Warren Stupidity]

7. At least 30 years overdue.

Thanks Ron and Nancy! You fuckwits. Just say no to stupid laws and prisons filled with non-criminals.

[tekisui]

8. YES!

[opihimoimoi]

11. Legalization Soon to be on the Calif Nov Ballot...hopefully it makes it

:smoke:

[Uben]

13. Legalize and tax

It would be a big addition to the states coffers, bringing in tens of millions of dollars.

The end to marijuana prohibition would merely require the rescheduling of marijuana from a Schedule I to a non-scheduled drug, similar to alcohol, nicotine, caffeine or ibuprofen. Once the federal government had decriminalized marijuana, all states would have the option of legalizing it. States could either be "smoky" or "clear," similar to "wet" and "dry" locales after Prohibition ended in the 1930s. In addition, counties or municipalities could be "clear" jurisdictions if they so chose.

In times like these when states are looking for ways to increase revenues, this seems like a viable alternative.

[pleah]

14. YES!

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

15. ... Relpy hazy, ask again tomorrow (n/t)

[Fumesucker]

16. It was never time to make it illegal in the first place..

And it will never, ever be truly legal in the USA, the very best it's possible to hope for is some half assed decriminalization that basically makes it like alcohol was during Prohibition.

[EOTE]

36. Why so negative?

I truly hope that you're wrong in that regard. On a state level, many states already have decriminalization and every couple of years a few more hop on that train. This year, for the first time since marijuana prohibition, it's looking like there's a decent chance that out and out legalization is going to occur, perhaps in California. I'd imagine once one or two states legalize outright, that many more will be on board once they see the revenue they're missing out on. What is it that you know that makes you so pessimistic in this regard?

[ixion]

17. Yes. It should never have been made illegal in the first place.

n/t

[Therellas]

18. naah......

how would we keep the prisons full?
lets just keep pumping out the synthetics.
there must be something wrong with these children.
maybe theses kids needed some nice strong antidepressants too.

good stuff.

[spanone]

19. way past time

[lib2DaBone]

20. Its a victimless crime. Disban Corrupt DEA... bring those dollars home

[Echo In Light]

22. Long-long-long l o n g overdue ...

[Wizard777]

23. No! It's waaaaay past time to legalize it. They should have legalized it in the 1960's

[Uben]

26. I knew a guy....

...who spent 7 yrs in prison for possessing 2 ounces back in the sixties! Dayum! He died 30 yrs ago.
Spent a quarter of his life in prison for mere possession. Nowadays, 2 ounces will get you probation for first offenders. Times are a changin, but not fast enough.

One in eight prisoners are there for marijuana related offenses. It costs us $40K/yr to incarcerate these people at an annual cost of over a billion dollars. Decriminalization could save us that billion and add more billions with regulation and taxation.

So, why is alcohol legal? Revenue! The same reason we should at least decriminalize pot. Take the profit out of the smugglers pocket and put it in government coffers. This would also help ease the problems on the Mexican borders with the drug cartels killing everybody over territorial issues.

But, these are liberal ideas, and you couldn't sell a hundred dollar bill for $5 to republican if it had a liberal's face on it! Until they shun their ignorance, we will continue to follow outdated and ridiculous laws made decades ago.

[Wizard777]

43. Alcohol is legal because of the generation that realized the cure was worse than the disease.

They repealed Prohibition. The generation that endured WWII is called the greatest generation. The generation that repealed prohibition I call the wisest generation.

[democrat_patriot]

25. Yes. We need the tax revenue. Savings on prisons etc.

It is way past time.

[samsingh]

29. yes

[ensho]

31. yes - and watch the economy boom

nt

[Union Yes]

34. FUCK YES! knr nt

[Toucano]

35. The time is now! n/t

[terrell9584]

39. At the federal level, yes.

And let states ultimately decide.


On the plus side, my native Mississippi decriminalized it a long time ago. You get caught with pot they give you a ticket. Sadly, I'm not in Mississippi anymore.

[Romulox]

41. Guess where this synthetic crap like "K2" is made? That's right, China. nt

[branders seine]

44. W-A-Y past time

it will suck living in third world Amerca without good legal drugs.

[Warren DeMontague]

45. Legalize, Regulate, Tax it. Then, put Peter Tosh on the Ten Dollar Bill.

Okay, maybe not the Peter Tosh part. But the rest.

[AngryAmish]

46. Yes. Being a stoned loser is not a crime.

THis is my standard response.

[Warren DeMontague]

47. Yep. Everyone who smokes pot is a loser.

obviously.

[rcrush]

48. Its better than being a worthless drunk.

[Warren DeMontague]

49. I used to do both in spades, now I do neither.

Nevertheless, I recognize that there are responsible recreational users of both.

[Flaneur]

53. And neither is being an anonymous internet asshole.

[Romulox]

56. It's not exactly as if you've a dizzying intellect, yourself. nt

[wildbilln864]

65. Yes check out these loosers...

:sarcasm:
LINK

[AngryAmish]

72. Point proven by :"loosers"

[wildbilln864]

74. damn!

didn't see the second one. Oh well.

[fascisthunter]

52. My Father would have benefited from the substance if it were legal

making something benign illegal, casting a negative perception onto a medicine is ridiculous and embarrassing. We make war, but people aren't allowed to smoke if they chose too? Drinking is legal yet many times more dangerous and bad for you.... come on.

[Therellas]

55. how about making something your body needs and craves illegal?

biological manipulation?
endless source of prisoners and revenue for sure.
depending on your business.

[dchill]

54. Yes - and we should buy it for all...

the Teabaggers. They need some mellowing.

[MajorChode]

58. No, it's not time yet

We should spend even more billions on the losing battle of enforcement, wait until Mexican drug violence spills over across the border even more than it has, and force more and more young people to deal with drug dealers to get the stuff. Look at how well simple solutions have worked, like those commercials that said if you're a pothead you're supporting the terrorists. Millions of wingnuts can't be wrong about this.

Remember what the portly wingnut pundit says...

There's nothing good about drug use. We know it. It destroys individuals. It destroys families. Drug use destroys societies. Drug use, some might say, is destroying this country. And we have laws against selling drugs, pushing drugs, using drugs, importing drugs. And the laws are good because we know what happens to people in societies and neighborhoods, which become consumed by them. And so if people are violating the law by doing drugs, they ought to be accused and they ought to be convicted and they ought to be sent up.

[leftyladyfrommo]

60. I wish they would hurry up. I've been waiting for 40 years.

And I could really use a joint right now.

[mrmpa]

61. hell yes

Think of the revenue the US could take in. I haven't used it since the '70's, but some days, I think how sweet it would be, as I suffer from chronic pain.

[eridani]

62. Is a bear Catholic? Does the Pope shit in the woods? n/t

[wildbilln864]

64. absolutely! nt

[AllyCat]

66. Perverse argument I heard against legalization today:

It will reduce the price of medical marijauna and hurt business!!! No joke!

[Romulox]

75. I read that too--it's a sick argument that puts profit ahead of people's civil rights. nt

[TankLV]

67. YES - and give it out FREE to all the Teabaggers before they get MORE violent!!!

these repuke fucks need to mellow out and fast!!!

[The Midway Rebel]

68. Absolutely no

doubt about it.

[Kitty Herder]

69. Of course.

I think that's one thing we mostly agree on around here.

[NecklyTyler]

70. Yes

The short answer is "Yes, legalize it."

Growing and smoking at home is nobody's business

[NecklyTyler]

71. K&R