I have always been against drugs. Very much so. Even the word “high” makes me uncomfortable as I think of a dark underworld of no good. But I have been mildly in favor of legalizing Marijuana. Why? A few reasons.
Many people are arrested and convicted of possessing and selling marijuana. Once they have criminal records, they are far less likely to get a good job now or later, making them more likely to continue illegal activities and be unable to support their families.
Most all gang violence here and in Mexico is from drug activity. Sure there are other drugs, but this is one common one that could be off the table for them.
The cost to taxpayers to have 2.2 million people in jail and to keep tabs on 4.7 million on parole is staggering.
When marijuana was legalized in some states, many of us were shocked. Something we grew up knowing was wrong, was all of a sudden “ok”. Should they release all the people in jail on marijuana charges now? Of course, the states were banking on the tax revenue they’d have from the trade. Apparently if we pay the ever hungry and growing government money, such as a share of my gambling losses or taxes on liquor or cigarettes or lottery tickets, it makes it ok with them. Of course, I’d be arrested for gambling in my own home, because they aren’t in on the money. Should that be the difference between right and wrong?
The government can take our money from gambling or smoking and do “public good”. But of course, there is public harm to begin with.
As for me, I applauded that other states were doing this experiment. That’s the way it should be, states trying things to inform the other states about what works and what doesn’t. (Unfortunately, we can’t do this with health care or education.) We can see the results in different states that take different stances on taxes, regulation, and personal freedoms. Things that work, are likely to get adopted elsewhere – hopefully.
I hear the state of Oregon is collecting ten times the tax revenue from cannabis as they thought. So either they underestimated how much people were already using it, or they created more pot smokers. I think a lot of both. My Oregon friend tells me that most high school students (unconfirmed) are smoking pot there now. (How’s those grades doing?)
Drugs that alter our brain function negatively are clearly not good – like marijuana, and like alcohol. (If drinking and driving is illegal, why do bars have parking lots?) I recently went to Oregon and I must say I was disturbed by all the signs for marijuana stores. If I raised kids there, how do I explain that? What effect would it have on them? But I guess there are signs that invite us to come in and do something bad for our brains and bodies, like “saloon”, “pub”, “wine bar” and now “Mary Janes Cannabis shoppe” all over the place.
I am a big believer in personal freedom and individual liberty so long as we 1) Don’t hurt others, and 2) accept the consequences. Smoking pot doesn’t hurt anyone else. But do they accept the consequences? Drug abuse is a leading problem and cause of homelessness and poverty. No kidding – who wants to hire someone with a drug problem?
In my state, a person that does nothing gets $55,000 in benefits of all varieties (no taxes) – which so happens to be the average household income (with taxes). Is that accepting the consequences of your actions? 150 years ago the consequences would have been Darwinian – starving out in the cold. But now they don’t accept the consequences – we take the consequences for them.
While at a friends house we watched out the front window as a neighbor was standing in the street with a bong smoking weed and acting very strangely. At that moment I may have changed my mind about the whole thing – because if I lived there I would not be happy at all. But, I keep reminding myself, what if he was drunk? Would I want to bring back prohibition? That didn’t work back then, and only made more violent crime and an underworld of speak easy’s. (There were beers being consumed in the house I was in at that very moment!)
Human brains have many vulnerabilities and defects. Now we have weapons of self destruction. Our brains were made for a hunter-gatherer age when we didn’t have ready access to drugs.
Of course, the average Think Daily reader, where we talk about high-performance happy living, is not a pot smoker or drug addict. But what if you had a family member who was? That would probably change your thinking.
I’m not sure. My pollyanna vision is a world with none of these drugs – but that is not going to happen. What do you make of it? Should marijuana be legal, or not? Let’s hear from people in states where it’s legal. You know more about the effects. Tell me your opinion with the orange button and see what others are saying.
When I’m on the fence about things (this is a HUGE one) I look at things objectively; what does the data say? On one hand it’s better than alcohol as far as safety, but it’s also impairing. One wouldnt drink on the job so one wouldn’t smoke weed on the job. The projected revenue from the legal sales is almost like an offer you can’t refuse. Yes people can smoke too much and act a little weird, (I think it probably affects everyone differently-also lots of research on this) but alcohol is still worse to me. I say legalize it. I already have a business plan surrounding it, should it become legal.
WOW Lary. Liberia’s the world with much less rules and regulations less taxes less restrictions = a better world. I agree. Let go for it.
My opinion = every one has a choice illegal or not. What you choose is up to you. I made my choice a long time ago and my life is great, my mind is clear, and I am succesful. I hope my children see it the same from my example.
I bet the people making the most money off this type of business do not even use.
I say no to all so called recreational drug use. It brings down society and harms work place results.
Its not illegal to make your own beer,wine, and spirits , just illegal to distribute them without a license. Commerce must be taxed .
