Cigarettes are bad. Cigars not so much, but the antitobacco folks dont see the difference. Legallizing weed would be an incredible way to bring in taxes. Of course there would still be the usually private growers bootlegging the stuff at a discount. But as long as very strict regulations were placed on it (shouldnt be a problem, since they already have such strict laws about smoking) why should it stay illegal. I think there are more pros than cons to it.
I dont smoke it now, but I would if it were legal.
"Even when I'm riding dirty, I'm riding clean." --Joseph
I don't have a problem with the legalization of marijuana to the extent that there are conditions with usage (e.g., driving a vehicle, etc.). I do think that this would not be an option if it didn't generate revenue for the gov't.
The problem I have is that at the same time there is discussion of legalizing marijuana, there have been laws passed to limit or do away with tobacco usage. More importantly the gov't deciding what I can or can't smoke.
Clearly the marijuana laws are about as effective as using a bucket to bail the Titanic. Kind of interesting that they may legalize dope, but ban cigar smoking, which is usually enjoyed without inhaling.
In Canada we have so much dope, and great quality, that it is for the most part legal. Just walk down Yonge Steet or Queen Street and people openly smoke. I could care less, just do not drive.
A horrific accident caused by a drunk kid going 120 miles an hour on a city street in TO, who proceeded to cut a van half and kill 3 of the occupants, has really hammered home the point that driving under the influence is just stupid and criminal.
Policing drunk driving is difficult enough. Once legal, the number of accidents caused by stoned pot smokers will increase.
It's like once the embargo is lifted, there will be many more Americans smoking cuban cigars. If legalized, the number of pot smokers, and thus those driving under the influence, will increase. So will accidents and deaths caused by stoned drivers.
Not sure how you best handle it. We waste a ton of money on something we cannot really stop yet legalizing it will increase the number of users and accidents!
Posts: 801 | Location: New England | Registered: May 02, 2003
People drive stoned all the time, so whether or not pot is legalized makes no difference. Accidents won't increase because they do it now as well as DUI on other drugs whether they be illegal or prescriptions. DUI is not the issue here, it's a question of morality and whether we want our society to take another hit because we've lowered standards by which we live. It's already bad enough with alcohol and prescription drugs, adding pot to the mix will just lower the moral fiber of our society, and the way in which we live, teach our children, etc. Pot may not be as dangerous as alcohol and prescription drugs, but I'm not for it. The real problem in this country are these "Pain Clinics" that give out hydrocodone, oxycodone, soma and xanax like it's candy. There are almost more accidents caused by people driving on these drugs than alcohol. If people would get off that crap and smoke pot they'd be better off, still I'm not for the legalization of marijuana, JMO.
"Laissez les bon temps rouler"
Posts: 855 | Location: Tiger Country USA | Registered: August 06, 2008
Originally posted by Tonito: People drive stoned all the time, so whether or not pot is legalized makes no difference. Accidents won't increase because they do it now as well as DUI on other drugs whether they be illegal or prescriptions.
That makes no sense.
As easy as it is to get pot, it is still illegal. As ineffective as most would think, labeling something illegal is enough to deter a good percentage of people. Aside from normal citizens, you can count close to 100% of all law enforcement and military as those who never smoke weed because of random testing.
