Experts and users discuss marijuana, cannabis, crime, politics: Should the U.S. Legalize Marijuana?

Regarding Question

Should the U.S. Legalize Marijuana?

It's inevitable..

The answer to this question is actually no, but have we seen the winds of change? It's only a matter of time until the legalization of marijuana comes to fruition. Keep in mind that a large cigarette brand has already licensed their pack to read "Marlboro Greens" once marijuana is legalized. Just like alcohol became legal, so will marijuana. And can one think of a better reason for the government than the levies they would garner from the legalization? If you care to know, I am rather liberal, but not exactly a purveyor of cannabis either. I have tried it though, and it seems like most D.A.R.E. type organizations overexaggerate the way in which marijuana affects humans. I laughed at this absurd commercial of an Afro-wearing guy with his friends in a drive thru then speeding up and crashing into a little girl on a tricycle...which doesn't make any sense to begin with, but I digress. Anybody I have seen under the influence of weed exhibits very mellow, comatose behavior. Legal by 2015.

- Sundevil July 13, 2008 9:57PM

Reply to this Recommend (7) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Malboro Greens Is A Myth
  
  Although I do think you have some very valid points, I think you should do some more research next time before posting. You claimed that Marlboro has already patented the name Marlboro Greens, but that is a myth. This is a common internet rumor that has been circulating for years. Its origin was on an website called ebaumsworld and the rumor has spread ever since. Otherwise, I do think you understand some of the basic facts, although some are rather biased. Many organizations such as DARE and AboveTheInflunce have released propaganda through the media that omits much of the actual information on marijuana. For example, prohibitionists may say that people involved in a car crash had THC in their system, yet omit the fact that alcohol was also present. On the contrary, antiprohibitionists may say pot does not cause memory problems, even though the actual test conducted wasn't advanced enough to produce reliable results.
  
  - scwalsh88 August 13, 2008 10:22PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - Car Wrecks
    
    Or, they also omit the fact that marijuana stays in the system for one to two weeks, meaning those people who had "marijuana in their systems" could have smoked a week prior to the accident and were not actually under the influence of marijuana, but had it "in their systems." This is but one very common way for anti-marijuana advocates color the truth to make marijuana seem worse than it is. Ironically, even for as hard as I know they try to make marijuana seem like a horrible, dangerous drug, they are failing miserably. Testimony to the fact that marijuana is NOT a horrible, dangerous drug, but is fairly harmless.
    
    Also, what negative aspects of marijuana use that do actually occur could be prevented through legalization . For example, marijuana causes increased risk of lung disease. Yes, this is true, but only because it is smoked in order make it stretch further. Other ways of consumption wastes it, such as baking with it, making a tea out of it, etc. If it were legal , it would be a lot less expensive due to the lack of risk needed to get it to the consmer, so people would be more likely to use it in other ways. Ironically, in it's efforts to stop marijuana use, the government has actually caused the American people to use marijuana in a more harmful way.
    
    - Samantha November 17, 2009 8:44AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Good point!
  
  Which would you rather live next door to, a house full of stoners, or a house full of drunks?
  
  The biggest problem you'd have with the house full of stoners is that they might occasionally knock on your door at 3 a.m. wanting to know if you have any snacks. You can give them a stale box of Cheerios and they'll go away happy. But if the drunks next door come pounding at 3 a.m., you're in for trouble.
  
  The worst a stoner ever becomes is useless. I wish the same thing could be said for drunks.
  
  - GrannyGrump42 October 24, 2008 2:11PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (7) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - Ummm...
    
    So we should just add to the problem and legalize something else that leads to lethargic behavior?
    
    - Jewelsg88 August 5, 2009 1:17AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: No
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
    - Lethargic Behavior
      
      The example the above poster gave was an exaggerated, extreme, worst-case-scenario. The great majority of those who use marijuana are hard-working, educated, professional people who would rather drop dead than admit they use marijuana because of the stigma attached to it's use. Many use it once per week or less as a much less harmful and much more pleasurable substitute for alcohol .
      
      - Samantha November 17, 2009 8:48AM
      
      Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
      
      Thank You for your Comment
      
      We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- The commercial example?
  
  My best friend in high school actually killed someone while driving under the influence of marijuana . Why? Because he wasn't thinking straight. It's possible. To be honest, I agree that it will probably be legalized, and that's when I plan to quit teaching because education will go down the drain when kids have little to no motivation. I see it all the time at our alternative school, and the argument is that alcohol is legal . However, does adding another addiction (yes, addiction --> http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html ), really help our society ? I'm not gonna lie, people who smoke pot automatically lose credibility because they have no respect for the law and are proving to be irresponsible examples in society. The law may not be perfect, by should people really add to the drama?
  
  - Jewelsg88 August 5, 2009 1:17AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - omg
    
    well duhhh...here is quick fix for that problem make the the penaltys the same as a dui..and to tell you the truth weed doesn't kill brain cells at all its a myth...and again for the 10th time where is the proof its addicting drug.........
    
    - ihaveadegreeimalwaysright October 19, 2009 8:19AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - Marijuana Use and Education
    
    Actually, legalization will PREVENT children from getting their hands on it. Marijuana dealers will go the way of the bootlegger. How many bootleggers do you see standing on the street corner peddling their wares? I have never seen one in all my 35 years in this world. Yet, I have seen many marijuana dealers selling to whoever has money , kids included. If anything, you will see a sharp decrease in our young people's use of the drug.
    
    - Samantha November 17, 2009 8:50AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- OMG!!
  
  The answer to this question is actually no, but have we seen the winds of change ? It's only a matter of time until the legalization of marijuana comes to fruition. Keep in mind that a large cigarette brand has already licensed their pack to read "Marlboro Greens" once marijuana is legalized. Just like alcohol became legal , so will marijuana. And can one think of a better reason for the government than the levies they would garner from the legalization? If you care to know, I am rather liberal, but not exactly a purveyor of cannabis either. I have tried it though, and it seems like most D.A.R.E. type organizations overexaggerate the way in which marijuana affects humans. I laughed at this absurd commercial of an Afro-wearing guy with his friends in a drive thru then speeding up and crashing into a little girl on a tricycle...which doesn't make any sense to begin with, but I digress. Anybody I have seen under the influence of weed exhibits very mellow, comatose behavior. Legal by 2015(there is no proff this was caused by weed in a controled field...as well you can penalize the actions of driveing high people also die from texting ...quick ban phones!!!)
  
  - ihaveadegreeimalwaysright October 19, 2009 8:25AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Its Hypocritical

Alcohol is much worse but it's legal.

Since prohibition was reversed based on popular demand and not because alcohol's detriments being disproven the same logic should be applied here. It doesn't matter if its bad for us if we want it. Alcohol proves that.

- gridlock July 24, 2008 9:56AM

Reply to this Recommend (8) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Hmmm...
  
  I'm glad alcohol can prove something. Prohibition was WAY back in the day, and people who drink a beer or wine (not abuse it), don't act brain-dead. For people who abuse it, that's not going to stop. Why add to the problem though? People who want to smoke pot will do so, but they also lose motivation and fail to look at any new research proving how horrible the effects of marijuana really are. Marijuana has adapted over the years. Take a look at how many carcinogens are present in a joint now.
  
  - Jewelsg88 August 5, 2009 1:21AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: No
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Its common sense

Mr. Evans states that marijuana has severe health risks. He says a single use can lead to a panic attack or pshycosis. I've seen people have panic attacks on marijuana, but it was nothing severe (it wont kill you)
Then Mr. Evans says it may intensify symptoms in schizophrenics.The prevailance rate for schizophrenia is approximately 1.1% of the population over the age of 18 (source: NIMH) Now don't get confused and think that marijuana can intensify these symptoms in everyone, only in people who are predisposed to it. So for that 1.1% of the population I would say that it wouldn't be wise to use.
To this date marijuana can't be linked to lung cancer. It has even been known to kill aging cells.
Smoking any plant material can lead to lung damage, but marijuana can be eaten or vaporized.
marijuana causes brain damage? no absurd refer to the test done on heath monkeys.
Experiments , suggest that THC and cannidol can prevent strokes and heart attack says The US National Health Institute

- rchot July 25, 2008 11:39AM

Reply to this Recommend (9) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- I agree.
  
  I have a brother diagnosed with schizophrenia and he is very calm and extremely natural after he smokes. He is himself; he was taking prescribed medication and it helped, but now refuses to take it because it is a man-made drug. It is hard to get because we live in a state in which marijuana is not legal or decriminalized for medical use. If it were, I would have my brother back more often.
  
  - meeshell420 July 7, 2009 4:57AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- A test done on monkeys?
  
  How is that credible? We're people, not monkeys. Our bodies are different. What about the carcinogens in marijuana ? Way more than a cigarette has. Also, what about the addiction issues (yep, read new research: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html ). Most poisons come from plants too, but does that mean they're all safe?
  
  - Jewelsg88 August 5, 2009 1:22AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: No
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
It helps

I am bi-polar. While marijuana does sometimes help me move towards depression, it is no worse than some of the other meds I take. I was once prescribed lamactil, which can cause a life threatening rash, pot wouldn't kill me as painfully. Smoking relaxes me and takes the edge off. I'm not so nutty and people don't call me sybil. The bad news is you get fat. I'd rather be fat that a mad crazy bi-polar psycho that scares everyone.

- momof2alienboys July 27, 2008 7:57PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
drug prohibition doesn´t work

it doesn´t solve any problem (people are still smoking marijuana) instead it creates new problems (crime,...) and costs a lot of money.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fe208nLLEwk

- winstonsmith July 28, 2008 3:17PM

Reply to this Recommend (4) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
You cant stop the users..

Prohibition has done nothing but prove that cannabis users will continue to use marijuana for recreational and medical use. It's time for our government to realize that this herb is too beneficial to the economy and society in general to be illegal. Get your facts straight, America. Get the Truth about marijuana use, America.

- buckguerra August 1, 2008 5:18PM

Reply to this Recommend (7) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
This debate is a joke.

Anyone who has ever used cannabis knows that the fear and loathing that some people have towards this basically harmless substance are ungrounded and unsubstantiated. The numerous INDEPENDENT studies that NORML cites are testament to that. The amount of evidence being generated by academic institutions is overwhelmingly on one side of this debate, a fact that people like David Evans are loathe to admit. I would also like to point out that I smoked cannabis one Friday afternoon in early may, and then woke up the next day and got a 5 on my AP physics exam (the highest score possible).

- DelBeano August 1, 2008 9:16PM

Reply to this Recommend (8) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- just baked
  
  That's great you got a good mark on your exam, but don't do on saying it's because you smoked some dope. Weed now is not the same as years passed. THC levels are double if not tripled since the 60's. Like anything else it can be highly addictive and destructive to one's self.
  i have friends who burn and they have great ideas and deep debates and that's where it stops. they have no drive or put things into action, but they'll smoke up and the weed begins to run their lives. I do not think weed is harmless and it is just as destructive as any other drug out there.
  
  - just a parent November 9, 2009 11:44AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - another persons side
    
    Although I can appreciate the anxiety of a cautious parent I have a problem with your statment. Firstly, there is no scientific evidence. The publishings from the only US official study from U of M clearly show only if any a moderate increase in THC level in confiscated pot has occured since the 70's...Now, I have to agree here that arguement does make sense since drug laws have gone to determining punishment based on weight thus requiring the need for a higher more concentrated product...I think the actuallity is not that the drug has become more potent rather the stuff being used now adays is just more specifically the "bud" instead of a compilation of leaves and stems like back in the day, which have lower THC. About the addictive nature of the substance I agree that many people can become addicted but it is no worse than so many people in the US that become addicted to fast food or booze. Personally, I think that the nubers are skewed by our judicial system recomending a jail term or rehab for first time offenders and the fact that it is illegal . Being illegal you tend to draw from an element in society that is generally irreverent and having a higher propensity for abuse and addiction and complications tend to follow from there. My option and solution is one of true rehabilitation and education for those who have problems not incarceration for no violent crimes. Legalizing pushes out the criminal element but in tern exposes our children tends to be the biggest hurdle but in essence if education is a priority especially in our kids then the problem will be headed off before it becomes pandemic.
    
    - proposition1MD November 9, 2009 4:18PM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
ok i want to try and make this simple

does it make any sense to you that a poisonous legal man made drug that makes people stupid, irrational, angry, and irritable and kills 100,000 people is legal - alcohol but a natural plant that has been around before we ever evolved into what we are today and that is proven to have minimal side effects, 0 deaths due to consumption of marijuana ever, and honestly i am a consumer and if i never found out this i would never have understood the world as well as i do now. honestly the world is F'd up we as humans are F'd up, its over face it come on we have destroyed this planet and it will destroy us. and marijuana makes you think, thats all you do when you are baked is think about everything that is going on in great detail, alcohol is the complete opposite, what are you guys like trying to keep everyone messed up off of your own stupid serum?-alcohol (statistics are from the us government.) check out - http://www.legalizationofmarijuana.com /

- donteatashoe August 1, 2008 9:30PM

Reply to this Recommend (7) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
sick boy

Arresting sick people for growing a plant, which is used as a medicine, is the most inhumane, cruel, and oppressive thing a government could do. I think my government sucks.

- VAPED August 2, 2008 12:56AM

Reply to this Recommend (9) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Of Course

LEGALIZE IT. If marijuana was so bad, why in the world would everyone be fighting to legalize it. Take a minute and think. Maybe its that the American population has found out the real truth about marijuana after years of being lied to by our own government. They could atleast get their facts right.

- rusta August 2, 2008 9:27AM

Reply to this Recommend (7) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Right on
  
  Agreed.
  You don't see anyone petitioning to legalize heroin or the like.
  
  - maedle17 September 23, 2009 8:36PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- A vocal minority might want to legalise - but not everyone !
  
  Not everyone is fighting to get it legalised ! The majority of the population in the USA and in the UK do not use marijuana , do not want it legalised and see for themselves the harm that mj use does to those around them who do use. The old claim that 'we would only legalise it for adults and not those under l8' is nonsense since the dealers would then simply target those under l8. Simply reading many of the comments from users makes me realise why marijuana is called 'dope'.....
  
  - AdaptableAnn October 30, 2009 1:11PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Legalize It

Alright im not about to list why i think it should be legal, because honestly, i don't have all day. What i will say is that the government was originally created for one purpose: to protect and serve our citizens. Now the government has drifted so far from its original purpose that they are telling us what to do. Our citizens, as a majority have called for legalization of this plant and our government is rejecting us. The government is supposed to determine how things are regulated by what the people say, not what they think is right. They have too much power and instead of the majority ruling what should be legal or illegal, the government has abused their power.

- scwalsh88 August 2, 2008 1:52PM

Reply to this Recommend (9) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Prohibition leads to Crime

In order to assume that a simple plant, Cannabis, can effectively cause a person to become a criminal is insane. Many other natural herbs are smoked or vaporized and none of the participants are characterized as deranged, lackadaisical, and misdemeanor violators. The reason there is a "link"--there is no studies that show smoking cannabis causes persons to become more like to break the law--between smoking Cannabis and crime is because of the ineffective, Orwellian laws that attempt to deter its use. There are so many laws out there nowadays you can be stopped for almost anything, but with Cannabis the number of laws targeting users of the drug can lead even those not involved with smokers into court just because supposedly, "Birds of a feather flock together." Prohibition has caused these elevated crime statistics, just as it did during the 20's and 30's when Alcohol was made illegal. Black market avenues of sale appear, which lead to dangerous and in some cases fatal situations.

- pleadthe5th August 2, 2008 8:32PM

Reply to this Recommend (6) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
everything wrong with marijuana is that it's illegal

every single argument i've ever heard against marijuana is solved very easily by legalizing it. i'll give a couple examples.

leads to other drugs? sure it does as long as people have to go the black market to get it. make it available for purchase at legit stores and it will have no ties to other drugs at all.
in fact, this is what i see happening all the time: someone gets busted for selling marijuana. their customers eventually want anything they can get, and turn to meth instead. nice bust :(

marijuana leads to crime? once again, this happens because you cannot get it at a legit store. not long ago someone sold 2 kids a bag of grass clipppings. now 1 teen is dead and 2 teens are in prison for life. tragedies like this can easily be avoided if they would have been able to purchase it form a store.

area farmers are dirt poor, and the floods have destroyed their farms. we spend tons of money on this war on drugs while legalization could help them keep their farms.

- YellowKeyboard August 3, 2008 3:46PM

Reply to this Recommend (6) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
yes

of course, we all know that the government has been feeding us a load of falsifications. most of all about drugs. we cannot allow "god's grown herb"(hello!! christians!!!) to aid humans, but we can use man made heroin, alcohol, tobacco, methadone, etc. hmmm. why do we as "the next generation" sit and let our shameful leaders guide us?? watch the movie "sicko" and you will see that government should be run by the people.. the payers. we are the ones who pay. look at the rest of the world...

p.s. can we please get a true report on the relationship between the bush family and the bin laden family?? any know???

- jette August 3, 2008 4:43PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
“Marijuana makes darkies think they are as good as whites”

Harry Jacob Anslinger, appointed as the first Commissioner of the Treasury Department's Federal Bureau of Narcotics #1 Drug Czar.
It appeared that Anslinger was also responsible for racist themes in articles against marijuana in the 1930s, see following:
"There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others."
"Reefer makes darkies think they're as good as white men."
"..smoking reefer makes blacks uppity."
"...the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races." (blacks/hispanic)
Now you know why we have legal and illegal drugs.
Want to quit spending 100 billion a year putting one in three blacks in jail, one arrest every 38 seconds! Need more information email me hood1@hoodstuff.com I will try to help..

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 4, 2008 7:30PM

Reply to this Recommend (8) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Marijuana may be a Gateway Drug

Marijuana does seem to be a gateway drug. If used with purpose and forethought, a gateway to new ideas and concepts. If used recreationally a gateway to understanding that Dare officers lied to you about marijuana's effects. For millions, a gateway to laughing at the untrue anti-pot smoking ads put out by the government. Marijuana, used medically, is a gateway to improved quality of life. Our government wants to lock those gateways ....... but I'm searching for the keys. Make marijuana a crime and only criminals will have marijuana. Legalize it, and the drug criminals and profits ($$$) will disappear overnight. Ask yourself, how much money does organized crime reap from alcohol today? (none) How much did they make in the 20's during alcohol prohibition? (a lot) How many criminals want prohibition ended and marijuana legalized? (very few). Interesting that drug prohibition is one of few topics on which the government, the church, the police, and the mafia all agree. Legalize it!

- deep thought August 6, 2008 2:18PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Pot is not THAT bad of a thing

I find it hilarious that cigarette smokers, especially some old-timers are completely against it. It would be like me telling an LSD user or such that their drug of choice makes you go crazy and kills you and that you'll never be the same ever again, without having done it myself. Who the hell are these people to tell me that my drug of choice is illegal, when they sit back at home popping oxyies and drinking on top of that. Alcohol is a socially acceptable drug as well. Look at the DUI/DWI rates and DEATHS of innocent people because of the influence and the mind set of 'im not lacking judgement..' kinds of thinking. If you can drive high on pot, your paranoid and concious of your surroundings, not care-free in a 'care-full' way. Pot can bring this country out of debt in and of itself with a simple tax, that states ALREADY HAVE for it. It frustrates me to hear people claim that pot is so much worse than cigarettes with its resin contents, but they fail to realize that we smoke LESS....

- presnfs August 6, 2008 3:12PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
A different take on this

I don't think it's the government's job to make laws to protect me from harming myself. Marijuana prohibition, in my opinion, is as dumb as seat belt laws and motorcycle helmet laws. Marijuana is no more bad for you than a Big Mac from McDonalds... so should we outlaw unhealthy fast food? And last I checked, the government doesn't pay for my health care... I do! Maybe if the government did pay for my health care, then I'd be a little more open to their argument of "it's bad for you".

I do smoke marijuana semi-regularly. I'm a very successful computer programmer. I do not have any withdrawal symptoms when I don't smoke for extended periods of time. I have no desire to do other drugs. Smoking pot is the only illegal thing I do (except for not wearing my seatbelt). I would much rather smoke a joint to relieve stress than take dangerous unnatural prescription drugs that are addictive and more harmful.

- t0by August 6, 2008 3:32PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Lies from the past...

Marijuana was made illegal due to lack of information and greed -- if you look into the history, it was used for many different creations: paper being one of them, cloth another. Cotton industries powerful and rich did not want the competition so what better way than to remove the threat completely? Same for timber which costs a great deal more to refine into paper than a marijuana plant. As for the effects on the mind -- Has anyone really met an angry pot-head? I have been smoking for years and the only thing I am inclined to do is go to the fridge not commit a murder. As for the psychological effects I am also bi-polar and my mood is greatly improved when I have marijuana in my system and I am more edgy without it -- some may say that is addiction but I can also live without the substance and I would by no means rob a bank for my next fix. If Alcohol is legal then marijuana should be as well -- a person has more control stoned than a person who is drunk. Legalization is Inevitable.

- Jcats531 August 6, 2008 4:23PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- End Prohibition of Cannabis
  
  Your comment was quite accurate and indicates the crux of the problem, the prohibition of cannabis with lying and cheating to Americans by Anslinger in 1937... it's such a travisty, now an industry--The War On Drugs... the WoD is very bad, which is exactly one would one expect from the likes of Richard M. Nixon, the disgraced creator of the WoD....
  
  - Gumshrud February 18, 2009 6:41PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Already posted, but read this...

If you support legalizing Cannabis in the US, PLEASE take 5 minutes of your time and visit www.norml.org . Search "HR5843," and follow the links to WRITE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE. Wishing it so and discussing it here in this balanced forum is one thing, but TAKING ACTION and MAKING YOUR VOICE HEARD ARE CRUCIAL! Thanks.

- PSYOP August 6, 2008 8:57PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Cannabis, not the REAL KILLER

I will make this quite short. 559,312 Americans died from cancer in the year 2005. I KNOW FOR A FACT that there is a cure for cancer in the compounds found in the cannabis plant. The federal government is the REAL KILLER here. You and me, and saddest of all our children. 559,312 per year. 1,532 per day. 63.8 per hour. 1.8 people die from cancer every MINUTE OF EVERY DAY OF EVERY OF EVERY YEAR. There IS a cure. To allow this to continue is mass murder, plain,and simple.

- Ironman August 13, 2008 1:13PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
higher law

Genesis 1:29 and God said "I have given you every HERB that yeilds seed which is on the face of the earth, and every tree whose fruit yeilds seed; to you it shall be for food."

