California Marijuana Regulation Act of 2010

[Treblaine]

I also support the legalization of all drugs on the basis that it should be a person's choice whether or not they want to use certain substances and not the states.

LOL at your insinuation that a typical meth addict "chooses" to suck HIV-infested dick just to get one more hit.

You are talking a lot of ignorance if you thing highly addictive and highly poisonous drugs like Crystal Meth, Crack Cocaine or Heroin should not have their availability restricted. Those are NOT drugs you can learn from mistakes and find your own way with. By the time you realise you've gone too far it really is almost impossible to go back.

I'm meh on cannabis, LSD or MDMA which aren't that addictive, deadly nor even that pleasurable (they just make you feel weird, I don't see the point) though if legalised they SHOULD be taxed like fuck, like 150% taxation rate just to piss off the hippies who have been yelling "LEGALISE IT!!" for the past 50 years... now they have to pay extortionate taxes - IRONY TROLL!

But till then I support the LAW and I recommend everyone else to consider the ethics of putting their personal morals and desires over society's rules!

 

[Canadian Briton]

Probably wont get passed. On the topic of marijuana legalization I cant say much, since have an almost utter revulsion of illegal drugs (im not telling you to stop I just saying thats how I feel) because my mind's been warped by mindless anti drug sentiments. So I have a huge bias.

 

[Jakeli]

Who the fuck cares?!?!? Let people mess with their bodies. Let them smoke dope, Let them kill brain cells and grow a higher risk of lung disease. IT'S THEIR BODIES!!!!!!!!

Governments as a whole need to just stop trying to regulate consumption past the phrase, "smoke in designated areas." Past that rule they're being a bunch of tossers.

Having said the I personally do not smoke weed. (though I am an avid drinker.)

 

[Woodsey]

Personally, I'd vote yes on Prop 19. Marijuana has done no harm to me or anyone else I know

It can make you grow real man titties though, which is a bummer. Anyway, I think it should be legalised. In fact, I think most drugs should be legalised.

 

[Treblaine]

While I do see benefits of such a thing I still see moral and personal issues with people smoking and drinking. I just do not see why people would do such a thing to begin with. Are their lives so sad that the only way they can have "fun" or get over something sad is by using any sort of smoke-able substance? I just do not see why...

It's a persons choice as to what they do with their body and not yours nor anybody else's. It's insane that drugs are illegal in the first place and even more insane that all drugs weren't legal from the first place.

(strangely enough many drugs USED TO BE legal and even commercial, remember "Heroin" was coined as a brand name like "Coca Cola". You could buy it in Woolworths or Fortnum Masons pre-WW1 before the harm was realised. Radium condoms used to be legal at this time too)

It's not illegal to BE a drug addict.

The law has consistently targeted DEALERS most, laws against possession for personal use are usually far more rehabilitative (jail time or rehab) or because it is so hard to draw the line between the end user (where the chain of harm ends) and those who distribute dangerous drugs even further.

Yeah, not all drugs are that bad, but many of them are fucking diabolical.

I wouldn't worry about weed being illegal so much as Crack/Meth being LEGAL! Anyone who sells those chemicals for casual consumption is a callous exploitative bastard, even if it were inexplicably legal.

 

[TPiddy]

Well, for one, don't believe the people on here who try to tell you that it's in any way HEALTHY..... it's not. It's quite unhealthy. Taking in any kind of smoke into your lungs is unhealthy. However, doesn't mean I'm against it.

The non-smoking uses of Marijuana are excellent, And if we allow tobacco, I don't see why we can't allow Marijuana. I would just slap the same rules that both cigarettes and alcohol have... no driving while stoned, no selling to minors, etc.

I suppose part of the fear is that we'd completely become a drug culture, but that's just not true. Look at how many people can be responsible, social drinkers and manage themselves.

 

[Ashendarei]

I hope that this initiative passes. It's long overdue, and the tax revenue along with the MILLIONS of dollars spent on prison costs for non-violent criminals will be a welcome return of taxpayer dollars (which can go towards more important things, like helping upturn the economy again, or our schools).

 

[Dr Snakeman]

I seem to have an awfully 'Turian' view on drugs and their users.