A child can grow a flower in a pot. (pun intended) but i doubt they can purchase and operate a still .
Get ready for that , tax man .
This may bring about a agricultural revolution. “I grow my weed , and vegetables”
Never fear change , fear an inability to adapt to it.
P.s. just say “no” to drugs
Yes yes yes…. it should be legal!! My father in law just passed from lung cancer. They gave him various forms of opioids for pain management. There were so many horrible side effects that he said he would rather be in pain . We asked about cannibas edibles …. we found a source in DC ….. my father in law has been in AAA for over 30 years , the whole time vehemently against all drugs , after trying the edibles , he said he felt almost normal again . He actually began telling us that he can’t believe that cannibas is still illegal . I have other friends have similiar experiences with their parents dying and preferring cannabis edibles .
I have HORRIBLE EVERY DAY ALL DAY LONG back pain. I lived in CA up until 8/1/17 – moved back home to Indy. I was on opioids for 4 years before the epidemic drove me away from them. Pot has helped me immensely- pain comes thru the brain. Pot messages your brain & makes u forget about your pain for a bit. You can easily these days get strands Or edibles that are high in cbd/the pain killing portion – that are not psychoactive and prevent you from working. I own several successful companies. I’m 45 & a hard working business man. Let us decide if we think the pros outweigh the cons. We are supposed to be a free country. I don’t feel free knowing that I could be locked up for taking pain medication- the stuff that helps me fight away my previous opioid addiction (they’re all addictive and if u take them you will be addicted – there’s no getting around it).
Legalize it. Make the age of approval 21 or 25 – where u r not using it to “party” (as I certainly would have and indeed DID in college – along with/1/2 + of the campus). It is ABSOLUTELY Positively a great pain killer. I’m first-hand testimony to that. There are those of us out here that have pain that needs to be treated. We are all suffering because they won’t give out opioids these days – due to abuse of opioids by so many (completely understandable as we are JUST now getting all this bad info on opioids) unless you are on your death-bed – probably a good thing – but we need something. Over the counter stuff is just not good enough for some of us. It is definitely easier to stay away from addictive drugs that have long term bad consequences when you have a sufficient replacement- one that eases your pain. Let me & my family be free to decide if we should be able to use safe and hopefully someday VERY SOON (hopefully the IN legislature here’s this;) government/FDA regulated marijuana (so we know it’s safe & not from a Mexican drug lord).
And just for further argument- along the lines of your stoned friend that you’d rather not be drunk – I’d absolutely prefer my teenage or college kids be stoned than drunk – and anyone & everyone for that matter. Crimes & mass stupidity happen when one is drunk. A lot of potato chip eating & TV watching & deep, funny & sometimes extremely imaginable & ingenious conversations happen when a group of people are hanging out smoking pot. Find me a theft, burglary or any violent crime where the offender was JUST stoned – It will take u a long time;) – b/c the drug makes you more docile & reserved. Alcohol makes one belligerent & prone to doing stupid & illegal things that may hurt others. You just don’t want to hurt or harm others when high. Try it!;). I have Alcoholism ALL over my family. Since I moved back I’ve really seen it up close from a few direct family members. I’m in the fight of my life to get them off or slow them down. Once they have a few sips, that glare on their face and that confidence that was not there before the drinks comes out. They get louder & louder & smarter & smarter of course – ultimately ‘knowing it all’ once sloppy drunk- which happens every time b/c they just drink away not realizing how much they’re guzzling. Then it’s so hard to talk to them about it next day or so – b/c they don’t remember anything!!!
Pot : legal
Alcohol: legal but causing WAY more problems that need to be addressed MUCH more than marijuana.
Look around at your families – I bet you find a drunk. Don’t drink one night when everyone else is – you’ll see what I mean. It’s unbelievable. ALCOHOL is an epidemic. No one realizes it b/c they’re in that boat & can’t see out.
Thanks for the discussion.
The legalization of MJ is long overdue and has proven very successful in Colorado and other progressive states that have legalized it.
These states are seeing a dramatic drop in opioid use and a reduction in drunk driving. Citizens are no longer having their lives ruined by being charged for using MJ and the state is no longer having to pay to incarcerate these people. Many people have received very lengthy prison sentences in for profit prisons due solely to MJ convictions. Many of these are detained indefinitely under “Three Strikes Your Out”.
The US has by far the highest rates of incarceration of their citizens, more than any other country in the world. Much of this is due to our failed drug policies and “War on Drugs” which has not worked and which Jeff Sessions is trying to revive. Taking the profits from the MJ industry away from organized crime in Colorado and other states that have leagalized it and diverting to schools and social programs have taken a bite out of organized crime and added hundreds of millions of tax revenue to be used for positive social programs.
There has not been a statistically large increase in users noted as the result of legalization within the state. The entire Country of Canada has just legalized MJ and many more are soon to follow.
