Marijuana Legalized in Two States

[AngleWyrm]

I have always took a strong stand against prohibition, and am surprised to see my brothers to the south making such progress.

What do my fellow Escapians think of the matter?
Is this a sign of greener pastures?

The federal Drug Enforcement Agency is jealously guarding their jobs, and it's still a federal crime to posses weed in any quantity. It will be some time before we can disassemble that institution.

Perhaps a series of budget cut backs in Drug Enforcement over the years will assist in it's decommission. You know, start with a hiring freeze, then work from there.

 

[Ryotknife]

I know here in Canada it is still very much so illegal but I have never gotten the impression anybody really cares.

I can confirm that. I've toked out in Montreal twice before and I never got harassed. Pushers and producers have to be careful, but the average consumer who smokes something that's barely thicker than a toothpick won't be bothered.

Not that I'd go around pretending I'm Jamaican, with a gigantic chair bar of the stuff wedged between my teeth... I'm pretty sure I'd push my luck if I did that. XD

Thats pretty much how it is in the states. Yea, you get the occassional cop who throws the book at you because he is a jerk, but that is nothing unique to pot. My father got a ticket for going 36 in a 35 mph zone.

no joke.

speaking of Montreal, been there once for the night life. On the night club strip (St.Catherine street?) we got approached quite a few times by dealers.

Also the first time I saw a Bentley was in Montreal, on an unrelated note.

 

[Ledan]

I smoke every day, and my biggest problem is getting decent stuff. Smoking a joint is as normal for me, as having a cup of coffee, in fact, I wouldn't have a cup of coffee at home without a joint. Most people would label me a pothead, but I've only really been properly stoned a couple of times this year, it relaxes me, that's why I smoke it... being stoned out of your mind is actually pretty unpleasant IMO - I like the middle ground, when you hear sounds differently, surround sound systems freak you out, you get the munchies and waffles turn into the most awesome invention ever. Being so stoned that you don't want to have any more is not fun. I have been smoking for... about 20 years, and have never felt the need to take anything stronger.

Incidently I'm a programmer, have never been out of work, I write computer games while stoned - in fact I really enjoy that because it can take away the tedium. My brother smokes as much as I do, he likes to play racing games while stoned... it kinda shifts your perspective, when you can forget all the usual shit and just do something, spend your whole brain on 1 task and do it well - weed provides that clarity of thought. It's not like your worries disappear or anything like that, it's more like weed makes your brain prioritise between what you want to do, and what you think you should do... Like I should really go home after work and do the dishes, put a washing on, cook my dinner, tidy up, do some work, and be in bed before 10. I won't - I'll go home have some weed, play Borderlands2 with my friends, phone for a pizza, and re-fricken-lax. The way I see it, if you get up and go work all day, the rest of the night should be about what you want to do, and sometimes it sickens me to see people run around like a headless chicken after work... chill the fuck out! Smoking a joint or 2 is the best remedy for the bullshit we put ourselves through every day.

This. So much this.
Anyone who doesn't want to smoke, or has no interest in smoking: do you want to jail people for just smoking? No one is hurt, or victimized. No crime is committed. So even if this won't affect you personally, vote for legalization because it is a violation of the liberty we have already said is ours to have. If we don't hurt anyone with our activity, and it is reasonably safe, then don't put people in jail for it.
Personally I don't intend to break the law, but the day I live somewhere where weed is legalized I will definitively try it out. Maybe I won't like it, but I would like the goddamn liberty to try.

 

[IamLEAM1983]

Speaking of Montreal, been there once for the night life. On the night club strip (St.Catherine street?) we got approached quite a few times by dealers.

Also the first time I saw a Bentley was in Montreal, on an unrelated note.

Yeah, Montreal has a few problems. Although things are changing, the city used to largely belong to the local mafia don, the rival biker gangs, with your occasional little spurt of violence from the Crips and the Bloods. I'll bet you a dollar that that Bentley of yours had a corporate license plate - one that starts with FT - seeing as it's one of those cars very few people can actually afford to have imported.

As for the club scene, that depends. Sainte Catherine is the easiest and most widely known strip if you don't mind people speaking French, but Crescent has a few good dives for people who'd rather stick to Shakespeare's idiom. I'd recommend Saint Denis for the bars, especially Les Trois Brasseurs. They brew their own micro selection, and it's usually awesome all around.

 

[JoesshittyOs]

nothing to say it's harmful or has any long lasting effects on post-pubescent adults.

