To Legalize or Not to Legalize....

Nikki - posted on 03/30/2013

Sorry this post is so long, but this topic really hits a nerve for me. I agree that it should be decriminalized, with obvious restrictions, as we waste billions in taxpayer dollars to pay for the hundreds of thousands of casual users we lock up every year across the country (and waste even more on our open-ended "war on drugs" that can never actually be won). By decriminalizing marijuana, we would effectively change the casual and medicinal user's label from criminal to addict or patient, which would allow us to deal with the real situation at hand in a way that doesn't tear apart our communities or cause further harm to the very people we claim to be trying to protect. We could focus instead on treating the addiction; not penalizing people for having one. We would also effectively take the power away from the cartels that have already brutalized and terrorized their home lands in order to establish control of their "trade". I've seen what they've done to their own land (at least, in Mexico) first-hand, and it absolutely terrifies me that the individuals responsible for this horror and destruction of their own people and communities are now moving across the borders into ours and doing similar things in the communities they plant roots in here. Not that we didn't have plenty of our own problems in plenty of our own neighborhoods before them, but we certainly don't need more!
Not sure if anyone remembers Prohibition, but I'm pretty sure (please correct me if I am wrong) that the Mafia grew in power substantially during that time period as a result of their bootlegging operations, though they were involved with countless other types of crime as well. They were willing to break the law at any cost in order to make money, and boy did they make money!! Not nearly as much as what these Cartels are making, but mind-blowing sums nonetheless. We've shifted our focus from Sicilian organized crime to Latin American organized crime, but the root of the problem is the same in both cases: take away something that the people are demanding, and they will go to great lengths to get it. Where that demand exists, you will find an endless supply of people willing to risk everything to make an "easy" dollar, although I hardly consider risking your freedom or life an easy way to earn a buck. So in the end, you may have prevented some people from partaking in this "dangerous" substance, but all you really did is make a few people really rich while killing, locking up and terrorizing countless others in this dangerous war being played out each and every day in our communities across the nation.
Legalizing marijuana would give us control over it, and would help put a serious dent in the cartels' cash flow, hopefully enough so to disrupt their operations and allow both our communities to rebuild and heal, as well as allow their own communities to dismantle the stone-cold grip they have had on them for decades so that they may begin to heal from the intense pain and terror that has been inflicted upon them over the last twenty years of this war.
I find it interesting that once alcohol's legality was reinstated, the mainstream social opinions regarding its use changed drastically. I wonder if this would be the case for marijuana as well. I can honestly say that I have seen WAY more lives get ruined by alcohol (which is perfectly legal) than I have marijuana, although that may be because I have seen substantially fewer people abuse marijuana than I have alcohol. Given the way alcohol is almost a social expectation at times, I am confused as to why it's use is encouraged while the use of marijuana is frowned upon heavily by many of those same people. I personally do not appreciate society imposing their idea of a "good time" on me that consists of going out; getting drunk (but always responsibly, right?); hopefully being smart enough to catch a cab home instead of going home with some guy/girl you just met or driving; and then repeating steps 1-3 for the next social function or outing. I've never heard anyone who smokes marijuana regularly say "Man! I smoked WAY too much last night, and feel like absolute crap today! I don't remember most of the last part of the night, but I woke up on some stranger's bathroom floor, covered in blood from a fight I don't remember, and then walked out to my car that I didn't remember driving across town after throwing up violently for an hour or so." I hear that crap all the time from the ones I know that drink though. I personally feel like both should be illegal if we are going to ban people from partaking in mind-altering, behaviour-altering or mood-altering substances. While we are at it, we should ban love, sex and food, because you can get addicted to all of those things as well, and they have ruined many people's lives. Or maybe, we could go even one step further and just ban life. If we never live, we never have the chance to make bad choices and learn from them. =( This world is so stupid sometimes.

Danielle - posted on 12/02/2012

Marijuana is actually not addictive. Marijuana contains a group of chemical compounds called cannabinoids (THC, CBD and CBNs, mainly). Every system in our bodies has cannabinoid receptors. Our bodies all produce their own endocannabinoids. When we consume outside cannabinoids, our bodies cut down their production of the endocannabinoids so they can maintain optimal levels. When we stop consuming outside cannabinoids, it takes a few days for our bodies to get the production of endocannabinoids back to where it needs to be. Hence, the reason people who smoke a lot get cranky and/or headache-y when they have to go without marijuana for a few days.



Also, for everyone who is very anti-marijuana, think about this: The United States Government owns a medical patent for marijuana. (US Patent 6630507 titled “Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants” which is assigned to The United States of America, as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services. It was filed in 2001 and issued in 2003.) The U.S. Government also commissioned a study in 1974 that found that cannabis actually prevents certain types of cancer and immediately dismissed the findings. (http://norml.org/component/zoo/category/...) If anyone has ever had a friend or family member with cancer or you have ever had cancer yourself, you should be seriously pissed off by this news. My grandpa died in 2001 from a Glioblastoma Multi-Forme Grade IV. A friend of mine died at the age of 28 of colon cancer. Both of these deaths could have either been prevented or successfully treated with the use of marijuana.



There is a reason why 18 states plus the District of Columbia have medical marijuana program: because it works.

Chris - posted on 11/21/2012

While perusing my Macleans Magazine there was a huge article about Marijuana. I don't smoke the stuff but I think if someone is so inclined.....they should be able to. Pot has so many medicinal purposes, for so many ailments,Anxiety and depression treatments don’t have to involve drugs. You may be able to find a successful program that treats you holistically at a number of detox centers in your area.

How Do Anxiety Treatments Work?

Anxiety treatments are designed to relieve you of an overwhelming sense of anxiety you feel during stressful or non-stressful situations. A little anxiety is natural. But feeling overwhelmed all the time can cause problems.



http://sensatorispace.com/addiction/alco...

None Of Yo - posted on 08/11/2012

OK, Beth and whoever else replied to Erin, there is documented cases of the gov't dealing in drugs. Just to put that out there. its common knowledge that during the 80's the CIA allowed the shipment and distribution of cocaine into the US. Thats for another thread tho, but really, if you think that the US gov't is squeaky clean and has nothing to do with shady stuff like that, you are a little bit sheltered and/or unaware of our own govt's history. I aint saying that its happening on a huge scale all the time, but the feds are well known to have agreements to look the other way and allow selling to continue when its done by our allies and they can use it to their own ends, or to directly participate in facilitating or allowing the shipment and sale of drugs by certain groups when it furthers their agenda. Look up iran contra and cocaine and enjoy the history lesson honey.

None Of Yo - posted on 08/11/2012

Yea I absolutely support legalizing it. And honestly I'm really suprised that I see the entire first page of replies pretty much (didnt read the whole thing yet, but from what i see so far) that everyone else agrees! thats so awesome to me, that peoples minds are opening up bcuz honestly I expected to find a lot of the hardcore mommy "NOOO WE MUST PROTECT TEH CHILDRENZ FROM TEH DANGEROUS, HORRIBLE DRUG MARIJUANA!" reaction so it put a big smile on my face to see all yall co signing the original poster.

So many of the reasons that the gov't, and all these BS groups like "above the influence", etc, gives for why it needs to stay illegal, are ridiculous, circular logic, and many times, just downright factually WRONG. for example when they talk about the 'gateway drug' theory which actually got proved wrong by recent research. Or that whole line about "no matter what people say about its supposed benefits, the bottom line is that its still harmful and dangerous to inhale smoke of any kind into your lungs so regardless of if it does have medical use, its still dangerous becuz you have to smoke it so thats enough reason to ban it!" when there are plenty of ways to consume it that dont involve smoking at all and dont cause harm to your body. And so many of the many, many more stupid, outdated, and out of touch reasons why its supposedly so bad. Anybody with half a brain and even a little knowledge about the studies that are going on lately could easily knock down every single one of the ways they justify it being illegal.

god, i could go on all day forever about this subject becuz I feel so strong about it. I have a almost 2 yr old son and honestly I would much rather have him smoke pot than go out and binge drink every weekend or become a heavy cig smoker. No question. I believe whole heartedly that weed was put here on this earth by God as a gift to us humans and to not use it is kind of like a "screw you!" Its here for a reason, and if you ask me, it aint no coincidence that every day science is discovering even more things that it can be used for, because its such a versatile, amazing plant--it's here for us to use and take advantage of its many benefits and i believe that deep in my heart.

The only thing that I have a problem with, theoretically if my son decides to smoke it someday, is that he could get in trouble and end up with a record becuz I know from my own experience how much harder it can make life to have that bad jacket following you around when you try to get a job, etc. But Im holding out hope that by the time he gets that age our laws will be a little more enlightened.

Gonna wrap it up now before I write a book up in here tho!

**Jackie** - posted on 08/05/2012

I've never smoked marijuana, or done any drugs for that matter, BUT I'm commenting anyway lol I have had a few friends hospitalized because the marijuana they bought was laced with something (the names escape me). I think it should be legalized (and taxed) for a few reasons. 1) this will ensure you are buying pure marijuana and nothing else crazy 2) it won't be too much of a fad after a few years and maybe kids will stop doing it so much 3) I've personally never seen an angry high person....I have seen an angry drunk

Chaya - posted on 08/04/2012

It should be leaglized and taxed. I don't use, don't approve of the use of, but if one wants or needs it, it shouldn't be a crime. The government is always looking for something more to tax.

Beth - posted on 07/06/2012

If they were selling drugs, then where's the money going. If they were selling drugs then why have we had to cut the military budget way back and fire soldiers. If they were selling drugs then Why is it we are trillions in debt. Government selling drugs , your nuts .

Beth - posted on 07/06/2012

They are not selling drugs Erin.

Erin - posted on 07/06/2012

Let me tell you something guys. The feds want it kept legal because they and the us military and cia are selling drugs. They profit off of it's illegality just like gangs and dealers do. Stop the corruption in government if you want legalised Marijuana.

Erin - posted on 07/06/2012

Let me tell you something guys. The feds want it kept legal because they and the us military and cia are selling drugs. They profit off of it's illegality just like gangs and dealers do. Stop the corruption in government if you want legalised Marijuana.

America3437 - posted on 06/08/2012

So let's do some thing about it! Call your state officals and push for it! We can change this if we stand togeather. Many voices are louder than one! That the problem...nobody believes in the power of the American people. Call,write,e-mail...what ever your fancy but do something! I am signing the petition here and where my mom lives they are putting it to vote so stand up and be heard!

Claire - posted on 06/07/2012

My husband has his medical card in CA. It cost him about $150 and there are still dispensaries open all over the place, but TONS of them got shut down. Plus once the feds left they all popped up again!

I think it should be legal and treated like alcohol. 21 and over, no driving, no minors all that stuff. Certain industries would suffer if it were legalized and thats why I think it is lobbied against so much. Hemp can replace so many everyday items so no big companies want it legal. Its BS!!!

Contessa - posted on 06/07/2012

Well I live in Nevada where medical Mary Jane is legal, but unfortunately even though it is legal state wide it is still illegal federally. I am not sure about the other states but in California and Nevada there are no more dispensaries due to the fact that the Feds said close your doors or we will close them for you and you will face legal problems. So they closed their doors. I think that is total bullshit! Again I don't know about other states, but in Nevada it cost roughly $500-600 to get your medical card and it is only good for a year, so you're having to pay that cost to the state every year for them to NOT protect you if the feds decide to knock on your door.

I am for the total legalization of Mary Jane! I believe that the government should keep their nose out of it, but for it to be considered federally legal they are going to have to get their cut.

America3437 - posted on 06/07/2012

Marijuana has a chemical in it called tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. Marijuana in all forms is mind-altering (psychoactive)—it alters our brain function. THC acts on cannabinoid receptors found in areas of the brain involved in memory (the hippocampus), concentration (cerebral cortex), perception (sensory portions of the cerebral cortex) and movement (the cerebellum, substantia nigra, globus pallidus). When THC activates cannabinoid receptors, it interferes with the normal functioning of these brain areas. A lot of other chemicals are found in marijuana, too — about 400 of them, some of which are carcinogenic.





Smoke about an oz a week between my husband and myself and don't really find much wrong with it other than can't remember where I laid my lighter and where is the cookies! I do know for a fact that smoking pot has...1.) killed all ambition 2.)shot my memory all to hell 3.) caused me to gain 30lbs 4.) made me lazy! This is the effects it has had on my life and I have smoked for 24 years. Now where the hell is my damn lighter.........I was gonna clean house but I got high....