Government, Money and Power. Any one is, can and will be perverted. With out purity in thought deed and action for a beneficial desired outcome. We just remain sheep in the system.
Starting with the power behind the power. Do the research backwards toward the plants history good and bad. Look forward at the possibilities for non recreational purposes medically, production of other goods.
Then discuss it with loved ones and government officials.
All things said this will have an abuse a perversion some form of adversity.
Sounds normal to me… but let’s not let that reality stop the wonderful possibilities of progress!
PS NO CHILD should suffer when there is help in what God has created. Even if some will pervert and abuse.
While this topic has been beaten to death as to whether good ,bad or otherwise there will never be the right answer
I can remember hiring technicians and discussing tatoos and how they need to be covered. In todays society of the up and coming work force 8 out of 10 now sport tatoos as it is self expression. Society aka your customers have them and in some instances a discussion occurs between the parties talking about them in a very positive way. Here in Canada, the entire country will be legalized in October so it is most definitely here to stay. It will be multi billion dollar industry and already we are seeing all the spinoff companies being developed that are aligned with this industry. Rather than fight it at least ot will be regulated and government will receive a fair pound of flesh for it. If it helps to take the industry somewhat our of the hands of the biker gangs, cartels etc I’m for it. There will always be that underground black market but again if it can be regulated and controlled better, then i don’t think we’ll see rampant abuse of the substance. There are so many other products out there such as otc medicines and prescription drugs that people abuse and some lead to death. What do you do in that case? In the end as a business owner it is your call as to whether you won’t hire a person who partakes in using. The pool of people in our industry is forever shrinking as it is and you just may become a victim of no or limited availability of people wanting to work for your company. As with anything else whether alcohol, smoking policies and other items that you deem important you do need to have it clearly laid out and in your company manuals. In the end it is your own call and no one elses. Rather than me taking this firm stand on not hiring people that recreationally partake or use for medicinal purposes, i need to see how it can be of benefit. And lastly for the record, i tried back in my younger years and didn’t care for it so because it’s now going to be legalized it’s not going to change me to go out and buy some. I quit smoking 11 years ago because i knew it wasn’t good for my health.
I personally believe it should be legalized, regulated and taxed. I don’t personally use it but know many who do. Just like alcohol, i think there should be rules about use. Just like drunk driving or consuming in public. You can’t drink a beer walking down the street, you should not be able to consume marijuana either.
Per “Crucial Conversations” – “Nothing Fails like Success”. In other words, if we only focus on finding “the answer”, as soon as we have it, it will lead to failure. If we only focus on finding “the” answer, we are doomed to this failure. Too big an issue for “a” solution, “an” answer.
If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Frederick Douglass.
Keep trying things, keep failing, keep observing, keep learning – that’s what I hope to do for the rest of my humble existence. I think this issue would benefit from that approach as well.
Yes it should be legal and taxed. People on these charges should be released from prison. We pay high taxes so the drug dealers, bookies, & pimps don’t have to pay any. Not to mention pay for the jail & judicial system because of it. No one should be smoking and driving tho. How do they test for it?
Hi Larry,
I admire your willingness to bring up a controversial issue. Keeping it brief… 1) comparison with alcohol as a recreational drug is valid, 2) we accept alcohol use as part and parcel of our culture, 3) pot is not nearly as debilitating, addictive or poisonous as alcohol, 4) The DEA has zero reports of marijuana deaths, yet 6 people per day die of alcohol poisoning from binge drinking alone (not alcoholism). 5) There are 80,000 alcohol related deaths a year in the US. 6) the effective medical properties of marijuana are tremendous, including benefits against pain, anxiety, nausea, epilepsy seizures, muscle spasms, PTSD, sleeplessness, even psoriasis. 7) Incredibly, marijuana is still classified as a DEA Schedule 1 drug… i.e. highly dangerous, little or no medicinal value and essentialy no research permitted.
Full disclosure: I rarely drink alcohol, have disdain for drunkenness, and I never use pot. I was hit by a drunk driver which totalled my car & nearly cost me my life. My father benefitted greatly from marijuana for relief from nausea and severe pain during his final 2 years fighting cancer & chemo. I also feel strongly that any substance must be used responsibly and not abused.
-Ray Luhn, Branford CT
Great thoughts Larry. Such a monumental subject this is. Lots of good feedback above. With legalization, which is definitely coming, I see potential good consequences and potential negative consequences to our society. The part of our culture that is sadly displaying overall deteriorating values will misuse mj. Those that are lucky enough to have the kind of values I had the good fortune to be raised with, will make sensible use of mj, if in fact, they use it at all.
