Why is Marijuana Illegal?
daffodilsoup
Posts: 1,972 Member
Recently, the White House rejected several "We The People" petitions to legalize and regulate marijuana in a similar manner as tobacco and alcohol. The most popular among them received nearly 75,000 signatures.
I feel very strongly about the legalization of marijuana. I don't believe the question should be "should marijuana be legalized" but "why is marijuana illegal?" We allow adults to choose to consume legal drugs such as tobacco products and alcohol (both proven to cause cancer, liver disease, and a multitude of other health risks), and yet marijuana is illegal. Nearly one out of every eight people incarcerated in the US prison system are there for marijuana-related offenses, not to mention that the "War on Drugs" disaster is a huge taxpayer expense.
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp on their property. Marijuana stimulates appetite and relieves nausea in cancer and AIDS patients.
A regulated, legal market for marijuana would not only generate revenue (tax), but it would reduce sales to minors. It would also create an entire job market, encourage the growth of hemp as an industry (tree-free paper, anyone?) and reduce the flow of money to international criminal gangs.
So I want to know - how do you feel about marijuana? Why is it illegal? Should it be illegal? Discuss.
I feel very strongly about the legalization of marijuana. I don't believe the question should be "should marijuana be legalized" but "why is marijuana illegal?" We allow adults to choose to consume legal drugs such as tobacco products and alcohol (both proven to cause cancer, liver disease, and a multitude of other health risks), and yet marijuana is illegal. Nearly one out of every eight people incarcerated in the US prison system are there for marijuana-related offenses, not to mention that the "War on Drugs" disaster is a huge taxpayer expense.
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp on their property. Marijuana stimulates appetite and relieves nausea in cancer and AIDS patients.
A regulated, legal market for marijuana would not only generate revenue (tax), but it would reduce sales to minors. It would also create an entire job market, encourage the growth of hemp as an industry (tree-free paper, anyone?) and reduce the flow of money to international criminal gangs.
So I want to know - how do you feel about marijuana? Why is it illegal? Should it be illegal? Discuss.
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Replies
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because they wouldn't be able to tax it or control it0
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because they wouldn't be able to tax it or control it
Why? They tax and control tobacco and alcohol.0 -
I'm all for it. I don't even consume marijuana myself (I don't need the appetite stimulation lol) but for all the reasons you mention, I think it should be legal. It's "decriminalized" where I live, which means possession of small quantities (less than 3g) is tolerated.0
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because they wouldn't be able to tax it or control it
Why? They tax and control tobacco and alcohol.
because marijuana can be grown and sold without government approval. they would overprice 'legal' mary jane which would in turn just make consumers find it cheaper illegally.0 -
because marijuana can be grown and sold without government approval. they would overprice 'legal' mary jane which would in turn just make consumers find it cheaper illegally.
I mean sure, you could. But you can also make moonshine in your bathtub - doesn't mean prohibition of alcohol should have stayed in place either.
As a consumer, it would be easier and more convenient for me to waltz into my local ShopRite and pick up my veggies, tofu and marijuana for the week. It's probably a lot cheaper to grow your own tobacco, dry it, and roll it into your own cigarettes than pay $13 per pack (in my home state of New Jersey). Plus, a lot of the people who are pushing for legalization would rather pay the extra tax and obtain it from a legal source and be able to smoke on their porch.0 -
because marijuana can be grown and sold without government approval. they would overprice 'legal' mary jane which would in turn just make consumers find it cheaper illegally.
I mean sure, you could. But you can also make moonshine in your bathtub - doesn't mean prohibition of alcohol should have stayed in place either.
As a consumer, it would be easier and more convenient for me to waltz into my local ShopRite and pick up my veggies, tofu and marijuana for the week. It's probably a lot cheaper to grow your own tobacco, dry it, and roll it into your own cigarettes than pay $13 per pack (in my home state of New Jersey). Plus, a lot of the people who are pushing for legalization would rather pay the extra tax and obtain it from a legal source and be able to smoke on their porch.
i'm not siding with the current illegal status of marijuana if that's what you're thinking. i'm answering why they have it illegal.0 -
i'm not siding with the current illegal status of marijuana if that's what you're thinking. i'm answering why they have it illegal.
It's all good! This was the official White House response to the reasons why marijuana would not and could not be legalized in the United States:
"When the President took office, he directed all of his policymakers to develop policies based on science and research, not ideology or politics. So our concern about marijuana is based on what the science tells us about the drug's effects.