- Timber August 17, 2008 8:24AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
I see you

Why are our representatives so strongly against legal MJ? What a stupid question just look and see where they get the funding to do what they do..I am not talking about the salary we pay them (which we should insist be the only source of income while in office) I am talking about the millions they spend on reelection and other sources of income (perhaps under the table or say selling your house for 700,000 more than its worth to a contractor)
Major So called legal drug companies $$$$$$$
Major legal drug companies making liquor $$$$$$$$
GEO corp they have the contract jails $$$$$$$$$
Drug testing companies $$$$$$$$$
Drug rehab industry $$$$$$$$$
Misc drug related industries $$$$$$$$$
It is simple if we want it legal we have to pay our leaders more that these people do!! Not to imply that they are for sale no they are bought and paid for. While our lives are sacrificed at the rate of one every 38 seconds just the cost of doing business right.. People see you!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 9:49PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Human rights

This issue is ultimately about freedom and human rights. Whether marijuana as a substance is good or bad for you is largely irrelevant to the field of politics (not personal ethics).
The US used to be a free country where busy body politicians didn't attempt to control the voluntary actions of those they were trusted to serve.
Unfortunately, these days people are not granted the rights to pursue their happiness and make their own decisions.
Even at the logical extreme of destructive behaviour, people should have the right to suicide.
Any politician who seeks to "protect" people from their own minds by trampling on their freedoms is obviously contradicting their rightful duty of ensuring a free and just society. Any politician that is involved in creating drug prohibition laws, especially these days, is evil, because ignorance doesn't cut it. And I'd love to see them held accountable for their evil acts.

- robits August 19, 2008 1:05AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
The True Story by Cherokee Fred Hussein

I look and the many post I have made and think I should share why my blood boils over this issue. I like many Americans believed our leaders for years. Until I pissed my son’s wife off while they were having problems (now divorced) she, using a trailer park revenge tactic, called the narcs on me. I was unaware they would take action with just an anonymous call. They do, a white van pulled up to my house about 9 PM one night and eight or so armed drug task force people surrounded my modest home, my castle. They explained they had received an anonymous call saying I was growing pot. I made a mistake and invited them in they spent three hours in my home going through every thing private I own. They woke my girlfriend up from a deep sleep and embarrassed me in front of her. They found nothing, but I felt something I had never felt in my 60 years, violated! CONTINUED

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 1:46PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued by Cherokee Fred Hussein

I went to the web and researched this War on Drugs. What I learned is a horror story the war on us was started by racism it is well documented Blacks and Hispanics were the original target, look it up. It is now perpetuated by corporate greed a whole industry has been created by this racist war. Today our leaders are addicted to the 100 billion spent yearly on this illegal war. It infringes on our rights as Americans our guaranteed freedom in this great country. I have read the stories of hundreds of good Americans that are in prison because of this war see http://www.november.org / . I understand distrust our young people have for the ones that are sworn to “Protect and Serve” now they are instructed to, “Punish and Enslave” and it is getting worse. I read where people are assaulted in the middle of the night and killed for no reason in there own home using no knock warrants obtained with erroneous information. I go to the LEAP site (Law

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 1:50PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued by Cherokee Fred Hussein

Enforcement Against Prohibition) and read the stories of honest cops that say the war is wrong and destroys lives. I read report after report that states Marijuana is safe non addictive and helps many disorders depression, insomnia many every day problems it could cure if legal. I was unaware that 13 states have made Marijuana legal as far back as 1996 for medical use, voted LEGAL by a majority of voters in these states and prescribed by doctors! But wait the FEDS will still come to these states and put you in jail they do it daily how can this be? Then you are given a mock FEDERAL trial not allowing you to defend yourself with the truth (its legal, I have a permit, I help sick people, the mayor was at my ribbon cutting grand opening!!) you cannot bring that up at your trial or use the facts in your defense then you go to jail.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 1:53PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued by Cherokee Fred Hussein

I see our so called leaders fight and fight to keep it illegal, some take the ostrich approach stick there head in the sand, they do not represent the over 70% Americans that constantly say stop the war (some poles, see http://www.opposingviewts.com/questions/should-the-us-legalize-marijuana/comments or go to a blog by our own leaders http://blog.thehill.com/2008/08/06/criminalization-of-marijuana-must-end / results show as high as 96% of Americans say make it legal)
they represent the machine the machine they created Democrats and Republicans vote to keep it illegal and protect corporate profits.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 1:56PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued by Cherokee Fred Hussein

It comes down to this, per my research; our leaders are putting us in prison and enslaving one in three blacks for pure greed. Wake up America! I do not promote drug use I promote the American way of life and the guaranteed freedom we have in this country. Freedom that is stripped away daily by our so-called leaders and they do it for pure selfish and greedy reasons. I will fight for your right to have freedom of choice and restore the rights that have been taken away, using scare tactics, lies and propaganda

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 1:58PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued by Cherokee Fred Hussein

(paid for with our tax money). Our leaders maintain this travesty against us they are out of control and not just on this issue! They are bought and paid for by the corporate money grubbing few that are in control of our country. I think it is time to take our country back it is ours, the tax money wasted is ours we could use it to benefit us not put us in jail. The money spent on this war could be used to fund universal health care for every American. Don’t believe the lies only a very few Americans are addicted to the bad drugs out there and they need help not jail. Ask yourself what would God do?

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 2:02PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued by Cherokee Fred Hussein

Help the few that need it or put them in jail and ruin there lives. The millions of non-violent Marijuana users in jail are there for one simple reason. Not enough of the bad drug users to feed the machine so if they break down your door and you have a little MJ or saved a bong form the 60’s (illegal paraphernalia) you will be used to feed the machine. Marijuana is a god send to many people it cures or helps with many medical problems, or will give you a buzz much like drinking a six-pack of beer (this effect diminishes if used daily like the so called legal drugs). It has no ill side effects no hangover nothing, it is not addictive it is a total natural product and for those that say smoking is bad for your lungs it can be eaten in brownies or added to any product.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 2:06PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued by Cherokee Fred Hussein

The only problem I can find with Marijuana is the corporate community that runs this country cannot figure a way to make a buck on this weed that anyone can grow and enjoy. It would cost them too much if were made legal. So they are willing to continue to enslave us and destroy our lives for profits. My father and grandfather were killed by drinking liquor it is not a pretty site I watched both of them die from this drug that is legal. I read every day the lies and atrocities committed against good honest Americans by our so-called leaders, they are protecting corporate profits. Wake up America before it

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 2:08PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued by Cherokee Fred Hussein

is too late if they can do this to marijuana users what will they try next, they are out of control. It is time to restore our freedom release the millions of non-violent responsible marijuana users that are in jail, I think they should be paid reparation by our leaders that caused this madness. Don’t believe me still believe the lies do the research the truth is there for anyone to see. Does your representative Republican or Democrat vote to keep marijuana illegal and put good Americans in jail? Check where he or she gets there funding. Could it be the so-called legal drug corporations (they make drugs that are stronger more addictive and kill thousands yearly) but they are legal! Or the liquor PAC they make billions on alcohol every years that kills hundreds of thousands its legal! Or

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 2:14PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued by Cherokee Fred Hussein

perhaps GEO corp. (they run the private jails and charge us as much as 45K to enslave one American for a year) this is legal thanks to our leaders. Please read, our rights are in jeopardy to insure the rich corporate leaders ability to increase profits. Our so-called representatives are saying whatever lie it takes as long as there reelection campaign is financed in full by these corporations. It is so easy to see the truth today with the WWW at our disposal. I welcome any debate unlike our representatives and the DEA, which states in there manual not to debate pro legalization leaders (that represent the majority of Americans) because they know they are on the loosing side and they don’t want to look stupid where people can see. I listen, read and see the truth I insist no demand they stop putting our sons, daughter, fathers, mothers and yes grandparents in jail to be raped,

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 2:18PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued by Cherokee Fred Hussein

molested even killed by the real criminals. Just to ensure corporate profits and there reelection. They treat us like uniformed ignorant sheep that are totally expendable as long as THEY can keep the money and power trip they are on, going!! Still not convinced email me hood1@hoodstuff.com . I will try to help answer your concern or direct you to sites that do not use lies and propaganda to support there issue just the truth and facts.
One other thing today I feel I may be targeted, put on a list, wire tapped, set up and put in jail for speaking the truth. To me this means Freedom of Speech is in trouble as well. Help we must ban together and save our country it could be so great if we took greed and power out of the equation!!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 2:22PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Pointless argument

Hmm... what else is addictive and damaging to the lungs? Oh no you forgot about tobacco! Well your argument just got blown right out the window. I guess we need to make smoking in general illegal too.

- Threelevenrocker August 20, 2008 8:20AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
LIFE LIBERTY AND THE PERSUIT OF HAPPINESS

How do David Evans and Devin Sabet feel they have the right to dictate morality? I hate these self-ricchos people we do not care what lies they tell. With 38 years of field trials I can state facts!! MJ is not addictive it helps depression insomnia and other problems we like it we are the majority we have rights as free Americans. You can not like it and never use it and I will fight for your right to choose. But you insist on infringing on my rights for what ever reason. I will choose what I want and what I do I have that right, now all we need to do is change the stupid laws stripping my rights.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 20, 2008 11:18PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
71% nation wide say YES

But our representatives say no because the cannot run for office without PAC money. It is odd I have read every comment in this debate none of the 7% negative left a comment. The must work for the DEA and per there manual they are not to engage in debate with pro legalization types. It makes them look to stupid and they are afraid someone might see how stupid this war on us is. Of course those of us involved in the fight already know how stupid the war is!!!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 24, 2008 5:27PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
STOP THE WAR ON US

Corporations will not allow a weed, which anyone can grow, to replace billions in profits for there particular industry! Look at the fight in Calif. It has been voted legal people say it is miracle herb and relieves there various suffering. But driven by our representatives FEDS will still go in the state and put you in jail. It is simple as long as we allow PACs to give what equates to legal bribery to our representatives. They will continue to support the corporations and enslave us as part of doing business. I know I am old but can’t anyone else see this connection? It is time for us to join together and march in the streets to restore our freedom of choice. We must insist that our representatives respect the 71% nation wide that say end the WAR ON US and represent US. As free Americans we must demand our rights be restored. Allow us to grow our weed if we wish and exercise our rights as Americans with out fear of the FEDS stealing our land and illegally putting us in jail.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 26, 2008 8:36PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Prohibition

Prohibition only serves those who profit from it, not those it pretends to protect.

- Enjoy Cannabis August 27, 2008 4:46AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
ONLY 92%

Our leaders are waiting until 92% of us have been put in jail then perhaps they will concede they are wrong. I say stop them now what they do against us is illegal all we need is a leader with enough balls to stand up and lead us to the fight. We are ready and it is way past due too many good Americans have had there lives ruined by a FED out of control. Bought and paid for by PAC money to betray us and strip of our rights as Americans! Want to be enslaved how about your children join the fight or allow our so called leaders to sacrifice your family for greedy corporations.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 27, 2008 10:05AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Free Speech In Jeopardy!

I know many many people that enjoy marijuana to different degrees. I see some at parties that enjoy it, some use it weekly and some use it like having a mixed drink after work to relax. It is a matter of choice but we are still deprived our right to choose as Americans. The reason many of these people do not speak out they are afraid. They have jobs they do not have a criminal record and they stay underground to keep it that way. Thanks to Bush our phone companies have been given immunity for illegal wire-tapping. They use fear of terrorism to take away our rights and spy on

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 28, 2008 6:16PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
part 2

us for no reason or the wrong reason. So many people live in fear that based on the lies and propaganda our government has put out for years they will be stigmatized. It is just another case of loosing our rights the right to free speech. Your representatives will put you in jail steal your property and use your tax dollars to wage the war against us. I say hide your stash and become an activist it is the only way we can regain our rights and our freedom guaranteed us as citizens of this great country. The WWW is a great way to have your voice heard with some autonomy. Thank god I am old retired and have already had my house violated and searched. I have nothing to hide just a mission end the WAR ON US (drugs).

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 28, 2008 6:27PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
HAVE IT BOTH WAYS??

I do not understand anyone that is not able to see the connection.
This month McCain voted to give EXXON (the one with record profits due to gouging us) 13.5 billion of our hard earned money. While they (EXXON) contributed 1.4 million to his (McCain’s) campaign.
The same applies to the War on Drugs the major drug companies (the so called legal drugs that generate billions in profits)also the Liquor industry they contribute millions. To both republicans and democrats in the house and senate. So our representatives vote to keep this weed anyone could grow and solve many of the worlds ills illegal.
We now have a president and vice president candidates that admit to having used marijuana but they did not get arrested and have there lives ruined by the War on US they were lucky. But they could have, perhaps they will have some compassion on the ones that were not lucky. Those of us that enjoy a smoke and defy the laws that are stupid and put in place for the wrong reason. As well I feel they are illegal and deprive us our freedom of choice as Americans. If they (the candidates for our highest offices) did the same as you and I and tried marijuana and choose not to smoke (for political reasons) should we as Americans not have the same right without fear of having our lives ruined and put in jail??? Or on the other hand if they are admitted marijuana users should they not be put in jail for there CRIME to pay the debt they owe to society? They are admitted criminals even in Alaska it was against FED law. You cannot have it both ways LEGALIZE, REGULATE, TAX take the money saved and pay for universal health care for all!! Help the people not put them in jail for being Americans free Americans!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 31, 2008 12:05PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Our voice represent 1,000,000

I am retired and no longer live in fear of my government. I am 60 and have lived in fear long enough. I feel I represent at least one million Americans that still live in fear. Fear of a government out of control out of touch with the people they are sworn to represent. So it is my job to represent the voice of the oppressed in our country. They say we the poor that have no health insurance and cannot afford the legal drugs with there inflated prices (thanks to our leaders for allowing them to charge whatever they want). We have found a HERB that helps us in our struggle. We are tired of our representatives putting us in jail to protect major corporations and there huge profits. We must stop PAC money from flowing into the pockets of OUR representatives It is time they represent us the 75% that say STOP THE WAR ON US ( war on drugs) LEGALIZE! REGULATE! TAX! SAVE 150 BILLION STOP PUTTING GOOD AMERICANS FREE AMERICANS IN JAIL FOR YOUR GREEDY HABITS!! AND DO IT NOW!!!

- Cherokee Fred hussein September 5, 2008 9:32AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Let Me Make It Simple

Pro Neutral or Against,
Do you wish to continue spending 100 billion a year (Which would pay for universal health car for all Americans with a 30 billion surplus) then we should continue the War On US. If not help us that fight this never ending war that cannot be won and will continue to jail good Americans destroying there lives while teaching our children if you have money you can get away with anything (Palin) but if poor black sick your life will be sacrificed to perpetuate the greed of our so called leaders...
SIMPLE AIN'T IT!!

- Cherokee Fred hussein September 10, 2008 7:48AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
The Myth

He's right you know. Everybody isn't doing it. Some people actualy don't like it's "high". Go figure. I persnaly don't like an alcohol high. Let us make alcohol illegal. Sorry we tried that once, didn't work. During alcohol prohibition they had "Pot Parlors". Yes you could go in, sit down, and smoke some cannabis, just like an alcohol bar. Well, when alcohol prohibition was repealed, and people could drink again, the pot parlors went out of business. It seems people prefered the alcohol, over the cannabis. Go figure. So, if you give it a bit of thought, difficult as that might be, legalizing cannabis for public consumption wouldn't make any difference at all. Some people would try it, and like it, some wouldn't. What's the big deal? As to the dangers of "smoking" cannabis, use a vaporizer.

- Ironman September 12, 2008 12:39PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Legalize It

Another argument for the fight for legalization is the benefit to the government and society. First of all, if full legalization were to occur, the general populace could enjoy regulated qualities of marijuana, insuring that no extra chemicals have been added, thus making the drug safer. Secondly, legalization would put the entire black-market for marijuana out of business, and allow police forces across the country to focus on more serious drugs. Furthermore, law enforcement currently spends over $7.6 billion fighting marijuana, resulting in around $10,500 per arrest. If the government voted to legalize, not only would we save this money every year, but we could also impose taxes on the sale of the drug, allowing a profit to be returned to communities.

Outlawing marijuana has proven to cause many more problems than it has solved. As former President Jimmy Carter stated to Congress on the 40th anniversary of cannabis’ illegalization, “Penalties against drug use should not be more damaging to an individual than use of the drug itself. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against the possession of marijuana in private for personal use.” Clearly, marijuana has been far over-demonized, and should be not only allowed for medicinal use, but also for recreational purposes. After all, as DEA Judge Francis Young concluded, “In strict medical terms marijuana is far safer than many foods we commonly consume.”

- uncengl101 October 12, 2008 12:35PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Smoking everyday :)

I am a 37 year old that smokes marijuana once a day. I have smoked since I was 16 years old with the exception of having to quit for a year and a half because of random drug testing. This really sucked because I started drinking alcohol on the weekends which turned me into an @$$hole. We all know what alcohol does. Just grow up with a family of alcholics. Needless to say I don't drink to often since I am free of random drug testing. By the way, because of random drug testing, I worked with a lot of alcholics who like me prefered Marijuana. Not pretty.

Marijuana being addictive is way overrated. I had no problem quiting. The biggest addiction I have is to Nicotine. A legal drug. I can't quit to even save my own life. Thanks government.

It makes me sick to see how many people get arrested for smoking or possesion. Most of the folks are good, hard working, honest, people. They are doing no harm to others. I am tired of paying taxes for jails filled with Pot Smokers. The government needs to get a grip on themselves not us!

By the way, as far as a gateway drug, Nicotine should be the "Gateway Drug". I started smoking cigarettes way before I smoked marijuana. I also am not addicted to any hard drugs including the legalized prescriptions that are so abundunt these days.

I will say that I like the fact that I don't have to pay taxes for Marijuana, (unless you included the jails). My supplier makes all of their money tax free. Screw all of you lawmakers on capital hill.

Legalize Marijuana NOW!

- River Otter October 16, 2008 4:58PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- This explains so much.
  
  I've been debating with a pothead. No wonder his grammar sucked. You are almost enough to convince me to change my opinion on this one.
  
  - richardsonkr January 19, 2009 8:27PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Prohibition is failing for a reason

Just as prohibition failed for alcohol, it is failing for marijuana. It is only a matter of time before the federal government listens to us.

- gzrecoil October 23, 2008 3:12PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Unauthorized fun

The Apostle Paul warned against being a busybody, and I can't picture much more of a busybody than somebody who sniffs at other people's doors to make sure they're not having unauthorized fun.

The whole idea of drug prohibition is based on the idea that if a person does drugs, then they'll also do terrible things -- either under the influence, or in order to obtain the drugs. Drug prohibition is just a way of arresting people in advance for crimes you fear that they might commit. This goes beyond trashing "innocent until proven guilty" and into the real of "guilty in advance, because you just might!"

- GrannyGrump42 October 24, 2008 2:07PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Where are the No votes?

The simple fact that there are so many for legalization, yet it is still illegal just shows how under the thumb of our government we are. California has somewhat legalized it for medicinal use, yet the feds still can come in and bust the same guy for growing a couple plants that the state allows to grow.
This is just one more incident where our federal government is shown to be inept. We need less federal government and more states rights.

- walt1999 November 4, 2008 11:31AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
What is the harm?

Albeit cliche, the argument still stands on why American people, or American elected officials, so adamantly object to the use of marijuana while we sit back and let people die every day from alcohol related incidents. There is a reason why this argument has become cliche.

My question is simply; what is the harm? Why are so many people afraid of this plant? The largest side-effect is merely fatigue, and you could pass a sobriety test with flying colors. It seems to me that we have a societal problem, not a marijuana problem. Our society, for one reason or another, has deemed marijuana as taboo and unsafe, but yet the same people who object to it go home and indulge in excessive amounts of alcohol, ruining vital organs and disrupting the brain's decision-making skills.

- willjed November 27, 2008 9:25AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Marijuana should never be legalized.

It's a shame that so many on here agree with legalizing marijuana. What good comes from smoking? I do think people will continue to smoke it whether it is legal or not, but how would you feel about a teacher rolling up before going to class to teach your kids? How would you feel about your kids bus driver smoking before work? I understand some people want it legalized, but are these people good, contributing members to society? I feel if it were legalized America would just keep going downhill. America doesn't need that.

- cacord84 December 6, 2008 4:37AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Legalization is not Unrestricted Use
  
  As far as your fears of teachers coming to school high to teach your kids, just because marijuana is legal does not mean that it would be universally allowed. If the same teacher were to go to school drunk, he/she would be fired, and could face serious legal consequences as well, but teachers are still allowed to drink all they want away from school. If drinking and driving is so heavily proscuted, what makes you think that toking and driving wouldn't be? Who is the government to tell people what they can and can't do with a plant that they can find growing in their backyard? I'm not saying that Marijuana should be smoked, and I believe that acts such as Cheech and Chong and Harold and Kumar are destructive in their promotion of marijuana use, I still believe that the government has no business restricting it, and that the rescources being wasted are reminiscent of prohibition.
  
  - richardsonkr December 6, 2008 12:47PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - To each his own...
    
    but I strongly disagree with the use of any substance that alters your mind and judgement. If I argued that marijuana should be legalized and some stoner drives his or her car under the influence of marijuana and injures someone innocent or kills them, I couldn't live with that. You are right, if legalized, I'm sure restrictions would apply. Would people follow the restrictions? Just like drinking and driving, it's prohibited, but that doesn't stop people from doing it. If it were legalized, what would be the age limit? Eighteen and older? Twenty one and older? Like alcohol, teens would find it easier to obtain marijuana from their older friends or siblings if it were legalized. Would this lead to heavier drugs? Legalization is permission, and if you give people an inch, will they take a mile?
    
    - cacord84 December 9, 2008 4:49AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
    - Legalization Takes Away the Appeal.
      
      I agree, mind altering drugs should not be used. You should also eat right and exercise. Should the government mandate that as well? The point is that the government doesn't have the right to tell you what you can or can't do with something that grows in many people's backyard. I would also like to point out that part of the attraction, especially of rebellious teens, is the fact that it's illegal. It's why so many underage kids smoke cigarettes, it makes them look and feel like a badass with no respect for authority, somebody who is "cool." Marijuana is the same way, and like cigarrettes, once it becomes a habit it will follow them into adulthood. How many thirty or forty year-olds decide to take up smoking out of the blue? Also, putting restrictions on something works better to prevent the big stuff than an outright ban. If you were drinking during prohibition, what's stopping you from getting into a car and driving? You already broke the law, what's the harm in going a little farther? Now, if you are drinking in the modern era, you are less likely to drive, because it is illegal and it is wrong. Boundaries as opposed to bans are psychologically more powerful, and are easier to enforce.
      