The fact that legalization can (likely does to some extent) encourage use of marijuana particularly among those underage is a negative. Restricting our use of mind altering “stuff” (which we do needfully with alcohol) is a good thing done by a civil society. But restricting use is far different from eliminating; teenagers who wanted to smoke pot have been and would be doing so regardless of legality. Of course, that also applies to grown adults. Nevertheless, legalization does eliminate one barrier – probably the biggest – that provides some level of deterrence, or at the least delayed use.
On balance, I think decriminalization of marijuana is good. It saves tax payers legal (including incarceration) costs, and generates revenue. Maybe the best way to counter balance the negative aspects is to work toward helping our youth view pot smoking for simply recreation purposes as a sign of immaturity or personal foolishness. Another fact to present to youth, without overstating or using as a scare tactic, is statistics on how pot often leads to experimentation with dangerous and addictive drugs.
Basically, I think fully grown adults who smoke pot for relaxation and enjoyment causes little, if any, bad effect for them or us as a society. Still, I worry about the negative effects it will have on those not yet established in life. It’s been available to them, but legalization makes access easier (even those its illegal for them to purchase or possess) and in doing so tells them it’s seen as harmless.
Hi Larry. I agree with you that our government is only interested in making money off of it. My whole reason for being against it is exactly the example you gave. Making it more readily available, only creates more users. If we add in the number of people high on pot, to the number of people driving intoxicated, to the number of people driving distracted and on there cell phones…what do you think that will be like? I consume alcohol, minimally. If it was gone, I would not miss it. For that matter, they can put driving and motion blocks on cell phones to take that temptation away as well, and I would not miss that either. But, if the temptation is there, people will engage! I have to fight that temptation everyday with my phones. And, the more we are able to do it, and not face a consequence, the more we will accept it and, make justifications for it. I lived with an alcoholic, I’ve seen it. I’m sure we all live with someone who justifies driving and talking, or texting, on their phone! Bottom line is, it is all about the money. It’s not about the well being of anyone doing it or, the people being impacted by the people using it. When there were speakeasy’s, there were the few who did it, at the risk of jail or worse. If it is illegal, and we chose to do it, did we not have a choice? All the people that do it now, have that choice! I had that choice and chose NOT to take the risk of not being able to get that good job by, NOT doing it. The way I make that choice NOT to drink and drive for that very same reason. Should we just legalize everything so that people no longer have to make the choice of good or bad? Right or wrong? I believe the world is a better place when WE have to be responsible for doing the right thing! And, to have to face the very consequences you were referring to for doing the wrong things. If we legalize it, are we not just further reducing the consequences of bad action as you reffered? And, If it gets legalized to the point of ready availability, do you really think drug cartels will simply say, oh well…i guess we lost those billions!? I don’t think so. They will find ways to destroy supply and/or, destroy or deter legal operators to be able insert their product or, their pricing, or their availability. I just can’t see them just going quietly into that goodnight…..do you?
Let me start by saying I HATE DRUGS! I HATE pharmaceuticals and I HATE this awful Heroin epidemic! I LOVE that you are addressing this topic, as there are many out there that need to be educated. The more we talk about it, the more we all understand and get on the same page. I could honestly write a novel, but I will “try” to keep this short. Let’s start with basics. Marijuana is not classified in the same category as “drugs”. The word “drug” carries a negative connotation that misrepresents what the plant really is, a mind and body healing MEDICINE. We have an endocannabinoid system in our bodies (as do animals by the way) and this endocannabinoid system has cannabinoid receptors all over the body. The cannabinoids of the plant naturally attach to our receptors. Coincidence? I think not.
I have seen both sides as I worked in a both a traditional pharmacy and in a Medical Dispensary. Let me tell you the best education for this medicine (Marijuana) is seeing all the lives that it has changed and saved, yes, I said saved, right in front of your face. I have seen it all, from different types of pain, to cancer, to mood disorders, insomnia, epilepsy, you name it. And the best part is no horrible side effects with Cannabis! If anything, you will notice that while you were taking it for X that Y is now better too.
Can you take too much for your tolerance? Absolutely. However, worst case, you will eat a lot and fall asleep. It is impossible to overdose and die from Marijuana…think of how many strawberries you would need to eat to die from it…so much that it cannot happen as you cannot possibly consume that amount. Unlike opioids where too much causes your body to fail doing its normal involuntary functions such as breathing, heartbeat, etc. Cannabis is tolerance-based meaning everyone may need a different amount. “New” patients are started low and slow and titrate up on dosing as needed. Dose, strain, and cannabinoid are all taken into consideration depending on what you are treating. If you consume within your tolerance you are 100% functional. Again, to reiterate, consuming more than your tolerance would just make you hungry and sleepy. When taken within your tolerance, there actually are strains that help you focus and be more productive!
