Why is Marijuana Illegal?

Options
24

Replies

  • KaleidoscopeEyes1056
    KaleidoscopeEyes1056 Posts: 2,996 Member
    Options
    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...
  • Bahet
    Bahet Posts: 1,254 Member
    Options
    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.
    No, there would be a lot of tax revenue. And stock in Cheetos and Taco Bell would skyrocket! :laugh:
  • SiltyPigeon
    SiltyPigeon Posts: 920 Member
    Options
    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.
  • KaleidoscopeEyes1056
    KaleidoscopeEyes1056 Posts: 2,996 Member
    Options
    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.
  • daffodilsoup
    daffodilsoup Posts: 1,972 Member
    Options

    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.
  • Bonita_Lynne_58
    Bonita_Lynne_58 Posts: 2,845 Member
    Options
    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.
  • KaleidoscopeEyes1056
    KaleidoscopeEyes1056 Posts: 2,996 Member
    Options
    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.
  • Bonita_Lynne_58
    Bonita_Lynne_58 Posts: 2,845 Member
    Options
    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.
  • VeganGal84
    VeganGal84 Posts: 938 Member
    Options
    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.
  • poisongirl6485
    poisongirl6485 Posts: 1,487 Member
    Options
    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.
  • daffodilsoup
    daffodilsoup Posts: 1,972 Member
    Options

    I hardly think that marijuana is a human rights issue. There really is no comparison between these two things in my opinion.

    Why is it not a human rights issue? What if the government were to turn around and make cigarettes, alcohol, cupcakes or regular soda illegal? If it does not harm others, then why should the government get to have say over what I, as a fully competent adult, choose to put into my body? It is absolutely a human rights issue because it affects the rights of humans.
  • BrettPGH
    BrettPGH Posts: 4,720 Member
    Options
    I hardly think that marijuana is a human rights issue. There really is no comparison between these two things in my opinion.

    Tell that to the people suffering from Alzheimer's, ALS, MS, brain cancer, breast cancer, HIV and AIDS who could benefit from medicinal marijuana but are denied it because.. wait why are they denied it again?

    OH because it's a law! And our laws never change, that's right!

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis
  • sexforjaffacakes
    sexforjaffacakes Posts: 1,001 Member
    Options

    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!

    Such a rubbish excuse, it's a well known scientific fact that weed is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco, especially if they sold "pure" weed, instead of modified skunk etc
  • VeganGal84
    VeganGal84 Posts: 938 Member
    Options
    I hardly think that marijuana is a human rights issue. There really is no comparison between these two things in my opinion.

    Tell that to the people suffering from Alzheimer's, ALS, MS, brain cancer, breast cancer, HIV and AIDS who could benefit from medicinal marijuana but are denied it because.. wait why are they denied it again?

    OH because it's a law! And our laws never change, that's right!

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis

    I agree that it should be legalized for medicinal reasons. That is not what I meant. I was talking about those who use it recreationally.
  • daffodilsoup
    daffodilsoup Posts: 1,972 Member
    Options

    I agree that it should be legalized for medicinal reasons. That is not what I meant. I was talking about those who use it recreationally.

    I don't really get the distinction. It's a matter of the right to choose what I do and do not put into my own body. Why is it perfectly legal to unwind with an alcoholic drink at the end of the day and not a joint?
  • suzycreamcheese
    suzycreamcheese Posts: 1,766 Member
    Options
    why should it be up to anyone else if i want to use it recreationally?

    Why is ok for me to drink a bottle of wine in the evening, but if i have a little spliff, im a criminal?
  • VeganGal84
    VeganGal84 Posts: 938 Member
    Options

    I agree that it should be legalized for medicinal reasons. That is not what I meant. I was talking about those who use it recreationally.

    I don't really get the distinction. It's a matter of the right to choose what I do and do not put into my own body. Why is it perfectly legal to unwind with an alcoholic drink at the end of the day and not a joint?

    I guess that I just don't care. If you choose to use a drug that is illegal, then that is a crime. And I don't see why it shouldn't be. I'm pretty indifferent about the matter, really, so if it ever becomes legal, fine. But for now it's not, and I'm perfectly okay with that.
  • suzycreamcheese
    suzycreamcheese Posts: 1,766 Member
    Options
    well thats fine. I support your right not to smoke it if youre not interested.

    Why cant i smoke it if i like it and its not bothering anyone else though?
  • BrettPGH
    BrettPGH Posts: 4,720 Member
    Options
    well thats fine. I support your right not to smoke it if youre not interested.

    Why cant i smoke it if i like it and its not bothering anyone else though?

    Same reason we had prohibition and a hundred other ridiculous laws AND half the problems on this forum.

    People want to control others. VERY much. Don't ever doubt this.

    I just don't want the actions of others to effect ME. Do what you want, leave me out of it and I promise to do the same for you.

    Should I choose to indulge in marijuana it makes no difference in your life. Please allow me the same freedoms I allow you.

    Ken Burns recently did a great documentary on prohibition. How it was passed by a vocal minority of busy bodies. How it made most law abiding citizens into criminals. How it created the mafia. Anyone who could watch that and not see the correlation today..well I just don't get it.
  • VeganGal84
    VeganGal84 Posts: 938 Member
    Options
    well thats fine. I support your right not to smoke it if youre not interested.

    Why cant i smoke it if i like it and its not bothering anyone else though?

    You're right, you can. But it's illegal so you probably shouldn't. I simply don't see the point in legalizing recreational marijuana. But if it ever becomes legal, I will support your right to smoke it. I just don't care enough about the rights of recreational pot smokers to be actively for the legalization. I'm not actively against it, either. I guess that I'm more neutral and should probably just stay out of this debate, LOL