Why is marijuana illegal?

[Apl_J]

I've always found humor in this argument, because if weed was legalized, those who smoke it would suffer most.

Firstly, as soon as it is legalized, the U.S. Would want to profit off of it to help their collossal debt problem. That means they'd have to require distributors to pass inspection for a weed license in order to sell it legally so the govt could get the tax money off of it, for an example think of liquor licenses.. That drives up prices. The huge medical distributors would have no problem attaining such a license, while most dealers would struggle with it. While they could still sell, law enforcement would crack down on illegal dealers even more since they are now costing the govt money, instead of just selling a relatively harmless substance.

In short, if weed is legalized, we'd see:
1. Higher prices, as distributors would have a stranglehold on sales, in addition to the high taxes.
2. On the flip side, we'd see more creative marketing, sales, and uses for weed outside of smoking. Think confectionary treats, candy, etc.

I enjoy weed from time to time, and honestly it wouldn't affect me much. As for the health issue: inhaling smoke of any kind is bad for you. If it is legalized however, you'd see considerably less weed being used to smoke, as weed in a smoke form is much less efficient then vapor, mixing in to foods, etc. So yea, legalizing weed would actually cut down on the health issue, but. It would open a lot more. Either way, legalizing weed is going to affect EVERYONE, which is the only reason for the govt to be hesitant about it, at least in my opinion.

 

[FernandoV]

I wish I remember the name of a show that told the history of marijuana... Anyways, someone made commercials showing that weed made people aggressive. (irony) And test showed that weed kill brain cells because stupid scientist would suffocate primates in the process of the test.

Because the government can't find a way to tax it. If we could tax weed, trust me, we'd sell that shit everywhere. Same thing with prostitution. If Uncle Same could find a way to tax pussy, it would be legal.

However, we found a way to tax cigarettes, which kill you, and beer, which has been the cause of more deaths per year due to drunk driving, domestic violence, etc. than weed ever has.

Where is your logic coming from? How does it make sense to be able to tax cigarettes but not weed..

Because of corporation... Period, tobacco companies are BIG easily taxable on a large scale, and thus highly proffitable, alcohol has been produced by families and companies in an established sense for as long as history has existed... Marajuana has never had that kind of established backing, therefor it would require expensive and bothersome retooling for regulation of production, quality testing and assurance, and taxation of an industry that doesn't really EXIST as a unified body yet... IF there had been marketing campains and corporate entities behind it before prohibition was enacted, it would have come back with booze... Since it was NEVER a point of proffit for the governmental bodies through regulated taxation before, and that it would cost them money to allow for that, they figure there's no real good reason to allow anyone to make money off of it if they can't so it's illegal... to an extent... where I live possession is fine, unless you have enough to reasonably sell to someone, or are smoking it in a place where someone's gonna get bothered by it... but then again where i live it's also illegal to smoke cigarettes in a wide variety of public places... so that doesn't really bother anyone... also there are ways to get a card that allows you to buy and possess larger quantities of it for your own medical use... you just hafta know the right doctor...

You don't see how a product that in current society has a big demand would be easily incorporated into big business once it has become legal? Well now, you need to rethink.

 

[MaxwellEdison]

According to Wikipedia, originally it was outlawed along with a long of other shit when the government decided to get a handle on everyone selling "medicines".

 

[lowkey_jotunn]

Simply: there is always a big company (or group of companies) that benefit from it remaining illegal.

Hemp serves a variety of purposes, so many major textile companies want to keep it down.

Medicinally, pot has much better upside than many of the modern Big Pharmaceutical products, with none of the absurd downsides. Seriously, listen to a commercial for any new wonder-pill from a big pharma. Half the commercial will be spent telling you : "May cause heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, warts, boils, cramps, blistered tongue, baldness and obscene rash."

Tobacco companies don't want the competition.

etc

 

[lowkey_jotunn]

I've always found humor in this argument, because if weed was legalized, those who smoke it would suffer most.

