I don’t smoke but I consider I don’t smoke but I consider it less harmful than a lot of legal stuff.
If we can reduce crime by making it legal that’s a good thing. (Cartels won’t find it profitable if every joe-schmoe and his brother can grow and or legally buy their own.)
If the government can increase tax revenues and thereby reduce the deficits – that’s a good thing.
Like I said – I don’t smoke pot… but I don’t see why it should be illegal when drinking is legal, when cold medicines like sudafed are legal, when cigarettes are legal…
Aecetia
September 27, 2010 @
7:10 PM
Cured: A Cannabis Story (A Cured: A Cannabis Story (A film by David Triplett)
They should run this on the pro- MJ advertisements. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tghUh4ubbg
CA renter
September 28, 2010 @
3:20 AM
Absolutely, Acetia.
There are Absolutely, Acetia.
There are plenty of stories about potential cures that are not being brought to market because they are not patentable. It’s one of the many reasons I so strongly support “socialized” medicine. Sometimes, what’s good for people isn’t “profitable.”
————-
And I second what UCGal said. Don’t use, but think it should be legalized. I’ve never seen a single stoned person get into a car accident, get into a fight, die from MJ use, or any other negative thing except for lacking motivation, perhaps.
jpinpb
September 28, 2010 @
8:41 AM
X3. I don’t use, but they X3. I don’t use, but they might as well legalize it. Maybe by taxing it, we can get some revenues this city, state, country needs. Right now, all we are doing is spending money enforcing the illegality of it, making drug lords richer and people use it anyway. Set the age at 21, like in alcohol. If people are going to use it, they will whether it’s legal or not.
It could be a problem w/DUIs, since it stays in the blood stream, so hard to prove they are intoxicated while driving. I’m sure driving abilities would be impaired. But seems people that smoke marijuana are less motivated to do anything except vegitate anyway, so they probably won’t be driving from bars. They’ll be snacking in front of a tv w/the radio on. LOL.
In any case, though I don’t use it, I find it less offensive than cigarettes. They managed to legalize that toxic drug, why not marijuana.
Ren
September 28, 2010 @
8:53 AM
I’m also a non-user but would I’m also a non-user but would like to see it legalized. Both pot and magic mushrooms are medically beneficial in the right circumstances. They’re far less addictive and far safer than alcohol or cigarettes, and unlike alcohol (or Tylenol for that matter), there is no lethal dose of either one. There is also no good reason to outlaw them while the others remain legal. It’s telling that those who are against prop 19 include the illicit drug dealers in this country, and probably the Mexican drug cartels, although they don’t exactly make public announcements about that sort of thing.
I watched a driving test filmed in the UK years ago. The same guy went through the cones sober, drunk, and stoned. Needless to say, he was much more careful and performed better stoned than he did when drunk. Not that I’m advocating driving under the influence.
NotCranky
September 28, 2010 @
9:42 AM
I am hear to a test it is gud I am hear to a test it is gud fer u.
I agree with what everyone is saying here.
XBoxBoy
September 28, 2010 @
12:31 PM
Russell wrote:I am hear to a [quote=Russell]I am hear to a test it is gud fer u.
I agree with what everyone is saying here.[/quote]
Dude, stop bogartin’ dat tang an pass me one of dem twinkies.
Aecetia
September 28, 2010 @
1:03 PM
Seems like hemp oil is Seems like hemp oil is cheaper than big pharma cures. That would save everyone, since in the end the tax payers seem to pay for most of the cost of health care. Not really pro- Marijuana and I am a non smoker. I support the wine industry. That being said, I am sick and tired of the high cost of “cures”. I think cancer has turned into an industry. I would like to see people cured and people in less pain who are in the last stages of the disease. And no one who knows me would consider me Liberal. This is just reasonable to me. I like to see problems solved.
ucodegen
September 29, 2010 @
11:56 PM
CA renter wrote:
I’ve never [quote CA renter]
I’ve never seen a single stoned person get into a car accident, get into a fight, die from MJ use, or any other negative thing except for lacking motivation, perhaps.
[/quote]
Funny you should mention this.. same ‘lack of motivation’ is what I have noticed about habitual MJ users. That is not to say that someone really under the influence and trying to drive etc.. might not get into an accident. They should see about rigging up a THC test.. much like the breathalyzer. Combine it with the Alcohol reading. (ie. sum of the two not to exceed 0.08 or something like that)
[quote CA renter]
At least alcohol has significant health benefits. Some are attributed to Pot too and it is useful for those dying but to put this substance out into society freely is a bad idea.
