It isn't about the smoking of cannibus that isn't being talked about here. Hemp oil made with high grade indica strain of hemp will cure cancer. If you don't think that is the truth, Google or on youtube RUN FROM THE CURE, watch the whole thing and tell me you wouldn't want to have that option if you or a loved one gets this deadly illness. There is proof that it works on all kinds of ailments.

Another reason it is still illegal is that the medical community can't have US all curing ourselves, they make no money off of it. It's a GOD given plant, can't be patented so the AMA has no interest making it legal.

I watched my dad go through chemo and radiation and suffered for the last 6 months of his life from the treatment more than the cancer. I wish I would have known about hemp oil then. I'm not going through that if I get cancer. If it doesn't work for me, well see ya on the other side.

If the people vote for it in their states, the feds should have nothing to say because of WE THE PEOPLE voted and made it legal at the state level.

As much as I like the idea of legalizing it, I have to call BS on you for that broad and inaccurate statement. I know plenty of people that use it and some of them still get cancer. I have no doubt that it helps with symptoms but I'm pretty sure it's not a miracle cure.

Surprise, here is a 72 Grandmother, who is so in favor of legalizing Pot. Most people don't have a clue, what it can do for Cancer and A.I.D.S Patients. Lost my son to A.I.D.S over 14 years ago. Watched him take 58 pills a day trying to stay alive. The Famous Cocktail for his virus. Which destroyed his liver. Pot lengthened his life. He was so sick from taking meds. 2 hits from a joint would allow him to eat and rest. People of Ak. wake up. Legalize the best med. in the world. By the way, you might find it interesting that I have never smoked pot and my Son wasn't gay.

I don't know about whether or not hemp oil actually cures cancer, wouldn't go so far as to say that the whole medical community would be against legalization because people then can cure themselves, would have to disagree with any assertion that marijuana is a cure-all. There are a lot of dedicated professionals in the medical profession w/compassion who would do anything to help their patients, and while undoubtedly MJ has positive medicinal properties, it is not magical.

Without a doubt MJ is illegal because of economics and racism. Initially because it competed with other industries and could be used as part of racial stereotyping. Later because of the law enforcement infrastructure that can be justified as part of its War on Drugs. A part of the reason it is still illegal is because it would be almost impossible for someone to sufficiently profit by cornering the market. The pros will tell you that it takes a pro to get good weed, but anybody can drop a few seeds, come back a few months later, and pick leaves and buds that will at least "give you a buzz".

I believe Obama will at least seriously decriminalize marijuana in his second term. If he is willing to step up and support gay marriage, marijuana should be politically a no-brainer. It won't matter either way, as too many states have realized the positive economic value of decriminalization and will continue the grass-roots, incremental path. As most countries w/strong marijuana laws created them to be in line w/American pressure when it was first criminalized, other countries will follow suit. Marijuana can assume an appropriate role, both medically and recreationally.

I don't like smoking weed. Did more than my share as a youngster while a college student,(graduated, went on to a successful career, so in my view, so much for the arguement that is the cause for killing all my abilities and motivation), but came to a point where the risks and penalties of getting caught weren't worth it. Had an opportunity to partake a number of years later, found out I really don't like it any more.

HOWEVER. When the day finally arrives when I can, I will get some decent seeds. I am not a casual gardener, know quite a bit about what I am doing in that arena. I will focus in on spending a few months to grow a decent crop of sensemilla, will see if I can find a few like-minded friends, will roll up a fat one (a skill you never lose) put on some Pink Floyd and celebrate that the stupidity is finally over. At the end of the night, whatever is left from the crop will go to whoever wants it.

I'm from Arkansas and furious this made it on the ballot. While I'm certain it has some use for terminally ill or chronic type patients, if California is any indication of what will happen here, then I'm totally against it. They did undercover stings on the "clinics" and found they had prescription mills going where you could get a prescription if you had a hang nail. On top of that, the people who moved into the state to corner the pot market ended up being crooks, frauds, etc.

For you guys above who brag you have smoked for many years and it is not worse than alcohol, the difference is my employees will now start smoking on the job or coming in stoned and I can't prove it. With alcohol, you can smell it. I'm not going to get into which is worse, but as an employer I kNOW which is worse. Our state is already full of meth labs all over the place and now they will all just start growing weed.

So Worn out, by your theory, say a group wants to make child porn legal and gets enough signatures to vote, AND it passes, then that is ok because the state has voted???

BTW, I watched a petitioner in front of a 7-11 getting signatures. He even approached me. He was obviously a pot head and most of the people who signed were the same. He also simply asked if they wanted to make pot legal in Arkansas... well of course they were like "hell ya"... this state just continues to sink into oblivion.

The time has come to legalize pot on a national level! Tax it, make it hard to get for minors, make it only legal to use it in the privacy of your own home and make driving while under the influence the same as alcohol! You would put this facet of the drug cartels out of business, OVERNIGHT! Then the DEA could concentrate its efforts on the stuff that truly kills people like Heroin, Meth, Cocaine, etc, etc.... We could pay down the national debt quickly and take the money spent on pot out of the hands of terrorists!!

I'll be twisten up a fattie for the south-land tonite :)

Can we just make it legal already...everyone from as far right as Ron Paul to as far left as Barney Frank think its a good idea.

got to love corgis...

