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I'm in complete agreement with her on the marijuana issue but could not be more disappointed in her coverage of the Chilean miners. I've been glued to CNN since six this morning and cried as each miner was brought up. her first comments when the 32nd miner was brought up and Elliot Spitzer said something about the apprehension on the face of the miner's wife's face all Mis Parker could think of to say was something to the extent of "what does she have to be apprehensive about, they've got book deals and movie deals and money coming to them". I am paraphrasing because I was so horrified at her crass and cynical reaction to a celebration of life that has never been seen before. She should be ashamed!!!
She is a paid actor, this is television.
Hey Bob, long time no see. We miss you
Huh? Chilean miners.....stay on topic plz.
This story isn't about miners moron. Save your comment for that thread.
"I've been glued to CNN since six this morning and cried as each miner was brought up"
Seriously? you need to get out more. Yes they were rescued, but come on, they are going to be fairly well off from this point. The entire group asked for a lawyer and other pros to help them draft agreements that they all benefit from the wealth and share in deals. They have been dreaming about the wealth that is coming to them for some time. Many people would have no issues with 3 months down a mine (with good supplies) if the result was more wealth than what they would have ever earned.
I didn't catch the coverage at the part of the day, but if she actually said that she should be ashamed of herself.
I was absolutely horrified by Parkers' comments on the miners last night – she should be ashamed and should apologize for her insensitive comments.
Thank you, Kathleen, for having the courage to stand, almost alone, on the side of sanity regarding Cannabis policy.
Across the river from my home, El Paso, TX, is Juarez, Mexico, the most violent city in the world, worse than Baghdad. Why is Juarez so violent? Because Americans are purchasing tons of street drugs per day from Mexican drug cartels, mostly marijuana and cocaine. In addition to providing the drug gangs with an unlimited flow of tax free American dollars, Americans are also providing Mexican gangs with an unlimited supply of guns and ammunition, mostly passing through Texas and Arizona. Mexican city officials have been murdered. Juarez police are murdered routinely. Drug gangs routinely have standup gun battles with Mexican federal police in which the Federales are often defeated. There is a Mexican town across the river from Van Horn, TX, I forget the name, where a drug cartel ordered all residents to leave the town, which they all did. It is now deserted.
America is Mexico's gun pusher. America plays the same role for Colombia.
What we have done to our friends, the Mexicans, is criminal. We have exported the worst part of street drugs – violence, murder, lawlessness, and gunplay in the streets where kids play.
Legalize marijuana so that Mexicans stop dying.
yes yes yes yes....Let's use this tax money to help our country.
Not only do I think it should be legalized everywhere in the u.s. but I believe that the possibilities of a new growth industry could eliminate a lot of the financial debt that some folks have. It would cause drug dealers who sell specifically marijuana to become legitimate business men who would then have to pay taxes and help our countries finances. The police forces would be less burdened and spend less for helicopter usages to hunt for crops it would reduce time taken up by marijuana arrests which would also relieve some of the stress on our already overcrowded prisons, thus relieving more tax burdens on U.S. citizens because we will be paying less to house prisoners. Now lets look at the medical standing point as well, marijuana has been known to relieve pain and nausea in cancer patients, help glaucoma patients keep their sight longer by relieving pressure on the eyes, and help tourettes patients with their motor functions. So let's take a look at what this will do really quick. Cause less burden on tax payers, treat medical symptoms, oh yeah and cause more people to quit being so nasty. Lets also look at the fact that the main reason it isn't wanted is because big pharmecutical companies would lose money because they couldn't sell their pills which cause more damage than good unlike pot. As well as how many people have heard about a guy getting stoned and killing his wife, or how many people have heard of someone getting stoned and driving into a young child on the road. now let's take a look at how many have heard about the same incidents with a guy drunk. we all know why it hasn't been legalized yet. they can't figure out how to tax it and at the same time keep the money from drug companies rolling in to pay campaign contributions. Let's get a clue this drug war isn't working, people are suffering and it is because the big drug companies only care about making a profit. Wake up politicians wake up doctors this could be a benefit to every citizen no matter if they smoke marijuana or not.
I am and have been a Licence Drug and Alcohol Counselor in the state of texas, for the past 25 years and I have had many of my clients die from abuse of drugs, and not one has every overdosed and died of Pot, nor ever go through severe drug withdrawal having shakes, convoulsions, hallucinations, crying spells. It is time we get smart and stop putting people in jail for smoking pot. If you are going to use pot, your going to use it.
I was thinking the same thing as Parker...but again, I'm not an TV host. I have yet watched the show but I appreciated her straight fowardness
It's so nice to see the mainstream media, law enforcement and some members of our judicial system getting smart about the legalization of pot. It's long overdue and it's ridiculous the resources we waste on prosecuting pot possession and usage. Alcohol and cigarettes and prescription drugs are far more dangerous, but because of outdated propaganda, marijuana is demonized while we lose people to alcohol, lung cancer and prescription drug overdose every day.
Legalized pot would be a great stimulus. ...er is a great stimulus.
yes... they should decriminalize marijuana. set up proper rules of use, sales, cultivation, truthful education, and tax. wouldnt that cut off alot of the mexican drug trade? nobody likes their marijuana. bring the growers here, I bet more people would get into farming! just because its legalized does not mean everyone is going to turn into a pothead. at the same time they need to come down harder on the drugs that are severely damaging like meth, coke, heroin. setup a system of help for people addicted to those drugs or get into trouble by them to go through rehab successfully, if they dont off to prison you go. just a thought...