Firstly, as soon as it is legalized, the U.S. Would want to profit off of it to help their colossal debt problem. That means they'd have to require distributors to pass inspection for a weed license in order to sell it legally so the govt could get the tax money off of it, for an example think of liquor licenses.. That drives up prices. The huge medical distributors would have no problem attaining such a license, while most dealers would struggle with it. While they could still sell, law enforcement would crack down on illegal dealers even more since they are now costing the govt money, instead of just selling a relatively harmless substance.

In short, if weed is legalized, we'd see:
1. Higher prices, as distributors would have a stranglehold on sales, in addition to the high taxes.
2. On the flip side, we'd see more creative marketing, sales, and uses for weed outside of smoking. Think confectionery treats, candy, etc.

I enjoy weed from time to time, and honestly it wouldn't affect me much. As for the health issue: inhaling smoke of any kind is bad for you. If it is legalized however, you'd see considerably less weed being used to smoke, as weed in a smoke form is much less efficient then vapor, mixing in to foods, etc. So yea, legalizing weed would actually cut down on the health issue, but. It would open a lot more. Either way, legalizing weed is going to affect EVERYONE, which is the only reason for the govt to be hesitant about it, at least in my opinion.

I don't see the price spike like you expect.

There's already a ton of people who grow the stuff in their house, most people could continue to do so legally. There is no legal precedent to require a home-grower to pass an inspection or get a license if they don't sell commercially. A big company, sure... but every random Joe with a couple plants in his garage? Not a chance.

I certainly don't need any paperwork to brew beer at home. A restaurant or bar needs a liquor license. I don't.

 

[funguy2121]

Well I've done more stupid things when I'm drunk then when I'm high but I've been drunk more times. But being high doesn't feel that all bad, plus it does less damage and is less addictive than tobacco but it may have worse psychological effects. I don't see why they can't legalize it so its seperated from hard drugs with dealers.

How can it have worse psychological effects, based on what you've said? Alcohol has made you do worse things, feels worse, is more addictive and, as you put it, "does more damage." How could all of this not mean a greater psychological impact?

 

[funguy2121]

Because it makes people stupid. Sure they feel like they're hella smart when high, but it's only because ordinary phenomena seem like epiphanies to pot-heads.

Actually, it enhances that creative and artistic parts of your brain. I'm no scientist, but wouldn't that be considered making you smarter? I can't draw worth shit, but while under the influence in a safe environment at my own home, I made some pretty amazing pieces of art.

Nope, it only makes you think you're better. You draw better when you're relaxed and you let go of your inhibitions, am I right? You don't need drugs to do that, try breathing and self confidence. Even better, they're free and will benefit every aspect of your life.

No, actually that's what weed does.

[sub]Marijuana impinges on the central nervous system by attaching to brain's neurons and interfering with normal communication between the neurons. These nerves respond by altering their initial behavior. For example, if a nerve is suppose to assist one in retrieving short-term memory, cannabinoids receptors make them do the opposite. [/sub]

People don't smoke it because it makes them stupid, hard as that is to believe. There actually is a high.

But breathing and confidence can change your life!

Sarcasm over. What this guy said. Here's to reason!

 

[funguy2121]

I've always found humor in this argument, because if weed was legalized, those who smoke it would suffer most.

Firstly, as soon as it is legalized, the U.S. Would want to profit off of it to help their collossal debt problem. That means they'd have to require distributors to pass inspection for a weed license in order to sell it legally so the govt could get the tax money off of it, for an example think of liquor licenses.. That drives up prices. The huge medical distributors would have no problem attaining such a license, while most dealers would struggle with it. While they could still sell, law enforcement would crack down on illegal dealers even more since they are now costing the govt money, instead of just selling a relatively harmless substance.