You made my day, right there. I think that that is how I look at it, too. Weed is very unlikely to ruin any lives or careers, so why shouldn't it be legalized?

 

[VicunaBlue]

While I do see benefits of such a thing I still see moral and personal issues with people smoking and drinking. I just do not see why people would do such a thing to begin with. Are their lives so sad that the only way they can have "fun" or get over something sad is by using any sort of smoke-able substance? I just do not see why...

So you assume that because someone smokes pot, it is the only way the can have fun? While untrue, that idea can be applied to many things. like:

I have moral issues with people playing these "video games". Are their real lives so sad that they can't even have fun without being in a different reality? I just do not see why...

On Topic: This probably isn't going to get passed, but the primary argument against it is flawed. Selling it in legitimate stores will make it much harder for kids to get it.

The current people who sell it are already doing something illegal, and don't really care who's buying as long as they got the money. Which is another thing: Saying kids are gonna do pot anyways, the most dangerous part is probably dealing with the shady people who sell it.

I assume that if its legalized, kids will get it in the normal way they get liquor , asking their older brother to get it, or standing outside a SVC asking random people to buy it, which might land them in minor legal trouble, is still somewhat safer than meeting someone named Lester outside a kfc at 3 AM.

 

[Vrach]

"Ya maaan, you've gotta legalize it!
We're talking about robosexual marriage...
We're talking about a lot of stuff!"

Thumbs up from me. Few reasons:
1) Marijuana is less dangerous than smoking/alcohol
2) Most of the risk with pot is that since it's illegal, you can get a lot of shit on it, which is far more dangerous and life threatening than marijuana itself.
3) Considering 1, it should be a person's choice.

Frankly, illegal is far more dangerous than legalizing it, mainly for reason 2 as that's what's actually potentially lethal in marijuana.

Also the main vote against marijuana is that it's a "gateway drug", leading to other substances. If you actually know a little psychology and sociology, you'll know that's simply not correct and that what really 'gateways' to other drugs is the fact that since you're buying illegal drugs, you might end up in the same social circle or at a dealer who might encourage you to try something harder.

Eliminate the illegality of marijuana and you'll eliminate a lot of exposure to harder drugs to people that are interested in marijuana only. So even in the 'drugs are bad, mkay?' way, it's thumbs all the way up

 

[AugustFall]

Fix. Your. Grammar.

Also, alcohol sales generate tons of revenue for the government through taxes. Same reason cigarettes are still legal.

When. Bashing. Someone. Else's. Grammar. Proof. Read. Your. Sentence.

OT: Good, finally, hopefully Seattle will be next. Marijuana is as most people have pointed out much less harmful than many substances currently legal, many studies have been done to prove this. No victim, not illegal. Also tax revenue and such, and it would mean people just looking for weed wouldn't have to deal with shady dealers and could know for sure they are getting good stuff.

 

[AndyFromMonday]

While I do see benefits of such a thing I still see moral and personal issues with people smoking and drinking. I just do not see why people would do such a thing to begin with. Are their lives so sad that the only way they can have "fun" or get over something sad is by using any sort of smoke-able substance? I just do not see why...

It's a persons choice as to what they do with their body and not yours nor anybody else's. It's insane that drugs are illegal in the first place and even more insane that all drugs weren't legal from the first place.

How, exactly? I can see the arguments for legalizing marijuana, even if I disagree, but cocaine? Heroin? Bullshit. Firstly, it's their choice, but make it legal and a lot of naive people are going to end up doing hard drugs and ruining their lives. Secondly, it isn't an issue that only affects the user. What about crime? Not just committing crime to afford the drugs, which would be lesser if it were legal (but most likely still an issue), but people who get high and go out and murder someone? Have you thought about the wider consequences for the country and society of rotting the minds of a decent chunk of the populaton?

You mean just like a lot of naive people are ending up doing heroin and cocaine because the government didn't take the time to actually educate those people about the dosage and correct ingestion of the substance? It's a lot better if the shit is legal since people who want to do hard drugs can have the proper education beforehand like for e.g. the dosage and if it's safe to drive or not etc, shit like that.