I totally agree with your enthusiasm over the topic and p.o.v.'s. However i can say as a convicted grower that we do not need to import any of there growers over here for the sake of cultivation.
As you had stated none of us like there virtual pet-re dish like brick weed anyways! There are plenty of us domestic growers at this present point who have either went into hiding, laying low or who have retired since the sky's were taken over by police helicopters over the past ten years or so. Suffice to sat that there more than enough of us here in the states who'd love nothing more than the opportunity to become legitimate, honorable tax paying business men and women who could be respected as productive citizens who can ply our trade out in the open for the sake of routine health and ethics inspections to ensure fair trade policies and age restrictions are carried out at all times!
I noticed a number of times both could have paid more attention to the "less is more" adage... most of this event needs no commentary, anyone seeing it realizes how huge this is, don't spoil it...
I know mostly old Christian conservatives at the moment and even most of them think pot should be legal. What's up with these studies that say only half the population support it?
Crass and cynical, yet true. Sorry that she didn't shed the tears that you did, Marcia, but her job is to get people talking. Mission complete.
Americans are already fat, stupid couch potatoes. If only we had something to make that hungrier, dumber and lazier... I'm all for legalization but I do worry about a consequences for an already apathetic society.
Marijuana is a stimulant for the brain. If anything, I think it would make people less apathetic.
Marica, The topic at hand is marijauna reform. Complaints to the nature of coverage by the program should probably be directed toward another forum. For the record I strong support no less than the complete repeal of our national marijauna laws.
we have enough lazy,braindead potheads now without making it legal. You want America to dumb down more than it already is year after year?
Since we supposedly live in a democracy.. and obviously the majority of the people vote that pot should be legal. So the majority should win.
Reasons to legalize marijuana:
1. Selling it through the same government venues (like state liquor stores) would pay off the national debt in a matter of months.
2. Prison cells could be freed up for serious criminal offenders.
3. Crime would go down. I know of not a single instance where someone high on weed has committed a crime. Can we say the same thing about alcohol?
4. I can't remember the next thing.
I got a crime for you, manslaughter. What happens when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle and hit some poor kid on his bike sending him to his grave? Do people do it now yes, will they do it more when it is socially acceptable to smoke it in the open, yes. Ever been affected by second hand drinking? No, me either, but I sure have had some second hand highs, so much for designated drivers. Is anyone going to OD? No, but I have a childhood friend that spent years in jail for manslaughter and in two different cases friends that died of exposer, one in a river because they were too stoned to stay safe.
But hey it's just population control right?
How is this any different than alcohol which is legal. Spend money on education and prosecute idiots who drive under the influence of ANY drug. This has absolutely nothing to do with Marijuana reform and everything to do with yet another ridiculous distraction of the real issue.
THANK YOU. I've been saying this since the recession started hitting harder, this is the PERFECT way to pull us out of debt, how much money is made in California, on MEDICAL marijuana alone is astounding, it's a billion dollar business and the world refuses to see the benefits. Someone needs to push this idea along, because this really could be the "cure" for the Recession
Just legalize all drugs so we don't have to deal with this topic EVER AGAIN!!!
relax, it was a half-serious comment in a moment where they were out of the worst part of the ordeal. stop overreacting.
Over 90 percent say yes...lets just get it over with and start sparking the j bombs
I think pot should be decriminalized, however; I am not sure what society would do with this door being opened. This could turn into a slippery slope for our society. This drug does affect the brain. I believe people need to stop being told what to do all the time. Being told what to do can also make one unwise and it seems that is what are society is turning into. I worry a little about this current generation being complacent in being told what to do all the time. I were going to be a dump society because people like Bloomberg are telling people what to do all the time? Will our society or some part of it become dumb because they are smoking too much weed?
Your post doesn't make any sense. Are you perchance smoking marijuana right now?
Nothing much is going to change other than our legal system will be free to focus on more important issues and it will take 80% of the drug cartel's business away. Almost every kid tries pot at one time or another just like booze. I'm willing to bet you have tried it at least once yourself. We aren't going to suddenly sprout a nation of potheads, they are smoking it already. It's more about letting go of a lot of co-dependent control. That's what is freaking the control freaks out, not the pot.
She is ashamed; all the way to the bank.
nice
Why not tax it and undersell the Mexican cartel? I know I won't be smoking it.
Absolutely, it should be legalized not decriminalized! Most companies in America have zero tolerance policies for drugs and alcohol in the workplace. Not many folks are going to give up a good job for a high! Legalize, tax it, use the revenue to pump back into education and trade schools to make more opportunity for people in general and to the pot growers and smugglers across the border, now your farmers and involved in agriculture.