Sorry, this is the land of the free...dont like it, move to Iraq

The same people who knock marijuana are usually the ones heading down to the corner bar to get @!$%# faced drunk,spend all the grocery money,@!$%# their pants and head home to a empty house to pass out !!!!!!Anything can be done to excess !!!!! Not everyone who smokes pot is a stoner,not everyone who drinks is alcoholic. I have yet to hear of someone showing up in the ER high on pot and trying to kick the nurse's ass BUT lots of drunks do it !!!!!!

Anybody who tells you that "(this thing) will cure cancer" is either lying to you, willfully ignorant, or just stupid. For one thing, cancer comprises dozens of different diseases with different treatments, symptoms, and complications, and their own research that needs to be done to find cures. Cancer isn't one thing.

Besides that, the idea that there is a real miracle cure available IF ONLY the government would legalize is absolute bull. The government can't stop people from buying and using marijuana for purely recreational use; if it were even slightly plausible for weed to cure cancer, there would be no deaths from cancer because everyone with cancer would do everything in their power to get some.

That said, I support full legalization. But GOD, that nonsense ticks me off.

As for your comment about California Corgis, our state was a heavy smoker long before it was made legal in medicinal form. All that happens is that it keeps the deadbeats out of court and jail. And given our budget crisis, we definitely can't afford to handle them!

I think they have had Marijuana there for some time although if you believe that one, Slick didn't inhale.

Just what we need more smoked up right wingers

The whole scam of illegal hemp is ridiculous. If anything should be made illegal it should be ethanol. It causes more hardship than any form of cannabis.

Wanna know who abuses more drugs than anybody? The elderly !!!!!!! The doctors give out more drugs than anyone else !!!!! Take a gander at grandma's medicine cabinet sometime,you will find painkillers galore !!!!!! I would much rather see people smoke a joint than suffer from the side effects of these drugs,constipation, lethargy,mood swings,falling,confusion,hallucinations ALL from prescribed medication !!!!!!!! Get real people. Broke hips in the elderly happen due to narcotic over use and abuse most often !!!!!!

Go Bubba Clinton. Dude we could totally eat that pig!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgCKkV0CNe4&feature=related

headnurse1 makes a very valid point...

OXY is destroyer of lives, its a problem that seems to not get much attention. And its fricken legal, and don't even get me started on those "Pain clinics"...

Those places got doctors that have taken an oath to protect human life, then wanna destroy it all to make a buck.

drugs,,drugs,, that's all the NPA that I was seeing instead of the DR she worked for.. I collected a drawer full of great pain killers.. and yes I reported that office and it is now closed and they are in njail

We need to legalize marijuana and stop this ridiculous war on a plant.

Marijuana is the safest intoxicant known to man. You cannot overdose on it unless you ate an entire dump truck load of the stuff. It takes 40,000 times the amount needed to feel high in order to become toxic.

LEGALIZE and TAX NOW !!

.

R Battle; you wouldn't be talking about our favorite Arizona Tumbleweed would you? He's late.

I guess us Arizonans taint real Southerners. We passed medical pot a few years ago - only Death Panels Jan Brewer is still trying to keep it from us. I think the first dispensaries open soon - I'll be in line "yeah sure you betcha".

It is definately time to end the mad war on marijuana. I know a friend who recently died from MS and related issues and it really did help his suffering and I'm glad for it...

What century are we in now???

American Socialist

headnurse1 makes a very valid point...

OXY is destroyer of lives, its a problem that seems to not get much attention. And its fricken legal, and don't even get me started on those "Pain clinics

I take Oxycodone and it makes a world of difference in the quality of my life. I have managed to get down from 4 a day to 1 1/2 a day (1/2 of one works just as well as a whole one). I was worried about my liver and kidneys - but 4 a day never gave me any reason to feel like I was too out of it to function. In fact, you want me to take an Oxy before I drive - it's when I don't take one that my focus is on pain and not on driving.

There is nothing you can do about those who abuse things in life - I just left Walmart and 85% of the women and 50% of the men in there were morbidly obese - talk about a health risk.

only losers smoke pot

only losers smoke pot

Yeah, losers like Presidents, world famous artists, and 8-time Gold medal winners.

LOSERS /sarc

got to love corgis:

I'm from Arkansas and furious this made it on the ballot.

I guess you are in the minority.

They did undercover stings on the "clinics" and found they had prescription mills going where you could get a prescription if you had a hang nail. On top of that, the people who moved into the state to corner the pot market ended up being crooks, frauds, etc.

All the more reason to just legalize it outright. Problem solved. But, I bet you have a problem with people just wanting to get high, right? Well, too bad. It's really none of your business.

For you guys above who brag you have smoked for many years and it is not worse than alcohol, the difference is my employees will now start smoking on the job or coming in stoned and I can't prove it.

Sure you can. Drug stores sell a $10 drug test. BTW- What makes you think they aren't coming to work high now, anyway?

I'm not going to get into which is worse,...

How convenient! Go ahead and stick your head where the sun don't shine, it's safe there.

So Worn out, by your theory, say a group wants to make child porn legal and gets enough signatures to vote, AND it passes, then that is ok because the state has voted???

How in the HELL do you equate child porn (which has a victim) with smoking marijuana (which is an individual choice)?! Can you answer me that? Where the @!$%# do you get off comparing a sinister crime such as child porn with someone sitting in the privacy of their home and smoking a little weed?!

UNREAL!!!

BTW, I watched a petitioner in front of a 7-11 getting signatures. He even approached me. He was obviously a pot head...

So, what exactly, to you, is a "pothead"? What makes a person an "obvious" pothead? (I'm willing to bet you are going to describe a "hippie")

... this state just continues to sink into oblivion.

Probably thanks to people like you that perpetuate stereotypes and hatred.

