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Be11a Lefevre Bunny Swan · 05-06-2009, 07:13 PM

By John Dyer, MSN Money
Daniel Stein says the salvation of U.S. taxpayers could be marijuana.
As Washington breaks the bank on Wall Street bailouts, President Barack Obama's stimulus package and other spend-now, pay-later measures, most observers agree that politicians will eventually need to increase revenue or cut spending to cover the federal government's debts.
Stein believes Washington could begin to balance its books now if politicians would take a serious look at his industry. The owner of two retail outlets that he claims generate $1 million in revenue annually, Stein says he pays around $80,000 a year in sales taxes to the state of California. But the federal government, which does not acknowledge Stein's sales as legitimate commerce, gets nothing from his business.
Sound odd? Not if you know that Stein sells marijuana.

See inside a cannabis dispensary
In fact, because federal authorities have spent time trying to close his and other medical-marijuana clubs, Washington is losing money on him.
Imagine how much the feds would save if they stopped cracking down on sellers, Stein says.

Lawyer: Why US should legalize pot
"Cannabis is good for the economy," he said. "It's been here the whole time, but it's had a bad rap the entire time."
As more people begin to see the merits in Stein's logic, that bad rap is changing. While legalization, decriminalization and the medical use of marijuana continue to be debated in terms of public health, lawmakers and policy analysts are increasingly touting the economic benefits of regulating and taxing weed, which the Office of National Drug Control Policy says is the most popular illegal drug in the U.S.
Critics of legalizing marijuana say the potential economic benefits of regulating and taxing the drug would obscure the less-tangible, long-term downsides of making it more prevalent in society.
"The argument wholly ignores the issue of the connection between marijuana and criminal activity and also the larger picture of substance abuse," said David Capeless, the district attorney of Berkshire County in Massachusetts and the president of the state's district attorneys association. "It simply sends a bad message to kids about substance abuse in general, which is a wrong message, that it's not a big deal."
A 2004 report by the drug policy office said drugs cost Americans more than $180 billion related to health care, lost productivity and crime in 2002. That study lumped the effects of marijuana in with more-dangerous drugs, such as cocaine and heroin.
But marijuana advocates say history is on their side. They muster arguments similar to those that led to repealing Prohibition during the Great Depression.
"In the early 1930s, one of the reasons that alcohol was brought back was because government revenue was plummeting," Harvard economist Jeff Miron said. "There are some parallels to that now."

Gigs · 05-06-2009, 07:19 PM

Between psychotropic MJ and industrial hemp, we are missing out on a multibillion dollar industry for no good reason. It's not going to "save the economy", but it wouldn't hurt.

Spaceman Opus · 05-06-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigs

It's not going to "save the economy", but it wouldn't hurt.

It would help Frito-Lay's economy

Ayumi · 05-06-2009, 07:42 PM

I've come to realize that the biggest "weed will save the world" advocates, are all potheads.

There are a million bad ideas that the government could choose to turn a profit and pull us out of our current economic trouble. That doesnt make the ideas any less bad. And legalizing weed is.. in the end, probably not a good idea.

There are a whole slew of reasons people tout, about how weed 1) isnt dangerous or chemically addictive, 2) is less dangerous than drinking 3) would save the economy.

But what I think everyone needs to realize, is that the large number of the people regurgitating this crap.. are people who are A) choosing breaking the law, to abuse an illegal substance for recreation, and B) very often people who are making the conscious decision to choose recreation over long term financial stability/success, C) a minor.

Its like letting the same people who say "FUCK COPS, FUCKING PIGS" have the power to change a law, or the way the justice system works. Not only are they incredibly biased, but they're also incredibly stupid, and short sighted. Its just very simply, a bad idea.

**Sarah Nerd** · 05-06-2009, 08:14 PM

Those points that we tout have a lot of truth behind them, unlike the stereotypical points that you made.

Ayumi · 05-06-2009, 08:25 PM

So you're saying that they arent breaking the law to abuse a drug for recreation? Or that very often the people who smoke weed on a regular basis, arent doing it with little regard to the way it might affect their financial situation in the long term? Or that a lot of the people who smoke weed, and like to argue that "weed is good mmkay" arent minors?