I have a full time job and pay my taxes every year. I consider myself a responsible, sensible, caring and considerate individual. I don't do any other illegal drugs at all except for smoking Marijuana. Should myself and others like me who wish to have legal regulated access to pot be labeled as criminals and deadbeat, perma-fried, stoners? Strict regulatory control measures will limit pot's availability to minors and children. Drug dealers don't ID, and it's WAY easier for kid's to buy pot from someone they are acquainted with at school or a guy hussling dope on the corner than it would be if we took the necessary precautions to control the cultivation and sale of marijuana to adults 21 and older. Marijuana should be taxed and regulated by the Federal Government as well as State and local governments. It will create a business boom and a job market that will literally make BILLIONS in tax revenue that can be used for public programs and services that will benefit Americans all over the country. Over 800,000 people were arrested for Marijuana infractions and over %80 of those arrested were for possession alone. The prohibition of Marijuana is a 75 year old multi-billion dollar epic failure. This is not being soft on drugs, it's being sensible on drug policy and millions of Americans and people around the world will continue to consume Marijuana no matter what the government does.
make it legal, make it green, make it NOW !!!!!!
This is thoroughly ridiculous and a predictably two-faced liberal movement. The same group that clamors around groups like MADD to make tougher drinking and driving laws (a legislated cash cow that keeps a product they have deemed a public hazard legal) and the same group that goes after the evils of big tobacco (creating a taxation cash cow while keeping a product they have deemed a public hazard legal) wants to legalize a product that is a public health hazard to be a cash cow. Of course, they might want to adjust their 2-faced law outlawing people from smoking in public places. The cash cow doesn't offer much milk when you look at how you've already closed off the milk stand.
Even the california law enforcement believe that pot should be decriminalized. Even without taxing it the state of california will save million. Any clue how many people are in our over crowded prisons for drug posession I dont but Id bet its alot more than a few.
stop being offended by your reaction to what other people do.
When my 15 yr old son who has a lot of information but lacks wisdom and experience tell me that he wants me to agree with his desire to smoke marijuana. Or when he attempts to convince me that marijuana is safe, is not a gateway drug and that he can handle it . I challenge him to speak to both of his great uncles who have been addicted to herion and concaine for over 25yrs and ask them if they thought that marijuana was not a gateway drug. We are drawn to whatever gives us the answer we want to agree with us. Just because people are smoking pot in increasing numbers doesn"t mean that it is right. The pot heads you create today will be your leaders tomorrow....just not wisdom.
American's are lowering their standards. Look at those statistics above. It's disgusting.
Why the push to legalize a drug that casts us further into bondage. Could it make an instant impact on helping our economy to recover? Absolutely, however we as a nation can not handle our current drug situation. Alcohol, cigarettes, junk food, reality tv an now people want to add pot to the mix. If we want our nation to be dumbed down another 20 IQ points sure go ahead. But at some point this instant gratification society has to realize that there are to be future generations, and that selfish actions taken now only create problems for our grand children later. We did not inherit this world from our ancestors, only lease it from our future generations.
Isaac Asimov once said that one of the only 2 people who he believed were intellectually superior to himself was Carl Sagan, the famous astronomer. Carl Sagan was a HUGE proponent of cannabis. Your argument is illogical. "Drug situation"? Where does the "harm" from drugs come from? From the health effects? The health effects of cannabis are in some cases actually positive (AIDS wasting, analgesic, anti-anxiety,etc.) and in all cases is negligible. NO drug should be illegal in my opinion because addiction is a medical problem and drugs such as cannabis which do not cause physical addiction do little if any harm to an individual and his community. Prohibition only creates more problems. What other harm is done by the "drug situation" as you call it? Criminal? The only reason cannabis trafficking is a profitable, dangerous industry is because it is illegal. It is a plant. The artificially inflated price created by prohibition is the only reason people are willing to kill for cannabis. Furthermore, the gateway effect is also created by prohibition in the sense that you must purchase cannabis from someone who may be inclined to sell you other substances. There is no physiological effect of cannabis which causes you to desire a stronger or different high. You can not win this argument while holding on to your old fashioned views on drug policy.
Recreational drug use is bad, but a manageable public health problem. Criminalizing recreational drugs creates UNmanageable economic and law enforcement problems. Prohibition of alcohol nearly ripped this country apart 80 years ago; we didn't repeal it because we discovered alcoholism was okay, but because criminalizing it made a bad thing much much worse. Today, organized crime and terrorist organizations make billions of dollars because of our drug Prohibition policies, Mexico is in a state of near-anarchy, other narco-states are even worse, and the US is diverting billions (we don't have) away from meaningful law enforcement activities.
As a public policy tool, Prohibition is the last refuge of the incompetent, the first refuge of the tyrant, and in the end fails both, and everyone else, completely. We need to start fighting smarter, not harder. Let's take all of the bad money out of the 'underground' economy through decriminalization, let's get production and distribution activities under govt oversight (as we do with alcohol), let's get users properly monitored via licensing/prescription regulation, and let's eliminate the fund-raising abilities of terrorists and criminals by taking their most lucrative businesses away from them. That would be fighting smart.
When is cnn cancelling this snore fest of a show, i saw the commercials before it aired.
Look, just because you personally don't believe in it, doesn't mean it should continue to be illegal.
Tax the hell out of it! We can reduce the deficit in a jiffy.
Marijuana isn't illegal because it is 'a gateway drug'... it's unlawful because the cotton growers know marijuana is a better all 'round crop.
Regulate it like tobacco & alcohol, and tax the hell out of it. I
Marijuana is perhaps one of the most dangerous drugs known to man. It's number one downfall is that it simply destroys a person's motivation turning them into one gigantic couch potato. Short term memory loss that is charachteristic with the use of Marijuana can be particularly dangerous for young people who think they can smoke it and the be able to function normally. Marijuana is a very misunderstood drug that can wreak havoc on the brain. The potency of it today is enormously more powerful today thani it once was as can cause damage to the lungs as well. Marijuana is an insidious drug with many many negatives. It is not a drug that should be decriminalized or legalized.
