Legalizing marijuana. I don't get it.

[Amaris]

It is a quantitative imbalance, as much as the argument of someone comparing a full blown alcoholic to a pot user and then justifying that pot should be legal because we have some asshole outside getting drunk out of their mind and being a menace to society.

So because some guy who could not control himself gets drunk that should be the excuse as to why marijuana should be legal for recreational use. That... makes... no... sense.

It makes perfect sense. Used in excess, both products can impair your senses.

Well marijuana gets you jacked up too! Then, why should it be legal for recreational usage? Why put another risk out there? Shouldn't the argument then be, because there are individuals with an addictive personality alcohol and marijuana should be illegal? I don't get it...

Marijuana should be legalized for medical usage only. I do not see the benefits in some kid getting stoned and being unproductive or a some person deciding to go on a drive while smoking a blunt. I just don't.

There are no benefits to getting drunk or smoking a cigarette, yet people do these freely and legally. Marijuana runs in the same pack, and yet it's considered illegal. It is hypocritical to ban one and not the other.

 

[infinix]

Okay. So there is no doubt that weed is addictive, just like alcohol and tobacco. Could it be that weed is more addictive than these other two substances?

I know people are naturally susceptible to different kinds of addictions. Some are immune to alcohol and some are immune to tobacco. For example, I've tried both drinking and cigar smoking. I drink when I feel like it, which is rare, and I only smoke cigar when I'm in the right company, which is even rarer.

But could it be that weed is much easier to get hooked on and therefore should be controlled?

Of course, the premise is we agree that any form of substance abuse is bad and becoming a out and out pothead is undesirable not only on an individual level but on a societal level.

 

[iguana_tonante]

I am not a smoker, if it could be illegal it would be. I am not a drinker, if it could be illegal in my perfect little world it would be.

So everything that you don't do or enjoy should be illegal. I see.

I sure hope you enjoy sex at least, because if not we are in for some problems with continuing the human race!

 

[Pingfah]

Okay. So there is no doubt that weed is addictive, just like alcohol and tobacco. Could it be that weed is more addictive than these other two substances?

I know people are naturally susceptible to different kinds of addictions. Some are immune to alcohol and some are immune to tobacco. For example, I've tried both drinking and cigar smoking. I drink when I feel like it, which is rare, and I only smoke cigar when I'm in the right company, which is even rarer.

But could it be that weed is much easier to get hooked on and therefore should be controlled?

Of course, the premise is we agree that any form of substance abuse is bad and becoming a out and out pothead is undesirable not only on an individual level but on a societal level.

Well clearly you have it all worked out.

Case closed.

 

[Trekker4747]

Okay. So there is no doubt that weed is addictive, just like alcohol and tobacco.

Marijuana is less addictive than caffeine, a substance people consume in mass quantities every damn day.

 

[infinix]

There are no benefits to getting drunk or smoking a cigarette, yet people do these freely and legally. Marijuana runs in the same pack, and yet it's considered illegal. It is hypocritical to ban one and not the other.

If we want to talk about government actions that are hypocritical, we'll be here forever. I think people in general are hypocrites. We've all seen our share of hypocritical teachers, parents, friends, preachers, politicians, and judges. Hell, I'm a hypocrite sometimes.

Those who are in a position of authority aren't necessary more hypocritical but rather its that when these people contradict themselves, it is that much more obvious.

What I'm trying to say is that being hypocritical is a natural human condition and its not all bad. Like the US gov't wants to support the pursuit of freedom and liberty for the entire world, but realistically, it can't achieve that claim on an universal sense. We accept the hypocrisy because we understand the reality.

Pot being illegal might be hypocritical, but the alternative may not be realistically feasible if it is much easier to become addicted to pot.

 

[Amaris]

There are no benefits to getting drunk or smoking a cigarette, yet people do these freely and legally. Marijuana runs in the same pack, and yet it's considered illegal. It is hypocritical to ban one and not the other.

If we want to talk about government actions that are hypocritical, we'll be here forever. I think people in general are hypocrites. We've all seen our share of hypocritical teachers, parents, friends, preachers, politicians, and judges. Hell, I'm a hypocrite sometimes.

Those who are in a position of authority aren't necessary more hypocritical but rather its that when these people contradict themselves, it is that much more obvious.