Also, people who "get high" and murder someone? Do you think before you post? Have you ever gotten high off any drug? Hell, is there even a recorded crime of someone killing a person due to drugs and not due to wanting money for the drugs? Again, addictions will be in the light since the only way to fuel that addiction is by accessing a specialized store. This way, it is easier to identify and help those individuals rather than leave them to making shady deals and never actually getting any help.

snip

Have you read my entire post or just decided to talk out of your ass some more? It's BETTER if specialized stores sell drugs. One of the advantages is BEING ABLE TO RECOGNIZE ADDICTS AND HELP THEM.

The rest of your post was just moronic and not worth a reply.

 

[ghostalker.cepo]

snip

First you tell me that I should "Die in a fire", then you are saying that the things I believe in are only because of what the government tells me? I cannot take your post seriously at all!

Ok, rather harsh words in all, however I stated that "if you get morally superior on me because you don't enjoy it or have never tried it, please go die in a fire". I didn't say go jump in one if you don't do it or don't like it, or find it questionable, only if you get morally superior. Taking that out of context, I look like a dick.

The argument of these moralities being imposed on you by the government should have been any authority figures in your life; church, state (including education) or family, because that is generally where our morality comes from. If it is none of the above, then tell me, where does your moral stance come from? Have you made your own moral choice or has it been imposed? Have you ever taken drugs or gotten drunk?

Because honestly, there has been a lot of moral superiority on these forums regarding drinking, smoking and drug taking, and a lot of you spout the same tired mantras from fearmongering authority figures, your decisions based on either what you've been taught, or trying it once and having a bad time, or seeing your friends when they're fucked up. At least, that's what I've noticed.

Enlighten me Captain

 

[Dags90]

I'm for the decriminalization of marijuana, the amount of people in prison in the U.S. is disgusting. Numerous studies have suggested that prison rehabilitation for minor drug users is insignificant, absent, and some go as far as to suggest that they're more likely to commit violent crime after their release. I don't see it passing though.

 

[Emperor Platypus]

they are freaking out about pot?
what the?
the Netherlands is a society with has legalized pot and there society has no collapsed although they have legalized prostitution as well.
if you put something out of a child's grasp and say don't touch it then they will want to get it. if you don't make it a big deal then they won't care. they will not find it trilling and they won't think it is such an awesome thing to do.

Now I am from NL and as far as I know it ISN'T legalised. There's loophole in the law and the gov hasn't got the balls to change it because they're afraid for the response either (in the case of a ban) from the population/drug tourists. Or (in case of a green light) they're afraid for the shouting they'll get from the rest of the world.

Also, we do have drug related trouble so stop using us as an example why drugs should be legalised. Or at least look at our system more criticaly and learn from our mistakes. Simply saying ow they haven't all died yet so let's legalise it is never a good idea.
The possible suden surge in drug use because: "it's legal now" attitudes could be quite dangerous.

As for the rest of your argument. You're right.
I never felt the urge to do drugs and aren't planning on doing so either.
However like any other 'cool' thing, whether someone starts doing it also depends largely on peer presure.

I seem to have an awfully 'Turian' view on drugs and their users.

You made my day, right there. I think that that is how I look at it, too. Weed is very unlikely to ruin any lives or careers, so why shouldn't it be legalized?

I loved that little note they put in mass effect. It's only after a couple of seconds of thinking that I figured it was a really mature way to deal with the issue, so I adopted it as my own.
However can everyone be trusted to deal with that resposability. Not sure if everybody can. Then again who am I to decide that for someone else?
It really isn't a clearcut decision at all.

 

[Player 2]

Good, it makes no sense for it to be illegal. If California goes ahead and does this then maybe the rest of the world will follow suit. Bravo.

Are you forgetting about Amsterdam? Where it's been legal for years?

Not totally legal.

Spoiler: The Dutch laws on hash, with Jules and Verne. (and additional information on what they call a quarter pounder in France)

Some of this might be wrong, the film's quite old

 

[ghostalker.cepo]

Snip

I do not listen to my teachers, nor to my own family, I have never been to church and I have a hard time believing that their even is a god. Yes I have used drugs and gotten drunk on more than one occasion. I then grew up and realized that I was acting like a fool. I realized that drugs and alcohol do not help anything and in reality just cause more fucking problems. I learned everything by doing it. I did not have any sort of ideas imposed on me.

