Legalise drugs?

Lyndsay - posted on 07/13/2010

I think everything should be legalized. The fact that it is illegal isn't stopping people, and I think a lot of the crime surrounding the drug trade could be close to eliminated if it were properly controlled.

Christina - posted on 07/13/2010

Marijuana YES!! but only marijuana! Why you ask.......because it has never killed or harmed anyone, ever! And it is IMPOSSIBLE to overdose on this PLANT!!

Toni - posted on 07/13/2010

I think this is where our different experiences come into force because in the UK people do smuggle ciggies and booze in to sell on the cheap and avoid tax! I know of people who make and sell their own booze - usually wine of some sort, but I have known people make a vodka type drink and beer - they sell it illegally because they do not have a permit to sell it etc.

Yes the gov. may reduce the tax if everybody still uses illegal dealers BUT there are still addicts who will go to their dealers because they WILL be cheaper than the gov. products brought off the black market are cheaper than legally purchased products!

LaCi - posted on 07/13/2010

How many alcoholics do you know that wander the frightening moonshine laden hills of kentucky to get their booze?

I've never known anyone to purchase illegal cigarettes-except in the case of cigarettes stamped in the wrong state, which isn't quite the same thing.

The government only taxes to the point at which maximum profit is reached, when the profit starts to take a nosedive the tax is no longer effective. If it were taxed to the point that illegal drugs were the cheaper and easier option for a large number of people the tax would have to come down, it's economics. government is a business. Cigarettes can be 11 per pack because people are willing to pay that. If they werent, the taxes wouldn't have continued increasing.

Toni - posted on 07/13/2010

Children - they cannot legally go to a shop and buy cigarettes or alcohol so they get them illegally - if drugs were legal this would push children to go to illegal dealers because they will want to try them (maybe more so than they would of because they are legal).

In actual fact I know of several people who have illegally purchased booze and fags (off the back of a lorry) - people illegally smuggle cigarettes and alcohol into the country and then sell them on (to avoid the duty tax).

The cost to manufacture drugs may be tiny but the tax the gov. will whack on top will NOT be - look at cigarettes and alcohol the cost of manufacturing both of them are both tiny yet they cost a small fortune because of the added tax.

Yes people may prefer to take the legal route but if they cannot afford it and are addicted to a substance they WILL take the illegal route because addicts do not think clearly when they need their fix. Occasional users will take the legal route because they will prefer safety over the risk.

LaCi - posted on 07/13/2010

Not really. You can buy cigarettes illegally, and illegal alcohol, but how many people do you know of that dive into those waters?



Secondly, the price to manufacture these drugs is TINY, everything they sell for is essentially a profit. So if the dealers are running things as they are, risking their lives, killing people, going to prison, shipping the products thousands of miles knowing it could be lost in law enforcement, and on top of that they have to lower their prices to compete? they wont be able to maintain the desired profits.



thirdly, people prefer to take the legal route to get the same end result without the fear of arrest, people also prefer the cleaner product, not something that's been cut a thousand times with god knows what.

Toni - posted on 07/13/2010

Jane I do not think that by legalizing all drugs the drug dealers will go out of business, they will simply push to make the drugs cheaper than the gov. sells them for - addicts (generally) will always go for the cheaper option because they cannot afford to pay tax on the drugs. By legalizing them it will make it safer for ad hoc users or social users.

Jane - posted on 07/12/2010

I'm not sure about all drugs but one thing is for sure, Marijuana should absolutely be legalized. Not only because it has so many medicinal benefits but because to me, it's no different than drinking. PLUS, the government could regulate it and most importantly tax it. I think it's a matter of time here in the US. I've done my share of drugs when I was younger (I'm 51 now) and I know that things like heroin, cocaine, pcp, thc, uppers/downers, etc (no, I didn't DO all these things - LOL) really have no real purpose to be legalized. HOWEVER, like someone said in an earlier post...if we legalized it all, then the drug cartels would be out of business and honestly, I think that would be a great thing.

People that want to do drugs...even the highly addictive kinds, are already doing them. Legalizing them does not mean more people will do them.

So, I guess what I'm saying is legalize it all...put the drug dealers OUT OF BUSINESS!!!!!

Toni - posted on 07/12/2010

Joanna - Mike Skinner how funny lmao.