How is ANY of that untrue, even if its stereotypical? Stereotypes generally exist for a reason, and the validity of your points, dont invalidate any of mine.

io Kukulcan · 05-06-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayumi

And legalizing weed is.. in the end, probably not a good idea.

Why?
Could you please elaborate?

I don't understand how this could effect your life in any way, whatsoever, legal or not.

Unless you're a DEA agent.

And the only reason it is illegal is because Hearst owned paper mills.

**Siobhan OFlynn** · 05-06-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayumi

So you're saying that they arent breaking the law to abuse a drug for recreation? Or that very often the people who smoke weed on a regular basis, arent doing it with little regard to the way it might affect their financial situation in the long term? Or that a lot of the people who smoke weed, and like to argue that "weed is good mmkay" arent minors?

How is ANY of that untrue, even if its stereotypical? Stereotypes generally exist for a reason, and the validity of your points, dont invalidate any of mine.

I'm way beyond being a minor, I am a forty-something wife, mother and registered nurse. I don't smoke pot. If it's legalized, I still won't smoke it because I don't like smoking anything. Maybe I'd bake some Alice B. Toklas brownies once in awhile. I have no problem with legalizing marijuana and then, taxing the shit out of it.

From everything I've read, marijuana isn't physically addicting and it's nearly impossible to overdose on it. I only say nearly impossible because sure as shootin', some idiot will actually OD on pot after I went out on a limb there.

I will concede that it can be argued that it's psychologically addicting. But if it's legal, what's the difference between it and alcohol? By the way, you can die from alcohol withdrawal, it's called The DT's and must be managed in the hospital, often in the intensive care unit. This is a legal substance that's both addicting and dangerous. No one I know of has died withdrawing from marijuana.

In any case, I think that it should be legalized and regulated just like alcohol. It should be illegal to sell to minors (either under 18's or under 21's depending on the state).

So, there you have it, a white, suburban mother has just come out in favor of legalizing marijuana.

Also, we're talking about the United States legalizing it, if you're a citizen then you have a right to add to the debate about it. If you're not a citizen, why are you so adamant about keeping a substance illegal if you don't even live here? No disrespect intended, I'm just curious as to where you're coming from with your argument that because it's illegal now, only criminals are in favor of legalizing it.

Ayumi · 05-06-2009, 08:50 PM

The last thing most people need, is another substance they can make the legal choice to abuse. And I'm not saying "use". I'm saying Abuse.

Much in the way that people find themselves say.. addicted to gambling, or drinking, or overeating as three very "stereotypical" examples. People have a problem with self control. Look at all the overweight people, who blame everything BUT themselves for their issue.

While people will always break the law to do things, say.. download movies. Having laws in place prohibiting it, will at least keep abuse on a large scale in check.

I can name a lot of semi-plausible reasons for it being a bad idea. The more its available, the more it will be abused by minors. And crazy enough, studies show that oral fixations and smoking cigarettes are linked. The more kids smoke weed, the more they're bound to start smoking cigarettes at a young age.. and with China, Korea and Japan as examples for kids smoking.. well, gross. If thats even somewhat a possibility, I'd say that its enough to nix the legalization of weed on its own. You're creating a bigger problem, to solve a problem that.. isnt really.

People are probably always going to smoke weed on their own, as long as its available. Currently the large majority of people who smoke, do it in private, on their own time. How can you not see it affect work habits, automobile accidents, etc.. if its used on a much larger scale, more frequently than it is currently?

Richie Waves · 05-06-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayumi

I've come to realize that the biggest "weed will save the world" advocates, are all potheads.

And the biggest anti- weed people tend not to have a fucking clue what they're shitting on about. THINK OF TEH CHILDRENZ!!111

Not all of my mates smoke the herb, but the two most successful money and career wise DO. (and quite liberally too)

Ayumi · 05-06-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siobhan OFlynn

I'm way beyond being a minor, I am a forty-something wife, mother and registered nurse. I don't smoke pot. If it's legalized, I still won't smoke it because I don't like smoking anything. Maybe I'd bake some Alice B. Toklas brownies once in awhile. I have no problem with legalizing marijuana and then, taxing the shit out of it.

