Marijuana Prohibition - Where do you stand?

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Sorry if I missed it, but what is the difference between "Legalize it!" and "Decriminalize it". Just the exclamation point?

[goaliegirl]

Both of my teens are pot smokers, which I absolutely hate. If legalizing it makes it harder for them to get, then I am all for it. I ideally would like to see the restrictions on it be like the restrictions on alcohol, you can only consume and procure it at certain locations. Plus I think the govt would make a killing on taxes, and in this economy that would be a huge plus.

[Nyah]

Originally Posted by Dion

Full report can be found below...

http://www.rmhidta.org/default.aspx/...MHIDTAHome.htm

I just looked at the organization that put that "report" together. RMHIDTA's mission, as listed on their website:

The mission of the Rocky Mountain HIDTA is to support the national drug control strategy of reducing drug use. Specifically, the Rocky Mountain HIDTA's ultimate mission is to facilitate cooperation and coordination among federal, state and local drug enforcement efforts to enhance combating the drug trafficking problem locally, regionally and nationally. This mission is accomplished through intelligence-driven join multi-agency collocated drug task forces sharing information and working cooperatively with other drug enforcement initiatives including interdiction. The aim is to:

-Reduce drug availability by eliminating or disrupting drug trafficking organizations.
-Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement organizations in their efforts within HIDTA.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

Sorry if I missed it, but what is the difference between "Legalize it!" and "Decriminalize it". Just the exclamation point?

Decriminalizing usually means no longer making it a criminal offense, but rather a summary offense subject to a fine instead of jail time and a criminal record. It takes the burden off the police and justice system, but probably wouldn't provide a tonne of revenue either.

Legalization means allowing people to possess and use it, at least under regulation, without being penalized in any way.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

Sorry if I missed it, but what is the difference between "Legalize it!" and "Decriminalize it". Just the exclamation point?

Think equivalent to a fine for drinking in a public place.

[AcGold]

Originally Posted by goaliegirl

Both of my teens are pot smokers, which I absolutely hate. If legalizing it makes it harder for them to get, then I am all for it. I ideally would like to see the restrictions on it be like the restrictions on alcohol, you can only consume and procure it at certain locations. Plus I think the govt would make a killing on taxes, and in this economy that would be a huge plus.

Studies show the best way to get teenagers to comply is by explaining things to them as clearly as possible and using truth. Obviously you won't be able to control their behavior, however, if you educate them on the issue they might stop. Do some research about neuroplasticity, impaired development and biopsychology.

If you present them with real material that demonstrates the actual negative effects there is a chance they will stop until they are older because at a young age it is likely to cause them harm (albeit likely small) later on in life in the form of lower intelligence.

[dammage79]

Legalize it, as far as I have ever been concerned, it's no different than Alchohol or Tobacco. Used to smoke it, haven't in close to 15 years. The worst thing to happen to a stoner is get hungry or have a nap. most likely both.

Only legitimate concern for me? Is that this could open up the possibility of the legalization of real narcotics like Coke, Meth, Heroine etc . Should they? not in my opinion.
But there should be better options to help users keep it clean (I.E harm reduction facilities in cities. If you don't know what harm reduction is, its a place you can take your drugs to be tested freely to give you a better understanding what you are taking, keeps dirtier drugs out of your body via knowledge)

[Dion]

Colorado Governor Says Legalizing Marijuana Was A Bad Idea

During a visit to CNBC’s “Squawk Box” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Colorado governor John Hickenlooper stated that legalizing marijuana was “a bad idea.”

“I don’t think governors should be [in] the position of promoting things that are inherently not good for people,” he said last year. The governor has proposed that the estimated $100 million in annual marijuana sales taxes go toward a statewide media campaign addressing substance abuse treatment and the high risks associated with drug use.

Cully Stimson wrote in an article for The Daily Signal that pot-positive traffic fatalities have gone up 100 percent (even while overall traffic fatalities have decreased), youth consumption of marijuana has increased, marijuana-related emergency room visits have gone up 57 percent, and marijuana-related hospitalizations have increased 82 percent. He also noted that the majority of DUI drug arrests now involve marijuana, and almost 50 percent of people arrested in Denver since pot was legalized have tested positive for marijuana. Another article on The Daily Signal pointed to an informal survey that suggests there has been a 30 percent increase in homelessness since the passing of the amendment as many have flocked to Colorado for the sole purpose of being able to legally obtain marijuana.'

Hickenlooper suggests other governors wait a couple of years before legalizing marijuana in their own states so they can see what the “unintended consequences” of legalization are and learn how to regulate marijuana sales by watching Colorado figure it out first.

http://www.westernjournalism.com/col...uana-bad-idea/

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Frequitude

100% correct. I haven't. Because it's just not that important of an issue to me.

It's about important to enough to answer an internet message board poll and respond to people asking for my rationale using clear statements that my response is purely based on opinion.

I must have missed the disclaimer saying that only those with strong opinions on the subject and evidence-based responses would be permitted.

I guess the point would be, if it came down to a referendum type vote rather than it just being a political party's policy (one which you may not agree with anything else they have), which way would you vote?

If you really don't care, your vote should likely be yes. Because if you don't care, why restrict the people who want it? If you would vote no based on what your opinion is so far, of course the people on the opposite side will try to make you see why you should vote yes.

But if you vote no based on things that multiple studies, and even anecdotal evidence, refutes, than yeah, you're going to get some backlash. It's like the people who deny climate change because it snowed that day. If you have sound reasoning behind why you don't support something, I don't think anyone will be on your case. But if you have no sound reasoning, or don't care enough to look into it, and just throw a vote out either way, you're going to hear about it.

Wanting to legalize it just because you like smoking it is the same thing. It's not a good enough reason.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by AcGold

Studies show the best way to get teenagers to comply is by explaining things to them as clearly as possible and using truth. Obviously you won't be able to control their behavior, however, if you educate them on the issue they might stop. Do some research about neuroplasticity, impaired development and biopsychology.

If you present them with real material that demonstrates the actual negative effects there is a chance they will stop until they are older because at a young age it is likely to cause them harm (albeit likely small) later on in life in the form of lower intelligence.

So are you saying smoking pot makes you dumb?

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Dion

Report - Marijuana-related deaths, suspensions & problems spike in Colorado








https://www.rt.com/usa/316148-mariju...njuries-study/

Full report can be found below...

http://www.rmhidta.org/default.aspx/...MHIDTAHome.htm

Sensationalistic bull####.

Physiologically impossible to overdose on marijuana.

The kid was probably asleep.

But, do we expect anything else from an organization who's funding is directly related to them showing the harm of drugs? Of course not.

Marijuana-Related Exposures. OK, these actually do involve marijuana—specifically, marijuana accidentally ingested by little kids (5 or younger). There was a "268 percent increase" in such cases in the three years after 2009, compared to the three years before then. In less impressive raw numbers, that's an increase from about five to about 18 kids a year in the entire state, which suggests that adults are generally being pretty careful about keeping their marijuana edibles away from children.

Drug Treatment. Marijuana-related drug treatment admissions fell from 7,194 in 2009 to 6,082 in 2013. Here is how the report describes that 15 percent drop: "Marijuana treatment data from Colorado in years 2005–2013 doesn't appear to demonstrate a definitive trend."

Crime. The RMHIDTA says people who claimed that crime dropped in Denver in the first six months after recreational sales began are wrong. "Actually," says the report, "reported crime in Denver increased 6.7 percent during that time period" (January through June of this year, compared to the same months in 2013). That is true overall, but there were drops in several kinds of violent crime, including murder (38 percent), robbery (5 percent), and forcible sex offenses (19 percent).

https://reason.com/blog/2014/08/15/d...l-to-show-that

Sensationalistic, misleading, bull####.

