Marijuana

[chloe]

Why is marajuana illegal but alcohol is legal? It seems to me that weed is less damaging then alcohol. What is the legal arguement to say alcohol is ok compared to weed?

[emmett]

A better question.....not that yours is a bad one mind you.....is:

Why is anything illegal?

To answer this question we have to explore where it is stated that goverment has a "right" to dictate to citizens how they live their lives. One could argue that the collective citzenry through their government has this right because it is the responsibility of government to protect us from ourselves. I don't believe this obviously and would argue that so long as the acts (any act) by a citizen that does not affect another is none of anybody's business.

To condone this type of control over a person's life we must say it is okay to search any home....anytime, any car, all persons....at any time. If we are going to do this why not set up huge task forces at billions of dollars of expense just to prevent this. Oh...wait a minute....we have done this. As a matter of fact we have spent so much money on this over the years that we could almost balance the national debt. That's right. The War on Drugs!

Alcohol kills thousands each year. So do drugs or should I say the illegal drug trade does. Thousands.....Tens of thousands!!!!!!! The War on Drugs is a wasteful redundent process that will never be overcome. A black hole so to speak. Yet alcohol continues to prosper while it kills our children. Personally I hate it and could live without it but as a Libertarian I realize and respect a person's right to use it. The problam I have is that we seem to lessen the severity of it somehow as opposed to other crimes when someone is hurt or killed. For instance:

The average time served by someone convicted of manslaughter is 7.45 years

The average time served by a drunk driver who kills someone is less than one year!

What the hell! How could this be? To me a drunk driver is among the lowest forms of life on this earth. How irresponsible can a person be than to go and get drunk, then climb into a car and start running around like you are playing bumper cars at a fair.

There are currently 400,000 people serving prison sentences right now for non-violent drug offenses. Four Hundred Thousand!!!!!!! That is allot of jail cells people. That is allot of food, subsistance items, water, electricity and waste.

I say the minimum jail sentence for a first time drunk driver should be 90 days in jail. No exceptions!! If they wreck and injure someone....5 years! Kill someone..20 years!

Do it again.....LIFE!

A drunk driver is just as much a danger to our children as a molestor or abuser. People operate with the mindset though that they can get a good lawyer, pay him 5 grand and get out of it with probation and some community service. They are right! They can. They can do it over and over as a matter of fact.

Show me a link where a driver was convicted of manslaughter after being stoned on ONLY marijuana. OK...show me two! I doubt it. Not that I think people should drive while they are stoned any more than I think they should while they are drunk. Uniform is what I seek. Hurt someone as a result of ANY irresponsible action....PAY! Pay with your freedom. Simple as that. Drink...do dope...do anything..but hurt someone as a result and PAY! Making certain things illegal and others not is just silly!

I believe if you want to get slobbery drunk, even though I choose not to, or stoned as a bat.....in your home. FINE! Have at it. It is your home! I think you should be able to do anything there! Come out into public and hurt my kids as a result, you better hope to God the cops get you first.

It all comes down to responsibility. Laws do not educate. You cannot legislate your to safety. Government can't do it....nothing can do it. The only thing that should be illegal is hurting others as a result of anything one does while acting irresponsibly. Let juries decide what is irresponsible! Let's don't require them to be attorneys just to be jurors. Rather or not some loophole in the law allowed it in this county or on that road. Point 8 here and point 65 there. Not for sale here...for sale there. An ounce OK here, 2 grams there. That is stupid. At home fine! Anywhere else...illegal!

The whole issue goes out to way further than this. It is about government deciding how we live. We have taken one little step after another toward this socialist state ever since the first law to govern private action. Roadblocks, confiscation of property, eminant domain......search and seizure..it is nothing short of gustapo shit. Why? Because we have these laws that say we need to be protected against ourselves.

The first marijuana laws in our country is the source of great debate. Some say it was in El Paso in the early 1900's. Some say Utah...that's right Chloe...your state. Others say Jamestown. In Utah the law was passed in 1914 by the mormans as a religious thing. Other states began to follow because it was a way of insuring that the medicine business did not recieve competition from the seemingly natural effects of weed. California enacted a state law around that time also but being out west it didn;t catch on for a while. By the time of the depression about half the states had made some sort of law against marijuana. Penalties ranged from fines to prison terms in harsher states. Basically the snowball went on from there.

No one has ever been able to prove marijuana's effect as dangerous. I remember watching this movie called "Reefer Madness" when I was a kid that showed people having halucinations and wanting to kill each other and stuff. It was bologna. It claimed you couldn't control yourself and would jump off buildings and things like that. Propaganda was all it was coming directly from the Conservative side of the fence. The Religious right preached it in churches how your life would wrapped in Satan's robe if you smoked marijuana. The fact is no one knew shit but everybody was an expert on it. I don't know a single soul who has smoked marijuana to say it is a dangerous drug. The only people who do have never smoked it. Hmmm. They have never smoked it but they are sure iot is dangerous and should be outlawed. Sounds like government all right.

Well......I have been drunk! And I DID NOT LIKE IT! I also know I could have hurt someone if I drove my car. Alcohol is a damn killer. I still don't say that someone should not be allowed to use it. I do believe that you should be allowed to do anything, that is bar none, ANYTHING, at your home or in the safe confines of another's home so long as they authorize it. I don't believe the police should be allowed to ever enter a home to see what you are doing except to exercise a FELONY arrest warrant. Not a traffic ticket like Ruby Ridge......a felony warrant. It was the moment we started legislating what people can and can't do outside the home that led to our going into their homes. It is all wrong...every bit of it.

The law should read like this:

Any American citizen may do as he / she wishes, with regard to anything, anywhere and at anytime so long as it does not hamper anothers right to do the same which would include physical injury, disturbing the peace and solitude of another or commiting any physical act which would restrict a citizen's right to peace and tranquility.

[chloe]

when I was a kid my real dad did both alcohol & weed, but when he got drunk he used to beat my sister up all the time and do horrible things to everyone around. Yet when he snoked weed he never hit us or hurt us. My first husband always used to beat me up when he got drunk, but when he smoked weed he was jokey & mellow. I think alcohol is worse. But I agree with you Emmett if alcohol is going to be legal then so should weed. I don't do either substance now I've been sober a long time. But it makes sense what you said as long as people aren't hurting others or violating them as a result of using those substances.

[Gaffer]

Alcohol impairs the brain function kills brain cells and effects the liver and other organs by denying oxygen. Marijuana is a hallucinogen that makes you think you feel good. It can effect the lungs when used regularly and in spite of all the people that say differently it can be addictive.

Alcohol can be controlled and taxed. Marijuana can't. So it will always remain illegal. All other drugs are dangerous but they represent a huge income both for the drug lords and the politicians. Drugs allow the politicians to enact laws for controlling the population, get more funding and increase their power base. Not to mention the pay offs that come through lobbyists.

[emmett]

when I was a kid my real dad did both alcohol & weed, but when he got drunk he used to beat my sister up all the time and do horrible things to everyone around. Yet when he snoked weed he never hit us or hurt us. My first husband always used to beat me up when he got drunk, but when he smoked weed he was jokey & mellow. I think alcohol is worse. But I agree with you Emmett if alcohol is going to be legal then so should weed. I don't do either substance now I've been sober a long time. But it makes sense what you said as long as people aren't hurting others or violating them as a result of using those substances.




I thought of sending this to you in a PM but since it out on the board:


I am so sorry that you or anyone else has ever endured such torment. That (those) bastards should be in jail. PERIOD! Or dead!

It goes back to what I was saying about responsibility. If we have heard it once we have heard it a thousand times about how if only they would not have been drunk, they wouldn't have done it! "Oh Bob is good man, he would never had done that if he wasn't drinking."

BOB is not a good man!!!!! He drinks! He hurts people! Bob is a common criminal and needs to be in jail where the people he beats on will beat back.

When I was a child I had a neighbor that used to beat his wife. I was about 11 and I would stand out in the hall of our apartment building and listen because it was fascinating to a child to hear such behavior. They would argue and scream at each other. It would always start with him. After it sounded like it was getting rough she would get loud too obviously in defense while trying to get him to stop whatever the hell he was doing.

Her name was Miss Pat, she was about 50 or so and was such a sweet lady. She would help my grandma tend our little garden at the end of the building and always smiled and had nice things to say to me. I carried it around like a rock the fact that I knew she lived like she did. It really bothered me. One time I saw her outside and she had a black eye and a cut on her face. I dreamed about it for two or three nights afterward. I never had been around any violence of any kind and I struggled with it in an awful way until I finally asked my grandma when was someone going to do something about it. My grandma looked like someone in the family had died when I asked her that and her eyes swelled up with tears. Be advised that I was never even spanked, talked loudly to or harmed in any way as a child...except by a few bullies and the normal kids stuff.