According to scientists at the National Institutes of Health -- the world's largest source of drug abuse research -- marijuana use is associated with addiction, respiratory disease, and cognitive impairment. We know from an array of treatment admission information and Federal data that marijuana use is a significant source for voluntary drug treatment admissions and visits to emergency rooms. Studies also reveal that marijuana potency has almost tripled over the past 20 years, raising serious concerns about what this means for public health -– especially among young people who use the drug because research shows their brains continue to develop well into their 20's. Simply put, it is not a benign drug.
Like many, we are interested in the potential marijuana may have in providing relief to individuals diagnosed with certain serious illnesses. That is why we ardently support ongoing research into determining what components of the marijuana plant can be used as medicine. To date, however, neither the FDA nor the Institute of Medicine have found smoked marijuana to meet the modern standard for safe or effective medicine for any condition.
As a former police chief, I recognize we are not going to arrest our way out of the problem. We also recognize that legalizing marijuana would not provide the answer to any of the health, social, youth education, criminal justice, and community quality of life challenges associated with drug use.
That is why the President's National Drug Control Strategy is balanced and comprehensive, emphasizing prevention and treatment while at the same time supporting innovative law enforcement efforts that protect public safety and disrupt the supply of drugs entering our communities. Preventing drug use is the most cost-effective way to reduce drug use and its consequences in America. And, as we've seen in our work through community coalitions across the country, this approach works in making communities healthier and safer. We're also focused on expanding access to drug treatment for addicts. Treatment works. In fact, millions of Americans are in successful recovery for drug and alcoholism today. And through our work with innovative drug courts across the Nation, we are improving our criminal justice system to divert non-violent offenders into treatment.
Our commitment to a balanced approach to drug control is real. This last fiscal year alone, the Federal Government spent over $10 billion on drug education and treatment programs compared to just over $9 billion on drug related law enforcement in the U.S.
Thank you for making your voice heard. I encourage you to take a moment to read about the President's approach to drug control to learn more."
Maybe my phrasing "why is marijuana illegal" was a poor choice of words. I am mostly interested on people's opinions of legalization - sorry about that!0 -
i'm not siding with the current illegal status of marijuana if that's what you're thinking. i'm answering why they have it illegal.
It's all good! This was the official White House response to the reasons why marijuana would not and could not be legalized in the United States:
"When the President took office, he directed all of his policymakers to develop policies based on science and research, not ideology or politics. So our concern about marijuana is based on what the science tells us about the drug's effects.
According to scientists at the National Institutes of Health -- the world's largest source of drug abuse research -- marijuana use is associated with addiction, respiratory disease, and cognitive impairment. We know from an array of treatment admission information and Federal data that marijuana use is a significant source for voluntary drug treatment admissions and visits to emergency rooms. Studies also reveal that marijuana potency has almost tripled over the past 20 years, raising serious concerns about what this means for public health -– especially among young people who use the drug because research shows their brains continue to develop well into their 20's. Simply put, it is not a benign drug.
Like many, we are interested in the potential marijuana may have in providing relief to individuals diagnosed with certain serious illnesses. That is why we ardently support ongoing research into determining what components of the marijuana plant can be used as medicine. To date, however, neither the FDA nor the Institute of Medicine have found smoked marijuana to meet the modern standard for safe or effective medicine for any condition.
As a former police chief, I recognize we are not going to arrest our way out of the problem. We also recognize that legalizing marijuana would not provide the answer to any of the health, social, youth education, criminal justice, and community quality of life challenges associated with drug use.
That is why the President's National Drug Control Strategy is balanced and comprehensive, emphasizing prevention and treatment while at the same time supporting innovative law enforcement efforts that protect public safety and disrupt the supply of drugs entering our communities. Preventing drug use is the most cost-effective way to reduce drug use and its consequences in America. And, as we've seen in our work through community coalitions across the country, this approach works in making communities healthier and safer. We're also focused on expanding access to drug treatment for addicts. Treatment works. In fact, millions of Americans are in successful recovery for drug and alcoholism today. And through our work with innovative drug courts across the Nation, we are improving our criminal justice system to divert non-violent offenders into treatment.
Our commitment to a balanced approach to drug control is real. This last fiscal year alone, the Federal Government spent over $10 billion on drug education and treatment programs compared to just over $9 billion on drug related law enforcement in the U.S.
