Should Marijuana Be Legalized

[M67]

If they legalize marijuana, I'm buying stock in Frito-Lay

And Taco Bell and Dairy Queen

http://youtu.be/ycseeBdXwYI

I love that episode

 

[lashicoN]

Keep it illegal, those that want to smoke pot or do other drugs - It's time to grow up.

So grown-ups smoking a plant is childish, but childishly following the government's commands for the sake of doing what you're told is acting like a grown-up? It is time to grow up, Meaty, it's time for the adults to be treated like adults, instead of being talked down to and told what to do by big daddy government. It's time to tell the government that we can do what we want with our own bodies and if they don't like that, they can go ahead and try to stop us. They've been doing a top-notch job conducting business that way, right?

Smoking is bad for your health!

So is lead. Do you support banning everything that is bad for your health? Smoking is legal, by the way, it's marijuana that isn't.

+1

I do not think it should be legalized and yes I do believe it is a gateway drug...I don't foresee it creating "new jobs" or solving our unemployment issues. How is it going to alleviate the financial struggles of our country?

I am curious... some people answered "legalize all drugs".... can you tell me what good would come from having meth legalized?

-dcary7

It isn't a gateway drug. If you want to spout that, prove it. Are we going to ban everything that doesn't create jobs or alleviate our financial struggles? LOL. Legalizing it would create as many jobs as legalizing alcohol did after prohibition.

Legalizing meth would help end the war on freedom, keep prison population down, and cut back on victim less crimes (in the case that the crime was simply consumption of meth).

ask just about anyone who has done harder drugs than marijuana... ask them what they started with. yes there are exceptions.. but the majority will say weed.

Actually, odds are, they started out on either breast milk or formula, oh, unless you pull the "starting point" out of your hat, in your case, the first time the individual tried marijuana. The plant isn't addictive and there is nothing in it that leads to harder drugs. Prove me wrong, please.

I'm sorry but this just seems insane. They classify these drugs by level of addiction for a reason. People quickly become... well not themselves. If 7 out of 10 simply can't handle it and go bonkers FINE because three could? How about children that would then have availability to get it? No NO NO... no way. Seriously before you even talk about this subject anymore go volunteer at a methadone clinic for a few weeks. Then come back and have this conversation. I don't see them making any illegal class three narcotic legal, ever... thank god.

And the fact that meth is illegal changes nothing that you've just said. What does that say about the prohibition? It has failed. It's time to tear down the failed system and try something different. What's the worst that could happen if it was legalized? Meth heads would do meth? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH! WHAT A CHANGE!

 

[dcary7]

I never stated that Marijuana was addictive. My idea of it being a gateway drug is that, as that you will build up a tolerance to it and in order to achieve the same high (if used regularly) would require an increase in its volume... or moving on to something stronger. Yes with alcohol you get to where it requires more for you to get drunk as well.. again, the problem lies with abuse not use. I do think people are neglecting to consider the addiction levels of certain drugs compared to others. /shrug.. i would probably agree that more ppl are addicted to prescription drugs.. doesnt mean its right, but probably accurate.

Alright, I will agree, that by the justification of liberty everything should be legalized "IF" voted upon and decided by the individual states. Federal government should have no regulation in that whatsoever.

I have been giving a lot of thought to this topic this evening... including my scenario question that I had posted before. So, I will give my thoughts on what I feel would need to be necessary in order for all of these liberties to be established. I know that some of what I will say is contradictory to what I said earlier, like i said... i have done a lot of research and thinking on the subject this evening.. and my opinions have changed some, but remain the same in others..

