Should US Legalize Marijuana?

Thrice · 04-28-2009, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tore

I've already replied to this

I had two points. The first is so what about alcohol and tobacco? If we have some harmful things in society, does that by default mean we have to allow more? Secondly, alcohol and tobacco are easily taxed something marijuana is not and so the government makes a lot of money from them.

I say yes to more harmful things, the way I see it were not getting any better as a society, Shows on MTV about trannys, porn in general, gambling.
Personally, I have high blood pressure, Im pretty much a real d-bag outside of the internet (might even be on internet as well) I have anxiety and countless other issues, my point is marijuana makes it all go away, and is less dependant upon compared to prescribed legal drugs. I know this is a selfish standpoint, but its only a minute part of the arguement. When I am high, I love life, enjoy my favorite things (musid, food etc...) ten times more. Im a way better driver because It takes alot of concentration just to make it up to the speed limit.

Thrice · 04-28-2009, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tore

I've read it now and it seems the article agrees on several points I've made here and earlier.

Summarized here is my point that in order for the government to make money off marijuana, they have to fight the homegrowers - here called entrepreneurs. I wrote the war on drugs would simply shift to a war on homegrowers and so you would still spend money on marijuana related crimes .. The article seems to agree.

Here the point is basically made again .. The article doesn't really seem really convinced either way, but it shows perhaps a tendency to believe that government might make money despite these problems. I don't agree with them because I can think of more problems than those that are pointed out in this article.

For example they do not mention foreign drug industries which should also be a concern.

Yeah thats why I pointed it out to you, its fairly non-biased and supports great point of either side. Im not totally sold on the idea of legalization, especially after they stated that national quantity could be regulated by increase in taxes, which would eventually lead right back to 'black market growers' having lower prices and so on.

Guybrush · 04-28-2009, 04:03 AM

I'm not against marijuana on an individual level at all, I just don't think legalization will benefit society overall. It's a very grey zone issue with arguments leaning one way or the other and I feel I base my opinion on the sum of those arguments. Perhaps important to consumers, as you pointed out Thrice, all users today are getting marijuana off the illegal black market which may even be cheaper for them than if it gets legalized. There's no tax now, but in a legalized society there will be of course.

I don't have anything against people who smoke .. In other words, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, 333

333 · 04-28-2009, 04:13 AM

You didn't make me feel bad. This is a discussion. That means we both agree to agree or disagree. I've said what I've had to say about it for right now. I'm slightly annoyed, yes. Mostly at the fact that this thread is limited to only the economical aspect of the whole situation. I'm more focused on the societal, global, environmental and health aspect of it than the economic benefits. I suppose our views not only differentiate in the aspect of legalization of marijuana, but the monetary system as well. Oh, well. The sun is going up. Time for me to go down. (I keep saying that, huh?)

Guybrush · 04-28-2009, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 333

You didn't make me feel bad. This is a discussion. That means we both agree to agree or disagree. I've said what I've had to say about it for right now. I'm slightly annoyed, yes. Mostly at the fact that this thread is limited to only the economical aspect of the whole situation. I'm more focused on the societal, global, environmental and health aspect of it than the economic benefits. I suppose our views not only differentiate in the aspect of legalization of marijuana, but the monetary system as well. Oh, well. The sun is going up. Time for me to go down. (I keep saying that, huh?)

I know the feeling

I'm pleasantly surprised by this thread. So far, it is dealing with economics which is exactly spot on the topic. I would expect such a discussion to get more bogged down by arguments on health effects which I've already done many times before so this is refreshing.

To everyone else - I think in order to get people to really discuss the core of the legilization issue as presented in the article, the real question should be : Marijuana, can you tax it?

In answering that, it will become appearant (as it's made in the article) that there are significant problems to overcome. However, if you think that it can overcome those problems with a net gain to society, then you can perhaps start thinking about legalization.

333 · 04-28-2009, 04:22 AM

What if we stripped it of all economical ties and treat it like the real weeds? We potheads could just take over landscaping.

I think we're getting somewhere now ...

Thrice · 04-28-2009, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tore

I know the feeling

I'm pleasantly surprised by this thread. So far, it is dealing with economics which is exactly spot on the topic. I would expect such a discussion to get more bogged down by arguments on health effects which I've already done many times before so this is refreshing.

To everyone else - I think in order to get people to really discuss the core of the legilization issue as presented in the article, the real question should be : Marijuana, can you tax it?

In answering that, it will become appearant (as it's made in the article) that there are significant problems to overcome. However, if you think that it can overcome those problems with a net gain to society, then you can perhaps start thinking about legalization.

I agree, Im glad it has gone the way it has, for thats what I intended, and rarely does it follow the intended path, but Im sure when I check back after I wake up it will be filled with pointless 'bumper stickers' and such. I think the overall debate of this topic is old news and there is not much that has not been stated numerous times. I enjoy focusing on this point of view, yet still adding bits and pieces of related info (health affects etc...) You should change your custom title to The Great Debator (sp?) because I am always impressed with your opposing views, and sometimes you even seem to sway my strong opinions towards a more middle ground with your statements.

Urban Hat€monger ? · 04-28-2009, 11:05 AM

No

Just to irritate potheads because they irritate the shit out of me.

~~coryallen2~~ · 04-28-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPTAIN CAVEMAN

hemp isnt illegal...

No, Hemp that does not contain THC is legal.

~~coryallen2~~ · 04-28-2009, 11:11 AM

They are way ahead of everybody.

O and i don't smoke weed. Pot heads annoy me. They say s*it liek this.

04-28-2009, 04:03 AM	#73 (permalink)
Guybrush Juicious Maximus III Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Scabb Island Posts: 6,525	I'm not against marijuana on an individual level at all, I just don't think legalization will benefit society overall. It's a very grey zone issue with arguments leaning one way or the other and I feel I base my opinion on the sum of those arguments. Perhaps important to consumers, as you pointed out Thrice, all users today are getting marijuana off the illegal black market which may even be cheaper for them than if it gets legalized. There's no tax now, but in a legalized society there will be of course. I don't have anything against people who smoke .. In other words, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, 333 __________________ Something Completely Different

04-28-2009, 11:05 AM	#78 (permalink)
Urban Hat€monger ? The Sexual Intellectual Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Somewhere cooler than you Posts: 18,605	No Just to irritate potheads because they irritate the shit out of me. __________________ Urb's RYM Stuff Most people sell their soul to the devil, but the devil sells his soul to Nick Cave.

04-28-2009, 04:13 AM	#74 (permalink)
333 Music Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 965	You didn't make me feel bad. This is a discussion. That means we both agree to agree or disagree. I've said what I've had to say about it for right now. I'm slightly annoyed, yes. Mostly at the fact that this thread is limited to only the economical aspect of the whole situation. I'm more focused on the societal, global, environmental and health aspect of it than the economic benefits. I suppose our views not only differentiate in the aspect of legalization of marijuana, but the monetary system as well. Oh, well. The sun is going up. Time for me to go down. (I keep saying that, huh?)

04-28-2009, 04:22 AM	#76 (permalink)
333 Music Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 965	What if we stripped it of all economical ties and treat it like the real weeds? We potheads could just take over landscaping. I think we're getting somewhere now ...

04-28-2009, 11:11 AM	#80 (permalink)
~~coryallen2~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: lorain,ohio Posts: 909	They are way ahead of everybody. O and i don't smoke weed. Pot heads annoy me. They say s*it liek this.