It sounds like to me you just have a personal problem with a group of people and just need something to hate. I can tell by the way you use the word "pothead" to blanketly describe people who smoke weed you have no idea of what in the hell you are talking about. I bet you are a Conservative right-winger who just can't stand the idea of pot smokers actually having a legitimate place in society, right?

Well, too damn bad! Times are a changin' and if you can't keep up, then get out of the way!

@1.5 "got to love corgis"

Thanks for making other people from Arkansas look bad. Clearly you don't think about what you are typing before you submit it. You acknowledge that it can have positive medical benefits when used properly, and yet you are so opposed to the idea that you are outraged that your peers are being given the chance to debate the issue and vote on it. By your logic we should outlaw any kind of medical prescription as well as over the counter drugs because of the potential for abuse.

This law would not allow everyone to start growing pot nor would it encourage people to do so. I laugh that you call yourself an employeer and yet you don't know what drug test are. Pot stays in your system for a long time so it would be easier to get caught smoking on or off the job than it would be to get caught drinking. Often pot has a stronger smell than alcohol.

I used to go to job interviews stoned, so they would think I was just normal when I came to work that way later.

Ya-ya Corgi-mon. Me thinkst we'll have a bit of smoke for Arkansas, where my grandfather ran shine before WW2 called him.

The jailer industry needs the income so by all means, vote it down Arkie.

And at what point in history did Arkansas surpass California at anything worth a @!$%#?

One dirty, you are SO off base and typically take something and twist to fit YOUR agenda. I never said nor tried to imply child porn was the same. My point was just because "everyone already does it" and "the state voted" doesn't mean EVERY idea out there being voted on is a GOOD idea?

Of COURSE I know about drug tests, but do I as an employer want to now have to test everyone constantly?

Zim, AGAIN (since you seemed to have missed it earlier), I wouldn't be against this IF I thought it would only be for people with LEGITIMATE MEDICAL PROBLEMS.... My only resource for the abuse of the law is California. Once AGAIN, they found so much abuse of the prescriptions they now closed down more than half of the "dispensaries" due to abuse. On top of that, it revealed ex-cons had circumvented the system and were running these places making a million dollars. Also, you are incorrect, the proposed law DOES allow growing a small amount of your own if you are not within five miles from a dispensary. REALLY ? Five miles??? You can drive 10 to get to Walmart, but omg... can't go more than 5 for my pot... Yes, the person growing it has to have the prescription, but how many of you think he will ONLY smoke it himself and not offer to friends... or better yet, let the friend grow some in the same garden? Anyone??? Anyone???

As for my calling the petitioner a pothead, I probably DID assume too much, but have to wonder why not ONE petitioner that I observed looked anything OTHER than what you call a hippie. I would bet money the guy smoked pot and I would win.

I had a brother who grew pot, smoked pot, etc.. then went on to harder drugs... thank goodness he stopped all of that ages ago, but even HE admitted the pot had affected his memory, etc.

Finally, one dirty, you couldn't be further from the truth about my political bent. I'm a dyed in the wool Democrat, very liberal and generally for anything progressive... however, our state is already so full of meth users, I just don't think we need to make it easier for people to get even more drugged up.

Yes, I'm sure you think I'm an old fogey (I'm far from it), but for this particular issue, that may well be.

corgis:

My point was just because "everyone already does it" and "the state voted" doesn't mean EVERY idea out there being voted on is a GOOD idea?

So your "good" idea is to continue a prohibition that has failed miserably and cost tax payers over a trillion dollars and has Draconian laws that do more harm than the drug itself? Sorry, but legalization is the only way to go. Didn't you learn anything from alcohol prohibition of the 20s/30s?

Again, you have a problem with people just wanting to get high. Why is that? And what business is it of yours what other people do to their own bodies, anyway?

Of COURSE I know about drug tests, but do I as an employer want to now have to test everyone constantly?

No, I wouldn't suggest it. What I would suggest is that you base your hiring/firing on performance and production. If I were an employer I wouldn't care what drugs my employees did as long as they performed their job satisfactorily. But of course, I wouldn't put up with anyone drunk on the job. High on weed? Who cares as long as they did their job and weren't working with heavy machinery.

I wouldn't be against this IF I thought it would only be for people with LEGITIMATE MEDICAL PROBLEMS....

Again, you are against people getting high? Why are you so against that? You must be against alcohol and in favor for making that illegal again. That proved be a great success (sar).

As for my calling the petitioner a pothead, I probably DID assume too much, but have to wonder why not ONE petitioner that I observed looked anything OTHER than what you call a hippie.

Ah, yes, your true colors come shining through! You DO have something against hippies. And why is that exactly? Apparently you just can't accept people for who they are or their chosen lifestyles. Sounds like a personal problem to me.

I would bet money the guy smoked pot and I would win.

Again, what is sooooo wrong with smoking weed? If you don't like, then don't do it. But, don't sit on your high horse looking down at others for just because you don't approve.

Finally, one dirty, you couldn't be further from the truth about my political bent. I'm a dyed in the wool Democrat, very liberal and generally for anything progressive...

You could have fooled me. You are the first progressive I have run into that's against pot legalization let alone for medicinal purposes. You don't sound very progressive to me. You are an enigma.

...however, our state is already so full of meth users, I just don't think we need to make it easier for people to get even more drugged up.

Meth is probably the worst drug ever invented. I would never advocate for anyone to use that drug and would get them to seek help to kick that nasty drug. But, with that said, I wouldn't treat them as criminals and instead treat them as medical patients. i.e Prohibition is NOT the answer. And to penalize all of the people who smoke weed based on the few who do meth is unfair to say the least. To keep ANY drug illegal only goes to support the black market and organized crime.

