The "War On Drugs" and marijuana decriminalization

[iscream22]

Hello everyone. I am in my mid 20s and as a teenager i experimented with various substances then and very rarely smoke pot these days. To me, I really think when used responsibly that marijuana is a very safe substance. I do it occassionally and any time I do it i use a vaporizer (which heats the cannabis to a high enough temperature it vaporizes it and you inhale it with no smoke and extremely low if any carcinogens.

I am sick of commercials from The National Office of Drug Control Policy that make commercials that make a casual marijuana smoker look like a serial rapist/murderer that is going to kill his/her family. THAT IS GARBAGE. Interestingly enough ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO COMPANIES finance The National Office Of Drug Control Policy which is headed by the "Drug Czar" John Walters who claims that the current system is working well and that overcrowded jails, harsh sentences, racial profiling, and government corruption are a urban myth. BS Has he ever heard of Iran Contra? *cough cough* . Marijuana is their number one focus. Why the hell arent they going after meth? Do they not know how destructive meth is to users and their families? Their is also a new epidemic which is really blooming on the East Coast and that is prescription painkillers like Oxycontin and Methadone being abused which is way more dangerous than pot and extremely addictive.

Personally I think that our drug war is stupid. If a person wants to smoke a doober that person is going to do it whether it is legal or not. I think that we are wasting too much money trying to stop pot smokers from smoking when the majority of smokers are nonviolent and dont commit other "crimes" besides smoking pot. It is proven when compared to pot that abuse of alcohol is far more dangerous physically and psychologically. And socially alcohol users are more dangerous (not to mention driving). Ask a police officer "Which would be harder to control ? 100 people getting blazed or 100 people getting drunk"? Even Ron Paul said that congress would never try to ban alcohol because they all drink it. Yet they would keep marijuana illegal because the majority of people in congress are well,,,,,, "squares".

Our country could RIDICULOUSLY benefit from treating marijuana with more respect. If we legalized it we would be spending less money on the war on drugs (about all $ goes to locking people up) and we would be taking in multiple billions every year because grass is cheap to grow and if they kept prices the same (its only expensive because its illegal). And the majority of that money should go to taxes to help the people and the economy. Also people would benefit from medical cannabis for SO many ailments (its also a good anti-convulsant).

Hemp could save our world. No shit. Hemp can be converted into ethanol (look up hemp car on youtube) which would decrease our spending in foreign nations when we can rely upon ourselves. Hemp is also good for clothing, rope, hygiene products ( I have hemp lip balm).

Hemp is also extremely useful for paper. One acre of hemp yields 4 times the amount of paper than regular lumber produces and we wouldnt have to chop trees down to do it. Hemp can also be used for other various things like home insulation ( I reccomend reading the hemp manifesto for other ideas and checking out hemp.org). Hemp seeds are extremely high in omega 3 fatty acids which are awesome for your brain and body.

All im trying to say is that its ridiculous that cannabis is still illegal and we will always lose the war on drugs because people have been taking various substances for intoxicating effects since the beginning of recorded history. Cannabis has even been mentioned in ancient chinese manuscripts.

If you want to help this cause please visit www.norml.org (The National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws) where you an make a donation.

I ALSO STRONGLY RECCOMEND THESE TWO DVDS (especially the first) "The American Drug War" and "AKA Tommy Chong".


Many blessings
Iscream22:clap::smoke::thumbup::help:

[DarkHippie]

On this board, you're preaching to the choir. But in a sense, pot is already decriminalized. I have never heard of anyone other than teenagers or dealers being arrested for pot. There are a few police on the board and i think they would back me up when i say that they have better things to do than arrest potheads. I smoke pot (when i can afford it). It helps with my nausea, as I have very bad stomach problems. I've never had problems with the police. I even have friends that are cops, although they wouldn't be caught dead in the room if someone has weed on them.

I'm all for proseccuting coke, heroin, meth, etc. Those drugs will kill you. the only thing that pot kills is time.

[KatPw]

Thank you, iscream22, for posting this. I have been active in the NORML movement for quite some time. I am a cannabis user (mostly use a vaporizer). Cannabis is by far the safest out of all the intoxicants, and certainly safer than tobacco. I'm glad you pointed out that the Alcohol and Tobacco industry are behind the propaganda, because many people do not realize this.

There are no recorded deaths related to cannabis use. It is non-addictive. It is not a gateway drug. Use of Cannabis has been shown to help aleviate symptoms relating to arthritis, glaucoma, MS, neuropathy, chemotherapy, PTSD, etc. Yet our scientists and doctors (in most states) cannot prescribe it for their patients to use. And those states that do allow it cannot stop the DEA from harassing people that are actually following the states law. It is madness.

I watched my father suffer through stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. The morphine and oxycontin combination the doctor's prescribed for his pain made him so constipated (opiates are not kind to the lower GI tract) that it caused him to have a major heart attack. He died a month later, in much pain. I have no doubt in my mind that my father would have been allowed to use cannabis to ease his pain he would have died peacefully, instead he suffered unimaginable pain for a month before passing.