"Marijuana is probably one of the most dangerous drugs known to man." Really? You've heard what harder drugs do to the human body, right? As far as drugs go, marijuana is pretty tame. You have been severely misinformed.
Wreak havoc on the brain? Are you a 4th grader? This comment is bursting at the seams with government propaganda. I suggest you get off the internet if you intend to keep your ego intact.
I think the reign of terror over these recreational drugs should come to an end because the cost of lives and families ruined by the prosecution and incarceration of our fellow Americans is an abomination. The stigma associated with pot smoking dealing and cultivation is a right wing fabrication that is based entirely on racism and the overbearing need to control other peoples behavior, and not on any real evidence that it is harmful. End prohibition because it is the American thing to do, not because you can make a buck off of it. (More bucks actually, since the so called "War on Drugs" is a major part of municipal, state, and federal budgets, despite the fact that it is absolutely ineffective.)
If over 93% of us believe it should be decriminilized as the poll shows currently, and this is truly a democracy, then...why the heck is it still illegal? The Nanny State can't tell us what's right and wrong. We tell them!
I neither drink nor smoke pot;although I have done both in my life. If we are going to allow alcohol as a social drug, then pot should be, too. As a matter of fact, I've never known anyone to beat their wife or kids while under the influence of pot. I have seen both from people under the influence of alcohol. The only groups that would seriously want pot to remain illegal are the alcohol producing companies and the current dealers in illegal distribution of pot. Another ridiculous thing that keeps getting brought up is the idea that pot is a "Gateway" drug. Show me any incontrovertible evidence of this phenomenon, and I'll shake your hand.
I am in total agreement with Ms. Parker on the legalization of pot issue. I feel that she failed to address one major benefit, however, and that is the increased safety and security of our southern border with Mexico that would result. Legalization and taxation of marijuana sales would virtually put the drug smugglers out of business making our borders infinitely more safe and secure.
Spitzer should run for president.
This is not a good idea long term use of pot causes a person to be more apathetic than a person would tend to be , we do not need more people driving around not in proper control of thier car or truck , I have read nothing about studies being done about the positive side of legalizing pot ,
Have you been living under a rock the last 10 years? It is less harmful than Tylenol, studies have shown that it is less impairing than alcohol or even a Phone call, and it has a wide range of medicinal benefits. The percentage of minorities arrested for possession is not proportional to the percentage of minorities in society. There are already laws in place to prevent driving while impaired, from alcohol and other drugs. But all those points are moot. PROHIBITION OF ANYTHING DOES NOT WORK. IT IS A FUNDAMENTALLY FLAWED PRINCIPLE. Millions are wasted on preventing the use of cannabis and millions more will be wasted. I am an advocate of decriminalization of ALL drugs, and full legalization of cannabis. Drug use is a medical problem for some substances, and for others it is not a problem at all. No substance use should be a criminal problem.
Prohibition failed long ago. The government has tried for almost a century to stop drug use by force when education was the answer. Alcohol was illegal at one time. Now its legal again. Why? Because making it illegal made the Mafia lots and lots of $. You cannot win this war by force. If you kill one drug dealer or cartel boss and 2 more spring up in their place. Why? Again because of the money. Marijuana was erroneously included with drugs like cocaine and heroin. The best and surest way to kick cartels and drug dealers in the nuts is by removing marijuana and its revenue from their hands.
At least Sanchez wouldn't have been all about the money money money... book deal book deal book deal.. blah blah blah.. I just don't relate to these news people.. and we relate more with those miners.
What a idiotic notion. Pot smoking can lead to paranoia schizophrenic people. I have an uncle who smoked/smokes pot and he is not able to take care of himself and he is a burden to society. My other uncle who smoked pot and stop is only a little better off at least he has a job. Given the choice of smoking pot and doing something else, people would rather smoke pot.
Get on with it already. I'm tired of spending my tax money to lock up people and fight this idiotic "war" when legalizing it and taxing it like cigarettes would solve more problems and be a source of revenue.
People are going to find it no matter what...so make a buck off it instead of pouring money down a bottomless hole. If you are dumb enough to let it control your life...so what?! This protection from removal from the gene pool by being protected from your own stupidity has really harmed us as a population.
I don't smoke pot, but I don't see why we wouldn't decriminalize it. Alcohol is legal, cigarettes are legal, what does pot do that these two do not? At least I have never met an angry pothead, usually they are mellow. But alcohol makes some people violent.
imagine if there was an an action we could take that would put drug cartels all the way down to street corner dealers out of business, reduce crime, reduce the number of the incarcerated in our prisons, increase tax revenue... there are so many benefits to legalizing all drugs that i could write for a long time. the self medicating are ALWAYS going to self medicate regardless of anti-drug laws so we would need to offer rehab to those who want it and safe clean places for those who insist on using harmful drugs but the cost for that pales in comparison to financial benefits of legalization. it is time to take a realistic approach to drug use in america. legalize drugs and do it now.
I think they should re-legalize FREEDOM in America.
I enjoy this show, but it should not be posted in CNN's "latest news" section. It's not news.
