Marijuana Legalized in Two States

[Trippy Turtle]

I don't like prohibition much but I don't like drugs either. As far as I know marijuana is okay, if kinda a stupid thing to do.
If they start legalizing the drugs that are very bad then I won't be happy.

 

[CrazyCapnMorgan]

Colorado, another reason to be considered the Mile High State...

To quote George Carlin: "This is the REAL Rocky Mountain HIGH!"

When this issue springs up, I always feel that people are putting the cart before the horse. These drugs have been around for years upon years...but you blame the drugs over the people that use them? I've always considered drugs to be somewhat of a tool - something to be used. When a tool is used by someone, and that someone hurts themselves or others by excessive use of said tool, I don't blame the tool.

I blame the person using the tool.

In this age of information, if you lack the knowledge of what something will do to you when used, or that you lack the ability to fully understand what it can cause upon using it, I do not blame what you use. I blame you. I blame you for not having the foresight and intellect to know the consequences of your actions while on your choice of drug. To once again use the wisdom of George Carlin:


That said, if you do not have the physical or mental fortitude to give up things that hurt you and/or others (in this case, drugs) then there is no one and nothing else to blame except you.

And if you wish to use something other than drugs for this argument, I need only bring up MMOs and infantile deaths to make the point that addiction is more than just physical usage, is also mental capacity, as well.

 

[Lord Garnaat]

Urgh, I hate drugs. You know, I used to think that I supported legalizing marijuana, until quite recently when I realized that I just don't. I just can't stand the people who use it, going around bragging about breaking the law and participating in that asinine rebel culture that does nothing but encourage profligacy. I'm not going to oppose legalizing it, because if that's what the people want then that's what they want, but I refuse to support making a disgusting and putrid habit into an accepted practice.

It's been said a million times, but I'll say it again: we're already to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol, so what's the problem with legalizing marijuana?

Well, first of all it's probably a good idea for me to say that I'm not in support of people using cigarettes or alcohol either. I see no reason why people should support slowing killing themselves or allowing other people to do the same, and if I thought that it could make a serious difference than I would wholeheartedly support banning them as well. Unfortunately, we don't live in a culture where banning those things would effectively curb their use, and since it isn't against the law I can't really get as worked up about it.

On the topic of marijuana, however, I am of the opinion that it is a poison of the mind and body, and that the people who use it are pathetic, hollow shells of human beings with no regard for the law or standards in general. I've heard people say that it's less dangerous than many other legal substances, but in all honesty the reason I hate it isn't because of its effects on someone's health; I just hate what it does to the people who use it. It turns promising people into shallow, lazy, small-minded degenerates who break the law because it's fun; and that cannot be allowed.

 

[MeChaNiZ3D]

I'm all for it. I don't use drugs at all, but marijuana is already in fairly common recreational use and has been used by artists of all kinds to promote creativity. It's not nearly as bad as cocaine. I don't think the argument of it being a gateway drug holds up either. I reckon most weed users are probably sensible enough to draw the distinction between marijuana and other illicit drugs. Barack Obama has previously admitted to using it when younger, something which I have managed not to do despite living next door to someone who does, so I even find it a bit hypocritical to have been supporting tougher laws. Just have smoking areas until the science is in on passive marijuana, and educate kids about it in school. That said, a lot of PD is either blatantly obvious or doesn't give you any credit as a human being, so perhaps more fact-based education as well. Rather than brainstorming 10 different ways to refuse a cigarette when you don't want one.

Basically, be mature about it and I see no reason why it can't be legal. Cigarettes are worse.

 

[Something Amyss]

Great, I'm sure now everybody in my vicinity will not stop to shut the fuck up about how it should be legalized like, everywhere because it's the most perfect plant ever and the big cool US are doing it too because we all know the US has always been the perfect example for all our issues in the EU.

Sod drugs and this rebel culture.

Seriously, what will potheads talk about now?

As for the topic, I don't care what people do as long as they keep it out of my lungs.

 

[Something Amyss]

It turns promising people into shallow, lazy, small-minded degenerates who break the law because it's fun; and that cannot be allowed.

The questionable nature of the claims aside, how horrible is a world where people practice something like self determination?

 

[Strazdas]

well, if they are keeping alcohold legal, ofc they have to legalize less powerful drugs. i mean, it wouldnt make sense otherwise. then again, making alcohol legal doesnt make sense to begin with.

P.S. capcha: i think => i am lolololo

It's been said a million times, but I'll say it again: we're already to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol, so what's the problem with legalizing marijuana?

no, we dont. stupid people do.