Hemp should be legal, regardless if cannabis is prohibited or not. You cannot get high from hemp, even if you managed to smoke a field of it. It makes great cloth, yarn, it can be used to form plastics (instead of crude oil), it releases nutrients back into the soil (instead of raping it, like corn), it can be converted into an alternative fuel source, and hemp seeds are highly nutritious.

I do not wish to see all drugs become legal. I do believe anything that grows naturally, and does not need to be further "processed" in order to use should be legal: Cannabis, and the shamanistic drugs (Psycilocibin, aywaska, salvia divinorum, Kava, peyote).

I am tired of the arguments against cannabis legalization: cannabis users are lazy, they will cause more car accidents, etc. Are there lazy cannabis users? Yes, but I know plenty of lazy people that don't use any type of drug, so that excuse goes right out the window. And in terms of car accidents: stop assuming cannabis users will be like drunk drivers. Most people that drink would never think of driving drunk, why is it assumed cannabis users would drive high? I don't drive high, and I would never get high before or during work. That would be a disservice to my boss, coworkers, and clients.

Legalize it, tax it.

[KatPw]

. But in a sense, pot is already decriminalized. I have never heard of anyone other than teenagers or dealers being arrested for pot. .Just because we pretend it is "not really illegal", and you personally have not had a friend arrested, don't think it doesn't happen. I am very active on a few cannabis related boards, and I know quite a few people that have been arrested. These people are not dealers or teenagers. These people are hard working, keep to themselves kind of people. And it sucks. I know a woman in California who is a card carrying medical cannabis user, and she has had her children taken away from her because the DEA sees her as a criminal. She has been fighting to get her children back for months now. And her disease (MS) has been taking it's toll on her, since she cannot use cannabis if she wants to have a chance to get them back.
Not to mention these two disgusting stories recently:
http://www.theagitator.com/2008/08/10/puppycide-in-prince-georges-county/
http://www.alternet.org/module/printversion/93082

We have to stop pretending that the prohibition is not a big deal, and really do something about it. Write to your politicians, dispel the myths. Cannabis should have been made legal the minute baby boomers were able to hold elected positions. But it wasn't. They dropped the ball. Those of us that are informed must fight for this.

[A.J.]

Cannabis should have been made legal the minute baby boomers were able to hold elected positions. But it wasn't. They dropped the ball. Those of us that are informed must fight for this.

They probably forgot to do it because of all the pot they smoked in college.

[ahhdurr]

I saw recently an ad that said "Remember the joint you experimented with? It's (X amount - I forget) stronger today!"

(queue Brady Bunch Hawaiian taboo music)

Bullshit. If Schlossinger's Reefer Madness history of demonization of pot is accurate - the whole issue is ludicrous. I'm willing to say it's Luda-Cris to be honest with you. Or even lumacrips.

[KatPw]

I saw recently an ad that said "Remember the joint you experimented with? It's (X amount - I forget) stronger today!"

(queue Brady Bunch Hawaiian taboo music)

Bullshit. If Schlossinger's Reefer Madness history of demonization of pot is accurate - the whole issue is ludicrous. I'm willing to say it's Luda-Cris to be honest with you. Or even lumacrips.Have you seen Stoners in the Mist yet? It is both comical and utterly insulting at the same time.

http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/stoners/

[LaBoob]

I'm sick of those commercials too... they're like Reefer Madness for the 2000's. Any of those commercials they have showing kids doing stupid shit is stupid shit kids do perfectly sober, just being stupid. Booo!

[Furtherman]

They're as useless and the "Have you been drinking tonight?" commercials.

The guy's motorcycle helmet is full of beer! Cracks me up everytime.



*takes a sip of beer from his motorcycle helmet*

[KC2OSO]

They're as useless and the "Have you been drinking tonight?" commercials.

The guy's motorcycle helmet is full of beer! Cracks me up everytime.

*takes a sip of beer from his motorcycle helmet*

That dude in beer-tight the beer helmet swerves all over the road.
I want a helmet full of beer or a SMOKE HELMET!

[BinaryBimbo]

Just because we pretend it is "not really illegal", and you personally have not had a friend arrested, don't think it doesn't happen. I am very active on a few cannabis related boards, and I know quite a few people that have been arrested. These people are not dealers or teenagers. These people are hard working, keep to themselves kind of people. And it sucks. I know a woman in California who is a card carrying medical cannabis user, and she has had her children taken away from her because the DEA sees her as a criminal. She has been fighting to get her children back for months now. And her disease (MS) has been taking it's toll on her, since she cannot use cannabis if she wants to have a chance to get them back.
Not to mention these two disgusting stories recently:
http://www.theagitator.com/2008/08/10/puppycide-in-prince-georges-county/
http://www.alternet.org/module/printversion/93082

We have to stop pretending that the prohibition is not a big deal, and really do something about it. Write to your politicians, dispel the myths. Cannabis should have been made legal the minute baby boomers were able to hold elected positions. But it wasn't. They dropped the ball. Those of us that are informed must fight for this.

