What do you guys think about legalization of marijuana?

Rivera Bladestrike · Post by **Rivera Bladestrike** » December 1, 2004, 5:37 pm

I know its not a current event, but this is the best forum in order to get a good scientific and mature discussion regarding a political topic.

My question to you is, do you think marijuana should be legalized?

My opinion rests with its legalization because currently we're spending millions on the war on drugs. With the country's deficite in such a hole right now something like legalizing a drug that is less harmful than legal drugs like alcohol and cigarettes, and putting a tax on it, the country could make a generous amount of money. At the same time at making large amounts of money, they could be cutting back a lot of money in the departments of crime. Dealers would be forced to sell only the most "hardcore" drugs, which most populations tend to stay away from, but marijuana tends to be looked at as the harmless drug.

Alcohol is found to be involved with most crimes nowadays in some way or form, fights often occur, domestic abuse, etc. While with marijuana, the effect usually is a pleasent calm state that at most brings a person to eat a few twinkees and go to sleep.

The opposing argument usually is that weed is a gateway drug, but I don't really see it as that. Marijuana is such a widespread drug and the vast majority of its users never even consider delving into more serious drugs, its no more of a gateway drug than alcohol or cigarettes in my opinion.

Pros:
- A new taxable drug that can create jobs in the U.S. in the growing of the plant, packaging, and marketing to the population.
- Ability to cut back funding for "war on drugs" and focus in on more dangerous and addicting drugs such as cocaine, crack, crystal meth, heroin, etc.
- A massive increase in the sales of snacky cakes and twinkees.
- Drug dealers would have one of their mainstay products no longer special in the black market, and they would lose many customers.
- Thousands of teens and jailed people would be released from ridiculous sentenses for possessing a harmless drug.

Cons:
- A possible gateway drug? Still debatable.

Discuss

Aaeamdar · Post by **Aaeamdar** » December 1, 2004, 5:41 pm

I feel all drugs should be legal to consume, manufacture and sell. I feel likewise that people should be held responsible for all actions they take while under the influence under the same terms as if they were not under the influce (and feel the same should be true of alcohol).

Cons:
- A possible gateway drug? Still debatable.

It is a gateway drug because society treats different thing the same way. "Drugs are bad, M'Kay." That's the message, whether its Marjuana or PCP. Kid trys marajuana and finds out that everything (s)he was told about it was a lie. What is out there to tell him/her that just because people lied about marajuana does not mean they were lying about Heroin? Nothing - thus (s)he assumes those were lies too and tries more drugs.

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » December 1, 2004, 5:45 pm

I'm 100% for the legalization of marijuana as a recreational drug.

I do not approve of legalizing heroin, cocaine, or other hard drugs.

Marijuana being a "gateway drug" is ridiculous. The only linkage between marijuana and hard drugs is the legality. One could argue that tobacco or alcohol are gateway drugs as well.

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » December 1, 2004, 5:50 pm

gateway drug?

If it wasn't available, they'd be doing something else and progressing to harder drugs anyway. The people are the issue, not the substances involved.

I don't care personally, I wouldn't call it less damaging the alchohol, just differently. The long term effects on the lungs are pretty serious.

It's not as obvious as with booze, but folks that smoke a lot can't perform at anything near their potential. Weed makes smart people average and average people stupid with heavy use. Is that a reson to make it illegal? I don't think so.

The tax revenue could be pretty significant, alchohol and cigarette taxes are pretty significant.

I'd rather have a stoned person running around than a drunk as well. They smell better and are usually friendlier. And won't throw up on your shoes

Fash · Post by **Fash** » December 1, 2004, 5:52 pm

It's a natural unmodified plant that has grown for longer than we have existed. I can't agree with any reason for keeping it illegal.

Its a personal freedom, personal responsibility issue.

No one can argue that cigarettes are good for you, there are no doctors prescribing cigarettes to ease pain. Cigarettes are an entirely bad product, and a manufactured one, but it's legal. An estimated 400,000 people die per year from tobacco related problems.

Marijuana still has some of the cigarette issues, but a lot less without all the extra chemicals and nicotine, plus you don't smoke marijuana in the quantity that you smoke cigarettes... An equal amount of 1 cigarette in marijuana would be enough for a whole day, so even if marijuana smoke was 20 times worse than cigarette smoke, you'd have a hard time doing more damage than a 1packaday smoker.

Marijuana should be legal, and subject to the same standard as alcohol. 21 years of age, no driving, etc....

