Legalizing Drugs On The Horizon

[hoodonit00]

Why - I'm not doing anything against the law. And there have been plenty of pot related pictures posted here before (in this very thread).

This is just another example of you not really getting it

Yea I guess I don't get it.

 

[Reefer Shark]

It's all good man - no hard feelings. I do respect your viewpoint becuase it's what you believe is right (and also I was kinda just messin with you)

I just really think you don't understand that there is a different side to this than the ugly addiction side.

I've posted multiple times in this thread that I buy it legally, that's why CP got it. I'm imagining you missed that along with all the positive stuff I said about marijuana (that seems to have been ignored by you and a few others).

Like I said man, it's all good. Keep up the good fight! I gotta tell you though, America is slowly learning that weed is OK.

Here's an example for you: I've been to many doctors over the last few years for everything from serious to light issues. Every time I visit any doctor, I make a point to tell them I smoke weed. Not one has ever told me that I shouldn't. Not one. In fact, they've all told me it's relatively harmless. No lie. My wife made me ask a few times (and she was right there to hear what they've said back).

 

[nash]

Too many shallow minded, self righteous individuals. ^^^^ em all.

 

[pixletwin]

I think what those who are opposed to legalizing marijuana (at least for my part) is the old proverb about letting a camel's nose into the tent. Having said that, I do believe it should be legalized for medicinal purposes. Also having said that, I do believe marijuana is far less harmful than alcohol.

So what then? Ban alcohol? I don't believe in that either. So it presents a nice little conundrum.

 

[Anzik]

That's kind of a generalization, eh?

It is possible to enjoy marijuana or alcohol without abusing it, or any real harm (moreso the marijuana than the alcohol IMO).

On the growing weed theory, it's already being proven wrong here in California. Medical users are allowed to grow weed (I can legally grow it if I want to according to my license), but the official dispensaries are where the business is at. Most growers now sell to the dispensaries instead of individual customers. At my local place, you go in and chose from usually over 20 different types of marijuana and hash. People are lazy and like being able to choose different stuff. The dispensaries actually compete with each other price-wise, I can actually get much better weed cheaper now than when I was buying $60 8th's illegaly.

I'm thinking times are much different now than back when you were in high school.

Its not being 'proven wrong' at all because the legalized marijuana market hasn't been established. If marijuana is legalized it will be heavily taxed and regulated just like cigarettes and alcohol so the price you currently pay will no longer apply. The pricing structure will be completely different. Everyone likes to pay less for the things they want, which is why Walmart is so successful. The market now and what it would turn into are apples and oranges.
There is a trend in this thread to point out and demonize the abuse of alcohol but pot use is only being discussed in terms of moderate and 'responsible' use, as if it won't be abused. If it is more readily accessible it will be used by more people which, even if the rates of abuse stay the same, means more people overall will abuse it. Once something is legalized it is always used more. The numbers of cigarette sales dropped when the minimum age was raised. The number of alcohol related traffic deaths declined after the drinking age was raised, and the number of abortions increased after it was made legal without a drop in the birth rate.
There is all this discussion about 'responsible use', and we have admissions of driving under the influence, underage drinking, illegal drug use, misuse of medical marijuana, purchasing controlled substances, etc etc, so in other words breaking the law is being responsible? There is such a thing as moderate use of drugs and moderate use of alcohol, but every single drunk driving incident is an example of the flip side, the irresponsible behavior.
There is also a lot of discussion about 'it hasn't affected me' and that can't be known because if you are the guy that has always used it, you don't know if life would have been different without it.
And Celtic, look at your posts. You say that your parents trust you to be responsible but wouldn't approve of you smoking weed. So what you're really saying is that you don't deserve their trust because you are engaging in behavior they wouldn't consider responsible. Since the use of weed is illegal it is by definition irresponsible of you. And I'm sorry to be condescending but your 17. Thats like laying in the sun for 10 minutes and claiming too much sun can't give you skin cancer. I've been down the road you're on and it doesn't go well. I had a girlfriend break up with me because I wasn't exciting enough so I started hanging with the bad crowd. It got me stabbed in a gang fight in Vineland, transporting drugs across state lines that could have gotten me some serious time, thrown in jail and beat up by the cops before we were released, a dislocated shoulder, a broken nose and cost me $800 in one night when a girlfriend left me for a coke dealer.
I'm not being self righteous, I'm being realistic. It would be nice if people would use everything in moderation, but thats not reality. Its human nature to go to excess and abuse. We already have one monster in the room with alcohol, do we really need another?

 

[Black@ssB0lt]

quit being a douche. people like you make me wish your parents used contraceptives.

I wish my parents used you as a contraceptive

 

[Reefer Shark]

Its not being 'proven wrong' at all because the legalized marijuana market hasn't been established. If marijuana is legalized it will be heavily taxed and regulated just like cigarettes and alcohol so the price you currently pay will no longer apply. The pricing structure will be completely different. Everyone likes to pay less for the things they want, which is why Walmart is so successful. The market now and what it would turn into are apples and oranges.
There is a trend in this thread to point out and demonize the abuse of alcohol but pot use is only being discussed in terms of moderate and 'responsible' use, as if it won't be abused. If it is more readily accessible it will be used by more people which, even if the rates of abuse stay the same, means more people overall will abuse it. Once something is legalized it is always used more. The numbers of cigarette sales dropped when the minimum age was raised. The number of alcohol related traffic deaths declined after the drinking age was raised, and the number of abortions increased after it was made legal without a drop in the birth rate.
There is all this discussion about 'responsible use', and we have admissions of driving under the influence, underage drinking, illegal drug use, misuse of medical marijuana, purchasing controlled substances, etc etc, so in other words breaking the law is being responsible? There is such a thing as moderate use of drugs and moderate use of alcohol, but every single drunk driving incident is an example of the flip side, the irresponsible behavior.
There is also a lot of discussion about 'it hasn't affected me' and that can't be known because if you are the guy that has always used it, you don't know if life would have been different without it.
And Celtic, look at your posts. You say that your parents trust you to be responsible but wouldn't approve of you smoking weed. So what you're really saying is that you don't deserve their trust because you are engaging in behavior they wouldn't consider responsible. Since the use of weed is illegal it is by definition irresponsible of you. And I'm sorry to be condescending but your 17. Thats like laying in the sun for 10 minutes and claiming too much sun can't give you skin cancer. I've been down the road you're on and it doesn't go well. I had a girlfriend break up with me because I wasn't exciting enough so I started hanging with the bad crowd. It got me stabbed in a gang fight in Vineland, transporting drugs across state lines that could have gotten me some serious time, thrown in jail and beat up by the cops before we were released, a dislocated shoulder, a broken nose and cost me $800 in one night when a girlfriend left me for a coke dealer.
I'm not being self righteous, I'm being realistic. It would be nice if people would use everything in moderation, but thats not reality. Its human nature to go to excess and abuse. We already have one monster in the room with alcohol, do we really need another?

I'm not really sure what the point you're trying to make here is. Your history has nothing to do with what Celtic P does in his free time, or me using marijuana responisibly. Who's to say he's going to go the deep end like you did?

Maybe you missed the part where I said I am a licensed medical marijuana user in the State of California, which means I purchase this controlled substance legally. I have driven stoned, but also was a drunk bastard and drove drunk as well, and on acid, and pcp, and coke, and etc. etc. etc.. Of course this was a long time ago (similar to your admitted drug running days). So I'm not sure what you're point is on that either. I've had some pretty hairy experiences as well when I was a punk, but that was our fault, we were the a-holes. Not marijuana, alcolhol or whatever else. When you got stabbed in your brawl, was that really because of whatever drugs you were doing?

Why do you seem to be glazing over that fact I've stated that currently I'm a responsible working man, who doesn't get into any kind of trouble (except with my wife ), and just smoke a little here and there at home. You honestly wouldn't clasify that as responsible use?

I'm sorry man, but it reallly seems to me like you're generalizing here.

 

[Black@ssB0lt]

exactly. for every research study that proves a point there are two or three others that prove it wrong.

In some cases sure, but not in this case.

 

[Black@ssB0lt]

You really should remove this pic as I don't think the site owners would appreciate it very much.