From everything I've read, marijuana isn't physically addicting and it's nearly impossible to overdose on it. I only say nearly impossible because sure as shootin', some idiot will actually OD on pot after I went out on a limb there.

I will concede that it can be argued that it's psychologically addicting. But if it's legal, what's the difference between it and alcohol? By the way, you can die from alcohol withdrawal, it's called The DT's and must be managed in the hospital, often in the intensive care unit. This is a legal substance that's both addicting and dangerous. No one I know of has died withdrawing from marijuana.

In any case, I think that it should be legalized and regulated just like alcohol. It should be illegal to sell to minors (either under 18's or under 21's depending on the state).

So, there you have it, a white, suburban mother has just come out in favor of legalizing marijuana.

Also, we're talking about the United States legalizing it, if you're a citizen then you have a right to add to the debate about it. If you're not a citizen, why are you so adamant about keeping a substance illegal if you don't even live here? No disrespect intended, I'm just curious as to where you're coming from with your argument that because it's illegal now, only criminals are in favor of legalizing it.

Its ridiculously difficult to kill yourself with THC, because your brain only has some many receptors or something. Your brain has a literal limiter on how high you can get on weed. They make THC in pill form, for those with glaucoma. It helps relieves the eye pressure, and prevents them from going blind. (or maybe it retards the glad that produces whatever liquid makes the pressure. I'm not sure). And honestly, I have much less of an issue with the legalization of pill form THC as a recreational drug.

And no, if you'd read carefully.. what I'm essentially saying, is that for a large number of the people who advocate the legalization of marijuana.. they might as well be lobbyists for it. Pushing a legal agenda, because it supports their personal interests.. not because its what is ACTUALLY best.

Anyone with half a brain, would realize that there is more to the issue of legalization of a substance that you smoke to get high.. than just "the man" vs "people who smoke weed". And yet, where is the address of concerns done BY the advocates of weed, beyond the simple dismissal of them?

**Siobhan OFlynn** · 05-06-2009, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayumi

The last thing most people need, is another substance they can make the legal choice to abuse. And I'm not saying "use". I'm saying Abuse.

Your argument makes no sense. Chocolate is legal, many people enjoy the hell out of it and a segment of our population "abuses" it to the detriment of their health ie. excessive weight gain. Should we outlaw chocolate because some people can't handle the ready access to it?

Alcohol is used by the majority of adults in the United States. Most don't abuse it. What makes you think that just because something is legal, it will be abused. I believe that the opposite will happen. Having ready access will turn it from a forbidden fruit to something you use on the weekend while hanging out with your friends.

Legalizing marijuana will not only remove a huge burden on the prison population, it will also reduce the the crime rate because there's no longer a reason to buy it from drug dealers and ultimately will negatively impact the drug cartels who import it into our country. I personally think most drugs should be legalized and that adults should be able to make their own decisions on when and how to use them. If we legalize cocaine, there goes one more drug that the Colombian drug cartels won't be able to terrorize us with.

Heroin used to be sold in the Sears and Roebucks catalog and while some people definitely abused it, there were nowhere near the number of junkies at the turn of the 20th century as there are now that it's illegal. Not to mention, the spread of disease that comes with reusing needles, since you can't buy those either.

I know this thread is about marijuana, but drug laws in general make me twitch. Working in a prison, I see multiple people every day who's lives have been ruined because they're charged with felony possession. They're not violent criminals. I think legalizing and taxing drugs that are illegal now would allow us to fund proper drug treatment programs and thus, ultimately reduce the numbers of addicts.

I realize it's unlikely that any other substances will be legalized, but making the use and possession of marijuana legal will be a step in the right direction.

Richie Waves · 05-06-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

The U.S. has long championed a hard-line drug policy, supporting only international agreements that enforce drug prohibition and imposing on its citizens some of the world's harshest penalties for drug possession and sales. Yet America has the highest rates of cocaine and marijuana use in the world, and while most of the E.U. (including Holland) has more liberal drug laws than the U.S., it also has less drug use.

Cannabis Culture Magazine | Marijuana Magazine

/waits for Ebola to blame it on the brownfaces

**Siobhan OFlynn** · 05-06-2009, 09:13 PM

I would just like to add that as a grown woman, I am sick and tired of laws being passed to protect me from myself. I am sick to death of politicians and special interest groups acting like my parent rather than my employee.