A few days later my grandma called the police when we heard the ruccus going on again. They came out and went into the apartment. I sat with my ear to the front door trying to listen. I remember hearing Miss Pat tell the officers, "he only does this when he is drinking officer. Please don;t take him to jail, he is a good man when he isn't drinking."

Miss Pat refused to come outside after that. Two months or so later they moved. She never spoke to my Grandma again. She only spoke to me once and that was while she had opened the door to get her mail while I was leaving our place. She smiled at me but was reserved as if she wished she would not have seen me.

I have always remembered this incident. I might also mention that there were no more loud incidents at the apt. This was the first of many times in my life I would be around this type of behavior. I have a way of dealing with it. I get involved. Trying to imagine the terror that is felt by a victim of abuse is sometimes overwhelming to me. Trying to see through the eyes of a small child or woman, the big ogor looking drunk asshole screaming his brains out and acting all crazy makes me wild with hate! Just to imagine the helplessness a woman feels knowing she "thinks" she needs the idiot to get by so she will take the crap makes me insane.

The only good that can come from our experiences with this type of behavior is a desire to stop it from happening to anyone else....EVER! I've heard arguments that we shouldn't get involved.....it's their business and so forth but an abused person has demons that we don't understand. The physical torture makes them subserviant in some cases. I've even seen cases where it appears the reciepiant seems to like the behavior. Well.....I don't! I never will because I will always remember the incident that sort of stole my innocense that happened across the hall. I will never forget that bastard as long as I live. In a certain strange way I am thankful for it though because it taught me to recognize what I hated and inspired me to get involved.

I won't go into how much I have been involved in my life in this area. It would just bore everybody. I will say that allowing this behavior to exist while knowledgeable of it is a cowardly act. Alcohol is not the cause of this stuff. It is a personal responsibility issue. No one has the right to ever hurt another person for any reason at any time except in "self" defense or the defense of the innocent.

Again I would wish to say that I am truly sorry you have had the experience you have in your life. You are a precious angel for sharing it with us on here though as there are many thinkers and good people who frequent this board. Maybe a tad of influence might see it's way to someone who will at a given time become involved in a situation where they may not have and to talk about it openly is a healer. In doing so you have fought back in a sense with a weapon way more powerful than a fist could ever be. The truth!

[chloe]

Alcohol impairs the brain function kills brain cells and effects the liver and other organs by denying oxygen. Marijuana is a hallucinogen that makes you think you feel good. It can effect the lungs when used regularly and in spite of all the people that say differently it can be addictive.

Alcohol can be controlled and taxed. Marijuana can't. So it will always remain illegal. All other drugs are dangerous but they represent a huge income both for the drug lords and the politicians. Drugs allow the politicians to enact laws for controlling the population, get more funding and increase their power base. Not to mention the pay offs that come through lobbyists.

why can't weed be controlled and taxed?

[dan]

why can't weed be controlled and taxed?

Because the best weed isn't grown in this country. Mexico provides a staggering percentage of the pot bought and sold in this country. Notice that most all major alcohol companies are here in the States. They can tax and control them. It will take major investment on the government's part to establish a marijuana industry here.

But, more importantly, the government will have to, in a roundabout way, admit that at least part of the war on drugs was a waste of money, which is the biggest reason it won't be legalized in our lifetime, IMHO.

[glockmail]

Because the best weed isn't grown in this country. Mexico provides a staggering percentage of the pot bought and sold in this country. Notice that most all major alcohol companies are here in the States. They can tax and control them. It will take major investment on the government's part to establish a marijuana industry here.

But, more importantly, the government will have to, in a roundabout way, admit that at least part of the war on drugs was a waste of money, which is the biggest reason it won't be legalized in our lifetime, IMHO. They grow some pretty amazing pot in The South. Remember it is the #1 tobacco region in the world.

The fact is that anyone with a window sill and a flower pot can grow it, so it can't be effectively taxed, so the government says drink booze instead. Its that simple.

[darin]

Alcohol doesn't "kill brain cells".
A: No, usually brain cells are not killed. For 16 years, Roberta J. Pentney, professor of anatomy and cell biology at the University at Buffalo, has studied chronic alcohol abuse and brain function. She concludes that alcohol does not kill brain cells but rather damages dendrites--the branched ends of nerve cells that bring messages into the cell.

http://www.wonderquest.com/BrainCells.htm

[chloe]

alcohol kills your liver, when both my dad & sister drink sometimes they throw up blood. I just noticed I mispelled marijuana, I think weed killed my brain cells....thank god I don't smoke it anymore. ha ha

Emmett: yeah I probably should have kept my family history quiet but thanks for your kind words.

[Gaffer]

Alcohol doesn't "kill brain cells".
A: No, usually brain cells are not killed. For 16 years, Roberta J. Pentney, professor of anatomy and cell biology at the University at Buffalo, has studied chronic alcohol abuse and brain function. She concludes that alcohol does not kill brain cells but rather damages dendrites--the branched ends of nerve cells that bring messages into the cell.

http://www.wonderquest.com/BrainCells.htm

So it cuts off the nerve leading to the brain cell. Same results. Cell no longer functions.

Bigger health threat is the fact it destroys the liver. Once the liver starts to go there is no stopping it.

[April15]

Why is marajuana illegal but alcohol is legal? It seems to me that weed is less damaging then alcohol. What is the legal arguement to say alcohol is ok compared to weed?One of the first lobbys was for drug laws so the pharmacological companies could profit.
History of drug laws and restrictions in U.S.

1830's
In Massachusetts, first law to limit alcohol availability in U.S.-- forbade selling to Indians.

1850's
Between 1851 and 1855, 13 states passed alcohol prohibition laws. By 1868, 9 had repealed them. Same pattern later. Again, laws aimed partially at those who were partaking rather than on the drug itself.

1875
San Francisco Ordinance banning the operation or visiting of opium dens. Again, the drug itself not banned, only a particular setting (aimed at controlling use among Chinese immigrants).

1897
Tea Importation Act-- possibly first consumer protection law. Test incoming loads for quality. (How done? By tasting, of course).

At this point, there are no Federal laws governing use or distribution of any drug (medicinal or recreational). Substances such as heroin, morphine, and cocaine are readily available and sold as part of "patent" medicines to cure everything from menstrual cramps to toothaches in children.

However, times are beginning to change. The morality movement against alcohol has begun to take hold in various areas of the country. Also, concerns about the use of opium and cocaine beyond medicinal uses is gaining attention. The Federal government was much less activist in controlling behaviors at the turn of the century, however, and very narrowly saw its province as dealing with interstate commerce. Accordingly, the U.S. government was very slow at responding to what was seen by some as a crisis, and was actually involved in the exportation of opium into China and the Philippines. At the beginning of the 20th century, the stage is set for greater Federal response to drugs and their use.

1906
Food and Drug Act enacted-- strictly a "labeling law"-- only affected misbranded foods and drugs. Main concern was "patent medicines" that could be made up of tar, animal secretions, cocaine, heroin, or whatever and no one would know. As far as the law was concerned, the medicine could contain all of these as long as it was labeled properly.

Around this time the fear of Chinese opium dens coupled with stories of supposed cocaine-fueled violence by Blacks down South-- topped by an inflammatory and unsubstantiated accounts to Congress of how cocaine was leading to the raping of White women by Black men-- lead to calls for further restrictions.

1907
From 1907 to 1919, 39 states enacted prohibitions and only 2 repealed, showing a resurgence in the Prohibition movement. Some of this was fueled by religious prejudice, with the prohibitionists being Protestant using Irish-Catholics as examples of decadent drunkenness. 64% of Americans lived in "dry" territory.

1912
Hague Conventions-- calling for international regulation of opium. U.S., who convened international meeting at The Hague because of growing concerns about opium use at home, called on the carpet for not having any drug restrictions of its own. This led to the enacting of the Harrison Tax Act.

1914
Harrison Tax Act-- Direct response to Hague Conventions to deal with "narcotics." Keeping in line with the view of the Federal government's role in interstate commerce, this act was a tax and only a tax (NOT a prohibition, as it is often misinterpreted as doing.) Under the act, physicians were able to "minister to patients" and "...drugs obtained by addicts were to be secured through registered physicians." That meant that at this time, addiction was legally seen as a medical issue rather than a punishable, behavioral one. Coca and cocaine were inappropriately identified in this Act as narcotics.