Decriminalization itself does not solve all the problems with Marijuana, and it make create more in some areas while helping in others. To say its ok to smoke it but not to grow it, clip it, or sell it? The other main point is decriminalization does protect the consumer in ways but does not affect the current black market(i.e. Mexican cartels), which are the current and growing problem. Full legalization would addresses MANY of the issues. If legalization would send the message that America is soft on drugs to the Mexican cartels then what does letting them grow it, sell it, kill anyone who looks at the funny, and just for all their hard work keep EVERY CENT! Funny how common sense can seem so uncommon.........
Another good thing about decriminalizing Cannabis is that it will remove the excuse the DEA uses against allowing US farmers to grow industrial hemp i.e., they can't tell the difference between the two.
Industrial Hemp production would be a really GREAT "stimulus bill."
It wasn't crass and cynical Marcia. It was the truth.
And while we are at it, let's stop letting people buy other drugs like caffene, alcohol, and treat these drug addicts just as viciously as we do those evil pot heads.
Now if you excuse me, the pot just finished and I have GOT to have my first cup.
No drug should be "criminalized". It only creates an underground market.
You want more dead cops and innocent people, more gangs, and more broken families? Keep drugs illegal.
If you want to see fewer dead cops and innocent people, a reduction in gangs, and families not split up because Mom or Dad decided to smoke a little grass... then legalize drugs.
The government should not be in the business of telling people what they can or cannot do with their own bodies. I own me, and no one else does. I should be able to do whatever I want to myself, including killing myself with drugs.
My drug of choice is alcohol, which is legal. I don't want anything to do with anything else, but that is my decision. It should not be politicians. who probably uses the drugs they criminalize, deciding for me.
One can't compare the United States to Netherlands. The population of Netherlands is 16.2 million while the population of the US is 310 million which is almost 20 times as large. The US is 234 times the area of the Netherlands. Which means the population density difference give the Netherlands 12 times the population density of the US. Then of course the Netherlands people are more law abiding then US people. Netherlands may be ranked lower in crimes then the US but compared to it's population some crimes surpass the US in percentage. If one took the total crimes in each category and divide it by the population the US would rank lower in some areas. The Netherlands not a perfect place.
I feel that this poll is pointing out something that’s going to happen already. The ground work for the government to make money off of it is already in place. When you look at California, they have the infrastructure supporting the pharmacies that sells it. The other states are not far behind at all. There is a school that shows you laws that need to be followed and how to grow it. There is also a budding franchise chain for the growers, specializing in their needs. The only thing I don't know if the government is going to have their hand in seed distribution.
Now what everyone is waiting on is how to tax / criminalize the guy that grows his 4-10 plants on his own and then sells it or keeps it. That would be a waste of time and tax dollars either way that goes.
As a father of 2 kids that are late teens early 20s, I am more concerned with criminals involved in the illegal pot industry. Prohabition brings gangs and cartels into our high schools and homes, chasing the huge profits gained. Decriminalization/ legalization will put them out of business, all other fears are insignifcant and fueled mostly by ignorance or bipartisan selfcenteredness.
Ok the shot with the three acrdondaik chairs (I like to call them the Three Bears Chairs) is amazing – tells a real story.But my favorite is the second shot where we just get to see HALF of the BACK of a chair. It really makes me image the rest of the chair while lounging in it in that scene.The yellow chairs cropped close from the back reminds me of a Corona commercia.
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Only pot smokers use flawed statics to justify their drug habit.
Pot should be legal. Period. However, if you say no, I respect that. But those 141 that said I don't know have me troubled. You don't know what? It's easy. Yes or no. Still having a dilemma? I mean I think you guys were high at the moment you voted.
The poll above on this site says volumes when it comes to this issue. My vote was cast in the yes column.
The amount of money exchanged in this country is mind boggling. Why not get some of the revenue to start doing some good for the local economies, instead of the drug cartels.
The moral argument does not hold water. If it is kept illegal, all of the money goes to the worst people. Just like in the years of prohibition, we are financing the drug cartels. The Mafia got its biggest foothold in this country during that era and the last people to benefit from the profits were the tax payers. Plus if you had the money, they didn't care if you were of age.
The taxation would help the economy and I would trust legitimate and regulated business to sell it to adults. It may be a way to better keep it out of the hands of minors as well. Don't expect miracles on that front as minors still obtain alcohol.
They moral majority didn't seem to do a very good job of stopping it..in my mind, because you cannot legislate morality.
God will be the ultimate judge of the wisdom of legalization...but he did create the plant. At least it's not cooked in a trailer in the woods, or worse next door.
Most people don not use it as a gateway drug..for the most part if they go on to something worse, it was probably because they couldn't find the pot.
Marijuana should be legalized completely. All adults over 21 years old should be able to buy cannabis in state regulated stores. Just like the Netherlands. Cannabis is less harmful than alcohol and the whole bevy of Big Pharma opiates that are peddled here in the usa. Over 40 Million americans smoke marijuana. Big Pharma does not want cannabis legalized because they want americans to buy their more harmful pain killers and anti-depressants. The law enforcement lobby here in the usa does not want cannabis legalized either because arresting one million non-criminals americans is their bread and butter. Who stands to lose?: Big Pharma and the police. Time to break this harmful prohibition and stop the failed drug war and stop the killing in mexico. Marijuana is a natural herb, God created it for us. Legalize it now, check out how successful Holland is.