 

[Jordy Hartog]

Speaking as someone who has lived his entire life in a country where smoking pot is legal, anyone who thinks this is going to have a HUGE impact on their day-to-day lives is probably going to be sorely disappointed.

Legalizing drugs does not magically turn everyone you know into a drug user.

 

[Lord Garnaat]

It turns promising people into shallow, lazy, small-minded degenerates who break the law because it's fun; and that cannot be allowed.

The questionable nature of the claims aside, how horrible is a world where people practice something like self determination?

There's a difference between self-determination and self-destruction. It's my view that everyone has the capability to be someone great, and that it is the duty of everyone in a free society to try their absolute hardest at all times to reach their full potential- not only for their sake but for the benefit of humanity as a whole. The problem that I have with drugs, in this case marijuana, is that they take away from this. They contribute nothing; they simply poison the body and cloud the mind. It robs people of their motivation and conviction and replaces them with a dull sense of complacency and a lack of propriety.

If a man wanted to drown himself, wouldn't it be the duty of society to prevent him from doing this? And if we saw someone who was content living without any sort of meaning or purpose, wouldn't it be the duty of society to get them out of that attitude? I'm as much of a proponent of personal liberty as the next man, but when something does nothing but drag someone down and ruin their intelligence it hurts everyone, not just themselves.

 

[Something Amyss]

There's a difference between self-determination and self-destruction.

That's nice, but smoking pot isn't inherently self-destructive. And we do allow more self-destructive behaviour in society.

It's my view that everyone has the capability to be someone great, and that it is the duty of everyone in a free society to try their absolute hardest at all times to reach their full potential- not only for their sake but for the benefit of humanity as a whole. The problem that I have with drugs, in this case marijuana, is that they take away from this.

Sounds like you're against self-determination, then. Not only that, but shouldn't you be against video games, too?

If a man wanted to drown himself, wouldn't it be the duty of society to prevent him from doing this?

You mean actually causing measurable harm and actually self-destructive? Yes. But that's a far cry away from what you're preaching in terms of potential and direction.

 

[BeerTent]

Most of the problems I have with weed I have with just about everything else. Enjoying it responsibly, yes, there's no problem, but Marijuana is just like every substance with the wondrous negative of making your home, and the area around it smell like shit. To say that it can't be considered self destructive is a joke. Alcohol can also be self destructive. Just like video games, Oxycontin, cigarettes, gambling... and so on. Although, all of these have their own positives if enjoyed responsibly!

Of all the people I know smoke the stuff, only 4 do so responsibly. The rest all blow their pay cheques on the hourly weed bill, talk like retards, and smell like shit as a result. They say it's harmless, and it brings you together, because everyone wants to share their blunt, but it's not just the weed they're sharing, it's the hopes of addiction as well.

Again, there are people out there who do it responsibly. Who aren't smoking one in the morning, and keep it to a smoke maybe once every odd week. I've got nothing against them, and they don't seem to have the affinity of that goddamn smell. It's good in my opinion that it's legalized, but there should be a lot done to educate people on it's affects, and that's not going to happen unless the public school system gets a massive overhaul. This legalization is too early.

 

[fenrizz]

Urgh, I hate drugs. You know, I used to think that I supported legalizing marijuana, until quite recently when I realized that I just don't. I just can't stand the people who use it, going around bragging about breaking the law and participating in that asinine rebel culture that does nothing but encourage profligacy. I'm not going to oppose legalizing it, because if that's what the people want then that's what they want, but I refuse to support making a disgusting and putrid habit into an accepted practice.

It's been said a million times, but I'll say it again: we're already to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol, so what's the problem with legalizing marijuana?

Well, first of all it's probably a good idea for me to say that I'm not in support of people using cigarettes or alcohol either. I see no reason why people should support slowing killing themselves or allowing other people to do the same, and if I thought that it could make a serious difference than I would wholeheartedly support banning them as well. Unfortunately, we don't live in a culture where banning those things would effectively curb their use, and since it isn't against the law I can't really get as worked up about it.

On the topic of marijuana, however, I am of the opinion that it is a poison of the mind and body, and that the people who use it are pathetic, hollow shells of human beings with no regard for the law or standards in general. I've heard people say that it's less dangerous than many other legal substances, but in all honesty the reason I hate it isn't because of its effects on someone's health; I just hate what it does to the people who use it. It turns promising people into shallow, lazy, small-minded degenerates who break the law because it's fun; and that cannot be allowed.

Are you serious, or are you just trolling us?

Either way, smoking marijuana in moderation does not leave one as a shallow, lazy, small-minded (funny you should mention small-minded), degenerates.

Neither do they break the law for fun, but break the law to engage in a fun activity.
The difference is small, but rather important, wouldn't you agree?