Underagers will still get it, people will still drive with it, but that's life. I first smoked when I was 16.

Personally, and more often than not, I'm stoned when I'm driving. From my own experience, I know that I cannot and will not drive Drunk, but I am a safer, more law abiding driver (as far as road rules) when I'm stoned.

Lohrno · Post by **Lohrno** » December 1, 2004, 5:54 pm

I'm for medical legalization. I don't think we should be encouraging 'recreational drug' use. However, it's effects on society are negligible enough that I don't think we should be spending much effort on enforcing this. Marijuana does have some adverse effects despite claims to the contrary. This is easily enough seen in people who smoke a lot of it. They aren't usually the sharpest tools in the shed if you know what I mean. There are exeptions but the majority of people who smoke it a lot do get a lot dumber. I also heard there have been studies that show that people who get procreate within a year of smoking have a higher rate of birth defects. This might be true for tobacco too though. Second hand MJ smoke might cause this too, but I'm not sure on that one.

It does seem to have some reasonable medical uses when used in smaller doses though. I think cocaine has some medical uses as well. There are probably drugs that have the same effect that work as well or better though.

-=Lohrno

Aaeamdar · Post by **Aaeamdar** » December 1, 2004, 5:54 pm

Most people can use all drugs, no matter how “hard,” responsibly. Note, responsibly does not equate with "risk free." Taking any drug can be dangerous, but those risks are quantifiably lower than other perfectly legal activities done for recreation (skiing, diving, driving, etc.).

Drawing the line after marijuana is just as arbitrary as drawing the line before it.

Fairweather Pure · Post by **Fairweather Pure** » December 1, 2004, 5:59 pm

Leagilze all drugs and sort out the weak.

Lohrno · Post by **Lohrno** » December 1, 2004, 6:00 pm

Aaeamdar wrote:All drugs, no matter how "hard," can be used responsiblely by most people. Note, responsiblely does not equate with "risk free." Taking any drug can be dangerous, but those risks are quantifiably lower than other perfectly legal activites done for recreation (skiing, diving, driving, etc.).

Drawing the line after marajuana is just as arbitrary as drawing the line before it.

Yeah I kinda agree. Tobacco is a pretty bad drug if you think about it. I could see the case that it's worse than MJ.

On the one hand, we should be protecting people...On the other hand, we already have some dangerous things out there...

-=Lohrno

Fairweather Pure · Post by **Fairweather Pure** » December 1, 2004, 6:03 pm

On the one hand, we should be protecting people...

The US goverment has been protecting people from themselves for far too long. I think people need to think and protect themselves by using common sense. If they can't do that, then fuck em, we're better off without them. Maybe I'll be able to find a parking spot during X-mas time after the population takes a dip

Lohrno · Post by **Lohrno** » December 1, 2004, 6:04 pm

Fairweather Pure wrote: The US goverment has been protecting people from themselves for far too long. I think people need to think and protect themselves by using common sense. If they can't do that, then fuck em, we're better off without them. Maybe I'll be able to find a parking spot during X-mas time after the population takes a dip

I agree with you on principal. =D

But government needs to keep it's people around so they can pay taxes. =P

-=Lohrno

Rivera Bladestrike · Post by **Rivera Bladestrike** » December 1, 2004, 6:07 pm

I know a lot of incredibly smart people who are regular users. But yes, I do know people who are also borderline retarded after a certain age, which i can assume was the fault of drugs and alcohol. It seems they get a lot more mellow when not high, and I think thats a good thing.

Rivera Bladestrike · Post by **Rivera Bladestrike** » December 1, 2004, 6:13 pm

Lohrno wrote:I also heard there have been studies that show that people who get procreate within a year of smoking have a higher rate of birth defects.

Do you happen to have a source for this?

Lohrno · Post by **Lohrno** » December 1, 2004, 6:14 pm

Rivera Bladestrike wrote:
Lohrno wrote:I also heard there have been studies that show that people who get procreate within a year of smoking have a higher rate of birth defects.
Do you happen to have a source for this?

I'm sorry I've looked for sources, and I haven't found anything reliable. So I'll have to concede that I don't know that this is true or not. I see sources that claim that there are no effects, and I see sources that say that birth defects are a long term issue for users of MJ. Most of the sources are from some groups that would likely have a conflict of interest, and I can't find any articles from a relatively reliable source.

-=Lohrno

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » December 1, 2004, 6:18 pm

I'll bet if the Bible mentioned Christ taking rips off a three chambered bong instead of chugging wine, things might be a little different

Seebs · Post by **Seebs** » December 1, 2004, 6:20 pm

Most people that play EQ and troll these forums have some sort of addictive personality. we all must.

When I wnet to Fan Faire I was the one that didn't smoke - 95% of you fuckers did - that sealed the addictive personality theory for me.

It would surprise me if Iwere the 5% on this board that didn;t toke up regularly so I I'm sure this question will have about a 90% approval rate.

I'll list my addictions later .. one involves splooging.

Zaelath · Post by **Zaelath** » December 1, 2004, 6:41 pm

Fash wrote:It's a natural unmodified plant that has grown for longer than we have existed. I can't agree with any reason for keeping it illegal.

Its a personal freedom, personal responsibility issue.

No one can argue that cigarettes are good for you, there are no doctors prescribing cigarettes to ease pain. Cigarettes are an entirely bad product, and a manufactured one, but it's legal. An estimated 400,000 people die per year from tobacco related problems.

Marijuana still has some of the cigarette issues, but a lot less without all the extra chemicals and nicotine, plus you don't smoke marijuana in the quantity that you smoke cigarettes... An equal amount of 1 cigarette in marijuana would be enough for a whole day, so even if marijuana smoke was 20 times worse than cigarette smoke, you'd have a hard time doing more damage than a 1packaday smoker.

Marijuana should be legal, and subject to the same standard as alcohol. 21 years of age, no driving, etc....

Underagers will still get it, people will still drive with it, but that's life. I first smoked when I was 16.

Personally, and more often than not, I'm stoned when I'm driving. From my own experience, I know that I cannot and will not drive Drunk, but I am a safer, more law abiding driver (as far as road rules) when I'm stoned.

Legalise all drugs, the cost in human misery is far greater from prohibition.

Fash: You sir, are a fucking idiot.

Marbus · Post by **Marbus** » December 1, 2004, 6:44 pm

Not only could we reduce the pricing on the "war on drugs" but that money could be moved to benefit...um... education? homelessness? or any number of other issues that are much more important.

The big thing for me is the whole "gateway drug" issue. Weed is a gateway drug not because it's a drug but because of the people you have to hang around in order to get it on a regular basis. If you could pick your Marlboro Blues at the CircleK that "issue" would resolve itself quickly.

The problem is that America seems to always have to have something it's fighting. The WAR on drugs, the WAR on terrorism, the WAR on cigarettes, the WAR against Teen pregency etc.. etc.. etc... Those people aren't going to ever allow it to be legal. Hell you can't even buy alcohol in the town I live in.... Personally I want to see the Charge for More Holidays!, the Push for Personal Responsibility or lets Pound out Poverty! Of course there's not much money in those so it will probably never happen

Marb

Fairweather Pure · Post by **Fairweather Pure** » December 1, 2004, 6:46 pm

Not only could we reduce the pricing on the "war on drugs" but that money could be moved to benefit...um... education? homelessness?

These don't mean shit to the US government when they have a war on terror to fight!

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » December 1, 2004, 6:46 pm

Seebs wrote:Most people that play EQ and troll these forums have some sort of addictive personality. we all must.

When I wnet to Fan Faire I was the one that didn't smoke - 95% of you fuckers did - that sealed the addictive personality theory for me.

It would surprise me if Iwere the 5% on this board that didn;t toke up regularly so I I'm sure this question will have about a 90% approval rate.

I'll list my addictions later .. one involves splooging.

Just to clarify, I don't smoke weed at this time, and for all intents and purposes haven't since 1994 or so (the one exception being while on a trip to Jamaica in 2000).

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » December 1, 2004, 6:46 pm

I got no problem with legalizing weed. Bout damn time I say. We spend more money trying to stop it when it can be legalized and perhaps even generate taxes from commercial sale.

Beer is taxed, just like any other consumer good. Also, beer can be brewed by the individual with no licensing required....as a rough example, of course.

No, pot is not a "gateway" drug in and of itself. However, the lumping of pot into the "drugs" category.... well, that is the fault of the "reefer madness" faction that still is convinced that pot smokers are baaad.

I don't really smoke anymore, but I am here to fight the good fight for all of you fucking stoners.

Akaran_D · Post by **Akaran_D** » December 1, 2004, 6:51 pm

Legalize it.
But honest to all, the first person that ends up killing or seriously wounding someone because they're doped out of their brains should get a helluva harsh sentance (and the alchohol sentance should be upped, too).