What I'm trying to say is that being hypocritical is a natural human condition and its not all bad. Like the US gov't wants to support the pursuit of freedom and liberty for the entire world, but realistically, it can't achieve that claim on an universal sense. We accept the hypocrisy because we understand the reality.

Pot being illegal might be hypocritical, but the alternative may not be realistically feasible if it is much easier to become addicted to pot.

Putting an adult person in jail for having an ounce of weed yet not for a six pack of beer is extremely hypocritical and unjustifiable when the data is examined. This is an example of hypocrisy that should not stand, as it curtails freedom in kind rather than degree.

 

[infinix]

Okay. So there is no doubt that weed is addictive, just like alcohol and tobacco.

Marijuana is less addictive than caffeine, a substance people consume in mass quantities every damn day.

Okay, so it seems like the vast majority here support legalizing marijuana. If the rest of the population is indifferent on this subject, then I don't understand why it isn't legal yet.

How did that initiative fail in California? Makes no sense.

 

[Merky]

I am not a smoker, if it could be illegal it would be. I am not a drinker, if it could be illegal in my perfect little world it would be.

So everything that you don't do or enjoy should be illegal. I see.

Well, if you put it in those terms, I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't answer your question.

I sure hope you enjoy sex at least, because if not we are in for some problems with continuing the human race!

 

[Mistral]

I think we need laws to stop marijuana abuse but in itself I see no good reason for marijuana to be illegal. The harm caused by it being illegal is greater than the harm that would be caused by it being legal and either way I don't think the amount of people using it would differ greatly.

Once again Miss Chicken cuts to the salient point.

The rest of you are splitting infinities-this, as stated, is the main point and an obvious truth, statistically.

As for legal marijuana making people into potheads-no, people choose. Addictive personalities will find something to be addicted to.
Personally, I'd rather they chose something that keeps them on the couch listening to music and playing video games....

 

[Amaris]

Okay. So there is no doubt that weed is addictive, just like alcohol and tobacco.

Marijuana is less addictive than caffeine, a substance people consume in mass quantities every damn day.

Okay, so it seems like the vast majority here support legalizing marijuana. If the rest of the population is indifferent on this subject, then I don't understand why it isn't legal yet.

How did that initiative fail in California? Makes no sense.

You forgot about money. Whomever has the most money makes the most impact. There were plenty of special interests who were against the legalization of marijuana. Keep in mind, too, that drug cartels don't want marijuana to be legal, because that will curb their profits, which was the same deal with rumrunners back in the Prohibition era.

 

[Mistral]

Okay. So there is no doubt that weed is addictive, just like alcohol and tobacco.

Marijuana is less addictive than caffeine, a substance people consume in mass quantities every damn day.

Okay, so it seems like the vast majority here support legalizing marijuana. If the rest of the population is indifferent on this subject, then I don't understand why it isn't legal yet.

How did that initiative fail in California? Makes no sense.

the same way the same-sex marriage thing failed-interests outside the state flooded it with advertising money

 

[Trekker4747]

Okay. So there is no doubt that weed is addictive, just like alcohol and tobacco.

Marijuana is less addictive than caffeine, a substance people consume in mass quantities every damn day.

Okay, so it seems like the vast majority here support legalizing marijuana. If the rest of the population is indifferent on this subject, then I don't understand why it isn't legal yet.

How did that initiative fail in California? Makes no sense.

The problem is those indifferent people and a very vocal opposition. People for it are pretty much just saying, "Well, why not? Alcohol is worse!" People against it are saying, "Your KIDS WILL DO DRUGS! Crime will SKYROCKET! It's a GATEWAY DRUG to HEROIN!" and this will all usually be juxtaposed with scary graphics, black and white picture over ominous music.

The mouth-breathing, undecided, people in the middle will say, "Shit, I don't want that! And then vote."

California passed the "Gays can't marry" law in much the same manner, those who didn't give a shit eitherway were scared by the nonsense being sold by the opposition. "Your child will be told about BUTTSEX!"

 

[CorporalCaptain]

People would be lost without their scapegoats. The pro-legalization camp has an uphill battle because of this.

 

[Nowhere Man]

Alcohol abuse does the same thing.

So is gambling addiction, so is addiction to video games, so is addiction to sex, so is addiction to anything that garners an obessive behavior that results in it afflicting your life and those around you in a negative way.