Ayumi · 05-06-2009, 09:14 PM

If chocolate was solely responsible for ridiculous amounts of weight gain, I'd say it would probably be smart, and best for everyone if it was made an illegal substance.

And you're absolutely right about Alcohol. Thats a great example. Alcohol is used by the majority of legal adults in the US. Its widely available because of that. The good majority of people who use alcohol on a regular basis, dont intentionally abuse it.. and yet the number of alcohol related automobile accidents.. compared to the number of other substance-abuse related automobile accidents reflects the sheer number difference.

So an increase in the number who use any mind-affecting drug, will likely increase the number of drug-related automobile accidents its very safe to assume.

and so an increase in availability, will also increase the number of youth related abuse as well.

As for it not making sense.. how many things that people abuse, could be prevented.. with harsher/stricter laws and regulations? How many abuse problems, would be nearly eliminated if there wasnt a way to easily abuse them? How does that logic not make sense?

Ayumi · 05-06-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siobhan OFlynn

I would just like to add that as a grown woman, I am sick and tired of laws being passed to protect me from myself. I am sick to death of politicians and special interest groups acting like my parent rather than my employee.

Yeah screw laws put in place by politicians and special interest groups to protect us.

Down with the FDA, we dont need laws and standards keeping us safe from everyone doing pretty much anything they want, regardless of how shady it is.

We all know everything there possibly is, about everything we could possibly do. We're all adults right?

Oh wait, this only applies to the ones we dont agree with. I missed that memo.

**Siobhan OFlynn** · 05-06-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayumi

If chocolate was solely responsible for ridiculous amounts of weight gain, I'd say it would probably be smart, and best for everyone if it was made an illegal substance.

And you're absolutely right about Alcohol. Thats a great example. Alcohol is used by the majority of legal adults in the US. Its widely available because of that. The good majority of people who use alcohol on a regular basis, dont intentionally abuse it.. and yet the number of alcohol related automobile accidents.. compared to the number of other substance-abuse related automobile accidents reflects the sheer number difference.

So an increase in the number who use any mind-affecting drug, will likely increase the number of drug-related automobile accidents its very safe to assume.

and so an increase in availability, will also increase the number of youth related abuse as well.

As for it not making sense.. how many things that people abuse, could be prevented.. with harsher/stricter laws and regulations? How many abuse problems, would be nearly eliminated if there wasnt a way to easily abuse them? How does that logic not make sense?

I don't know where you live, but I hate to break the news to you that marijuana is ridiculously easy to get in any high school in the United States.

I went to a Catholic high school that was know for the huge variety of illegal substances you could buy there, because the students came from all over the county, instead of just one town. It was a regular pharmacopoeia.

I'm glad you're so concerned for the well being of your fellow man, but harsher laws and tougher longer prison sentences is not the answer. It just turns your average everyday Joe into a felon with a number instead of a name.

Ayumi · 05-06-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siobhan OFlynn

I don't know where you live, but I hate to break the news to you that marijuana is ridiculously easy to get in any high school in the United States.

I went to a Catholic high school that was know for the huge variety of illegal substances you could buy there, because the students came from all over the county, instead of just one town. It was a regular pharmacopoeia.

I'm glad you're so concerned for the well being of your fellow man, but harsher laws and tougher longer prison sentences is not the answer. It just turns your average everyday Joe into a felon with a number instead of a name.

Do you realize how stupid that argument is? Its ridiculously easy for a teenager to get a handgun as well. Why dont we remove laws that help protect us from abuse, and just give them to everyone! I'm sure that increasing the number of people who carry firearms, will most definitely be no worse than the way it is now right?

io Kukulcan · 05-06-2009, 09:22 PM

But you have "Rockstar Crazy" over your avatar.

The only people against legalization are dealers, cops, pharmaceutical companies, and worry-warts believing that all of this is real and important and must control or save some part of the universe, one internet forum at a time.
yes.

Ayumi · 05-06-2009, 09:26 PM

I'm against legalization though. Not for any real reason, beyond logically deciding that its a bad idea. I dont smoke myself, but not for any moral, or legal obligation not to. Just like I dont skydive, or ride a motorcycle.. I just dont feel the need to.