Wrong question to ask! Ask this one. Should all drugs be legal and alcohol illegal? Of course everybody will say no to that one. Hoiw about, should all hand weapons and bullets be illegal? How about this one, all U.S. citizens are required to smoke marijuana in order to maintain citizenship! Everybody will say "YES" to that one. How about, Should all current inmates with drug charges be released? Everybody will say "YES" to that one as well! How about, Should the Mexican Drug Cartels be allowed to FREELY setup shop in the U.S. in order to have quality marijauna for sale? Everybody will say "YES" to that one! Hey Budweiser?! Your outta business dude and so is your buddies Jimmy, Jack, Johnny, and Jose! Goodluck! I can see it now, traffic jam at Dope & Runner streets, everybody is laughing so hard they can't drive and we are outta tow trucks!
It is bad enough being exposed to 2nd hand smoke. I do not want to smell that horrible smell when people smoke weed.
Well then by all means let's drop the issue entirely.
here's a thought ....if you don't want to smell it don't stand in the same room! no one is advocating the use of it in public. nor is anyone insisting on the mandatory use of cannabis by unwilling participants. in short you don't like it don't smoke it's that simple......now go get your coffee or beer and think about what you just said.
Are all the responses to the poll from people online only? That result seems pretty high to me, no pun intended.
caffeine is the big "gateway" drug. i began coffee when i was in middle school.
Oh cry me a river, build yourself a bridge, and get the hell over it!
Marijuana decriminalization would be one of the best things that could happen to our country. It is basically harmless and there are so many medical uses for it. My mom is a Michigan medical marijuana patient who uses it for chronic pain, muscle spasms, and migraines and it helps her get through every day. She came off of 8 different medications that were actually somewhat harmful to her body. Thank you marijuana!
I absolutely agree with legalizing pot despite I have never used it before. The criminalization of this "mild" substance is doing more harm than good. Consider the amount of woman and children that are losing their lives everyday due to drug cartels in mexico. This is a means of at least minimizing their strength and ability to dominate production and sales.
In terms of medical arguments, critics have lost such case about dangers in it use. if not for the financial gain it will bring to the Govt in it's desperate need to balance budget, let consider the individual benefits such act will bring.
So this is what we call a "conundrum"... (being the high percentage of people in America that want cannabis decriminalized) we live in America where the majority really doesn't rule.
Even though we vote, it doesn't matter – this is why there are revolutions. The American system of politics only benefits the wealthy and the elite – DON'T BE FOOLED. It is so wide spread (America) that the political system effectively accomplishes nothing while making the citizens feel that they have done something.
This is why the internet is currently in trial to be "silenced" these polls are showing the general public the way people are actually thinking...
Free from "freedom"...
3 Reasons why I am FOR legalization:
1) What is harder for a 15 year old to obtain, a joint or a can of beer? Answer: a joint; marijuana should be a controlled substance like alcohol.
2) Who profited most during prohibition? Answer: organized crime, and the cartels are profiting right now in the BILLIONS!
3) Would we just make money off taxes of marijuana if it were legal? Answer: Not only would we make money off of the industry created and taxation of such but we would free up and SAVE millions maybe even billions that we spend on law enforcement, legal process and incarceration of offenders to the current laws. On average it costs $27,025 per person to hold in jail for one year. Do the math!
Marijuana is not crimanalizing. Why would you wanna put a 17 or 18 year old kid in a jail with a convicted killer or worse. The whole point of people using the drug is to keep balance in there life yet maybe even make money just cause of how the government is with jobs around the u.s. Someone with power to say somethin and the brain should deffanitly say somethin. just think about it people.
legalization is actually a more prudent step than simply decriminalization. the main issue here is the COMMERCE. who's making the MONEY? if you decriminalize only possession, the same people (cartels and other unscrupulous folks) will still rake in all the money.
Legalize the sale, and you'll get upstanding, law-abiding citizens selling pot – people who will willingly submit to legal inspections and regulations. currently, we have al capone on steriods, to put it mildly.
Re-legalize freedom!
Hey Parker & Spitzer! This is the real issue no one on the "Pro Side" will talk about. Insurance and Enforcement. It all stems from the simple fact that no medically verifiable way to establish sobriety is available! This is what everyone should focus on because alot of people are going to go to jail for intoxication (DUI), be released from employment, and possibly find themselves in the way of larger lawsuits, since Insurance companies will simply not allow ANY "THC" to be in your system. For those that argue that "medically suggested" marijuana is protected, I hope you have studied your law as the courts have severly limited the burden on employers and, insurance companies are completely exempt if they wish. The accomodations that need to be met are very narrow and, absolves any employer from having to "Create" a position in order to maintain the employee! Be careful what you wish for!!!
I believe that pot is no worse (or better) than alcohol. Is legalizing it the right thing to do? Yes. Yet the police are actually going to have a nightmare in the traffic courts (because testing AT THE JAIL will be mandatory in order to establish sobriety). Lawyers are going to have a field day with wrongful injury and death cases. To maintain their insurance, employers are going to either implement immediate testing upon it's inception or, increase the frequency of random tests. Either way, be ready to look for work or stop smoking! Sorry folks, I agree it should be legalized but this law does NOTHING to address this. So if you vote it in, don't be surprised by the 800 pound gorilla in the room!