Adex_Xeda · Post by **Adex_Xeda** » December 1, 2004, 6:53 pm

Amazing how often this topic comes up.

Fash · Post by **Fash** » December 1, 2004, 6:56 pm

Zaelath wrote: Fash: You sir, are a fucking idiot.

care to explain why?... I do believe we agreed on the issue at hand.

Aaeamdar · Post by **Aaeamdar** » December 1, 2004, 6:57 pm

I suspect because of your comment about how you do most of your driving while stoned.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » December 1, 2004, 7:11 pm

Smoking pot DURING pregnancy will cause birth defects, not "within a year." Considering that the body breaks down all canabanoids within 3-5 weeks, that idea is patently ridiculous.

Also, I am so very FOR making pot legal. I would quit this job in a fucking second and buy some farmland in the middle of the state THE VERY DAY the prohibition ended.

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » December 1, 2004, 7:19 pm

Need an amateur horticulturist(sp)? I did a damn fine job in college.

It is all about micro-nutrient management.

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » December 1, 2004, 7:20 pm

Zaelath wrote:
Fash wrote:Personally, and more often than not, I'm stoned when I'm driving. From my own experience, I know that I cannot and will not drive Drunk, but I am a safer, more law abiding driver (as far as road rules) when I'm stoned.
Legalise all drugs, the cost in human misery is far greater from prohibition.

Fash: You sir, are a fucking idiot.

I second that.

Aruman · Post by **Aruman** » December 1, 2004, 7:44 pm

Fash wrote: Personally, and more often than not, I'm stoned when I'm driving. From my own experience, I know that I cannot and will not drive Drunk, but I am a safer, more law abiding driver (as far as road rules) when I'm stoned.

No, and this is the perfect example why.

How many others are out there who do the very same thing.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » December 1, 2004, 7:45 pm

VVs resident pothead would, and we all know who I'm talking about.

Fash · Post by **Fash** » December 1, 2004, 8:09 pm

Aruman wrote:
Fash wrote: Personally, and more often than not, I'm stoned when I'm driving. From my own experience, I know that I cannot and will not drive Drunk, but I am a safer, more law abiding driver (as far as road rules) when I'm stoned.
No, and this is the perfect example why.

How many others are out there who do the very same thing.

I'd go with millions....

Like I said earlier, it's a personal freedom, personal responsibility issue. I realize that alcohol impairs me to the point where driving is unsafe. I also realize that marijuana does not impair my driving ability, and instead lowers any aggression and lead-footedness I normally have.

Rivera Bladestrike · Post by **Rivera Bladestrike** » December 1, 2004, 8:15 pm

Seebs wrote:Most people that play EQ and troll these forums have some sort of addictive personality. we all must.

When I wnet to Fan Faire I was the one that didn't smoke - 95% of you fuckers did - that sealed the addictive personality theory for me.

It would surprise me if Iwere the 5% on this board that didn;t toke up regularly so I I'm sure this question will have about a 90% approval rate.

I'll list my addictions later .. one involves splooging.

I only smoke when I'm drunk and have access, which is not often, so I wouldn't say I was addicted at all, and never even felt the need to smoke ever.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » December 1, 2004, 8:27 pm

Fash wrote:I'd go with millions....

Like I said earlier, it's a personal freedom, personal responsibility issue. I realize that alcohol impairs me to the point where driving is unsafe. I also realize that marijuana does not impair my driving ability, and instead lowers any aggression and lead-footedness I normally have.

So you think, I bet people that drive with a few beers say the same. Unfortunately for you, studies show that marijuana does impair your skills while driving so no matter how many times you tell yourself this, you are completely wrong. Its not as bad as alcohol, but it has the same effect.

http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/Mis ... riving.htm
http://www.fcda.org/driving.htm

Actually, I can't find one site that says it 100% does not impair you.

Asheran Mojomaster · Post by **Asheran Mojomaster** » December 1, 2004, 8:42 pm

Fash wrote:
Aruman wrote:
Fash wrote: Personally, and more often than not, I'm stoned when I'm driving. From my own experience, I know that I cannot and will not drive Drunk, but I am a safer, more law abiding driver (as far as road rules) when I'm stoned.
No, and this is the perfect example why.

How many others are out there who do the very same thing.
I'd go with millions....

