Should marijuana be legal?

[serious crayons]

I just read an op-ed piece by conservative San Francisco Chronicle columnist Debra J. Saunders arguing in favor of decriminalizing marijuana that I thought made some excellent points:

It seems pretty obvious that the last three presidents -- Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama -- once smoked marijuana. OK, Clinton claimed he didn't inhale. Bush refused to say whether he ever used drugs; instead, he coyly alluded to mistakes in his youth. Obama didn't play games in his memoir, "Dreams from My Father" -- he wrote about using marijuana and cocaine as a kid.

The big question: If all three men nonetheless managed to become president, why can't Washington decriminalize marijuana?

Or better yet, legalize, regulate and tax it. At what the White House billed last week as an "experimental" town hall meeting with questions submitted online, the most popular questions were about marijuana. President Obama chose not to answer any such question directly. Instead, the president volunteered that "there was one question that was voted on that ranked fairly high, and that was whether legalizing marijuana would improve the economy and job creation." Then he quipped to laughter, "And I don't know what this says about the online audience."

His answer to his question: "No, I don't think that is a good strategy to grow our economy." Fair enough, legalizing marijuana isn't a strategy to improve the economy. But there are reasons to legalize marijuana, such as the 872,720 marijuana arrests made in America in 2007 -- more than 775,000 were for possession, not sale or manufacture. Those individuals who are convicted may have criminal records and may have trouble obtaining financial aid for college -- even if some day they could grow up to be president.

And what can America show for its drug laws? The World Health Organization found that 42.4 percent of Americans had tried marijuana -- the highest ratio of any of 17 countries surveyed. WHO researchers concluded that drug use "does not appear to be related to drug policy, as countries with more stringent policies (e.g., the United States) did not have lower levels of illegal drug use than countries with more liberal policies (e.g. the Netherlands)."

In short, drug laws don't work, but they cost the federal government alone some $3.7 billion annually, according to Harvard economist Jeffrey A. Miron.

column continues here:

http://townhall.com/columnists/DebraJSaunders/2009/03/31/obama_just_say_no

Meanwhile, Louise posted an article about new research suggesting that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, can kill brain cancer cells.

http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,35137.0.html

So I'm interested in hearing people's opinions on whether marijuana should be legal in the U.S. and elsewhere. If you'd like to expound on your opinions about legalizing other drugs, feel free to do so.

[Brown Eyes]

Interesting poll Bud!  I voted for "I've never smoked it, but think it should be legal." 

[southendmd]

Just a thought, Katherine: is it important to ask people whether they do/did smoke, rather than just their opinion on the legalization issue?  The way the poll is worded might scare away some folks.

[David In Indy]

I used to smoke it years ago, although I was never a big fan of it. It tended to make me feel a bit paranoid and nervous and I didn't like that feeling. Also, I would get incredibly thirsty and then hungry.

Many of my friends still smoke it though and I really don't see anything wrong with it. The effects of marijuana are no different than the effects of alcohol. In fact, marijuana is probably better because it tends to calm people down and makes them relax. Alcohol often makes people very violent and do foolish things while drunk.

I think they should legalize it. Our prisons are overflowing and locking someone up because they were found smoking pot/purchasing it seems very stupid to me. Since alcohol is legal, marijuana should be legal too.

In my opinion.

[serious crayons]

Just a thought, Katherine: is it important to ask people whether they do/did smoke, rather than just their opinion on the legalization issue?  The way the poll is worded might scare away some folks.

Good point, Paul. I'm interested in the use issue, too, and figured people might not mind answering, because the poll responses themselves are anonymous. I don't think anyone can see who voted what, except maybe Phillip and/or John.

However, on the chance that some people still might be uncomfortable with that, I added some options that don't require confessing use or non-use.

Many of my friends still smoke it though and I really don't see anything wrong with it. The effects of marijuana are no different than the effects of alcohol. In fact, marijuana is probably better because it tends to calm people down and makes them relax. Alcohol often makes people very violent and do foolish things while drunk.

I agree, David. I once reviewed a book about the history of recreational drugs, including marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, caffeine, kaht, etc. One theme that emerged very clearly was that drug laws in all cultures have much more to do with societal power structures than with the health effects of the drugs themselves. In other words, alcohol is legal because it's produced and consumed by people with economic and political power, whereas marijuana is produced and consumed by relatively powerless or marginalized people.

That could change, of course, if marijuana comes to be seen as an important source of revenue.

[oilgun]

I voted for legalization.  I also think that possession and use of any drug should be, at least, decriminalised.  Turning drug users, who are otherwise law abiding citizens, into criminals is not very helpful IMO.

[Sheriff Roland]

It's less damaging to the health of a person than tobacco smoking (maybe only because of the amount of tobacco smoked) so the fact that marujuana is illegal is absurd.

Of course I'm in favour of legalizing it's use.

Like David I have used it when I was younger - and even tried it again a few years ago - but I just get paranoid. Not worth the trouble for me. My friends still use it.