      - richardsonkr December 10, 2008 6:10PM
      
      Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
      
      Thank You for your Comment
      
      We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
    - teen drug use
      
      The problem I see with your concern for teens is that, yes they could get pot from older siblings and friends if it was legalized but that's because vendors wouldn't sell to them. Under the current policy all the teen has to do is go to the deal and it's likely that if they have the money , they'll get the pot.
      
      So the options are either somewhat restricted access to cannabis with vendors or complete access to cannabis from drug dealers.
      
      As far as the gateway theory is concerned it doesn't make sense. Biologically speaking when you smoke cannabis you are imbibing cannabinoids which attach themselves to cannabinoid receptors. When you shoot heroin or snort cocaine your are releasing dopamine and serotonin which attach themselves to dopamine receptors and serotonin receptors respectively. Does it make sense that stimulating one set of receptors will trigger a desire to stimulate completely different and unrelated receptors?
      
      Statistically speaking, according to the FBI report only 1 in 104 marijuana smokers go onto try cocaine and less than 1 in 104 marijuana smokers go on to use heroin.
      
      The reason why the gateway theory spawned was because when you look at heroin/cocaine users, lots of them have used marijuana. But to say that this means marijuana leads to these drugs is a logical fallacy (ad hoc). If you asked these same heroin/cocaine users if they drank milk before trying heroin or cocaine i bet most of them would say yes but that doesn't mean milk is a gateway drug.
      
      As far as your opinion of the use mind altering substances, well they are yours and you have every right to have them. But they're not mine. Nor should it be the government's job to tell me what mind altering substances i should use.
      
      The fact of the matter is everything we consume ( food and drink) alters our mental state. Everything from sugar to caffeine to alcohol and THC.
      
      - Serothis March 24, 2009 9:42PM
      
      Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
      
      Thank You for your Comment
      
      We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- THANK YOU! FINIALLY!
  
  cacord84,I TOTALLY agree with you. I relize people say that it's not addictive,blah blah blah,but it has no nutritional value,like chips and stuff.And I don't want THIS to be the face of America. We are better than that and people should understand that. People shouldn't need to take stuff like that. I mean,everybody would be chilled out. Scary,am I right?
  
  - Kawaii January 27, 2009 5:54PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - Not scary.
    
    The only things about marijuana that pose any danger are the twisted laws that keep it illegal and put hundreds of thousands of people in jail for non-violent crimes. If it were legalized, that doesn't mean that everybody's gonna start doing it. It just means that people don't have to live in fear of being put through the tedious and expensive legal system. Crime rates, gang membership and violence will continue to rise if this issue isn't dealt with the right way.
    
    - Caitlyn September 16, 2009 2:04PM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- You got to be kidding!
  
  You evidently don't understand. What you don't understand is there are many you come in contact with that uses and you don't even know it. Please stop knocking Marijuana when you don't even understand it. I've worked all my life and not once had a problem with it. I have driven for 30 years and I never had a ticket and had many police behind me and not once been pulled over. I'm not saying to go out there and drive but some can just remember that. These people that are against it call themselves experts on Marijuana should go back to school or stop getting paid from Pharmaceutical Companys. I need for you to know I'm a chronic pain patient with many medical problems and if it weren't for Marijuana I would be down on the floor in sever spasms every day. I could go on for there is many many reasons why Marijuana should be legal but please listen to what I have said for this issue isn't funny.
  
  - windygal January 29, 2009 11:13AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Above the Influence?
  
  Everyone needs their fix. Many workers, teachers included, consume coffee before work- caffeine could be considered a mind-altering drug. Books could be considered a mind-altering drug, since some will change your outlook and the way you react to situations. Is there really a problem with someone being altered before teaching a class? For many people it's just a matter of relaxing. For others it actually improves mental agility. As for the bus driver argument, studies have proven that drivers who are high drive slower and safer than those who were straight. You have no right to assert that pot smokers aren't contributing to society. Some of the wealthiest, most intelligent people in America smoke pot. Example: one of my friends, who smokes pot heavily, is in almost all Advanced Placement level classes, he has one several computing contests, is dual enrolled at the community college, and is liked by everyone who knows him. You cannot judge someone by one activity they engage in, especially one as harmless as smoking marijuana.
  
  - Eris1142 March 4, 2009 9:24PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Uncommitted
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- More scare tactics?
  
  America doesn't need more misinformation like this.
  
  It's called responsibility. There's a time and a place for smoking marijuana , and people have enough common sense to not mix it with their professional lives. That's just ludicrous.
  
  - Caitlyn September 16, 2009 1:53PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
A great Point for your argument

Ok, how many people have DIED from alcohol poisioning? Alot right, well how many people have DIED from overdosing on marijuana? NOBODY RIGHT!?
You would literaly have to smoke pretty much your own body weight to overdose on marijuana, which is pretty much impossible. An to try to come back saying "well people have died from being under the influence of marijuana" is not a strong point. Beacuase I would gaurentee more people, infact more than triple or quadruple individuals have dided from being under the influence of marijuana. Ponder on that one..

- RealeyezTheMC December 13, 2008 3:33AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- So?
  
  So what if you don't overdose on marijuana? You can't overdose on alot of things that hurt you,probably more mentally,but still. So you're saying that just because people haven't dies means it's NOT dangerous?
  You can swallow paper,but it's still no good for you.
  
  - Kawaii January 27, 2009 5:56PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - just?
    
    With all these texts about Cannabis you pinpoint "just becouse people haven't dies".
    
    That is one reason.
    
    Can i ask u something? Is Coca-Cola dangerous? Is it healty to eat everyday in McDonald's? Lets ban that. Just becouse Coca-Cola is so refreshing and McDonald's food is so tasty means it's NOT dangerous?
    
    When the whole world ban Tobacco and Alcohol... then Cannabis also shuld be illegal. But that is ridiculous :)
    
    It is my right to ingest into my body everything i want. Alcohol, tobacco & caffeine i can... but marijuana is dangerous?
    
    Well i have been using it for about 12 years. And only danger that i am in... is when i buy it & when i smoke it :) ofcourse the danger is from getting busted. Nothing else... maybe i have to use it 30 years to feel some of that danger? I dont think so... Tobacco will kill me before i ever feel cannabis related sideefects.
    
    Greetings from Serbia!
    LEGALIZE IT!
    
    - Spuki July 15, 2009 6:56AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
An Illegal Choice in a Free Society?

When a law that makes an otherwise innocuous activity illegal, the law itself is illegal. This is exactly what happened when congress passed laws making the possession, use, and selling of marijuana illegal.

Whether or not an individual chooses to posses, burn, smoke, or sell marijuana doesn't matter. It doesn't matter because that choice is taken away from the individual.

If I choose to smoke marijuana, I am infringing upon the rights of no-one else. If I choose to make a law that tells another person that he cannot choose to even possess this "drug", I infringe upon his rights.

This alone is the best reason to say that marijuana should never have been illegal in the first place and should now be made legal... all others are simply by-products.

I, along with any individual living in a free society, have the right to choose for myself what I will or will do if what I choose to do or not do has no bearing upon the rights of others.

Making marijuana illegal makes people criminals who are no more criminals than Rosa Parks was a criminal.

The law is wrong, unjustifiable, and illegal. Anyone who believes in the rights of the individual, regardless of their choice to smoke pot, should object to the law and demand a repeal.

- SocialistBetty December 15, 2008 2:44PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Well, think about THIS

We should NOT Legalize Marijuana,because it's ILLEGALIZED FOR A REASON!
Yes, it's considered a drug,a DRUG!!!!A-take-at-party's-when-i'm-drunk kinda thing should in no way even RELATE to the U.S! That in it's SELF is a discrase! NO! It's like making killing legal.

- Kawaii December 15, 2008 4:19PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Whoa there
  
  Calm down, skipper!
  
  Do you even know why marijuana is illegal? Because, essentially, of one study in the 70's done on several mice. Marijuana, however, has been done for years, and while addictive, so is beer, wine, smoking, and even coffee!
  
  What is 'like making killing legal' about legalizing a harmless drug? Caffeine is more deadly than marijuana: in fact, no one has died due to marijuana overdose, yet it is easy to die from alchohol and caffeine overdosing.
  
  We live in a self-proclaimed free society where the right to chose what to do with your body is a given, yet we refuse to allow adults to do so?
  
  - Blue Linchpin December 16, 2008 2:13AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - True,true. But....
    
    Alright. So you make a good argument.
    Ok,i'm gonna make this simple.
    It's addictive
    and while other things are addictive,
    This does not serve a purpose.
    Like people drink coffee in they wan't a little burst on their
    way to work or casually.
    But you ONLY smoke marijuana to get high!
    And I never said alchocol and stuff was NOT addictive
    But while we can't have THAT banned(why?!?!)
    We can atleast have this banned,and that's a start.
    
    - Kawaii January 26, 2009 5:14PM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
    - Learn to use your mind
      
      Kawaii,
      
      Learn to do a little research on your own. You are in school to learn how to learn, so don't be lazy. You've been spoon fed information about marijuana. It's called propaganda. Do you know what that is?
      
      Do yourself a favor. You obviously have access to the internet. So, do some real research, on your own. Go to Google or Yahoo and spend some time looking at both sides. See if you can figure out why someone might smoke marijuana for a reason other than to just 'Get High'.
      
      - csmith January 27, 2009 12:53AM
      
      Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes
      
      Thank You for your Comment
      
      We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
      - But...
        
        Why else would they use marijuana for any other reason,besides medicially?
        
        - Kawaii January 27, 2009 5:58PM
        
        Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
        
        Thank You for your Comment
        
        We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
        
        Cannabis and the mind...
        
        I've read your comments, and the thing that stands out is your inability to step back from your preconceived views and really look at the subject from a fresh viewpoint. Propagandists rely on this. Don't be a robot, you are smarter than that.
        
        Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. An overwhelming majority of voters in these 13 states have decided that there is enough evidence to legalize the medical use of marijuana.
        
        The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Health and Human Services believes so much in the medical value of marijuana that it has taken out a patent on all cannabinoids found in the plant. See for yourself - http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6630507/fulltext.html
        
        Here is another, and possibly more profound, use for this amazing plant. Imagine, for just a second, that you can put aside all your predispositions and prejudices and look at something as if you've seen it for the first time. Not in an acid trip sort of way, but in a conscious and controlled way. That would be amazing. Something that we humans could surely benefit from. God knows our first impressions are always strong, and not always accurate. Read this for more information -
        http://www.marijuana-uses.com/essays/013.html
        
        I don't want you to smoke marijuana. You shouldn't, because you are obviously way too young. I don't care if you ever do. But you are extremely irresponsible developing such a strong opinion about something that you know so little about.
        
        - csmith January 28, 2009 1:39AM
        
        Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes
        
        Thank You for your Comment
        
        We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- what?
  
  killing is legal and its an herb, the only reason its illegal is because it can be planted and wont be a good way to make money
  
  - littlehippieman February 17, 2009 2:35PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- It's illegal because of racism.
  
  When Mexican immigrants introduced the plant in the United States almost 100 years ago, racist politicians quickly put the ban on it. Racism still applies today, since blacks and Hispanics are far more likely to be stopped by police and arrested. This is embarrassing to America, the "land of the free". Luckily it's still the home of those who are brave... enough to stand up for what's right.
  
  - Caitlyn September 16, 2009 2:14PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Legalization

There are plenty of reasons why the U.S. should legalize Marijuana. First of all, if Marijuana were legal and the federal government regulated it, they would gain a pretty hefty profit off of it. Secondly, i have seen the effects of marijuana use first hand, and all the stuff that is taught in health classes and put on commercials is heavily exaggerated. My best friend smoked marijuana every day for his whole Junior year and passed with all A's and B's. During his senior year he stopped smoking Marijuana and barely passed with D's and C's. Also he took the SAT twice, once while high on Marijuana and the other not high on Marijuana. On the SAT that he took while he was high, he didn't get as good of a score, but there wasn't a big difference between the two scores, they were both around the same scores. My third point that i want to make is that many of our police officers have been shot and killed due to criminals in fear of going to jail. If Marijuana was legal, that wouldn't be a problem. Perhaps some officers didn't have to die for that reason. I can't even understand why a person would want to kill someone over a plant. My fourth point is that cigarettes and alcohol are legal. I have personally found that cigarettes are far more addictive than Marijuana and alcohol is far more dangerous. If anything Marijuana should also be legal. My last point i would like to make is that so many students at schools are being expelled and suspended from school, and also being arrested by police for use and distribution of Marijuana. Many of these kids wouldn't have to go through any of that if Marijuana were simply legal. Now i'm not saying that the U.S. should do it instantly and completely legalize marijuana tomorrow because that's just impossible, but a good step to take would be to legalize personal growth for personal use. If a person were to grow their own Marijuana and were to personally use it and not distribute it, who is it going to hurt? The answer is no one.

- Shane December 16, 2008 5:07PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
bi-polar and meds vs. med.marijuana

im bi-polar as well. with some other titles... i was on meds for years. lost hair, gained 70lbs. , lots of side effects. i was losing out on life. literally a zombie. ever heard of seroquel? come on, out of life for days at a time. then i used marijuana. i havent had depression or mania in a while and when i feel it happening i use marijuana to treat it. im back to life.
we have this commercial on pot and how u lose out on life smoking pot. i dont know about all of us but i smoke n feel better, therefore i clean, cook or play games with the family. i dont slobber or slurr my speech anymore. i dont sleep for days and lose out on life. im alive again. i thank god every day for the help i have found.
i was diagnosed before i started using marijuana. ive been using marijuana to treat for 15 years.
im a photographer, and a happy mother and house wife.
thanks

- maryjane January 23, 2009 10:40AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Yes...and
  
  Yes,I see where you're coming from,and in your case,how you use it medicially,or for a reason other than getting high,then I understand.
  But using it to just "get high" is worthless. So why would we allow that?
  
  Sincerely,
  Kawaii
  
  - Kawaii January 27, 2009 6:01PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Legalize it all

So our country has a deficit, people are losing jobs left and right and industries that have been around for centuries are being shut down or shipped overseas, whatever shall we do??

i say legalize all drugs! Legalize but regulate, treat them the same as alcohol. You can buy your fifth of wild turkey, take it home, get stinkin drunk, punch holes in your wall if you want. But if you are caught in public or driving while under the influence you face the consequences! If you create a public disturbance while under the influence you pay the consequence.

Let the government regulate the companies that grow or manufacture the drugs. if caught using unauthorized distribution channels face the consequences. Before you argue with me on think about it. new industry will create jobs for all those who lost them. We can give them paychecks instead of welfare checks! Tax revenue will be enormous, not even taking into account monies paid in fines. Local monies could be kept local and solve many ....

- Notastoner January 28, 2009 10:50AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued (sorry i have a lot to say)

... local monies kept local for schools and roads that are underfunded, freeing up federal monies for other programs.

One step further could be government controlled drug houses or hotels which would be like a bar but instead of driving home you rent your room for the night. The harder drugs could be sold here and people required to ingest on premises and stay until effects are worn off. Sitters could be employed to help anyone through a "bad trip" as well as mediators for any violence that might start. Searches for weapons would have to be required at the door.

I realize at first it sounds crazy but think of the jobs created, the tax revenue collected, the funding raised for underfunded programs.

And the best part - Survival of the fittest, if you're intent on doing any of these things to excess, including alcohol then maybe it will kill off or sterilize the undesirables. Time to clean up the gene pool!

- Notastoner January 28, 2009 10:57AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
replies to a couple points

someone mentions how addictive it is. From personal experience as a teen I was an everyday smoker of both cigs and pot. I'm now 43 and guess which one is still a daily habit I can't seem to kick? Yup good ole winston lights. The other habit I can't kick is mountain dew, both are very bad for me yet I can go in any store on any corner and buy a pack of cigs and a 20oz dew to go.

as for there being no purpose to it except to get high, although the person did finally admit some possible medical reasons. First thing you have to understand there are many strains of marijuana but they basically fall into two categories, your sativas and your indicas, I still smoke on occasion, maybe twice a year and for me it has to be a sativa strain. The indicas are more of a couchlock cartoon watching high while the sativas seem to stimulate my creative side. I am not a great artist but I enjoy it and I can say my best work has been done with a slight sativa buzz. For me thats a good reason. What if the world misses out on the next picasso or dali because he was never allowed to experience a marijuana high?

And lastly, someone said the reason it hasn't been legalized is because the government hasn't figured out how to make all the profit off it. Thats an easy one, The pot companies have to be humongous, to the point of being a Phillip Morris or RJ Reynolds, growing and churning out millions of packs a day. Those packs get taxed, sure someone could still grow a few plants in their yard or house but would it be worth it? I don't see a lot of people bothering to grow their own tobacco plants.

- Notastoner January 28, 2009 11:30AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
legalize marijuana

Theres no reason for marijuana to be illegal. It helps you relax and become more relaxed. it also makes you concentrate even when your driving. I drive all the time when im really high, either when im goin on a blunt ride or after i hotbox.

- QU33F February 28, 2009 8:41PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Uncommitted

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
The History of Marijuana in Food

Considering the nearly limitless uses of Cannabis industrially, medicinally and nutritionally, the current prohibition and non-utilization of Cannabis in the United States and other industrialized nations seems ridiculous. In addition to having an intoxicating effect that has been proven to be more evolutionarily beneficial and less destructive than the consumption of other legal intoxicants, Cannabis legalization and production could address many of the nutritional problems Americans are facing.

Though the plant itself has changed only slightly over the past 12,000 years, human feelings about it obviously have. Once the largest and most widely produced crop, Cannabis has been ignored in recent centuries. As environmental preservation, sustainable agriculture and individual civil rights are being explored more and more by the new generation of scientists and politicians, it seems necessary for us to reconsider our attitudes toward Cannabis in all its forms. I think the uses of Cannabis, as an industrial product, a medicine, and a food be revived in the United States.

- greenrock March 7, 2009 11:24AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
IT's illegal because it's a racket.

The boarder police make millions of dollars off it's traffic. The illgeal drug traffic also funds guns and a whole subculture ecconomy. law makers are about making money . The crime is a perpetual machine of relatively safe concessions. from rehabs to lawyers, to detention centers, it's all buisness. It's a liberal parade of government and sub government jobs. the judges the police, they make a regular large flow of concessions and that's how the legal system works. Crime and punishment is a buisness and illegal drugs is the catalist and fuel . They hold it in their hands and they don't want to let that go. The cash crop canibis was orignally shunted out because it was a liberated prosperity where as cotton was an exclusive product of wealthy land owners. The beginning and the end of the issue is money. They've done such a good job covering this up, this debate has only focused on what the brainwashing dishonest government propaganda. IF people had any sense, they would be more concerned with getting these dishonest lawmakers out of the republic . They should be shackled and enslaved in some Chinese rice field. That's a good place for the dishonest americans. we have the power , we have the means. and chinese might take it towards their debt .

- jxzac April 1, 2009 9:55AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Uncommitted

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Prohibition of Cannabis

Why was cannabis prohibited in the first place? Think 1937 and how Harry J. Anslinger railroaded the US Congress into creating another Prohibition monster--Cannabis Prohibition. One would have thought they would have learned from Alcohol prohibition which had ended just a few years earlier. Richard Millhouse Nixon s time for change.....

- Gumshrud April 6, 2009 9:55AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
The Goverment lies

Things need to change in this country why do we put 1,000,000 to
1,200,000 people in jail for none violent drug crimes each year at a
cost of over 40 Billion dollars per year per million people just to
houses them. This money goes in to privet company's that are sub
company's of the people in the government. When the C.I.A brings cocaine
and heroin in to this country. Since we went to Afghanistan and took
over the country Afghanistan is now putting 80% of the heroin on the
streets world wide and there number two export is body parts for
transplants that does not say much for us running the country. The
C.I.A. got caught putting cocaine on the streets for sale in the 80s to
fund the Contras war more than once and did not get even a slap on the
hand for it. Marijuana should be legal for medical use in all states for
that matter if
marijuana was treated like alcohol and cigarettes and sin tax the hell
out of it. There is less kids doing cigarettes and alcohol then smoking
marijuana in this country because it is controlled better by the
government and tax payers would save over 40 to 50 Billion dollars a
year alone going in to these privet pockets just by doing this the drug
would be controlled better and less kids under the age of 21 would be
able to get marijuana as easy and the money for this would not be going
down the line and out of the country every one that is getting put in
jail for this would be out working paying taxes having homes paying
taxes
instead of costing the tax payer 40 Billion dollars per year. Then take
a bunch of this money and stop cocaine and heroin from getting in to the
country at all at the borders!. Any one that really looks at the whole
picture it looks like are government is trying to make money from both
ends of this bring the drugs in with the C.I.A. and make money putting
Americans in jail for using it. The average person in this country pays
his bills one week at a time cutting out food ,medicines,vacations,not
being even able to keep home payments paid you name it. And be using
this money to help fund new way for every one to get to work ,travel
heat are home with out fossil fuel . if you think we had a depression in
the 30s it will not be nothing compared to what is coming The whole
world needs to worry about global warming more also how about taking
some of this money and putting in water treatment plants to take ocean
water to clean water on all are coasts lines with pipe lines to get it
to all the big city's and the crop land in the middle of this country
that most of are food is grown before it is to late. How about stronger
laws on all the scams people are trying to do to the average person like
make the commercials and advertisements run on TV really work just as
they say or be fined. THE PEOPLE NEED HELP

How many times do you think the people of this country will put up
with are rights being taken from us ?And how long will this country last
before people will be stealing or killing just to stay warm or have food
to feed there family's. If things go the way they are
right now you will not even recognize the world that is coming !!! If
there is not another way other than fossil fuel found soon and brought
to the people at a cost that will keep this country going so the people
of this country can work and make money enough to keep
warm keep food in front of are kids there will BE NO ONE PAYING TAXES OR
EVEN A NEED FOR A GOVERNMENT AT ALL...
This should NOT be put in the hands of the county prosecutors because they
are just out to put as many in jail for as long as possible because this
makes there records better not looking at the person or the circumstance
that drove the person to do drugs or sell them what would any one do if it
came to the point that you had no money to feed your childern or get your
parents the things they need to even stay alive and the only way you seen
was to try to sell a drug to keep your child from starving or cloths on
there back ?

- Doc64 April 20, 2009 10:00AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Of course

This is one of the most foolish and wasteful practices the US government has ever entered into. Though, most of are smart enough to know why. Lobbying.