You hate the culture? Nobody likes hippies. They smell bad. But just because I have something in common with a hippy doesn't mean I subscribe to their foul smelling culture. It means I enjoy mellowing out in my own privacy. I'll never effect you at all.

I like hippies.
I don't get where all this hippie hate comes from...

Between you and me, I have nothing against hippies either. I think when it comes down to it, hippies are actually pretty cool.

Just trying to make a point.

 

[fenrizz]

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1283927--marijuana-legalized-in-colorado-washington

So I read the article this morning, and now I can't stop smiling.
I have always took a strong stand against prohibition, and am surprised to see my brothers to the south making such progress.

As a Canadian, I long believed that The States stance on drugs would forever have its influence on many other countries. Hopefully, this is a sign of greater freedoms to come.

What do my fellow Escapians think of the matter?
Is this a sign of greener pastures?

Ah fuck. Now I will have to deal with even more dumbass potheads.

I hope to god more states do not do this shit.

*Hopes to not be quoted by Angry Potheads*

EDIT: Please read this before you quote my angry post above.

Spoiler

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1283927--marijuana-legalized-in-colorado-washington

So I read the article this morning, and now I can't stop smiling.
I have always took a strong stand against prohibition, and am surprised to see my brothers to the south making such progress.

As a Canadian, I long believed that The States stance on drugs would forever have its influence on many other countries. Hopefully, this is a sign of greater freedoms to come.

What do my fellow Escapians think of the matter?
Is this a sign of greener pastures?

Ah fuck. Now I will have to deal with even more dumbass potheads.

I hope to god more states do not do this shit.

*Hopes to not be quoted by Angry Potheads*

I gotta ask and i aint angry just curious, everyone's entitled to their opinion but how have "potheads" offended you so much?

It's cool if you don't want to explain why

Oh no, sorry. Was a bit pissed in Comp 101 class when I wrote that. This guy behind me kept kicking my chair repeatedly.

I don't care much for those who smoke (I just call them Potheads for short-hand speak), as all the ones I have spoken with are all doing that, "Man... I... I am so high right now. Man, what you said... what you said is just so deep, man." It is more annoying than anything else. Also, this isn't just one or two that have said this. I have met around 15 potheads and THEY ALL TALK LIKE THAT. IT IS SO ANNOYING.

Also, I don't care if you do drugs, just don't promote it. That is the MAJOR thing that annoys me. I feel like this will just promote the children who didn't smoke to try it as "well it isn't illegal anymore!". Then I will have to deal with even more Hippy speaking children T-T

Yea, fuck freedom. In fact while your at it, just make those gay pride parades and nazi events illegal too they're annoying. In fact, just let the government decide whats best for everything we do, having to think and do shit on my own is just annoying

Yes, because despising illegal substances is totally the same as promoting Facism and stopping Homosexual Events, right? Right? OH yes, of course! It all makes so much sense now!

OT: I have gotten quite a few quotes by the very people I specifically told to not quote me. And they are angry. Great.

No you're free to despise illegal substances, even though your views on them are thoroughly misinformed. Fascist is the wrong word. You are being authoritarian when you say that I am not free to do what I want with my own body. I hate nazis, but I observe their right to free speech. Fat people clogging up the aisles at walmart piss me off, but Im not going to advocate a ban on mcdonalds. Abortion makes me sick but I observe the right of the woman to have one.

You may not like the idea of people smoking pot, but you should be even more against the idea of some government bureaucrat dictating what you can and cant do with your own fucking body. This isnt rocket science

As long as the Government's Views are the same as mine, I don't really care.

Yes, I said it. I. Don't. Fucking. Care.

I think some 1930's German folks may agree with that.

The only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

 

[godofallu]

Honestly I don't like potheads and I don't want the amount of potheads to increase. So I am against legalization.

 

[kuolonen]

snip

Yes, because despising illegal substances is totally the same as promoting Facism and stopping Homosexual Events, right? Right? OH yes, of course! It all makes so much sense now!

OT: I have gotten quite a few quotes by the very people I specifically told to not quote me. And they are angry. Great.

I think you have misunderstood something very basic about human nature. If I were to go to forum where there are many people of African descent present and put out a post saying "Fuck I hate them n*****s, ya all angry n*****s don't be replying to this comment now" what do you think would happen?

OT: Drug harms in the UK: a multicriteria decision analysis is good article to start with if you want to know what is the most harmful drug.