Oh my stars and garters

 

[hoodonit00]

Oh my stars and garters

Hey whether you like it or not for the majority of Americans, drugs are still illegal. If the owners of this site are ok with the picture then who am I to say something. I just know that people have incriminated themselves and lost jobs by pictures that they have posted on the internet. Do you think an employer with a no drugs policy would hire someone if during a background check they found them toking on a bowl on my-space or facebook? Just the other week a teacher lost her job because she was posing with a gun on the internet.

 

[Anzik]

Reefer my entire post wasn't directed toward you, I was merely making a point that the current price structure you deal with is not what the pricing structure would be if it were legalized.
The fact that we both abused substances is just another example how everyone that uses anything abuses it at some point which is why generalizations have validity.
As for Celtic, he made the point of why he started, which was similar to my own experience. I never had the intention of doing most of these things, in fact most times I just went with the crowd and was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I don't want to see anyone go through what I did or worse. What we should be more concerned with is that there is a kid on the board whose brain is still developing, that has issues with depression and is using a drug that affects brain chemistry.

I thought I tied my thoughts together pretty well at the end, but let me try it again. Look how many posts have had stories of people acting foolishly while under the influence like driving etc. My point is that given the opportunity people will abuse anything at some point, which has been pretty well established even by the pro legalization opinions.

 

[Darkseed]

Do you guys ever sleep

I'm closing my participation in the thread with a Jerry Springer thought.

Ultimately the choice to use drugs (not just weed) is an individual one. People's reasoning ranges from "that is what kids do" or "it is my choice", which is fine for each situation. Contrary to popular belief, it is not what all kids do nor it is something everyone in the country indulges. Perhaps everyone in your inner circle participates in such behavior but society and the world is much bigger than your slice of the pie.

The problem is not the drug of choice but human behavior. Human behavior dictates people will challenge rules, it began with Adam and Eve. Add drugs to human behavior and the chance for irresponsible actions esculates. A point proven by past / present users admitting to irresponsible behavior while on drugs (not just weed). They were lucking not to hurt themselves or better yet someone else.

Feel free to label me a righteous @sshole, but the reality is I am a husband, father, brother and a friend. I adore my wife and I love my children, my family is my life. It takes one time for an individual to be irresponsible and my life changed. That is unacceptable. I have witnessed first-hand (EMT) the consequences from wreckless actions and how it impacts and changes lives.

Users will use, haters will hate....just remember we are all here for the love of collecting. Remember, take care of yourself and one another.

Until next time............

 

[pixletwin]

Well you guys can all do what you wanna (I honestly don't care), but I am glad my only addiction is 1:6 lovelyness.

 

[Darthrazz]

What should REALLY be legalized is fighting at work, just like they do in Hockey. There are a few people here that would get a beat down!!!!!

 

[Black@ssB0lt]

Do you guys ever sleep

I'm closing my participation in the thread with a Jerry Springer thought.

Ultimately the choice to use drugs (not just weed) is an individual one. People's reasoning ranges from "that is what kids do" or "it is my choice", which is fine for each situation. Contrary to popular belief, it is not what all kids do nor it is something everyone in the country indulges. Perhaps everyone in your inner circle participates in such behavior but society and the world is much bigger than your slice of the pie.

The problem is not the drug of choice but human behavior. Human behavior dictates people will challenge rules, it began with Adam and Eve. Add drugs to human behavior and the chance for irresponsible actions esculates. A point proven by past / present users admitting to irresponsible behavior while on drugs (not just weed). They were lucking not to hurt themselves or better yet someone else.

Feel free to label me a righteous @sshole, but the reality is I am a husband, father, brother and a friend. I adore my wife and I love my children, my family is my life. It takes one time for an individual to be irresponsible and my life changed. That is unacceptable. I have witnessed first-hand (EMT) the consequences from wreckless actions and how it impacts and changes lives.

Users will use, haters will hate....just remember we are all here for the love of collecting. Remember, take care of yourself and one another.

Until next time............

Yeah mon, the only truth is that human nature is the gateway and there are some people who will go kicking and screaming before they will point the finger at the all mighty individual. They point at movies, race, circumstance, fashion... anything but the actual source. Not counting severe mental problems. I decided to smoke weed. I decided I wouldn't drink. I decided to try acid, and then try it again, and then again before I decided it didn't really do enough for me to warrant the risk that it's legalities would bring, though it was pleasent. The Mushrooms I tried on a few occasions were a dissapointment all around, I don't like anything that makes me feel even slightly bad the next day. The feeling, focus, relaxation, introspection, outrospection, inbetweenrospection, zing, conversations, etc I get with weed I found suited my personality above all else and after I tried it, alcohol just didn't have a point to it anymore.