Thank you for making your voice heard. I encourage you to take a moment to read about the President's approach to drug control to learn more."
Maybe my phrasing "why is marijuana illegal" was a poor choice of words. I probably should have asked why people still do not support legalization - sorry about that!
no need to apologize, i just didn't want you thinking i was siding with the government on this one..i think it's completely bogus..they have no ground to stand on.
i think with all the funds they would save on the 'drug war' against marijuana and criminalization could be used to fund treatment centers for addicts of more serious drugs that have proven to kill and be dangerously addictive. the only think mary jane ever did to me was raid my fridge :laugh:0 -
It's illegal because there is no "Legal marijuana" lobbyist group paying off politicians. There's nothing in it for them and those against it are extremely vocal so it would ruin their chances at re-election. It's all about the money. Yes, legalizing it and taxing it would raise money. But that money would go to the government as a whole. The money the politicians want is the kind that lines their own fat, greedy pockets.0
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It's illegal because of racism, profiteering and Harry Anslinger. That's why.
There's not a single good reason for it to be illegal. Not one.0 -
How cool would it be if there WAS an easy way to legalize, tax and regulate it? BOOM! More happy people, deficit crisis SOLVED!** Let's take this to the Supercommittee today!!! :smokin:
**Gross overgeneralization, but a girl can dream, right?!0 -
We "legalized" it in Michigan, although that is a very loose term as it's under attack. Anyway, people pay $100 to the state just to possess a card. Dispensaries are/have been opened where people with cards can get it legally. If the gov't would step up and try to impose regulations on these dispensaries all would be good, people would get their pot and the gov't could make some money off of them. Instead, they want to shut them down. Yes, most people would rather go buy it than grow it. While anyone CAN do it, it isn't easy or cheap. It takes room, special equipment, care, time, and electricity for a start.
Also, by decriminalizing it, less money is spent on these people in prison and prosecuting them. The law can stick to the abusers of the system instead of the little guy who just wants to get high. In our world where the focus has been on cutting the budget, this would totally achieve that as well as bring in revenue without taxing.0 -
It's illegal because of George Bush.0
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because they wouldn't be able to tax it or control it
Why? They tax and control tobacco and alcohol.
because marijuana can be grown and sold without government approval. they would overprice 'legal' mary jane which would in turn just make consumers find it cheaper illegally.
Yet people still buy beer.0 -
because they wouldn't be able to tax it or control it
Why? They tax and control tobacco and alcohol.
because marijuana can be grown and sold without government approval. they would overprice 'legal' mary jane which would in turn just make consumers find it cheaper illegally.
Yet people still buy beer.
And brew beer too.0 -
It's against the law. Get over it.
That's my opinion, and I'm sticking with it!
edited to add: There are plenty of things that ARE against the law that I wish weren't, but this isn't one of them.0 -
Marijuana in my opinion should be legal and treated just like alcohol, certain age to smoke, can't consume while or under the influence operate a vehicle.
Why Marijuana is illegal today, lack of government and pharmaceutical control. Lets face it, pharmaceuticals can't control something natural and governemnt can't make money off of it. Keeping marijuana illegal employs far more people. Judicial System (attorneys and judges), police, doctors, R&D, pot growers, transporters. Legalizing would possibly hurt the economy more than help.0 -
It's against the law. Get over it.
That's my opinion, and I'm sticking with it!
edited to add: There are plenty of things that ARE against the law that I wish weren't, but this isn't one of them.
Unfortunately to achieve real change getting over it doesn't work very effectively. Persistence works better, and with 75,000 signatures on just that petition it's obvious people want to make this happen, just have to keep at it. Personally if we could switch marijuana with alcohol it would make much more sense.0 -
God I could use a smoke right now...
Not that do it anyway nervous laugh0 -
hehe we drug test people where I work all the time (we prescribe pain medicine) and we always get the 40-50yo people very distinguished looking and very quietly they say.......Um my employer won't see this right, I smoked some last night..............just once in a while to help me sleep. Haha little do they know that's what everyone says.0
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It's against the law. Get over it.
That's my opinion, and I'm sticking with it!
edited to add: There are plenty of things that ARE against the law that I wish weren't, but this isn't one of them.
Unfortunately to achieve real change getting over it doesn't work very effectively. Persistence works better, and with 75,000 signatures on just that petition it's obvious people want to make this happen, just have to keep at it. Personally if we could switch marijuana with alcohol it would make much more sense.
I agree, the common people were given the power to petition as a check on the government. If they don't recognize the petition, then they are abusing their power, and we might as well go to a dictatorship...0 -
No, there would be a lot of tax revenue. And stock in Cheetos and Taco Bell would skyrocket! :laugh:Marijuana in my opinion should be legal and treated just like alcohol, certain age to smoke, can't consume while or under the influence operate a vehicle.
Why Marijuana is illegal today, lack of government and pharmaceutical control. Lets face it, pharmaceuticals can't control something natural and governemnt can't make money off of it. Keeping marijuana illegal employs far more people. Judicial System (attorneys and judges), police, doctors, R&D, pot growers, transporters. Legalizing would possibly hurt the economy more than help.0 -
It's against the law. Get over it.
That's my opinion, and I'm sticking with it!
edited to add: There are plenty of things that ARE against the law that I wish weren't, but this isn't one of them.
Oh. Ok. Since you say so.0 -
It's against the law. Get over it.
That's my opinion, and I'm sticking with it!
edited to add: There are plenty of things that ARE against the law that I wish weren't, but this isn't one of them.
you know, at one time, voting was against the law for African-Americans and women. We didn't just get over that. And no reason why we should have, thank God there are some people out there who really do stand up for what they believe in. If we all just got over it, we may as well live in a place where we have no control over our lives at all.0 -
you know, at one time, voting was against the law for African-Americans and women. We didn't just get over that. And no reason why we should have, thank God there are some people out there who really do stand up for what they believe in. If we all just got over it, we may as well live in a place where we have no control over our lives at all.
I agree with this wholeheartedly.
The phrase "because it's illegal" has always frustrated me - it is not illegal for our benefit or to protect the health of the public. Why should the government be able to outlaw certain things, but allow (and profit) from more dangerous (and addictive) things like tobacco and alcohol?
One of the greatest parts of being American is (well, should be) the ability to petition the government for change.0 -
I'm all for it. I don't even consume marijuana myself (I don't need the appetite stimulation lol) but for all the reasons you mention, I think it should be legal. It's "decriminalized" where I live, which means possession of small quantities (less than 3g) is tolerated.
I agree. I haven't smoked it in more than 30 years and have no intention of ever smoking it again. Still think it should be sold legally much the way alcohol and tobacco are sold.0 -
I'm all for it. I don't even consume marijuana myself (I don't need the appetite stimulation lol) but for all the reasons you mention, I think it should be legal. It's "decriminalized" where I live, which means possession of small quantities (less than 3g) is tolerated.
I agree. I haven't smoked it in more than 30 years and have no intention of ever smoking it again. Still think it should be sold legally much the way alcohol and tobacco are sold.
and if it's sold legally, it can be regulated so people can't put whatever the hell they want to in it.0 -
I'm all for it. I don't even consume marijuana myself (I don't need the appetite stimulation lol) but for all the reasons you mention, I think it should be legal. It's "decriminalized" where I live, which means possession of small quantities (less than 3g) is tolerated.
I agree. I haven't smoked it in more than 30 years and have no intention of ever smoking it again. Still think it should be sold legally much the way alcohol and tobacco are sold.
and if it's sold legally, it can be regulated so people can't put whatever the hell they want to in it.
Valid point.0 -
It's against the law. Get over it.
That's my opinion, and I'm sticking with it!
edited to add: There are plenty of things that ARE against the law that I wish weren't, but this isn't one of them.
you know, at one time, voting was against the law for African-Americans and women. We didn't just get over that. And no reason why we should have, thank God there are some people out there who really do stand up for what they believe in. If we all just got over it, we may as well live in a place where we have no control over our lives at all.
I hardly think that marijuana is a human rights issue. There really is no comparison between these two things in my opinion.0 -
I'm all for it. I don't even consume marijuana myself (I don't need the appetite stimulation lol) but for all the reasons you mention, I think it should be legal. It's "decriminalized" where I live, which means possession of small quantities (less than 3g) is tolerated.
I agree. I haven't smoked it in more than 30 years and have no intention of ever smoking it again. Still think it should be sold legally much the way alcohol and tobacco are sold.
and if it's sold legally, it can be regulated so people can't put whatever the hell they want to in it.
Not necessarily. People will still be able to grow it themselves like they do now. Nothing's stopping them from doing so.0
This discussion has been closed.