1920's
Jan. 16, 1920-- 18th Amendment (Volstead Act; alcohol prohibition) was ratified; took effect 1/16/21. Helped launch suffragette movement since women were instrumental in the passage of this act.

Since Harrison Act was a tax, enforcement taken over by treasury department during 1920's along with alcohol prohibition enforcement. An over-zealous interpretation of law developed-- not just collect taxes and insure registration, but it took on a prosecutorial position. Strict interpretation saw the prosecuting of doctors that prescribed to addicts, no longer seeing addiction as a medical issue. Over a short period of time, the Treasury Dept. refused to register other sellers (even though allowed by law), and closed public health clinics that administered to addicts (since not considered legitimate medical purpose). Two times as many drug (opiates and cocaine) arrests as for alcohol during this time.

During this time, marijuana use was popular in some areas (cities)-- at "tea dens"-- since marijuana legal and alcohol was not. Some references to use by Mexican-Americans, but use and concern about it low. In 1926, however, a series of reports from New Orleans linking marijuana with crime piqued public concern.

1933

[chloe]

April15th do socialist countries have weed & alcohol legal?

[creativeage]

Why is marajuana illegal but alcohol is legal? It seems to me that weed is less damaging then alcohol. What is the legal arguement to say alcohol is ok compared to weed?

This has always baffled me, too. I have always believed it should be the opposite. I don't believe the answer "because it can't be controlled and taxed" is completely correct. ANYTHING can be controlled and taxed, just look at our government with everything else. Sure, you can grow pot in your windowsill, just like you can grow tomatoes - and, you can also brew your own beer in your basement, you can grow grapes and make wine in a cellar on your property - back to freedom, period.

But then, there is the addiction issue. Both, alchohol and pot essentially are - it is proven that any substance or activity can be addictive either physically or pychologically.

Our inalienable rights are to have the freedom to balance our activities and substances ourselves - the only problem is how much does the government step in to protect us from those who cannot control/balance addictions and hurt others from their substance abuse, violence, etc? An age old, question - a great topic!

I, too, grew up in an alcoholic environment - but hey, 1 in 3 families in America are affected by alcoholism. Just look down your street, every third house! Then, take into account all the other ailments stirring around (prescription drugs, OCD, gambling, video gaming, shopaholism, overeating), and then every house has SOMETHING. We are all messed up in our wonderful way! I choose to be grateful for the adversity because it made me a stronger, more appreciative person.

Do not fear adversity, as only the strongest oaks grow in contrary winds, and diamonds are made under pressure - Thomas a Kempis

IMHO, Pot should be legalized (I believe it could help us get out of debt, actually and chill out both extreme sides of politics), but mostly feel our entire country needs a 12-step program to balance alcohol, drug use, shopping, oil, materialism, gambling, smoking, gaming, overeating, over-government, etc.

[chloe]

This has always baffled me, too. I have always believed it should be the opposite. I don't believe the answer "because it can't be controlled and taxed" is completely correct. ANYTHING can be controlled and taxed, just look at our government with everything else. Sure, you can grow pot in your windowsill, just like you can grow tomatoes - and, you can also brew your own beer in your basement, you can grow grapes and make wine in a cellar on your property - back to freedom, period.

But then, there is the addiction issue. Both, alchohol and pot essentially are - it is proven that any substance or activity can be addictive either physically or pychologically.

Our inalienable rights are to have the freedom to balance our activities and substances ourselves - the only problem is how much does the government step in to protect us from those who cannot control/balance addictions and hurt others from their substance abuse, violence, etc? An age old, question - a great topic!

I, too, grew up in an alcoholic environment - but hey, 1 in 3 families in America are affected by alcoholism. Just look down your street, every third house! Then, take into account all the other ailments stirring around (prescription drugs, OCD, gambling, video gaming, shopaholism, overeating), and then every house has SOMETHING. We are all messed up in our wonderful way! I choose to be grateful for the adversity because it made me a stronger, more appreciative person.

Do not fear adversity, as only the strongest oaks grow in contrary winds, and diamonds are made under pressure.[/B] - Thomas a Kempis

[B]IMHO, Pot should be legalized (I believe it could help us get out of debt, actually and chill out both extreme sides of politics), but mostly feel our entire country needs a 12-step program to balance alcohol, drug use, shopping, oil, materialism, gambling, smoking, gaming, overeating, over-government, etc.

True, I think it should be legal too. I think it is up to people to take responsiblity for there behavior and actions. Welcome to the board, Is your avatar some of your own artwork? I love looking at art, photography and paintings.

[April15]

April15th do socialist countries have weed & alcohol legal?Most do but religious ones don't.

[creativeage]

True, I think it should be legal too. I think it is up to people to take responsiblity for there behavior and actions. Welcome to the board, Is your avatar some of your own artwork? I love looking at art, photography and paintings.

**brief off topic** Chloe, thanks for appreciating the turtle art - called "Meeting of the Minds" I plan to change out Avatars according to my artistic moods...hope you enjoy!

[chloe]

**brief off topic** Chloe, thanks for appreciating the turtle art - called "Meeting of the Minds" I plan to change out Avatars according to my artistic moods...hope you enjoy!

I love it !

[MtnBiker]

What is the purpose of smoking pot?

[chloe]

What is the purpose of smoking pot?

I suppose the same as drinking alcohol.

[MtnBiker]

I suppose the same as drinking alcohol.

I had a nice glass of 2005 Maximus Red to complement a grilled strip loin I ate the other night. Is there a pot variety that could have been subsitituted?

[chloe]

I had a nice glass of 2005 Maximus Red to complement a grilled strip loin I ate the other night. Is there a pot variety that could have been subsitituted?

my bro smoked it when he was getting treatment for cancer because the chemo made him ill and not hungry the weed stimulated his appetite. I don't drink or smoke pot. However when I was younger I did both I liked drinking only to get drunk that was my only reason for drinking never cared what I was eating with my booze. I smoked pot because it relaxed my mood and gave me the giggles. I quit because I can't do either in moderation. There is something called munchies that sometimes goes along with weed, chicken wings & ranch dip were pretty good after smoking a few bowls of weed.

[MtnBiker]

Is the alcohol industry built soley on consumers that use alcohol to just become drunk?

[chloe]

Is the alcohol industry built soley on consumers that use alcohol to just become drunk?

what does that have to do with why is alcohol legal but weed isn't? There are social smokers and social drinkers both, there are alcoholics & addicts too. I don't know why one is legal and one isnt. Shouldnt they both be legal or illegal? It is up to the individual to handle how they consume it and the effects it has in my opinion. Having a few puffs off a joint is like having 1 beer.

[MtnBiker]

I'm asking logical questions that pertain to the discussion.

I'm not convienced that the purpose of smoking pot is the same as drinking alcohol.

[chloe]

I'm asking logical questions that pertain to the discussion.

I'm not convienced that the purpose of smoking pot is the same as drinking alcohol.

whats the purpose of drinking alcohol ?

[MtnBiker]

As far as why alcohol is legal and pot is not, a look at the historical use and acceptance of each might answer the question. Wine and beer have played a role in most cultures throughout history. As well as spirits.

[chloe]

As far as why alcohol is legal and pot is not, a look at the historical use and acceptance of each might answer the question. Wine and beer have played a role in most cultures throughout history. As well as spirits.

so no cultures in history smoked weed or hemp?

[MtnBiker]

whats the purpose of drinking alcohol ?

I've pointed out an example, wine is a great complement to a meal, beer can be as well. Both can be enjoyed without becoming inebriated.

[MtnBiker]

so no cultures in history smoked weed or hemp?

I have not claimed that.

[chloe]

I've pointed out an example, wine is a great complement to a meal, beer can be as well. Both can be enjoyed without becoming inebriated.

weed works the same way, you don't have to smoke a quarter ounce in a sitting, you can take a few puffs of a joint and relax around the pool BBQ some steaks and relax. :cool:

[creativeage]

weed works the same way, you don't have to smoke a quarter ounce in a sitting, you can take a few puffs of a joint and relax around the pool BBQ some steaks and relax. :cool:

Both ultimately serve the same purpose: to escape life challenges and unwind. Both also have negative effects on the body beyond just the extra calories (alcohol is full of sugars, pot makes you eat a lot)...that's why I chose art to escape, of course, I do like the effect of the paint fumes when I use oil paints.

