Legalisation of marijuana

[FistFullOfSteel]

hmmm...about marijuana,U.S gonna start a war or something if it were legalised in that country,and take the marijuana and "FREE" that country ..they dont like other countries having it...but from my view i think a human should use marijuana as they like,so long the do not hurt people,killing etc....
And then the guys whos "farming" marijuana,if they are like farmers and are poor and so,i think they should sell the marijuana and get some money, i would be happy,if i had something that i grow and sell...
end..........

[Marxist in Nebraska]

I have known individuals who drink alcohol and other individuals (with some overlap) who smoke marijuana. I would rather see people using marijuana than alcohol. It seems to impair people quite a lot less.

I do not think criminalizing hard drugs and fighting a "war" against them works. I think I speak for everyone here when I say that I do not want to see a society full of crackheads, but the U.S.'s hardline stance has failed. Drug abuse must be decriminalized--that would allow addicts to get the help they need.

I think there are many human beings that can indulge in limited amounts of drugs to relax (or trip, or socialize, or whatever) who can keep their personal vices out of their public responsibilites. A sensible marijuana user will know better than to operate industrial machinery under the influence.

[Xvall]

I agree, cigs n alcohol are bad for you, but as i said before, isnt this enough for people? I mean today many people on this board want soft drugs legalising, but why, when you already have some poisons do you need more?

It isn't that I desire people to do more drugs. That is not what I am arguing for. I am arguing that it is unethical to jail people for half of their entire lifetime because they partake of certain drugs. I believe that this is a waste of time, money, and effort. On top of this, it costs up to three times more to keep a 'drug user' in jail than it does to get them some sort of therapy or reabilitation.

doesnt it worry you that long term people will want harder and harder drugs legalising?

No. I am assuming that in a socialist/communist society, we would simply not make such drugs in masse. I'm not suggesting that we start passing bills to create LSD laboratories and crack farms. I am also well aware that for just about any 'hard' drug you can think of, there is likely a legal drug or medicine that induces the same effects, sometimes with horrible side effects. LSD? Consume a bottle of cough syrup, and your experience will likely be very similar to that of LSD. The only diffirence that I can think of is that the Cough Syrup tastes awful, and damages your liver. I am under the impression that only people with a lot of initiative and free time would go through the effort to get these drugs. Salvia, for example, is often seen as a powerful drug. On top of this, it is perfectly legal. Yet no one seems to be 'hooked' on the stuff; I seldom see salvia junkies wondering around the streets, crashing their cars, or screwing up at work.

There is a diference between alcohol and say weed for example, i can go out, have 2 pints, and be no different to when i went out (i.e. not pissed)-the reason i have drank these hypothetical pints is to socialise and because i have enjoyed the taste. However when i go to my friends dindgy basement to do my joint, its very different in that i'm there soley to get intoxicated, i dont imagine many people do weed for the taste (certainly not for the smell&#33.

Not all people drink to 'socialize', and few people I know enjoy the wonderful 'taste' of vodka and tequila. Most alcohol users drink to get drunk. Most people drink for some type of chemical reaction from the alcohol. If people were drinking just for the sake of drinking, they would save their money and stick to water. Indeed, some people do drink for the social aspect, but the same can be said about marijuana. Most marijuana users take marijuana with their friends. The only reason it isn't seen 'socially' is because it is illegal. Yes, you smoke marijuana to get intoxicated; but you do the same with alcohol, cigarretes, sleeping medicine, Tylenol 3, morphine, etc.

The idea of legalising drugs in a socialist state is obsurd, how can a worker be expected to use heavy machinary say when he or she has just taken LSD? Could i drive a tank to defend against the imperialists after shooting up? Would you trust me not to slip with my finger on the trigger of my AK-47 when i'm marching behind you?

Naturally, there would be certain rules and guidelines to follow with these drugs, just as there are with the currently legal ones. People should not be allowed to operate machinery when on LSD, just as people now are not allowed to operate machinery while under the influence of alcohol. Most militaries have the common sense to dissallow the use of drugs while on duty; I assume the same would go on in such a society as well.

Just my opinion.

[RyeN]

Seriously El Marko?
Quote "I agree only an idiot would go to work on drugs..."