I dont think that keeping it illegal will make the world a perfect place, or make any of our problems go away. But I certainly dont see a whole lot getting better WITH the legalization of it. And I've always been a big proponent of.. "If its not broke, dont smash it with a hammer blindly until you're sure it still works."

**Siobhan OFlynn** · 05-06-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayumi

Do you realize how stupid that argument is? Its ridiculously easy for a teenager to get a handgun as well. Why dont we remove laws that help protect us from abuse, and just give them to everyone! I'm sure that increasing the number of people who carry firearms, will most definitely be no worse than the way it is now right?

Ayumi, I have been polite and respectful of you and your position. Now that you have called my argument "stupid" I will no longer engage you in this thread or any other.

Have a nice life.

io Kukulcan · 05-06-2009, 09:30 PM

It is broken though.
Our prisons are ridiculous.
They should only be for violent maniacs.
But there's all these stoners in there, who never harmed a fly, and we're paying for all of them.
We could be paying for more awesomer things, like bullet trains, and space elevators, and cancer research.

Richie Waves · 05-06-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayumi

I dont think that keeping it illegal will make the world a perfect place, or make any of our problems go away. But I certainly dont see a whole lot getting better WITH the legalization of it. And I've always been a big proponent of.. "If its not broke, dont smash it with a hammer blindly until you're sure it still works."

Look at the numbers in your prisons for non violent drug crimes... it is broken.

io beat me too it.

Ayumi · 05-06-2009, 09:34 PM

I do agree with the prison system issue. But once again, there are better ways around that than the full fledged legalization of weed.

And I'm sorry if I offended you Siobhan.

edited to address the drug crimes thing a bit more in depth.

A revision of the laws that land you in prison, would suffice. It doesnt have to be black and white.

But generally, being arrested for possession of marijuana doesnt land you in prison. Many of those inmates arent just there because they were arrested with a dime bag of weed while walking to 711.

**Vivianne Draper** · 05-06-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayumi

I've come to realize that the biggest "weed will save the world" advocates, are all potheads.

There are a million bad ideas that the government could choose to turn a profit and pull us out of our current economic trouble. That doesnt make the ideas any less bad. And legalizing weed is.. in the end, probably not a good idea.

There are a whole slew of reasons people tout, about how weed 1) isnt dangerous or chemically addictive, 2) is less dangerous than drinking 3) would save the economy.

But what I think everyone needs to realize, is that the large number of the people regurgitating this crap.. are people who are A) choosing breaking the law, to abuse an illegal substance for recreation, and B) very often people who are making the conscious decision to choose recreation over long term financial stability/success, C) a minor.

Its like letting the same people who say "FUCK COPS, FUCKING PIGS" have the power to change a law, or the way the justice system works. Not only are they incredibly biased, but they're also incredibly stupid, and short sighted. Its just very simply, a bad idea.

I am not a pothead. I'm not choosing recreation over long term financial stability/success and I'd warrant that those whom you trust to do so are those who put our economy in the crapper to begin with. Nor am I a minor.

Three strikes and you are just out. It is not a bad idea. It is an idea worth looking at. If nothing else, medical marijuana would be a huge step in the right direction and end the suffering of thousands if not millions cancer chemotherapy and AIDs patients across the US.