Canada was ready to decriminalize it before the Conservatives came into power 4 years ago, but it wasn't a priority issue so it didn't get done. (I'm sure the U.S. government interfered in our national politics at the time, seeing as we have such a transparent border.)

[Brown Eyes]

I've been thinking about this a bit and want to elaborate on my earlier, quick answer.

I agree that marijuana is probably no more harmful than alcohol.  And, it seems very reasonable to me to expect that marijuana could be regulated in much the same way as alcohol or even tobacco products.  People consume potentially harmful/ unhealthy products all the time (including fast food, etc.).  In a way, the health factor as a reason for keeping pot illegal becomes difficult to sustain as an argument when you really start thinking about a lot of the legal products out there.  In fact if marijuana was legal and regulated... there may be less risk of contaminated pot that can be more dangerous than "pure" marijuana.

I also think that, currently, probably the most dangerous thing about pot is the very fact that it is illegal.  By this I mean, it creates a huge subculture of dangerous dealers and related crime.  If marijuana was removed as one element of the illegal drug trade.... just think of the amount of time and resources the police, courts, etc. could spend on more significant problems and issues.  Also, just think of the amount of money that could be saved in the prison system if people convicted solely of marijuana-related issues weren't there.

[southendmd]

Massachusetts recently decriminalized possession of small amounts, by referendum.  It's still "illegal", but a civil, rather than criminal, offense, meaning it wouldn't affect one's ability to get a job, for instance.


Here's an article from The Boston Globe:

Mass. voters OK decriminalization of marijuana
November 4, 2008 09:34 PM


By David Abel, Globe Staff

Massachusetts voters today approved a ballot initiative to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, making getting caught with less than an ounce of pot punishable by a civil fine of $100. The change in the law means someone found carrying as many as dozens of marijuana cigarettes will no longer be reported to the state’s criminal history board.

“The people were ahead of the politicians on this issue; they recognize and want a more sensible approach to our marijuana policy,” said Whitney Taylor, chairwoman of the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy, which campaigned for the ballot initiative. “They want to focus our limited law enforcement resources on serious and violent crimes. They recognize under the new law that the punishment will fit the offense.”

The proposition will become law 30 days after it’s reported to the Governor’s Council, which usually meets in late November or early December. But the Legislature could amend or repeal the new law, as they've done with some prior laws passed by the voters, said Emily LaGrassa, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Martha Coakley. The Associated Press called the outcome at about 9:20 p.m.

The proposition will require those younger than age 18 to complete a drug awareness program and community service. The fine would increase to as much as $1,000 for those who fail to complete the program.

Proponents of the initiative, who spent about $1 million promoting it, argued the change in the law would maintain the state's existing penalties for growing, trafficking, or driving under the influence of marijuana, while ensuring that those caught with less than an ounce of pot would avoid the taint of a criminal record. They also argued it would save the state millions of law enforcement dollars and match similar marijuana possession laws in 12 states, all of which have adopted some form of decriminalization.

The opponents, who included the governor, attorney general, and district attorneys around the state, argued that decriminalizing marijuana possession would promote drug use and benefit drug dealers at a time when they say marijuana has become more potent. They warned it would increase violence on the streets and safety hazards in the workplace, and cause the number of car crashes to rise as more youths drive under the influence.

The opponents said that most of those charged with marijuana possession are arrested for other reasons, such as driving under the influence or possessing a more potent drug like crack cocaine. They also said most people arrested for marijuana possession have their records cleared within six months.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/11/question_2_setu.html

[Shakesthecoffecan]

   I, uh, forgot what I was going to say.......

[Sheriff Roland]

wanted to add ...

There are quite a few Jamaican born folks in my neigbourhood. It's not unusual to catch a whiff of smoke while walking along the main steet near my place.

Also, the proposed changes in Canada (4 years ago) reflect those currently happening in Mass. except the fine would have been only 25$.

Interesting to note that the social/cultural wrongs of criminalization of 'grass' (or if I'm allowed to go off topic a moment, the social wrongs of state sanctioned death penalty) take a back seat (for many Americans) to the financial disadvantage of keeping the weed criminalized. 

One shouldn't have to talk of 'costs' when saying something is just plain WRONG.

[oilgun]

  I, uh, forgot what I was going to say.......

Just get some munchies and come back when you think of it. 

[Kelda]

So far 7 to 1 on the legalising issue.

I am one of the 7 that think it should be made legal.

Like everyhting there are side effects, but  there are some very good medical properties to it, not least the new study by Louise.

Ithink its current illegal status leads some users on to harder drugs... they'e aving to go  dealers to get the drugs and may be empted by others.

One side effect is apparently paranoia and some long running users have had phycological problems as a result. However an intersting factoid, is my sister is a trained phchy nurse. And he like most of her colleagues, also belive it should be legalised - despite them experiencing first hand some of those that have the side effects. Because she belives the good outweighs the bad.

[serious crayons]

Not to put anyone on the spot, but I'm interested to hear from the person or persons who think it should be illegal.