I do not like using the term “cure all” as I believe a multi-pronged approach is always good, however, Cannabis comes darn close. Cannabis can be a solution to this opioid epidemic, epilepsy, mood issues, and more. And contrary to what we are told, we have MANY cures for cancer, and Cannabis can be one of them. I can completely understand why many of you may be in doubt, as I too was taught that this plant can have no positive benefit to society. Valuable education is hidden from society all the time. Always ask questions, please keep learning. All I ask is that you keep and open mind and listen to all these stories, especially those of the men and women who have bravely served our country and suffer from PTSD that can now lead a normal life again because of Cannabis.
Addressing teens recreational use is tough for sure, but I feel this is the smallest piece of the issue. As some of you already commented, it will not harm like alcohol does and you do not have to worry about your kid dying from consuming Marijuana. Kids will experiment, that is part of growing up, but this is the least of your worries compared to heroin, alcohol, pregnancy, STDs, and driving. Some of you may even have a child (depending what age and what state you live in) that has GREATLY benefited from Medical Cannabis.
If you or a loved one has benefited from Cannabis don’t be afraid to share your stories for fear of being judged. Your stories are the ones that will teach society the truth. God Bless America!!!
As the world changes, so does the need for new rules, new laws and new consequences. I honestly don’t care either way, but I do agree the benefits of cash flow helps many of the states. I was taught that “pot” is a drug and we stay away from drugs, but the older I got and the more people I have met, I have found out that many people I know smoke pot. These are people that are 50+ in age and some are in major roles with corporations. In fact, I know a couple of them are business owners and function just like you and I. So, let’s just keep getting each state legal and change the laws, regulations and update the consequences to 2018 and bring in the cash.
Also, in reference to the comment Ray in Utah made. You arent exactly comparing Apples to Apples there. Alcohol WAS legalized, which lead to large scale use. Pot has not, as of yet. Therefore, your numbers are going to be skewed,….grossly! IF pot becomes as wide spread as alcohol, you WILL see those similar numbers! More people die in CELL PHONE related deaths than DRINKING. If you add pot into that mix, it will be adding that many more opportunities. There are also studies that say smoking one marijuana ciggarette, is the same to you lungs as smoling 10 regular cigarettes. There is also a conditioned caused by long term use of marijuana that CAUSES uncontrolled vomiting. Studies also say that pot kills more brain cells than drinking and can effect short and long term memory. I’m all for it being used in select medical situations but, just like every pill you see advertised on TV, for every one thing it helps, there are 10 new things you may know suffer from! Take this and you will be able to moving more freely! But, it can cause uncontrolled vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, loss of eye sight, and oh yes…..DEATH! Those drugs are legal, in controlled use for a reason. Marijuana should be no different.
Sorry, Ray from CT. lol…..didn’t mean to put you in UTAH!!
The federal government recently put a blanket patent on all of the medical uses for the plant. The companies that make synthetic drugs to help in the medical field went ballistic. I am not a user, but I know several, they use it responsibly just like they do alcohol. I have come to the conclusion that there are some invested companies who have much to lose by its medical use, if you can grow your medicine in your planter, why buy their really expensive synthetic. As a person who lives with a lot of pain ( bad decisions from youth as many of us do) I am very interested in looking at its pain management properties because the synthetic chemicals I’ve had to use, have caused more harm than good. It is not legal even for medical use in my state currently, so I don’t pursue it. But I think the conversation we had about this plant 30 years ago had a very specific slant to it for profiteers. I have completely reversed my position on this plant. As far as creating more users, look to Europe, most drugs are legal but public intoxication is frowned on heavily. Bad decisions will be made by an who are determined to make them regardless of regulation and to try to legislate people who refuse to make good decisions into making them, has never worked. Culture and education, man can it go along way.
I support legalization and do not use drugs, (with exception of alcohol). When we have our elected officials using drugs we have already lost the war on drugs. Marinara use is a non violent crime, lets make revenue and quit wasting our police force’s time. Lets go after the hackers, murders and robbers which cause a lot more damage then someone using marinara for recreation use. My friend is sure its a gateway drug. I like beer (which could be called a gateway drug) and don’t have any desire to move away from that to hard stuff. People do bad things to their bodies, making it illegal will not make it go away.