Still remain on my stance that we should be FREE to CHOOSE. Both should be legal, and those whose hurt others as a result of abusing of the privilege should have consequences, period.

[glockmail]

What is the purpose of smoking pot? Same purpose as a man having sex with his wife who's on the pill.

[emmett]

Both ultimately serve the same purpose: to escape life challenges and unwind. Both also have negative effects on the body beyond just the extra calories (alcohol is full of sugars, pot makes you eat a lot)...that's why I chose art to escape, of course, I do like the effect of the paint fumes when I use oil paints.

Still remain on my stance that we should be FREE to CHOOSE. Both should be legal, and those whose hurt others as a result of abusing of the privilege should have consequences, period.


Spoken like a Libertarian.

[Binky]

Alcohol impairs the brain function kills brain cells and effects the liver and other organs by denying oxygen. Marijuana is a hallucinogen that makes you think you feel good. It can effect the lungs when used regularly and in spite of all the people that say differently it can be addictive.

Alcohol can be controlled and taxed. Marijuana can't. So it will always remain illegal. All other drugs are dangerous but they represent a huge income both for the drug lords and the politicians. Drugs allow the politicians to enact laws for controlling the population, get more funding and increase their power base. Not to mention the pay offs that come through lobbyists.



Heck anything can become addictive if you let it. Unfortunately, I have an affinity for chocolate. I've been trying not to buy any, since it is very damaging to my teeth and weight.

Eventually, weed will become legal. There's just too much money to be made from it, so the government isn't going to pass up the opportunately to make a buck off it. Once that happens, and it will, weed will then become controlled and taxed. Once made legal, that'll stop all the weed trafficing into the states. How about Medicino CA, I think that's the name of the place? the whole damn county is profiting from weed one way or the other. Either people are growing it by the huge amounts, or merchants are selling it in pastries etc. It's vast in that area. And the DEA goes in and slaughters a crop, but they are way in over their heads. Too much happy weed and not enough bull dozers. When one place is closed down, it reopens elsewhere.

[glockmail]

...

Eventually, weed will become legal. There's just too much money to be made from it, so the government isn't going to pass up the opportunately to make a buck off it. .... This is exactly why it will never be legal, because anyone with a pot of dirt and a windowsill can grow their own, bypassing a punitive tax.

[Trinity]

Does Drinking Alcohol Kill Brain Cells?

by David J. Hanson, Ph. D.

The idea that alcohol kills brain cells has long been promoted. The early temperance writers made this assertion and also insisted that the alcohol in their blood could cause “drunkards” to catch fire and burn alive. 1 This combustion argument against drinking was dropped long ago but many anti-alcohol writers continue to promote the idea that even moderate drinking causes brain cells to die.

Scientific medical research has actually demonstrated that the moderate consumption of alcohol is associated with better cognitive (thinking and reasoning) skills and memory than is abstaining from alcohol. Moderate drinking doesn’t kill brain cells but helps the brain function better into old age. Studies around the world involving many thousands of people report this finding. 2

Of course, years of alcohol abuse can cause serious neurological damage, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Harm can be done to message-carrying dendrites on neurons in the cerebellum, a part of the brain involved in learning and physical coordination. But even in such extreme cases, there’s a lack of evidence that alcohol kills brain cells. 3

However, abstinence after chronic alcohol abuse enables brains to repair themselves, according to new research involving rats. 4

During simulated alcohol “binges,” rats’ ability to create new brain cells was reduced. But after the animals no longer consumed alcohol they had a “huge burst” in new brain cell development. The study is the first to demonstrate that brain cell production can return after abstinence from alcohol abuse.

People who drink too much and are thinking about either reducing or eliminating their drinking should find these findings encouraging, although humans have not yet been tested directly for the positive brain effects.

http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/HealthIssues/1103162109.html

[Sparrow Hawk]

I believe Marijuana must be illegal.It will create more people to become addicted to this sick crap and create more crime.

[9/12er]

I think it should be legalized. For many reasons, but the most important to me is that it kept my uncle pain-free from his leukemia for 14 1/2 years (after they gave him 12 months to live) I got to have him in my life for longer. That's what was important to me.

My Godfather also used it to self-medicate through depression. He passed away this past February, but if it weren't for him occasionally smoking, I don't know what he would have done.

I had 4 friends killed by a drunk driver in 2000... I'm 90% sure they wouldn't have died if the guy that hit him was high on pot instead of drunk.

Also - the ONLY reason it's considered a "gateway drug" is because the same people that sell you pot also normally sell coke, speed, and LSD. If you don't need to go to those people for pot, why would you ever buy hard drugs from them???

When I lived in California, I was one of the "lucky" ones legally allowed to smoke pot (I had a major anxiety disorder at the time) but I never took advantage of it. The stuff makes me sick to my tummy...

[Mr. P]

I believe Marijuana must be illegal.It will create more people to become addicted to this sick crap and create more crime.


I think it should be legalized. For many reasons, but the most important to me is that it kept my uncle pain-free from his leukemia for 14 1/2 years (after they gave him 12 months to live) I got to have him in my life for longer. That's what was important to me.

My Godfather also used it to self-medicate through depression. He passed away this past February, but if it weren't for him occasionally smoking, I don't know what he would have done.

I had 4 friends killed by a drunk driver in 2000... I'm 90% sure they wouldn't have died if the guy that hit him was high on pot instead of drunk.

Also - the ONLY reason it's considered a "gateway drug" is because the same people that sell you pot also normally sell coke, speed, and LSD. If you don't need to go to those people for pot, why would you ever buy hard drugs from them???

When I lived in California, I was one of the "lucky" ones legally allowed to smoke pot (I had a major anxiety disorder at the time) but I never took advantage of it. The stuff makes me sick to my tummy...

Legalize it, there's no good reason not to but billions of reasons why we should. How's that war on drugs workin?

[chloe]

We should just legalize weed, alcohol is legal and it has caused many deaths. California might be able to pull out of debt if they could market weed.:lol:

[avatar4321]

Ive always been for drugs being illegal. I am against all sort of drug use. However, after being in court defending countless marijauna cases, I think they are seriously all our time with it. I mean atleast drop it down to a summary offense. Issue citations and stop wasting court time with it. We have alot of other problems we need to focus on.

[Sparrow Hawk]

Legalize it, there's no good reason not to but billions of reasons why we should. How's that war on drugs workin?
The laws against all drugs use must be enforced vigorously.Marijuana destroys brain cells at any age of the user whether he/she is 18,21,25,40,and 90.War on drugs does have a perfect victory.In some countries such as Iran,Saudi Arabia,China,India,Thailand the death penalty is given.

[Mr. P]

The laws against all drugs use must be enforced vigorously.Marijuana destroys brain cells at any age of the user whether he/she is 18,21,25,40,and 90.War on drugs does have a perfect victory.In some countries such as Iran,Saudi Arabia,China,India,Thailand the death penalty is given.

Studies don't support yer brain cell assertion. Regardless, it's interesting that you see a perfect victory by execution to be better than a loss of brain cells.

If you think there are no drugs or users in Iran,Saudi Arabia,China,India,Thailand do to their penalties yer sadly mistaken.

How's that war on drugs working? It ain't and never will.

[Sitarro]

The laws against all drugs use must be enforced vigorously.Marijuana destroys brain cells at any age of the user whether he/she is 18,21,25,40,and 90.War on drugs does have a perfect victory.In some countries such as Iran,Saudi Arabia,China,India,Thailand the death penalty is given.

It's Sparrowhawk and like the spelling of your screen name, you are wrong with this awful post. If anything, the fact that the shit places you named are for it should mean we are completely against it.

[chloe]

**brief off topic** Chloe, thanks for appreciating the turtle art - called "Meeting of the Minds" I plan to change out Avatars according to my artistic moods...hope you enjoy!

I wonder if the new healthcare obama plan will cover medical weed, creativeage would have loved the what does your avatar say about you:cool: thread.

[Noir]

As a little aside, i think weed should be illegal, and alcohol, cigarettes and anyother such drug.

But it will never happen, such is life.

[chloe]

As a little aside, i think weed should be illegal, and alcohol, cigarettes and anyother such drug.

But it will never happen, such is life.

Noir I think weed should be legal along with alcohol or alcohol & weed both illegal:cool:

[Noir]

Noir I think weed should be legal along with alcohol or alcohol & weed both illegal:cool:

Okie dokes, and what of cigs?