It is no one else's business what I do in my home.

Oxycontin is heavily prescribed, it is more powerful than it's natural state of morphine. Who profits from making it illegal to use morphine but legal to obtain a prescription for Oxy? The medical community does, you have to pay for the appointment to get the prescription. The manufacturers do, you have to pay for the prescription. The drug store also profits.

What this basically boils down to, is, you can be a morphine fan, if you are willing to pay the doctors, the drug store and the manufacturer. It's how the US works. Profit.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that has graduated high school, that profit is the be all, end all of our culture.

Many if not most Americans 'respect' the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Yet, the third most frequent cause of death in the US is medical provider error. The hospital is one of the most life threatening places to be.

And pot is illegal.

Nearly a quarter million die from prescription drug use every year. Have you listened to the 'disclaimers' on, for example, Viagra commercials? 'Sometimes causes death.'

That doesn't happen with pot. It simply doesn't. But, the problem is, you can grow it yourself. You don't have to buy it, and wouldn't have to buy it, from the drug store. So, the vested interests lobby to keep it illegal, in order to obtain more profit.

Profit is fine. If you are providing something that a 'regular' person cannot do for themselves or does not want to do for themselves. But, profit gained by Limiting access for the masses is just flat wrong.

You can read how DuPont got Congress to make pot illegal if you Google the question. It is sickening that this great country has given in to profiteers.

The famous and wealthy Kennedy family, made their fortune smuggling rum back during prohibition . There are new smugglers that will be high flying politicos in the future, making their fortunes smuggling drugs .

I don't really know why prohibition was instituted. But, it ended up being over ridden.

We have one guiding light in the US. Individual Freedom. That should guide every single law that is considered. It is not difficult to do this. Lobbying must be stopped. It must no longer be allowed for any industry. Term limits must be put in place, because, if lobbying is outlawed, it will happen in smoke filled back rooms again.

One term, then go back home. And get out of my house, you were not invited.

- Rich April 25, 2009 1:54PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Now.........its not all good

I have been smoking straight now for 15 years. Now personally, I dont think it should be illegal but I do think it needs to be very heavily regulated. Its not for everyone. If you already have a low IQ and are considered "lazy" without smoking herb then its not for you.

Marijuana is not bad but I do believe legalizing it is bad for our Country. Yes the govt can profit off it, and it should help with our economy . However, the one truly negative side affect Marijuana brings to the table which seems to always be overlooked, is apathy. As it is, today's younger generation's are consumers rather than creators. The best I have heard it put was by the Creators of South Park strangley enough.......here is a quote of Stan's father explaining why Marijuana is "bad".

"Well, Stan, the truth is marijuana probably isn't gonna make you kill people, and ...it most likely isn't gonna fund terrorism, but... Well son, pot makes yuu feel fine with being bored and... It's when you're bored that you should be learning some new skill or discovering some new science or... being creative. If you smoke pot you may grow up to find out that you aren't good at anything."

To me thats only real problem I can see with legalizing marijuana......JMO anyway.

- dogman619 May 8, 2009 1:36PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- no no
  
  I understand what u are trying to say... but the only truth in that is just like u speek to someone not to be alcoholic... legalization will not force people to use cannabis . Like its not forcing people to drink and become alcoholic.
  
  When u think about it just a little... u will find the relevance.
  
  *sorry for bad english :)
  
  LEGALIZE IT!
  from Serbia!
  
  - Spuki July 15, 2009 7:11AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
A very good reason why it should be legalized

“U.S. Customs agents got a surprise on April 9, when they checked a trailer of an 18-wheel truck crossing into El Paso, Texas, from Mexico and found more than 9,000 pounds of marijuana hidden among auto parts bound for U.S. factories.”

Reason why I posted this is this simply points the fact I and many other Americans know about if marijuana was legalized and taxed that these types of problems with the cartel would no longer be a problem being the legalization and taxation would strike a saver blow to the cartel taking away their over 60% annual profit from keeping marijuana illegal which if legalized and taxed would be like cutting off the legs of a chicken to the cartel. Also the fact that Mexican cartels import a huge amount of opium for heroin from Afghanistan. Without the monetary flow from the sale of cannabis they would not be able to produce heroin and this would in affect shut down the Taliban because a large amount of funding for the Taliban is opium.” But hey what do we know after all will the govt listen to us? May be now they will and start to work with us “THE PEOPLE OF THE USA” put an end to the cartels reign by legalize and tax marijuana now be for the cartel does even more damage to our nation…..

- jeremy May 31, 2009 12:07PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
YES with great reason

Keeping marijuana illegal is helping supply the cartel and the Taliban where over 60% of their annual profit comes from. While all we need to do is legalized and tax marijuana what this will do is cut the cartels and Talibans over 60% annual profit which would surve a sevier blow to them basically it would be like cutting off their legs from in under them. Not just that but the money if legalized would be able to pay off our nations debt and surve to be less a burdon on the tax payers. Keeping marijuana illegal is simply in short suppling the terorists with money that can be used for good.

- jeremy May 31, 2009 12:46PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Ain't No One's Business What You Do

The book against the WoD, written by the late, great Peter McWilliams. Mr. McWilliams was murdered by the federal government for expressing his opinion too vocally.

Now however, times have changed. Marijuana use has gained more and more social acceptance. I think the populace of America is finally waking up and realizing that WoD is a failed experiment that has ruined lives and robbed us of our freedoms, our privacy and our dignity.

As long as a person isn't being violent and harming others, why should anyone else have any say in what they do behind doors? If I want to light up a fatty while watching TV in the privacy of my home, that is my right to do so, period!

- silverfang838 August 5, 2009 8:07PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
I have a 23-year-old son who is a success and has never tried pot.

I have a 23-year-old son who is a success and has never tried pot.

But the drug czar (Gil Kerlikowske) has a son who was jailed for marijuana sales and assault.

The drug czar has been an anti drug use zealot for all his life, yet his kid has chosen to smoke a little pot and make money off of it.

My 23-year-old son was always told the truth about medical use of marijuana. (I have hepatitis C and use and grow medical marijuana .)

Kerlikowske's son grew up with all the lies his father told him.

I think my son turned out better. He has never decided to drink or smoke anything. And he is a success! And he votes in favor of marijuana being legalized.

United States citizens have never had a chance to have a say about what we choose to put into our own bodies; that time is NOW.
Please legalize medical marijuana for everyone who needs it for their health around the country.

Every year I help take part in the largest free concert in the area, the World famous Seattle Hempfest. This year it's August 15-16, 2009 in Seattle, WA. check our website:
http://hempfest.org/drupal /

It is all volunteer run and our people clean up and dispose of all the cigarette butts and garbage. Our event has always been arrest and
violence free- probably due to the fact that we do not have a beer garden.

But every year the news media attempts to ignore the thousands
of good citizens crying out for freedom of the plant.

Talk radio won't let us speak about legalization every since President Bush. If we were allowed to have Freedom of speech it would probably
be legal already.
But attitudes are changing, just listen to our former chief of police Norm Stamper of Law Enforcement against Prohibition.

http://www.leap.cc/cms/index.php?name=Speakers&bio=217

Darral Good

- seattle420lover August 7, 2009 7:07PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Tax it

If the U.S. legalized Marijuana then they could just load the taxes on it. Then the DEA could stop wasting time and money on Marijuana. The use of marijuana is very wide spread. By legalizing and taxing marijuana we could use the money to help the DEA in more serious drug cases.

- Dylandts August 12, 2009 11:20AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Mary Jane!!!

I think it should be legal for one, it is not like the commercial those are mostly people with a half formed opinion by half formed I mean they haven't done it, and really do not know 100% what they are talking about and you can't use the argument it's bad for you so are so many other thing's we do and EAT and I know from experience it is a lot safer then drinking. So with that being said I think it come down to it should be a matter of personal choice and nobody esle's bussiness or the law they got more improtant thing to do with our taxs money . If we can choose to drink or smoke ciarette's(which I don't)why not marijuana
FREE TO MAKE OUR OWN CHOOSES IN THIS COUNTRY REMEMBER!!!

- muffmonster36 September 1, 2009 7:06PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
This should be a no-brainer

Marijuana is far less harmful than alcohol , tobacco , and possibly many prescription drugs . It's already an enormous industry, but an industry that costs our country money instead of putting money into our economy.

Marijuana has many medicinal uses. It's enjoyable recreationally. It's incredibly difficult to abuse. You cannot overdose on it. It is used regularly by millions of Americans without ill effect - except the spectre of prosecution.

If we accept the right of responsible adults to choose to use alcohol, tobacco, and eat fast food , why do we insist on demonizing marijuana ?

Millions of people in this country already use this substance responsibly and ethically, for medical, social, and recreational purposes. They hold down normal jobs , maintain normal and happy relationships, and contribute materially and socially to their families and communities.

Marijuana is also an enormous money-maker. It's easy to grow, tends to replenish it's environment , and if it were taxed like tobacco, would generate many billions of dollars in revenue, instead of _costing_ billions of dollars to prohibit.

Non psychoactive hemp has also ended up lumped in with the sort you could get high off of - and if those restrictions were lifted, we would have an incredible, cheap, easy source of paper pulp, textile fiber, oil for food and industrial uses, and many other viable crops. We could rely less on wood pulp, which would mean cheaper production of everything from particle board to cloth, to paper, to plastic .

I don't know how many times I've seen some hypocrite decrying the evils of getting high on pot, while waving around the alcoholic drink that's loosenend their boorish tongue.

It's way less dangerous than some things we accept. It's not habit forming. It has medicinal, recreational, and industrial uses. If we legalize marijuana and hemp, it will give back far, far more than it takes away, and far more than alcohol or tobacco. If you wouldn't take away people's right to get drunk or smell like an ashtray, out of respect for their choices, happiness, and cultural background, don't take away the right to decide to get high in a responsible manner.

- Coyoteold1 September 4, 2009 4:44PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Marijuana Alters My Decisions.

Before I smoke I consider what I want for dinner. Maybe go grab some Burger King since it's close by. Usually by the time I'm done smoking I decide to stay in and cook some chicken and rice. Real big mind-altering decision. Serious business, that marijuana .

If someone gets high and has a car accident, maybe they're just an idiot? How many people under the influence of THC are coincidental? How many are also positive for alcohol ? How many alcoholics get into car accidents by comparison? How many of them got into an accident and it wasn't their fault? How many people would have crashed their cars anyway?

People are responsible for their actions, on or off any substance. If a trucker tweaked out on coffee is trying to deliver his rig on a deadline and he makes a mistake are we going to blame the coffee or his bad judgment and lack of discretion? Grow up and let adults be judged by their actions. Accidents are unfortunate but the people who cause them are to blame for doing something they shouldn't have done in the first place.

- m46607 September 17, 2009 5:21PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Ask Mexico

Some would have you believe that pot-smokers are all a bunch of dirty hippies. But in my experience they are from all walks of life and all economic backgrounds. The U.S. appetite for drugs has sent billions of dollars to the drug cartels of Mexico. Think of how that money could help U.S. farmers if they could raise that cash crop. And you can bet some of that drug money ends up in anti-drug lobbyists hands because drug-lords aren't stupid. Follow the logic if you want to truly control a substance you have to control it's production. We don't. Not to mention if it was legal we would control it's purity. One of the major problems with illegal drugs is the stuff they mix with it. Unfortunately this is more of a emotional issue and most people can't look past that.

- Gamesman September 19, 2009 5:10AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
No one deserves to be in jail/prison for pot.

Our over bloated privatized prison system is another reason we need to repeal prohibition. How can possession or sale of a benign substance warrant milatarizing our police forces against the citizens of this country? Splitting up families? Seizing property? All of these and a whole host of other bi-products of prohibition are unconstitutional and morally bankrupt. We now lock up in America more people for violating drug law than Western Europe locks up for all crimes....and they have 100 million more people than we do. Consider that in the U.S. over the past ten years we have reduced tobacco consumption by 50% without one arrest through public education and treatment. Our tax dollars would be better spent on Headstart Programs which reduce drug use among kids 60% and save the taxpayer $7 for every $1 spent. It is clearly time for a more commonsense approach.

- dr common sense September 25, 2009 6:05PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
okay.....please tell me why its not.

okay its safer than any of these already legal drugs ...cigs kill people everyday..beer,wine,etc..kill people everyday as well..yes i agree no one should drink and smoke weed or be high while driveing so do the same as dui for it when it is legal...duh look a quick fix dummys...and one there is evidence that weed actually protects the brain...nothing about killing brain cells..even tho there is evidence that you kill braincells when you hold you breath..make the age on the drug at 18 why...becouse thats ussally when people grow up..so please please tell me why its isn't already legalized other than these ..people makeing 7 figures a year from us on drugs that don't work..the only reason weed isn't legal is the doctors would be butt hurt and everyone is too afraid to give it to them!!!

- ihaveadegreeimalwaysright October 19, 2009 8:16AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Resist Assimilation - Don't Legalize

The legalization debate I believe takes for granted far too many things, and is falsely constructed to make it seem like the question is whether or not pot is safe and should be allowed, or is it dangerous and people should be put in prison for it. In actuality, however, the question is over what type of policy should control/regulate its use. Should it be handled in the criminal code, regulated as a medicine , regulated as a food product, or deregulated altogether? That would be a debate I would be more willing to enter into, although I would stress that even such a debate privileges governmental officials, assuming that individual users require permission in order to indulge in certain activities. This is not true; we do not need permission to smoke pot, we're already smoking it just fine as is.

What I think we have here is largely a culture war . The United States Government literally declared war (" war on drugs ") on a segment of the population, and has been prosecuting that war by destroying the livelihood of and incarcerating thousands of individuals, while spreading propaganda and false information in order to justify these activities. I do not expect this to suddenly change . Fraudulent experts, such as the ones posting blatantly false arguments on this website who apparently represent government interests, are going to continue to do so, and they are ultimately the ones who get to decide whether it should be legal or not.

I do not, therefore, call upon them to change their minds, to amend their policy and grant us special permission. Instead, what I demand from them is amnesty: you have declared war, and the war has cost all of us a great deal. We are winning on the cultural front and you know it: the poll results on this website alone are strong evidence of that. The internet makes it too easy to get good information for your lies to be effective any longer, and the many decades of flagrant abuse on your part are no longer something that we can either tolerate or quickly forgive. So, what now? Give up. Release the political and cultural prisoners, and let the "counter-culture" sort out its own affairs. If you're right that we're all dysfunctional and that the movement could never last, then sit back and watch as we all get schizophrenia and die: but stop wasting your money putting us in jail for disagreeing with you.

Legalization is not the answer: amnesty is.

- Michael Vipperman October 20, 2009 3:26PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Uncommitted

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

Remember Prohibition? It Still Doesn’t Work.

- From NORML

Open Argument Go to this Argument

Cherokee Fred Hussein

Americans will never, never, never let prohibition stop them from getting what they want. After all they are free Americans until our leaders put us in jail!! Did not work with liquor will not work with a weed!!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 2:37PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Prohibition did work!
  
  It made certain gangsters rich...compare that with today, who's getting rich while our innocent kids (ones who werent hurting anyone- not even themselves sit in jail): Jails and Prisons get more money from the state because they have more inmates, there are fines so the courthouse can get new computers, and there are court ordered treatment programs where the judge assigns you to a "facility", and that's for the people who are using Marajuana recreationally.....I'm a type 1 Diabetic who's had thousands of seizures, my arms and legs constantly dislocate without warning and I'm in constant pain, my doctor says that the only long term pain medication I can take "safely" is Ibuprofen (without side effects or withdrawls) .....4.5 years ago my general practicioner and my Diabetes doctor gave my kidneys around 5 years of function (ibuprofen damages the kidneys).....People like John Stewart say the american government creates terrorists with our policies, and while the people you and I hired to represent us sit on their hands and do nothing to make the quality of life better for people with disabilities, making us turn to criminals (and by doing so turning us into criminals) to obtain a safe pain medication....meanwhile my doctors tell me everything I know is soon going to change because I was born different....It's difficult for me to sleep:PAIN...It's difficult to be awake:PAIN......I'm 29 years old and I'm taking more medications than my 97 year old grandma....I don't believe in suicide (a cowards way out) ....I dont know if its the pain talking but if I can't live for something maybe I can die for something
  
  - sr038 March 10, 2009 7:52AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Drug tolerant Netherlands

The Netherlands is closing 8 prisons because there isn't enough crime to keep them filled. Our government would have us believe that the " war on drugs " keeps us safe. In my biased opinion, the war on drugs is a waste of resources.

- Pyromaniac May 27, 2009 11:18PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Haven't you heard?
  
  The prison closings had nothing to do with not enough prisoners. According to the Fer'ners Death Panel Exploratory Committee the prisons are being emptied because:
  
  1. They can no longer afford them since they have Gub'ment Nazi Socialized Communist healthcare .
  
  2. They needed the prison space for the "Soylent Green Euthanization and Abortion Center". They did manage to allot a small portion of the space for a daycare.
  
  - tek August 23, 2009 10:58PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Prohibition is crime

The dangers of a police state are vastly greater than the dangers of the most chronic marijuana user. Give a sadistic fascist leaning person a gun and a badge and they will lie under oath and the judges who own stock in Whakenhut and Corrections Corporation of America eat up the lies like candy. Prohibit Tyrannical police state not a natural herb. You cannot deny people the control of their minds and bodies and say the constitution is valid. The illegitimate US government tells us how dangerous marijuana is and then they patent it as a neuro-protectant and anti-oxidant medicine . Government officials making false statements is a criminal. Prohibition is the real crime .

- atliberty June 17, 2009 10:18PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Down with Prohibition

Prohibition will never work,We need to stop this crime in the USA
We as Americans must not put people in office who wants to keep Prohibition.We must vote them out.

- countryboy June 29, 2009 5:35PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Prohibitionn didn't work

I am tempted tosay not "No!" but "Hell No". Yet: No market, No sales. No sales, no money . No money, why not find something ese to sell.? Could this be the answer in the US for Mexico's cartel wars?

- bobalou September 18, 2009 2:15PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Uncommitted

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Marijuana Use Rarely Leads to Arrest & it's not 20s-Style Prohibition

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Objection Go to this Objection

Look at the polls

Dr. Sabet, you recently objected to NORML's post, "Prohibition doesn't work". The final line of your objection statement says, " there is overwhelming support to keep marijuana illegal". Have you looked at recent CNN polls, and other polls taken by national news agencies? They consistantly show about a 75/25 split, in favor of legalization.

Also, you downplayed the destruction current policy does to those who are convicted of marijuana related charges. While many do not get serious jailtime, they still frequently are fired from their jobs, live on probation for some time, sometimes lose their children,and drivers licenses, and generally are caused severe hardship. While they may not be in prison, they mine as well be.

How do you respond to that?

- Asemili August 8, 2008 7:21AM

Reply to this Recommend (6) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- polls
  
  Using an argument based on polls and popularity is dangerous. For example, look at the stats on all the federal legislators who were in support of sending troops to the Middle East after 9/11. Also, look at the popularity of credit card debt--most Americans are in debt; it's popular based on the sheer majority. So, should we (the US) have gone over to fight in the Middle East? Should we all go out and get in credit card debt? Using this kind of thinking reminds me of a teen who argues with a parent by saying, "Well all my friends are doing it." It's ludicrous.
  
  As sad as it sounds, the government has to essentially legislate morality. I believe that marijuana use is immoral, that's it's an extension of the 'if it feels good then it can't be wrong' mentality that has plagued our country and has brought about widespread problems. If the law allowed marijuana use, but prohibited, say cocaine. Then the new 'line' to tow and threshold to illegal would be pushed further.
  
  - Jefe October 29, 2008 9:08PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - Legal Morality
    
    Constitutionally, it's not really the governments "right" to legislate morality. See "seperation of church and state". Nevertheless, even if it is their right, who decides what's moral and what's not? Some people believe Christianity is immoral, others believe homosexuality is immoral. The only gauge we realisticaly have for what is moral and what is not is "do my action cause harm to others or myself", and if so, "what degree of harm is acceptable". Can one say that, if legalized, privately smoking marijuana in one's home causes such harm to others or yourself that it should be prohibited? One side says, "no" while the other side says, "yes".
    
    The bottom line: If the government should regulate morality, then all harmful immoral behaviors, especially those that promote "feel good" like Alchohol should be made illegal, not just Marijuana.
    
    - Asemili November 4, 2008 8:59AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - Maxims of Law
    
    "Any one may renounce a law introduced for his own benefit."
    
    "It is a fault to meddle with what does not belong to or does not concern you."
    
    "What is inconvenient or contrary to reason, is not allowed in law.
    The reason ceasing, the law itself ceases."
    
    So, why would anybody who uses, sells, or grows marijuana be of any concern to those who don't? as long as one isn't hurting others, or damaging other peoples property, why is marijuana illegal in the first place? it shouldn't be, as evidenced by these maxims of law.
    
    "In default of the law, the maxim rules"
    
    - Kawlinz December 10, 2008 9:08PM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - ALCOHOL!!!!!!!!!!
    
    Your argument is only valid if you believe in the prohibition of alcohol. PERIOD.
    Why?
    Well...
    
    1. Alcohol is legal because the overwhelming majority of Americans think that it should be. But that doesn't matter, right? Because all that matters is that the laws reflect what "should" be done, in a moral sense. Since alcohol causes, statistically, more deaths than marijuana, what is so much moral about it than marijuana use?
    
    2. Since only a small percentage of Americans drink alcohol for religious reasons, the vast majority of those who believe that alcohol should be legal believe this because either:
    a) 'if it feels good then it can't be wrong'
    b) "Well all my friends are doing it," or
    c) I know it's bad, but we've tried prohibition before and we all know how that went.
    
    Therefore, the arguments you've made are only valid if you believe in the reenactment of the 18th amendment.
    
    - AlliedToasters March 9, 2009 12:02AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - Ok
    
    So than don't use cannabis . Why do you have to put people in jail for their decisions? I don't like religion , it seems to cause a lot of wars. Do I think it should be against the law ? No people can choose for themselves.
    
    - OuttaLuck May 5, 2009 11:48AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
is that even a good argument

you say that “number of marijuana users in prison for their use is perhaps 800-2,300 individuals" the reason of "well there aren't that many people in jail for this policy so why does it matter" is non-sense if there is even 1 person in jail for a policy that is clearly wrong then isn't that 1 person too many?