Pot is dangerous to teens and any discussion should be separated from legalization. As someone who lived in the State of Vermont which boasts informally that its main cash crop is marijuana, I have seen multiple families fall apart as a result of marijuana substance abuse. The high school kids I grew up with who were stoners –most of them didn’t graduate, many winded up with criminal records, or worse, their lives and dreams evaporated. And that was when marijuana was radically weaker than today’s drug. Today, there is poor leadership as to kids smoking pot. They hear about legalization and medical marijuana and the Big Marijuana industry pushes the message that is is a recreational drug that is medicinal and that it is no big deal and actually actively markets to teens by selling pot in the form of candy (e.g. gummy bear pot), or easy sexy delivery systems (vaping with flavors, yellow highlighters to get high during school). In my wealthy Fairfield County community, I see kids (mostly the athletic crew) now “dabbing” –using blow torches to reduce pot to a high THC resin content of 75% –forget the quaint 25-30% THC of the 1970s. At that level, we are talking a dangerous drug, nevermind risking major fire and burn issues. The drug treatment community knows and sees the problem with pot and teens and sees their manipulation by Big Marijuana much like the early days of cigarettes. The risk of substance abuse, typically 9%, can go up to or over 17% for teens who start young and who smoke regularly (which the avg stoner teen boy playing video games does). Further, pot affects a teen’s motivation, executive functioning, and academic success. Indeed, they can lose up to 10% of their IQ due to pot. For an average kid, this effectively puts them below average intellectual functioning. Finally, based on initial research and empirical data beginning to be seen the past 5 years, there appears to be a direct linkage to serious mental health issues for chronic teen users. I have heard first hand accounts of wretching stories about boys who were lost to their families due to pot abuse. I predict that within 5 years, we will be shocked at the outcome of opening the floodgates to marijuana on our youth in the way that we have. I have gone to conferences and spoken to the leading thought leaders including Kevin Sabet of SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) and medical professionals and they are aligned that these are very dangerous times for our teens. Some say they welcome legalization if only so we can finally learn all there is to learn about the composition of marijuana and do further research on its effect on the brain. I take no stand on the legal aspect because I think the Big Marijuana Business wants us to focus there and not on the ugly truth of pots impact on teens. Ideally, every parent should be pressing every state legislature to set aside an adequate amount of money for awareness, prevention and treatment of teens and follow up to make sure the message is loud and clear. While there may be medical benefits and little side effects if used properly by adults, it is a VERY DANGEROUS drug NOT TO BE MISUSED BY OUR YOUTH. If you want to hear from the other side that is not profiting billions of dollars on the subject, go to: https://learnaboutsam.org/. Kudos to you for raising this polarizing topic!
Marijuana is a drug. It should be banned. the line has to be drawn somewhere for people who are not able to think “reasonable”.
Scrap the speed limit?
Cheers, P.
Yes marijuana and all other drugs should be legal. I think people shouldn’t do drugs at all (even Tylenol), and those that choose to are dumb. But all drugs should be legal, and here’s the reasons why in no particular order:
1. Wether it’s legal or not, people are going to do it. People break laws all the time. Speeding, texting and driving, drinking and driving, underage drinking, rolling through a stop sign, riding a bicycle on a “walking only” path, etc. In some cases, especially with the younger crowd, doing illegal things is regarded as “cool” and encourages poor behavior. The demand for drugs is independent of their legality.
2. It would save taxpayers money. Policing drug usage cost money. Holding people in jail costs money – taxpayer money.
3. It would reduce violence. This is the most important reason why drugs should be legal. There is huge business growing, processing, transporting, and distributing drugs worldwide. The US is one of the largest markets for illegal drugs, most of which come from Mexico. Since drugs are illegal, these drug businesses cannot operate fairly and peacefully like other businesses. If drug cartel A starts growing marijuana on cartel B’s land, cartel B cannot go to the government and file a complaint since they are an illegal operation themselves. So can cartel B and cartel A decide who gets control of growing land, processing factories, distribution channels, and other illegal drug infrastructure? They kill each other. But not just kill each other, they kill innocent civilians, torture people, dismember them and display what they’ve done for all to see so that their cartel can be the most feared. In Mexico law enforcement officials themselves fear the cartels and their brutality. As a result, cartels rule the land. If a business is illegal, the only way to operate it is through violence and intimidation – which is exactly what happens. The result is innocent people being hurt and killed, their land being stolen, their property being destroyed, their friends and families being threatened, and worse. If drugs were legal everywhere, the trade could be regulated fairly and drug related violence and corruption would cease. For more information read “Narconomics” by Tom Wainwright. The chain of drug related violence extends much further than just Mexico. The same patterns of violence can be seen on the streets of thousands of US cities between drug dealers who compete for business. Since they can’t go to the police for help settling disputes, they turn to violence.
4. It would lower the cost of food and discourage the production of drugs. Since drugs are illegal, a few cartels have monopolized the market and can command high prices for their drugs. This makes growing marijuana and coca plants more profitable than growing vegetables. So cartels steal farmland from farmers to grow drugs. This causes the supply of agricultural products to go down, which increases the price of food for both export and domestic consumption. If drugs were legal and multiple groups could compete to sell their drugs, the competition would drive the price of drugs down, making them less profitable to produce. If the profitability of drugs falls, more fruits, vegetables, and other foods would instead be produced on the same land and drive the price of food down. It would shift the balance point between drug production and food production more towards food.