Like I said earlier, it's a personal freedom, personal responsibility issue. I realize that alcohol impairs me to the point where driving is unsafe. I also realize that marijuana does not impair my driving ability, and instead lowers any aggression and lead-footedness I normally have.

Fash is completely right here, I've been so stoned I couldnt drive 1 time in my life, and thats was after smoking 3\4th of an ounce in 1 night with 2 of my friends...theres no way I would have driven then. Any other time I'd have to say it doesn't effect me in any negative way.

I've never been in any close calls while stoned, never run off the road, speed less often, much much less aggressive (I'm somewhat aggressive normally), and I've never had anyone complain about my driving while I was stoned, regardless if they knew about it or not...though I've had people complain that I drive too fast when I am sober.

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » December 1, 2004, 8:47 pm

Folks I've known the smoked daily, not in heavy amounts either were much more mentally agile after stopping for a couple months. I'm not talking one or two either, likely over 100 people. It's nothing incapcitating, it was noticable to them and everyone around them afterwards though.

Aaeamdar wrote:Most people can use all drugs, no matter how “hard,” responsibly.

That's very true, but most of those people would never feel the need to either. And anyone can become addicted, that's a physical issue in addition to being a mental one.

Crack, meth and some other beings being a large exception. I've never done either myself but from talking to folks who have, once you come down you immediately want more.

Pot, unlike nearly all the others isn't physically addictive either. Though from watching heavy smokers try to quit, that doesn't seem to matter.

People who say they drive better with anything past a slight buzz are deluding themselves. That's been tested and shown the same results as people who claim to drive better after a beer or two.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » December 1, 2004, 9:05 pm

The links that Lynks (who I believe is anti-stoned driving) posted come to the conclusions that, first:

Family Council on Drug Awareness wrote:Driving under the influence of any drug is generally discouraged, but studies have always indicated that marijuana (cannabis) has only a neglible effect on drivers who are experienced with its effects. The reason seems to be that, while there is a minor reduction in reaction times similar to being a few years older than the driver's current age, there is a sense of "paranoia" that leads to slower and more cautious driving. The most common effect is getting lost.

and second

druglibrary.org wrote:"This program of research has shown that marijuana, when taken alone, produces a moderate degree of driving impairment which is related to the consumed THC dose. The impairment manifests itself mainly in the ability to maintain a steady lateral position on the road, but its magnitude is not exceptional in comparison with changes produced by many medicinal drugs and alcohol. Drivers under the influence of marijuana retain insight in their performance and will compensate, where they can, for example, by slowing down or increasing effort. As a consequence, THC's adverse effects on driving performance appear relatively small."

Compare this to what we know about how cell phone use impairs driving.

National Safety Council wrote:In sum, we found that conversing on either a hand-held or hands-free cell phone led to significant decrements in simulated driving performance. We suggest that the cellular phone use disrupts performance by diverting attention to an engaging cognitive context other than the one immediately associated with driving.

http://www.nsc.org/library/shelf/inincell.htm

Yet it is illegal to drive intoxicated but, with a few exceptions, it is perfectly legal to drive while talking on a cell phone. Not only this, but there is a strong moral stigma attached to those who drive stoned, but most people attach no moral stigma to those who drive on the phone.

I concede the validity of banning stoned driving, but I feel that banning stoned driving and permitting cell phone driving or makeup driving or shave-while-you-drive is quite hypocritical. Furthermore, the attitude that the stoned driver is a morally blameworthy creature but the on-the-phone driver is morally neutral is patently ridiculous. These are attitudes that are born out of prejudice and propaganda.

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » December 1, 2004, 9:15 pm

And thinking a bit, having most "hard" drugs illegal will probably save the general public much more grief than the folks who are being "saved from themselves".

Unless of course we want to make crackhead island,and put them all out there. It can be near herion addict island. They can rob and steal from each other to support the addiction.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » December 1, 2004, 9:26 pm

I personally don't like the effects of marijuana.

That said, I'm 100 percent behind legalizing marijuana. Treat it exactly like alcohol when it comes to legal issues...it already is for things like DUIs (driving under the influence of any drug).

I understand how pot can be a gateway drug the way it's treated as an illegal substance which requires contacting the underworld to acquire presently but it would be no more of a gateway drug than alcohol is now if pot is legalized.

It's a natural plant that you have to do nothing to it to experience the effects (like shrooms). I find it incredible that you can outlaw a natural growing plant in nature.

The amount of money our government would save not pursuing recreational users of a drug no more harmful than alcohol is reason enough to legalize it.