In short, if weed is legalized, we'd see:
1. Higher prices, as distributors would have a stranglehold on sales, in addition to the high taxes.
2. On the flip side, we'd see more creative marketing, sales, and uses for weed outside of smoking. Think confectionary treats, candy, etc.

I enjoy weed from time to time, and honestly it wouldn't affect me much. As for the health issue: inhaling smoke of any kind is bad for you. If it is legalized however, you'd see considerably less weed being used to smoke, as weed in a smoke form is much less efficient then vapor, mixing in to foods, etc. So yea, legalizing weed would actually cut down on the health issue, but. It would open a lot more. Either way, legalizing weed is going to affect EVERYONE, which is the only reason for the govt to be hesitant about it, at least in my opinion.

Prison sentences can be considered their own kind of currency. Enough pot and you go away for longer than a guy who touches kids.

All of what you've described is happening already: marinol and other pill forms, smokeless inhalers, vaporizors. Not so sure about the candy, though...sounds gross.

 

[Trinketeer]

It feels like it be easier to better express my argument if we could talk without the limitations of the typed word. Okay, so Kids#1 belong to Parent#1 and Kid#2 belong to parents #2. Kid#2 is allowed to drink beer and chew tobacco because Parents#2 let him. Kids#1 ask parents#1 if they can smoke cigarettes and the Parents say no. Kids#1 complain saying that they would pay with their own money and the smoking tobacco is less hazardous to than chewing tobacco and that they wouldn't even care about drinking. Kids#1 argue to Parents#1 that because what their asking is not nearly as bad as Kid#2 and his parents#2 allow him to get away with such unhealthy habits. Parents#1 doesn't want their children(kid#1) to have any bad habits and doesn't think that Kid#2 is a good example of what should and shouldn't be allowed for a child to do.

Okay, now I don't really know what a analogy is but that's probably as close as i can get to one.

The government is not our parents and should never act as such.

 

[The Gnome King]

Trust me, no it's fucking not. I have to deal with people who smoke pot on a regular basis, some are my what I would reservedly call friends. I know I'm not going to change your stoned ass from doing it, but I don't care, you want to spend you're time watching discovery channel eating a bag of Doritos and not doing anything productive, fine. Also alcohol is legal because people don't usually drink until a certain time where the least amount of people would be hurt.

And I know corporate CEO's, such as the CEO of Progressive corp (one of the nation's largest and most successful car insurers), who smoke weed. I have known cops, teachers, and executives who make more money in a year than you probably will ever make in ten who smoke weed.

The whole "potheads are stupid and unproductive" stereotype is ridiculous. Some potheads are, some aren't. Your anecdotal "evidence" of potheads you personally know being idiotic is just that - anecdotal. Look up the word if you don't know what it means. You sound very young, very opinionated, and very inexperienced in the ways of the world. Most people who smoke pot that I know are productive members of society who simply prefer to alter their consciousness in a different way from the accepted "norm" of alcohol.

Most of them are successful people, and judging by the way you yourself "string words together" and hurl insults at people who disagree with you, I'd say the majority of people who smoke marijuana that I know are probably more intelligent and capable than you are.

Just 'sayin.

As for your "alcohol is legal because people don't usually drink until a certain time" is ludicrous. You're literally pulling these statements out of thin air. Alcohol is responsible for more ER visits, deaths, accidents, and domestic violence in America than ALL OTHER DRUGS combined; and it is still far more damaging to society in Portugal; a country where all drugs are decriminalized.

I have a feeling rational argument is wasted on you, however. I mean, you have cartoon videos and anecdotal evidence to back you up - who am I to argue with hard facts or science?

http://www.saferchoice.org/

Educate yourself.

 

[The Gnome King]

Yeah, we could make it legal, then in 20 years when people realize it is horrible for you, we won't be able to make it illegal.

Actually the exact opposite has happened.