There is a device that is already made for roadside drug detection made by Philps... So don't let that hinder the movement of ending prohibition – poor excuse.
I am completely opposed to marijuana decriminalization. Marijuana should be legalized, not decriminalized.
it needs to be LEGALIZED not DECRIMINALIZED.
legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana would be a major catastrophe for our economy. It does not take a rocket scientist to see the negative implications such a move would have on our society. Every other vice in our nations history which has been legalized has resulted in crippling cost to not only our economy but culture as well, not to mention the tremendous loss of life(ves). Contrary to popular belief our prisons are not overflowing with people who got busted with a little bit of weed. Weed kills!
Unfortunatelly where I live the illegals are causing serious problems. Here they are setting up grow sites on private property or in the hills, the "camps" as they are called are gaurded by armed people, a farmer who took a walk out in his own field came across one the other day. I do not do drugs of any sort but I know (the police have stated) that these camps are the result of the Mexican Mafia and they are in my little town. We are being forced to roll the dice, legalize a fairly harmless plant or become a product of the violence that is spilling in from Mexico. I personally would rather not have the Mexican Mafia using my forest to grow their drugs, they are making millions off of and then the cost we have using law enforcement to fight a war we can not win. I would never say this about any other illegal substance. I understand where you are coming from but just wanted to give you my perspective.
@ Scott – Have a good look at Amsterdam, Portugal or Spain. The world will not end nor will mass chaos ensue due to marijuana's decriminalization/legalization. Maybe you were just trying to point out how anal our legal system really is though, creating problems where none exist. People are already smoking, driving and working under the influence of many different substances everyday. So, by your thinking, all that mayhem should be happening now.
I am for legalizing marijuana, I think it will remove a lot of non-violent people from the prisons and jails as well as bring money and jobs into the economy. The harmful effects on the body is a personal choice a person has to make, there are many other much more harmful things available to ingest. The one thing that I am concerned is about people driving while stoned, yes, I understand they are typically slower, but so are their reactions in an emergency.
Yes, Cannabis should be taxed and Regulated just like alcohol or cigarettes, better yet let's End the failed war on drugs and Legalize Freedom! Vote Ron Paul for President 2012!
@ Amazing- A; It is happening now. Companies already have lawsuits pending against them for allowing people with prescriptions to work in "noncritical" areas during recovery periods. The insurance companies raise the premiums of companies who allow it. This is not suppossition on my part, it's fact. And since the new law will effectively strip employers of protection until after an accident occurs, no employer will be willing to take that chance. The sideline to this is any company which has a government contract may also be forced into a situation where they either give up the contract or move out of the state. The Federal government may not prosecute but they have made it clear that drug testing policies will remain in place.
B; Police will now have a completely new set of rules to follow. In and of itself, that is what rules and laws are about..evolving to meet a societies needs and or desires. The problem with this bill is the lack of guidance given to law enforcement. For example the under twenty one portion. Right now if you get caught in the presence of an adult (18 or over) you probably get a ticket or arrested but released O.R.. After the passage You can be put in jail for contributing. So how does that change the amount of work the police and the courts have to do? C; You point out three countries where the usage is regulated and legal. Great fallback position. They produce nothing. Their economies and governments are socialist/republics, and Portugal and Spain are flat broke and rioting (So much for non-violence and economy building). Amesterdam makes their money through the DeBeers company to this day, and have HUGE penalties for first time offenders. (If you are a foriegn citizen you can actually be jailed and then banned from the country for driving under the influence. That's why taxi's are free.)
I'll repeat. This is not panic, it's fact. I am ok with legalization. I actually have been saying it for years, but until they have an accurate gauge of intoxication for THC, that can withstand the scrutiny of the courts,we are putting the cart before the horse. And by the way The good people of the Netherlands have not been able to develope one either. It is subjective to the officers opinion, but they also have tight rules on litigation and compensation.
I'm a pilot. No Kidding. So who gets to have the fun and who decides which positions come under the scrutiny?
The real question should be do you believe in making liquor illegal and legalizing weed. It's the liquor lobby that is fighting it so much.
Also tired of everyone acting like smoking it is the only way to get buzzed from it.
I'm an old fart and don't use it simply because of the legal issue. I drink though and wish I could use the wacky weed instead. It is why the liquor industry is scared.
See my post, if they don't 'moderate' it to death.
Sorry, but in 34 years as a nurse I have had to deal with the consequences and aftermath of both 'substances' to promote the use/abuse of EITHER.
It ain't fun standing by the bed of a brain-dead 9 year old with her parents because she got hit by a drunk driver.
It ain't glamorous to have a patient with liver failure who is the color of a CARROT throw up blood on you when nobody had a treatment for HIV/AIDS.
And I don't care WHAT you see on TV or in the movies. Bad things DO happen to good and innocent people.
Do yourself a favor-get some help and stop wishing for an 'alternate' drug to jump into.
I recommend AA-it was developed by a pair of drunks back in the 1930s and IT WORKS if you follow the Steps. Better than anything that medicine has ever come up with.
The percentage of crimes committed under the influence of alcohol is staggering. Marijuana simply does not push people to act irrationally the way alcohol has been proven to do.