The other option would be making alcohol illegal. Try that and see how it goes.

Jice Virago · Post by **Jice Virago** » December 1, 2004, 9:29 pm

Pot is illegal because the government can't figure out a way to make money off of it. Legalize it and treat it like tobacco or booze from a legal standpoint.

And, no, I am not a pot smoker (though I have tried it a few times long ago) or habitual drug user of any kind.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » December 1, 2004, 9:53 pm

Marijuana, legalize it!

Cotto · Post by **Cotto** » December 1, 2004, 10:20 pm

Make it legal, make money from it.
If its legal drug rings which supply it will loose a small part of their business. True theyll still have all the rest, but its still something.

Kylere · Post by **Kylere** » December 1, 2004, 10:55 pm

I am pro decriminalization. I think the fate of Marijuana should be tied to Alcohol and Tobacco.

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » December 1, 2004, 11:00 pm

Jice Virago wrote:Pot is illegal because the government can't figure out a way to make money off of it. Legalize it and treat it like tobacco or booze from a legal standpoint.

The Feds will make a metric assload off the taxes per pack, license fees for weed stores and pot bars, and permit fees for commercial growers. Plus factor in all the cost savings for not incarcerating marijuana users and sellers.

Making money off it is easy. Getting the religious right to agree to allow it would never happen.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » December 1, 2004, 11:14 pm

Sueven wrote:Yet it is illegal to drive intoxicated but, with a few exceptions, it is perfectly legal to drive while talking on a cell phone. Not only this, but there is a strong moral stigma attached to those who drive stoned, but most people attach no moral stigma to those who drive on the phone.

Next to drunk driving, cell phones and driving is the next worse thing in my book. I know in my town, you can get a fine for doing just that, and for that, I'm glad.

Zaelath · Post by **Zaelath** » December 2, 2004, 12:56 am

Lynks wrote:
Sueven wrote:Yet it is illegal to drive intoxicated but, with a few exceptions, it is perfectly legal to drive while talking on a cell phone. Not only this, but there is a strong moral stigma attached to those who drive stoned, but most people attach no moral stigma to those who drive on the phone.
Next to drunk driving, cell phones and driving is the next worse thing in my book. I know in my town, you can get a fine for doing just that, and for that, I'm glad.

Expecting laws in the US to be coherent is bound to disappoint. For example, there's a seat belt law in MN, but you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet... WTF?!

Spang · Post by **Spang** » December 2, 2004, 9:37 am

are there any reported cases of someone dying as a result of marijuana. i don't recall ever seeing one.

can someone post me a link to such a case?

Fash · Post by **Fash** » December 2, 2004, 10:32 am

Spang wrote:are there any reported cases of someone dying as a result of marijuana. i don't recall ever seeing one.

can someone post me a link to such a case?

There is not one documented case of death by marijuana.

For one, it's so non-toxic, you would have to consume almost an actual TON of the stuff in a very short period of time to die from it. It's just physically impossible to overdose.

Just boggles me that tobacco can kill up to 400,000 each year, alcohol can kill up to 50,000 each year... AND MARIJUANA IS THE DEMON WEED... with 0 kills.

Neost · Post by **Neost** » December 2, 2004, 10:34 am

pot will never be legalized because there aren't enough pot smokers politically motivated enough to push it.

Fash · Post by **Fash** » December 2, 2004, 10:42 am

Zaelath wrote:Expecting laws in the US to be coherent is bound to disappoint. For example, there's a seat belt law in MN, but you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet... WTF?!

Same law in Pennsylvania, if you're 25+ you don't need your helmet on... I've got state troopers handing out "CLICK IT OR TICKET, 2 tickets, 2 fines" notices at Home Depot telling me to "save some money for the holidays" I thought the fucker was giving me a coupon....

Deward · Post by **Deward** » December 2, 2004, 10:49 am

Tobacco doesn't kill people, it is the cyanide, rat poison and 700(?) other cancerous ingredients that do so.

I am all for legalizing marijuana. As for making you dumber, I don't think there is any proof in that. It will certainly make you a lot lazier but I don't think it affects intelligence. I know a guy that has smoked every day for 30-40 years. He is the best mechanic I have ever seen but has no desire to do anything with it.

The war on Marijuana costs $7.5 billion/year (http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=4433) and I am pretty sure I saw that 400,000 people were sent to jail last year for just possession of it. $7.5 billion buys a lot of education and healthcare.