I'm NOT way off base considering 50% of the population favors legalizing weed and an even greater percentage favor legalizing it for medicinal purposes.

One dirty, just a question... Where does it stop in your book. Your rationale is if someone wants to get high, it's none of my business. No victim, etc. What about bath salts? What about Meth? Oxy? All ways to "get high" no victim as such. So we make that legal if enough people decide to vote it in? You keep bringing up alcohol.. I drink and enjoy it.. but never in my 30 years of working have I had a drink before or during work. What I find is pot smokers don't have that kind of limit. They get high before, during and after work. While you think they can get their job done, they can never keep up with co-workers who are not high. I know some of my employees are high on the job, but short of continuous drug testing, not much I can do, but I can always tell.

Lastly, you mention prohibition not working, etc... I ask you AGAIN.. where do you draw the line???? Yes, I know you guys are thrilled that the threshold of 50% now favor, but if you look at the breakdown.. it is mostly due to much younger people... People my age (50) and up DON'T favor it.... maybe because we ARE older and see what it can do to people... But I'm sure in your mind, we are just a bunch of stick in the muds... As for me being your first progressive NOT in favor... well my friend.. I don't think you get around much other than perhaps other pot smoking "progressives".. plenty of us out there.

corgis:

One dirty, just a question... Where does it stop in your book.(?)

It stops with the end of prohibition and the drug war. Like I said before, I don't advocate for anyone to do hard core drugs like meth, heroin, etc. I want to legalize pot and decriminalize all drugs. Understand there is a difference between legalizing and decriminalizing. If you would do some research you would understand pot was made illegal based on lies and corporate greed. It had NOTHING to do with public safety. It should have NEVER been made illegal, period. As for the other hard drugs, people who have problems with addiction (and that could be with anything like sex, or food, etc.) should be treated as medical patients and NOT as criminals.

But you want to continue prohibition based on what? Can you answer that one question? I keep asking you questions but you keep avoiding them. I have yet to hear one good reason to continue a failed and costly drug war and drug prohibition. You want to make criminals out of drug users. Why?

You keep bringing up alcohol.

No. I keep bringing up alcohol prohibition and how that failed miserably and today's prohibition has failed miserably. I have yet to even talk about alcohol. But, I can if you wish.

I drink and enjoy it...

Oh! Now wait a second! You can enjoy your drug of choice YET you want to limit others in their choices? Pretty hypocritical of you, no?

...but never in my 30 years of working have I had a drink before or during work.

So what? So now everybody has to be just like you or they are wrong? That's your prerogative. I'm not saying people should be drunk on the job, but I also know some people might have a drink on their lunch break without being impaired to perform their job. And before you start telling me pot is different, well, a pot high doesn't impair you like alcohol. I can give a link to many studies to support my claim.

What I find is pot smokers don't have that kind of limit. They get high before, during and after work.

Do you think ALL pot smokers get high while working? You are making blanket statements. I'm not naive and know some pot smokers do. But, I also know the majority of pot smokers don't. Especially when others safety is at risk. You seem to think pot smokers stay high all day long, which may be true for some but I wouldn't make the assumption that is true for all.

While you think they can get their job done, they can never keep up with co-workers who are not high.

Then fire them if you think they aren't performing to your expectations. What is so difficult about that?

...but if you look at the breakdown.. it is mostly due to much younger people... People my age (50) and up DON'T favor it....

I beg to differ. Can you show me any evidence to back up your claim? Over and over I read posts from people in your age group and older that support legalizing pot AND ending drug prohibition. Again, you are making blanket statements which are just not true or accurate. Usually it's older Conservatives that are against legalizing or decriminalizing drugs, but I also know it's not EVERY Conservative. Now that I have met you, I now know there are progressives against. Bottom line is one can't make all inclusive statements about any one group or demographic.

BTW- My parents, who don't smoke weed, are almost 70 years old and they think it's ridiculous pot has remained illegal for so long and also think it should have never been made illegal in the first place. And before you jump to any conclusions, they are both retired professionals after having long successful careers. I also have older friends (60s) who think the same. So, I know your claim is pure BS.

As for me being your first progressive NOT in favor... well my friend.. I don't think you get around much other than perhaps other pot smoking "progressives".. plenty of us out there.

Well, I know that your "plenty of us out there" is the minority as the polls have shown.

If you continue avoiding my questions this debate will be over. I have addressed your comments and questions. Can you do the same?

I would guess not.

One dirty, honestly you are really debating anything. You are picking very short segments out of sentence with an entire paragraph and making your own judgemental/all inclusive arguments. I don't really see the value in debating this with you as you have made up your mind and I have done the same. I will comment on the poll issue. For some reason you seem to think I just made up numbers, etc. I was going by the recent Gallup poll (which I assumed was the one you quoted about the over 50%) and their poll broke it all down by age, sex, race, etc. But hey.. don't let a few facts get in the way of a good rant.

I don't expect nor ever said everyone should be like me regarding drug use or drinking. What you do at home is none of my business. My issue is making it legal to grow, use, etc. and the public use of said drugs. I won't quote any studies in regards to pot leading to heavier drugs because your group always discounts any studies that are negative (Have seen it in several other posts). I have managed from 50-120 people during the last 30 years of my life. I can count on one hand the employees that I ever caught/suspected drinking to the point of detection or affecting their job performance. On the other hand, I can count at least 30-40 in the past 10 years who have come to work high, take breaks to get high, etc. You say fire them.. LOVE to do that.. however I now live in a rural area and have no labor pool other than crack heads and welfare poachers (those who don't really want a job but want me to sign their forms that they are "looking"). On top of that, IF I didn't do a drug test, then you risk being sued, unemployment insurance hikes, etc. And YES coming in high DOES effect their work. Are they big things? No, but forgetting a lot of little details is what harms the company image.