Ultimately people should be allowed to do whatever they want, so long as it doesn’t harm or infringe upon the rights of anyone else. If people want to harm themselves with drugs, let them. But then what will happen to people that do harmful drugs? See Darwin’s Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.
In summary, drugs being illegal causes harm to INNOCENT people who choose NOT to do them – violence, intimidation, fear, stolen property, and a higher tax burden. If drugs were legal, the harm would instead be done to the individuals who CHOOSE to do them, who are the only people drugs ought to harm.
I do not smoke pot. I tried it when I was younger and never enjoyed how it made me feel. It was obvious that it altered my thought process and I rely too much on my brain to be successful even at a young age. The fact of the matter is you can not work at smoke pot at the same time-no more than you can work and be drunk. I think that people should be aware and except the consequence that if the choose to smoke pot that they are taking themselves out of productive actives for an extended period of time. Personally I do not have that luxury nor do I want it. I enjoy working-maybe more people should try to find joy in their work!
Hi Larry, Thank you for writing a very well thought article on legalizing cannabis. I am a pharmacist (for over 16 years) and former medical marijuana Dispensary Manager in CT (for almost 3 years). I recently started my own company MM Consult CT where I am counseling patients and educating the public on cannabis. I have seen 1st hand the amazing medicinal benefits of cannabis. I have helped hundreds of patients decrease their opiate dose and in many cases stop completely. The part people do not realize is you do not have to smoke it or even get high!
Using medical cannabis, I have helped patients achieve full remission of cancers that their doctors had given up on and told them they had 3 months to live. I have helped MS patients go from using a wheelchair, to a walker, to a cane, to nothing at all. I have helped my epileptic patients decreased their seizures by 70% and more. I could go on and on about the medical benefits.
People are worried about the financial and societal benefits/consequences. You spoke about the thousands and probably millions of people (minorities in urban settings mostly) who have been incarcerated for years and decades! And now the majority of states in this country have legalized medical use!
Many refer to Adult use of marijuana as “recreational use”. I disagree and would argue that it is all medicating. Think of why people drink alcohol. Regardless of the quantity they drink, it’s to medicate. Alcohol is used to help dull aches and pains, relieve stresses, decrease inhibitions, elevate mood, and just generally feel better. These are the same reasons people use cannabis. Two big benefits of cannabis are, 1. there is no hang over in the morning and 2. you can’t die from the withdrawal! With cannabis there is less than 9% addiction rate. When withdrawing from cannabis you might be in some more pain for a couple of days, more irritable, and not sleep well. Cannabis has NEVER caused an overdose death! This is not a product that produces anger or violence like alcohol and other hallucinogens (which cannabis is not). I have spoken to a number of police officers who have said they very rarely see cannabis involved in vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, and violence.
The science has shown that we already have receptors in our body (CB1, CB2). We also have endogenous (our body makes naturally) cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. Cannabis is merely replacing what might be missing in order to allow other systems to function properly.
The financial gains the state and nation could make on legalizing cannabis is not quite the golden parachute some supporters might want to believe. But its not just the tax money that helps. Consider all the jobs that will be created. Not just at the dispensaries, but the companies that make smoking accessories, packaging companies, HVAC, security, marketing, real estate, farmers, distribution, restaurants, and even tourism that it can bring in. All the people who have been convicted of non-violent drug offenses, that have knowledge of the industry now have a chance to be a productive member of society.
I am sorry for the long response. There is much research that needs to be done still. But this is a natural product that is not killing anyone. I believe it should be within our right as an adult to grow and consume if I so choose. If anyone has any questions or would like to contact me my email is [email protected].
One last thing
@Rick H… where did you get this information from “There are also studies that say smoking one marijuana cigarette, is the same to you lungs as smoling 10 regular cigarettes. There is also a conditioned caused by long term use of marijuana that CAUSES uncontrolled vomiting. Studies also say that pot kills more brain cells than drinking and can effect short and long term memory.”… Propaganda and Misinformation are FAKE NEWS! You should really know exactly what you are referring to when you mention these “studies”. The study I will refer you to is:
Medical Cannabis Laws and Opioid Analgesic Overdose Mortality in the United States, 1999-2010 by Marcus A. Bachhuber, M.D.; Brendan Saloner, PhD; Chingzo O. Cunningham, MD, MS; et al, published in JAMA. It found that “States with medical marijuana laws had a 24.8 percent lower average annual opioid overdose death rate compared to states without such laws. In 2010, that translated to about 1,729 fewer deaths than expected. The years after implementation of medical marijuana laws also were associated with lower overdose death rates that generally got stronger over time: year 1 (-19.9 percent), year 2 (-25.2 percent), year 3 (-23.6 percent), year 4 (-20.2 percent), year 5 (-33.7 percent) and year 6 (-33.3 percent).”