As we all know there is a huge difference between casual use and downright substance abuse.
Having a few beers or a joint once in a while is essentially harmless, but abusing either of them on a daily basis will damage both your body and your psyche.

 

[bojackx]

Most of the problems I have with weed I have with just about everything else. Enjoying it responsibly, yes, there's no problem, but Marijuana is just like every substance with the wondrous negative of making your home, and the area around it smell like shit. To say that it can't be considered self destructive is a joke. Alcohol can also be self destructive. Just like video games, Oxycontin, cigarettes, gambling... and so on. Although, all of these have their own positives if enjoyed responsibly!

Of all the people I know smoke the stuff, only 4 do so responsibly. The rest all blow their pay cheques on the hourly weed bill, talk like retards, and smell like shit as a result. They say it's harmless, and it brings you together, because everyone wants to share their blunt, but it's not just the weed they're sharing, it's the hopes of addiction as well.

Again, there are people out there who do it responsibly. Who aren't smoking one in the morning, and keep it to a smoke maybe once every odd week. I've got nothing against them, and they don't seem to have the affinity of that goddamn smell. It's good in my opinion that it's legalized, but there should be a lot done to educate people on it's affects, and that's not going to happen unless the public school system gets a massive overhaul. This legalization is too early.

Whilst I disagree with the legalization being too early (they aren't going to educate people more on the drug if it stays illegal, so legalizing is the clear step forward), I agree with everything else you said.

I have friends who have full-time jobs and live with their parents board-free, and they regularly say "aww mate I'm broke" because they've spent all their money on weed (and alcohol to be fair). They aren't really damaged physically, but they just talk like assholes a lot of the time and get mixed up with some really shady types. Weed becomes who they are; they listen to songs about weed, they watch films and shows about getting high, they exclusively read books about guys getting stoned, and it's damn annoying. Oh yeah, I also agree it smells like arse.

OT:
I'm happy with this move. It's really not that bad of a thing, and alcohol is physically more damaging. At least if pot is legalized over here in Britain they'll be less crime, and greater acceptance of people's choices and all that shizz.

 

[BiscuitTrouser]

It's been said a million times, but I'll say it again: we're already to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol, so what's the problem with legalizing marijuana?

no, we dont. stupid people do.

Pffff. Seriously? I dont smoke but it doesnt make you stupid to do so. Or drink every so often recreationally for that matter. I mean yeah its not the peak of health to do it. But i imagine that a body builder will take a VERY well controlled diet and look at you eating, not even junk food, but random unplanned meals with specific calorie intake and think "What an idiot... how can he do that to his body?". Basically you have to accept that looking down on someone for these things (not in excess of course) makes as much sense as a body builder sneering at your inability to perfectly plan an energy efficient perfectly nutrient focused diet and stick to it daily at all times. I imagine some must see you as mentally dysfunctional for even considering eating in such a random way. So basically no matter how high your horse someone elses horse is always higher than yours. So get off and join us down here in accepting high horses suck.

Also the negative culture around weed (the shady types, the obsession, the financial issues) pretty much all stem from the fact its illegal. If its illegal naturally only shady types will distribute. If its illegal you feel like a special club so it becomes part of your identity. If its illegal then its shipped from some shitty drug barons farm where the slave workers till the fields and gets here via a series of drug carriers making it expensive. Also shady types love money. And shanking those who cant pay. If not for the stoners make it llegal to take away the power of those drug lords abroad who force such horrendous conditions on workers. Please.

When weed becomes something your dad might do it will lose all specialness. It will be like smoking. Normal. Not a thing to be part of your identity. Mostly looked down on by society for the right reasons. But not as special anymore. Not even close.

 

[Lord Garnaat]

Are you serious, or are you just trolling us?

Either way, smoking marijuana in moderation does not leave one as a shallow, lazy, small-minded (funny you should mention small-minded), degenerates.

Neither do they break the law for fun, but break the law to engage in a fun activity.
The difference is small, but rather important, wouldn't you agree?

As we all know there is a huge difference between casual use and downright substance abuse.
Having a few beers or a joint once in a while is essentially harmless, but abusing either of them on a daily basis will damage both your body and your psyche.

On the subject of the law, no, there isn't a difference. They are breaking the law simply because they want to do something illegal for their own amusement, not because they have a good reason behind their actions. In some cases the law can be bent for the greater good, but when you want to break it for the sole purpose of your own convenience it remains rigid.