I take that a direct insult. I smoke Marijuana almost every moring before work. Then, you know what most times on my lunch hour i go home eat, and smoke some more. I, like most everyone else my age have been diagnosed with a form of ADD. The "doctors thought that it would be good to give me some ridalin." Do you thats speed? What? I dont want to use speed because it wasnt helping my problem, so i medicate with marijuana. It works amazingly, not only am i more efficient but my mind is open to different ways of thinking and interperting life. Therefor im an idiot?

Your stereotype is sick and offensive to me.

Go out and score some mescaline it will free your mind from the oppresive views that have corupted you since birth.

[UnionofSovietSocialistRepublics]

RyeN, I am sorry if you find what i say offensive, it shouldnt be, as apparently you are taking the drug as medication which i previously endorsed?Perhaps your vision is too blured to read it?
Why not do Ritalin? it is speed, however with your condition it acts as a sedative, due to lack of certain chemicals produced in the brain (i think :S)

Go out and score some mescaline it will free your mind from the oppresive views that have corupted you since birth.

Mescaline provokes pupil dialation, dizziness, vomiting, tachycardia, sensations of warm and cold, swatting, headaches. Some of the visions under the effect of mescaline can cause nightmares that can give birth to some psychosis to the consumers. .(ref:http://www.drugeducation.net/mescaline.htm)(<edit)
Shit your right, thats sounds fantastic.

[RyeN]

Drugs deffinatley effect people differently. If your responsible enough to use drugs and do an effective job thats good and you should be able to do that. If not use drugs while on your own time and go nuts as long as your not hurtung others.

Mescaline has also been used in medical studies to unlock new parts of the brain previously unused. The smartest of humans only use 14% of there brain capacity. Mescaline in controled test has been proven to unlock parts of the brain previosly unused. However Captolism and gouvernment have told you this is dangerous and not to be used. Imagine though how smart we culd be if we used 30% of our brains instead of 14% That still leaves 7% of the brain that can be fried on Marijuana and you would still be Incredibley more powerful than any other human.

Stop banning things and we will have a better perspective on our world and what is capable. We must leave all options avaliable in order to have the best range of choice as to which direction to go.

[pedro san pedro]

marco, it sounds like your own experience of these substances is rather limited, and your description of mescaline was rather other the mark. perhaps, before you knock it, you should try it first. you will see it is a blessing and not a curse.
it is obvious that there is a drug abuse problem. Keeping these substances illegal and covered in propaganda is not solving this problem. education, and the ability to have some controll is what is needed. not complete legalisation, but decrimilization. society needs to grow up and start to deal with its problems, rather than drive them underground.

i&#39;m interested that a lot of people feel that there will be no or only limited drug use in a socialist/communist society. most drug use has nothing to do with escapism, but is just a (nother) way of having fun/experencing reality differently. why should this decrease in a new world?

ryen,
where did you read about mescaline and the brain?

[Pete]

I am drunk, or was at 9pm. Its just after midnight now. I am also stoned. I will be until I go to bed. In this state I would like to admit I do these for intoxication purposes only, not because I enjoy the taste or smell or whatever, even though they are not that bad.

You can think that these things are bad, but if you have never tried them then how can you know? Basically I feel a lot less energitic right now than when I&#39;m drunk, I&#39;d never get in a fight and I would definitly not want to move faster than a walk (I hate driving normally). My point is that I forget what my point is.

-Pete

[Eastside Revolt]

Originally posted by SenoraChe@Sep 16 2003, 01:43 PM
Marijuana should be decriminalized. If legalized the government can have control over marijuana and i dont want to see that happen. But to be honest that is the only reason it is still illegal- because the government cannot control it. They cannot control who grows it, where its grown, and how much of it is grown.

I find marijuana being illegal completely ridiculous. Marijuana does not cause as much damage as alcohol and cigarettes. You cannot have a marijuana overdose. And la da la da....

Actually, if you completely legalize it then there is no way for the government to get control, because weed is just that, A WEED and it is extremely easy to grow yourself.

[BuyOurEverything]

QUOTE (SenoraChe @ Sep 16 2003, 01:43 PM)
Marijuana should be decriminalized. If legalized the government can have control over marijuana and i dont want to see that happen. But to be honest that is the only reason it is still illegal- because the government cannot control it. They cannot control who grows it, where its grown, and how much of it is grown.