[/quote]
Actually, THC is useful for treating glaucoma. And I suspect blood-pressure too (hypertension).
aldante
September 28, 2010 @
3:07 PM
I thought that I was in the I thought that I was in the minority when I created the poll. But I do not use and want to see it legalized.Once I got my head around just how many people are dying and suffering because of this drugs illigality I can only view this topic one way. Legalize it. We tried to outlaw alcohol during prohibition. Also, has anyone listened to all of the prescription drug commericals lately? I heard one the other day that said “if you have thoughts of suicide while using XXXXX call your doctor”. I honestly think that the drug companies do not want pot legal becasue they make so much money selling “legal” drugs. BTW, I think there is a serious prescription drug problem in Congress – it is the only way I can explain why our Government is so “f”ed up.
tc
September 28, 2010 @
4:44 PM
I don’t think its a good I don’t think its a good idea. Watch that movie reefer madness. Its dangerous stuff.
jficquette
September 28, 2010 @
4:51 PM
tc wrote:I don’t think its a [quote=tc]I don’t think its a good idea. Watch that movie reefer madness. Its dangerous stuff.[/quote]
I don’t want to be no munkey.
jficquette
September 28, 2010 @
4:45 PM
Prohibition ended 4 years Prohibition ended 4 years into the great depression. Primarily to pacify an increasingly restless public and also to boast the economy by getting people to get out and spend.
Same thing is going on now. We are 2 years into this mess and now we see this move to legalize Pot.
Keep the electorate high and distracted???
At least alcohol has significant health benefits. Some are attributed to Pot too and it is useful for those dying but to put this substance out into society freely is a bad idea.
No money will be saved by this. If you think the Po Po wanted to get you for smoking pot just wait to you see how bad they want to get you for using untaxed Pot.
Any tax revenue will be more than offset by higher social costs and “revenue enforcement”
The only way to save money with law enforcement with pot is to legalize it and not tax it.
John
aldante
September 29, 2010 @
12:07 PM
What are the chances the What are the chances the proposition in november will reflect these results?
UCGal
September 29, 2010 @
12:15 PM
aldante wrote:What are the [quote=aldante]What are the chances the proposition in november will reflect these results?[/quote]
I would have assume no chance….. but then I googled… Latest Field Poll shows it passing 49% to 42%, likely voters.
A couple of questions for the A couple of questions for the proponents:
1) Do you believe or not believe that the usage of marijuana would go up if it was legalized?
2) If the usage went up, do you think that would be a net positive or negative for society?
btw, I find it funny that marijuana was spelled wrong in the poll.
CA renter
September 29, 2010 @
11:56 PM
pjwal wrote:A couple of [quote=pjwal]A couple of questions for the proponents:
1) Do you believe or not believe that the usage of marijuana would go up if it was legalized?
2) If the usage went up, do you think that would be a net positive or negative for society?
btw, I find it funny that marijuana was spelled wrong in the poll.[/quote]
1) I honestly feel that those who feel compelled to smoke pot already do so. Making it legal probably wouldn’t change very much.
2) Even if usage did go up, it’s entirely possible that people would substitute it for currently legal — but more harmful — drugs like alcohol and prescription drugs. Personally, I see that as a net positive.
pjwal
September 30, 2010 @
12:41 AM
CA renter wrote:pjwal wrote:A [quote=CA renter][quote=pjwal]A couple of questions for the proponents:
1) Do you believe or not believe that the usage of marijuana would go up if it was legalized?
2) If the usage went up, do you think that would be a net positive or negative for society?
btw, I find it funny that marijuana was spelled wrong in the poll.[/quote]
1) I honestly feel that those who feel compelled to smoke pot already do so. Making it legal probably wouldn’t change very much.
2) Even if usage did go up, it’s entirely possible that people would substitute it for currently legal — but more harmful — drugs like alcohol and prescription drugs. Personally, I see that as a net positive.[/quote]
Honest answer that I respect. My purpose with the questions is to get people to think on both sides of the issue.
I tend to eschew arguments about the medicinal value after discussion with doctors as every single one I have talked to has said there is nothing provided by this plant that is not provided by other “legal” drugs. No real doctor I know (and I know several that are close friends from Pediatricians to ER) feel the need to prescribe Marijuana as a treatment. However, there are plenty of problems with the legal drugs and those do often cause more harm than marijuana as well.
I guess my main feeling on the subject is that those that really feel the need for this drug don’t have an issue getting it. It is already somewhat relaxed in the enforcement. The issue I am most concerned with is that I believe more people will start using it for recreation. And I don’t understand how anyone can believe that to be a good thing.
Yes, as a society we have accepted alcohol and tobacco. And that hasn’t caused us any issues right? Outside of the #1 killers for youth and elders, not at all. It’s not a positive argument for the legalization of Marijuana to point to those facts.