[chloe]

Okie dokes, and what of cigs?

contrary to my Av, I don't smoke but I used too and I can tell you it is an addiction. I wouldn't oppose it being illegal, but Im sure Im in the minority !

[glockmail]

Marijuana, marijuana LSD, LSD.
Dopers make it
Hippies take it
Why can't we?

[chloe]

Marijuana, marijuana LSD, LSD.
Dopers make it
Hippies take it
Why can't we?

I bet you never smoked a doobie in your life ...heh

[Jeff]

I bet you never smoked a doobie in your life ...heh

I have, lol, imagine that:laugh2:

[chloe]

I have, lol, imagine that:laugh2:

I have too.....lots n lots (but I don't anymore)

[Kathianne]

I think marijuana, alcohol, cigs should all be legal. I inhaled, but not anymore. Perhaps after retirement?

[chloe]

I think marijuana, alcohol, cigs should all be legal. I inhaled, but not anymore. Perhaps after retirement?

:laugh2:

[Jeff]

:laugh2:

legalize it and I will be high as a kite :laugh2:

No more pee test
LOL

[chloe]

legalize it and I will be high as a kite :laugh2:

No more pee test
LOL

not me I think I started it too young and did too much, I have to to stay sober now.

[Mr. P]

legalize it and I will be high as a kite :laugh2:

No more pee test
LOL

I'd probably never drink alcohol again.

[Kathianne]

I'd probably never drink alcohol again.

We are a bad bunch!

[Jeff]

I'd probably never drink alcohol again.

:laugh2::laugh2::laugh2:

so much faster, smoother, aaa hell I am a liar I would still do both :laugh2:

[glockmail]

I bet you never smoked a doobie in your life ...heh Dude, I grew up near Boston in the 70's. We used to get stoned all the time on pot and hash. Tye drinking age was 18 so one of us could always get booze as well. I did LSD once and thought I was a worm- never again!

[chloe]

Dude, I grew up near Boston in the 70's. We used to get stoned all the time on pot and hash. Tye drinking age was 18 so one of us could always get booze as well. I did LSD once and thought I was a worm- never again!

Glock you have officially "shocked" me , all this time I've seen you as a puritan boy. Imagine that !!!

[glockmail]

Glock you have officially "shocked" me , all this time I've seen you as a puritan boy. Imagine that !!!

I can raise hell with the best of them, babe! :dev3:

[chloe]

I can raise hell with the best of them, babe! :dev3:

Indeed !:eek:

[emmett]

(Emmett sits quietly and listens to the confessions of the devilish, evil potsmokers and LSD doers)

reeeaaal quietly........


cause he ain't saying shit!



To quote a once famous whoremongering statesman....

I tried it once or twice.......I didn't like it....oh yeah, I DID NOT inhale.....and I did not have sex with that woman.......well,....it all depends on what you call inhaling!! All I did was breathe it in....is that inhaling? Which woman are you talking about? What sex?

[emmett]

Glock you have officially "shocked" me , all this time I've seen you as a puritan boy. Imagine that !!!



:laugh2:

Imagine that huh Chloe.........maybe the folks on here speak from more experience than we thought.


Marijuana should be legal.
Everything should be legal.
Let Americans decide for themselves.....not government.

[HogTrash]

You may have all suspected that Hog has had his share of experience in the use of illegal substancies.

Admittedly, I have had quite an adventurous and colorful life to say the least, some of which I'm not so proud of.

Now at 58 I am happy to say that my only artificial weaknesses are a cold full flavored Bud[not lite] and a good scotch or bourbon.

But as a libertarian conservative I believe it is none of mine or the governments business what anyone else does as long as it doesn't affect others.

[chloe]

:laugh2:

Imagine that huh Chloe.........maybe the folks on here speak from more experience than we thought.


Marijuana should be legal.
Everything should be legal.
Let Americans decide for themselves.....not government.

I don't doubt pretty much everyone here has alot of experience, I just put Glock on a higher moral pedastal, like a choirboy. I was surprised he participated in those activities thats all.:eek:

[glockmail]

I don't doubt pretty much everyone here has alot of experience, I just put Glock on a higher moral pedastal, like a choirboy. I was surprised he participated in those activities thats all.:eek: It took a significant portion of the Glockster's life to educate himself on the necessity of living to high moral standards. This is in spite of having two loving, hard working parents and an Irish Catholic upbringing. I still fail on occasion and yet receive the undeserved understanding of Jesus, along with that of my beautiful and loving wife. :wink2:

[Mr. P]

It took a significant portion of the Glockster's life to educate himself on the necessity of living to high moral standards. This is in spite of having two loving, hard working parents and an Irish Catholic upbringing. I still fail on occasion and yet receive the undeserved understanding of Jesus, along with that of my beautiful and loving wife. :wink2:

Oh GOD a "Born again"! That's as bad as a former smoker! :poke:

[chloe]

It took a significant portion of the Glockster's life to educate himself on the necessity of living to high moral standards. This is in spite of having two loving, hard working parents and an Irish Catholic upbringing. I still fail on occasion and yet receive the undeserved understanding of Jesus, along with that of my beautiful and loving wife. :wink2:

Your wife has done a good job, keeping you on the straight n narrow, and Im sure its been alot of work :poke:, I hope she has unlimited passes to the spa. She deserves it. For the most part your a good guy.

[emmett]

As for Marijuana...



I think I could hit one right now.

[Joyful HoneyBee]

Keeping marijuana illegal makes it very profitable for drug lords and those who harbor them, making underhanded, under the table deals with them to keep them from getting 'caught'.

The most sickening side effect of all that is there are people with medical conditions who are made to suffer because then cannot have access to medical marijuana - I've seen it with my own eyes. People with glaucoma, cancer and autoimmune disorders benefit greatly from marijuana - if and when they can get their hands on it. My dad suffered for 20 years with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis back when the meds they gave were worse than the natural progression of the disease. His doctor tried to get him approved for medical marijuana, but the government said no, no, no.

Seems pretty arbitrary to me that alcohol is legal, cigarettes are legal, diphenhydromine is legal. If I had to choose I would rather meet someone in traffic stoned on pot than buzzed on benadryl.

Nobody profits from it being illegal except for criminals. I'll tell you what I think should be illegal is those five minute commercials telling people to talk to their doctor about this drug or that, followed by a two minute disclaimer about all the horrid side effects related to that particular drug.

[glockmail]

Oh GOD a "Born again"! That's as bad as a former smoker! :poke: Nope- Catholic. Only born one time.


Your wife has done a good job, keeping you on the straight n narrow, and Im sure its been alot of work :poke:, I hope she has unlimited passes to the spa. She deserves it. For the most part your a good guy.

Pretty much my first look at her was enough to get my act together. I bought the spa for her, and moved it up to our cabin over the summer:

http://i514.photobucket.com/albums/t345/Southernmanpics/P1060479.jpg

[chloe]

Nope- Catholic. Only born one time.



Pretty much my first look at her was enough to get my act together. I bought the spa for her, and moved it up to our cabin over the summer:

http://i514.photobucket.com/albums/t345/Southernmanpics/P1060479.jpg

That looks like a peaceful place to spend summers !

[glockmail]

That looks like a peaceful place to spend summers ! Winters. We ski every weekend.

[chloe]

Winters. We ski every weekend.

I don't like skiing, every time I have to get off the ski lift chair I get a anxiety that I wont be quick enough and then I try to get off too soon and it hits me in the back and knocks me down. Plus its cold in the mountains. Anyway cross country is tolerable, downhill scares me. (ps this relates to marijauna because most of the time I was very stoned when skiing) :cool:

[glockmail]

I don't like skiing, every time I have to get off the ski lift chair I get a anxiety that I wont be quick enough and then I try to get off too soon and it hits me in the back and knocks me down. Plus its cold in the mountains. Anyway cross country is tolerable, downhill scares me. (ps this relates to marijauna because most of the time I was very stoned when skiing) :cool:

1. Wear good clothing. No cotton. I even have my special "racing underwear" under compression tights. Then I have various layers of fleece, wool, thinsulate and finally nylon, depending on the temperature. My wife suffers from poor circulation in her fingers and toes, and they turn white when cold, so I've installed electric heaters in her boots, and she uses heat pads in her gloves. You should never be cold skiing.
2. You wouldn't play golf or drive a car stoned so don't ski that way.
3. Rent modern equipment. Gear has changed, making the sport easier.
3. Take a lesson. Techniques have changed with the equipment.