Jennifer - posted on 07/12/2010

In response to my own question IMO adults should not do drugs, drink to the point of being drunk or smoke in front of their children. Why should the children be exposed to the horrible affects of those substances. I believe having a few drinks is ok but getting drunk to the point where you can't look after yourself nevermind your children is just totally unacceptable.

Joanna - posted on 07/11/2010

After thinking about the song I just wanted to post it here :)

K - posted on 07/11/2010

I'm from Canada, and in my province you only get a ticket if you are caught with marijuana under a certain amount. So it's not such a big deal here.

Toni - posted on 07/11/2010

Jennifer - Using drugs around children IMO is wrong if the parent is getting high or is under the influence - but then I also think that parents should not get steaming drunk in front of their children or when they are looking after their children because I think that parents should be able to look after their children if anything happens - for example if their child needs medical treatment a parent should be able to contact a doctor or take the child to the hospital - and should be in control of themselves.

I think parents should not smoke around their children because of the negative impact it has on their health, so marijuana should not be smoked in front of children.

Although at the end of the day there are parents who get steaming drunk every weekend and their children see it so if a parent chooses to do it in front of their children as long as the children are not suffering due to it there is nothing we can do.

BTW if the parent is in control of their actions I believe it is ok to have a few drinks and so if drugs were legal it would be hypocritical of me to say that they should not be took in front of children.

Amy - posted on 07/11/2010

Another great topic! We are very excited her in California, Marijuana has a very good chance of becoming legal here in a couple months. Ending the long battle with the Budget Deficit. Phillip Morris has already purchased a huge amount of land up north to start their new cash crop. No More Crops in protected forests, no more drug running over the border, no more murderous "this is my corner" drive bys and lots of happy people walking around. Sounds great to me. I personally do not smoke (anymore, i cant control the munchies) but many many people I know do. And it these are hard working good people that choose to smoke instead of take prescriptions for their everyday aches and pains that derived from a life of back breaking work. These are the happiest and the most well adjusted folks I know.

Pot smokers do not commit armed robbery to get dope, nor do they mug, mame or rob. They do not overdose and they do not go through psychotic withdrawls.

I am torn on the rest of the illegal drugs, if they were legalized on a regulated basis then it could eliminate a lot of problems. Street dealing and criminal activity. My mom was a junkie and she died a junkie, I beleive she would have if drug were illegal or not. The problem is many drug addicts are not themselves when they are under the influence, they do things they would not ever ever do under normal circumstances. Growing up in that enviroment you see things that most people will never experience. Things you would not want your children to ever see or go through. Are there responsable, functional occasional users, ABSOLUTLY. Do I think that they have the right to partake if they want, YUP. It's the habitual user, the one that sacrifices their childrens well being and safety to get high. If the worst of the worst are legalized, then what happens when these moms are no longer getting busted for possesion and they are forced to get the help they need (not that it always works,but if one out of 100 gets clean, then its worth it). I am just not sure if the good out weighs the bad. This is something that definaty needs a new solution though, the old laws and regulations are too old, too out of touch with reality and driven far to much by religious views.

LaCi - posted on 07/11/2010

I think that's at the parents discretion. I won't take an aspirin in front of my son, but thats just my personal thing.

If it's in pill or plant form, whats it really matter? People are prescribed opiates and sedatives, and take them around their children every day.

Jennifer - posted on 07/11/2010

Just a question to throw out there - to the people who think drugs should be legalised, should parents be bale to use them if they have children and if so around them?

Joanna - posted on 07/10/2010

Just the stupidity that comes with it's use, then?

And I mean that without disrespect to users, I'm just speaking from experience... I spent a good 2 years high and stupid and probably did more things that could've killed me while high than I'd like to admit.

You're right though, I doubt JUST marijuana could kill... too much of JUST heroin, or JUST meth, etc, could kill, but marijuana, the drug itself, isn't potent enough to overdose on.

But there's no denying the usage of it could lead to dangerous happenings.

Jenny - posted on 07/10/2010

No Joanna, there is not one single death attributed soley to marijuana use.

LaCi - posted on 07/10/2010

compare the problems associated with antidepressants or anxiety medications to the use of marijuana. But, marijuana is essentially free and anyone can grow it, it all comes down to who will be profiting and it's hard to profit of a plant that will grow beautifully in a ditch with no human effort.

LaCi - posted on 07/10/2010

Marijuana Smoking Doesn't Kill
Illegal Herb Not Harmless, but Data Show No Link to Death
By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News
Sept. 18, 2003 -- Marijuana smoking isn't harmless, but at least it won't kill you.