I’m not suggestion prohibition…I simply want a sober look at reason every now and then.
~Paul
jpinpb
September 30, 2010 @
8:51 AM
That is a tough question. That is a tough question. It’s possible more people would try it. Frankly, I think most people have tried it at least once in their lives. I did not find it very enjoyable. Made me paranoid and lazy. I like to be in control of myself. So for some people, it may make no difference if it were legal. I certainly wouldn’t be smoking it.
But considering all the people addicted to narcotics, self-medicating the pain of life, I could see more people using it. What would happen to society? A lot more mellow people instead of aggro? Complacency? Hey. There’s a conspiracy theory. Maybe that’s what the government wants: Everyone to smoke marijuana.
It could replace alcohol for some people, which I think is equally damaging, toxic to one’s liver. Everyone has their poison they enjoy. I’m not going to dog what helps people through the day as long as they’re not driving while they partake.
The bottom line is people who want to smoke are doing so. Legalizing may gain a few more people, but as I say, most people try it once and whether legal or not, if they enjoy it, they will continue to use it. It’s not like it’s impossible to find.
UCGal
September 30, 2010 @
9:08 AM
pjwal wrote:A couple of [quote=pjwal]A couple of questions for the proponents:
1) Do you believe or not believe that the usage of marijuana would go up if it was legalized?
2) If the usage went up, do you think that would be a net positive or negative for society?
btw, I find it funny that marijuana was spelled wrong in the poll.[/quote]
1) It might with folks who have considered it for medicinal reasons but eschewed it for legal reasons or because they did not find it readily available. (Can you picture your parents going out to score a bag of weed?)
2) I think it would be a net zero. I think the stoner types are already there. I think any new usage would be during situations where alcohol or pain meds – used in conjunction or substitution – but where impairment was already an issue.
[quote=pjwal]
I tend to eschew arguments about the medicinal value after discussion with doctors as every single one I have talked to has said there is nothing provided by this plant that is not provided by other “legal” drugs. No real doctor I know (and I know several that are close friends from Pediatricians to ER) feel the need to prescribe Marijuana as a treatment. However, there are plenty of problems with the legal drugs and those do often cause more harm than marijuana as well.
~Paul[/quote]
I watched my brother struggle with the issue of getting pot when he was going through chemo. He’d had issues with pot when he was younger and had later gotten very religious and was trying to follow the straight and narrow. But even his oncologist was suggesting it would help with his cancer and chemo symptoms. He was worried about it being addictive in his personal situation. Kind of ironic since he was terminal. Also kind of ironic since he was on pretty strong opiates for pain control.
The pot helped his symptoms in two ways: it gave him a little more appetite – chemo and cancer had DESTROYED his appetite and he was having real issues with weight loss. It also, according to him, helped with the pain in a way the morphine and fentanol didn’t. He felt more comfortable.
To say it has no medicinal value doesn’t fit my one anecdotal observation.
I also think it would work great as a sleep aid. Better than booze.
sd_matt
September 30, 2010 @
5:07 PM
Not sure how the campaign Not sure how the campaign finance laws work. How easy is it for one to donate cash to campaigns?
‘Cuz if I were the Cartels I would donate as much as possible to those that want to keep the War on Drugs going.
It just wouldn’t surprise me to see this happening.
davelj
September 30, 2010 @
5:30 PM
sd_matt wrote:Not sure how [quote=sd_matt]Not sure how the campaign finance laws work. How easy is it for one to donate cash to campaigns?
‘Cuz if I were the Cartels I would donate as much as possible to those that want to keep the War on Drugs going.
It just wouldn’t surprise me to see this happening.[/quote]
Also, the DEA, police departments, prison workers, etc etc are against ending the War on Drugs. 26% of all prisoners are in for drug-related offenses. There’s a massive contingent of people whose livelihoods are in some way dependent on this ridiculous “war” and they’re going to vote with their economic interests in mind, not what’s best for society. (Which reminds me of the quote: “If a person’s livelihood depends on not understanding something then they will continue to not understand it.”)
jficquette
September 30, 2010 @
8:15 PM
davelj wrote:sd_matt [quote=davelj][quote=sd_matt]n’t surprise me to see this happening.[/quote]
Also, the DEA, police departments, prison workers, etc etc are against ending the War on Drugs. 26% of all prisoners are in for drug-related offenses. There’s a massive contingent of people whose livelihoods are in some way dependent on this ridiculous “war” and they’re going to vote with their economic interests in mind, not what’s best for society. (Which reminds me of the quote: “If a person’s livelihood depends on not understanding something then they will continue to not understand it.”)[/quote]
No one goes to jail for getting busted the first time for pot unless they were committing another crime. In that case the pot was incidental.