[chloe]

1. Wear good clothing. No cotton. I even have my special "racing underwear" under compression tights. Then I have various layers of fleece, wool, thinsulate and finally nylon, depending on the temperature. My wife suffers from poor circulation in her fingers and toes, and they turn white when cold, so I've installed electric heaters in her boots, and she uses heat pads in her gloves. You should never be cold skiing.
2. You wouldn't play golf or drive a car stoned so don't ski that way.
3. Rent modern equipment. Gear has changed, making the sport easier.
3. Take a lesson. Techniques have changed with the equipment.

I don't smoke weed anymore. Sounds like you and Mrs Glock afford to be fancy in your sporting adventures. Good for you 2...he he

[glockmail]

I don't smoke weed anymore. Sounds like you and Mrs Glock afford to be fancy in your sporting adventures. Good for you 2...he heWe make enough to be comfortable, but she's a "black diamond" shopper, and we rarely pay more than 50% of retail.

[jimnyc]

Did someone say marijuana? Don't touch the stuff myself! (just typing that in case the wifey is peering over my shoulder).

A friend gave a friend of mine something called "blueberry". Some exotic mix of seeds grown via hydroponics and presto, some very fresh, sticky buds.

Now, again, I would never touch the stuff, but was there when they smoked it (I smoked it, but I didn't inhale). The stench alone would easily wake the dead. It kind of almost makes your lip tingle a bit. But its awfully rough going down! One big 'ol hit will leave you coughing and gagging for 5 minutes.

I dunno, maybe I got what they call a "contact high" from being to close to these damn stoners.

Damn, I think the cops are spying on my house! I knew I saw those bastards following me home. Either that or the stench left a trail.

Man, I'm hungry all of a sudden. Be back, gotta avoid the 5-0 and sneak out for some chocolate cupcakes.

[jimnyc]

P.S. - My prior "story" was fake, or real, depending on who you are reading it. I reserve the right to use the 5th amendment as well. Maybe my account was hacked. It's a conspiracy!!!

See, I finally solved all the worlds long debated conspiracies! I can almost believe some of that shit when stoned.

[chloe]

P.S. - My prior "story" was fake, or real, depending on who you are reading it. I reserve the right to use the 5th amendment as well. Maybe my account was hacked. It's a conspiracy!!!

See, I finally solved all the worlds long debated conspiracies! I can almost believe some of that shit when stoned.

Pothead:cool:

[Jeff]

pothead:cool:

no doubt !!!

Lol

[jimnyc]

Pothead:cool:

Sadly, but not regrettably, the term somewhat fits. I'm far from being Cheech or Chong, but I do have a lengthy history with the wacky tobacky.

I've always been a completely high strung person. Always on the move, even when not moving. My brain doesn't like to cooperate and chugs along doing weird things - which led to my diagnosis as having acute mania or something like that. It's just a fancy way of saying that my brain is in overdrive at most times, and for 40 years my body tried to keep up with it. As a result, no matter how I tried, I could never gain weight. But worse, it caused anxiety, which was at times severe. I've gotten a grip in the past few years on the mania, but have turned into a fat slow as a result. Most of my adult life I've been 5'10 and was always between 135-145lbs. I started taking this medication a few years back and seemed to have leveled out around 195lbs. I'd like to drop that back to around 165-170, but that might require exercising. :eek:

Anyway, back to the point. Yes, I started out as a true pothead in the late 80's, doing so solely out of my greed and desire to party and get high. I wanted a career though, and pothead and career don't work well together. I stopped for awhile, and had times where I would just smoke at night so not as to interfere with my work. I noticed during that time how it relieved my stress, helped me sleep and assisted with my anxiety (more on that in a bit).

I went completely cold turkey for awhile (years). Of course I survived, and obviously could live without the stuff, but still dealt with my anxiety and mania, both of which I really didn't know existed as I had never been to a doctor before for the symptoms. I just thought I was hyper, as I was my whole life.

Of course I somehow always felt myself drawn back though. I make no apologies, I just learned to like the stuff and am mature enough to use it in a responsible manner, even if it's illegal.

99% of the time, if I can get my hands on some, I never smoke more than one or 2 drags from it at a time - anymore than that could give me an anxiety attack. Yup, it cures my anxiety, but too much makes it worse. I rarely get "stoned" but more mellowed out. I can function in a manner where no one would even know. Probably because I only smoke such a little bit at a time.

Does it impair ones functions? I would be naive if I said no. But I do my best to just use my "relaxing" time in the privacy of my home, generally with a movie, or hot bath, just to mellow out and enjoy the evening.

In case you guys missed my posts over the years, I have what some would call "issues". Yup, I'm a dirtbag who has skulls in his closet and some health issues to deal with. Bet none of you would have ever guessed! :poke:

Things that I truly believe "smoking" can help with, based on my own experiences; Increased appetite (I was rarely ever hungry and ate like a bird), anxiety (of course if used properly it will "mellow" you out), mania (it tends to block out the surrounding issues in life, allowing me to center on something and be more productive).

It also saves lives! I believe there are a few people I might have beaten to death if I was high strung like I used to be. I like to think my smoking prevented their untimely deaths, but I suppose my doctor and appropriate medication might have changed me over the years too.

To make a long story short, I like to refer to myself as a "functional and educated pothead". :coffee:

[chloe]

I started smoking when I was around 12yrs, my real father was a dope dealer in vegas so i had free access. I moved onto to cocaine at 13, Dad gave me a gram of it for xmas and taught me to snort. By 16 I was married and a full bown alcohlic /pothead coke head. I get it ! That marriage ended when I was 23, then I got married again 6 months later, met him at AA had 2 kids, quit all drugs and drinking completely, Im still sober. But Yeah I wonder how much damage I did to myself as a kid for sure. Now Im old and reclusive. :cool:

[Prince Lemon]

Marijuana is a degradation of society as well as alcohol.They both destroy all values of life from Faith to family values.Binge drinkings and illegal Marijana usings are common in America.I strongly for keeping prohibition on all drugs and also reinstate The 18th Amendment.During National Alcohol Prohibition people drank less that there was less crime.It is time to restore America to her good old times.

[J.T]

Why is marajuana illegal but alcohol is legal?
Short answer? Textile interests.

Long answer: textile interests culturing racist fears that blacks and mexicans would smoke it and rape all the White women

[J.T]

Alcohol can be controlled and taxed. Marijuana can't.
Sure it can. it works elsewhere and it works with tobacco.


Because the best weed isn't grown in this country.

And? We manage to tax lots of things that are imported.



What is the purpose of smoking pot?

Same as drinking coffee: to enjoy its psychotropic effects.

Any more stupid questions?

[J.T]

Marijuana is a degradation of society as well as alcohol.They both destroy all values of life from Faith to family values.

Jesus was a winemaker :beer:

[SassyLady]

Same as drinking coffee: to enjoy its psychotropic effects.

Any more stupid questions?

Drinking coffee doesn't stink up the air for the people around the person drinking the coffee....so it's not the same for all people affected.

[J.T]

Drinking coffee doesn't stink up the air for the people around the person drinking the coffee.....

Same for eating pot brownies.

I hadn't figured you for a member of the 'ban cigarettes' crowd. Frankly, you can stfu. As someone who reacts quite badly to cigarette smoke (if a smoker is just upwind of me, the smoke will make me quite nauseous and give me a terrible migraine), I don't see the problem. When there were smoking and non-smoking areas, it worked just fine given adequate ventilation. I never had trouble finding non-smoking restaurants or areas free of smoke and I just refused to give my money to a business with smokey air and stood upwind of and away from friends who smoke.

Just butt the fuck out, already. We don't need or want a fucking nanny to tell us to stop smoking and not eat fast food. We can make and be responsible for those decisions are damn selves. Just leave us the fuck alone, k.

The only problem with cigarette smokers is that the fuckers almost all litter, throwing their butts everywhere.

[SassyLady]

Same for eating pot brownies.

I hadn't figured you for a member of the 'ban cigarettes' crowd. Frankly, you can stfu. As someone who reacts quite badly to cigarette smoke (if a smoker is just upwind of me, the smoke will make me quite nauseous and give me a terrible migraine), I don't see the problem. When there were smoking and non-smoking areas, it worked just fine given adequate ventilation. I never had trouble finding non-smoking restaurants or areas free of smoke and I just refused to give my money to a business with smokey air and stood upwind of and away from friends who smoke.

Just butt the fuck out, already. We don't need or want a fucking nanny to tell us to stop smoking and not eat fast food. We can make and be responsible for those decisions are damn selves. Just leave us the fuck alone, k.