It's been feared that marijuana smoke, like tobacco smoke, causes cancer and heart disease. The evidence argues otherwise, writes Stephen Sidney, MD, associate director for research for Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, Calif., in the Sept 20 issue of The British Medical Journal.

"Although the use of [marijuana] is not harmless, the current knowledge base does not support the assertion that it has any notable adverse public health impact in relation to mortality," Sidney concludes.

No Marijuana Deaths in 2 Large Studies
Sidney points to two large studies. The first is from (where else?) California. A large HMO looked at 65,177 men and women age 15-49. Over 10 years, marijuana users died no sooner than nonusers.

The second study looked at 45,450 Swedish army conscripts. They were 18-20 years old when asked about marijuana use. Fifteen years later, the marijuana users were just as likely to remain alive as nonusers.

And since marijuana smoking can't kill outright -- there's no such thing as a fatal marijuana overdose -- short-term use isn't deadly. Long-term use can't be good for you. But Sidney notes that most marijuana smokers don't become long-term users.

One worry about marijuana smoke is that it is inhaled, and held, deep in the lungs. But the typical user smokes only one marijuana cigarette -- or less -- a day. Tobacco users often smoke 20 or more cigarettes daily. Moreover, tobacco contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Marijuana, Sidney concludes, is less likely to harm than tobacco.

A 2001 study suggested that marijuana smoking increases the risk of heart attack in the hour immediately after smoking. But this seems to be the case in no more than one-fifth of 1% of heart attacks -- a very rare risk indeed.

More Marijuana Deaths in the Future?
Marijuana users shouldn't cancel their life insurance policies just yet. Sidney warns that longer-term data may indeed show that marijuana smoking eventually raises the risk of premature death.

And if marijuana is legalized, long-term use may become more common. If this is the case, there certainly will be more long-term effects of marijuana use.

SOURCE: Sidney, S. The British Medical Journal, Sept. 20, 2003; vol 327: pp 635-636.

Joanna - posted on 07/10/2010

So, no one has EVER NEVER EVER died from marijuana? You can die from anything. You can die from a papercut (in the wrong spot). You can die from slipping on ice. I'm sure there's deaths associated with marijuana. I'm not saying it's significant, and I agree alcohol is a million times worse, but everyone always talks about no recorded fatalities (yeah, like that song by the Streets), and I don't buy it.

LaCi - posted on 07/10/2010

I've burnt my hair and eyebrows smoking a cigarette not realizing I played with the lighter too much. I don't think lighter dangers should factor into the legality of drugs. Nor should someone driving high, because that is still driving while intoxicated.

Terrie - posted on 07/10/2010

I'm for legalizing certain drugs like those that are just out there growing... pot, is a great example... it's just out there growing waiting for someone to harvest it & I know PLENTY of people (me NOT being 1 of them) who would be more then happy to harvest & use it...
the government could make tons of money just by legalizing and taxing it...
so basically I'm for legalizing any drug that grows in the ground NOT the drugs that are cooked up in a lab...

Jenny - posted on 07/10/2010

Joanna, in the history of marijuana use nobody has EVER died from the substance. So while some people may experience increased effects over other, I would hardly call it dangerous enough to keep out of the public's hands. More people have died from injesting water than weed.

Joanna - posted on 07/10/2010

I don't get why people always say marijuana isn't dangerous. Sure, most people just like to sit and listen to music, eat pizza, beat hookers in Grand Theft Auto, etc, when they are high, but there are plenty who like to go for drives. I know someone who had to go to the hospital, because she got high while driving and hit a cat and had a severe panic attack. I also burnt my face pretty badly while smoking once because I didn't realize I'd set the lighter flame to high.

Yes, it's not as dangerous as other drugs out there, like alcohol, but there are still dangers that come with anything that impairs you, even if it's just in the slightest.

LaCi - posted on 07/10/2010

not to mention alcohol withdrawals are more likely to kill an alcoholic than any other withdrawals are likely to kill any other addict.