When it comes to the use of marijuana, moderate or otherwise, I will say that I've never met a single drug user who was not an absolutely revolting individual. They're greasy and foul, they ignore all manners and propriety, they dress in tacky clothes and listen to mindless music, and they do nothing but glorify their meaningless, insipid lives as criminal losers to anyone who will listen. They're disgusting, and while I can't say that I'll go out and demand marijuana laws remain the same, I refuse to support any legislation that will give those profligates even the slightest degree of social acceptance.

 

[BiscuitTrouser]

I will say that I've never met a single drug user who was not an absolutely revolting individual. They're greasy and foul, they ignore all manners and propriety, they dress in tacky clothes and listen to mindless music, and they do nothing but glorify their meaningless, insipid lives as criminal losers to anyone who will listen. They're disgusting, and while I can't say that I'll go out and demand marijuana laws remain the same, I refuse to support any legislation that will give those profligates even the slightest degree of social acceptance.

Read my post above. It might be this is the case BECAUSE its illegal. At the moment the overlap between "People who want to smoke weed" and "People willing to break the law" only covers these douchebags. If it becomes legal and normal in society then these "associated" behaviors will die. They will be outnumbered by normal blokes who work a normal day job who just want to relax. Just like a guy goes down the pub for a single beer. The only reason these people suck is because at the moment they are only the people who are willing to break the law and feel part of a "cool underground club". Let regular people do it. Take away their underground club. And it will become something for the normal gentleman to do in the privacy of his house to unwind after a days work. Rather than stupid giggling teenage wasters thinking they are high and mighty. Change the culture if you hate them so much. Change it to exclude them from the group they prize the most. Change it to make that group mundane and boring. A simple past time for those with money to waste and dont care too much about their own health. Make it lose meaning.

 

[Jonluw]

And if we saw someone who was content living without any sort of meaning or purpose, wouldn't it be the duty of society to get them out of that attitude?

What in the world...
No, of course not!

He's found happiness his way. Unless he's actively hurting someone else, leave him the fuck alone.
You don't get to dictate that the only "real" way to find Happiness[sup]TM[/sup] is to find a job and earn money to buy yourself the newest brand name items and a nice car and so on.

Hell, I'd envy such a person.

 

[In Search of Username]

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

...

I don't care if you do drugs

Huh? Why do you care then? A lot of kinds of people annoy me but I wouldn't want them banned from doing the things they enjoy.

OT: Good stuff. I've not got much interest in drugs myself, but trying to control what people do to their own bodies is never a good thing. And to the people talking about drugs being pointless because they damage your body - is your survival instinct more important to you than the idea of having a remotely enjoyable life? Come on, no-one lives forever, nor should they. Might as well have fun, whatever the cost in years.

 

[Strazdas]

It's been said a million times, but I'll say it again: we're already to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol, so what's the problem with legalizing marijuana?

no, we dont. stupid people do.

Pffff. Seriously? I dont smoke but it doesnt make you stupid to do so. Or drink every so often recreationally for that matter. I mean yeah its not the peak of health to do it. But i imagine that a body builder will take a VERY well controlled diet and look at you eating, not even junk food, but random unplanned meals with specific calorie intake and think "What an idiot... how can he do that to his body?". Basically you have to accept that looking down on someone for these things (not in excess of course) makes as much sense as a body builder sneering at your inability to perfectly plan an energy efficient perfectly nutrient focused diet and stick to it daily at all times. I imagine some must see you as mentally dysfunctional for even considering eating in such a random way. So basically no matter how high your horse someone elses horse is always higher than yours. So get off and join us down here in accepting high horses suck.

Also the negative culture around weed (the shady types, the obsession, the financial issues) pretty much all stem from the fact its illegal. If its illegal naturally only shady types will distribute. If its illegal you feel like a special club so it becomes part of your identity. If its illegal then its shipped from some shitty drug barons farm where the slave workers till the fields and gets here via a series of drug carriers making it expensive. Also shady types love money. And shanking those who cant pay. If not for the stoners make it llegal to take away the power of those drug lords abroad who force such horrendous conditions on workers. Please.

Self mutilating is stupid. there is NO excuse. Most body builders self mutilate with their diets as well, so you picked a bad example.
As for the culture aspect, well, i would agree, but netherlands.... you go on vacation and peopel move into your house and turn it into weed house ruining everything you had.... Sure a lot of it comes from illegality, but like there are moonshine factories, there are illegal weed factories in netherlands too. legalizing weed does not solve the criminal offences associated with drug use/sale, it only removes the offence of usage.

And to the people talking about drugs being pointless because they damage your body - is your survival instinct more important to you than the idea of having a remotely enjoyable life? Come on, no-one lives forever, nor should they. Might as well have fun, whatever the cost in years.

thats the same type of logic people use to claim murder and rape is ok.