Should marijuana be legalized?

[Autumnovember]

If it is legalized it needs to be legalized for a strict quantity. For example, in Mexico it is legal to carry up to 4 (I think) personal joints. and X amount of grams.

Do I think it should be legalized? Yes.

I DO believe that alcohol is a lot more harmful in more ways than one.

However, it DOES worry me in the sense that there ARE indeed people who can smoke and function completely, but there are others who can't and THAT is probably my greatest concern. I do think that it is extremely helpful in regards to medicine.

I don't know if it could be done but they could still have the same rules for work---cannot come to work drunk OR high and continue with the reinforcement of that too.

There are people out there who can use drugs successfully, but some people can't. I'm one of those people who can't. As a recovering drug addict and alcoholic, I know that I can become addicted to anything... Even licking stamps.

However, most people are not addicts, and I don't see why my illness should prevent other people access to life-changing treatment. I personally know many terminal AIDS patients who find the use of marijuana to be incredibly helpful. Here in South Africa vital medications are often out of reach for the poorest of the poor, while marijuana grows just about anywhere like a weed.

Why should the fact that some people can become addicted to marijuana prevent these people from enjoying quality of life in their last weeks or months?

I'm not really sure if you are asking me something or just stating your thoughts but....I did say that it should be legalized.

Oh, sorry, silly me - I was agreeing with you! Will go back to edit.

No worries Trekkie! I wasn't sure, haha. I completely agree with everything you said...especially about the medicine aspects of it.

 

[Autumnovember]

If pot became legal for medicinal use (maybe it is in my state, I don't even know) would I try it? I get debilitating migraines a few times a year, and if this helped me I'd use it and be grateful for it. No different than the occasional Vicodin or muscle relaxer I take when I injure my back or have a surgery. Am I a Vicodin junkie? Do I abuse it? Nope, I've had the same bottle of Vicodin in my medicine cabinet for years, still half full, I appreciate it as needed, but my use is rare. Do I drive after taking one? Nope. Do I work or care for my daughter if I take one? Nope. Again, I use common sense and good judgment.

The next time you have a migraine.... come to me, I'll give you some from my stash

 

[Autumnovember]

No.

I've experienced first hand how pot can ruin relationships and lives.
There are a lot of people out there who do not even think of weed as being a real addiction. They consider it to be a “soft drug” and not really worthy of the label of addiction. For the most part, there are generally no withdrawal symptoms when someone stops smoking weed, and there is very little evidence of physical dependence. So it gets passed off all the time as being somehow less than other “real drugs.”

This is a big mistake because Marijuana is a real drug and it can seriously screw up your life. Forget about the fact that weed is illegal, or that it is physically unhealthy to smoke, or that it can impair your driving, and so on. Forget all those arguments for a moment because they are besides the point.

Here are the 3 main problems with weed addiction:

1) You are medicating your feelings, just like with any other mood or mind altering substance (such as alcohol, cocaine, etc.).

2) You are dedicating your life to a hollow purpose.

3) Your ambitions and motivation is being sapped by your drug habit.

I've seen it happen. A lot of people who smoke weed stay in denial about this, because they maintain that they still have dreams and they still have goals. This is usually a form of denial though because now that they are full time weed smokers they are no longer actively pursuing those goals and dreams. They are complacent with their life.

The habit of smoking weed creates a certain lifestyle and that lifestyle becomes your life purpose. It becomes difficult to pursue anything outside of this relatively limited world view.

The argument that they "are going to do it anyway" is flawed. Should we also create a drunk driving lane on the freeway to accomodate drunk drivers because "they will do it anyway?".

As for the medical benefits, this is a study done by Harvard: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/evidence99 ... lth_1.html
But if you don't want to read it, here is the bottom line: the only benefit would be to someone who is dying, because it actually makes conditions like HIV and cancer worse. So unless you want to help someone die pain-free, there is no further benefit to smoking pot.

I don't agree. I just wanted to point out that there are A LOT more harmful and unhealthy things I can think of floating around in society than weed..

 

[oranges]

Yup. Legalize it, tax it. Do you have any idea how much crime and time from our law enforcement it will save? Start to legalize what drug traffickers and cartel are providing, you will see a major decrease in illegal activity and violence. Then our cops can focus on more important matters instead of busting kids who are having a joint on the bleachers at the football field. Almost a MILLION people last year were arrested for possession. Call me crazy, but I would rather our law enforcement focus on the murderers, rapists, child abusers, bank robbers instead of some people having a joint.

Obviously pot being illegal isn't intimidating people enough to stop buying it. Why should others countries profit from these crops? Put that money back into this struggling country. IMHO, if pot should be illegal, then so should alcohol and many prescription and over the counter medications.

It's time to get over it and start using it for it's benefits.

Mo-Zo

haha!

Agreed!

 

[Lauren8211]

No.

I've experienced first hand how pot can ruin relationships and lives.
There are a lot of people out there who do not even think of weed as being a real addiction. They consider it to be a “soft drug” and not really worthy of the label of addiction. For the most part, there are generally no withdrawal symptoms when someone stops smoking weed, and there is very little evidence of physical dependence. So it gets passed off all the time as being somehow less than other “real drugs.”

This is a big mistake because Marijuana is a real drug and it can seriously screw up your life. Forget about the fact that weed is illegal, or that it is physically unhealthy to smoke, or that it can impair your driving, and so on. Forget all those arguments for a moment because they are besides the point.

Here are the 3 main problems with weed addiction:

1) You are medicating your feelings, just like with any other mood or mind altering substance (such as alcohol, cocaine, etc.).

2) You are dedicating your life to a hollow purpose.

3) Your ambitions and motivation is being sapped by your drug habit.

I've seen it happen. A lot of people who smoke weed stay in denial about this, because they maintain that they still have dreams and they still have goals. This is usually a form of denial though because now that they are full time weed smokers they are no longer actively pursuing those goals and dreams. They are complacent with their life.

The habit of smoking weed creates a certain lifestyle and that lifestyle becomes your life purpose. It becomes difficult to pursue anything outside of this relatively limited world view.

The argument that they "are going to do it anyway" is flawed. Should we also create a drunk driving lane on the freeway to accomodate drunk drivers because "they will do it anyway?".

As for the medical benefits, this is a study done by Harvard: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/evidence99 ... lth_1.html
But if you don't want to read it, here is the bottom line: the only benefit would be to someone who is dying, because it actually makes conditions like HIV and cancer worse. So unless you want to help someone die pain-free, there is no further benefit to smoking pot.

I don't agree. I just wanted to point out that there are A LOT more harmful and unhealthy things I can think of floating around in society than weed..

High fructose corn syrup?

...because its OK in moderation!

 

[Autumnovember]

Elle...you made me smile

 

[random_thought]

Absolutely should be legalized. I live in a city where it is legal to have certain amounts on you at a time and also to be purchased for medicinal purposes. I've read and heard many success stories about it's medical properties.

 

[radiantquest]

No.

I've experienced first hand how pot can ruin relationships and lives.
There are a lot of people out there who do not even think of weed as being a real addiction. They consider it to be a “soft drug” and not really worthy of the label of addiction. For the most part, there are generally no withdrawal symptoms when someone stops smoking weed, and there is very little evidence of physical dependence. So it gets passed off all the time as being somehow less than other “real drugs.”

This is a big mistake because Marijuana is a real drug and it can seriously screw up your life. Forget about the fact that weed is illegal, or that it is physically unhealthy to smoke, or that it can impair your driving, and so on. Forget all those arguments for a moment because they are besides the point.

Here are the 3 main problems with weed addiction:

1) You are medicating your feelings, just like with any other mood or mind altering substance (such as alcohol, cocaine, etc.).

2) You are dedicating your life to a hollow purpose.

3) Your ambitions and motivation is being sapped by your drug habit.

I've seen it happen. A lot of people who smoke weed stay in denial about this, because they maintain that they still have dreams and they still have goals. This is usually a form of denial though because now that they are full time weed smokers they are no longer actively pursuing those goals and dreams. They are complacent with their life.

The habit of smoking weed creates a certain lifestyle and that lifestyle becomes your life purpose. It becomes difficult to pursue anything outside of this relatively limited world view.

The argument that they "are going to do it anyway" is flawed. Should we also create a drunk driving lane on the freeway to accomodate drunk drivers because "they will do it anyway?".

As for the medical benefits, this is a study done by Harvard: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/evidence99 ... lth_1.html
But if you don't want to read it, here is the bottom line: the only benefit would be to someone who is dying, because it actually makes conditions like HIV and cancer worse. So unless you want to help someone die pain-free, there is no further benefit to smoking pot.

