As far as I am concerned we should legalise it, regulate growing, preperation for sale, and taxe the crap out of it.
For myself I have seen what illegal grows can do land and streams and have been shot at while hiking by illegal mexicans(mexican cartel) that grow illegally on public lands.
Yes that cheap dime bag of skunk you bought was grown on land that became TOXIC because of the chemicals they laid down to grow it....and the garbage they left behind.
I can see a whole host of problems that would come from it but I think regulating/taxing it is the best option.
All that being said I do not smoke it. I was raised around pot heads and have seen what a few years(let alone MANY years) does to people.
Is legalizing marijuana really the best option?
Natasha
2012/02/25 19:56:19
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First of all, I don't believe that marijuana is the harmful or dangerous substance society makes it out to be and don't understand the enormous stigmas associated with it. Quoting Pineapple Express, "weed makes everything better."
Its illegal status is an archaic remnant of times when paper companies didn't want to be driven out of business with hemp production. Society is already undergoing a paradigm shift with an acceptance and, at times, (media) glorification of its use. I'm partially for legalization, saying the the government should tax and regulate its use and distribution and set guidelines, but also take into account the consequences of legalization. I'd also advocate decriminalization which would make possession and use of weed in reasonable quantities, usually around 3g, legal. (Not that the government would ever go for an option where people get to smoke weed legally without the gov profiting) For those who use marijuana, legalization is a terrible option. Yes the government won't be able to prosecute us for lighting a joint anymore, but are all of the taxes and regulations worth it? With the FDA guidelines that would be placed in marijuana growers, bud quality would go down and almost everything you buy will be generic. You can say goodbye to that killer kush you can get from your local dealer at a relatively decent price. The government will tax the shit out of marijuana, putting a luxury tax on top of whatever state tax you have to pay already, driving prices up, leading to a proliferation of bad weed because that's the only thing people will be able to afford. So next time you or one of your stoner friends advocates legalization, remind them that it would only lead to bad quality weed and ridiculous prices for the good stuff. It's so much easier to just get it from your local dealer. But disregarding the effect that it will have on people who do smoke weed, legalization would provide economic stimulus (through taxation) and help curve problems associated with the illegal drug trade (prohibition of alcohol in the 20s led to speakeasies and moonshiners but when it was abolished illegal trade of alcohol ceased). It may also curb use of other drugs. In Holland, the (partial) legalization of marijuana has lead to an overall decrease in hard drug use. Benefits of legalization overall outweigh the costs. Society is waking up already and so should the government.
Its illegal status is an archaic remnant of times when paper companies didn't want to be driven out of business with hemp production. Society is already undergoing a paradigm shift with an acceptance and, at times, (media) glorification of its use. I'm partially for legalization, saying the the government should tax and regulate its use and distribution and set guidelines, but also take into account the consequences of legalization. I'd also advocate decriminalization which would make possession and use of weed in reasonable quantities, usually around 3g, legal. (Not that the government would ever go for an option where people get to smoke weed legally without the gov profiting) For those who use marijuana, legalization is a terrible option. Yes the government won't be able to prosecute us for lighting a joint anymore, but are all of the taxes and regulations worth it? With the FDA guidelines that would be placed in marijuana growers, bud quality would go down and almost everything you buy will be generic. You can say goodbye to that killer kush you can get from your local dealer at a relatively decent price. The government will tax the shit out of marijuana, putting a luxury tax on top of whatever state tax you have to pay already, driving prices up, leading to a proliferation of bad weed because that's the only thing people will be able to afford. So next time you or one of your stoner friends advocates legalization, remind them that it would only lead to bad quality weed and ridiculous prices for the good stuff. It's so much easier to just get it from your local dealer. But disregarding the effect that it will have on people who do smoke weed, legalization would provide economic stimulus (through taxation) and help curve problems associated with the illegal drug trade (prohibition of alcohol in the 20s led to speakeasies and moonshiners but when it was abolished illegal trade of alcohol ceased). It may also curb use of other drugs. In Holland, the (partial) legalization of marijuana has lead to an overall decrease in hard drug use. Benefits of legalization overall outweigh the costs. Society is waking up already and so should the government.
Top Opinion
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Mamaknows 2012/02/25 21:53:08
I can't be a hypocrite and get some because I have my 11 year old granddaughter to think about.
The current laws are archaic indeed.
It generates are tremendous for now. Marijuana is illegal on the Federal level but In Colorado much like many other states it has been de-criminalized to the point it's not worth the paper work and time it takes to prosecute 2 oz. or less $50.00 fine.Those with a medical card can have up to 5 plants in their possession at home and carry 2 oz. or less on their person for personal use without fear of prosecution on the state level. On the Federal it is still illegal but that amount will never be prosecuted, confiscated perhaps but there again not enough of a return to warrant an all out assault for 2 oz. of pot.
Whether it is ever legalized or not those who choose to use it will. Not everyone that uses it becomes addicted I use it on occasion for pain management and only when necessary. As a gateway drug to other drugs I say the same for alcohol and these days kids are more apt to be getting high off Mommy and Daddy's prescription drugs than marijuana since those drugs are readily available right in the home. The best thing any parent can do is talk to their children and stop belting out orders to them try and remember they're as much a part of you as you are to them being a parent isn't easy and neither is being a kid love and respect your children and in return they will give it back.
PEACE!!!
So, really if the government starts taxing these pot heads and start to put them away it's no use. Why don't the government just resell what they have confiscated from the drug cartels. That way they don't have to plow under American soils. Besides there is always the dealer that will charge less then the government. That has alway been the case. in a free enterprise..
But In all honesty, I do not particularly like or use marijuana... I also dont like or drink Tequila, but that is no reason to criminalize either one and I fully support & concur with your general summary statement as posted. Legalize and Regulate and tax to support its regulation only, dont tax it to subsidize other programs, tax it to pay for its regulation. (State/locally imposed Sales tax on the other hand is an entirely different situation and should be determined by the voters).
Its even more surprising some thinK the FDA should be involved. LoL. The same FDA that allows wood pulp for filling in some foods? Aspartame in your diet sodas? No thank you. I'd just grow it myself.
CANIBANIODS are phsycoactive that's all and if you want to be in 100% control of your senses then do not take it... it's that simple... What our gvernments hide from us is the revenue they earn from copyright protected drugs.... Flowers and Weeds cant obtain copyright as it's a naturually occuring process :-) money is what is truly behind this scam.....
Weed (The Good Herb) is mentioned in the bible several times and it always mentioned as a healing, clearing sort of herb.... What kills is greed of drug pushers and our governments in black operations allow the movement of this substance for there own means to control...
Weed is a CANCER and CARBON block in the body, weed helps us relax, weed can be used in manufacturing without the need to destroy trees. The model 'T' ford was mainly bild using HEMP which is CANNIBIS in it's purest form.. It was fueled on hemp oil.... A prime influecial government connected corporation spread roumours and made bad film...
CANIBANIODS are phsycoactive that's all and if you want to be in 100% control of your senses then do not take it... it's that simple... What our gvernments hide from us is the revenue they earn from copyright protected drugs.... Flowers and Weeds cant obtain copyright as it's a naturually occuring process :-) money is what is truly behind this scam.....
Weed (The Good Herb) is mentioned in the bible several times and it always mentioned as a healing, clearing sort of herb.... What kills is greed of drug pushers and our governments in black operations allow the movement of this substance for there own means to control...
Weed is a CANCER and CARBON block in the body, weed helps us relax, weed can be used in manufacturing without the need to destroy trees. The model 'T' ford was mainly bild using HEMP which is CANNIBIS in it's purest form.. It was fueled on hemp oil.... A prime influecial government connected corporation spread roumours and made bad filmes about it as this corporation would have suffered... they won and now after a mear trillions trees, petro chem industry that has destroyed our planet later we are all happy with them yes? NO, they work in an attempt to hold up an old paradigm that was broken during roman times... come on governments liven us up do something for mankind instead of filling own pockets with prower and greed.
Do the research everyone your governments are not who they appear to be (Look at the current movement towards war not peace) who do we follow truely? im lost on that one still :-)
Making cannabis legal would allow several industries to use HEMP (a cousin of cannabis, and therefore also illegal) which is a sane, sustainable source for natural fibers and a potential fuel source.
Making cannabis legal could also potentially reduce prison populations by as much as 50%, thereby saving billions of dollars currently being spent to house, clothe and feed hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people whose ONLY crimes are cannabis related.
- George Washington, U.S. President quote on Hemp
I like my WEED.
I don't smoke pot. Nor do I advocate its usage - unless for medicinal purposes of course. I haven't touched the stuff since my nineteenth birthday - August 16, 1977 - which, coincidentally, was the day that Elvis Presley died. I always tell people that Elvis and I quit drugs at the very same moment, the only difference being that I did so voluntarily.
Having said that, let me say this:
Nearly three-quarters-of-a-century after it was made illegal; a half-a-century after it was proven to be practically harmless - why is it still a crime to possess and smoke marijuana?
Here is a list of ten famous people - heavy smokers all - who died too soon of lung cancer or other diseases related to their addictions to nicotine:
Humphrey Bogart
Edward R. Murrow
Nat King Cole
George Harrison
John Huston
Noel Coward
Betty Grable
Walt Disney
Gary Cooper
Peter Jennings
Here is another list. Ten famous people who died from alcoholism:
Tennessee Williams
Jack Kerouac
Truman Capote
Lorenz Hart
Veronica Lake
Bix Beiderbecke
Montgomery Clift
Dylan Thomas
John Barrymore
Errol Flynn
Now I'm going to ask you to name for me one celebrity who has died from too much grass.
Go on, I'm waiting.....
You couldn't do it, could you? Don't feel bad, neither could I. Not only have I never hear...
I don't smoke pot. Nor do I advocate its usage - unless for medicinal purposes of course. I haven't touched the stuff since my nineteenth birthday - August 16, 1977 - which, coincidentally, was the day that Elvis Presley died. I always tell people that Elvis and I quit drugs at the very same moment, the only difference being that I did so voluntarily.
Having said that, let me say this:
Nearly three-quarters-of-a-century after it was made illegal; a half-a-century after it was proven to be practically harmless - why is it still a crime to possess and smoke marijuana?
Here is a list of ten famous people - heavy smokers all - who died too soon of lung cancer or other diseases related to their addictions to nicotine:
Humphrey Bogart
Edward R. Murrow
Nat King Cole
George Harrison
John Huston
Noel Coward
Betty Grable
Walt Disney
Gary Cooper
Peter Jennings
Here is another list. Ten famous people who died from alcoholism:
Tennessee Williams
Jack Kerouac
Truman Capote
Lorenz Hart
Veronica Lake
Bix Beiderbecke
Montgomery Clift
Dylan Thomas
John Barrymore
Errol Flynn
Now I'm going to ask you to name for me one celebrity who has died from too much grass.
Go on, I'm waiting.....
You couldn't do it, could you? Don't feel bad, neither could I. Not only have I never heard of any famous person dying in that matter, I am not aware of it happening in all recorded human history! Why in 2012 are we still having this same, idiotic conversation?
Is it a "gateway drug" as they never tire of reminding us? Yeah, it probably is. But so is Miller High Life - the Champagne of Bottled Beer. Let's get a grip here.
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degab