The only problem with cigarette smokers is that the fuckers almost all litter, throwing their butts everywhere.

Well, I'd rather stand next to a smoker than be within hearing distance of your filthy mouth...but thanks for letting me know what your sore spot is.

[Prince Lemon]

Most countries of the world prohibit drugs of any type including Canabis.Why does America have to be like Holland the den of the junkies,queers,and hookers?Holland is a modern Sodom of EU today.

[J.T]

thanks for letting me know what your sore spot is.

Get used to it, toots; I'm not alone. A lot of Americans are tired of the government butting in where it has no place.

Butt. The. Fuck. Out.

It doesn't get any simpler.

Don't want to patronize a business full of cigarette smoke? Then don't Go elsewhere and give your money to someone willing to cater to you. Don't want to smell my weed smoke? Then don't come over when we're hotboxing the living room. Don't want to eat fast food? then don't buy it. Don't want you kids buying candy and cola from the snack machine at school? Then pack their lunch, don't give them the money, and/or teach them to eat more healthful foods from a young age- you know, do your job as a parent Don't like marijuana or alcohol? then don't buy or use it.

It's not that goddamn complicated.

We neither need nor want the government to be our fucking nanny, k?

[J.T]

Most countries of the world prohibit drugs of any type including Canabis.Why does America have to be like Holland the den of the junkies,queers,and hookers?Holland is a modern Sodom of EU today.

One word: Portugal

[J.T]

http://www.alternet.org/drugs/151635/ten_years_ago_portugal_legalized_all_drugs_--_what_happened_next


The government in Portugal has no plans to back down. Although the Netherlands is the European country most associated with liberal drug laws, it has already been ten years since Portugal became the first European nation to take the brave step of decriminalizing possession of all drugs within its borders—from marijuana to heroin, and everything in between. This controversial move went into effect in June of 2001, in response to the country’s spiraling HIV/AIDS statistics. While many critics in the poor and largely conservative country attacked the sea change in drug policy, fearing it would lead to drug tourism while simultaneously worsening the country’s already shockingly high rate of hard drug use, a report published in 2009 by the Cato Institute tells (http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:5g2aohJVRUoJ:www.cato.org/pubs/wtpapers/greenwald_whitepaper.pdf+Portugal+cato+instute+rep ort&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjhekXV_mzF3BZVW-AdrMeol2oYIxpElhVVwBLvqKpCA_aSYWeZxWJ7IO9dwTdRsBIJ Kp2hqcTnutLZX74nYekuxBufEYYCc_hdbSBETYoc7_Gy5h-Z41x0m2OJwXf_ySA6QcZK&sig=AHIEtbTFGvCxPjzl-u3_bM3PZ3G2k70uJQ&pli=1)a different story. Glenn Greenwald, the attorney and author who conducted the research, told Time: “Judging by every metric, drug decriminalization in Portugal has been a resounding success. It has enabled the Portuguese government to manage and control the drug problem far better than virtually every other Western country."
...
For those looking for clues about how the U.S. government can tackle its domestic drug problem, the figures are enticing. Following decriminalization, Portugal eventually found itself with the lowest rates of marijuana usage in people over 15 in the EU: about 10%. Compare this to the 40% of people over 12 who regularly smoke pot in the U.S., a country with some of the most punitive drugs laws in the developed world. Drug use of all kinds has declined in Portugal: Lifetime use among seventh to ninth graders fell from 14.01% to 10.6%. Lifetime heroin use among 16-18 year olds fell from 2.5% to 1.8%. And what about those horrific HIV infection rates that prompted the move in the first place? HIV infection rates among drug users fell by an incredible 17%, while drug related deaths were reduced by more than half. "There is no doubt that the phenomenon of addiction is in decline in Portugal," said (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g9C6x99EnFVdFuXw_B8pvDRzLqcA?docId=CNG.e740b 6d0077ba8c28f6d1dd931c6f679.5e1)Joao Goulao, President of the Institute of Drugs and Drugs Addiction, at a press conference to mark the 10th anniversary of the law.

[Little-Acorn]

Why is marajuana illegal but alcohol is legal? It seems to me that weed is less damaging then alcohol. What is the legal arguement to say alcohol is ok compared to weed?

Because the nationwide crime wave, gang warfare, massive black market, assaults, and murders resulting from making alcohol illegal, occurred during a time when the populace felt some sense of responsibility, and so they did something about it: they repealed the law forbidding alcohol.

But the nationwide crime wave, gang warfare, massive black market, assaults, and murders resulting from making maryjane illegal, occurred during a time when the populace had gotten used to feeling no responsibility for anything they hadn't done with their own fingers, and so they do nothing about it. Instead, they sit around and complain, demand others do something about it, and write posts about it on the internet to make themselves feel better while nothing improves. And no one tries to repeal the laws against maryjane.

Thanks for asking....... ;)

[Prince Lemon]

One word: PortugalAlso agree.

[chloe]

Because the nationwide crime wave, gang warfare, massive black market, assaults, and murders resulting from making alcohol illegal, occurred during a time when the populace felt some sense of responsibility, and so they did something about it: they repealed the law forbidding alcohol.

But the nationwide crime wave, gang warfare, massive black market, assaults, and murders resulting from making maryjane illegal, occurred during a time when the populace had gotten used to feeling no responsibility for anything they hadn't done with their own fingers, and so they do nothing about it. Instead, they sit around and complain, demand others do something about it, and write posts about it on the internet to make themselves feel better while nothing improves. And no one tries to repeal the laws against maryjane.

Thanks for asking....... ;)

who demands what from others? your post wasnt really clear to me except I suspect some sarcasm was inserted in it, I swear Im not stoned:laugh2:

[J.T]

Don't want to patronize a business full of cigarette smoke? Then don't Go elsewhere and give your money to someone willing to cater to you. Don't want to smell my weed smoke? Then don't come over when we're hotboxing the living room. Don't want to eat fast food? then don't buy it. Don't want you kids buying candy and cola from the snack machine at school? Then pack their lunch, don't give them the money, and/or teach them to eat more healthful foods from a young age- you know, do your job as a parent Don't like marijuana or alcohol? then don't buy or use it.


lol gaffer got mad over that

Well, gaff, you can shove your nanny state up you ass, too http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs21/f/2007/280/b/f/middle_finger_smiley_by_felladatimber.gif

Butt the fuck out. It's that simple. If you don't like cigarettes, don't smoke 'em. Stand upwind and sit ion the no-smoking section. If you don't like alcohol, don't go to the bar. If you don't like marijuana, don't smoke it.

What's so hard about that?

[chloe]

Get used to it, toots; I'm not alone. A lot of Americans are tired of the government butting in where it has no place.

Butt. The. Fuck. Out.

It doesn't get any simpler.

Don't want to patronize a business full of cigarette smoke? Then don't Go elsewhere and give your money to someone willing to cater to you. Don't want to smell my weed smoke? Then don't come over when we're hotboxing the living room. Don't want to eat fast food? then don't buy it. Don't want you kids buying candy and cola from the snack machine at school? Then pack their lunch, don't give them the money, and/or teach them to eat more healthful foods from a young age- you know, do your job as a parent Don't like marijuana or alcohol? then don't buy or use it.

It's not that goddamn complicated.

We neither need nor want the government to be our fucking nanny, k?

Gosh, you DO need a blunt, what's with the hostility?:rolleyes:

[Prince Lemon]

Because the nationwide crime wave, gang warfare, massive black market, assaults, and murders resulting from making alcohol illegal, occurred during a time when the populace felt some sense of responsibility, and so they did something about it: they repealed the law forbidding alcohol.

But the nationwide crime wave, gang warfare, massive black market, assaults, and murders resulting from making maryjane illegal, occurred during a time when the populace had gotten used to feeling no responsibility for anything they hadn't done with their own fingers, and so they do nothing about it. Instead, they sit around and complain, demand others do something about it, and write posts about it on the internet to make themselves feel better while nothing improves. And no one tries to repeal the laws against maryjane.

Thanks for asking....... ;)
According to statistics that in 1920s during The National Alcohol Prohibition days,less people drank due to it and there was less disfunctional faimilies due to alcohol.Crime was small(I don't mention one US city Chicago were mafia rulled)So with dope is today.A small minority of Americans are using drugs.If we make drugs legal,this nation will become a nation of insane.

[Gaffer]

lol gaffer got mad over that

Well, gaff, you can shove your nanny state up you ass, too http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs21/f/2007/280/b/f/middle_finger_smiley_by_felladatimber.gif

Butt the fuck out. It's that simple. If you don't like cigarettes, don't smoke 'em. Stand upwind and sit ion the no-smoking section. If you don't like alcohol, don't go to the bar. If you don't like marijuana, don't smoke it.