I must say that I think you may a smidge misinformed about the benefits of marijuana. I do not smoke pot nor do I intend to once it becomes illeagal. There are more benefits for sick people than just people that are already dying. Remember Montel Williams? The daytime talk show host. He came on air and told the world that he smoked it because it was the only thing that gave him relief from his MS. Just because you have MS doesnt mean you are dying and it also doesn't mean that you are "dedicating your life to a hollow purpose". My husband gets chemo therapy treatments once a week and the only thing that takes the neasuea away is pot. He is not a stoner and he doesnt walk around high 24/7. I frankly dont give a damn what someone at Harvard says. If it makes my husband feel better than I am all for it.
I am sorry if I am coming of harsh or sh***y, but this really is a hot button issue for me. Someone who is not in a medical situation and doesnt understand the benefits doesnt know what it is like to feel terrible and after thousands of dollars on precription medications they find that marijuana works and then people tell you it is bad and that it shouldnt be legal.

If it wasnt obvious I am for legalization. I think that it should be monitored and I think that the same rules should apply with any other drug/alcahol that can be unsafe while driving/working/etc.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

RQ, I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I had no idea. I'm glad he's finding relief for his pain and symptoms.

 

[Autumnovember]

No.

I've experienced first hand how pot can ruin relationships and lives.
There are a lot of people out there who do not even think of weed as being a real addiction. They consider it to be a “soft drug” and not really worthy of the label of addiction. For the most part, there are generally no withdrawal symptoms when someone stops smoking weed, and there is very little evidence of physical dependence. So it gets passed off all the time as being somehow less than other “real drugs.”

This is a big mistake because Marijuana is a real drug and it can seriously screw up your life. Forget about the fact that weed is illegal, or that it is physically unhealthy to smoke, or that it can impair your driving, and so on. Forget all those arguments for a moment because they are besides the point.

Here are the 3 main problems with weed addiction:

1) You are medicating your feelings, just like with any other mood or mind altering substance (such as alcohol, cocaine, etc.).

2) You are dedicating your life to a hollow purpose.

3) Your ambitions and motivation is being sapped by your drug habit.

I've seen it happen. A lot of people who smoke weed stay in denial about this, because they maintain that they still have dreams and they still have goals. This is usually a form of denial though because now that they are full time weed smokers they are no longer actively pursuing those goals and dreams. They are complacent with their life.

The habit of smoking weed creates a certain lifestyle and that lifestyle becomes your life purpose. It becomes difficult to pursue anything outside of this relatively limited world view.

The argument that they "are going to do it anyway" is flawed. Should we also create a drunk driving lane on the freeway to accomodate drunk drivers because "they will do it anyway?".

As for the medical benefits, this is a study done by Harvard: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/evidence99 ... lth_1.html
But if you don't want to read it, here is the bottom line: the only benefit would be to someone who is dying, because it actually makes conditions like HIV and cancer worse. So unless you want to help someone die pain-free, there is no further benefit to smoking pot.

I must say that I think you may a smidge misinformed about the benefits of marijuana. I do not smoke pot nor do I intend to once it becomes illeagal. There are more benefits for sick people than just people that are already dying. Remember Montel Williams? The daytime talk show host. He came on air and told the world that he smoked it because it was the only thing that gave him relief from his MS. Just because you have MS doesnt mean you are dying and it also doesn't mean that you are "dedicating your life to a hollow purpose". My husband gets chemo therapy treatments once a week and the only thing that takes the neasuea away is pot. He is not a stoner and he doesnt walk around high 24/7. I frankly dont give a damn what someone at Harvard says. If it makes my husband feel better than I am all for it.
I am sorry if I am coming of harsh or sh***y, but this really is a hot button issue for me. Someone who is not in a medical situation and doesnt understand the benefits doesnt know what it is like to feel terrible and after thousands of dollars on precription medications they find that marijuana works and then people tell you it is bad and that it shouldnt be legal.

If it wasnt obvious I am for legalization. I think that it should be monitored and I think that the same rules should apply with any other drug/alcahol that can be unsafe while driving/working/etc.

Thank you RQ for your post. You put it all perfectly and took the words right out of my mouth that I could not figure out how to articulate. I hope your husband feels better and recovers successfully. He's in my prayers.

 

[princesss]

RQ, I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I had no idea. I'm glad he's finding relief for his pain and symptoms.

Ditto.