People in jail for “drug related”(non-distribution) offenses have had more than one arrest for pot and are typically caught with pot on them while committing another crime. In virtually all “drug related” convictions there is something besides pot involved.
I knew a guy in drug enforcment for the CBI in southern california. He told me in 2004 that they didn’t even bother with pot anymore.
Most of those 26% would be in jail anyway.
John
scaredyclassic
October 1, 2010 @
5:20 AM
wrong; if they’re in state wrong; if they’re in state custody on a pot crime, there;s likely no greater crime involved, because the pot charge likely woulda been dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Lots of people go to jail or even prison for pot,for even small amounts, when there is some evidence of sales. you may not have been selling, but the police wil come swear that it sure seemed that way. Why would you have your pot in two or three separate bags if you wenre’t plannig to sell some? Why would you ahve a cell phone? Who would you ahve small bills on you? or even if you just have a large amount, like a half pound? Obviously you were selling. therefore — prison. even in CA.
if you are a personal user in CA, it is very important to never have any evidence of selling on you, like keeping your pot in separate baggies, or carrying cash in amounts that make it look like you mgiht e dealing, or ahving a scale…
heck, i might have a half pound of mint growing in my backyard for mojitos, does’t mean im a mint dealer!
sd_matt
October 1, 2010 @
9:05 AM
pjwal wrote:CA renter [quote=pjwal][quote=CA renter][quote=pjwal]A couple of questions for the proponents:
1) Do you believe or not believe that the usage of marijuana would go up if it was legalized?
2) If the usage went up, do you think that would be a net positive or negative for society?
btw, I find it funny that marijuana was spelled wrong in the poll.[/quote]
1) I honestly feel that those who feel compelled to smoke pot already do so. Making it legal probably wouldn’t change very much.
2) Even if usage did go up, it’s entirely possible that people would substitute it for currently legal — but more harmful — drugs like alcohol and prescription drugs. Personally, I see that as a net positive.[/quote]
Honest answer that I respect. My purpose with the questions is to get people to think on both sides of the issue.
I tend to eschew arguments about the medicinal value after discussion with doctors as every single one I have talked to has said there is nothing provided by this plant that is not provided by other “legal” drugs. No real doctor I know (and I know several that are close friends from Pediatricians to ER) feel the need to prescribe Marijuana as a treatment. However, there are plenty of problems with the legal drugs and those do often cause more harm than marijuana as well.
I guess my main feeling on the subject is that those that really feel the need for this drug don’t have an issue getting it. It is already somewhat relaxed in the enforcement. The issue I am most concerned with is that I believe more people will start using it for recreation. And I don’t understand how anyone can believe that to be a good thing.
Yes, as a society we have accepted alcohol and tobacco. And that hasn’t caused us any issues right? Outside of the #1 killers for youth and elders, not at all. It’s not a positive argument for the legalization of Marijuana to point to those facts.
I’m not suggestion prohibition…I simply want a sober look at reason every now and then.
~Paul[/quote]
That raises a question. How many doctors have experience with THC?
I watch the videos but given that lying is the staple of politics I will believe it when there has been scientific testing. But who is going to do that?
Useful medicine or not I think containment is a better policy than prohibition.
jpinpb
October 1, 2010 @
8:15 AM
I know some cops and when I know some cops and when they come across possession of marijuana they hardly do anything. Write a ticket. Half the time look the other way. The only time it becomes a problem is if there’s so much it becomes distribution. Heck, I know someone who did nothing about a guy growing a plant b/c he had a medical marijuana card. It only becomes an issue when selling comes into play. You know. Drug dealing. Those guys that don’t want it legalized. The jails are filled w/those people.
sd_matt
October 1, 2010 @
8:35 AM
The other point I push is The other point I push is that to legalize it and contain it would be to take ownership of our own problems. Mexico should not suffer for our drug use…no more than we should be educating children of illegals…philosophically speaking.
Buyer and seller both participate. The other day I heard on talk radio that “we are not the problem”. As if the cartels hold a gun to the heads of every pot head in the USA forcing them to buy. No wonder Mexico has a clear conscious about sending her poor over here to drain our system.
It’s fantasy land for me in wishing that the hard core pot advocates would get smart, drop the conspiracy books and post some of the stuff I see here.
It’s sad that I see more intelligent arguments on a financial blog about pot than on the pot sites themselves.
It floors me to think about this stuff. The world is truly insane.
September 27, 2010 @ 7:05 PM
I don’t smoke but I consider
I don’t smoke but I consider it less harmful than a lot of legal stuff.
If we can reduce crime by making it legal that’s a good thing. (Cartels won’t find it profitable if every joe-schmoe and his brother can grow and or legally buy their own.)
