So let's talk about Cannabis

[thatmariolover]

BaB's been on my case to post more so let's shake things up a bit. I am a fairly dedicated advocate for the legalization and regulation of cannabis.

The most common arguments I get being an activist for cannabis law reform are answered by common sense.

The first is that those of us who want cannabis law reform think it’s 100% safe. That’s a complete fallacy. Very few of us pushing for legalization of cannabis think it’s completely safe. But we do know (and are supported by countless studies) that it causes far less damage both to health and society in comparison to alcohol. To stop one single episode of psychosis you would need to stop 5,000 young men aged 20-25 from ever consuming cannabis. Which is the primary health concern with cannabis itself among the adult population (obviously smoke of any sort is unhealthy, which is why many of us push for responsible users to invest in a vaporizer).

The second argument I get is that by legalizing it we would be putting cannabis into the hands of children. No responsible adult pushing for the legalization of cannabis (and there are a lot of us) thinks that it should be accessible to teens. Legalizing cannabis would only serve to protect our children. As long as it's illegal it will be easier to get at than alcohol because we depend on back alley crone’s to sell it on the underground. There’s no way to ensure it’s not being sold to children, nor to ensure that there aren’t toxic additives or verify the strength of strains being sold. Regulating the sale of cannabis would only serve to protect our children and society as a whole. Dealers don’t card - many don't care.

Cannabis itself has a virtually nonexistent toxicity; it is primarily the smoke itself that causes concern. Even the smoking risks have less social costs associated with them when compared to drinking alcohol. In addition, Vaporization virtually eliminates the concerns of carcinogens in cannabis while still providing the active ingredients. And in terms of dependence, only 9% of those that consume cannabis become dependent; as opposed to 35% with nicotine or 15% with alcohol (both legal). In fact, despite the lax regulation of cannabis in the Netherlands, Dutch users are among those that use the least per capita.

Right now, cannabis is going untaxed. Did you know that cannabis is America's biggest cash crop, despite its legal status? Anywhere corn can grow, cannabis can grow. Legalizing it would lower the price significantly and allow for a large taxation. Such taxation would help support those with dependency issues. Not to mention help state governments stay within their budgets.

I think what we need to ask ourselves is whether or not it makes sense to keep cannabis illegal. To me, it's a no-brainer. Prohibition didn't work for alcohol and it isn't working for cannabis.

What do you think?

[Dylflon]

I agree with you here.


I'm not sure why there is still such a huge stigma about marijuana. Sure it makes you act kind of goofy but think of the benefits to the snack food industry!

People smoking marijuana don't usually get into any trouble because they're in their basement playing Nintendo. I've known a few people with anger issues who use marijuana to balance themselves out and relax.


Typhoid and I are semi-regular recreational marijuana users and it suits both of our lifestyles just fine. I've smoked weed throughout university and still maintained a 3.5 GPA.

While it's not legal in BC, the authorities are really lax on it. I've actually known someone who could have been busted for intent to sell but the cop just took his weed and drove him home. Cops will sometimes take your weed from you when you're smoking in public but usually they just tell you to go home. I've never heard of anyone hear being arrested for having marijuana. But people do get arrested for growing it.

It all seems kind of silly, since it's far less bad for you than alcohol. I think the only issue is that it makes you okay with being lazy which can be a bad thing for people who already have little motivation or direction.

[Typhoid]

I like weed. It is a very fine substance as far as illegal substances go. In my mind - the best.


But here is my problem with it being legalized: Taxation.
Granted - you'd still have your normal dealers selling it soon after it got legalized - but the sheer convenience of being able to pick up a pack as you could with cigarettes would no doubt soon drown that out. Case and point - people still grow their own tobacco and sell it - how many people really buy home made smokes now opposed to 50+ years ago.

I'm fine with paying around 10 bucks a gram. I find that reasonable.
Legalizing it would make it government controlled, and taxed to hell.


I mean, clearly this is just speculation on my part.

However I'm completely fine with it the way it is to be honest. I mean - as it is, I won't go to jail for smoking it, or having it - because it's not like I carry pounds on me at all times. And as long as I don't sell seeds via the internet to people in the US, I think we'll all be okay.

The only thing that legalizing has a plus for in my mind, is sheer convenience. It WOULD be nice to be able to walk to the local corner store and get a pack of joints. But realistically - what would be immensely better than legalization would be 100% decriminalization. If it's decriminalized, you get rid of smuggling, illegal grow ops, some gang activity - and the government can then regulate private businesses to grow it - and nothing more.

[Vampyr]

Yeah, should definitely be legal.

The only reason I've never tried it is because I don't want it to show up on a drug test whenever I start a job.

[Combine 017]

Leave alcohol alone!

What did it ever do to you!

[Professor S]

Legalize it and tax the crap out of it.

[Bond]

I am personally against the use of cannabis, but am for the legalization of it. But... I do think research needs to be done on the indirect consequences of legalizing the drug (for some of the reasons Typhoid mentioned).

[Fox 6]

Legalize it and slap an excise tax on it.

[KillerGremlin]

Decriminalize it....

Then resolve this drug war bullshit for all drugs.

Then legalize weed.

If you legalize weed you open the door for discussion about how other drugs are often used to systematically.

[Szymon]

I think that's disgusting and I will never eat another human being, even if the law allowed it. You people should be ashamed of yourselves.