Spoiler

It is alcohol. A year does not go by in my country without some fella shooting his wife and kids under it's influence. Add to that all the deaths by drunk drivers, brawls and the problems with alcoholics in general. While I don't think getting high is the choice to deal with problems, I'd rather give these people the chance be docile rather than violent. Prohibition NEVER works.

 

[GTwander]

Honestly I don't like potheads and I don't want the amount of potheads to increase. So I am against legalization.

I don't get where people yank the idea that legalization increases use from.
Usage is at a point you would likely consider "pandemic" and it's been illegal longer than I've been alive. The smallest percentage of people that haven't tried it are either extremely hardheaded *cough cough* or way too afraid of being prosecuted for it (like if it was cocaine or something, ha!). Everyone else has had experience with it already, and made up their minds.

Seriously, if making something illegal actually WORKED the way you think it does, then alcohol prohibition wouldn't have been one of our more famous "oops" stories.

*Texas will never make it legal, though... because Texas will always be Texas*
(so move to Texas)

 

[Shilefin]

Well, this is certainly good news. Maybe other states and countries that haven't leaglized marihuana will finally, slowly start taking action towards the decriminalization of it. Cannabis is such a harmless plant, and could be used in such a great amount of ways(more ecological paper, for example) that I can barely scramble up an argument against the legalization of it.

On another note, I don't know why everyone hates potheads so much. They seem hilarious to me, maybe it's beacuse I've never really met any. Well, I can only speculate that their behaviour gets more annoying if they spend more time around you.

 

[GTwander]

On another note, I don't know why everyone hates potheads so much. They seem hilarious to me, maybe it's beacuse I've never really met any. Well, I can only speculate that their behaviour gets more annoying if they spend more time around you.

Funny you should say that.
Most people that don't like potheads never met one before either. That, or they hated the Cheech and Chong movies, Pineapple Express, Harold and Kumar or those segments in That 70's Show where they sit around a camera on a lazy-susan and crack jokes.

~Or, maybe these people saw a guy with dreadlocks from afar once, and thought he was a dick for wearing them.

In cases where they actually have met some, and have legit reasons to dislike them, it usually has less to do with them being stoners, and everything to do with them being shithead teenagers.

 

[azukar]

It's not legal here in Australia as far as I know, but good on those two American states for legalising it.

My prediction about what the effects of this change will be:

1. There will be a brief flare-up of activity as the novelty value kicks in. Some people will come from other states just for the thrill. Possibly, due to the higher concentration of people and drugs, something bad will happen to one or two of them, but mostly due to the individual's own stupidity.

2. The novelty value will wear off.

3. Life will be as it was before. Those inclined to use weed will do so; those who don't like drugs won't use it.

 

[kuolonen]

Snip

Also: How is disliking, or despising, the use of an ILLEGAL drug that I personally don't care for, the same as Racism? It isn't.

Right, see there I guess it is my mistake not being clear. The point of my post was not to compare your views to racism. (Although I do find it funny how you people associate racism with use of n-word.)

you said

OT: I have gotten quite a few quotes by the very people I specifically told to not quote me. And they are angry. Great.

To which I replied

I think you have misunderstood something very basic about human nature. If I were to go to forum where there are many people of African descent present and put out a post saying "Fuck I hate them n*****s, ya all angry n*****s don't be replying to this comment now" what do you think would happen?

In the above hypothetical situation, assuming I would make it known I am of white descent, they would assume I am using that word in a offensive manner and many people which I specified not to reply to my comment will reply to my comment.

You used in you OP a term that some people will get offended by, which will lead to them quoting you with angry replies. If you've been in the escapist for more than a month you know people here hold liberal views and some are bound to smoke pot. Use a term they feel is derogatory (and believe me there are always people who get offended) you have no more right to complain than a man who is having a massive hangover after drinking himself stupid day before.

I do hope this was clear enough.

PS: I have never smoked pot.

 

[hooblabla6262]

To all those who hate on the hippies/drugs.
To those who follow all laws, even the ones they disagree with.
I ask that you take a moment to hear me out.

Yes, I am a hippie. Yes, I do drugs.
I am in no way a bad person. My religious friends often describe me as a modern day Jesus. I'm all about the love, kindness and generosity. Before drugs, I was an asshole who thought he knew everything. Funny how some things can so profoundly change you.
And yet, even with all the drug use, I still have a decent paying full-time manager job, I sell homemade bongs, I have good friends, and a cute girl at my side. I'm happy

I'm not saying that all drugs users will be like me, in fact I know most aren't. But please, reserve your judgement. Too often I have been looked down upon for my lifestyle choices, and it saddens me to think that people can't get past me putting something in my body that has no bearing on them.