Here is my take on things, whether they be wrong or right. For starters, I personally feel that before it's all said and done the U.S economy will fall and we will have to revert back to an "honest dollar". If/when this occurs is beyond my knowledge, but that would be my guess. At that time, we would have to return to the principles that the founding fathers established this country on. The states should govern themselves and the federal government stay within its boundaries outlined in the constitution (coin and regulate the value of said coin - im talking real money, not inked toilet paper), maintain a navy, and make regular the commerce and trade of states.. not regulate it. There would need to be a lot more self regulation and responsibility of individuals and smaller communities. Small communities should be able to regulate themselves give that the laws they establish do not infringe upon the constitutional rights of the individuals. If IN wanted everything legalized, fine...but i still feel there are jobs that a person should not be allowed to hold if they are a user. Jobs that can affect the well being of others due to the nature of the job. This does not prohibit a person from doing what they want, but certain positions require passing a drug screening just like now. I dont want a doctor who is popping prescription pills or hitting a line before he goes in to perform a surgery, etc. Also the punishment needs to fit the crimes too. I dont feel a person has a debt to society. If a person steals from someone, dont put them in jail to serve time... do more of a work release, they must work and repay the value of which was taken. They work and half of what they make is given back to the victim until the debt is paid. Once the debt is paid, hey they still have a job and can get their life on track. If a life was taken intentionally during the committed crime, theirs shall be forfeit as well (if the family refuses to accept a monetary reparation for their losses). This way, a person who has committed a crime may be less likely to fall back into their bad habits when released from prison with no other income option. However, if that person refuses to pay the debt to the person and work to repay his established sentence, he's signing his own death sentence. A common law that a person cannot in danger or disrupt their neighbors or neighbors property with their actions... so if I want to cook meth, and it is endangering my neighbor, I can cook meth, but not right there.. I would need to find a safer more secluded location to do so. If a person does not want to be a contributing member to society... they do without. If they're too lazy to work, they dont need to eat. If a person genuinely is trying, but struggling and going through hard times, local church groups and community programs can be there to help the needy. There is no government assistance anymore. Being a single woman with 6 kids from 5 different fathers, no government money for you. Kids can go to an orphanage, but if the mother turns them over she is prohibited from contacting them. If you want to drink your life away.. have fun, but dont hold your hand out. If you wanna contribute to society in a positive manner, good for you. Further more ... voting. To me, not everyone should be able to vote. I think there should be requirements to voting 1.) Have served in the military OR 2.) Pay taxes OR 3.) be a landowner OR 4.) if you have served in the military, but are now unable to work you can still vote. The states are responsible for maintaining a Militia or National Guard which can be called into service. The government's limited income from taxes and coining is used to maintain the military and pay soldiers in time of service. The federal government is unable to purchase lands from the state as well as businesses. The way things were established... the government was like the tip of a pyramid.. it was supported by the larger mass underneath (the states) however, somehow we have allowed it turn upside down.. and the pyramid is all balancing on a tip that cannot support the weight. The government has been allowed the ability to financially gain leverage and dependency among the states in areas in which it has no right to be. The one-size fits all mentality is not what is best. No, I do not want a brothel down the street or to be able to buy heroine at walmart while im picking up my groceries, but I agree liberty isnt based upon what "I" want. Morally I do not support those actions, however it is another individuals right to do said things as long as they do not harm me. Everyone is entitled to their own morals and belief structure. As far as government regulating liberty, It is like a teen ager - give them an inch of slack and they take a mile. Those who sacrifice freedom for protection will have neither. Well, these are my viewpoints. I do not wish corruption/temptation/or addiction upon my neighbors, but I agree that it isnt my right or the governments right to decide if they can do them or not. If the ppl voted and IN did not want everything legalized.. but another state allowed it.. i would support your right to move there and enjoy what you do.

I do appreciate the debates and discussion on here... however, I do feel that some people perhaps take things personally or make them personal... which is not necessary to have an intellectual discussion. Anyway, as always if you would like to discuss further with me I am happy to do so in pms as well as respond on here. If you disagree with me.. which undoubtedly ... some will... please be constructive. Keep in mind this is my opinion, one of the great things about this country is that we are all entitled to our own beliefs.

& God bless

-dcary7

 

[Barbecue]

if you guys would have just smoked one already this discussion would be over with.














and I didn't vote. don't you know they're watching us? i'm way too scared they'll come knocking on my door for the wrong answer.

 

[SemperFiUSMC]

Laws against murder don't stop murder. Therefore since we can't prevent murder we should decriminalize it.

Go ahead. Try it yourself. Just slide another word in for murder. You can even play this game at home with friends.

The prohibition argument is silly, if you want to affect change. You can insert any crime and come to the same upsurd and illogical conclusion.

The winning argument is that there is no overriding imparative for public laws against possessing or using pot. Pot is no more dangerous to society or individuals than alcohol, which is legal. There is no imperical proof that gateway drugs exist, let alone that pot is one. It is illogical that alcohol consumption is legal while pot is not.

Attack the incorrect premise and win the argument. Or keep coming at the problem with the same losing arguments.

 

[lashicoN]

No, I do not want a brothel down the street or to be able to buy heroine at walmart while im picking up my groceries, but I agree liberty isnt based upon what "I" want. Morally I do not support those actions, however it is another individuals right to do said things as long as they do not harm me.

Good post. I think you and I agree a lot more than we disagree on all of the broad topics you covered in your post.

I don't have a use for a brothel or heroin at Wal Mart either, but the great thing about freedom is that you and I can walk right past the brothel, into the gun store and buy a few fully-automatic "assault" rifles and go have what we consider to be a fun time...in your post-Big-government perfect world that I'd like to try out.

 

[Barbecue]

Laws against murder don't stop murder. Therefore since we can't prevent murder we should decriminalize it.

Go ahead. Try it yourself. Just slide another word in for murder. You can even play this game at home with friends.

The prohibition argument is silly, if you want to affect change. You can insert any crime and come to the same upsurd and illogical conclusion.

The winning argument is that there is no overriding imparative for public laws against possessing or using pot. Pot is no more dangerous to society or individuals than alcohol, which is legal. There is no imperical proof that gateway drugs exist, let alone that pot is one. It is illogical that alcohol consumption is legal while pot is not.

Attack the incorrect premise and win the argument. Or keep coming at the problem with the same losing arguments.

I like that.

 

[Ogre]

I've dealt with all of them, also heroin addicts. And no I don't wish that on society. I do wish for freedom and liberty so people can make their own choices.

I understand making lesbian marriage legal, it doesn't really do much harm. The only people harmed are those that are addicted to lesbian porn. But I could never and would never support two men getting married. Gay males are statisticallly near the top demographic for stds and drug addiction. The whole idea is that some things are more dangerous than others. Heck anal sex is thought to be one of the if not the most dangerous sex act for transmission of STDs. Perhaps we should just ban it entirely.

Seriously before you even talk about this subject anymore go volunteer at a AIDS clinic in San Fran.

ETA Here is a video of Ron Paul discussing his stance on legalizing drugs. I think you might find it interesting. It's near the bottom of the page.
Ron Paul - Republican Debate - Heroin | Mediaite



Since the drugs are currently available, although illegally. How about the children that have the availability to get it?



Exactly

I see what you did there! (now I patiently wait for a certain someones response...)

 

[USMC_0311]

How so? I think you not willing to look at the obvious. The majority of those who have submitted to the poll aren't for the universal legalization of all drugs. That means that they don't want other drugs legalized. That is directly contrary to your idea of "freedom," is it not? After all, you contend that if it's not hurting anyone, it should be legal. Well if that is correct why don't the people who voted for the first option agree? Whether you want to admit it or not, there's a moral component at work there.

I think the people who voted for legalization of only marijuana don't understand how a plant that grows naturally is even on the list.

Personally I could care less about any of them. I will teach my children what they need to know. I know a little bit about the war on drugs and have gained a well rounded prespective. Whether or not it should be legal/decriminalized most of us can agree the war on drugs is a big fail. I am willing to try another approach and attack the problem at the treatment level. Eliminate the want, I would rather see my tax dollors go to treatment of a meth head or crack additc than have some one spend jail time for marijuna.

 

[superjoe76]

The winning argument is that there is no overriding imparative for public laws against possessing or using pot. Pot is no more dangerous to society or individuals than alcohol, which is legal. There is no imperical proof that gateway drugs exist, let alone that pot is one. It is illogical that alcohol consumption is legal while pot is not.

Good point. A lot of people say alcohol was their "gateway" drug.

 

[awatarius]

So grown-ups smoking a plant is childish, but childishly following the government's commands for the sake of doing what you're told is acting like a grown-up? It is time to grow up, Meaty, it's time for the adults to be treated like adults, instead of being talked down to and told what to do by big daddy government. It's time to tell the government that we can do what we want with our own bodies and if they don't like that, they can go ahead and try to stop us. They've been doing a top-notch job conducting business that way, right?



So is lead. Do you support banning everything that is bad for your health? Smoking is legal, by the way, it's marijuana that isn't.



It isn't a gateway drug. If you want to spout that, prove it. Are we going to ban everything that doesn't create jobs or alleviate our financial struggles? LOL. Legalizing it would create as many jobs as legalizing alcohol did after prohibition.

Legalizing meth would help end the war on freedom, keep prison population down, and cut back on victim less crimes (in the case that the crime was simply consumption of meth).



Actually, odds are, they started out on either breast milk or formula, oh, unless you pull the "starting point" out of your hat, in your case, the first time the individual tried marijuana. The plant isn't addictive and there is nothing in it that leads to harder drugs. Prove me wrong, please.



And the fact that meth is illegal changes nothing that you've just said. What does that say about the prohibition? It has failed. It's time to tear down the failed system and try something different. What's the worst that could happen if it was legalized? Meth heads would do meth? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH! WHAT A CHANGE!

No your reasoning isn't totally right. Dross's point actually is a good argument for, this is not. Prohibition on class 3 has worked very well I would say? Lot's of people break the law and of course the law can't be everywhere but it is still relatively low, and will stay that way. IF you make it legal then it becomes way more available and the use, crime, accidents, families getting destroyed, and all that would go way up. Stick to the argument that those things are your choice, but the argument that things will somehow get magically better (IMO) is illogical.

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[steveh_131]

Laws against murder don't stop murder. Therefore since we can't prevent murder we should decriminalize it.

I am going to fix this so that it is a more accurate analogy.

Laws against guns don't stop murder. Therefore since we can't prevent murder we should decriminalize guns.

A guy in his basement doing lines of coke isn't hurting anyone. Nobody actually cares. What people care about is what he does to get that coke and how his actions affect the people around him. Nobody is saying we should decriminalize his actions that deprive others of their rights (like murder).

Your analogy isn't even close.

 

[jsgolfman]

What should be a crime? Violations of property rights (self and goods), period. Here is an interesting read on crime, if you are so inclined:

http://mises.org/journals/qjae/pdf/qjae7_4_2.pdf

 

[Kutnupe14]

Successful Thread is Successful... regardless of your stance, everyone's particpation is appreciated. This is hopefully how problems are solved. And though, I have my personal opinion. I will admit several points have been raised, contrary to my opinion, that caught my attention.

 

[tv1217]

What's it like being wrong, I don't know the feeling

 

[lashicoN]

IF you make it legal then it becomes way more available and the use, crime, accidents, families getting destroyed, and all that would go way up. Stick to the argument that those things are your choice, but the argument that things will somehow get magically better (IMO) is illogical.

Thanks,
Matthew

Matthew, it's available now. I'm not saying that if you legalize it, use will go down, I'm saying that if you legalize it, use will magically stay about the same. Would you do meth if it were legal? I doubt it. I wouldn't either. I'm pretty sure that if we polled here very few to no one on INGO would try meth if it were legal.

 

[Walter Zoomie]

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/the_2nd_amendment/137019-guns_and_weed-3.html#post1706288

When I was young and dumb, I smoked bales of it. I used alcohol in excess as well. The dumbest crap I ever did was due to booze.

Once I got mature (sorta) and responsible, I had to give weed up because I couldn't afford to take the risks involved with this particular illegal activity...IE lose job, go to jail/brig, being unable to provide for family, etc.

If weed were legal, I'd use it instead of alcohol, and I'd use it like I currently use alcohol...in moderation, on weekends/holidays, not before or during work, and not while driving.

I never wanted to fight, crash my car, have sex with women I should not, or vomit when smoking weed.

All I wanted to do when high was turn the stereo up and eat Sour Cream and Onion Lays potato chips...the perfectly harmless weekend.

I think pot should be legal and taxed/regulated like booze.

So there...

Now I'm done.

BTW...all my kids know about the dumb crap I did as an unsavory youth. I use my mistakes as teaching tools.

PS...I don't think it would be wise to handle firearms when high. The noise would be a real buzz-kill.

I'm sooo high right now, but I'm pretty sure I stand by this statement.

 

[Bunnykid68]

I wish they would make it legal so I could try it and see what all the hype is about.

 

[lashicoN]

I wish they would make it legal so I could try it and see what all the hype is about.

It's a shame to hear this from an American. We've lost a lot of freedoms in this country when honest, good people are deterred from good experiences in life because their government decided a natural growing, God given, extraordinary plant should not be consumed by any human on Earth, for any reason.

This is your life, and if you genuinely want to try it, you should try it. It grows right up from the ground, it isn't laced with crack (light some ignorant people here apparently believe, and I don't mean ignorant as an insult, just a matter of fact on this subject). It puts you in a good mood, makes food taste better, makes music sound better, and just makes you think differently. The only actual downside is that it somewhat attacks your memory while you're high, so there is a chance you won't remember certain details of things while you were high, but after the THC (or trichomes, whatever, I'm not Dr. Mike) pass through, your brain returns to normal function. It isn't going to "melt your brain" like our Dr. Mike said a few threads back.

Anyway, our government doesn't have the right to ban you from doing anything with any natural growing plant. Like I said before, it's your life, and it's your body.

Look at your body, there aren't any chains on it.

 

[rambone]

Laws against murder don't stop murder. Therefore since we can't prevent murder we should decriminalize it.

Go ahead. Try it yourself. Just slide another word in for murder. You can even play this game at home with friends.

Instead of this: "Since you can't prevent it, decriminalize it."

Try this: "Since you can't prevent it, and it hurts nobody, and costs us billions to enforce, then decriminalize it."

Now your murder analogy doesn't fit. Besides, most of us realize that laws don't prevent crime, they punish criminals. If you think a murder law keeps you safe, then why own a gun?

The same people are going to do drugs whether they are legal or not. The difference is that the taxpayers are suffering badly under the current system, with nothing to show for it.