Oh yeah, we need to legalize POT because it will 'stimulate' the economy. Makes as much sense as every other insane idea that this incompetent administration AND its Congress has dumped on us. Borrowing $3 TRILLION from Red China was a 'good idea' back in 2009. Look where we are now. It only took the 60s Generation, which is running the country and is, once again, promoting the legalization of the NEW AND IMPROVED marijuana (Oh yeah-check with the Dept. of Agriculture. It has to do with new and improved fertilizers and growing methods.) You can probably even buy 'organic', hydroponic or even 'genetically alterred. Todays' marijuana has a more POTENT form of the drug which takes up residence in the fat tissue of the BRAIN, (for those who still HAVE one). It only took those who 'inhaled' THIS long to decide that the legalization of a known 'gateway' drug which has been proved to have effects on attention spans and short term memory will help the economy. (Remember that Clinton 'never inhaled' but could not remember ANYTHING until he was out of office and selling books.)
Of course, in order to 'stimulate' the economy one has to TAX the product. I suppose that would increase jobs in the IRS, the closest thing to the Gestapo that our government has created to date. People have been independently 'farming' the stuff all around them for decades. They also still make moonshine and can even buy kits to brew their own beer. LOTS of people get DEAD from alcohol and it has been legal since the repeal of Prohibition.
How do the proponents of this ingenious idea plan to actually COLLECT the taxes in order to 'stimulate' the economy without spending MORE on Enforcement than they actually ADD to the government coffers? Oh, I forget. Obama will only tax the upper 2 %, right?
We have been through this ridiculous argument before.
Just Say NO.
O.k. first of all it has been medically proven that it is NOT a gateway drug. in fact research proves that only 1 out of 104 people who try cannabis go on to try harder drugs.
second higher T.H.C. levels are actually less harmful, higher % = lower volume of carcinogens needed for desired results.
Third and most importantly of all if you still insist on referring to an out dated research report conducted back in the 80's about the side affects of smoked cannabis on the brain tissue it was proven that it was not the T.H.C. that caused brain damage on the research subjects it was the carbon monoxide poisoning that caused the negative side affects. and only after they were introduced to excessively high amounts of cannabis equivalent to there own body weight in cannabis in a matter of 15 min. thus debunking that theory!
if your going to make an argument..GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!
now go think about how smart you just made yourself look!
Legalize marijuana, don't legalize marijuana, I'm still going to smoke as I have for the past 30 years. I'm sure others are as well. And if the government has plans to "tax" my weed, F&^% off, aint happening. Government can't make a go of thing's as it is, without just short of taxing the air we breathe. Taxation without representation, what does this government represent, besides themselves and their rich buddies.
P.S. Alcohol Sux!
Marijuana is a gateway drug, but only when it's illegal. If it were legal and sold in legitimate businesses, then it wouldn't be. But when it's illegal, it's sold by drug dealers who also sell other drugs that they might offer to marijuana buyers.
I think that there should be a blanket decriminalization at the Federal level. Let states adopt regulations for legalization when a majority of its citizens feel the time is ready...like what is happening now in California. California proudly leads the nation in social trends, and I predict this will yet be another one.
Finally the truth is bring told~ It's almost too good to believe. Seriously if they found weed for the first time today and it didn't have it's history for the last 70 years it would be called the most incredible plant on the face of the planet - no lie!
STOP CONSTANTLY talking about jobs jobs jobs! It's more about low wages, every single media pundit, so called journalist, disgraced politician or news manager HAS FAILED at allowing a more indepth discussion on low wages in this country. Did you know that Aussies make 15 per hour minimum wage?
From MSNBC to FOX to CNN to NPR, etc...YOU ALL OUT OF TOUCH with a big fat FAIL all over your faces. I pray that in your next life, you will be ME.
Seven years ago I went to score a bag of weed from a new dealer . When i got there he was sitting on the porch of his mothers house ,and handed me the bag of weed. I had to ask why he looked like he was scared and he had pulled a 38 special out of his pants ,and said I got to protect myself . In 20 years of scoring and smoking weed never had i saw a gun in the hands of someone selling weed .never again did i go back to that same dealer. 16 SEEMED YOUNG TO BE DOING SOMETHING LIKE THIS ,AND TO THINK THAT HE'S CARING A GUN IS SOMETHING YOU JUST DON'T SEE WITH WEED DEALERS.
AND THIS IS ONE GOOD REASON TO GET A BETTER HAND ON THIS PRODUCT AND LEGALIZE IT.
Marijuana is a native plant to this country. It has many other uses besides getting high. It was absolutely absurd to criminalize the cultivation and sale of it. As for all of you who think that drug use is illegal in this country, what do you think the pharmaceutical industry is all about? If they have a drug, they target a symptom and bombard us with advertisements to sell the drugs. Marijuana should be legalized and free for adults to grow. (organic of course) If you want to grow it commercially then you pay taxes and are regulated. It really is that simple.
This weekend, we will be burying our second loved one in 10 years, who was lost to alcohol. She drank her liver away.
I wonder if they smoked pot instead of drinking, would they still be alive?????? I would rather have a loved one alive who did illegal drugs, than one who died from a legal drug. I know of no one who had any problems with pot except for the legality of it, yet ...
The us government vows to fight California if pot becomes legal. I drive by a liquor store/bar/restaurant and I see the parking lot filled with people buying the product that killed my loved ones. That's ok in the eyes of my crappy government and pot is bad......
Our government can join my lost loved ones – Our government SUCKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Ed –
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