What's so hard about that?

You are being disrespectful and I expressed my opinion of it.

[SassyLady]

Get used to it, toots; I'm not alone. A lot of Americans are tired of the government butting in where it has no place.

Butt. The. Fuck. Out.

It doesn't get any simpler.

Don't want to patronize a business full of cigarette smoke? Then don't Go elsewhere and give your money to someone willing to cater to you. Don't want to smell my weed smoke? Then don't come over when we're hotboxing the living room. Don't want to eat fast food? then don't buy it. Don't want you kids buying candy and cola from the snack machine at school? Then pack their lunch, don't give them the money, and/or teach them to eat more healthful foods from a young age- you know, do your job as a parent Don't like marijuana or alcohol? then don't buy or use it.

It's not that goddamn complicated.

We neither need nor want the government to be our fucking nanny, k?

Hey Potty Mouth ... I don't have to be in your living room to smell the stink. I live in the country on two acres and my neighbor grows and smokes that crap and I can't even walk outside without smelling it ... if I have to smell it then you can listen to my bitching about it...get used to it.

Just for the record ... all I said was that it STINKS!!! You are the one that went ballistic over an opinion and are now totally out of control. I heard that people who are addicted to this stuff get really cranky when they can't smoke it regularly.

[J.T]

t people who are addicted to this stuff


http://www.cannabismd.net/addiction/

[ConHog]

Well, I'd rather stand next to a smoker than be within hearing distance of your filthy mouth...but thanks for letting me know what your sore spot is.


I'd eat a cigarette before I'd have a beer with JT. True story.

[ConHog]

Hey Potty Mouth ... I don't have to be in your living room to smell the stink. I live in the country on two acres and my neighbor grows and smokes that crap and I can't even walk outside without smelling it ... if I have to smell it then you can listen to my bitching about it...get used to it.

Just for the record ... all I said was that it STINKS!!! You are the one that went ballistic over an opinion and are now totally out of control. I heard that people who are addicted to this stuff get really cranky when they can't smoke it regularly.

He'll be banned again in a few days anyway. No sense in letting him work you up.

[logroller]

Alcohol impairs the brain function kills brain cells and effects the liver and other organs by denying oxygen. Marijuana is a hallucinogen that makes you think you feel good. It can effect the lungs when used regularly and in spite of all the people that say differently it can be addictive.

Alcohol can be controlled and taxed. Marijuana can't. So it will always remain illegal. All other drugs are dangerous but they represent a huge income both for the drug lords and the politicians. Drugs allow the politicians to enact laws for controlling the population, get more funding and increase their power base. Not to mention the pay offs that come through lobbyists.

perhaps "more effectively taxed" would be more correct; but either way, its a major reason, along with the necessary:rolleyes: govt expense to fight the war on drugs. Truth is, IMHO, having drugs, like marijuana, illegal is more profitable for govt


Marijuana is a degradation of society as well as alcohol.They both destroy all values of life from Faith to family values.Binge drinkings and illegal Marijana usings are common in America.I strongly for keeping prohibition on all drugs and also reinstate The 18th Amendment.During National Alcohol Prohibition people drank less that there was less crime.It is time to restore America to her good old times.

Not a history buff are you? Yes people drank less, but organized crime skyrocketed. Those persons who respect law and order in society quit drinking, while those who didnt got a massive influx of money and the power to do more harm; which, thx to continued abolition through the war on drugs, they continue to do so. I am quite sure you can agree with things which support your views, even laws, but what happens when your views aren't in the majority and laws are instated which oppose you; what then?


Short answer? Textile interests.

Long answer: textile interests culturing racist fears that blacks and mexicans would smoke it and rape all the White women

Textiles? Hemp is an infinitely useful plant. Marijuana is dangerous drug. Semantics are very important JT, don't forget that. Oh, yeah, and govt knows best, just trust them.




Any more stupid questions?
The only thing stupid was your insulting response. Up until then you were on a roll!!!

A Laid back attitude is both a side- and desired effect of cannibis use. I've long believed the reason marijuana legislation has been slow to change is because marijuana smokers tend towards easy-going attitudes. I'm sure if PCP had the same benefits as pot we'd have seen change long ago.

Now for the main reason(s)---Its legalization would have effects on industry through a variety of influences. 1) people may not want to buy many of the goods they do now, including pharmaceuticals and alcohol, but also many of the extrinsic signs of happiness like cars, toys and fancy clothes; preferring instead a simpler lifestyle made palatable by being stoned. 2) many people might (probably) decide their current lifestyle,the 9to5 and debt financing, unnecessary to support their stoned lifestyle and wouldn't feed into the capital/industrial society we have now(Which, in its defense, has delivered a high std of living[no pun intended]). If pot was legal, assuming more people would use it, we'd probably have a less productive economy, albeit a happier one IMO, but less productive by quantitative measures, ie profitable. Because govt can measure the effects on the economy, its source of tax income, it prefers the costly burden of drug enforcement despite its inefficacy at actually removing the ill-effects of drugs and their prohibition from society.

[jimnyc]

Get used to it, toots; I'm not alone. A lot of Americans are tired of the government butting in where it has no place.

Butt. The. Fuck. Out.

It doesn't get any simpler.

Don't want to patronize a business full of cigarette smoke? Then don't Go elsewhere and give your money to someone willing to cater to you. Don't want to smell my weed smoke? Then don't come over when we're hotboxing the living room. Don't want to eat fast food? then don't buy it. Don't want you kids buying candy and cola from the snack machine at school? Then pack their lunch, don't give them the money, and/or teach them to eat more healthful foods from a young age- you know, do your job as a parent Don't like marijuana or alcohol? then don't buy or use it.

It's not that goddamn complicated.

We neither need nor want the government to be our fucking nanny, k?

Can you not speak appropriately to a lady and still make your point? Your entire point is lost when I see you speaking garbage to a woman. Sorry.

[Trinity]

alcohol kills your liver, when both my dad & sister drink sometimes they throw up blood. I just noticed I mispelled marijuana, I think weed killed my brain cells....thank god I don't smoke it anymore. ha ha



That's a bleeding ulcer....and my ex just landed his but in ICU about 2 months ago, his started hemorrhaging, so they had to do emergency surgery......now if he only would have just.....oh never mind that's not very nice.

[Gunny]

Why is marajuana illegal but alcohol is legal? It seems to me that weed is less damaging then alcohol. What is the legal arguement to say alcohol is ok compared to weed?

I would tend to disagree with your assessment. Weed, IMO is no more nor less damaging than alcohol. Alcohol has the worse rap because is IS legal and its effects documented over centuries of use. No such documentation exists on weed. Too, any studies done on EITHER substance have agendas to either prove or disprove. You can actually throw tobacco in as well. Billions have been spent proving the harmful effects of alcohol and lo and behold ... it gets blamed for everything but the sinking of the Titanic. Yet it remains legal because this nation was basically built on it financially.

Wouldn't you think the alcohol lobbies in DC might have a bit of a say on the legalization of weed? It's alcohol's biggest competitor. I don't see it as much a legal argument as a political one. Remember, it was criminalized to begin with because moralists pushed the idea it made black men go crazy and rape white women.

I always thought it rather hypocritical that (as a teen) I would be getting my ass chewed over the evils of smoking pot by someone with a drink in her hand.:laugh:

[chloe]

I would tend to disagree with your assessment. Weed, IMO is no more nor less damaging than alcohol. Alcohol has the worse rap because is IS legal and its effects documented over centuries of use. No such documentation exists on weed. Too, any studies done on EITHER substance have agendas to either prove or disprove. You can actually throw tobacco in as well. Billions have been spent proving the harmful effects of alcohol and lo and behold ... it gets blamed for everything but the sinking of the Titanic. Yet it remains legal because this nation was basically built on it financially.

Wouldn't you think the alcohol lobbies in DC might have a bit of a say on the legalization of weed? It's alcohol's biggest competitor. I don't see it as much a legal argument as a political one. Remember, it was criminalized to begin with because moralists pushed the idea it made black men go crazy and rape white women.

I always thought it rather hypocritical that (as a teen) I would be getting my ass chewed over the evils of smoking pot by someone with a drink in her hand.:laugh:

So you were a pothead as a teen......:rolleyes:

[Gunny]

So you were a pothead as a teen......:rolleyes:

:salute: The best.