Finally, I never ever said I was in the majority, though you pounced on that one as well. I simply said (since you think I'm the rare LONE progressive against pot) that there ARE many of us out there. Obviously not the majority.

That all being said... I'm going to make myself a drink and you go light up a joint and we'll both have a good evening... Thanks for the "chat".

they can never keep up with co-workers who are not high.

That's bull@!$%#. I am the youngest person to ever hold my position at my facility (a major cancer research center), I was promoted and replaced my supervisor within 6 months and within a year was at my current position.

I smoke weed before during and after work.

I smoked before during and after 10 years of college. I smoked before and after (during if I could have) state and federal boards. I smoked before during and after multiple specialty boards. I smoked before during and after our "biggest" inspection from the FDA, USDA, AAALAC and IACUC.

Your stereotypes are bunk......tell it to Carl sagan

The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world."

I guess he couldn't keep up according to you.

corgis:

I was going by the recent Gallup poll (which I assumed was the one you quoted about the over 50%) and their poll broke it all down by age, sex, race, etc. But hey.. don't let a few facts get in the way of a good rant.

Yes, I was referring to the Gallup pole. Did you not say:

...but if you look at the breakdown.. it is mostly due to much younger people... People my age (50) and up DON'T favor it....

That would be an all inclusive statement, is it not? That would be 100% according to you, right?

Well, here are the "facts" you seem to think I'm ignoring:

50-64 year olds: 49% favor pot legalization

65+ year olds: 31% favor pot legalization

Gee, you said 50+ year olds DON'T favor legalization. 49%? Really? That's your majority? 1%?

Even 31% of 65+ favor legalization of pot; there's your majority: 69%, which isn't 100% as you would have us believe.

Who is letting a "few facts get in the way" of a good rant now, eh?

Ya know, at one time I bet a lot of old people thought Jim Crow laws were the right thing to do, but we all know that was WRONG! Don't get me wrong, I respect my elders and many older people are very wise and have good things to pass on to the younger generations. But, that doesn't mean everything they have to say is right or should be taken without question.

One dirty, honestly you are really debating anything.

I know what you meant to say is "you aren't really debating anything", right? (I know it's a typo; no biggie) Well, if that is what you think and can't seem to answer most of my questions who isn't really debating the issue, huh? You still haven't answered my main question:

Why do you want to perpetuate a spectacularly failed and costly drug war and drug prohibition which has caused more damage than all of the drugs combined and has ruined lives and is the cause of violence and thousands of deaths associated with illegal drug trafficking?

The answer is: you can't. You can't come up with ANY solid arguments. Period.

You are picking very short segments out of sentence with an entire paragraph and making your own judgemental/all inclusive arguments.

I was trying to be brief and picking out statements that you made which seemed to be all inclusive. I've all ready written a book here, practically, and was trying not to repeat EVERYTHING you said, word for word. But, obviously you failed to recognize that.

I don't really see the value in debating this with you as you have made up your mind and I have done the same.

I disagree for you have seemed to close your mind to the "facts". No matter. Legalization will eventually happen irregardless of what you have to say or think.

What you do at home is none of my business.

DING! DING! DING! Well, at least you do recognize that. That's what I said from the beginning. We have finally come to agreement on something, at least.

Finally, I never ever said I was in the majority, though you pounced on that one as well. I simply said (since you think I'm the rare LONE progressive against pot) that there ARE many of us out there. Obviously not the majority.

Good, I'm glad you finally admitted that you aren't in the majority which is NOT what you would have me to believe from your earlier statement: "50+ DON'T favor legalization". Details. Details. Details.

That all being said... I'm going to make myself a drink and you go light up a joint and we'll both have a good evening... Thanks for the "chat".

Please, enjoy your drink. If I had a joint I would. But I don't , so I won't.

Your welcome. Anytime.

Actually it was 2%.

Sue me.

You know if you wouldn't smoke so much pot, you might have caught your mistake earlier... :-)

Couldn't resist...

PLEASE don't respond.. just giving you some good natured ribbing.

Funny thing is I wish I could smoke "so much" pot.

(BTW- did you happen to notice the time of day I posted that?)

The legalization of pot I believe will eventually happen. What I'd like to remind everyone is that all the jerks in Washington DC, the ones who are greatly/mostly responsible for the current condtion of this country is that They are our employees. They are supposed to be working for us as our representitives. They should serve time when their crimes (many) are discovered. It's time for the 28th amendment to happen, actually it's past time.

