quote:

Originally posted by Tumbleweed:
Canada legalized it a few years back, with the same general regulations as alcohol. After an initial flurry of a lot of people wanting to try it, things died down to a ‘ho hum’ attitude - once it was legal, it became boring. Kids don’t want to use the stuff their weird old hippy uncle uses.

My wife and I both tried it (and the CBD derivative) in oil capsules for arthritis relief, and it didn’t do a damn thing except give us both weird dreams and mess up our sleep. I think the medical angle is all bullshit just to get your money.

Since then, at least half of the outlets have closed, as have some of the larger (very heavily regulated, inspected and secured) grow ops. I wouldn’t be surprised if overall, total consumption is no greater now than it was before it was legal. Users are allowed four plants for their own use, and Facebook is full of ‘barely used’ grow gear.

It’s the addictive stuff like meth and fentanyl that’s really causing the problems. Weed is neither here nor there.

quote:

Originally posted by crbutler:
It’s one thing to not charge people for low level possession, it’s another thing to legalize it.

I don’t have much issue with a 30 year old having a joint at home by himself.

I do have an issue with a 30 year old having a joint at a party with a bunch of juveniles.

You know damn well he’s sharing it.

I have no issue with Willie Nelson smoking weed.

I think it’s wrong for him to tell others how great it is.

And given that THC and its metabolites stay in your system for days, I think it’s highly improper for physicians, lawyers, teachers, and such to use it recreationally on the weekend and then go to work.

As to schizophrenics self medicating, sure, but the data says it increases the number of psychosis events and seems to increase the incidence of mental illness when used by the under 25 population.

Does alcohol cause problems? Absolutely. But the social policy issues with THC have kept a lot of people away from it who otherwise would use… we are seeing the clear evidence of that in places with legalized recreational use.

Marijuana is probably worse per volume used than tobacco for emphysema and other lung problems. It’s associated with these diseases and folks don’t typically use anywhere near as many joints a day as folks use cigarettes.

As to social ills, like drunk driving, assault, etc. I think saying it’s less is an unknown as we are definitely seeing an increase in social problems in places where it has been legalized.

In short, I don’t see a positive by legalizing it. I can see some fairness arguments that state marijuana should be treated like alcohol, but legalization does nothing “good” for society.

If you want to be libertarian about it, fine, but then its use should disqualify you for the social safety net. And I’m fine with the same for alcohol.

quote:

Originally posted by crbutler:
It’s one thing to not charge people for low level possession, it’s another thing to legalize it.

I don’t have much issue with a 30 year old having a joint at home by himself.

I do have an issue with a 30 year old having a joint at a party with a bunch of juveniles.

You know damn well he’s sharing it.

I have no issue with Willie Nelson smoking weed.

I think it’s wrong for him to tell others how great it is.

And given that THC and its metabolites stay in your system for days, I think it’s highly improper for physicians, lawyers, teachers, and such to use it recreationally on the weekend and then go to work.

As to schizophrenics self medicating, sure, but the data says it increases the number of psychosis events and seems to increase the incidence of mental illness when used by the under 25 population.

Does alcohol cause problems? Absolutely. But the social policy issues with THC have kept a lot of people away from it who otherwise would use… we are seeing the clear evidence of that in places with legalized recreational use.

Marijuana is probably worse per volume used than tobacco for emphysema and other lung problems. It’s associated with these diseases and folks don’t typically use anywhere near as many joints a day as folks use cigarettes.

As to social ills, like drunk driving, assault, etc. I think saying it’s less is an unknown as we are definitely seeing an increase in social problems in places where it has been legalized.

In short, I don’t see a positive by legalizing it. I can see some fairness arguments that state marijuana should be treated like alcohol, but legalization does nothing “good” for society.

If you want to be libertarian about it, fine, but then its use should disqualify you for the social safety net. And I’m fine with the same for alcohol.

quote:

Originally posted by crbutler:
Mike, the argument is why change something unless it improves the status quo.

quote:

Originally posted by crbutler:
Mike, the argument is why change something unless it improves the status quo.

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
The problem Mike is that we all hate each other. The Biden family is a criminal organization and just watch, Biden said he wouldn't pardon his son, when he was a candidate, but now that he isn't, just watch? Do you think Hunter pled guilty without a safety net? He's not concerned about exposing his family to publicity about whores, drugs and his foreign influence peddling, he's protecting the "big guy" and the "big guy" will protect him.

quote:

falsifying financial documents to cover up bribes/payoffs is, and should be, a crime

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

falsifying financial documents to cover up bribes/payoffs is, and should be, a crime

It’s the falsification that I don’t see.

quote:

I'm not sure that I understand the argument that something being legal should be contingent on being "good for society."

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

I'm not sure that I understand the argument that something being legal should be contingent on being "good for society."

I can certainly understand it. And, the concept shaped early 20th century USA. The 1960s mark the beginning of the movement away from the concept — for the worse on some levels. Sometimes I find myself with mixed emotions on the concept and maybe that in itself is justification for its abandonment. But, the loss of this concept amidst society and among legislatures has led to the breakdown of the moral fabric of society.

Dr. B is suggesting wholesale cannabis legalization is just throwing more gasoline on the flames of decay.

As I stated where I stand…I have just grown weary of fighting decay on a wholesale level and have resided myself to the local level for things such as cannabis consumption. The libertarian in me says that restricting it on a personal level for adults is restricting freedom — which I abhor.

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Mitchell:
... used to be thought of as good for society. Segregation too.

Something being legal does not translate into it necessarily being good for society.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Mitchell:
... used to be thought of as good for society. Segregation too.

Something being legal does not translate into it necessarily being good for society.

strange, mike- - the left keeps pushing for more and more segregation -- black dorms, racial graduations, racial separation for things, excluding other races from spaces ...

it's ALMOST like democrats are pushing segregation, AGAIN, and have fooled the victims

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Mitchell:

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Mitchell:
... used to be thought of as good for society. Segregation too.

Something being legal does not translate into it necessarily being good for society.

strange, mike- - the left keeps pushing for more and more segregation -- black dorms, racial graduations, racial separation for things, excluding other races from spaces ...

it's ALMOST like democrats are pushing segregation, AGAIN, and have fooled the victims