I think saying that it shouldn't be legalized because pot can ruin lives is like saying nobody should have a cell phone because some people use them to detonate bombs. I'm not saying it can't cause devastation, just that it doesn't in the hands of the average person.

I think it should be legalized and taxed. I think the amount of money and time we waste fighting the "war on drugs" could be better spent elsewhere. If people want to self destruct, they will. Quite frankly, having drugs be illegal doesn't stop addicts and junkies, and at least having them legalized will give the states and country more money.

 

[ericad]

If pot became legal for medicinal use (maybe it is in my state, I don't even know) would I try it? I get debilitating migraines a few times a year, and if this helped me I'd use it and be grateful for it. No different than the occasional Vicodin or muscle relaxer I take when I injure my back or have a surgery. Am I a Vicodin junkie? Do I abuse it? Nope, I've had the same bottle of Vicodin in my medicine cabinet for years, still half full, I appreciate it as needed, but my use is rare. Do I drive after taking one? Nope. Do I work or care for my daughter if I take one? Nope. Again, I use common sense and good judgment.

The next time you have a migraine.... come to me, I'll give you some from my stash

Oooooh, how YOU doin'...

(ok, seriously though, does it work for migraines? Anybody?)

 

[Autumnovember]

If pot became legal for medicinal use (maybe it is in my state, I don't even know) would I try it? I get debilitating migraines a few times a year, and if this helped me I'd use it and be grateful for it. No different than the occasional Vicodin or muscle relaxer I take when I injure my back or have a surgery. Am I a Vicodin junkie? Do I abuse it? Nope, I've had the same bottle of Vicodin in my medicine cabinet for years, still half full, I appreciate it as needed, but my use is rare. Do I drive after taking one? Nope. Do I work or care for my daughter if I take one? Nope. Again, I use common sense and good judgment.

The next time you have a migraine.... come to me, I'll give you some from my stash

Oooooh, how YOU doin'...

(ok, seriously though, does it work for migraines? Anybody?)

The answer to your question is yes.

 

[Dancing Fire]

deleted

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

RQ, I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I had no idea. I'm glad he's finding relief for his pain and symptoms.

Ditto.

I think saying that it shouldn't be legalized because pot can ruin lives is like saying nobody should have a cell phone because some people use them to detonate bombs. I'm not saying it can't cause devastation, just that it doesn't in the hands of the average person.

I think it should be legalized and taxed. I think the amount of money and time we waste fighting the "war on drugs" could be better spent elsewhere. If people want to self destruct, they will. Quite frankly, having drugs be illegal doesn't stop addicts and junkies, and at least having them legalized will give the states and country more money.

I just want to add that lots of time revenue from "sin taxes" on cigarettes, alcohol, gambling, the lottery and the like go directly to programs that benefit the greater community-like education, senior services, public safety and other community/social services.

 

[Dancing Fire]

If pot became legal for medicinal use (maybe it is in my state, I don't even know) would I try it? I get debilitating migraines a few times a year, and if this helped me I'd use it and be grateful for it. No different than the occasional Vicodin or muscle relaxer I take when I injure my back or have a surgery. Am I a Vicodin junkie? Do I abuse it? Nope, I've had the same bottle of Vicodin in my medicine cabinet for years, still half full, I appreciate it as needed, but my use is rare. Do I drive after taking one? Nope. Do I work or care for my daughter if I take one? Nope. Again, I use common sense and good judgment.

The next time you have a migraine.... come to me, I'll give you some from my stash

imported or domestic? does she need to bring some zig zag?

 

[Autumnovember]

If pot became legal for medicinal use (maybe it is in my state, I don't even know) would I try it? I get debilitating migraines a few times a year, and if this helped me I'd use it and be grateful for it. No different than the occasional Vicodin or muscle relaxer I take when I injure my back or have a surgery. Am I a Vicodin junkie? Do I abuse it? Nope, I've had the same bottle of Vicodin in my medicine cabinet for years, still half full, I appreciate it as needed, but my use is rare. Do I drive after taking one? Nope. Do I work or care for my daughter if I take one? Nope. Again, I use common sense and good judgment.

The next time you have a migraine.... come to me, I'll give you some from my stash

imported or domestic? does she need to bring some zig zag?

Domestic..some of the finer things in life Cali has to offer. We will be using something I've named "sinfully pink" ...she is beautiful and hits smoothly

 

[Dancing Fire]

The next time you have a migraine.... come to me, I'll give you some from my stash

imported or domestic? does she need to bring some zig zag?