OF course its not about what the people want or the medicinal qualities of MJ or the treatment of people who are ill its about what the corporate lobby and government lobby DON'T want. Patients with the ability to treat their own illness outside the pharma stranglehold of therapy and profit share.

yes, midnight toker 420 - by your name i am sure all you want is to have it legal for 'medical use'. fyi, if you aren't 17 anymore and you smoke weed you are a loser. come out of the basement, get a job and join society. but watch out, the sun is bright - you'll need sunglasses for your bloodshot eyes. oh, and i need a receipt for pump 12. maybe someday you'll be a shift manager at the 7-11. reach high.

ltp
I hope you don't drink alcohol, caffeine, smoke cigarettes, or are on painkillers. If you do then you are a hypocrite.

ltp-You are a perfect example of someone who knows nothing about what they are talking about. You apparently saw Reefer Madness for the first time recently, so you better watch it, those reefer smokers are going to come rape your women folk once they get their fix!

ltp - Hate to burst your bubble, but I have smoked marijuana regularly since I was 15 (I'm now 53) and I have 4 degrees, 1 Associates Degree in Culinary Arts, and Bachelor's degrees in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. I have always worked since graduation, mostly in Restauant Management, raised 2 kids (both in college) and currently own my own catering business with 15 employees and annual sales of nearly $1 million. But I guess that still makes me a loser in your tiny little mind. So FU and all your stereotypes and misconceptions about weed. Alcohol does more harm than weed ever will, so you should either read something other than anti-weed propaganda, or else STFU.

ltp

I am neither 17, nor do I live in a basement. I am a college graduate and I have a job that I have had for over 20 years, and NO...it isn't running a cash register at the 7-11 Occassionally I smoke weed. I am a fully functioning member of society. I completely agree with Satanick on the hypoctite angle.

@ltp....i smoke, i want it legal because i think its fun, it relaxes me, it works better than tylenol for my headaches, it works better than pain medication for my hips, and above all that it is natural!!!! It is NOT a chemical (synthetic) made pill that costs me a ton of money!!! If you dont like it...it is YOUR right to NOT smoke...but this harmless plant should NOT be illegal in the first place!!! This plant is a plant...its a drug ONLY by law (which itself is the real problem) and in all actuallity, it IS a medicine! The medicines you take are drugs and kill more people than car accidents per year! Marijuana has kill ZERO people since...since.....ummm since EVER!!!!!

@ltp..can you name one person in HISTORY that has died from a weed OD? I bet you will go blind before you could find the name of that person.

ltp is just your typical troll. He obviously knows nothing of what he speaks of, but that won't stop himm from making his pathetic statements.

It's 2012.....people are still going to jail for this? But liquor, sold by the crazed liquor lobby is available everywhere. No problem getting drunk, fighting, wrecking cars, destroying families.

Why is pot illegal? Cause thousands of police, lawyers, bail bondsmen, jailers, judges, etc are making a lot of money off the crime. They don't care that pot actually helps people, could raise BILLIONS in tax revenue and create THOUSANDS of new jobs.

@lpt you can educate yourself on the benefits and true reasons why weed
is illegal by watching one of several documentaries. One of the best out there is “The Union-the
business behind getting high”

LTP the problem with people like you is all you know is the stereo typical stoner that tv has provided you with. I'm 36 years old, went to college, work for a engineering company, am not a drag on society and happen to smoke pot every day I can since I was 14. Never have lived off my parents after the age of 17. One could easily use your argument with alcohol which is far worse than pot.

When drinks alcohol it does not affect me in my apartment nor interfere with my breathing.

Bethann - no part of what you just commented made sense lol

I do not care for the smell nor I consume or like it...But I know for a fact for people with illnesses is a good source to recover appetite and to relax the stress...also for pain... Why not make it legal and avoid gangs selling it?

Maybe our economy will recover some, maybe we will have some compassion towards the people who really need it...Alcohol is yet more harmful and addictive than pot...don't see why the MYTH of being "The drug" to me is just a medicinal herb...is all it is...

MAKE IT LEGAL !!! end the absurd...!!! once and for all

"when drinks alchohol it does not effect me in my apartment nor interfere with my breathing"

What does that mean? When in your apartment you do not get drunk from alchohol? Alchohol is a supressant so maybe you are just too drunk not to notice? As for what it is doing for your mental facalties, "when drink alchohol", seems wet brain is closing in perhaps? You have to drink in your apartment, why? Do you end up in jail or fights or accidents when you drink anywhere else but at home all alone? Seems you killed your own defense of getting drunk, alchoholism will do all these things, though you seem to already be aware of that in your denial.

ltp...

Please enjoy a nice tall glass of STFU

LTP- No I want legalization for ANY use. You know that thing we were founded upon called liberty ring a bell? Anyone who would classify someone who uses cannabis as a "loser" clearly has already lost quite a bit such as a connection to reality, common sense and ability to decipher propaganda.

My name is directly related to me not only using but growing for sick people FYI. I am quite successful and your inane attempts to stereotype me are just ignorant and quite sad really. You are another in a long line of people who are judgemental fools who can only regurgitate the small minded propaganda you have been fed.

LORE&WISDOM... what ever anyone of us drink or not drink is none of your friggin business.. go back to your church and pray for yourself for sticking your nose where it does not belong.. I too drink in my house only.. now go back and beg your god for forgiveness for you messing with someone elses life.. stay out unless you are asked for help

I'm certain you life is perfect.. RIGHT!!!!!!

WOW!!! You guys really got ltp to Shut..the @!$%#...UP!!!

I'm thoroughly impressed!

Right on, Max. Just make it "whatever any one of us drinks or smokes" is nobody else's business. That really should be all there is to say, in a free society.

For the rest of you. Bethany clearly meant that when (someone she lives with) drinks alcohol, it doesn't smell up her apartment like when they smoke pot. It's obvious from context, she accidentally left out one word, it's just a typo, so stop picking on her.

Wow! A couple of folks here could really use a bit of the medicinal.

It's done wonders for my spelling as well as reasoning;-)

LTP I hope you've read the posts here. I have to agree with just about everybody here. You don't know what the heck you're talking about.