When it becomes addiction it is bad. Alcohol is not terrible until it becomes an addiction.

Someone can have an addiction to the internet. Never leave their house and become a recluse, aka the hikkikomori.

Marijuana impairs you, regardless. A glass of wine doesn't.

So your judging an entire group of people based on your brother who is acting irresponsible? Marijuana should be legal, it is harmless. For every bad apple out there, there are plenty of responsible people who smoke pot all day long and go to work and are productive members of society. Your painting with an extremely wide brush. Alchohol is a toxic substance and every drink that you drink you are harming your body just a little bit more. Addiction can apply to everything,either physically or mentally, so should we just lock ourselves in a closet and live there? Marijuana is only mentally addictive, one that easy easy to shake within one month of quitting.

 

[iguana_tonante]

So everything that you don't do or enjoy should be illegal. I see.

Well, if you put it in those terms, I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't answer your question.

Well, if your answer is going to be something that you know it's socially, practically, or rationally unacceptable, maybe you should take it as an hint to reconsider your position, no?

 

[nevermore]

The simple answer to "why should it not be illegal" is, that prohibition causes far more damage than the drug itself.

Okay. So there is no doubt that weed is addictive, just like alcohol and tobacco. Could it be that weed is more addictive than these other two substances?

Your premise is flawed, there is a great deal of doubt over the addictiveness of marijuana, and indeed whether it is physically addicting at all. Based on a number of studies that gauge physical addiction by withdrawal symptoms, marijuana is considered to be at most, mildly physically addictive given the short duration and mild symptoms of withdrawal in heavy users. (see e.g Kouri EM, Pope HG. Abstinence symptoms during withdrawal from chronic marijuana use. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;8(4):483-92 and Smith NT. A review of the published literature into cannabis withdrawal symptoms in human users. Addiction 2002;97(6):621-32).

One thing that is not in doubt is that it is far less addictive than either alcohol or nicotine.

Try this link for some info. Yes, it's a legalization site, but the article is well sourced to peer-reviewed articles in respected journals and books. See, specifically, the tables entitled "Comparing Addictive Qualities of Popular Drugs (Hennigfield, 1994)" and "Comparison of hazards of different drugs (modified according to Roques et al. 1998)."

 

[CaptainStoner]

And harmless? My brother is an extreme pot head - The kid smokes everyday and he can't remember if he's coming or going half the time. Harmless? It does way more damage than smoking a cigarette. I have to look at this kid every day and hold back the urge to slap his dutch out of his hand. He'd rather spend money on a dime bag then put gas in his car. Sometimes he gets so high he forgets that he has to go to work the next morning or forgets his schedule entirely.

So...he's a young irresponsible person with his priorities mixed up. Never heard of such a thing. I know, let's blame the marijuana.

Yeah, harmless indeed. It makes you irresponsible. Sorry, I rather deal with alert people than someone snowed on marijuana.

Your preference has no bearing on the complete idiocy of making this plant illegal.

The only people that should be using marijuana are those who medically need it. Cancer patients, people with nerve disorders, terminally ill patients. Medicine wasn't put on this earth to be abused by people don't need it.

Not your call to make. You only get to choose that for yourself. See how that works?

 

[infinix]

The problem is those indifferent people and a very vocal opposition. People for it are pretty much just saying, "Well, why not? Alcohol is worse!" People against it are saying, "Your KIDS WILL DO DRUGS! Crime will SKYROCKET! It's a GATEWAY DRUG to HEROIN!" and this will all usually be juxtaposed with scary graphics, black and white picture over ominous music.

Is "why not" ever a good defense for why something should be done?

 

[Aldo]

I smoke cigarettes, I've tried to stop in the past but it is hard, why? Because cigarettes are very addictive. They are so addictive in fact that I have to smoke one about every two hours to get rid of that coughy feeling in my throat smokers get when they go a while without a cig.

I also smoke pot, depending on the day and who I'm hanging out with I may do it a few days in a row, I may do it once a month. Never have I gone through any kind of withdrawal from not smoking pot. I like the way it makes me feel, so I guess in that way you could say it's addictive, but that's more about how strong willed I am mentally and has nothing to do with pot giving me any kind of physical withdrawals.