- Officer Cooper August 10, 2008 12:06PM

Reply to this Recommend (6) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
A normal man's view

Ok, first off the recent objection I read " Maijuana use rarely leads to arrest & it's not 20s-style prohibition" in my opinion is a bunch of bullsh*t. Most of these points are not even major. Pretty much saying "well its not 700,000 its just more like 100,000". Its still a outstanding number. My argument has always been why alcohol and not marijuana.

You say because alcohol has been longer been used in culture issues. SO WHAT! That should have not be the argument! Alcohol has been the reason for more murders, assults roberies, etc.. than marijuana by far. Examples: A man and his wife get in a heated argument. The man drinks alcohol and the argument continues. The Man is more likely to react in a violent way under the influence of alcohol than if he smoked marijuana. I mean I think we have all been to a party or what not and seen someone get all stupid drunk and talk shit. Even try fighting friends, family, etc.. Now if a man smoked marijuana in this situation he is more likely to be calmed by the THC (chemical compound in mairjuana that gets you "high"). Also through personal experience people at parties that smoked weed instead of drinking or just drank. Are alot more (relaxed&mellowed out) than gettin all crazy drinking. I lean toward the person's personality being the reason for moods and activites than the substance he is on.

Marijuana leads to crime? (laughs) someone that steals, is involved in gangs, tags walls, is viloent, etc.. is that way already. Being under the influence of alcohol sure the hell isn't going to help that, but I think marijuana has more potential to make this individual calm and think about doing this activity, perhaps even pursuade the individual from doing it. And on the helth issues, come on now be real about this. People eat themselve's obese! Is this healthy? Hell no, people smoke ciggiretes (can cause lung cancer), drink alcohol (damages kidneys), eat greasy food (which can lead to clots and heart attacks), etc.. is any of this healthy? No, but people still do these things and freely from any regulations from the law. So why try to use a argument "marijuana can cause mental illness" "marijuana can cause lung problems". Cigirettes can too! An everyday life, situations, and events are enought to give someone mental illnesses and make one "crazy". Well these are just some of my arguments on this subject. In the end you can make marijuana illegal, and say its bad. But in the end people will still consume and enjoy it everyday. And ontop of all that, look at the facts and polls. MORE PEOPLE AGREE WITH IT AND ACCEPT MARIJUANA THAN THOSE WHO OPPOSE IT! Theres just a goverment saying its bad. With a majority of the people in that country saying its not.

- RealeyezTheMC December 13, 2008 3:17AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- MJ Illegally Illegal
  
  Sadisitic greedy pigs love prohibition and profit from it. They can say " you are bad, you smoke marijuana ", "now we will take your all your property and put you in jail." It happened to me, no sale, no violence they just took my pot and everything I worked for my whole life. They are Nazis and if there was a God he would stike prohibitionist lying stealing pigs down and send thenm to the eternal hell they deserve. Thanks for being on the moral high ground Realeyez
  
  - atliberty June 17, 2009 10:26PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
it's not 20s-Style Prohibition

It isn't? So all that violence in Mexico is a figment of my imagination?
Over 60% of the cartels profits come from cannabis .

- OuttaLuck May 5, 2009 11:23AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
"overwhelming support"

"On the other hand, there is overwhelming support to keep marijuana illegal, and introducing a legal market for the substance in no way guarantees the elimination of the black market."

That is definitely a stretch.

Here is some actual data:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/19561/Who-Supports-Marijuana-Legalization.aspxLegalization .aspx

In the Western US, in 2005, it was definitely within the margin of error. I'm sure it has only gained support since then. You know why? California marijuana is far superior to anything you can get elsewhere (that wasn't originally brought from there).

Take a stand against the cartel violence in Mexico. Buy only California grown marijuana!

- econguy May 30, 2009 11:17AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

Humanity’s Medicine Chest

- From NORML

Open Argument Go to this Argument

Only the Rich

If the rich had a medical need for Cannabis it would be legal as is oxycontin, percocet and many other LEGAL drugs taken by the elite, But of course that's different isn't it? NOT

- bobo2854 July 31, 2008 9:52AM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Good point

People that have the money and insurance to go to a doctor can get much stronger and more addictive drugs that kill thousands yearly. They are all legal but kill thousands every year. They are so called legal drugs and millions take them. Countries that care about there people have stopped methadone treatment for heroin addiction because it is stronger and more addictive. So they using wisdom and good sense give the heroin because it is less bad for you than the methadone. Whay does our country keep giving the high priced methadone? Because a major phamacutical company makes a lot of money from it. They do not care that it is worse for you or harder to get away from. Typical of our leaders follow the money is all you need to do to see!! MJ deaths to date looking back to the beginning of recorded history 00.0.........

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 7:20PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
I am a hebilist!!

If I have a pain or problem I go to the herb store explain my need and they suggest something. Natural cures work for me maybe because I am Native American we have been using them since before our country was taken from us. If this War on Us would end I could tell them I had depression and insomnia and they could recommend the best medicine I have found for what ails me lets call it CurallX. Weed helps many it also lifts your spirits tell me what is wrong with that??????? Demand CurallX be make legal it is my medicine of choice the only problem I could go to jail and have my house sold at auction to help pay for the War on US...

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 27, 2008 6:32PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Smoked Marijuana is not Medicine - but Components of Cannabis Might be

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Objection Go to this Objection

Different views on medicine

Dr. Sabet, consider Marijuana an "alternative medicine", or "natural remedy". It needs no processing to have it's effect. There are a great many people who do not agree with conventional medicine. Should they be forced to use only FDA approved medicinal remedy's? Dr.'s scoff at herbal remedies, however there is a large following for the same. Should those who do not wish to ingest chemically processed "medications" be required to suffer? For the seroiusly ill, is there any possibility that smoked Marijuana may actually be having a positive effect on their pain, where other drugs have failed or is it a farce? Why do medical marijuana patients extoll the benifits of using the substance? Probably because their drug addicts right? And Marijuana makes you lose your mind and go "crazy" just like they said it does back in the 20's, right?

I just want to know what year, exactly it was, that the FDA became the only source for determining medicinal value. It has to have been pretty recently.

- Asemili August 8, 2008 7:33AM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
I differ

It is medicine to me the one I have chosen for myself it helps with so many problems. Plus I am 60 a very young 60 and have no medical problems. I have not been to a doctor since I was released from the armed forces in 1971!! Could it be a fountain of youth as well I feel it is I am strong viral and ready to fight for my rights! Stop the War on US now!!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 27, 2008 6:36PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
smoking not relevant

also vaporization as come to change it all just look up the ubie a safe and cheap tool to do this

- ignint October 1, 2008 8:38AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
reconsider, please

In your special to the Seattle Times (2-16) you decry the supposed "nightmares...the heavy social costs" would bring with legalization. What do you call the current state of affairs: the billions spent, the (real) crimes not pursued due to our puritanical obsession, the growth of an underground industry that dwarfs the Mafia, the attendant murders spurred by ungodly profits, the loss of respect for the rule of law, the destabilization and corruption of huge Latin states, not to mention our own justice apparatus, and overall, an increasing belief that our own government is out of touch with reality- based on its long-standing preference for Big Oil and Big Pharma profits over a viable and sustainable domestic hemp industry? If that ain't a nightmare of heavy social costs, what is it?

- teedee February 16, 2009 7:37PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Marinol

Marinol is not always prescribed because it does not produce precisely the same medicinal effects. There are many different cannaboid components of cannabis; THC is simply the primary one. Patients nearly universally prefer using the whole leaf because it is not solely the THC that treats their pain (or nausea or glaucoma). Using the whole leaf or whole leaf extract provides much more comprehensive relief.
Smoking is rightly decried as being damaging to the lungs and counterproductive to health. Luckily, patients can avoid the negative effects of smoking by using vaporizing tools or ingesting oil- or alcohol extracts.

- locavore February 27, 2009 10:53AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Reactive Medicine

Smoked or vaporized marijuana is reactive medicine , as opposed to proactive medicine such as oral pharmaceuticals. Proactive medicines are well suited for nausea, pain, and depression just to name a few that relate to marijuana. Marijuana is almost a novel medicine, but only because government made that so. If government had not lied about marijuana, we would more widely know about reactive medicines.

- Starlon June 12, 2009 6:56AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Smoked Marijuana Is Not Medicine.

WRONG! Smoked/vaporized marijuana is good medicine . OK you are a Dr, or so you claim. So tell me "What is the safest, most therapeutically active substance I can take on a daily, regular basis to control chronic nausea and vomiting?" If you say Reglan/Metoclopramide you are wrong. My digestive specialist said while handing me my Reglan prescription, "Do not use Reglan/Metoclopramide on a daily basis (which is what I need) for it causes irreversible Parkinson like shakes and tremors. Though rarer it also causes "Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome" which is fatal." Marijuana has none of these serious and fatal side effects so why is it illegal ? Not for our health that's for sure.

- eltone November 10, 2009 12:52PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

It’s the Economy, Stupid!

- From NORML

Open Argument Go to this Argument

Billions with a B

I have seen estimates as high as 100 billion for the total cost of the war on us Americans. This does not count the tax money that could be generated by legalization, regulation, and taxing. Calif. one state estimates tax revenue as high as two billion a year. For all fifty states should bring in around 50 billion a year that is a total of 150 billion to the good side if made legal. All we have to do is pay our representatives more money that the PACs to make it legal!! I'll kick in how much does a senator cost today?

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 24, 2008 5:19PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Oh, but there's more.

Sounds like we're spending a LOT of money policing weed. We're also spending a lot of money policing cocaine and ecstacy. Should we stop that too?

- MrZ750 September 2, 2008 6:21PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Not the issue
  
  Cocaine, ecstacy, meph, heroin, etc aren't the issue here. There's politcal interest groups who do want to completely halt the war on drugs and legalize everything, but there is a large community that just wants the war on drugs to exclude pot, with the argument that it is miscatagorized as a schedule I substance, and less a danger than existing, legal rec drugs like alchohol and tobacco. Hard drugs like cocaine are widely agreed upon as destructive, whereas MJ is widely disagreed upon. The vast majority of those who do not want MJ legal tend to be conservatives, and the further "right" you go, the stronger the opposition.
  
  - Asemili September 3, 2008 3:00PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Yes we should make alll drugs legal (reply to Oh, but there's more

All drugs should be legal you cannot just say the poor mans bad drugs are illegal. How about all the rich mans drugs that are legal and kill 100.000 a year should they be make illegal? There is a certain percentage of people that are going to do stupid shit legal or illegal they will abuse them. So does that mean you put them all in jail? No its a social problem let the churches or others in the social ill business help them don't put them in jail that is stupid and it does more harm that the drugs.....

- Cherokee Fred hussein September 3, 2008 11:46PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

If It Were Only So Easy

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Objection Go to this Objection

Foggy Clarity

Dr. Sabet, would you please provide references for the following items in your recent post of objection, "if it where only so easy"? For example, you say, "marijuana use tripled among young adults" in the Netherlands since it's legalization, however I recall reading a report that said, "Marijuana use declined after legalization". Where did you get your figures? I notice you say, "among young adults". What % of the population is that? Assuming your statement is accurate, what is the ratio of "young" to "old" adults, and does the sum of the change in each group equal an increase, or a decline?

What is your basis, with references, for how the black market would remain intact post legalization, with heavy tax levies? Assuming you are right, does it even matter, since the "black market" would be about as harmful as pirating MP3's off the internet? The "organized crime" factor would be gone...

Where the heck do you get 160 BILLION in "social costs" for current policy? I'm dumbfounded

- Asemili August 8, 2008 7:44AM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Perspective, Skewed

I had such a good laugh reading Dr. Sabet's rebutal of NORML's economic reasons for legalizing Marijuana. A recent CNN story ( http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/08/08/pot.eradication /#cnnSTCTVideo) really sets it in perspective. In that story, agents cull several thousand marijuana plants from a national forest in California. They estimated the plants where worth 40 BILLION on the street (watch the video yourself. 40 BILLION). This is 1 single garden tucked away in the mountains in an isolated part of California. That probably represents less than 1% of all domestically grown pot. By that count, pot could be a trillion dollar industry. Why would the government want to keep sending that money to Mexican drug cartels and street gangs, who, in turn, use it to kill police offficers and incite violence? If I where the cops, I would be pushing for pot legalization real hard. They complain about all the violence, but they fuel it when their policy. Sensless.

- Asemili August 11, 2008 10:52AM

Reply to this Recommend (4) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Learn to read
  
  Your CNN reads: "This garden's street value is an estimated $40 million, authorities said."
  Get your M's & B's right. And does this really represent less than 1% of all domestically grown pot? Does your argument come w/ a scattergram?
  
  Going back to CNN, this $40 MMMMMMillion dollar figure is adjusted to fit current STREET prices. If you'd read Dr. Sabet's article, you'd realize that if we legalized marijuana, the intrinsic cost would not be anywhere near $40million.
  
  The $160billion social lost comes from lost productivity in and out of the workplace. When was the last time you contributed to society while you were high?
  
  - MrZ750 September 2, 2008 6:32PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - I stand corrected
    
    You are absolutely right. The CNN story is 40 million which obviously I heard the wrong # on. That does impact my argument slightly, but doesn't affect the main point - marijuana is a high yield industry that drug cartels profit off of, and then invest those profits back into inciting violence.
    
    Regarding social loss, I am skeptical of the 160b figure, however, notwithstanding that, one would have to balance the "productivity loss" against the already socially destructive practice of career destruction & education impacts due to lost funding for getting caught with a joint.
    
    Btw, how frequently do you contribute to society when your totally wasted at the bar? Same goes for MJ. Being high all the time will waste a life, but being high, say, after work, or part of a weekend when you aren't contributing to the economy is a different story.
    
    - Asemili September 3, 2008 2:44PM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
    - The Cost.
      
      I believe the $160,000,000,000.oo is the total cost of the WoDs, in fact I believe it may be even more. OH, that's per year. The last figure I heard quoted on the war against cannabis is $92,000,000,000.00. All this money for a failed policy. Amazing. And we just keep paying it.
      
      - Ironman September 12, 2008 12:28PM
      
      Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
      
      Thank You for your Comment
      
      We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - High on What
    
    When is the last time a drunk contributed to society when he/she was drunk?
    
    - Ironman October 14, 2008 2:28PM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - What it's Worth
    
    If marijuana were legalized it would become WORTHLESS. Anybody who wants to can grow enough weed in their closet to last them the rest of their lives. It may take a few tries, but soon enough you could have the highest quality cannabis growing for very little cost. Many people would not want to hassle with this, so there would still be chances for commercialy grown bud. A rise in use. Sure, many people who don't use now would try it. Many of these people will like it, and continue. Many would not like it, and not continue to use it. WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL.
    
    - Ironman October 14, 2008 2:46PM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - The Last Time
    
    The last time I contributed to society while I was high? Yesterday.
    
    You should have met me back before I quit drinking! Talk about a burden on society...
    
    - lostlo October 24, 2008 11:00AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - Don't Assume things...
    
    When was the last time the you contributed to society when you were drunk? Now, I'm not saying that you get drunk or ever take a drink of alcohol. My point is that legalizing marijuana will not lead to most users being high all the time. Most marijuana users are very discreet and use it appropiately, just like most alchohol users.
    
    - csmith January 26, 2009 12:47AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
  - EVERDAY!!!!!
    
    I get high all day everyday and i'm one of the most highly functioning members of society, no pun intended, that you could ever hope to meet. I have a four year old daughter and a new baby boy on the way and yet somehow i manage to have an outstanding family life while enjoying Cannabis and still handling my responsibilities. Hmmm....sounds like you need to keep digging watson
    
    - burnttwiggy March 5, 2009 8:58AM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
    
    Thank You for your Comment
    
    We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
My Mission

Learn to read..
We are here to save people from suffering in jail, correct the injustice, restore our rights as Americans, and basically help our fellow Americans. What is your point?

- Cherokee Fred hussein September 4, 2008 2:45AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- My point is.
  
  If cannabis were legal it would loose all value to the criminal element. Crime involving cannabis sales would quickly cease. Those that are imprisoned for simple possession would be released. Cannabis could be taxed. Cannabis could be properly regulated,ie alcohol laws would apply. Cannabis sales to minors would become non-existant, ie no profit. Those that grow illegaly now could apply for a license to grow, and thus become legitimate business persons. People who sell illegaly now could apply for a cannabis retail sales license. A whole new industry would spring up, and everybody would profit. Labeling would show quality. Quality, and purity would be controled. There could be a warning label required. SMOKING cannabis could be hazerdous to your health. Vaporizing is recommended. Novice users, 3 inhales to start. If you have feelings of paranoia, anxiety, or panic take a shower, eat something. :) DO NOT DRIVE, OR OPERATE HEAVY MACHINERY when using. My point is that the only problem with cannabis is that it is ILLEGAL. Take that aspect away, and it is no longer a problem.
  
  - Ironman October 15, 2008 8:08AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

Industrial Use

- From NORML

Open Argument Go to this Argument

Another no brainer

MJ has many industrial uses paper for one quit cutting down all the trees for paper they make oxygen that is what we need to breath!! Use MJ it will grow 15 feet tall in one season and make some good paper many old documents were written on hemp paper! Just one small use look it up there are many biofuel is another better than corn we can eat corn!! Stop our leaders, they are enslaving many good Americans young and old for greed do some reading don't be the sheep they want you to be!!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 7:38AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Hemp is a Distracting, Silly Issue in a Field That Needs Answers

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Objection Go to this Objection

Uninformed

Dr. Sabet, in today's age, do you think it's worth considering all possible fuel alternatives? Hemp has some indisputable positive practical applications. While it's really not the issue we are discussing in this debate, downplaying it's industrial use as nothing more than smoke and mirrors may be a bit naive...

- Asemili August 8, 2008 7:51AM

Reply to this Recommend (4) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Ohhhh, PLEASE!!!

Doctor, please answer the following: Where did you get the stat, "only 800-2300 marijuana users are imprisoned? The 700,000 arrestees doesn't represent those arrested by LE, but rather those arrests that LE reported? What's the difference? Prohibition was really decriminalization. Are you serious? I think you meant it was CRIMINALIZATION!
There is overwhelming evidence to support continued criminalization of marijuana. Where? Ending prohibition in no way guarantees the elimination of the black market. Well, prohibition DEFINITELY GUARANTEES a continuation of the black market. What say you? Hemp distracts the REAL issues. So does hyperbole, lies, and propaganda. What say you?

Another unfortunate example of a degreed individual with an inability to think or reason. SHOW US SOME PROOF, or UNBIASED studies. You should be embarassed, doctor, really.

- PSYOP August 8, 2008 1:39PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
your right

your right it should be moved to the environmental issues because the industries hemp would re-place are also the biggest causes of pollution deforestation and erosion.

- ignint October 1, 2008 8:54AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
A Silly issue?

Wow! The MOST beneficial plant in human history, useful in more ways than one. You don't think that Hearst, DuPont, Mellon, and Carnegie had any interest in keeping industrial hemp out of the picture? Please!
That is ridiculous. Money talks, money buys votes and politicians, money will help induct legislation that will eliminate competitors i.e. DuPont with his nylon and sulfide paper pulping process. All so we can rape the earth of its oil and trees for the love of money. The Decoricator was poised to revolutionize the hemp industry and make it as lucrative as the budding plastics industry. Something which big investors could not let happen and so began the demonization of Cannabis and the introduction of the false term 'marihuana'.
Which makes for sense in a sustainable manner?
1.) Destroying a acre of forest for paper pulp that uses sulfides and takes 10-20 years to regrow.
or
2.) Growing a acre of hemp that produces 4 times the pulp in one season, and is ready for the next years cycle.

There is a very good reason why paper was originally made from hemp. It is stronger, longer lasting, and requires no sulfides.
Plastics can also be made from it that would actually biodegrade. Why make biofuels from a food source like corn when producing it from hemp would also allow other products to be manufactured.

Dr. Sabet I find your arguments shallow, and still touting the exact same lines that have come before. You would think that after a 71 year WAR that we might get the hint that it will never go away, and it would be best to just embrace it, regulate it, and tax it to reap the revenue from it and also open up more industries in the United States of America!!

- tRANIS March 8, 2009 8:45AM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
One big strawman

I'm curious why Sabet attacks the argument of someone completely different, instead of the one he is supposed to--and fails to actually give a reason why hemp shouldn't be legal .

- Blue Linchpin May 2, 2009 12:24AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Dr. Sabet, are you out of your mind?!

Dr. Sabet wrote;

"Hemp is a distracting issue which really has little to do with modern drug control policy...".

The reasons industrial hemp is not allowed to be grown in the US is precisely BECAUSE of modern drug control policy. Of course, it was a perfectly good crop to grow before cannabis prohibition, and then again during WWll. Industrial hemp would be a very useful crop today -- if it weren't for the ridiculous ongoing prohibition of psychoactive cannabis.

As mentioned in another post -- Dr. Sabet, you really should be embarrassed!

- blendin June 17, 2009 12:30PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

It is a Myth That 'Everybody is Doing It.'

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Argument Go to this Argument

I have a study

I consider myself a normal person, three kids, 30 year career with major company, retired, and no police record. In the 60 years I have been around I would say 70 to 75% of the people I have known in my life use Marijuana to some degree. Perhaps just at a party, after work, or on a more regular basis I see no problem with it. So why are our representatives so opposed to it being legal? Follow the money is all I can tell you. They continue to enslave one in three blacks using the war on drugs for the excuse it is time to replace them.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 10:13PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
You don't have to 'experiment with legalization'

We already know what it was like when it was legal, before 1937. The country got along just fine, thank you very much. Cannabis was used in children's cough syrup and sleeping drafts, and no one died. They just stopped coughing and slept really well.

- Brinna Nanda August 21, 2008 10:12PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Every body is not doing it.

Even if you prove that not everyone is doing it, why shouldn't it be legal? Maybe everyone is not doing it because it is illegal. Are you afraid that everyone will do it after it is legalized? Then everyone will realize what they were missing out on in life. I mean it's jsut a plant. What if i just want to grow it because it thik its beatiful. Can i not have the right to grow it?

- hellarasta March 10, 2009 1:12PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Think of this

The reason why the government is getting those marijuana user statistics is most likey because its the government itself taking the statistics. I myself recreationally use marijuana, but if the government asked me if i did, or sent out surveys asking if i did, i, and alot of people i know would say no i do not use it, and so would everyone of my friends. However, if it was a legalization orginaztion like NORML me and my friends would all say yes to any survey they'd send out. Simply because its not the government.