No government has frightened me into doing something, no church tries to scare me into believing something. No one other than me has told me what to fucking believe. That is the point I am trying to make. You make me sound like some sort of fucking clone that the government has created. I am not. I believe in what I have experienced and what I have done. And in my mind, everything involving drugs and alcohol that I have done in the past was fucking idiotic and childish. Simple as that.

Now this is interesting... Most people *are* clones with regards to their attitudes and for the assumption, I'm sorry. What I now find surprising is that you've grown out of it all at the grand old age of 16 (if I am to believe your profile). YOU'RE 16! Of course the stuff you did was childish, you were kids! Thinking back to the shit I did when we were 15 and drinking was utterly stupid, and we thought we were being so cool. Drinking as a young teen and drinking as an adult are very different experiences, so are you really telling me that based on some fucked up childish drunken antics you've become a tea totaller who finds that behaviour morally objectionable? You will never engage in any of it again? Never have a drink in a bar or at a party, or have a toke of a spliff if it's going round?

What made you grow out of it exactly? Because now I'm really curious

 

[gristledemon]

Being from California, and being from the Bay, I can say freely that whether or not this passes means hardly anything. The sheer amount being passed from person to person on a social basis makes the law obsolete in most circumstances.

Legalize it, don't. Don't really matter. There'll be more districts who vote it down then vote it up. Most CA'ians don't realize that there is a huge Republican Base outside of LA, SD, and SF.

very true
i would still like to see it pass.
given the economic horrorshow out here any extra tax revenue would be a good thing.

While I do see benefits of such a thing I still see moral and personal issues with people smoking and drinking. I just do not see why people would do such a thing to begin with. Are their lives so sad that the only way they can have "fun" or get over something sad is by using any sort of smoke-able substance? I just do not see why...

It's a persons choice as to what they do with their body and not yours nor anybody else's. It's insane that drugs are illegal in the first place and even more insane that all drugs weren't legal from the first place.

Insane? Why is it insane? Somehow I feel you are either A.) A long time drug user or B.) A drug dealer. Not only that, but will some of these drugs will KILL you. I can see why some things like Marijuana and Tabacco are not illegal since they are not THAT bad (I still see personal issues with such a thing), however you are trying to say that ALL drugs should be legalized? That is fucking stupid and you know it.

Your argument is that people should not be given the option to take actions which will lead to their own destruction. However, should it not be a person's right to do with their body as they like? Whether for ill or good, if a person's activity has no effect beyond his own person, interfering is, frankly, none of anybody else's business.

Further, as you appear to be supporting qualified prohibition for the purpose of harm reduction, you neglect the fact that in areas where even the worst drugs are tolerated you'll find facilities such as needle exchange clinics, which help reduce the spread of diseases caused by dirty needles, and can check for unwanted harmful chemicals used to cut the drug. Instead of sticking to the shadows, or being thrust into jails or given punitive fines to heighten the despair and desparation of the problematic drug users, the drug users will be allowed to exist in the open where it is easier to seek treatment, regulate supply, and otherwise save lives.

Your argument, sir, is killing people by the thousands. Looking at the indirect harm of drug use now, there exist states where drug gangs have become the de facto government, such as in Columbia. This is facilitated by the illegal drug economy - drug dealers don't particularly care about the suffering caused by the manufacture of their product, and cannot be regulated into doing so, as they exist only in the shadows. Made legal, these drugs can then be cultivated with oversight by licensed companies. As these drugs will be of a higher quality and purity, as well as being a legal choice, possibly even cheaper, this will drive the illegal drugs trade out of business. I'm not saying it'll free the afflicted countries from the yoke of the drug cartels, but it will at least heavily damage the gangs' profits and weaken them. Who knows how many lives will be saved in this regard alone?

So no, sir, it's not "fucking stupid" at all. It may be, in fact, the only sensible option. I welcome any counter-argument.

Well Said sir!