Nikki - posted on 07/09/2010

Legalize Marijuana, it has so many uses for medical reasons, such as Cancer, glaucoma, depression, I really don't know why it hasnt been legalized , its a plant for christ sakes. And really have you ever heard of someone high on marijuana causing any harm, they are usually happy and carefree and relaxed, they wont start a fight or kill someone in a car accident. Alcohol addiction is extremelely serious, drunk driving kills sooo many people, alcoholics can be extremely violent to others and also can die of alcohol poisoning, yet thats legal I dont get it,

Joanna - posted on 07/09/2010

See, that's why I liked Vanillas, they weren't so harsh. But yes I did indulge in the Blacks from time to time, they had such a great strong flavor - perfect with a Venti Starbucks Iced Chai (with an extra pump of chai). mmmm.

They stopped making clove cigarettes and instead made them into cigars. They have them in the Blacks flavor, but not only do they smoke like cigars now, but the flavor is different. Here in Southern CA, they were about $7 for a pack of 12, 9 months ago (when I quit).

LaCi - posted on 07/09/2010

mmm. I was a big fan of djarum blacks. Only in small doses though, made my throat hurt if I chainsmoked those. I wonder how much those cost now.

Joanna - posted on 07/09/2010

I'm still pretty pissed off they stopped making my favorite cloves. I still shed tears some days for Djuram Vanillas. *sigh*

LaCi - posted on 07/09/2010

Its, apparently, bands of carpet glue on the paper. Although if you want to pay double for some american spirits, they use baking soda so they can remain "healthy" as far as a smoke goes ;)

Rosie - posted on 07/09/2010

no way laci!! they added carpet glue to them!!!? i just thought they changed the paper or something. the damn firesafe thing pisses me off, the cig would always go out, plus they break apart-while still lit- alot more. i always burn yself on them, lol!! good thing i quit a couple months back. although it's been REALLY hard to stay quit this time. grrr....i need to change the subject, lol!!

Chatty - posted on 07/09/2010

P.S. What's wrong with gangs? ;)

Chatty - posted on 07/09/2010

Meghan and I both live in BC, Canada and yes....some (Du Maurier, Player's etc.) smoke brands are 10$/pack....there are, however, much cheaper brands which have become the trend since the tabacco taxes have sky rocketed in the past few years.

As for legalizing drugs.....I hate to rely on someone else to relay my thoughts, but Jenny may as well speak on my behalf! I completely agree!

LaCi - posted on 07/09/2010

in NY they're about to cost over 11 per pack.

They're still under 5 here, however, now that we've added firesafe bands (carpet glue) our cigarettes are the most toxic in the world.

Rosie - posted on 07/09/2010

where do you live meghan? 10 bucks for a pack of smokes!!! holy cow, i thought it was bad here, lol!! marlboro's here cost $5-$6, up from $3 when i first started 13 years ago.

Jenny - posted on 07/09/2010

I think big tabacco has a hand in why the prices are so high. They have alot of overhead to cover. I would not have free markets with drugs but have them manufactured, distributed and such by a single crown corporation. The goal is to find a price that is high enough to fund the health aspects and low enough to undercut the gangs.

Toni - posted on 07/09/2010

Meghan yes you prompted this - you made me think lmao. I agree legal drugs would be more expensive due to the taxing - but also because the drug lords would reduce the price - things on the black market are cheaper because they are enticing you into using them so they can make more money.



Jenny - I think the difference is that alcohol is something that people see as a right because it has been legal for so long and will never be illegal (again) because our governments make to much money off taxing it. Same goes for tobacco, although the ban on public smoking in the UK has reduced smoking numbers - I can't see the gov. ever making it illegal even with the health factors.

Meghan - posted on 07/08/2010

they would be more expensive because legal drugs would be taxed. There is no way the government would legalize such a thing and NOT try to make a profit from it

*edit* look at the price of smokes....when I started smoking a pack cost 5.00....now the same brand, same size cost over 10.00

Jenny - posted on 07/08/2010

Why do you think they would be more expensive? Drugs are super cheap to make. Marijuana takes a seed, sun, water and dirt at the most basic level. The profit margin is directly related to the legality of them and is the sole reason the prices are jacked up. There is room to drop the price and tax the shit out of them especially since we could legally make it in larger batches then gangs ever could. Repealing drug prohibition can fund a variety of rehab centers and put organized crime out of a huge chunk of work. Imagine how much safer the border area would be without the drug trade?

Remember how alcohol was banned for a time? The streets turned into a gong show. The law was overturned and now we don't have drive by's for beer, we don't have warnings over fatal batches of Jagermeister, we don't have stills blowing up. Would anyone who supports keeping drugs illegal go a step further and make alcohol illegal again? It is the EXACT same arguement for each substance.

Meghan - posted on 07/08/2010

LOL!! I am assuming this is about my cheeky comment! HEHE. Good question though. I really don't have an issue with pot. It is the lesser of all evils imo...I don't smoke it but know LOTS of people who do (I live in BC...enough said.) But regardless of what the governent does decide to do (legalize or not) it isn't going to ever be 100% safe. Yes legalized drugs would probably be cleaner and safer..but they would also be more expensive. There would be the drug addicts who don't really care about what they are putting into their bodies (obviously) and would turn to the black market...they would still find those people who illegally make cocaine with everything but the kitchen sink and sell it for WAY less. There are still going to be high amounts of cops and lawyers defending and taking down the illegal market.
And Kati, this is the point that I try to make...is it "ok" JUST because it is legal? And should it be encouraged by our society and government?

Rosie - posted on 07/08/2010

I guess the big question is how many of us would inject heroin or smoke crack tomorrow if it was legal? I'm betting slim to none and I'm betting your reasons have nothing to do with the legality of it as do mine.


me right now would not, myself at 19, can't say i wouldn't of tried it, and then maybe gotten addicted.

Tanya - posted on 07/08/2010

Yeah but for a lot of recovering addicts they lose the phone numbers and even move to get away form it. Some people won't go back and by it because of how dangerous it is just to be around some of the dealers. If a person has been clean for 2 years and then gets fired and goes through a break up if it were readily available and they didn't have to go look for it I am not sure they would be able to stop themselves.

Toni - posted on 07/08/2010

I struggle with this because as someone who has seen drug addiction firsthand (close family member) and the damage it does to both the individual and the people around them I have a really bad opinion of drugs. Personally I have never wanted to try any illegal drug partly because of my relative, however, I have friends who regularly partake in drug use - some smoke cannabis, some who pop pills, and some snort cocaine - because their drug use does not adversely affect them and they never push it on anybody I am fine with them taking their prefered drug. I feel that some drugs ought to be legalised, Cannabis, Ecstasy, and mushrooms being the ones that come to mind because these drugs if used sensibly are not overly dangerous and are not highly addictive (correct me if I'm wrong).

I believe by having Ecstasy and Cannablis legal the quality of the drugs can be maintained and any dangerous additives can be removed. I believe that other drugs such as Heroin should remain illegal because they have very negative effects on the users and is highly addictive.

I believe that all drugs which are beneficial medically should be legal for medical use.

LaCi - posted on 07/08/2010

Well, cannabis was banned because the government didn't like mexicans. Slogans consisted of things involving that "crazy mexican devilweed" and If I remember correctly, mexicans were going to kill your children and rape your women.

Cocaine was banned with slogans about "crazy cocaine using negros are going to rape your beautiful virginal white daughters and slaughter your family pet"
I'd like to know the "reasons" you think things have been banned as well.

Jenny - posted on 07/07/2010

For what reason Sherri? Who decides the reasons? Why do YOU think the substances should be banned?

Sherri - posted on 07/07/2010

No no illegal drug should be legalized it is illegal for a reason. I think it should stay that way.

Joanna - posted on 07/07/2010

I see many benefits in legalizing some drugs, especially those with health and financial benefits for the economy, etc... but I say no to legalization only for selfish reasons. I don't want drugs to be readily available to my child. I wasted too much of my life high. And I'm not naive, I know they'll get ahold of them if they want them, and it'd be better to have them be legal and regulated so they aren't getting black market crap, but the thought of my daughter walzing into a liquor store and buying a pack of joints just doesn't sit right with me. So it's hard for me to say. I won't vote either way on this, because I don't think it's fair to vote no for legalization when I know there are obvious benefits, but I can't bring myself to vote yes.

Jenny - posted on 07/07/2010

Tanya, any person can get drugs very easily and recovering addicts would know that better than the rest of us. It's easier to buy crack than cigarettes for a minor in my area.

Jenny - posted on 07/07/2010

You are definately right on that Laci and it's too bad. Most of us have tried it or been around it. Many successful people have used or are still using. The former head of one of our local fire departments used to grow weed for personal use so he didn't have to buy street drugs. I wish more of a focus was put on those people to take some of the stigma away and look at the issue realistically. Drugs are integrated in every part of our society and will never go away.

I guess the big question is how many of us would inject heroin or smoke crack tomorrow if it was legal? I'm betting slim to none and I'm betting your reasons have nothing to do with the legality of it as do mine.