Amen. A year and a half back my home was raided for growing when we needed an ambulance, and called 911. We decided we could not wait for the EMS, and went to hospital ourselves. Roomie came home to raid and went to jail for a few hours.

It seems they were doing a "welfare check" to make sure we were okay; so when no one answered their knock, they walked in the unlocked door, and saw some bagged weed. I always respected Cops and have known a few personally over the years; now I can't possibly ever call them again no matter the situation.

These "Narc" squads are not like regular cops; they are animals who think they are the jury. They went far beyond searching, and did shit like bust spaghetti sauce jars in kitchen, destroyed XMas presents; they even trashed my computer, a screen door, a $5K slot machine; then they left two doors wide open instead of securing the home.

My neighbors don't smoke; but all of them were shocked at the destruction, and all of them changed their mind about the war on drugs almost the moment they saw the mess. Several of them went down to the police station to get my roomie out, and told the cops we are good guys.

I almost died that day from an emphasema attack; but when I got home I took pictures, called up the desk seargent, and told them my property has been the scene of several bad accidents and if I don't call no one knows they are wrecked in the back 40. Then I told them I would never help them again because I can't be sure if I call for help what I will get from them.

My resolve has not lessened even though the case is settled and no one is in jail. All those cops, (like those who explained to me afterwards that the Narc squads are mostly bad cops), could not reassure me; so the next time some lady slides off that highway into my property she had better hope a neighbor notices because I am not going to take that chance again. The moral of the story is that bad cops do a lot more damage than is readily apparent, and good cops should not let them destroy community goodwill.

Michigan has Medical Marijuana on the ballot this year, and two thirds support it; so come January I can get a new vaporizer, and grow legal. Like me and my Doctor have discussed - it's Tramadol, (a narcotic), or pot through a vaporizer; common f'ing sense says if a person needs a daily pain killer pot is a better choice if it works for them.

This is one of the reasons I support the Dem ticket this year; they are far more sensible overall on drug policy than Republicans because their constituancy is more receptive to decriminalization of pot.

[KatPw]

BinaryBimbo, I am so sorry for what you have had to go through. What they did to you is utterly disgusting. I'm voting Dem this year also. I just worry about Biden, wasn't he responsible for creating the the office of Drug Czar? Hopefully he won't have influence in this matter (if he still opposes legalization).

[Zorro]

This is one of the reasons I support the Dem ticket this year; they are far more sensible overall on drug policy than Republicans because their constituancy is more receptive to decriminalization of pot.

It ain't gonna happen...what congressman wants to run against "he's a drug supporter" ad

[BinaryBimbo]

It ain't gonna happen...what congressman wants to run against "he's a drug supporter" ad

Obama has smoked it often in his youth, and it is not a secret; I think he will let it be known to his people that decriminalization is proper.

Kinda like Bill Clinton couldn't tell us all he was going to confront the military on Gays, and then passionately fought that fight - I think a President Obama has many surprises for US.

I don't expect legalization per se; but he will get that ball rolling I think.

[KatPw]

It ain't gonna happen...what congressman wants to run against "he's a drug supporter" ad

I wish the congressmen/women would grow a set of balls, and face those types of adds straight on, and show those ads for the nonsense that they are.
I think I am going to start referring to anyone that drinks alcohol as an alcoholic, maybe I can start a trend.

[Caseyelan]

I just saw the title of this thread and knew KatPW would be here.
:)

[KatPw]

I just saw the title of this thread and knew KatPW would be here.
:)

You know me too well :wub:

[LaBoob]

I think I am going to start referring to anyone that drinks alcohol as an alcoholic, maybe I can start a trend.

:thumbup: Great idea! Someone like my mother who drinks like a complete lush would never dream of referring to herself as an alcoholic, but is quick to refer to pot smokers as drug addicts or abusers. She represents SOO many people who think this way.

[KatPw]

:thumbup: Great idea! Someone like my mother who drinks like a complete lush would never dream of referring to herself as an alcoholic, but is quick to refer to pot smokers as drug addicts or abusers. She represents SOO many people who think this way.

I know many people like that. Most of my hubby's family drink like fishes and don't see this as a problem. Yet we are the potheads. I'm totally going to do this. Even if it just makes people think, it will be worth it.

[Jughead]

They're as useless and the "Have you been drinking tonight?" commercials.

The guy's motorcycle helmet is full of beer! Cracks me up everytime.



*takes a sip of beer from his motorcycle helmet*

I Laugh at them also...The olives floating out of the dudes window is my favorite...Oh and I agree totally with the subject matter in this thread..I do have a nice herb garden.....:innocent: