Comments on: High Stakes: A Call to Legalize Marijuana

California Desperately Needs Tax Revenue, Prompting Some to See Green in Making Grass Legal

[realism86]

LEGALIZE AND TAX! The drug war has been an utter failure... There have been over 100 million who have used it and know that it isn't worth all of the bloodshed (6,000 lives lost in Mexico this year already). You know why prohibition of alcohol did not work? Because people who had drank it knew that it was not harmful in moderation and was their right to consume, feeding a violent black market for the illegal intoxicant. THE SAME EXACT GOES FOR MARIJUANA!!! It is even impossible to overdose on!!! Not so for alcohol or any pain killer that you can buy over the counter! This war against marijuana makes absolutely no sense!

[StevenEmory]

Here is what I gather from my intelligence:

A Controlled Substance in the United States of America: Completely the opposite. Not controlled at all, therefore the black market controls the substance. Alcohol prohibition was overturned for this fact alone, the alcohol being produced by the black market was highly poisonous compared to what we REGULATE and TAX presently.

It's black and white. Very simple to understand without all of the propaganda.

I was 10 years old and in the D.A.R.E. program when I first experienced CANNABIS. (not marijuana as the government likes to call it)

Why was I able to do this? Because it is the complete polar opposite of being CONTROLLED by the government.

Everything the Federal Government "controls"... is utterly lacking the control that is so desperately needed. Sounds like a complete failure of democracy in the simplest of terms.

Age 22, can't get a job to save my life because the economy is completely ruined. (It's made up in the first place) Federal Reserve Notes? Sounds more like an I.O.U. to me. Where is the value of the dollar? Long gone.

[AndreaEH]

I am writing to show others that the stereo-typical marijuana user is not unintelligent, forgetful, irresponsible, rude, unsuccessful, et cetera and does not possess any other undesirable traits simply because they use marijuana.

I am a senior in college studying photojournalism with a 4.0 grade average. I am also 18 years old. I have three jobs--all of which are professional and pay quite well. I struggled with anorexia and bulemia for several years. I am the oldest of six children. I live on my own, pay all of my bills (on time) each month and I regularly attend work and class. In the eyes of society I am deemed sucessful. Yet, I smoke marijuana on a daily basis. I use marijuana to help control my eating disorders and to help destress from everyday life. I do not have a medical marijuana perscription because it is not available in the state in which I reside. Thus, I am forced to purchase marijuana at exorbent prices from people that can best be described as 'sketchy'.

I speak for myself and many friends, acquaintances and family members when I say that marijuana should be legalized and then regulated. I know most regular users of marijuana would hapily pay a reasonable tax so that they could purchase marijuana legally without fear of fines, jailtime, or criminal records. Most regular users would also hapily pay reasonable taxes to ensure they had access to a quality product.

Marijuana has not made me unintelligent, forgetful, irresponsible, rude, or unsuccessful. In fact, it has helped me to become a more balanced person. I am able to regulate my weight. I can destress after a twelve hour work day. I can treat migrains without spending a fortune; and I can ease an upset stomach within five minute.

Yes, marijuana can be overused, just as any other drug (caffine, nicotine, alcohol, et cetera), but it is up to each individual person to regulate their use of such drugs--not the government. Tell your legislators to legalize marijuana and in doing so, give American's back their freedom of choice, help the economy, help those suffering physically and mentally, and stop funding 'sketchy' people.

[wslady]

My husband had daily migraines for almost 3 years. When shots of phenergen didn't keep him from vomiting weed did. Say what you want it works. I have a son with serious anger problems it's called intermittent explosive disorder, and he stays calmer smoking weed than taking the legal drugs the dr. gives him.Drinking alcohol causes more problems than weed and I know I've lived with both.My first husband was an alcoholic and domestic violence was the issue.I would rather live with a "pothead" any day over an alcoholic. How often do you hear of crimes being committed by people who are high on weed? They are usually setting home chillin on the couch eating a bag of chips.

[wslady]

My husband had daily migraines for almost 3 years. When shots of phenergen didn't keep him from vomiting weed did. Say what you want it works. I have a son with serious anger problems it's called intermittent explosive disorder, and he stays calmer smoking weed than taking the legal drugs the dr. gives him.Drinking alcohol causes more problems than weed and I know I've lived with both.My first husband was an alcoholic and domestic violence was the issue.I would rather live with a "pothead" any day over an alcoholic. How often do you hear of crimes being committed by people who are high on weed? They are usually setting home chillin on the couch eating a bag of chips.

[gunnarjm]

@Turbidite
"From reading the desperate pro-pot comments I get the distinct impression that marijuana must indeed be quite addictive."

If the government made ice cream illegal I am sure that there would be many people making pro-ice cream comments. Does this mean that ice cream is addicting? No. It means that people should have the right to enjoy ice cream if they choose to. Simply being passionate about an issue does not mean that addiction is a motive.

[Turbidite]

From reading the desperate pro-pot comments I get the distinct impression that marijuana must indeed be quite addictive.

[boone1964]

Nothing is wrong with weed. It is not a gateway drug. It has no harmful effects, if anything it has positive effects.I will boost the economy more that we could imagine. I would be willing to pay a tax on weed alot sooner than I would on anything else, federal or state tax.

[calirep35]

I disagree that that should be retracted. In my opinion, alot of un- marijuana educated people believe that everyone who consumes marijuana is a druggie. By immediately following that comment with "no, they aren't druggies", hopefully those people will realize that just because you use marijuana, doesn't mean you are a druggie.

Like I said, just my opinion.

[calirep35]

jvally,
The point you are trying to make has already been covered numerous times on this page. I went ahead and took the liberty of finding a comment which explains perfectly why you are wrong. Enjoy.

by antoniof123 July 12, 2009 11:06 AM EDT
This is a typical idiot the cost is infalted that is why you would buy it with a tax. The real cost of growing pot is pennies it is a weed it grows by itself like any other weed would.

The fact is you by going out and buying it (I just think you ar one of those right wing nuts that says what they are told) you keep driving the price up. The dealer is doing something against the law (do you get it) so the risk is hight so the price must equal the risk (that is what the right nuts say but the don't understand it they just spew right wing nonsense).

Because it is a black market selling weed you pay a much hight price. Just like anythig else.

Now go back to fox noise and listen to some more talking points so you can keep looking like an idiot.

Yes We Canabis!

[onelove4-20]

ok, everybody, get high and then read these comments, its awesome. unfortunately u forget what the original story was about half way thru due to the short term memory loss. getting to the point, it seems to me that most people in favor of legalization use facts and well formulated ideas to backup their point of view, while the prohibitionists tend to come across as old, angry, foolish drunks. As a final word, legalization would be nice, but any stoner would tell u its not that hard to get away with smoking pot. just freak it and roll blunts, nobody will ever know :-)

[eyesC]

I am for not only the legalization of pot but also opiates as well, under the supervision of medical personnel as is the case in some European countries now.
1. Legalization would take much of the steam out of the illegal drug cartels.
2. Supervised personnel prevents the use of needle sharing and disease, as well as, provide gainful employment since drug facilites would have to be built,maintained,well stocked, and they would turn a profit. Our POLICE DEPARTMENTS could then put their talents to other uses.
3. It's the law of supply and demand. Where there is great supply the demand (PRICE) goes down.
4 Our overlogged courts system could erase this burden from the tax payers and in a strapped economy we need to save every penny.
5. Our jails would also be less crowded. Pushers of drugs with a little training would be excellent marketer and have gainful employment.
6. If the tobacco industry could lie to the public about the addictive
nature of tobacco, as well as, it's harmful nature for so many years then why not just make it legal? Just tell the public the truth and let them decide.
7. People would be given special merit points for good conduct applicable for gift DRUGS.
8. School children wouldn't be overdosing on cheese but a form to be mass produced especially for them with the SEAL of approval from the FDA. (Once again this mass production would mean gainful employment)
9. School children would not be in the dark about drugs because their fellow classmates and shooters would be more than happy to educate them. Thereby promoting friendship, as well as, SHARING of good drug habits and not needles.
10. Those in need of a FIX but unable to pay would be asked to work a minimum amount of hours in community work before receiving a FIX. This would contribute to civic pride, as well as, the beautification of our cities.


3.

[brainfoodie]

I see alot of foolishness exhibited by both sides of the argument.

To the Prohibitionists: Simply trying to push the sterotypes and demonize pot is a waste of time. The reason more and more people are siding with legalization is that they have tried it and found it to be no big deal.

To the legalizers: Take the high road for God's sake. You know pot will eventually be legalized. Relax - no need to get mean and nasty - chill out and smoke another bowl :)

I for one started smoking Pot in 1977. Heavily in college and every now and again for the last 8 years. I took time off because...really no idea; I just decided to stop for a while - really, it's not addictive. Now I smoke once every 6 months or so.

It also doesn't ruin your life. My circle of friend in high school and college smoked as much or more than I did. All of us are now successful, highly paid professionals with strong marriges and social lives - and we hit it together every once and a while.

On the issue of one substance being a nasty evil and another an accepted evil the potential harm a drug can do should be the litmus test. Let's compare Viagra to pot:

Viagra has been implicated as the primary cause of death in thousands of cases in the decade it has been available. Pot has not been reported as the primary cause ever (I said primary - so please hold the car crash comments...and by the way - based on that logic - cars should be banned because they are the primary cause of car crash deaths).

Viagra makes a man hard, but not aroused, for 36 hrs. The sex is, well - wierd.

Pot makes a man aroused and then hard, for the duration of intercourse and the sex is fantastic, even for the woman if she hasn't smoked pot. Unlike Viagra, it isn't about the act, it's about love and caring for another human.

Now, say what you want, but why is a drug that improves a relationship banned and one that harms a relationship legal (e.g. booze induced beating - doesn't hapen with pot)?

Like I said, I'm fully confident it will be legalized within the next 5 years. Those who think it will spell the end of society will find it will be the dawn of an enlightened era.

They said the same thing about ending slavery..."it will destroy the moral fabric of society". Not!

Pot is safe and everyone knows it.

I love the argument that the dope growers are destroying our National forests. If it were legal, people could grow it legally and responsibly.

They say that it cant be taxed at 50 bucks an ounce because people will just buy cheap weed. What, like they buy home brew, or grow their own tobacco to avoid taxes? Please, try to stay reality based and try some kindness, on both sides.

Peace

[kansas1946]

"I thought it was high time, no pun intended, for this to be on the table," Ammiano said. "I'm trying to beat everybody to the punch with the jokes, because I get a lot of 'em," he laughed.

*************************************
Yes, it is certainly "high" time. Had we done this in the 70's, we could have saved trillions of law enforcement dollars, saved millions of kids from having a record, and saved thousands of lives.

[rsteeb]

So true... 22 March 1972* was the "high time" to abolish the abomination that is cannabis prohibition. Cast off those chains, people.

*"Shafer commission" --look it up.

[kingkrub]

Can anyone spell correctly?

[cujat]

How can anyone support the legalization of Marijuana!!?? Haven't any of you seen Reefer Madness, the stuff makes you go crazy and kill people!

[gunownerdan]

We can't legalize marijuana! All those drug gangs and cartels might be forced to find another way to make money, and government officials might need to find other people to take bribes from.

[idcabouturproblems]

I just find this entire webpage hilarious; all these potheads coming onto the internet to preach why weed should be legalized. In my opinion if you believe pot should be legalized so badly, so you can go around smoking with your friends, you are a dead beat loser and I look forward to your cavity searches at the airport. Stop crying like little babies and live in the real world. Your life must really suck if the only way you can feel good about yourself is to light up a plant and inhale the debris that are produced. I feel so bad for you, I am sorry and I hope the next stimulus package gets you your job back. *cries*

[Joe_NY_15]

National Referendum is the answer.....if the majority want it, then they should have it

[Joe_NY_15]

google "the american way" too