I find marijuana being illegal completely ridiculous. Marijuana does not cause as much damage as alcohol and cigarettes. You cannot have a marijuana overdose. And la da la da....

Actually, if you completely legalize it then there is no way for the government to get control, because weed is just that, A WEED and it is extremely easy to grow yourself.

Exactly. Also, why would you care if the government got involved in marijuana anyways? They&#39;re already involved with alcohol and tobacco. Personally, I&#39;d rather have the government control it the the HAs.

[caliban]

It has been said that some of the best pot in the world is grown in British Columbia. The people(some, not all) that grow it in B.C. use it as a cash crop to take to the west coast of the US, and trade it for coke which sells for a lot more in Canada. The American government is PISSED at Canada for going soft on our drug laws, the bullshit about "reffer maddnes" and that we export our problem to the poor youth of the US. Let me get this straight. Pissed because we give you good pot and take (some) your coke. What&#39;s the problem, you should thanks us. Oh wait, "sniff, sniff", George W. is worried about HIS stash&#33; Focus on the ball George, FOCUS.
Brought to you by Caliban&#39;s sarcastic humor.

[UnionofSovietSocialistRepublics]

No one really has given a good argument for the use of drugs for pleasure, except for selfish reasons-i.e. i like that drug, so it should be legal. I can understand why the liberal capitalists among you would potentially support this, as it is an extra commodity, but can anyone who considers themselves socialtist give a good reason why weed n the such should be allowed?

[Pete]

Liberal capitalists? If I may use some irony.... El Marko what the hell are YOU on? You have ignored all non "selfish" arguements, so let me rehash them for you... *sighs and shakes his head*

The use of drugs is a personal discion, such as is the use of alcohol or tabacoo. Marijuana is medicinal. Not only that, but it does less damage (to the lungs, kidney) and has less of a detrimental effect on thinking and walking then does alcohol. Last night my can mates had a beautiful and fully intellectual arguement on the privatization of hospitals. They where able to speak with great clarity and ease. I.E. no slurring and drunken mumblings. No hang overs either. Or bad smelling breathe.

You are acting the part of the religious fundamentalist, but in the arena of "dangerous" substance. You come off (if you are not aiming for this, well you should know anyways) as if you think you are inherently better than us. Why? Because you seek more control of the personal life and exploitation of the masses through laws against a weed.

People are spending their lives in jail in America for having this plant, used for spiritual means in Native cultures in the way the greeks used wine (relatively similar), in their possession. Meanwhile alcohol is being sold in corner stores and people are dying in vicious car crashes&#33; Most of those in jail are poor, coloured Americans. I suggest you watch the film SLAM&#33; (it is fictional but based on too many true stories). You need the education.

Marijuana legizalation was brought into the United States to try and assimilate the recently conquered Mexicans in states such as New Mexico and Texas. It was a form of discrimination. It slowly evovled to the current laws by right wing governments with your "holier than thou" attitude. It is a war against the poor. They can&#39;t get any other jobs, so they turn to selling marijuana (it is also used for similar reasons as alcohol). Now they are rotting in federal prisons.

Actually the laws in the US started to weakening only when middle class white people started to be thrown in jails. They disintergrated in Canada because they are unenforcable. The use is so wide spread, and it is seen by the judges who abolished these laws (remember common law is supreme in every province but Quebec) that enforcing these laws is not only a waste of time and money (that could be used better in say schools or hospitals) but pointless considering the rate of alcoholism and how detrimental alcohol is to ones physical well being in comparsion to marijuana.

In America the laws only held (this is in the 70&#39;s I believe...see the documentary Grass for more info) because the right began saying that "behind every drug deal there is a communist." The propaganda worked.

It still does.

Look in the mirror.

[crazy comie]

hmm

[UnionofSovietSocialistRepublics]

firstly i must say i dont know why your all acting so touchy my paranoid friends, we are having a healthy debate, however many of you seem to take it very personally? I used to be for it all, and i didnt mind debating with people about it, as i dont now, hearing different views is good and an eye opener.

The use of drugs is a personal discion, such as is the use of alcohol or tabacoo. Marijuana is medicinal. Not only that, but it does less damage (to the lungs, kidney) and has less of a detrimental effect on thinking and walking then does alcohol.