I still remember the moment I realized that doing drugs didn't make you a bad person. It was my first year at Evolve (festival in canada), and I was surrounded by the nicest drug-using hippies I had ever met in my life. Not just one or two of them; hundreds. It was the most magical experience of my life. I had never felt so much love in one place.

Peace <3

 

[fenrizz]

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1283927--marijuana-legalized-in-colorado-washington

So I read the article this morning, and now I can't stop smiling.
I have always took a strong stand against prohibition, and am surprised to see my brothers to the south making such progress.

As a Canadian, I long believed that The States stance on drugs would forever have its influence on many other countries. Hopefully, this is a sign of greater freedoms to come.

What do my fellow Escapians think of the matter?
Is this a sign of greener pastures?

Ah fuck. Now I will have to deal with even more dumbass potheads.

I hope to god more states do not do this shit.

*Hopes to not be quoted by Angry Potheads*

EDIT: Please read this before you quote my angry post above.

Spoiler

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1283927--marijuana-legalized-in-colorado-washington

So I read the article this morning, and now I can't stop smiling.
I have always took a strong stand against prohibition, and am surprised to see my brothers to the south making such progress.

As a Canadian, I long believed that The States stance on drugs would forever have its influence on many other countries. Hopefully, this is a sign of greater freedoms to come.

What do my fellow Escapians think of the matter?
Is this a sign of greener pastures?

Ah fuck. Now I will have to deal with even more dumbass potheads.

I hope to god more states do not do this shit.

*Hopes to not be quoted by Angry Potheads*

I gotta ask and i aint angry just curious, everyone's entitled to their opinion but how have "potheads" offended you so much?

It's cool if you don't want to explain why

Oh no, sorry. Was a bit pissed in Comp 101 class when I wrote that. This guy behind me kept kicking my chair repeatedly.

I don't care much for those who smoke (I just call them Potheads for short-hand speak), as all the ones I have spoken with are all doing that, "Man... I... I am so high right now. Man, what you said... what you said is just so deep, man." It is more annoying than anything else. Also, this isn't just one or two that have said this. I have met around 15 potheads and THEY ALL TALK LIKE THAT. IT IS SO ANNOYING.

Also, I don't care if you do drugs, just don't promote it. That is the MAJOR thing that annoys me. I feel like this will just promote the children who didn't smoke to try it as "well it isn't illegal anymore!". Then I will have to deal with even more Hippy speaking children T-T

Yea, fuck freedom. In fact while your at it, just make those gay pride parades and nazi events illegal too they're annoying. In fact, just let the government decide whats best for everything we do, having to think and do shit on my own is just annoying

Yes, because despising illegal substances is totally the same as promoting Facism and stopping Homosexual Events, right? Right? OH yes, of course! It all makes so much sense now!

OT: I have gotten quite a few quotes by the very people I specifically told to not quote me. And they are angry. Great.

No you're free to despise illegal substances, even though your views on them are thoroughly misinformed. Fascist is the wrong word. You are being authoritarian when you say that I am not free to do what I want with my own body. I hate nazis, but I observe their right to free speech. Fat people clogging up the aisles at walmart piss me off, but Im not going to advocate a ban on mcdonalds. Abortion makes me sick but I observe the right of the woman to have one.

You may not like the idea of people smoking pot, but you should be even more against the idea of some government bureaucrat dictating what you can and cant do with your own fucking body. This isnt rocket science

As long as the Government's Views are the same as mine, I don't really care.

Yes, I said it. I. Don't. Fucking. Care.

I think some 1930's German folks may agree with that.

The only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

Please, tell me: How does disliking the use of ILLEGAL drugs that I personally feel shouldn't be used (same with cigarrettes), the same as the genocide of an entire Religious People? It isn't. I don't like the drug, I don't want to promote the drug, I want the drug removed. Simple as that.

Perhaps that is what you meant, but that is not what you said.
I've highlighted what you actually said for convenience.

My point, although with a fair share of hyperbole, was that this kind of attitude is rather dangerous.

Either way though, keeping marijuana illegal will not have it removed, as 50+ years of WAR ON DRUGS[sup]TM[/sup] has clearly shown.

 

[Queen Michael]

Whoever passed this law must have been high.
(Get the non-sexual double entendre? Eh? Eh?)