Erin - posted on 06/06/2012

I agree with the OP I wrote Thesis (shorter than I would have liked since it was an assignment and it had to be under a certain amount of words) called: "The Irational Illegalization of Majiuana." In it I used research I collect for about a year on the subject. What I found in a nut shell is this:

a) Dupont invented nylon the year before the Marihuana tax stamp act, hemp was a direct competitor with the new nylon whic was more expensive
b) Dupont nad William Randohlf Herst (very rich) teamed with Anslinger (first head of the federal bureau of nacortics) to create "Refer Madness" an anti- marijuana propoganda campaign
c) the propoganda was filled with medically and scientifically inccorect claims pertaining to the drug and was also very racially biased
d) Anslinger wrote "Marijuana Assisins of Youth" in it he portrayed minorities becoming "insane" on the drug for which there is no evidence
e) Marijuana was introduced by Black Jazz singers during the prohibition on alcohol,statments made during the time showed heavy bias by rich white men against the blacks for introducing the drug to white women and teens
f) I was unable to find any medical or scientific tests on marijuana use with two exceptions,one which was baised because it used the self-reporting method (generally not considered reliable) in addition this test showed marijuana to be about as dangerous or perhaps not as dangerous as ciggarettes a legal drug, and no medical testimony, and the second test showed sero link between marijuana use and oral cancer.

My conclusion was that marijuana was unjustly illeglised but the government continues to shove biased propoganda down our throats to profit off the drug enforcement industry and make money for the states off of drug charges, court fees, tickets, jail fees, and probation fees. I also concluded that they use it to justify their bloated drug enforcement budget. We have over 1 million related arrests per year the leading cause of overcrowding in prisons and jails. i believe the drug is safe enough and we could fill the gap in our budgets if we taxed the drug for legal sale.

Chasity - posted on 05/20/2012

I think it should be legal, I used to smoke and it helped me with my bipolar disorder and anxiety, I didnt take meds then but now that I quit smoking pot im on 5 diff meds to control my disorder and I can tell you now Im soooo considering going back cause these meds are horrible!

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 05/18/2012

I smoked the shit for just under 22 years. I have an awesome memory! Just sayin. OH and I was a very heavy smoker...(anywhere from one to eight a day, everyday).

The only reason I stopped is for the reason I posted a page or two back. However, I am having blood tests done because I have found I still have symptoms, even when not smoking (haven't smoked a J, in 6 months - first time going a day without, since I was 14). They are just less intense. So, the J is just causing an underlying problem to be more intense. Once it is figured out and I am back to normal (hoping!) I am lighting up a doobie! hehehee

Corinne - posted on 05/18/2012

For those saying it's the same as alcohol: Have you ever been high or seen someone who just smoked? Yea, they're spacey and giggly but they can function. You never hear of domestic violence starting from someone being under the influence of mary jane, you never hear "I shouldn't have gone home with them, I was so high though...". If we could chose between the two I would rather have smoke shops than bars.

Gabrielle - posted on 05/12/2012

I don't see the difference. I mean more ppl do more harm while drunk than they do when they are high. bam alcohol instead of weed.

Rosie - posted on 05/08/2012

my dad used to drink alcohol and hit my mom, and me and my sister. let's ban alcohol too!!!!! ;)

Claire - posted on 05/08/2012

Audrey if they only legalized it for medicinal purposes there would be nothing to tax. They don't tax prescription medications... Just saying

Claire - posted on 05/08/2012

Well heavy alcohol use causes liver damage and cirrhosis, but only drinking occasionally does not. So lets not get carried away here. No everyone is an alcoholic and not everyone is going to smoke all day everyday for the rest of their lives

Audrey - posted on 05/08/2012

I am for legalizing it for medical purposes only. Tax it and regulate it like anything else.It does have effects on short term memory and so on, so I am not for recreational use.


...when did I become such a left leaning liberal type? My parents would die. lol.

Jenny - posted on 05/08/2012

Lauren, please, your step-dad didn't hit because of marijuana. He is personally responsible for his actions.

Amanda - posted on 05/08/2012

well This is a topic.
Sometimes, all the pain meds in the world only take the edge off. mY EXPERIENCE is that the pain wil make you go crazy. ...
and, for this breakthrough pain, first try a dose of short acting morphine, when that doesn't work, a joint takes the edge down, to a bearable level.
now, i certainly wouldn't judge anyone for using or for not using.
Your choice! Use whatever works for you and yours. When i had kids at home, i would go out to the garage unless they were all deeply asleep.
i really liked what Mother Bacher wrote, i think it covers what worries me..
i'm in ontario, where i can get mariijuana legally .. Is anyone looking to relocate? not only can you have medical mj, women can take their shirts off if theu feel inclined.
have a good month,
aa
ha

Lauren - posted on 05/08/2012

no way not legalized I think people can be nice on it and then someone can be a total jerk I know from experience my step-dad used to do the stuff and hit my mom so no that is why!

Toni - posted on 05/07/2012

k, so that research was bewtreen non users and heavy users. What about the majority of marijuanna smokers? Majority of people who smoke marijuanna dont smoke very often. Once a day at most.
I smoke marijuanna, but the most I ever do is one J a week. Normally I oly smoke one J a month when my sleeping disorder plays up bad.

Beth - posted on 05/07/2012

yep Brain shrinkage

http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/06/0...

"(Reuters) - Long-term heavy use of marijuana may cause two important brain structures to shrink, Australian researchers said on Monday.



Brain scans showed the hippocampus and amygdala were smaller in men who were heavy marijuana users compared to nonusers, the researchers said. The men had smoked at least five marijuana cigarettes daily for on average 20 years.



The hippocampus regulates memory and emotion, while the amygdala plays a critical role in fear and aggression."



The study, published in the American Medical Association's journal Archives of General Psychiatry, also found the heavy cannabis users earned lower scores than the nonusers in a verbal learning task -- trying to recall a list of 15 words."

Valerie - posted on 05/07/2012

Legalize it! A true drug addict doesn't care if it's legal or not. They don't just use it for recreational. purposes. They don't take the time, energy, or forethought of trying to get legislation/bills passed so something can be legal for them. I would love to be able to run to the store if I wanted a joint just like I can go and get a beer when I want. I AM a mother or two teenage drug addicts. Legalizing marijuana won't help or hurt them.. it's their actions that are their worst enemies, not anything that I do or don't do, or that the government does or does not regulate. Marijuana is natural. Look at what the "synthetic marijuana" that IS legal in many states is doing? Much more serious than real pot! Prescription pills, legal for many people, is what is killing my daughters slowly... Take a look around, you won't find mass murderers with nicknames like "The THC killer"... or "The STONER bandits".

Claire - posted on 05/07/2012

and I'm gonna say it again. Marijuana is considered a gateway drug, and if it were legal it would no longer be so because then people wouldnt be going to drug dealers who also sell other types of drugs. It just makes things more available being on the street getting it

Claire - posted on 05/07/2012

Brain shrinkage? Are you kidding me? I think the propaganda you're listening too is shrinking your brain. i agree with meme. When I smoked I was able to get more things done sometimes. Especially cleaning.

I think there is a lot of misunderstandings about marijuana because people have been brainwashed to think its bad. Reefer Madness!! Ahhh. Anyways I think its better than alcohol and I also think its only illegal because certain industries would suffer if hemp was legal because it could replace many things people use daily. There is more than one benefit here. Its not like people are saying meth should be legal!!!

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 05/07/2012

Beth---We legalize pot nothing would ever get done. It's a relaxant , it causes the user to feel relaxed and slug like. It makes people simply not care.

So not true for everyone. When I did smoke pot, I got major energy. It made me clean my house from top to bottom. I actually ran around with my head cut off and got a lot done! However, ask me to think with serious thought or read, yeah, forget about it. LOL

Now my husband is the opposite, he does get relaxed. So, it affects everyone differently.

Beth - posted on 05/07/2012

I say no.
We don't need our country's economy dependent on another drug.
We legalize pot nothing would ever get done. It's a relaxant , it causes the user to feel relaxed and slug like. It makes people simply not care.
It's side effects range from heart attack, amputation, to brain shrinkage.
yep we have other things that likely have these side effects that are legal , but do really need one more?
Not matter who says other wise it is a gate way drug.I personally know people that have started with pot and then went on to other stronger drugs. And it is addictive and does cause withdrawal effects. It can even cause men to be infertile.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/articl...,9171,1003570-1,00.html
http://www.druglibrary.org/mags/mechanix...
http://www.dailystrength.org/health_blog...
http://gawker.com/5690895/turns-out-smok...
http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/weed-mar...

Liz - posted on 05/07/2012

I don't smoke it now but I did for a long time. I think as long as its regulated it should be legal. I don't think people should be able to grow and sell it without a proper business license. To grow for personal use would probably be fine.

Jodi - posted on 05/07/2012

I don't. Know what the hype is for the. Medical marijuana. Having a disability I don't know that starting to smoke would be something that would make me a real role model for my daughter. I tell her never to smoke anything.

Bonnie - posted on 05/06/2012

Marijuana is often considered the "gateway drug" that leads people to becoming addicted to other substances. The effects of MJ are similar to alcohol and just as dangerous. It has been found that those with ADHD are more susceptible to using drugs, just as a way to self-medicate due to the way they have been made to feel for suffering from ADHD, and to cope with the characteristics of ADHD. It shouldn't be viewed as a treatment. Find the source of the problem and try and fix that - don't treat everything with a drug...
There is no way to bring about this legalization without involving the government, by the way. From the growth to when and where it would be allowed it would be regulated to the nth degree.

Judi - posted on 05/06/2012

I agree 100 percent! I don't get it, alcohol is much more dangerous!

Jenny - posted on 05/05/2012

"Come on, people sue mcdonalds for being fat, cigarette companies for having cancer. Marijuana smoking is way worse on your brain and lungs,..."

Incorrect Colleen. It has been shown that marijuana does not kill brain cells but the flawed study they used that actually deprived the testers of oxygen to the brain will. http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/5-... It has also been shown to actually shrink tumors and does not cause lung cancer. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/heal... Any potential health risks from smoking it can also be eliminated by using a vaporizer or eating it.

As far as the addiction goes, it is psychologically addictive like shopping or gambling. It is not physically addictive like heroin.

When you look at the facts and dump the rhetoric and fear mongering you find marijuana is one of the safer substances in existence. You are using it as a scapegoat for people being stupid. Use of a substance doesn't automatically mean it is responsible for everything that happens to you. It depends on the individual circumstances and we cannot just disregard personal accountability because someone smoked a joint.

Toni - posted on 05/05/2012

Colleen- Breathing air is bad for you, so lets go make it illegal.
Seriously, as an adult I have every right to do what I want with my own body.
And there are other ways to get high from marijuanna. You can eat it, or use hash. Hash brownies are awesome :)
Why shouldnt marijuanna have the same laws as alcohol? And why is alcohol not illegal if the government was so worried about negative affect some substances have? Alcohol has dozens of negative affects on the body, yet it is still legal.

Amanda - posted on 05/05/2012

honestly i smoke it it helps reduce my stress, helps me sleep,helps with my anxiety. Im not stupid about using it. i honestly think alcohol is worse than marijuana. Legalize it!

Janice - posted on 05/04/2012

Lol my hubby relaxes by going for a run, reading a book, AND smoking pot, but not always all 3 on the same night.



There are lots of unhealthy things out there. What about caffeine? or red meat?

Despite the fact that fast food is extremely unhealthy we haven't banned it because eating it is a choice and people are well aware of the potential hazards. I don't think anyone now a days can sue cigarette companies or fast food chains because the info is out there. The same could be applied to marijuana.



While some people may become addicted to using marijuana, majority don't, at least not where I am from. Almost every single family member and friend I have had, has smoked pot on a regular basis during some point in their life. They did this while holding down a job and being productive members of society. Its unnerving to know that good people who just happen to enjoy pot sometimes in the comfort of their own home, could go to jail and lose everything if they were caught with the substance.



If drinking a glass of wine some nights after work, or drinking a coffee everyday doesn't define you as bad, why does smoking pot? Not because it is harmful but because it is illegal.

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 05/04/2012

Well Colleen, that is a problem. There are studies BUT they are not conclusive. There is none out there that can actually say for absolute what affects it has on ones body. I mean, obviously it is not good for the lungs but neither is driving behind a bus, right? It does change your brain workings but so does any food you eat. It does increase your heart rate (oh, how I know that) but if I ran around the block, I would probably croak too, since I am not fit (I am slim), I am out of shape.



I am not sure what dope you have smoked but you do not need to hold it in. You smoke it like a cigarette. Yes, some people hold it in but their obviously too baked! lol



Why do you have a glass of wine, may I ask? Is it to unwind? Is it because it is legal? You know, it is NOT good for your body, it is even fattening. Seriously, everyone has their vice. One person may like a glass of wine, the other may like a hoot.

Colleen - posted on 05/04/2012

Of course you do. As I said on my post, some do not have addictive personalities, some do. I can have a class of wine and not get hammered, I don't need to keep drinking, to get more drunk. I'm good. Alcoholic need to have 2 than 3 than a twelve pack. There bodies need more to get drunk. Same goes for pot. If one person smokes it and its legalized and now they want to sue the people who made it legal! Come on, people sue mcdonalds for being fat, cigarette companies for having cancer. Marijuana smoking is way worse on your brain and lungs, to get your high you have to inhale and hold the smoke in, yes that's good for you. Let's legalize it do the next generation is fighting more disease and addiction. Do some real research, not some research on your adult friends who need to unwind by getting high, great example by the way, most people go for a run or read a book, but hey, let's get high, and wash all those tough days away!

Claire - posted on 05/04/2012

As far as a gateway drug, the only way I see it being ione is if people have to go on the street to buy it because they are exposed to dealers who will deal more that just pot. If it were legal and sold at liquor stores or collectives or whatever there would be no coke, heroin, meth or anything else there, therefore not giving them easy access to other drugs

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 05/04/2012

For me the problem is that dope is much less deconstructive than alcohol. We are throwing non-criminals in jails because they are carrying a wee bit of personal smokables. We are over-crowding the jails and courtrooms for such a petty purpose. Police and Governments are over-whelmed by the use of pot. We have major crime happening and drug cartel's making insane amounts of money off of something so frivolous. When really the law enforcements should be able to concentrate on "real" crime and "real" drugs, ones that really mess people up.



Seriously, it is never going to go away. More than half the populations smoke the stuff. Why not allow people to grow it and smoke it. If they want to kill their lungs, well who is anyone to say they can't? People that over drink are killing their kidneys, liver and brain. Not to mention their families.



How about we spend more time on solving "real" issues and leave the potheads alone. ;)



Colleen---Being a lawyer, can you estimate how much time, effort and money is spent on trying to convict a dope seller or user? Can you estimate how much of that would be much better placed into a far more needed area of crime?

Toni - posted on 05/04/2012

Colleen- I am 22 years old and have been smoking marijuanna since I was 15.
I have never tried anything else bacause I dont want to.
I only ever have 1 joint every now and then.
Yes, some people have highly addictive personalities, but majority dont. If I dont have the money to buy weed, I dont. If I cant get any, I dont care.

Janice - posted on 05/04/2012

Interesting Colleen because I know dozens of men and women in their 30s, 40s and 50s who have smoked marijuana their entire adult lives and they do not use other drugs. They don't smoke weed to get shit faced like so many people do with alcohol. They use it to unwind.

Yes, unfortunately some people do get hooked on other drugs but that is not the majority. And absolutely driving high is dangerous, no one here is advocating it be legal to do.



Also tobacco could be compared to marijuana but cigarettes have hundreds of other toxins which are not in marijuana or tobacco alone. Also majority of those who smoke marijuana, do so only once or twice a day or less. Cigarette smokers consume much, much more than that.



Granted I myself am only 28 but I follow the news. While there is at least 1-2 deadly crashs involving alcohol reported by the local news every year, I have never seen them report about a deadly cash involving drug use, particularly marijuana alone. If we should be fearful because it is common, then why aren't these scary things being reported?

Colleen - posted on 05/04/2012

Let me tell you something about marijuana. It is a gateway drug that can and will lead to much harder drug use for many people who try it. Yes, some can smoke it and stop there, but many can't. I have been in law enforcement for 17 years, I have seen the destruction this drug does to people. Alcohol is bad enough, but a completely different demon than marijuana. Yes, cannabis can be used for medical reasons, I have no issue with that, but that is a pill form and should not be smoked. It is extremenly toxic to the lungs. It amazes me that people hate cigarette's, but say marijuana should be fine. Marijuana is a high and eventually no matter how much you smoke, you will not get high enough, you will need another drug to give you that high. Some people just can't try things or they become addicted immediately. I have seen way to many dead kids and adults who have crashed a car from being high on marijuana. It really makes me sad to hear people do no research, real research, on this destructive drug. I got into law enforcement because I watched my brother throw his life away, it all started with one joint. Don't we have enough vices we need to warn our children against without making this crap legal??

Claire - posted on 05/04/2012

I think it should be legal, regulated and taxed. There's a lot of money in that industry and could help bring us out of this insane debt our country is in. I think it should have the same laws as alcohol, 21, no using and driving.
Plus think of how so much of our prison costs would be down from the people who grew some pot. Definitely FOR legalization