Marijuana is an industry with a proven track record of hiring and expansion. No other industry in this country within the past 40 years has shown this kind of potential to start up, increase in size and continue to expand within such a short period of time, much less maintain its ability to branch out and not collapse in on itself due to the expense of what it is manufacturing, paycheck disputes, etc.

Note that five times the amount of alcohol that it takes to get you drunk can kill you. It takes somewhere around 10,000 times the amount of pot that it takes to get you high in order to kill you. Regulating it and taxing it means that the various types of marijuana will be clean (untainted by other drugs, as you might run into in a street situation), industry standards will be put in to place in terms of how it's grown, and its type/dosage/impact can be clearly stated to the owner.

Is it "right" to use drugs? No. Are people using them anyway? Yes. So how about some regulation and some taxing to make this situation benefit us, rather than fight senselessly against it and wasting trillions of dollars in the "war on drugs" that has proven to be such a failure?

(I should add that I have never tried marijuana or other illegal drugs--but that's my choice. And my personal lifestyle decisions do not and should not apply to every other person on this planet. If someone wants to use it, they should have that right.)

"Jerry Cox, the head of the Arkansas Family Council and a member of a coalition of groups opposed to the proposed medical marijuana ballot measure, holds a copy of the proposal."

How Dare he speak for MY family or my neighbor's family. What a farce - I guess the only way to counter his holier-than-thou attitude is for a 'coalition' of groups to call themselves 'Families fighting for Personal Freedoms', Families with Cancer patients', Families with a parent with Alzheimer's, Families with Glaucoma', Families with HIV and AIDs', and Families Fighting for The Right not to be forced to use Pharmaceuticals for pain, insomnia, and Bulimia, in lieu of Marijuana.

Jerry Cox - KEEP YOUR RELIGION OUT OF MY POLITICS!

Thank you.

I wonder what skeletons are in Jerry Cox's closet? He looks like an ex-priest to me! I remember when the so called religious organizations used to come to town. The store I worked at when I was 16 couldn't keep enough porn and beer in stock to keep up with them. Anytime a group has a "Family" label on it, it's usually run by these types.

I say legalize it like pine trees.....(i'll grow it free of tax anyway...and they know many will do this, this is another reason they are fighting this tooth and nail!)

I have smokes since my 12th birthday, i am now 37...i have 2 children, married, college ed...etc

Oh...by the way 12 of the 44 presidents have smoked weed (27%)....I guess what we should be saying is...IF you want to be the president...you should smoke some weed!

Oh, Mayor Bloomberg smoked (and enjoyed it), Branson still smokes and says he'll sall it if it becomes legal....Obama, Clinton (and he did inhaled...he just lied...like he lied about Monica)..and countless others.!!!!!

We are being lied to because of politics....Weed is not bad...Alcohol, Cigarettes and politicians are bad!

Standupjokeoff: Great
post… One addition to your comment, the 10,000 x amount that would kill you
would be due to asphyxiation or lack of oxygen not a result of the THC or other
chemicals

StandUpJokeoff:

I agree with everything you said, except:

Is it "right" to use drugs? No.

People have been using drugs for thousands of years and to say that it isn't "right" just doesn't fly in my book. Drugs enhance life, make life bearable for others, and save some peoples' lives.

Drugs are good. Of course, with that said, drugs can be very bad, too. Moderation is key.

mqira is right. Mostly the politicians are bad and evil.

I am very conservative, yet fully support the legalization of all drugs & alcohols. It should be the individuals choice wether he wants to destroy himself with booze/drugs or not. BUT...along with the legalization of these there must also be the RESPONSIBILITY that goes with it that I (taxpayers) am not expected to foot the bill for those that wreck their lives by its overuse. No medical, no welfare, no food stamps...nothing.

With rights and freedoms comes responsibility.

If a person can drink, smoke, snort, shoot in moderation and still work and support themselves....then its their business. But for those who cant and fail, thats their business also...not mine.

If all illegal drugs were decriminalized you may have a whole lot more drug addicts. Including school children, bus drivers, air plane pilots, etc. It's bad enough as it is.

Zack Baines:
Sources please!

Zack Baines

Just a DEA troll

Zack Baines

If all illegal drugs were decriminalized you may have a whole lot more drug addicts. Including school children, bus drivers, air plane pilots, etc. It's bad enough as it is.

Zack....WRONG!

Portugal is a great example....since they decriminalized all drugs, use and crime are down nearly 50%!!! You are brainwashed by our government "biased and flawed" statistics, their "deliberate" misiformation! If it becomes legal...will YOU do it??? NO? Well niether will anyone else!!! Bus drivers will do it?? Where did you get such a silly idea from??? Alcohol is legal, do they drive around drunk? Pilots will do it? Really, do they fly drunk now? NOPE! There will be NO increase....However there will be LESS people sent to jail for possesing a plant!

Cmon now you cant be that naiive...are you?

End the war on drugs. Divert the money spent towards rehab/treatment (for the bad drugs).

Funny how people are ok with paying for law enforcement and incarceration of illegal drug users, but would have a real problem paying for treatment for users if the drugs were made legal.

Satanick: Sources please!

Really? We have to cite sources explaining that spice, K2, meth, bath salts, cocaine, heroine and a plethera of others are HIGHLY addictive? Man-o-man...

mqira: Zack...WRONG!

Actually, Zack never said that decriminilizing drugs is going to cause the crime rates to shoot up...he just said that it will cause more addicts and abusers. I notice that you are refuting that. Ummm...please see what I said to Satanick. Also, to use your line...."C'mon, now you can't be that naive...are you"?

azdrdrl66
I am not making claims other than that I believe that all drugs should be decriminalized. I never said that such substances are addictive or not.