05-06-2009, 07:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
Be11a Lefevre Bunny Swan Senior Member nonconforming to conformisms in complicated relationship(s) Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: L.A. / Glendale Posts: 844 My Mood:	Marijuana : the golden ticket for U.S. economy? By John Dyer, MSN Money Daniel Stein says the salvation of U.S. taxpayers could be marijuana. As Washington breaks the bank on Wall Street bailouts, President Barack Obama's stimulus package and other spend-now, pay-later measures, most observers agree that politicians will eventually need to increase revenue or cut spending to cover the federal government's debts. Stein believes Washington could begin to balance its books now if politicians would take a serious look at his industry. The owner of two retail outlets that he claims generate $1 million in revenue annually, Stein says he pays around $80,000 a year in sales taxes to the state of California. But the federal government, which does not acknowledge Stein's sales as legitimate commerce, gets nothing from his business. Sound odd? Not if you know that Stein sells marijuana. See inside a cannabis dispensary In fact, because federal authorities have spent time trying to close his and other medical-marijuana clubs, Washington is losing money on him. Imagine how much the feds would save if they stopped cracking down on sellers, Stein says. Lawyer: Why US should legalize pot "Cannabis is good for the economy," he said. "It's been here the whole time, but it's had a bad rap the entire time." As more people begin to see the merits in Stein's logic, that bad rap is changing. While legalization, decriminalization and the medical use of marijuana continue to be debated in terms of public health, lawmakers and policy analysts are increasingly touting the economic benefits of regulating and taxing weed, which the Office of National Drug Control Policy says is the most popular illegal drug in the U.S. Critics of legalizing marijuana say the potential economic benefits of regulating and taxing the drug would obscure the less-tangible, long-term downsides of making it more prevalent in society. "The argument wholly ignores the issue of the connection between marijuana and criminal activity and also the larger picture of substance abuse," said David Capeless, the district attorney of Berkshire County in Massachusetts and the president of the state's district attorneys association. "It simply sends a bad message to kids about substance abuse in general, which is a wrong message, that it's not a big deal." A 2004 report by the drug policy office said drugs cost Americans more than $180 billion related to health care, lost productivity and crime in 2002. That study lumped the effects of marijuana in with more-dangerous drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. But marijuana advocates say history is on their side. They muster arguments similar to those that led to repealing Prohibition during the Great Depression. "In the early 1930s, one of the reasons that alcohol was brought back was because government revenue was plummeting," Harvard economist Jeff Miron said. "There are some parallels to that now."

05-06-2009, 07:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Gigs Backroom Bureaucrat Is it wicked not to care? Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 4,738 Awards: 1	Between psychotropic MJ and industrial hemp, we are missing out on a multibillion dollar industry for no good reason. It's not going to "save the economy", but it wouldn't hurt. __________________ - - "It is the paramount duty of governments and of politicians to secure the wellbeing of the community under the case in the present, and not to run risks overmuch for the future" - JM Keynes

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05-06-2009, 07:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ayumi Rockstar Crazy Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Your wildest fantasies. Posts: 1,364 My Mood: Business: [ AYUMI ]	I've come to realize that the biggest "weed will save the world" advocates, are all potheads. There are a million bad ideas that the government could choose to turn a profit and pull us out of our current economic trouble. That doesnt make the ideas any less bad. And legalizing weed is.. in the end, probably not a good idea. There are a whole slew of reasons people tout, about how weed 1) isnt dangerous or chemically addictive, 2) is less dangerous than drinking 3) would save the economy. But what I think everyone needs to realize, is that the large number of the people regurgitating this crap.. are people who are A) choosing breaking the law, to abuse an illegal substance for recreation, and B) very often people who are making the conscious decision to choose recreation over long term financial stability/success, C) a minor. Its like letting the same people who say "FUCK COPS, FUCKING PIGS" have the power to change a law, or the way the justice system works. Not only are they incredibly biased, but they're also incredibly stupid, and short sighted. Its just very simply, a bad idea.

05-06-2009, 08:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
Ayumi Rockstar Crazy Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Your wildest fantasies. Posts: 1,364 My Mood: Business: [ AYUMI ]	So you're saying that they arent breaking the law to abuse a drug for recreation? Or that very often the people who smoke weed on a regular basis, arent doing it with little regard to the way it might affect their financial situation in the long term? Or that a lot of the people who smoke weed, and like to argue that "weed is good mmkay" arent minors? How is ANY of that untrue, even if its stereotypical? Stereotypes generally exist for a reason, and the validity of your points, dont invalidate any of mine.