Thanks for delving into this subject Larry. Full disclosure, I am not a social user of any mind altering substance, legal or otherwise. My personal belief and initial reaction is just say no to drugs and alcohol. But that’s my view. Society and government has a different view. I have enjoyed reading most of the posts and many were very educational. If people were responsible and accepted the results of their personal choices regarding drugs and alcohol, who am I to say what they can and can’t do as long as it doesn’t harm others. Unfortunately that’s not the world we live in. If there is an option available to reduce the social burden placed on responsible citizens that the irresponsible have put on us I’d support it because something positive (other than sales revenue and recreational use) should come from a change this big.
I believe it can benefit the state tax problems that we are having now in CT. Anything that one abuses is considered a drug. So whats pot?
an escape for the weak minded,it’s the same aa one smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol ( for the weak minded.) Yet it benefits the state tax system. Politics and morals will never have the things in common.
I will do my best to express my opinion, kindness and respect for others is intended.
I don’t believe alcohol should be legal never mind pot and I have done my share of both. By the grace of God and through the prayers of my family and friends I made it from 13 to 25 and was finally able to quit smoking cigarettes at 40 and am now 45 still paying for the mistakes/choices I made 20-30 yrs ago. Don’t get me wrong I’ve always worked and now I own a business and have employees, so I’m not just a burnout from the 80’s. So having done it and knowing what it does to some people there is absolutely no good reason to legalize it. Sure maybe some people can take it or leave it but what about the one that can’t, is the money really worth it?
Pot may have a purpose for the terminally ill and those who are in chronic pain, it probably isn’t much worse for people than the pills they prescribe, so make it available for those people.
If your looking to fix the multi trillion dollar deficit with legalization, keep looking because no matter how much revenue the legalization of pot will bring in it will never be enough to fix the financial mess this country is in (but that is a whole other topic). Legalizing gambling and opening up casinos was suppose to create all kinds of revenue but its still not enough and will look to taxpayers to pay the difference.
If we are going to legalize it because its a big problem and its expensive to put people in jail (I’m sure there is a better way to help people learn its bad for them) and we can’t seem to stop it, then maybe there are a lot of things that should be legalized.
It seems that the majority feels that smoking pot isn’t hurting anyone but the user. The reality is that it will hurt the youth of America as they grow up in a society that promotes or accepts the use of narcotics (alcohol included) as normal and a good and moral thing to do.
Maybe the government knows that if they give freedom it is easier to take freedom. Keep smokin, you won’t even know your missing your guns or your freedom of speech or your freedom of religion but at least everybody is high.
FYI… Marijuana is NOT legal anywhere in Canada…Our “rich little spoiled selfie school teacher” didn’t take the time to figure out how the Police are supposed to regulate and test for impaired driving, impaired and dangerous employees, etc.
If you would have to live the ruined life with what recreational use of marijuana did to my twenty- something son and as a result, our family, you would never touch the stuff except for medical purposes.
Wow….looks like you hit a nerve with this one 🙂 I get what your saying about legalizing MJ…and it makes a lot of sense. As for the reason why our politicians would pass this ? I think about prohibition days of alcohol…..I believe they figured out, “hey, we could keep people down, alter their thinking, tax the hell out of it, and make a bundle of money for us to spend as we wish” FOREVER !
Larry – interesting question. I have never done an illegal drug in my life, but am generally supportive of legalizing pot, mostly for the following reasons:
1. We are locking up too many people in this country – and pot possession is a good chunk of that incarceration.
2. Maybe we just need to all accept that society has changed, and there is less stigma about pot. Most college age kids see it as no big deal at all.
3. God knows a person can self-destruct using alcohol, but we have accepted that as a society. I was a bouncer at bars in college, I can attest to seeing a lot of significant mistakes made by drunks. I have heard that most cops would rather have alcohol banned over pot – far more violent offenses with alcohol.
That said, I am uncomfortable letting our laws be dictated by how much tax revenue is derrived from the activity.
Thanks,
Dave
decriminalize it!
decriminalize!
Like you, I abhor it. Forty plus years ago, my grandfather voted against cigarette tax in the Idaho legislature. and he was heavily criticized for it. At the time, he felt, why should we tax someone more for their habit than someone else for theirs such as entertainment etc. Today I think the consequences to society as a whole would perhaps make an adjustment in the tax thinking as society as a whole bears a financial burden from smoking.
Now we have marijuana. I feel much as you do, but what are the long term societal consequences? As much as I am against it, I think penalties for the negative impacts to others should be increased such as impaired driving etc. With that said I say, Tax it and eliminate the government burden of crime. Let’s destroy the over the border illegal trade.
Marijuana is less harmful than cigarettes on one’s health. It has a lot less side effects than anti-depressants. It helps people on chemo with keeping food down.
It’s a plant that was crucial to this country up until Dupont pushed hemp off the market to promote nylon rope. Don’t be blindsided by the scare tactics on weed.