If the government can increase tax revenues and thereby reduce the deficits – that’s a good thing.
Like I said – I don’t smoke pot… but I don’t see why it should be illegal when drinking is legal, when cold medicines like sudafed are legal, when cigarettes are legal…
September 27, 2010 @ 7:10 PM
Cured: A Cannabis Story (A
Cured: A Cannabis Story (A film by David Triplett)
They should run this on the pro- MJ advertisements. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tghUh4ubbg
September 28, 2010 @ 3:20 AM
Absolutely, Acetia.
There are
Absolutely, Acetia.
There are plenty of stories about potential cures that are not being brought to market because they are not patentable. It’s one of the many reasons I so strongly support “socialized” medicine. Sometimes, what’s good for people isn’t “profitable.”
————-
And I second what UCGal said. Don’t use, but think it should be legalized. I’ve never seen a single stoned person get into a car accident, get into a fight, die from MJ use, or any other negative thing except for lacking motivation, perhaps.
September 28, 2010 @ 8:41 AM
X3. I don’t use, but they
X3. I don’t use, but they might as well legalize it. Maybe by taxing it, we can get some revenues this city, state, country needs. Right now, all we are doing is spending money enforcing the illegality of it, making drug lords richer and people use it anyway. Set the age at 21, like in alcohol. If people are going to use it, they will whether it’s legal or not.
It could be a problem w/DUIs, since it stays in the blood stream, so hard to prove they are intoxicated while driving. I’m sure driving abilities would be impaired. But seems people that smoke marijuana are less motivated to do anything except vegitate anyway, so they probably won’t be driving from bars. They’ll be snacking in front of a tv w/the radio on. LOL.
In any case, though I don’t use it, I find it less offensive than cigarettes. They managed to legalize that toxic drug, why not marijuana.
September 28, 2010 @ 8:53 AM
I’m also a non-user but would
I’m also a non-user but would like to see it legalized. Both pot and magic mushrooms are medically beneficial in the right circumstances. They’re far less addictive and far safer than alcohol or cigarettes, and unlike alcohol (or Tylenol for that matter), there is no lethal dose of either one. There is also no good reason to outlaw them while the others remain legal. It’s telling that those who are against prop 19 include the illicit drug dealers in this country, and probably the Mexican drug cartels, although they don’t exactly make public announcements about that sort of thing.
I watched a driving test filmed in the UK years ago. The same guy went through the cones sober, drunk, and stoned. Needless to say, he was much more careful and performed better stoned than he did when drunk. Not that I’m advocating driving under the influence.
September 28, 2010 @ 9:42 AM
I am hear to a test it is gud
I am hear to a test it is gud fer u.
I agree with what everyone is saying here.
September 28, 2010 @ 12:31 PM
Russell wrote:I am hear to a
[quote=Russell]I am hear to a test it is gud fer u.
I agree with what everyone is saying here.[/quote]
Dude, stop bogartin’ dat tang an pass me one of dem twinkies.
September 28, 2010 @ 1:03 PM
Seems like hemp oil is
Seems like hemp oil is cheaper than big pharma cures. That would save everyone, since in the end the tax payers seem to pay for most of the cost of health care. Not really pro- Marijuana and I am a non smoker. I support the wine industry. That being said, I am sick and tired of the high cost of “cures”. I think cancer has turned into an industry. I would like to see people cured and people in less pain who are in the last stages of the disease. And no one who knows me would consider me Liberal. This is just reasonable to me. I like to see problems solved.
September 29, 2010 @ 11:56 PM
CA renter wrote:
I’ve never
[quote CA renter]
I’ve never seen a single stoned person get into a car accident, get into a fight, die from MJ use, or any other negative thing except for lacking motivation, perhaps.
[/quote]
Funny you should mention this.. same ‘lack of motivation’ is what I have noticed about habitual MJ users. That is not to say that someone really under the influence and trying to drive etc.. might not get into an accident. They should see about rigging up a THC test.. much like the breathalyzer. Combine it with the Alcohol reading. (ie. sum of the two not to exceed 0.08 or something like that)
[quote CA renter]
At least alcohol has significant health benefits. Some are attributed to Pot too and it is useful for those dying but to put this substance out into society freely is a bad idea.
[/quote]
Actually, THC is useful for treating glaucoma. And I suspect blood-pressure too (hypertension).