Domestic..some of the finer things in life Cali has to offer. We will be using something I've named "sinfully pink" ...she is beautiful and hits smoothly

Mendocino? okay, party at Autum's place tonight!!

 

[Dancing Fire]

The next time you have a migraine.... come to me, I'll give you some from my stash

imported or domestic? does she need to bring some zig zag?

Domestic..some of the finer things in life Cali has to offer. We will be using something I've named "sinfully pink" ...she is beautiful and hits smoothly

Mendocino? okay,party at Autum's place tonight.

 

[Autumnovember]

The next time you have a migraine.... come to me, I'll give you some from my stash

imported or domestic? does she need to bring some zig zag?

Domestic..some of the finer things in life Cali has to offer. We will be using something I've named "sinfully pink" ...she is beautiful and hits smoothly

Mendocino? okay,party at Autum's place tonight.

Come on over, DF! I hope you like patron as well! haha

 

[movie zombie]

some Humbolt green for me, please.

mz

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I am going to be an addiction counselor so I have mixed views on this. Do I think pot is more harmful than alcohol? No. Do I think people downplay the negative effects of pot? Yes. A person with the disease of addiction will use and abuse [fill in the blank] if it is legal or not but I am not one to glorify any mood altering substances. I would worry if pot was legal there would be many more car accidents. IMHO people tend to do it at home or in a safe place since it is illegal.

 

[Dancing Fire]

so many pot smokers on PS.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I am going to be an addiction counselor so I have mixed views on this. Do I think pot is more harmful than alcohol? No. Do I think people downplay the negative effects of pot? Yes. A person with the disease of addiction will use and abuse [fill in the blank] if it is legal or not but I am not one to glorify any mood altering substances. I would worry if pot was legal there would be many more car accidents. IMHO people tend to do it at home or in a safe place since it is illegal.

but think of all those lives it would save w/o gang drug wars. our streets would be much safer by legalizing drugs.

 

[Kaleigh]

I sure wish I had some weed last summer when I cracked 6 ribs on a boat...The pain meds I was given made me sooo sick.

But seriously, I think it has it's place as long as it's regulated...

For those with cancer who have terrible pain, and this helps.. I say go right ahead...

Who am I to disagree?? If it helps and is regulated I say have at it...

If I get a terrbile disease such as cancer, MS or ALs, You bet your bottom dollar I will seek relief from Marijuana.


I smoked it in HS, but never in college, and haven't had any since 1980.

 

[ForteKitty]

haven't touched it since college, but i will definitely enjoy visiting the coffeeshops in amsterdam this november. anything in particular that i should ask for?

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I am going to be an addiction counselor so I have mixed views on this. Do I think pot is more harmful than alcohol? No. Do I think people downplay the negative effects of pot? Yes. A person with the disease of addiction will use and abuse [fill in the blank] if it is legal or not but I am not one to glorify any mood altering substances. I would worry if pot was legal there would be many more car accidents. IMHO people tend to do it at home or in a safe place since it is illegal.

but think of all those lives it would save w/o gang drug wars. our streets would be much safer by legalizing drugs.

Oh they would still be VERY busy selling amphetamine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, ecstasy, methadone, methamphetamine, MDA, opiates, oxycodone, and phencyclidine (PCP). The drug trade is not driven by pot. Those are small potatoes DF. Do you think EVERYTHING should be legalized?

 

[Dancing Fire]

imagine Costco selling a kilo for $40. that'll stop 90% of the violence on our streets. drug addicts won't need to rob/kill somebody's grandma or grandpa for drug money.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

imagine Costco selling a kilo for $40. that'll stop 90% of the violence on our streets. drug addicts won't need to rob/kill somebody's grandma or grandpa for drug money.

I really hope you are kidding.

 

[movie zombie]

haven't touched it since college, but i will definitely enjoy visiting the coffeeshops in amsterdam this november. anything in particular that i should ask for?

be very careful when ordering as much of their "stuff" is much more potent than some sources here.

visit the marijuana museum. informative.

Green House Cafe is reputable. so is their hash.

and, for your consideration, i just rec'd this from holland.com

http://us.holland.com/e/72840/Romantic+ ... amonds.php

have never done one of the diamond tours......

have fun for all of us!

Mo-Zo