Marijuana effects the thought process of the brain, by blocking some of the electrical signals produced,as does alcohol, however there are some very undesirable effects such as the fact that it (weed) contains carcinogenic chemicals when inhaled than cigarrettes
"A recent study by the British Lung Foundation found that just three cannabis joints a day cause the same damage as 20 cigarettes."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/hottopics/can...nabis/low.shtml
I also hear another effect is that in men Testosterone levels are lowered, and oestrogen levels are raised, and vice versa in women. Perhaps this is where the names weed (from the weedy guys produced from lack of muscle growth) and skunk (from those hairy ladies) comes from :P

[Xvall]

No one really has given a good argument for the use of drugs for pleasure, except for selfish reasons-i.e. i like that drug, so it should be legal.

Like I said earlier, I&#39;m not arging on the basis of pleasure. I&#39;m arguing on the basis of freedom. It is true, that most of these drugs aren&#39;t particularly useful, but that can be applied to a lot of things. Slinkies, as stupid as this sounds, could also be on grounds for banning.



Wow. What purpose does it have? None. Not much really. It&#39;s slightly less useful than marijuana. I say we ban it. After all, unless someone can think of a good argument that isn&#39;t based on their own personal pleasure, it should be excluded from a socialist state. It, like marijuana as you claim, is nothing but an extra commodity. Should we make it illegal?

[Jesus Christ]

unless absolutely proven to have any benefits, i believe that drugs such as marijuana should not be decriminalized
and if proven beneficial in a certain field, it should only be legal for that use

[BuyOurEverything]

[QUOTE]Did you even read Drake&#39;s post? You don&#39;t have to prove something&#39;s benifit to society in order to make it legal (at least you shouldn&#39;t.) You need to prove that it does significant harm to society and that any law banning it would in fact be benificial. The marijuana laws fails on both counts.

Marijuana effects the thought process of the brain, by blocking some of the electrical signals produced,as does alcohol, however there are some very undesirable effects such as the fact that it (weed) contains carcinogenic chemicals when inhaled than cigarrettes
"A recent study by the British Lung Foundation found that just three cannabis joints a day cause the same damage as 20 cigarettes."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/hottopi...abis/low.shtml

There have also been numerous studies proving the opposite. Any drug, including brain chemicals like seritonin and endorphins block certain electrical signals in your brain, that&#39;s how they work.

I also hear another effect is that in men Testosterone levels are lowered, and oestrogen levels are raised, and vice versa in women.

I also "hear" that marijuana causes homosexuality, satan worshipping, communism, interracial marraige and numerous others. Care to back that up? And lowering sperm count is a catchall argument against anything from cell phones and computers to Mountain Dew.

Marijuana legizalation was brought into the United States to try and assimilate the recently conquered Mexicans in states such as New Mexico and Texas. It was a form of discrimination. It slowly evovled to the current laws by right wing governments with your "holier than thou" attitude.

(I&#39;m assuming you mean illegalized) This is similar in Canada. Prohibition was introduced after a woman named Emily Murphy wrote the Black Candle which declared marijuana responsible for numerous things not the least of which was making white women want to have sex with balck men.

[UnionofSovietSocialistRepublics]

I also hear another effect is that in men Testosterone levels are lowered, and oestrogen levels are raised, and vice versa in women.

I also "hear" that marijuana causes homosexuality, satan worshipping, communism, interracial marraige and numerous others. Care to back that up? And lowering sperm count is a catchall argument against anything from cell phones and computers to Mountain Dew

"increases risk of chronic cough, bronchitis, and emphysema; increases risk of cancer of the head, neck, and lungs; decrease in testosterone levels and lower sperm counts for men; increase in testosterone levels for women and increased risk of infertility."
ref:http://www.streetdrugs.org/marijuana.htm

On the whole slinky argument, I doubt that many people have harmed themselves on them, and if they were dangerous to the people i&#39;m sure we wouldnt see them around much now, like the original 1970&#39;s clackers(not the plastic subsitutes you see today)



You feel that by legalising drugs fewer people will be less inclined to use them-and/or use them more responsibly? I think thats a pipe dream (<nice pun :P)

http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summar...,549843,00.html so socialist countries are liberal on drugs after all