05-06-2009, 08:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
Ayumi Rockstar Crazy Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Your wildest fantasies. Posts: 1,364 My Mood: Business: [ AYUMI ]	The last thing most people need, is another substance they can make the legal choice to abuse. And I'm not saying "use". I'm saying Abuse. Much in the way that people find themselves say.. addicted to gambling, or drinking, or overeating as three very "stereotypical" examples. People have a problem with self control. Look at all the overweight people, who blame everything BUT themselves for their issue. While people will always break the law to do things, say.. download movies. Having laws in place prohibiting it, will at least keep abuse on a large scale in check. I can name a lot of semi-plausible reasons for it being a bad idea. The more its available, the more it will be abused by minors. And crazy enough, studies show that oral fixations and smoking cigarettes are linked. The more kids smoke weed, the more they're bound to start smoking cigarettes at a young age.. and with China, Korea and Japan as examples for kids smoking.. well, gross. If thats even somewhat a possibility, I'd say that its enough to nix the legalization of weed on its own. You're creating a bigger problem, to solve a problem that.. isnt really. People are probably always going to smoke weed on their own, as long as its available. Currently the large majority of people who smoke, do it in private, on their own time. How can you not see it affect work habits, automobile accidents, etc.. if its used on a much larger scale, more frequently than it is currently?

05-06-2009, 09:13 PM	#14 (permalink)
Siobhan OFlynn The original prim whore SLU Supporter BUY INGRID'S PREFABS!!! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sunset Valley or Riverview Posts: 4,306 My Mood: SL Join Date: 08-19-2003 Awards: 1	I would just like to add that as a grown woman, I am sick and tired of laws being passed to protect me from myself. I am sick to death of politicians and special interest groups acting like my parent rather than my employee.

05-06-2009, 09:14 PM	#15 (permalink)
Ayumi Rockstar Crazy Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Your wildest fantasies. Posts: 1,364 My Mood: Business: [ AYUMI ]	If chocolate was solely responsible for ridiculous amounts of weight gain, I'd say it would probably be smart, and best for everyone if it was made an illegal substance. And you're absolutely right about Alcohol. Thats a great example. Alcohol is used by the majority of legal adults in the US. Its widely available because of that. The good majority of people who use alcohol on a regular basis, dont intentionally abuse it.. and yet the number of alcohol related automobile accidents.. compared to the number of other substance-abuse related automobile accidents reflects the sheer number difference. So an increase in the number who use any mind-affecting drug, will likely increase the number of drug-related automobile accidents its very safe to assume. and so an increase in availability, will also increase the number of youth related abuse as well. As for it not making sense.. how many things that people abuse, could be prevented.. with harsher/stricter laws and regulations? How many abuse problems, would be nearly eliminated if there wasnt a way to easily abuse them? How does that logic not make sense?

05-06-2009, 09:22 PM	#19 (permalink)
io Kukulcan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: the wasatch front Posts: 2,069 My Mood: SL Join Date: 04/2006	But you have "Rockstar Crazy" over your avatar. The only people against legalization are dealers, cops, pharmaceutical companies, and worry-warts believing that all of this is real and important and must control or save some part of the universe, one internet forum at a time. yes.

05-06-2009, 09:26 PM	#20 (permalink)
Ayumi Rockstar Crazy Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Your wildest fantasies. Posts: 1,364 My Mood: Business: [ AYUMI ]	I'm against legalization though. Not for any real reason, beyond logically deciding that its a bad idea. I dont smoke myself, but not for any moral, or legal obligation not to. Just like I dont skydive, or ride a motorcycle.. I just dont feel the need to. I dont think that keeping it illegal will make the world a perfect place, or make any of our problems go away. But I certainly dont see a whole lot getting better WITH the legalization of it. And I've always been a big proponent of.. "If its not broke, dont smash it with a hammer blindly until you're sure it still works."

05-06-2009, 09:30 PM	#22 (permalink)
io Kukulcan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: the wasatch front Posts: 2,069 My Mood: SL Join Date: 04/2006	It is broken though. Our prisons are ridiculous. They should only be for violent maniacs. But there's all these stoners in there, who never harmed a fly, and we're paying for all of them. We could be paying for more awesomer things, like bullet trains, and space elevators, and cancer research.

05-06-2009, 09:34 PM	#24 (permalink)
Ayumi Rockstar Crazy Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Your wildest fantasies. Posts: 1,364 My Mood: Business: [ AYUMI ]	I do agree with the prison system issue. But once again, there are better ways around that than the full fledged legalization of weed. And I'm sorry if I offended you Siobhan. edited to address the drug crimes thing a bit more in depth. A revision of the laws that land you in prison, would suffice. It doesnt have to be black and white. But generally, being arrested for possession of marijuana doesnt land you in prison. Many of those inmates arent just there because they were arrested with a dime bag of weed while walking to 711.

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