- ShiverYaTimbers April 1, 2009 12:23PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Use of Assumptions = Bad News

Of course there are fewer marijuana users than users of alcohol and cigarettes . The drug is illegal ! I would also like to point out that a recent study showed an interesting correlation. The study showed that the consupmtion of marijuana along with "binge drinking" actually protects the white matter of the brain. Not only is marijuana safer than booze, it protects the brain from it. A little off topic but interesting regarless.

- TravFournier October 22, 2009 4:05PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Mr. Sabet is Correct. Marijuana is the Most Widely Used Illicit Drug.

- From NORML

Open Objection Go to this Objection

Your Point

The only reason it is an illicit drug is the greed of our leaders keeping it that way for there own personal gain. Follow the money I say and you will know why we are being enslaved at the rate of one every 38 seconds. We are sacrificed and written off as the price of doing business..

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 10:16PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

Where Legalization Has Flourished, Drug Use Has Increased

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Argument Go to this Argument

Where Legalization Has Flourished, Drug Use Has Increased

I would see a slight to medium increase in the use of marijuana if it were legalized. Most of the increase would be people officially admitting using drug. I believe the consequences of the drugs illegality would make a majority of the people who use it highly secretive about their use.

The truth is nobody really knows how many people are using marijuana. Recently there have been studies done where scientist would analyze sewage to try to estimate how many people were using certain types of drugs.

For the most part I feel there are few people who would like to use marijuana ,but just don't do so because of its illegality. For instance if crack cocaine were legalized I'd bet there wouldn't be an increase of its usage. People generally observe users of drugs before they partake in its use. In the case of marijuana users can easily observe that it is less damaging than alcohol.

- rchot August 10, 2008 12:11PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Inconsistent Statistics

In your first argument, you used the "current user" statistics to show that "not everyone is doing it," comparing it to higher rates of legal drugs like alcohol. In your second, you point to the "lifetime user" statistics to show that an increasing number of people have tried it at some point in their lives, in a nation where it is legal. Is it really surprising that where marijuana is legal, that more people have experimented with it - or that where it is illegal, more people use the legal drugs?

- BobApril November 5, 2008 5:25PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
The Good Doctor is not being honest

The Good Dr. Kevin isn’t telling the whole truth. Or, put another way, Dr. Kevin is attempting to deceive us with disingenuous facts

I just checked the following website - European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction -
http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/themes/drug-situation/cannabis

There is something really interesting in the statistics on Cannabis use in the Netherlands.

Based on Dr. Kevin’s assertions, I would expect the Netherlands to be ranked among the highest cannabis using countries in Europe. It isn’t.

The statistics below are taken from the website mentioned above. These statistics are from a page listing only the highest usage countries. The age group is 15 to 64 year olds. Stats are broken down by Lifetime use, Last Year and Last Month. Here are the stats for 2008:

Country Lifetime Last Year Last Month
Denmark 36.5%
France 30.6% 8.6% 4.8%
UK 30.1%
Italy 29.3% 11.2% 5.8%
Spain ?? 11.2% 8.7%
Czech Rep ?? 9.3% 4.8%

Cannabis is illegal in all the countries listed above.

Here are the lifetime usage statistics for 15 to 64 year olds in the Netherlands as reported on the website:
1997 - 1998 19.1%
2001 19.5%
2005 22.6%

Now, Compare these numbers with France, Italy and Spain:

1992 1999 2000 2005
France 11.3% 21.9% 22.5% 30.6%

2001 2003 2005
Italy 21.9% 22.4% 29.3%

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005-06
Spain 14.2% 21.7% 19.8% 24.5% 29% 28.6%

Shame on Dr. Kevin. He didn’t provide the whole picture. It is true that cannabis use has increased in the Netherlands - a whopping 3.5% since 1997. Compare that to;
a 7.4% increase for Italy
a 14.4% increase for Spain
a 8.7% increase for France (from 1999 to 2005)

Intellectual prostitution is alive and well. It means nothing to be educated if you lack the discipline to be honest.

- csmith January 26, 2009 11:30PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Get all the Details

An interview with a dutch offical has shown that one the best things about the legilzation of marijuana in amsterdam is that because its legal more people stay away from hard drugs such as cocaine, herion, meth, etc. i sure that if the US legalizes than ,as rchot has said, the increase would mainly be in the number of people actually admitting to smoking marijuana, and im sure that if it was legal then people would be less inclined to trying hard drugs because they wouldnt be in contact with it. i mean if it was legal then people could get it from safe licensed shops and not have to come into contact with drug dealers who would probably try and pressure them into buying hard drugs.

- ShiverYaTimbers April 1, 2009 12:32PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
medical legalization

Just wondering have you looked at the California Statistics published by our good old Government? Useage esp. in teen populations has significantly dropped since inception of MM in 1996-2007...REGULATED LEGALIZATION DOES NOT EQUATE TO BROADER USEAGE...READ YOUR #'s

- proposition1MD April 15, 2009 2:32PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Do you even read case studies...

Or just make them up?
So let me ask you this doc, if what you're saying is true, then how is that the report from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/attachements.cfm /att_93236_EN_EMCDDA_AR2009_EN.pdf
Says that the Netherlands (the home of dutch coffee houses) that have had laxed laws on "soft drugs " (like Cannabis) for the past few decades, are showing the LEAST amount of Cannabis use compared to the rest of Europe?

- dmunkey November 10, 2009 3:59PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Pot Liberalization is Not Associated With Greater Use

- From NORML

Open Objection Go to this Objection

Not the issue

Does this matter I wish more people would use MJ please! Stop the meth, steriods, alchol and other drugs that make people mean.
The point is our leaders are putting Americans in jail for being Americans! Our rights are being stripped daily I feel they (our leaders) should be put in jail for starting and perpetuating this war on drugs. I call it War on the American way of life. Where did freedom of choice go? Look at history this war was started for racist reasons aimed at the blacks and Hispanics.
Now fed by there addiction to the 100 billion spent every year and there part in the form of kickbacks from corporations and PACs.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 10:27PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
What 'drug problems'?

"Soon after Britain eased restrictions on marijuana use, drug problems increased, leading Prime Minister Gordon Brown to re-classify marijuana to a more serious status."

What? No, they didn't! The reclassification led to a marked drop in wasted police resources, and was widely welcomed. Brown's decision to re-reclassify cannabis as a dangerous drug flew in the face of all the expert recommendations he had received, and is regraded as a retrograde step meant entirely to boost his popularity with the 'hang&flog' brigade. It has neither popular nor scientific support.

Sabet says nothing about the nature of the 'drug problems' he claims increased during the downgraded period. Details, please - or admit that they don't exist.

CD

- cdavis999 September 17, 2008 2:16AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

Experts Agree That Marijuana Contributes to Mental Illness

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Argument Go to this Argument

Personal Experience

I am 60 started during Vietnam and I say it is the only thing that has protected my mental health!!! Dealing with the day to day knowledge of what our so called leaders are doing. Go to http://www.november.org / and read the stories of every day normal Americans that have had there lives ruined by our leaders. Look deeper and see why they destroy so many ( hint follow the money)

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 10:33PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Mental Problems

The only mental problem I have with all the facts given, it drives me crazy that we do not have legal MJ. I am sure if they study people that drink ever day they would find many more health problems so why is it legal and they put us in jail thats JAIL for using weed our choice. All you have to do is see who is paying all the bills to keep it illegal.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 30, 2008 6:37PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Who paid these "experts" ?

Every study I have seen that shows that Marijuana has some type of bad effect on the body or the mind also has, upon study of the research itself, a sever bias built into the way the data is collected, correlated and interpreted.
In fact many of the studys that claim that MJ has harmful effects are based upon previous flawed studys and not upon any new clinical research or even observation.
Personally I feel this is due to the fact that these researchers and authors don't want to bite the hand that is feeding them, IE...paying them to say what they want them to say!

- Guido B September 21, 2008 4:53PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Marijuana helps me cope with my bipolar disorder

I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and the only thing that works when my prescribed medications fail is MARIJUANA. Why isn't marijuana being research to see how it can help treat "certain" mental disorders?

I use marijuana all the time to treat some of my symptoms of bipolar and it has NEVER caused me to experience psychosis. We don't even know if the people involved in the clinical trials were diagnosed with some form of psychosis BEFORE they participated in the study. People only get paranoid because marijuana is ILLEGAL and we are scared to get arrested or have people snitch on us.

All people have to make it safer is to use a "vaporizer" DUH!!! It takes out the bad chemicals and leaves the THC. People do research and clinical trials to see how marijuana may treat PHYSICAL disorders in the U.S. so why not "MENTAL" disorders?

Why should I have to suffer from extreme mania and depression just because my present "sub par" medications DON'T WORK and people refuse to do the research? I thought medical doctors psychologist were smarter than that. I deserve the BEST treatment possible but obviously medical doctors, psychologist and especially our government don't give a damn about people like me!!

- Morpheus Blaze December 24, 2008 6:43PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Mental Illness??

The only mental illness I have encountered is the Drug Enforcement Administration and cops on these nazi task forces! People like that leon lott dude that was attacking michael phelps,now that is mental illness at its worst. Pot is non habit forming and no one has ever died from it. so much for the flawed medical theories about cancer causing and other propaganda! Disband the DEA and send em packing!!! Idiots

- Jackattack February 18, 2009 1:00PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Which experts?

Saying that 'experts' have found all this data proving the harmful effects of marijuana is ,to me atleast, the same as in WW2 when the nazi's propaganda showed 'scientific evidence' that the jewish and african people where inferior to whites. The way i see it, all these studies are done by people who are biased againt it, conduct biased studies, and thus they get biased results.

- ShiverYaTimbers April 1, 2009 12:40PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
rapidshare search

I use marijuana all the time to treat some of my symptoms of bipolar and it has NEVER caused me to experience psychosis. We don't even know if the people involved in the clinical trials were diagnosed with some form of psychosis BEFORE they participated in the study. People only get paranoid because marijuana is ILLEGAL and we are scared to get arrested or have people snitch on us.

__
http://loadingvault.com

- rapidshare9 April 3, 2009 6:31AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
anyone who dissagrees is mentally ill.

that's how it works. if you read the psychology books they print.. it's a quackery.

They pretty much state that anything besides being selfish and dishonest is considered a mental disease. That's how they control the people. These people with their academia can not think.

We have powerful liars in the highest seats of academia.
it's not a question of if these people recognize the quakery or not. They simply do not care. truth is not an object. only power is an object.

They should no longer exist. we can destroy the whole of europe with a bio plague. we can invade the west coast united states.capture north east.
it most likely will be the scenario.

i designed underground sub bases in china . they can capture the whole us coast in 24 hours.

- jxzac April 14, 2009 10:52AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Uncommitted

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

More Research is Needed

- From NORML

Open Objection Go to this Objection

Research this- to our so called leaders

I am an American with roots back to native Americans, I have freedom of choice and rights to pursue what makes me happy, I am 60, I served my country during Vietnam, I have worked and paid taxes for over forty years, I am in my house paid for my me, I am sitting in my chair, I do what I choose as an American, I bother no one, people like me every where I go So stop breaking my door down and putting me in jail making me a slave for your personal gain!!!!!!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 10:46PM

Reply to this Recommend (4) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

Marijuana Use Can Be Addictive, While Also Damaging the Lungs

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Argument Go to this Argument

Risk of addiction overstated

I smoked marijuana almost daily for ten years and upon forming a relationship with someone that did not approve with marijuana use I dropped it like, well, a bad habit! No withdrawals, no cravings, nothing. You can not do that with alcohol or nicotine.

Granted abstaining from marijuana for twenty-eight years has benefited me greatly and any significant introduction of any kind of smoke to the lungs can not be healthy. But, the illegality of the substance is far more harmful than the substance itself.

This raises a moral question of the government taking my tax dollars and prosecuting people involved with any aspect of marijuana use or distribution. You are just putting my tax dollars into a program that is systematically siphoning our economy into the coffers of criminals.

- JohnInOhio August 5, 2008 11:12AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: No

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Marijuana Use Can Be Addictive, While Also Damaging the Lungs

Marijuana use can be psychologically addictive so can any positive stimulus coffee, chocolate, love, sex, progress, etc . As far as it being physiologically addictive I will tell you this I know countless people who have altogether quit marijuana or go on breaks to bring down their tolerance. In the context of marijuana the government sees no distinction between use and abuse. They also see very little distinction between use and addiction. In my eyes a real addict will do things out of there character to posses their substance, and absolutely can't feel normal with out their substance. I highly doubt this is a case for over 90% percent of marijuana users.

- rchot August 10, 2008 11:08AM

Reply to this Recommend (4) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Another BS reason

If people are concerned about our well being they would quit stealing our property and putting us in jail!
I watched liquor kill my father and grandfather both were addicted to this legal drug believe me it is addictive the side affects are dt's and death. They also smoked cig another addictive drug that will kill you yet legal, regulated, taxed and sold everywhere and the producers are not arrested and jailed..
MJ is not addictive unless you consider a hot bath addictive I enjoy a hot bath every day so am I addicted no stupid I just enjoy it.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 18, 2008 7:25AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Marijuana is less harmful than alcohol or nicotine

As a retired nurse, I can say that every drug addict I ever knew started out on cigarettes, went to alcohol and then graduated to hard drugs. If you're going to use the arguement that it's unhealthy then we should also ban tobacco and alcohol. Tobacco has been proven to be equal in addiction to cocaine but marijuana does not. Some people are predisposed to addiction. Are we going to nanny state everyone? You can't say ban one recreational drug while ignoring two others that are legal. Alcohol causes permanent damage to the fetal brain. Cigarette smoking causes low birth weight babies. I use to work in an NICU. I saw full term newborns who's mother's were three pack a day smokers. These babies frequently came to our unit for observation for fetal distress and meconium staining. These babies all looked like they just came out of some concentration camp. They were scrawny and edgy. Well, they hadn't had their fix. We had one mother who while still on the delivery table asked if she could have a cigarette. Tobacco smoking also increases spontaneous abortion.

I smoked pot for over forty years without problems. Then one day I just quit. I'll put a pot smoker up against an addicted tobacco smoker anyday and see who tolerates withdrawl. You may miss smoking pot put you sure won't go and put a bullet into someone for asking you to not smoke around them and yes, there are documented cases of that happening.

Drunk driving causes millions of dollars in healthcare costs, property damage, death, and disability every year. Almost half of the domestic violence cases that come through ER's are related to alcohol abuse. Gee, and you try to sell us on the idea that pot is so bad for us. If you get high on pot all one has to do is eat food or have a sugary drink and you're good to go. Try that after three or four beers!

If we're going to ban one soft drug than we should ban both of the others. Of course it won't work. We tried it with alcohol and then had to overturn that bad law. Let's stop treating marijuana like it's a hard drug because it isn't. It may be psychologically addicting for a small percentage of people but not like alcohol or nicotine is. People who treat addictions state that nicotine addiction is more difficult to break than any other drug.

Marijuana smokers are prosecuted because of their lifestyle not because they are causing crime.

- Thedes September 5, 2008 1:46AM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Comparison to legal drugs?

Your argument that marijuana is addictive and harmful fails to consider that the two most common legal drugs, cigarettes and alcohol, are ALSO addictive and harmful. Unless you can show that marijuana is worse than those, this argument is completely irrelevant.

- BobApril November 5, 2008 5:15PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Nicotine Use Can Be Addictive, While Also Damaging the Lungs

Whats new? Cigarettes are legal and the harm they do has been proven countless times. Should we ban tobacco because its 'bad for you'? Nicotine is very addicting also, just ask the millions who try to quit on a practically regular basis. When the government can tell people what to do because of its affects on their health its a sad day. With the case of cigarettes and alcohol we can inform people of their bad effects and give them a way out but we would never think of placing a blanket ban (again) on everyone.

- EAnthes December 9, 2008 3:40PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
The Role of Government

This debate should be taken to its foundations, i.e. the role of government in its citizens lives. Although it may seem viable today that the government deem something illegal at a whim, this type of legislation is immoral and unconstitutional. As human beings, we have certain inalienable rights: life, liberty, property. It can therefore be derived that we may do with our own life, freedom, and property whatsoever we want in the pursuit of happiness. It is not the government's role to protect an individual from himself. The argument "Marijuana will lead to X and A problems and antisocial behavior etc." is not a valid argument since "Happiness" and "Health" are not rights guaranteed, only the pursuit of happiness and health are guaranteed. For this same reason governments interfere in the rights of the individual when seat belt laws are made, and helmet laws are made. Sure, one who decides not to wear a seat belt when driving a motorcycle is being stubborn and stupid, but it is his decision and he will face the consequences of it, if any. In this same way are the users of marijuana acting of their own free will.

- nickodonnell March 4, 2009 2:45PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
oh really

Marijuana is not addictive in the least bit. I smoked muliple time almost every day for a year. Then one day i got bored with it and just dropped it for more than six months. In all those months i had no thought of smoking, no desire to smoke, and i didn't miss it at all. Then one day i was with my friend who happened to be smoking and i thought eh its been forever since i smoked so ill do it for old times. I had such a fun time with my friend just hanging out and smoking that i decided to start smoking again. and that was when i was 15 so saying that teen's are more likely to become addicted is merely biased thoughts.

- ShiverYaTimbers April 1, 2009 12:53PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Pot over booze anyday

I worked in bars for years, we had a lot of what we called hippies coming in drinking water and going outside smoking their pot. The drinkers were causing trouble, loud, sometimes fighting their good friends, the smokers were always happy go lucky. The pot smokers were sticking to there joints, while alot of the hard drinkers were sneaking off to the the bathroom snorting there hard drugs to stay a wake and keep partying. I neither drink nor smoke, but give me a pot smoker anyday over a drunk. From Humboldt I've never seen pot be a gateway drug, yet I've seen alcohol a gateway drug a whole lot. The ones that are so against pot being legal have either never been around pot enough to realize how harmless it is, or someone who makes so much money off it they want it to stay illegal .
As far as health wise, I'm sure the smoking of anything is not good for your lungs. We cannot protect peoples health from smoke, coffee, to much fat, or whatever. I've known some that refuse to smoke it and bake or make soups out of it. A whole lot better for you then sleeping pills, pain pills, or just for a relaxing high than a shot of alcohol.

- humboldt October 18, 2009 4:03PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Less than 10% of Cannabis Consumers meet 'dependence' Criteria

- From NORML

Open Objection Go to this Objection

My Criteria

Quit putting good people in jail http://www.november.org / read the stories of every day Americans put in jail and enslaved for personal gain by our leaders for PAC money.
I love sunshine, a dip in the pool ever day weather permitting, a good hot bath every day, I cannot go without a shave does this mean I am addicted no I enjoy it stupid!!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 10:51PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
pass the marijuana

while cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol can cause health problems and death. Smoking Marijuana has killed 0 people, it's not hurting anybody. It's the fun drug that isn't bad for you. It's not addicting. I can go long periods of time without smoking it and i'm fine, unlike that of cigarette and alcohol users.

- getlifted February 23, 2009 10:51AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

It is a Myth That Small Time Marijuana Users are Crowding our Prisons

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Argument Go to this Argument

One it one too many

This illegal war on our rights paid for with our tax money is wrong. I feel our country owes everyone put in jail and there property stolen should be paid reparation and released. This war started to enslave Blacks and Hispanic now our leaders are addicted to the 100 billion spent every year to jail Americans being Americans..

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 18, 2008 7:32AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Prisons

What about the fact that the private prison industry is flourishing here in the great Incarceration States of America. Why is it that a drug offender gets more time than many violent crimes? Why is it that most of the statistics on drug offenders in prison are actually skewed because of pleas or 'deals'?
This should be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal issue.

- tRANIS March 8, 2009 8:50AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Think of this

When those 'few' marijuana smokers are sent to jail they come out trying to live a normal life again, but because they have records people think that they are much worse than they actually are. So because of this they are sometimes forced to do things that they dont want to, maybe they'll start doing harder drugs, and who knows what else my point is that because of these laws, the prison systems makes good people into bad people.

- ShiverYaTimbers April 1, 2009 1:03PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
the truth

That entire article is complete propaganda that would make harry j. anslinger smile in his grave. The author says people in prison for possesion only spend a miniscule amount of time in there at 33 months. so thats just shy of 3 years of thier life. thats a long time to me. Where i'm from you spend a night in jail for possesion. there isn't any tickets here. i have two possesion charges and the next one i get will send me off to prison. But remember thats only a miniscule amount of time so i shouldn't worry about it.

No man has the right to take my life away for something god created.

- darkhorror July 1, 2009 8:11AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
stats

47.4 percent of US prisoners are there for drug possession, not sale. That amounts to 650,000 Americans in jail RIGHT NOW for possession of drugs not large enough to be determined sale amounts. When you consider that a couple of ounces of marajuana is sale weight it becomes clear the stats are not on your side... Your statistics are provided by people that PROFIT from keeping Americans in jail. How can you trust someone whose job depends on those statistics?

- gavcoo July 28, 2009 3:23AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Uncommitted

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
"Criminals"

That's what the United States government considers marijuana users, which labels normal citizens who wouldn't think to ever commit a heinous crime and changes their lives forever. What danger does marijuana represent, besides a scary name? There simply is no rational reason as for why marijuana, a completely harmless substance, remains illegal while alcohol and cigarette continue to kill thousands. They say that there is no proven medical use for marijuana, so what, alcohol and tobacco have medical use? Aren't they considered drugs , too? When in reality marijuana is beneficial, however the ultra-conservatives swat away this argument because Reefer Madness is the truth to them, I suppose.

- Caitlyn August 21, 2009 4:18PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Spending $1 Billion a Year to Imprison Pot Offenders is Not a Myth

- From NORML

Open Objection Go to this Objection

FED accounting??

Go to the LEAP site ( cops that want weed legal, something about they have better things to do) they have a cost clock and the cost is much higher that the FEDs want people to know about from the studies I have seen the total cost is more like 100 billion a year every year.. Which is not the point to me the fact we are putting good Americans in jail for our leaders greed is my problem. read there stories at http://www.november.org /

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 11:01PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

Legalization Advocates Never Answer The Hard Questions

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Argument Go to this Argument

Really?!

"For one, most people who use alcohol do so responsibly..."

Ok, was this phrase actually used by someone claiming to be an "expert"? Anti-prohibitionist always answer the hard question then offer logical counter questions that often get deflected using the social stigma of marijuana as defence for their argument. It is utterly ignorant to suggest that drinkers are in any way more socially responsible for their activities than a marijuana user. Based solely of the lethality of the two substances, it can easily be argued that simply by choosing something that dangerous over something far less dangerous you are socially irresponsible.