[Drak]

Originally Posted by Dion

Report - Marijuana-related deaths, suspensions & problems spike in Colorado








https://www.rt.com/usa/316148-mariju...njuries-study/

Full report can be found below...

http://www.rmhidta.org/default.aspx/...MHIDTAHome.htm

Right. And who is in charge of putting together that "study"

[rayne008]

Originally Posted by AcGold

The psychosis is generally not psychosis and the actual danger is twofold (according to peer reviewed university biopsych research)

1. Between the ages of 18-22 is the most common time for someone to exhibit signs of schizophrenia, usually a longterm debilitating ailment. There is a correlation between cannabis use and schizophrenia being unlocked in genetically susceptible individuals. Meaning those with a family history of psychological illness should stay away from it especially before 25 years old.

2. The human brain changes neuroplasticly (ie physical changes to the cerebral cortex) until around 19-20. Individuals that smoke before this age show lowered IQ because the brain development is altered.

These are the two major negative aspects of cannabis. The rest is situational and debatable. The lazy, stupid unmotivated emotional stoner stereotype is usually a reflection of other lifestyle choices (e.g.sitting on the couch and playing video games all day turns your brain to mush high or not high).

These are my concerns as well, that under 25 there are very scary consequences of cannabis use, especially for those that are predisposed to having issues.

That being said, we already legalize many things that are bad for society.

My preference would be legalize (& tax), but have the legal age set to 25.

[Frequitude]

Originally Posted by MattyC

I guess the point would be, if it came down to a referendum type vote rather than it just being a political party's policy (one which you may not agree with anything else they have), which way would you vote?

I would abstain.

[AcGold]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

So are you saying smoking pot makes you dumb?

If you're young potentially. Dumb would be considered around 85-90 IQ, odds are smoking it at a young age will lower potential IQs. Possibly putting a normal person into an 85-90 range if they don't engage their mind in some form of study or learning.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by AcGold

If you're young potentially. Dumb would be considered around 85-90 IQ, odds are smoking it at a young age will lower potential IQs. Possibly putting a normal person into an 85-90 range if they don't engage their mind in some form of study or learning.

This explains my brother-in-law.


Are the possible negative of early pot use in line with the possible negative affects of early booze use?

[AcGold]

Yes, alcohol abuse also shows cognitive defects. Reduced brain volume due to chronic dehydration and reduced blood flow being common with alcohol.

[Nyah]

Originally Posted by AcGold

If you're young potentially. Dumb would be considered around 85-90 IQ, odds are smoking it at a young age will lower potential IQs. Possibly putting a normal person into an 85-90 range if they don't engage their mind in some form of study or learning.

Can you give a source on that?

[AFireInside]

Originally Posted by Dion

Colorado Governor Says Legalizing Marijuana Was A Bad Idea





http://www.westernjournalism.com/colorado-governor-says-legalizing-marijuana-bad-idea/

You're post is misleading. It seems as though the governor is saying it's a bad idea because it's legal at the state level but illegal federally and since Colorado was first they've had to learn on the fly.

Are emergency room/hospital visits really up that much due to pot? Did visits due to alcohol decrease? Is it possible that people who wouldn't have readily admitted that they were consuming pot when wit as illegal now have no problem stating they do? That would likely contribute to the increase in emergency room visits.

Traffic fatalities are down but traffic fatalities due to pot are up? Are they checking for it more? Does this mean drunk driving fatalities decreased by a large number? So for example if drunk driving fatalities decrease by 30% and that equates to a larger number than the 100% increase in marijuana related fatalities then it could be seen as beneficial. Were they consistently checking all people involved in accidents for pot on a consistent basis previously? Doesn't seem like a very thorough article, looks like sensational reporting.

I highly doubt youth consumption increased its just that more would be willing to admit they consume it since there are no repercussions. Without more information these articles are just garbage.

For the record marijuana is not really my thing but see no reason not to legalize it.

[Frequitude]

Originally Posted by Dion

Colorado Governor Says Legalizing Marijuana Was A Bad Idea

http://www.westernjournalism.com/col...uana-bad-idea/

I'm not going to lie, this is the kind of thing that resonates with me on the issue so much more than scientific journals. I just find it hard to believe that there won't be more people driving high or just generally being high and more youths being high.

Crap, now I got drawn back in. Thanks Dion.