I also had another criteria. I have studied nutrition for most of my adult life and I would only allow the drugs into my body that did the least possible damage. I could post a very recent study from England (hums "There'll always be an England...") in which they backed up all the other studies done on weed smoking and how there are STILL no ties between it a lung cancer(going back, you guessed it, more than a decade). And how it goes on to say that their findings are causing them to actually test it as a cancer fighter... but I know how some here don't like facts pointed at them sooo... welcome back to the dark ages, and pass me my brontasaurus burger Barney.

Suffice it to say that all the good I do for my body through diet and exercise is interfered with the least by smoking/eating weed. Another reason I left alcohol behind, except for a glass of the red wine when it comes up.

 

[Reefer Shark]

Ultimately the choice to use drugs (not just weed) is an individual one. People's reasoning ranges from "that is what kids do" or "it is my choice", which is fine for each situation. Contrary to popular belief, it is not what all kids do nor it is something everyone in the country indulges. Perhaps everyone in your inner circle participates in such behavior but society and the world is much bigger than your slice of the pie.

Oh, I'm fully aware of percentages. I can probably count the number of people I currently know that smoke weed with the fingers of one hand.

That's why I've been so fired up with this conversation. I rarely get a chance to talk about it to be honest (most people I know are completely sober).

I would say that I think your perception miught be a little off here, and you should probably rethink the "everyone in your inner circle" thing. I would put this statement back on you and say yes, the world is much bigger than your slice of the pie. I've done irresponsible and immoral things when I've been completely sober as wel las drunk or stoned. It's really a frame of mind thing, not evil substances that drives us to this stuff. I know, trust me.

Can anyone explain how I can currently smoke, and be a moral, responsible person? I'l ltell you, it's because of my frame of mind. Nothing at all to do with the weed.

I still look forward to logical response from anyone on any of the positive stuff I've posted.

See ya!

 

[Reefer Shark]

Well you guys can all do what you wanna (I honestly don't care), but I am glad my only addiction is 1:6 lovelyness.

I'm addicted to polystone too! I need rehab!!

To Anzik and all the other "against'ers". I understand your positions, and I agree about the negative aspects of drug and alcohol abuse. Anything can get out of hand, not just drugs. I've seen people addicted to McDonalds that end up in horrible shape as well.

I'm going to try and quit this conversation. It started out a bit stimulating, but now I'm realizing that I'm dealing with absolute opinons here and no flexability will be allowed. I still have not seen one response from the "against" folks on any of the positive stuff posted in regards to mary jane, and to me that speaks volumes.

Peace out, I'll stop beating the dead horse now.

 

[pixletwin]

Funny I was just thinking the same thing.

 

[The Chaver]

Well you guys can all do what you wanna (I honestly don't care), but I am glad my only addiction is 1:6 lovelyness.

Collecting period is by far the best and only addiction I practice. I only get f'ed up on special occasions like when I haven't seen a relative or friend in a long time.

 

[Reefer Shark]

Yeah mon, the only truth is that human nature is the gateway and there are some people who will go kicking and screaming before they will point the finger at the all mighty individual. They point at movies, race, circumstance, fashion... anything but the actual source. Not counting severe mental problems. I decided to smoke weed. I decided I wouldn't drink. I decided to try acid, and then try it again, and then again before I decided it didn't really do enough for me to warrant the risk that it's legalities would bring, though it was pleasent. The Mushrooms I tried on a few occasions were a dissapointment all around, I don't like anything that makes me feel even slightly bad the next day. The feeling, focus, relaxation, introspection, outrospection, inbetweenrospection, zing, conversations, etc I get with weed I found suited my personality above all else and after I tried it, alcohol just didn't have a point to it anymore.

Totally agree with you man - what your talking about is honest experimentation and you've come to you own conclusions based on intelligent thoughts.

Nobody wants to blame the individual, immoral people don't need any drugs to spur them on, they still do bad stuff either way.