- madlib420 August 4, 2008 1:11PM

Reply to this Recommend (5) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Holes in your arguments

The author freely added the "new" costs associated with making marijuana legal without subtracting the "old" costs of prohibition.

The real question is, are the health/societal costs of legalizing greater than, less than, or equal to the old costs incurred by law enforcement today.When you add the additional potential tax revenue, it is very probable that legalization makes more economic sense.

Furthermore, societal costs of "lost worker productivity" pale in comparison to job losses due to incarceration, and even probation.

The "additional healthcare costs" are arguable, and responsible users can curb all negative lung disease through vaporization.

- Asemili August 4, 2008 3:35PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Wake up and see the writing on the wall!

If I was working for any anti-marijuana agency right now, I would be starting to sweat a little bit. I would be looking at the polls, and realizing that the public's opinion is in conflict with the office that gives me my job. If I wanted to keep my job, I would be looking for ways to work WITH the people instead of AGAINST them. At the end of the day, public opinion is a strong force that eventually is going to reshape policy.

So I say to anyone who works in the anti-marijuana sector: Open your eyes and look at the writing on the wall. It's right in front of you. Despite what your personal opinion of Marijuana's dangers are, the people believe otherwise, and at the end of the day, if the government pays your salary, the government works FOR THE PEOPLE, so your funding is in danger unless you can find a way to calm the pro-marijuana crowd down enough to keep them from their crusade to put you out of a job.

- Asemili August 6, 2008 2:26PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Dr. Sabet does not represent either side of the issue.

"As addicts frenzied for their next fix need to find more money to buy expensive drugs easily, they can be expected to engage in criminality. Taxing drugs would do no one good."

I was particularly disturbed by this quote. This is just more nonsense aimed to distract readers from any concrete point. There are very few facts throughout this entire article. Dr. Sabet instead chose to take the route of generalized ignorance and group all marijuana users into the media friendly aggressive drug user. Nothing sturs emotions as effictively as "addicts frenzied for their next fix." Why don't we take a look at some of the actual facts, you know, things that actually happened outside of our wonderfully creative imaginations. According to Drugwarfacts.org, in 2006, 829,627 people were arrested for marijuana related crimes. 738,916 of those arrests were for possession alone. So what percentage of these users are harmless? You do the math, Doctor.

- Logically Inclined August 6, 2008 5:41PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Ridiculous from start to finish

Since I am limited in what I'm allowed to type, I will simply point out the main flaw in this stilted "argument". The biggest risk of the use of any drug would be disease and death. All other problems of taxes, moral questions, etc. could be considered secondary to the question: will it kill you? We all know without doubt that alcohol and tobacco use kills MILLIONS each year in America. The Author capitulates, and attributes the same dangers to cannabis. The ONLY way for the Author to be taken seriously would be if he recommended that prohibition be introduced to tobacco, and re-introduced to alcohol. Since that conclusion is NOT reached, apparently the Author can live with a little death in the name of personal freedom, as long as the death comes from drugs he deems acceptable, and as long as the freedoms aren't extended to those the Author and his ilk deem unworthy. BTW, cannabis is NON-toxic. This argument is full of holes, lies, and hyperbole. It is completely disingenuous. Shame.

- chardomania August 7, 2008 1:49PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Illegalization Advocates Never Answer The Hard Questions

This is really simple. There is nothing wrong with responsible alcohol and marijuana use in a recreational setting. In a free society, the fact that some people take things too far is not a convincing argument that the government should turn into a nanny state. The American diet kills more people each year than marijuana. Should the government make McDonalds illegal next?

- reckoner August 7, 2008 9:04PM

Reply to this Recommend (4) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Legalization Advocates Never Answer The Hard Questions

"alcohol contributes to more violent crime than crack-cocaine" Are you out of your mind? You just must have not visited any of the the U.S.'s innercity neighborhoods.

"For one, most people who use alcohol do so responsibly -- it is a minority of drinkers that cost society greatly." I would refute this argument by saying, there are a higher number of marijuana users per capita than alcohol drinkers in terms of societal cost. How much harm would marijuana smokers do if governed by the same laws as alcohol costs society? think about it!

"unlike marijuana, tobacco can claim no such role in potentially hurting the lives of non-smokers" So just how does marijuana hurt the lives of non-smokers if governed by the same laws as tobacco?think about it!

"in fact, marijuana is the second most implicated drug in driving accidents, next to alcohol."
In how many of those accidents was marijuana absolutely known to be intoxicating the driver? Not just being a metabolite in the drivers system?

- rchot August 10, 2008 10:12AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Legalization Advocates Never Answer The Hard Questions pt.2

"High cost drugs would ensure that an already well-established black market would remain largely in tact"

Right now higher grades of marijuana are worth their weight in gold, and only because of it being illegal. the higher cost easily relates to the dealers risk of being arrested or assassinated. In a reality of legalization I couldn't see an ounce of regular quality marijuana going for more than $45 before tax. and the higher grades at $90 dollars before tax.

so there you have it answering all the hard questions.

- rchot August 10, 2008 10:32AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
The real reason behind prohibition

If one analyzes the anti-cannabis arguments one can see they spring entirely from fear. And unfortunately, fear doesn't care about reason. But where does that fear come from? As far as I can see it is fear of the unwashed masses puffing away and enjoying themselves; less inclined, as a result, to be manipulated by commercial interests. How frightening, all those folks, just taking some time off from the daily grind, relaxing, maybe merely sitting and looking at the clouds in the sky. How horrible! Looking at the sky instead than being glued to the boob tube.

The funniest comment I ever saw about the danger of cannabis, was its high content of BS Bks: That's Bull S**t Blockers, by the way. I'm convinced, my friends, Tthis the real reason for prohibition: ingesting cannabis lets you see through the crap.

- Brinna Nanda August 21, 2008 10:14PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Unfair.

“Treat it like alcohol and tobacco.”

An interesting choice in words, one so obviously alluding to the tolerance America has in regard to alcohol and tobacco. Using the doctor’s own information, it can be easily concluded that marijuana is less dangerous than either tobacco or alcohol. Shouldn’t alcohol and tobacco then be treated like marijuana?

Granted, Dr. Sabet does mention the impossibility of prohibition elsewhere, claiming the integration of alcohol (and tobacco to a lesser degree) into American life. This is an unfair comparison. Marijuana has been used for a long time and is, judging from polls, still popular with a large percentage of the population, especially when takings its illegality and the misleading propaganda so eagerly broadcast into account.

So, why should marijuana be held to a different standard than two substances that children are readily exposed to from a young age?

- Sophophilic August 26, 2008 7:56PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Responsibly?

Please explain the following statement:

"The alcohol/tobacco versus marijuana argument also falls apart since alcohol and tobacco have very different cultures surrounding them than marijuana does. For one, most people who use alcohol do so responsibly -- it is a minority of drinkers that cost society greatly."

At what point did responsible use of alcohol begin? During prohibition or after prohibition?

- csmith January 25, 2009 8:02PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Dr Sorbet is a Government Shill...

"DR" Sorbet - Please provide Legitimate references for every fact that you stated in your little 'article'. Every 'fact' that you stated has been disproved or does not exist. Until you prove everything you wrote, your status as a "Verified Expert" is completely suspect, as well as the legitimacy of this web site.

Post Note: Dr Sorbet has just regurgitated the Government's lies about Marijuana and it's consumption. Not ONE thing that shill posted has been proven by the medical community. The ONLY reason Marijuana is not 'legal' is that the US gov't can't find a way to monopolize the growth, distribution, and TAXING of it yet.

- Mike S March 14, 2009 1:00AM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Prohibitionists

Prohibitionists are an odd bunch of moral propagandists and profiteers.

- Gumshrud March 15, 2009 3:31AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Illegalization Advocates Make No Sense

"Secondly, unlike marijuana , tobacco can claim no such role in potentially hurting the lives of non-smokers" Oh really so the more than 3,000 people who die from second hand smoke every year are what? Not real, invisible?

Trying to say that marijuana is more dangerous is quite possibly one of the most idiotic things i've ever heard. Hydrogen Cyanide is found in tobacco products, is the chemical they use in prison executions. Now tell me what harmful chemicals are found in marijuana. Also roll this around in your head, 1,200 people die everyday from tobacco related products, now tell me how many people die from marijuana in a year? I'm sure that the number will come no where close to how many people die in a day from tobacco

- ShiverYaTimbers April 3, 2009 12:25PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Oh please

Marijuana's causing wrecks? If that's the case Cymbalta's also causing wrecks. The so called "high" goes away, but you wouldn't know that since you know squat about the medicine . Responsible smokers experience a high because they space out their smoking . They are less likely to drive, being responsible and all. The ones whom smoke all the time like it's going out of style or something, they aren't getting high. Again, point to the rush of media surrounding all these mythical wrecks you apparently have knowledge of. I can guarantee you, opiate painkillers cause more wrecks than marijuana , as they also cause more deaths. I'll stop reading there. You don't have a clue what you're talking about.

- Starlon June 12, 2009 6:44AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
As an aspiring drug expert, I'm willing to debate anybody any time.

I'm not a legalization advocate, of course... I'm a sociologist. My positions are, though infested with my own biases (inevitably), largely based on my best understanding of the available data. I have read the medical literature, and have done ethnographic research of my own, including more than one research project about the use of cannabis in sacred contexts (an essay on alchemy which I'll send to anybody who's interested, and research on religious freedoms as pertains to a group called Church of the Universe).

My positions are generally nuanced and not completely on one side or the other; I think that a lot of the pot-advocates go way too far in minimizing the risks and treating it like a magical cure-all, but I think that it's true that pot is beneficial more often than it's harmful, and that if used responsibly, it can an excellent substance to have around, and certainly much better in a multitude of ways than alcohol .

So even though I'm a scientist and believe in nuance, I think the status quo is completely full of shit, and would welcome the opportunity to call them on it publically, and to present my own, more balanced and rational, perspectives on things.

- Michael Vipperman October 22, 2009 1:40AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Uncommitted

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Okay Then, Let's Schedule the Debate!

- From NORML

Open Objection Go to this Objection

Running scared

It's obvious that the Drug Policy Office is running scared. Their public failure, and high horse attitude on drug policy warrants a wake up call. The only logical reason for not debating is their need to keep the wool over the public's eyes. It's sad that they think they can do this with simple censorship. I'm glad in this internet age that we can bypass the media and government's attempts to censor thoughtful, accurate, reasonable arguments. Pro-Marijuana advocates are marching the streets towards legalization and the only substance coming out of the Drug Policy office is the same old, tired, propoganda. Some things never change... but some things will.

- Asemili August 13, 2008 5:06PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Response

The Biggest Myth of All is That I Don't Debate

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Response Go to this Response

Debate for what

Over 70% want it legal, we are throwing away 100 billion a year spent on this stupid war we are putting non violent good people in jail (read http://www.november.org /) not to mention the estimated billions we could make from taxes if it were legal. The only debate is if your representative thinks a continuation of the status quo is the the right thing to do then vote that person out of office!!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 11:10PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Wow...

At first when I read NORML's response, I was like "Yeah, true true. Defend your place." Good response

- frostidew October 14, 2009 4:25PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Uncommitted

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

There are Ways To Make Current Policy Better

- From Dr Kevin Sabet

Open Argument Go to this Argument

[Draconian] Ways to Improve the Current Policy

Dr. Kevin Sabet - your posts border offensive. Your article "There Are Ways to Make Current Policy Better" suggests that the current policy is not invasive enough! Your 2nd paragraph says the most important thing we need to do is get better pricing and purity data on pot. Why is that "first and foremost"?
Your 3rd paragraph suggests racial profiling. You go a step even further and say, I quote, "In what aspects of society can we target those most at risk for marijuana use?"
Your 5th paragraph lays the framework for something truly sick. You suggest physicians should screen patients for drugs, and then provide 1 time "interventions"! You go further by suggesting more intrusive workplace and school drug testing.
In closing, you ingorantly suggest that legalization sigals that it's "ok". Last time I checked, bonfires are dangerous, but nevertheless, legal. People respect fire, and they respect the dangers of Marijuana. You are right about one thing - education is the key

- Asemili August 5, 2008 1:46PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Stop the propaganda

I think that marijuana should be legalized in the US. The reasons are myriad and have been thoroughly addressed here. All I can say, is that as a former alcoholic, I KNOW marijuana is harmless in comparison. Furthermore, I think we should outlaw alcohol again, since we found that prohibition worked so well in the organized crime-ridden 1920's. Hell, let's just burn the Constitution too. I find that most anti-marijuana proponents argue with infinitesimal logic and a dearth of morality, which they want to impose on those who disagree with them. THAT, my friends is the true EVIL. As a former psychological operations soldier, I know a thing or two about propaganda. That's what drug warriors use, because they have no logic to back up what they argue. Stop the lies. Stop the propaganda. STOP THE DRUG WAR!!!

- PSYOP August 5, 2008 9:02PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Education???

You state the following:

"Education should be a chief component of any anti-marijuana effort. I do not just mean educating young people (that is obvious), but also the medical and community health clinic community which is shockingly ignorant of the true dangers of occasional and heavy use of marijuana."

How do you intend to educate the medical community about the dangers of a drug when your beloved policy won't even allow scientific studies on the drug?

Also, every legitimate scientific study done in other countries shows that the dangers are minimal... far less than any legally prescribed drug, which must, by definition, have an ld50 (lethal dose 50%).

- csmith January 25, 2009 7:24PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Taxing and Regulating Marijuana Like Alcohol is a More Sensible Policy

- From NORML

Open Objection Go to this Objection

It's really sad...

I'm baffled by the government's need to waste resources making criminals out of pot smokers, then point the figure at the pot. It's the game of politics I guess. Shrug off the blame for your own failures, and blame it on something out of your control, then blindly continue making the same wasteful mistakes. The public is catching on though. In the day of the Internet Age, it's allot more difficult to hide the facts. Don't be discouraged though. Our government, even with all it's problems, eventually has to wake up. It's going to take the people though, and that means contacting your congressional reps and lobbying them for support of ending the causalties that our current Marijuana drug policy produces. Take action, do your part. It takes every little brick to build a skyscraper. Be a brick.

- Asemili August 13, 2008 5:13PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
AMEN

Legalize, tax, control = pay off the national debt.
Quit putting good non-violent people in jail to be raped. Someone will have to answer for this travisty on us!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 7:26AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

Marijuana Use Poses Severe Health Risks

- From David Evans

Open Argument Go to this Argument

Dangerous compared to what?

I disagree. I feel that cannabis phrohibition laws were based on fear tactics as well as racism (see Anslinger). International studies conducted since the 70s on the dangers of weed have shown it poses less of a health risk than alcohol and tobacco. The US ignores these studies and uses fear mongering tactics to demonize the frug and deny it's life enhancing/saving qualities. It promotes hunger and supresses nausea enabling those on chemotherapy from dying. It contains THC that react to canabinoids in the body that recent studies have shown to fight cancer. These studies are supressed by the federal government who never want the draconian laws changed. The phrohibition presents more of a threat in the form of not knowing what's in it (unless you grew it yourself) as well as the violence associated with contraband. The drug itself makes people mellow and dosen't impair driving as moch as alcohol and has never caused a single death from overdose. The same cannot be said about Alcohol.

- Nate August 1, 2008 6:30PM

Reply to this Recommend (5) Side: Uncommitted

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
wow

did you know that there was a study done by the us government. ANNUAL AMERICAN DEATHS CAUSED BY DRUGS, TOBACCO - 400,000 ALCOHOL - 100,000 ALL LEGAL DRUGS-20,000 ALL ILLEGAL DRUGS - 15,000 CAFFEINE - 2,000 ASPIRIN - 500 MARIJUANA - 0 Source: United States government...National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bureau of Mortality Statistics. it is proven that there are minimal long term side effects due to marijuana smoking. no one has died. and it makes no sense that a legal poisonous man made drug that makes people irrational and stupid is legal - alcohol but a natural plant that has been around since before any of us were ever born is not allowed to be used and cultivated just because you in the government decide that. no it doesn't work that way ok??? - i am actually really angry at the idea that its illegal http://www.legalizationofmarijuana.com /

- donteatashoe August 1, 2008 9:13PM

Reply to this Recommend (8) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
OH Really

To be brief. I am confused as to how a substance with neuro protective qualitys causes brain damage. I am also confused how a substance that I have produced an oil from,(cannabis oil) cured my basal cell carcinoma, but has links to cancer. I believe the only links cannabis may have to cancer is that it causes aptosis in malignant cells, while causing NO harm to healthy cells. OH, aptisos is cell death. I know from personal experience that alcohol can cause a very peacefull person to turn into a raging phsycotic would be killer. I, also from personal experience, know that cannabis makes that very same peacefull person more compassionate, and understanding of the plight of the people he meets in life.

- Ironman August 3, 2008 7:21AM

Reply to this Recommend (5) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
what studies used

smoking pot does not increase [ain it lessen's it.. personlly used for pain right after release from hospital for surgery.. smoking pot was alos th only thing thaat calmed the migraine the surgery created thefore i could eat and rest again . so agasin what studies where you quoting exactly?

- amawenger August 5, 2008 9:22AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- Depends on the context/type of pain.
  
  In my experience, cannabis tends to alleviate neurogenic pain and pain in the joints, while exacerbating, for instance, pain from skin irritation: if I'm already itchy and then I smoke pot, it may cause me to fixate on that itchiness and scratch more than I would otherwise. If my ankles are sore from exercise , however, pot helps a lot, because of its anti-inflammatory action. All depends on the type of pain you're trying to treat.
  
  - Michael Vipperman October 20, 2009 2:35PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Uncommitted
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
This is halarious

No one has ever gotten lung cancer from marijuana, there have never been any deaths from the drug itself. How does it cause worsening of pain when people use it medically to treat pain.It does not cause brain damage, anything saying so is from old worn out 30's propoganda. It has been proven that not only does marijuana not cause cancer, but instead kills cancer cells. The one that gets to me most is "violence" if you have ever smoked it once you will find out that no one gets violent when high. I could go on and on about how wrong this is, while giving information from credible sources, but this simply disgusts me and I really don't wish to pursue this anymore

- Loldongs August 5, 2008 10:31AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Actually

I'll go on, while I can't be bothered to find sources I will have my say. Marijuana was originally prohibited because of racism towards mexicans moving into the united states because it was something they enjoyed doing. Also racism towards blacks because they believed it was the reason for "satanic" jazz music and making white women become sexually attracted to black men. The DEA keeps it illegal because its big business keeping it illegal. Far more deaths come from any legal drug or even caffeine, versus marijuana's deaths, which are 0. Alcohol is far more dangerous than marijuana though it is kept illegal. Even if a person who is high on marijuana gets into a car they are far more unlikely to get in an accident because they will drive slower than normal, opposed to a drunk person who is pretty much unpredictable. If marijuana would be legalized it would mean much less tax dollars towards keeping un-violent criminals in jail, and more moeny spent on capturing violent crimals and

- Loldongs August 5, 2008 10:38AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
cont.

away from something that someone keeps to themselves mostly. Its none of the governments business what people do in their leisure time. The hemp plant if legalized would be the next billion dollar crop. The hemp crop has many uses and is much better than cotton. The hemp plant is stronger than cotton, last longer and takes up less space to grow and will grow in almost all conditions as it is frost resistant. You can produce bio-fuels more efficiently than the soy seed. You can make paper from hemp instead of having to get down trees which take years and years to grow, where the hemp plant can make more and grows in around 120 days. There are many more things hemp can do, but I cannot find the reference sheet. Marijuana can provide excellent relief for those who suffer from cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, insomnia, and depression. Keeping it illegal is illegal because policticians want to keep their wallets fat. I am finished

- Loldongs August 5, 2008 10:46AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Wrong

MJ helps many problems, if only to get through your day much like so called legal drugs and liquor..

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 9:28PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
and wheres the evidence?

there are zero news reports other then this yellow journalism... we the people know better. wheres the pile of dead potheads? health risks...pfffft it cures cancer http://www.phoenixtears.ca /

- Enjoy Cannabis August 27, 2008 5:06AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Laughable

"Recent studies show the following destructive health effects of marijuana use:
- AIDS"

Really? Marijuana causes AIDS? I saw your footnote explaining what the study actually showed, but why would you not phrase it as "complications for those who already have AIDS"? Hmmm, could it be for shock value?

- lostlo October 24, 2008 10:10AM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Hmmm, can you REALLY back that up?

Seriously, can you really back up your ststements without using bad, biased science?

Prove to me that ANYONE has EVER died as a direct result of smoking pot. As you sit there in your 'lounge' at home, sipping your scotch and water, can you provide incontrovertible proof of ANYONE who has died because they were smoking pot? I say "NO". Cigarettes and Alcohol are infinitely more dangerous and unhealthy than Marijuana, AND they are legal. Funny thing, they are also difficult to manufacture, and easily taxable. Marijuana, HOWEVER, is easy to grow, which makes it very difficult for the US Gov't to regulate and tax. Therefore, the US Gov't can't profit from it. You, "sir", are a blatant shill for the socialistic government that is plaguing this great country.

Either PROVE the risks of pot over alcohol and cigarettes, or crawl back in your freakin Gov't funded hole.

- tech141 October 31, 2008 8:56PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Do you actually read the studies that you cite?

David, have you taken the time to read the articles that you cite? I'm beginning to think that you are a paid liar. Well... actually you do use the title Esq. after your name. So, I guess you are a paid liar.

Let's take the study titled 'Cannabis-related schizophrenia set to rise, say researchers'. Sounds scary doesn't it? Want to know what the researches said about their study? Here is a quote from the co-author:

'John Macleod, co-author and academic GP, said: “We need to remember that our study does not address the question whether cannabis causes schizophrenia: this remains unclear.”

Here's a quote from the lead author:

Matthew Hickman, lead author of the study, added: “The challenge now is to improve our data on schizophrenia occurrence to see whether the projected increase occurs. This will tell us more about how important cannabis is as a cause of schizophrenia.”

Hmmm... That seems strange. It sounds like their putting the cart before the horse.

Here's one. See if you can determine whats wrong with this sentence...

'The researchers assess what might happen to schizophrenia cases if we assume a causal link between cannabis use and onset of psychotic symptoms, an association widely recognized by some psychiatrists and researchers'

This is funny, and sad at the same time. Does this actually pass as science? Assess what Might Happen if we Assume a Causal link? Widely recognized by Some psychiatrists and researchers? Widely by Some? What the heck does that mean?