You know, everyone says that it has no long term side-effects, but every single pot-head I have ever met(I've met a lot of them) are completely incapable of forming coherent thoughts, even when they're sober. It's like having a conversation with a particularly un-intelligent wall. The problem with saying that there are no long-term side-effects is the lack of long-term studies with heavy usage.

That said, I still think it should be legal. It's your choice what you put in your body. Also, i doubt that moderate or light use would have the same long-term effects.[/quote]

And every single pot head I know seems to be completely capable of holding down a job and having some very intelligent conversations. It's the drunks who are bores and dangerous.

My anecdotal evidence trumps your anecdotal evidence!

(You know what scientists think of the "well, I know personally" argument... don't you?)

 

[The Gnome King]

Yes...because on top of drugs and alcohol we need another intoxicant.

How about a safer intoxicant? If people are going to alter their consciousness - and they are; they've been doing it since the dawn of time - wouldn't it be in the interest of public health and safety to offer safer ways of doing it?

http://www.saferchoice.org/content/view/1275/9/

 

[FC Groningen]

Is it just me or are most of the opponents of legalisation just refering to individual examples?

 

[Doc Theta Sigma]

I do believe Mr. Bill Hicks said it best:

"That's what I hate about the war on drugs. All day long we see those commercials: "Here's your brain, here's your brain on drugs", "Just Say No", "Why do you think they call it dope?" ? And then the next commercial is [singing] "This Bud's for yooouuuu." C'mon, everybody, let's be hypocritical bastards. It's okay to drink your drug. We meant those other drugs. Those untaxed drugs. Those are the ones that are bad for you."

 

[FC Groningen]

Is it just me or are most of the opponents of legalisation just refering to individual examples?

Is it just me, or do most opponents of legislation end up resorting to "Well, it's already illegal, so whatever science says, it should stay illegal."

I honestly believe that is a real, rational re-evaluation took place on whether cannabis should be legal or not, there wouldn't be a single real argument for criminalising it. It is quite literally illegal because of the Reefer Madness lies that were spread around half a century ago.

Again, I've just read up the last 5 pages. I know there have been better arguments against it, but so far I've seen most opponents avoid the supporting side's arguments.

 

[DoomyMcDoom]

*snip*

You don't see how a product that in current society has a big demand would be easily incorporated into big business once it has become legal? Well now, you need to rethink.

I'm not talking from my standpoint on the issue, just stating the facts as observed by those in the seats at the controls mate, as far as they're concerned, there's no way to market it or to come off of their stand against it without losing face, after all what would a weed commercial look like? they don't know, there's no commercial backing for an easy transition and if they backed down (especially in the US) nobody would take their enforcement seriously, after all... they gotta save face don't they? and if they started a commercial campain for the stuff... then what? not saying it wouldn't be fairly simple to START something once it became fully legal... just that there has NEVER been any such thing in place, and without a corporately backed argument, with full proven marketing and control strategies, you can't get government people to legalize ANYTHING... After all with such a history of prohibition of the stuff they'd take an ego hit like you wouldn't believe saying "oh alright fine" without a 100% guarantee that it'd be an immediate point of proffit and be 100% controllable by their beurocratic system, with a severe reduction if not complete elimination of the criminal element within a quarter or 2... otherwise you got no legs to stand on...

the reason alcohol came back so easily after prohibition was called off in the states is because it ALREADY HAD a huge corporate structure backing it for hundreds of years prior... only reason there was any criminal element involved in it during prohibition was because of how established it has always been... weed doesn't have anything like that... not saying it wouldn't be quite easily possible, just saying it's not how it is for now.

 

[The Lesbian Flower]

A world full of potheads, while amusing, is not exactly the ideal. Pot dulls the senses and can turn your brain into a useless mass of tissue. I've seen this happen to many of my friends. Pot's not a horrible, terrible thing but every thing needs to be used in moderation and legalization would allow it to run rampant. However, legalizing it and taxing it might be good for any economy in this day and age.