September 28, 2010 @ 3:07 PM
I thought that I was in the
I thought that I was in the minority when I created the poll. But I do not use and want to see it legalized.Once I got my head around just how many people are dying and suffering because of this drugs illigality I can only view this topic one way. Legalize it. We tried to outlaw alcohol during prohibition. Also, has anyone listened to all of the prescription drug commericals lately? I heard one the other day that said “if you have thoughts of suicide while using XXXXX call your doctor”. I honestly think that the drug companies do not want pot legal becasue they make so much money selling “legal” drugs. BTW, I think there is a serious prescription drug problem in Congress – it is the only way I can explain why our Government is so “f”ed up.
September 28, 2010 @ 4:44 PM
I don’t think its a good
I don’t think its a good idea. Watch that movie reefer madness. Its dangerous stuff.
September 28, 2010 @ 4:51 PM
tc wrote:I don’t think its a
[quote=tc]I don’t think its a good idea. Watch that movie reefer madness. Its dangerous stuff.[/quote]
I don’t want to be no munkey.
September 28, 2010 @ 4:45 PM
Prohibition ended 4 years
Prohibition ended 4 years into the great depression. Primarily to pacify an increasingly restless public and also to boast the economy by getting people to get out and spend.
Same thing is going on now. We are 2 years into this mess and now we see this move to legalize Pot.
Keep the electorate high and distracted???
At least alcohol has significant health benefits. Some are attributed to Pot too and it is useful for those dying but to put this substance out into society freely is a bad idea.
No money will be saved by this. If you think the Po Po wanted to get you for smoking pot just wait to you see how bad they want to get you for using untaxed Pot.
Any tax revenue will be more than offset by higher social costs and “revenue enforcement”
The only way to save money with law enforcement with pot is to legalize it and not tax it.
John
September 29, 2010 @ 12:07 PM
What are the chances the
What are the chances the proposition in november will reflect these results?
September 29, 2010 @ 12:15 PM
aldante wrote:What are the
[quote=aldante]What are the chances the proposition in november will reflect these results?[/quote]
I would have assume no chance….. but then I googled… Latest Field Poll shows it passing 49% to 42%, likely voters.
http://www.field.com/fieldpollonline/subscribers/Rls2356.pdf
September 29, 2010 @ 11:33 PM
UCGal wrote:aldante
[quote=UCGal][quote=aldante]What are the chances the proposition in november will reflect these results?[/quote]
I would have assume no chance….. but then I googled… Latest Field Poll shows it passing 49% to 42%, likely voters.
http://www.field.com/fieldpollonline/subscribers/Rls2356.pdf%5B/quote%5D
Intrade is a better indicator:
http://data.intrade.com/graphing/jsp/closingPricesForm.jsp?tradeURL=https://www.intrade.com&contractId=702407
September 29, 2010 @ 11:31 PM
A couple of questions for the
A couple of questions for the proponents:
1) Do you believe or not believe that the usage of marijuana would go up if it was legalized?
2) If the usage went up, do you think that would be a net positive or negative for society?
btw, I find it funny that marijuana was spelled wrong in the poll.
September 29, 2010 @ 11:56 PM
pjwal wrote:A couple of
[quote=pjwal]A couple of questions for the proponents:
1) Do you believe or not believe that the usage of marijuana would go up if it was legalized?
2) If the usage went up, do you think that would be a net positive or negative for society?
btw, I find it funny that marijuana was spelled wrong in the poll.[/quote]
1) I honestly feel that those who feel compelled to smoke pot already do so. Making it legal probably wouldn’t change very much.
2) Even if usage did go up, it’s entirely possible that people would substitute it for currently legal — but more harmful — drugs like alcohol and prescription drugs. Personally, I see that as a net positive.
September 30, 2010 @ 12:41 AM
CA renter wrote:pjwal wrote:A
[quote=CA renter][quote=pjwal]A couple of questions for the proponents:
1) Do you believe or not believe that the usage of marijuana would go up if it was legalized?
2) If the usage went up, do you think that would be a net positive or negative for society?
btw, I find it funny that marijuana was spelled wrong in the poll.[/quote]
1) I honestly feel that those who feel compelled to smoke pot already do so. Making it legal probably wouldn’t change very much.
2) Even if usage did go up, it’s entirely possible that people would substitute it for currently legal — but more harmful — drugs like alcohol and prescription drugs. Personally, I see that as a net positive.[/quote]
Honest answer that I respect. My purpose with the questions is to get people to think on both sides of the issue.
I tend to eschew arguments about the medicinal value after discussion with doctors as every single one I have talked to has said there is nothing provided by this plant that is not provided by other “legal” drugs. No real doctor I know (and I know several that are close friends from Pediatricians to ER) feel the need to prescribe Marijuana as a treatment. However, there are plenty of problems with the legal drugs and those do often cause more harm than marijuana as well.
I guess my main feeling on the subject is that those that really feel the need for this drug don’t have an issue getting it. It is already somewhat relaxed in the enforcement. The issue I am most concerned with is that I believe more people will start using it for recreation. And I don’t understand how anyone can believe that to be a good thing.
Yes, as a society we have accepted alcohol and tobacco. And that hasn’t caused us any issues right? Outside of the #1 killers for youth and elders, not at all. It’s not a positive argument for the legalization of Marijuana to point to those facts.
I’m not suggestion prohibition…I simply want a sober look at reason every now and then.
~Paul
September 30, 2010 @ 8:51 AM
That is a tough question.
That is a tough question. It’s possible more people would try it. Frankly, I think most people have tried it at least once in their lives. I did not find it very enjoyable. Made me paranoid and lazy. I like to be in control of myself. So for some people, it may make no difference if it were legal. I certainly wouldn’t be smoking it.
But considering all the people addicted to narcotics, self-medicating the pain of life, I could see more people using it. What would happen to society? A lot more mellow people instead of aggro? Complacency? Hey. There’s a conspiracy theory. Maybe that’s what the government wants: Everyone to smoke marijuana.
It could replace alcohol for some people, which I think is equally damaging, toxic to one’s liver. Everyone has their poison they enjoy. I’m not going to dog what helps people through the day as long as they’re not driving while they partake.
The bottom line is people who want to smoke are doing so. Legalizing may gain a few more people, but as I say, most people try it once and whether legal or not, if they enjoy it, they will continue to use it. It’s not like it’s impossible to find.
September 30, 2010 @ 9:08 AM
pjwal wrote:A couple of
[quote=pjwal]A couple of questions for the proponents:
1) Do you believe or not believe that the usage of marijuana would go up if it was legalized?
2) If the usage went up, do you think that would be a net positive or negative for society?
btw, I find it funny that marijuana was spelled wrong in the poll.[/quote]
1) It might with folks who have considered it for medicinal reasons but eschewed it for legal reasons or because they did not find it readily available. (Can you picture your parents going out to score a bag of weed?)
2) I think it would be a net zero. I think the stoner types are already there. I think any new usage would be during situations where alcohol or pain meds – used in conjunction or substitution – but where impairment was already an issue.
[quote=pjwal]
I tend to eschew arguments about the medicinal value after discussion with doctors as every single one I have talked to has said there is nothing provided by this plant that is not provided by other “legal” drugs. No real doctor I know (and I know several that are close friends from Pediatricians to ER) feel the need to prescribe Marijuana as a treatment. However, there are plenty of problems with the legal drugs and those do often cause more harm than marijuana as well.
~Paul[/quote]
I watched my brother struggle with the issue of getting pot when he was going through chemo. He’d had issues with pot when he was younger and had later gotten very religious and was trying to follow the straight and narrow. But even his oncologist was suggesting it would help with his cancer and chemo symptoms. He was worried about it being addictive in his personal situation. Kind of ironic since he was terminal. Also kind of ironic since he was on pretty strong opiates for pain control.
The pot helped his symptoms in two ways: it gave him a little more appetite – chemo and cancer had DESTROYED his appetite and he was having real issues with weight loss. It also, according to him, helped with the pain in a way the morphine and fentanol didn’t. He felt more comfortable.
To say it has no medicinal value doesn’t fit my one anecdotal observation.
I also think it would work great as a sleep aid. Better than booze.
September 30, 2010 @ 5:07 PM
Not sure how the campaign
Not sure how the campaign finance laws work. How easy is it for one to donate cash to campaigns?
‘Cuz if I were the Cartels I would donate as much as possible to those that want to keep the War on Drugs going.
It just wouldn’t surprise me to see this happening.
September 30, 2010 @ 5:30 PM
sd_matt wrote:Not sure how
[quote=sd_matt]Not sure how the campaign finance laws work. How easy is it for one to donate cash to campaigns?
‘Cuz if I were the Cartels I would donate as much as possible to those that want to keep the War on Drugs going.
It just wouldn’t surprise me to see this happening.[/quote]
Also, the DEA, police departments, prison workers, etc etc are against ending the War on Drugs. 26% of all prisoners are in for drug-related offenses. There’s a massive contingent of people whose livelihoods are in some way dependent on this ridiculous “war” and they’re going to vote with their economic interests in mind, not what’s best for society. (Which reminds me of the quote: “If a person’s livelihood depends on not understanding something then they will continue to not understand it.”)
September 30, 2010 @ 8:15 PM
davelj wrote:sd_matt
[quote=davelj][quote=sd_matt]n’t surprise me to see this happening.[/quote]
Also, the DEA, police departments, prison workers, etc etc are against ending the War on Drugs. 26% of all prisoners are in for drug-related offenses. There’s a massive contingent of people whose livelihoods are in some way dependent on this ridiculous “war” and they’re going to vote with their economic interests in mind, not what’s best for society. (Which reminds me of the quote: “If a person’s livelihood depends on not understanding something then they will continue to not understand it.”)[/quote]
No one goes to jail for getting busted the first time for pot unless they were committing another crime. In that case the pot was incidental.
People in jail for “drug related”(non-distribution) offenses have had more than one arrest for pot and are typically caught with pot on them while committing another crime. In virtually all “drug related” convictions there is something besides pot involved.
I knew a guy in drug enforcment for the CBI in southern california. He told me in 2004 that they didn’t even bother with pot anymore.
Most of those 26% would be in jail anyway.
John
October 1, 2010 @ 5:20 AM
wrong; if they’re in state
wrong; if they’re in state custody on a pot crime, there;s likely no greater crime involved, because the pot charge likely woulda been dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Lots of people go to jail or even prison for pot,for even small amounts, when there is some evidence of sales. you may not have been selling, but the police wil come swear that it sure seemed that way. Why would you have your pot in two or three separate bags if you wenre’t plannig to sell some? Why would you ahve a cell phone? Who would you ahve small bills on you? or even if you just have a large amount, like a half pound? Obviously you were selling. therefore — prison. even in CA.
if you are a personal user in CA, it is very important to never have any evidence of selling on you, like keeping your pot in separate baggies, or carrying cash in amounts that make it look like you mgiht e dealing, or ahving a scale…
heck, i might have a half pound of mint growing in my backyard for mojitos, does’t mean im a mint dealer!
October 1, 2010 @ 9:05 AM
pjwal wrote:CA renter
[quote=pjwal][quote=CA renter][quote=pjwal]A couple of questions for the proponents:
1) Do you believe or not believe that the usage of marijuana would go up if it was legalized?
2) If the usage went up, do you think that would be a net positive or negative for society?
btw, I find it funny that marijuana was spelled wrong in the poll.[/quote]
1) I honestly feel that those who feel compelled to smoke pot already do so. Making it legal probably wouldn’t change very much.
2) Even if usage did go up, it’s entirely possible that people would substitute it for currently legal — but more harmful — drugs like alcohol and prescription drugs. Personally, I see that as a net positive.[/quote]
Honest answer that I respect. My purpose with the questions is to get people to think on both sides of the issue.
I tend to eschew arguments about the medicinal value after discussion with doctors as every single one I have talked to has said there is nothing provided by this plant that is not provided by other “legal” drugs. No real doctor I know (and I know several that are close friends from Pediatricians to ER) feel the need to prescribe Marijuana as a treatment. However, there are plenty of problems with the legal drugs and those do often cause more harm than marijuana as well.
I guess my main feeling on the subject is that those that really feel the need for this drug don’t have an issue getting it. It is already somewhat relaxed in the enforcement. The issue I am most concerned with is that I believe more people will start using it for recreation. And I don’t understand how anyone can believe that to be a good thing.
Yes, as a society we have accepted alcohol and tobacco. And that hasn’t caused us any issues right? Outside of the #1 killers for youth and elders, not at all. It’s not a positive argument for the legalization of Marijuana to point to those facts.
I’m not suggestion prohibition…I simply want a sober look at reason every now and then.
~Paul[/quote]
That raises a question. How many doctors have experience with THC?
I watch the videos but given that lying is the staple of politics I will believe it when there has been scientific testing. But who is going to do that?
Useful medicine or not I think containment is a better policy than prohibition.
October 1, 2010 @ 8:15 AM
I know some cops and when
I know some cops and when they come across possession of marijuana they hardly do anything. Write a ticket. Half the time look the other way. The only time it becomes a problem is if there’s so much it becomes distribution. Heck, I know someone who did nothing about a guy growing a plant b/c he had a medical marijuana card. It only becomes an issue when selling comes into play. You know. Drug dealing. Those guys that don’t want it legalized. The jails are filled w/those people.
October 1, 2010 @ 8:35 AM
The other point I push is
The other point I push is that to legalize it and contain it would be to take ownership of our own problems. Mexico should not suffer for our drug use…no more than we should be educating children of illegals…philosophically speaking.
Buyer and seller both participate. The other day I heard on talk radio that “we are not the problem”. As if the cartels hold a gun to the heads of every pot head in the USA forcing them to buy. No wonder Mexico has a clear conscious about sending her poor over here to drain our system.
It’s fantasy land for me in wishing that the hard core pot advocates would get smart, drop the conspiracy books and post some of the stuff I see here.
It’s sad that I see more intelligent arguments on a financial blog about pot than on the pot sites themselves.
It floors me to think about this stuff. The world is truly insane.