Here's the site that I quoted from:

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2007/5369.html

- csmith January 30, 2009 1:09AM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
That's ridiculous

* birth defects
Then don't smoke it while you're pregnant. Nobody drinks while pregnant.
* the worsening of pain
At extremely high doses. So take a lower dose
* lung damage
Yse a vaporizer.
* links to cancer
So use a vaporizer.
* AIDS - marijuana opens the door to Kaposi’s sarcoma
So don't get AIDS.
* brain damage
At an extremely high dosage
* strokes
So use a vaporizer.
* immune system damage
Nonesense. There's no proof of this. Alcohol and unhealthy food do the same too.
* mental illness
I smoked Marijuana for a year and have no mental illness

* violence
Ha!
* infertility
Then explain all of the children of Marijuana users.
* addiction
Anything can be psychologically addictive.

- Stabby May 3, 2009 4:32PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
doctors are dangerous,pot is not

doctors kill over 400,000 people a year with their legal drugs. morphine and other pain relievers. lets make doctors illegal and make pot legal. anyone that criticizes pot is an idiot. 4000 years and no recorded deaths. the government has people brainwashed.

- Jackattack July 1, 2009 4:46PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Pot's Greatest Health Hazard is an Arrest or Conviction

- From NORML

Open Objection Go to this Objection

Agree

Arrest is the on hazard I know...

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 9:23PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Wow...

Are you serious that you think it has no negative effects? I teach at an alternative high school, and it's SO obvious who uses and who doesn't. The motivation level drops big-time. Also, most of our students who go to inpatient and outpatient go for marijuana use. How is someone who is consistently breaking the law considered a credible source? Obviously it's not hard to be an expert. Where are your CREDIBLE sites and sources for marijuana not having negative effects? I'm seriously in shock right now.

- Jewelsg88 August 5, 2009 1:07AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- RIGHT.....
  
  So you can tell just by looking at someone if they smoke pot? Quit your job and go to work for the DEA you'd be perfect. Most if not all your students have tried or are smoking pot. The troubled ones do? Well of course! Would you be surprised that adults with problems drink? My surprise is that someone as close-minded as you is a teacher but that's our failing education systems fault. Most of the people who smoke pot are otherwise law -abiding citizens FYI . So get some facts and skip the Holier than thou attitude. You are the one who needs Alternative education.
  
  - Gamesman September 19, 2009 5:30AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

Marijuana is Addictive

- From David Evans

Open Argument Go to this Argument

YES

What you fail to point out is the fact that it is so incredibly much more dangerous to drive drunk. Marijuana is not particularly good for you, but it is no worse than smoking and it is ABSOLUTELY no worse than drinking. You can't overdose on it, it relieves pain, it generally puts you in a better mood. Countless scientific studies have shown that it works incredibly well for medical purposes. And marijuana doesn't have nearly as much, if any, affect on your decisions as alcohol does. That survey of inmates in prisons is absolutely preposterous. If they are in prison for homicide, a lot more was going on than getting high.

- mmsomekid July 24, 2008 6:49PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Why not make Mountain Dew Illegal?

Anything pleasurable can be addictive. only a 9 percent addiction rate? So because of a couple of week minded, no will power having people, the rest of us normal people have to suffer? I thought mass punishment was illegal?

- justjoe August 2, 2008 7:41AM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Living with Marijuana Addiction

Some users experience a phsycological substance addiction, however, they rarely experience a physiological addiction like they do with cigarettes.

For example, marijuana users frequently quit for 30+ days, just to pass simple drug tests. Sure they WANT to smoke - it relaxes them - but the question is, do they NEED to smoke?

I could say I am addicted to back massages. Should it be illegal for me to get a back massage because "I may become addicted?"

There are those who become disfunctional because they choose to smoke pot all the time, and pot will make you less motivated, WHILE YOU ARE HIGH. If you spend your entire life high, you will be fairly disfunctional. At that level, the only way you can continue to maintain a normal lifestyle is to be empowered by those around you to do so. Alternatively, you could become homeless, but there are homeless people who CHOOSE to be homeless and are happy to be so. It is not illegal to be homeless.

- Asemili August 4, 2008 4:03PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
and tobacco?

wheres your anti tobacco page Mr. I care about your health? hyppocrite ... prohibition only serves those who profit from it not those it pretends to protect. Stop supporting organized crime... I find your eveidence to be quite lacking and quite false in it's nature. Seed bearing plants are not a crime to use, as a resident of this planet I have every right to use it and do in spite of your racist laws. It's never been a problem for me.

- Enjoy Cannabis August 27, 2008 5:03AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
The numbers don't back up this claim

This claim is outrageous. Just look at the numbers. Data was obtained from these pages:

http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/NSDUH/2k7NSDUH/tabs/Sect1peTabs1to46.htm #Tab1.1A
http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/NSDUH/2k6NSDUH/tabs/Sect2peTabs1to42.htm #Tab2.1B

The percentages are for monthly usage in 2006.

Marijuana Users
Age Group 21 - 25: 14.8%
Age Group 35 & up: 3.2%

Tobacco Users
Age Group 21 - 25: 45.6%
Age Group 35 & up: 27%

Alcohol Users
Age Group 21 - 25: 68.6%
Age Group 35 & up: 51.8%

I'm assuming that addiction means that once you use, you're hooked. If marijuana were truly addictive then we should see a much higher percentage of users in the 35 and up range. What we're seeing is a nearly 80% drop in usage as people get older. Obviously this assumes that marijuana use among 21 to 25 year olds has remained fairly constant over the last 10 to 14 years - which is a pretty safe assumption.

Contrast that with the fact that 60% of tobacco users and 75% of alcohol users are still using at age 35 and up.

There is absolutely no indication in the usage statistics that marijuana is an addictive substance.

- csmith January 28, 2009 4:29PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- great post
  
  the most compelling argument yet, am a smoker but i didn't start till my late 20's......... to stop drinking.
  
  i swear marijuana saved my life
  
  - chrisnov74 March 4, 2009 11:20PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
data to support Marijuana addiction...

In the great war against Marijuana; one thing that has been done; that flies under most radar- is that for a person to get into many rehab programs; they have to 'admit' that they are addicted to marijuana.
So say your arrested for a joint in your pocket; and you are told by the Judge; either go to jail; or attend a rehab program.
Some choice; so you pick the program; and in order to sign into the program- you have to say that you are addicted to marijuana.
Even if your not. It is the governments way to prove people are addicted to pot.
If your caught on the street blasted on cocaine - its jail or rehab; and yes; you have to sign saying that you became addicted to marijuana first; before becoming addicted to cocaine.
Or you go to jail.
That is where their data comes from.

- Elfking February 18, 2009 5:28PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
FACT

Marijuana is not physically adictive. Tabaco and alcohol are 10 times more adictive and deadlier than marijuana ever could be.

- jeremy May 31, 2009 12:23PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Let me tell you about addiction...

I used to work at a drug treatment center and I have been exposed to all types of users and their subsequent withdrawal symptoms. In fact, it was this work experience that caused me to begin researching marijuana and it's effects on the body. Here is the reality of the situation that this "professional" will not tell you. Marijuana is "psychologically" addictive, however, so are jelly donuts. Essentially, anything that gives the user any kind of pleasure is considered psychologically dependent. I'm not sure where this poster gets his information from, but according to the Merck Manual, there are no physical withdrawal symptoms from marijuana. I have seen many, many drug and alcohol users come into the facility where I formally worked and I have only seen TWO (yes, that's two!) who used only marijuana. No alcohol or drugs , just marijuana. Their lives were not negatively effected. The only reason they were in treatment was because their parents caught them using and freaked out. They were given no withdrawal medication and were admitted directly to the community.

I'm not sure who's paying this person to put his professional credibility on the line to argue an essentially unwinnable argument (if you research the truth, that is), but I believe if I were in this man's shoes I would quietly move on and hope nobody remembers my futile arguments when it becomes legal in a year or so.

The only way to truly demonize marijuana is to lie either blatantly or by omission and lie the government has for many decades now for purely political reasons.

- Samantha November 17, 2009 8:36AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Rehab is Full of Marijuana Defendants, not Addicts

- From NORML

Open Objection Go to this Objection

I was going to make a comment...

You said exactly what I wanted to, and I am glad I read this before I commented because I couldn't have said it any better. I love when facts are withheld from an argument to support one side, but when the picture is zoomed out, it completely negates all their original points.

Kudos NORML.

- Logically Inclined August 11, 2008 2:29PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Addiction?

I have smoked pot since 1968,and have quit several times because of job requirements and
it was never a physical problem,or even that much mental dependence ,nothing close to quitting cigarettes,which I did,and even quitting sugar had more of a physical reaction.
The addiction you seek to define is the addiction too anything that gives you pleasure,
whether it's stretching out with a good book and a martini,or a 2 hour soak in a hot tub
with Mr. or Ms. June,or all of the above. So until people can find a way to stop people
from finding pleasure in anything,or nothing,we'll be blessed with groups like drug free
america and idiots like david.

- Clay April 7, 2009 6:39AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

Use of Marijuana Leads to Other Drugs

- From David Evans

Open Argument Go to this Argument

Marijuana does not lead to harder drugs

there is no evidence marijuana leads to a harder drugs. People just say it. That does not make it so.

- One Cylinder July 26, 2008 2:43PM

Reply to this Recommend (4) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
marijuana not a gateway drug

Marijuana is not a "gateway" drug. Because marijuana is illegal, it is thought to lead to other illegal drugs. A majority of users go to drug dealers on the street, who typically sell other drugs, such as cocaine or heroine. If the US were to legalize marijuana, users could go to a government-regulated providers and avoid illegal street drugs.

- psmizzle88 August 3, 2008 2:13AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
How Marijuana is a "Gateway Drug"

Almost all hard drug addicts start with Marijuana. That, in itself, makes Marijuana a "gateway drug" right?

Consider this scenario:
You decide to start smoking marijuana to relax, as an alternative to drinking alchohol. You have a friend who "hooks you up" from time to time. One day, your friend isn't around, but he sends you directly to his dealer. You show up at his dealers house, and there on the coffee table is a pile of cocaine. The dealer asks if you want to try a line, free of charge. Normally you would decline, but the dealer is savvy to that, and tosses a gram of coke in with your pot for you to "try when your ready". Welcome to the world of the gateway factor. This same scenario apples to ALL hard drugs - meth, heroin, ect. Pot buyers getting snagged by money hungry, hard drug dealers.

Now, in an alternative scenario, you go to your local marijuana store, and purchase your marijuana. The store rep suggests you purchase a vaporizor, or maybe a pipe.

- Asemili August 4, 2008 3:46PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Will the real gateway drugs please stand up?!?

The real gateway drugs here are alcohol and tobacco. I'm not going to spout numbers but I am positively sure that almost everyone tries these first before anything else.

- tRANIS September 29, 2008 10:24AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Really?

I know people who have used marijuana and would not think of ever touching "hard" drugs. I think this whole "gateway drug" thing comes from scare tactics and I also think that is a case by case issue. In my opion, alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana. Just because something is illegal, doesn't mean it's as evil as the government would have you to believe or that they wouldn't miss the tax dollars collected from illegal possession.

- lsaj252 February 5, 2009 1:14PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Wrong

Use of Drug dealers promotes hard drugs

- nIkbot February 28, 2009 4:12PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
more illegal drugs

The reason for the "Gateway drug" to more illegal drugs is because it is already illegal. Illegal marijuana is known to be criminaly related because it is illegally smuggled because it is illegal. If marijuana is sold legally, by legal vendors then it will not involve crime.

- hellarasta March 10, 2009 12:48PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
How does this idea persist?

There are 3 ways I can show that the gateway theory holds as much water as prohibition .

Biologically: When you smoke marijuana you intake cannabinoids (THC, CBC, CBD, etc) those attach themselves to cannabinoid receptors. when you shoot heroin it triggers a release of dopamine which attach themselves to dopamine receptors. Does it make sense that by stimulating one set of receptors it will trigger a craving to stimulate completely different and unrelated receptors? No.

Logically: The gateway theory says that cannabis use will lead to harder drugs, which suggest that it's not cannabis use that is dangerous but these other drugs. IF there was any truth to it (which there is not) it would be like saying "well physics and chemistry gave us the nuclear bomb so we should ban physics and chemistry" It doesn't logically follow.

Statistically: only 1 in every 104 marijuana users go on to use cocaine, <1 in every 104 mj users go on to use heroin. If it had a gateway effect I would think that it would require more than 1% of conversion to hard drugs.

- Serothis March 31, 2009 9:16PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
FACT

Marijuana is no more a gate way drug as milk is to going to stronger things like tabaco and alcohol . This is a false fact that marijuana leads to other drugs matter of fact it may even have alcoholics turning to it in stead of drinking which is a good thing being more deaths in this nation are from alcohol and tobaco combined than marijuana that has not caused a death yet....

- jeremy May 31, 2009 12:18PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Marijuana is a 'Terminus,' not a Gateway

- From NORML

Open Objection Go to this Objection

Waste of my time and money

This Herb is not a gateway if anything is I would say liquor is. Forty years and I never moved up like most I would not touch any of the other problem drugs.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 19, 2008 7:22AM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Gateway huh? I've Heard that one before...

are people still believing this propoganda? how can something be a GATEWAY drug? you want to talk about about gateways why don't i hear anything about alcohol and tobacco? asemili could not have proven the point any better, it's a gateway (in a sense) because of it's prohibition. think for a moment that marijuana was legal and tobacco was illegal... same case as asemili said. you are buying your crazy high nicotine level cigs from a guy that is hooking you up. he runs out and sends you to his main guy, the guy says i have no cigs but i do have some heroin.... so is tobacco a gateway to now???? this GATEWAY cop out is just an easy way the government can keep their thumb on us... THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT CONTROL WHAT COMES OUT OF MY MOUTH AND CANNOT CONTROL WHAT I DECIDE TO PUT IN IT...

- Turbojdmef9 January 27, 2009 11:21AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
The "Gateway" theory has always been a silly one...

Honestly, I don't understand how such a silly over-simplified argument ever became such a permanent propaganda point on this issue. I mean the whole "gateway" concept is based on statistics that are a backwards correlation fallacy, and that is not a hard concept to understand.
Just because many users of hard drugs are more likely to have started with Marijuana, does NOT mean most Marijuana users eventually move onto harder drugs! Most of them certainly don't. And it doesn't take a genius to see that, there are millions and millions of Marijuana users, so where are all the millions and millions of hard drug users?
So honestly, how can Marijuana be blamed for such an effect?
Correlation by itself certainly doesn't always equal causation, and worst yet their logic is backwards, looking (from the wrong perspective point) at where hard drug users started, rather than the more valid statistics of where most Marijuana users go. I think most people agree that this makes sense.

There has never been a gateway, it never existed as a property/effect of Marijuana in reality, it was a made up statistical twisting/lie... Part of the endless list of propaganda points created over the many years of this illogical drug war.

I really hope people wake up and start seeing the truth, we need a change to policy here, for the good of the whole issue, because the same old simple solution of treating the problem with the force of the law, just doesn't work; and actually makes things a lot worse! And legalization may very well be a better, result producing solution, to the real problems with Marijuana, rather than the artificial problems created by Prohibition, which prohibition then fights, in it's wonderful circular logic... -_-

- Okinkun March 8, 2009 4:50AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Argument

Marijuana Use Contributes to Crime

- From David Evans

Open Argument Go to this Argument

marijuana is safer than alcohol

Substitute the word alcohol for marijuana and the paragraph reads the same. Is Mr. Evans then in favor of criminalizing alcohol users?
Words like "linked" and "associated" often fail to show cause. Would you advocate outlawing aspirin because it is "linked" to headaches?
Many people with genetically caused aggressive behavior may use marijuana to relax. http://www.iol.co.zaindex.php?click_id=31&art_id=nw20080714201050231C816374
The Netherlands study http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/188/2/148 referred to in the Scottsman.com article, referenced aggression in children. That's not valid in a discussion of adult marijuana legalization. However, the same study did state, "It is notable that regular tobacco smoking, which may be considered less non-normative behaviour than cannabis use, explained a substantial part of the association between cannabis and delinquent and aggressive behaviour." There is a study linking marijuana intoxication with homicide?

- deep thought July 24, 2008 6:23PM

Reply to this Recommend (4) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
I beg to differ.

How many of these criminals were taking other drugs, or how many had mental disorders such as depression etc? Smoking pot does not make you a criminal. I was arrested for simple poss. a few weeks back and that has been my only arrest. Now my life has to be put on hold so I can take care of pointless program that isn't gonna stop my use, just slow put it on hold till the program is over. Like a shirt once said " God made weed, man made beer. Who do you trust?"

- TheTimeLord August 2, 2008 7:10PM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
NO CRIME

the only reason marijuana causes any sort of gang violence or crime, is because it is illegal. The fact it's illegal GIVES people a reason to fight over it. If the government were to legalize it & monitor it's sale, people like me wouldn't have to go to a dangerous "drug lord" to get it. We wouldn't have to endanger our lives trying to get something that helps our medical conditons.
The fact of the matter is: what you're spreading is pure propaganda. Just like the movie that has made millions of "stoners" laugh their butts off - Reefer Madness.

- meeshell420 August 3, 2008 9:51AM

Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Drug related crimes

Consider this - it's already a crime to smoke pot, so any measurable increase in drug-related crime would have to balance against the associated decrease.

Notwithstanding that, organized crime would take a big hit. That's the BIGGEST concern, as organized crime is far more dangerous than someone driving a car under the influence of pot.

There are opposing views on "drugged driving" as well. Drivers under the influence of Marijuana tend to compensate for their lower response time by driving LESS aggressively. Drivers under the influence of alchohol drive MORE aggressively.

Regarding Marijuana being a "major factor in fatal accidents", bear in mind, that data comes from drivers being drug tested after the accident, and if they had smoked even a single joint in the last 30 days, they probably will be positive. Thus, little to no data exists on drivers who are actually under the influence at the time of the accident.

- Asemili August 4, 2008 3:55PM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
When it is a crime?

The only crimes I see Marijuana users committing are possessing, smoking, eating, growing or selling the substance. Therefore I can see how Marijuana can contribute to crime. I can imagine that some have a hard time dealing with Marijuana charges and may be prone to committing other crimes. Consider this: treat them like criminals and that is what they become.

- NotAlone August 6, 2008 12:37PM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
You Forgot Reefer Madness...

David,

You forgot to cite Reefer Madness as your number one source of honest and unbiased information for this truly astounding claim.

How about this... From the White House.
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/factsht/crime/index.html

Percentage of drug related homicides in 1991 - 6.2%
Percentage of drug related homicides in 1998 - 4.8%

Percentage of 18-25 year olds using marijuana in 1991 - 12.9%
Percentage of 18-25 year olds using marijuana in 1998 - 13.8%

Marijuana use increased by nearly 1% while drug related homicides decreased by 1.4%.

David, I don't think you now what you're talking about. You are certainly not an expert on this subject.

- csmith January 28, 2009 1:51PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Only because it remains a crime to use.

Even Bill Buckley came around to the view that the only real damage marijuana use caused the country resulted from the efforts to enforce prohibition. Lots of money spent and lives disrupted or destroyed by drug enforcement kept the smugglers and dealers laughing all the way to the money laundry.

Statements like the ones in this side of the argument are so completely at odds with the real world experience of former and current users, that they completely discredit the intellectual honesty of the expert.

Legalize marijuana and a large portion of the income of the Mexican drug smugglers would be cut off. One predictable result would be that given legal availability to pot, users wouldn't be so eager to engage is the far riskier behavior of purchasing and using coke and meth. Therefor, crime would decrease and fewer Americans would be incarcerated.

The anti-pot hysterics are the problem, not the solution.

- Stark Raving Sane March 15, 2009 12:28PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Doesn't alcohol contribute to much more crime?

If we were to list the percentage of crimes that were alcohol induced and compare it to the percentage of crimes that were marijuana induced, what would we find?

- quantummechanik April 1, 2009 3:58PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
- alcohol versus marijuana and petty crime
  
  Before making any comparisons you would have to ensure that you
  also looked at how many people use alcohol compared to how many use
  marijuana . It is not always possible to make direct comparisons like this.
  
  - AdaptableAnn October 30, 2009 12:50PM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
  
  Thank You for your Comment
  
  We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
FACT

They only way this is possible is from keeping marijuana illegal . How is this? Easy the drug cartel makes an annual amount of money the annual is over 60% of their total earnings. What this does is the cartel takes the money from the illegalized marijuana that they just made money from and uses the money to get opium and heroin from Afghanistan - the Taliban hience more stronger drugs come into the USA which is more violent crime . Now say if wanted to end that then we need to legalize and tax marijuana this will surve a saver blow to the cartels over 60% annual profit prety much like cutting the cartels and Talibans legs out from with under them which in the long run can lead to less crime as well as means to help our troups battle terorism . In other words about marijuana use contributes to crime then yes it will if kept illegal yet if legalized and taxed will reduce the crime rate.

- jeremy May 31, 2009 12:37PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Regarding Objection

Responsible Adults Who Use Cannabis Are Not Criminals

- From NORML

Open Objection Go to this Objection

Personal Experience

I first tried MJ in 1971 I am now retired I am not a criminal!! But my country says I am. Time to shift gears and elect someone that will tell the truth.

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 17, 2008 7:40PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
McCain please vote no

I just read where McCain voted to give Exxon/Mobile 13.5 billion dollars of our money! Can you not see how blatant this is? In the same article it shows where he had accepted almost 1.5 million from Exxon/Mobile for his campaign, am I the only person that gets the connection? Our so called leaders are out of control this just further proves my theory corporations run our country. This is the only reason weed is a crime today pure greed by our representatives. Help stop them from putting more good Americans in jail

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 23, 2008 8:47AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
continued

and ruining there lives to preserve corporate profits. Become active contribute to one or all the major MJ reform organizations. I contribute to Norml, Marijuana Policy Project, The ACLU, November Coalition, LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) and others if you only send a dollar, times the estimated people that use and enjoy MJ it would make a difference! We must fight fire with fire. Write or call your representative sign petitions on line at the above sites. I feel we should pursue prosecution of our leaders for stripping our rights and putting us in jail for nothing more than money and power this must stop!!

- Cherokee Fred hussein August 23, 2008 8:50AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
The argument was not that...

people who use canncis ARE criminals. It says it LEADS to criminal activity.

- frostidew October 14, 2009 4:16PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Uncommitted

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Email a Friend

Experts and users discuss marijuana, cannabis, crime, politics: Should the U.S. Legalize Marijuana?

Should the U.S. Legalize Marijuana?

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment

Thank You for your Comment