[David In Indy]

I also think that, currently, probably the most dangerous thing about pot is the very fact that it is illegal.  By this I mean, it creates a huge subculture of dangerous dealers and related crime.  If marijuana was removed as one element of the illegal drug trade.... just think of the amount of time and resources the police, courts, etc. could spend on more significant problems and issues.  Also, just think of the amount of money that could be saved in the prison system if people convicted solely of marijuana-related issues weren't there.

That's an excellent point Amanda.

One side effect is apparently paranoia and some long running users have had phycological problems as a result. However an intersting factoid, is my sister is a trained phchy nurse. And he like most of her colleagues, also belive it should be legalised - despite them experiencing first hand some of those that have the side effects. Because she belives the good outweighs the bad.

I've heard people use this as an argument against legalization of marijuana. And it doesn't wash with me. Anything can have negative effects when not used in moderation. Alcohol can cause cirrhosis of the liver for example. I still maintain that since alcohol is a legal drug, marijuana should be legal too. And (in my opinion) marijuana is far less destructive than alcohol, both physically and socially.

[louisev]

you should have included a "decriminalized" option.

[serious crayons]

you should have included a "decriminalized" option.

I thought about it, but there were already so many choices. Plus, I do tend to see this particular issue in sort of black-and-white terms. I mean, if you think it's bad, why not keep it illegal? And if you think it's OK, why not make it legal? To me, decriminalization is a halfway measure; it would eliminate most of the cops, courts and prison costs Amanda mentioned, but would not turn it into a revenue source or reflect the fact that 42 percent of Americans have, at least at some point in their lives, deemed it acceptable to use.

But obviously there are probably people who believe that's the best option, so I will add it to the poll.

I also checked the box allowing people to change their votes.

[delalluvia]

Have never smoked it, have no interest in smoking it, but IMO it definitely should be made legal.  People have yet to die from marijuana smoking as opposed to anything else you might think of.

However it should be handled like alcohol.  No under the influence important activities.

[Kerry]

IMO it should be legalised and put in the same category as alcohol and tobacco.

There should be restrictions re its use I believe, as with tobacco; i.e., no smoking in public places, bars, restaurants, cars with children, etc. No advertising. Similar to the present tobacco restrictions.

Marijuana acts as an excellent analgesic when administered medicinally as part of a palliative care regimen for the terminally ill. With terminally ill AIDS patients, marijuana encourages them to eat.

I was unsure what to tick so chose the second option, which implies that I used to be a regular user. This is not the case. The only times I've ever used marijuana was when I was dating guys who liked to use it prior to love-making. I'm a life-long non-smoker (of tobacco), so it was all very foreign (and repugnant) to me. I never suffered from paranoia. I'd always dissolve into fits of the giggles and ended up being too busy laughing (at any and everything) to have sex. That, and eating. I would eat everything in sight and still be hungry.

[Katie77]

I agree with the de-crimilization of it. At least that would take the control of it, out of the hands of the unsrupulous and back alley dealing of it.

I also think it should be legal to grow a couple of plants, for one's own use. At least then, the user can have some control over what they are smoking without any unknown additves that may be put it in. They say the safest marijuana to smoke is the stuff you grown yourself.

I dont smoke it myself, (tried it twice only), but I do smoke cigarettes and I would be very hypercritical if I was against someone somoking marijuana. When my sons smoked it, my defence to them to not continue, was the criminal link to it, as well as the cost of it.

I think the same rules and penalties should apply to people driving under the influence of marijuana as there is to people under the influence of alcohol.

The only thing that worries me about legalising it, is that it takes the act of "doing something that they shouldn't" away from the younger generation, and may take a bit of the appeal away from them, and cause them to go onto something harder that is illegal.

[serious crayons]

The only thing that worries me about legalising it, is that it takes the act of "doing something that they shouldn't" away from the younger generation, and may take a bit of the appeal away from them, and cause them to go onto something harder that is illegal.

Well, I don't know about other countries, but I'm sure here it would still be illegal for teenagers to smoke pot, because it's illegal for them to drink. The fact that it's legal for adults to drink does not seem to take away the appeal of drinking for teens.

In fact, you might as easily argue that it would keep them from going into something harder. Lots of teenagers drink alcohol but don't do drugs. Maybe those who smoke pot are that much more tempted to try harsher drugs because they've already broken the law in a big way by using an illegal drug, they've already established markets for buying and selling illegal drugs.

It's handy to be able to tell my sons they can't smoke pot because it's illegal. But they also can't do a lot of other things that aren't illegal because they're kids. They can't drink, they can't get married or enter the military, they can't quit school, they can't buy a house. So if marijuana were legalized, the rule would become one based on their legal status as juveniles rather than the legal status of the substance.

[Monika]

I don´t want to go anywhere near it myself, but I think it´s probably a good idea to make it legal.

[Artiste]

Where it's legal, isn't there still violence?

[Ellemeno]

I used to smoke marijuana quite a bit, but haven't in well over two decades.  I think it should be legal, and I think people should be taught when it is a good idea to use, and when it isn't a good idea to use.