AZrancher:

BUT...along with the legalization of these there must also be the RESPONSIBILITY that goes with it that I (taxpayers) am not expected to foot the bill for those that wreck their lives by its overuse. No medical, no welfare, no food stamps...nothing.

The problem I have with your stance is you expect everyone to be responsible for their drug use but what about people who take risks like sky divers or scuba divers or cavers, etc. What if these people had accidents doing these activities and didn't have insurance or their insurance didn't cover certain procedures or paid for them in full and the state had to step in and pick up the slack? What about people who eat themselves sick becoming overly obese to the point of hospitalization? What if they didn't have the resources to cover their sicknesses? What about people who become diabetic (a looming crisis)? Are you just gonna deny them their insulin and let them die? Are you following me here?

i.e. Why are you singling out drug users?

And why would you not want to help someone in need even if they did harm themselves? No food, no shelter, no nothing? Even if they did make the mistake of making the wrong choices are you going to let them suffer as punishment?

You say you are very conservative which leads me to believe you are a Christian, yes? My question to you then is this:

What kind of Christian are you?

Zack Baines ---I don't think anyone is saying that "school children" should be allowed to use/take drugs.

Yet, every time legislation is introduced in Virginia to reform the marijuana laws it never makes it past the committees.

Do you know if anyone has tried to petition to get it on the ballot and by pass our very conservative majority in Richmond? I would guess Virginia NORML has tried obviously without success.

Woman who decide to get abortion are not predominately in one political party. No one surveys whether they are Republican or Democrat or independent. I would guess it is probably likely equal to both parties plus the independence or no choice party. How can any adult think woman who seek a abortion belong to one political party. Insane. Legalize the Marijuana and get it over with. That part of the war on drugs is a complete failure and wasteful spending.

and let the righty tighty conservs continue to get drunk, beat their spouses, and kill people with their autos cause thats so much better (since alcohol is legal cause a handful of people says it is). before you make asinine comments about marijuana, why don't you do some research on the reason it was made illegal in the first place, brenda-472990. also, what the hell does abortion have to do with the article? For the record, i'm a 45 old libbie that doesn't use marijuana but has yet been shown any evidence on why alcohol is fine but weed is so evil to make it a crime. people like you have no concrete evidence so the best you can do is pathetic one liners.

So your under the impression that only liberals smoke weed? HAHAHAHAHAHAHa. get real as a child of the 60's I know as many conservatives as I do liberals that smoke weed.Personally I stop about 12 years ago but have no doubt if it were legal or I was ill I would have a bag delivered in a hot second.I will not do a pharma drug that has more side effects than it does symptom control.After all no pharma drug cures anything

I was thinking the same thing Cooch.
It bothers me when people get pigeonholed into a certain political group
because they feel or do something of a partisan stereotype.

After all no pharma drug cures anything.

Yes it does, fat wallet syndrome..lol

The cost of my maintenance medications are out of this world.

Ignore brenda. Based on her past posts, she's a sad, bitter person that is trollish and churlish. I don't think she ever posted anything that isn't negative ands nothing to the discourse.

Brenda- Its a shame your mother didn't feel the same way.

I'm a life long republican, only half senile hillbillies believe marijuana should be illegal. Get an education.

Can someone tell me what do smoking pot and abortions have to do with each other?

Now that was funny. Hats off to you for getting there first. You Win.

Many republicans enjoy weed too.

They just don't want democrats doing it.

Many republicans enjoy weed too.

Then why don't they stand up and say so?

They do, just "off the record".

America consumes more drugs than any country on earth, all the while throwing 50 billion tax dollars away each year fighting the "war on drugs". We are the poster child for asinine drug policy.

The only thing is if you want to come back then you must pass a drug test in order to get back in and get your passport back.

They should issue intelligence tests for some people.

The southern coalitions think they can decide if you live in the south.

Andrew, Mexico did legalize all drugs in small amounts for personal use (I think it was a year or two ago)

china's weed is gonna be wack!!!!

But how will they put lead into weed?

Everyone who wants to smoke it is already doing so EXCEPT the millions of job seekers or workers who find it impossible to find or keep (in the case of random testing) a good job while even lightly smoking recreationally. As far as many employers are concerned, a pot smoker is no better or more reliable than a heroin addict. So what do these people do instead of smoke pot? What do you think? They drink!

K-2

Spot On Anthrope!!!

I’m curious Jaydub… What was your sentence/fine for the two plants?

TheMan - I was facing 10 years in prison. (2 felonies. 1) manufacturing a controlled subsyance 2) tax stamp violation) It ended up costing me over $10,000.00 in fines, court costs, lawyer, etc. At sentencing, the judge said verbatum, "You have no business being here" (in court). I'm 56 years old and smoked cannabis for over 20 years and caused no problems. I also drank until I was 35 (56 now). I know what alcohol does to me, and there was no hesitation in choosing cannabis in the end. I still believe if more ppl had the choice legally, we'd see a lot less traffic deaths, domestic abuse, and suicides. Just my opinion. In answer to your question, my sentence was 5 years probation w/ deferred judgement on the felonies. Once I serve out probation, my record is clean again. The judge was very sympathetic, but said his hands were tied w/ the options he legally had.

Take heart. It's looking good for Colorado and Washington, this November. When other states witness the increase in tax revenue, and jobs, legalization will spread in a similar fashion to what happened with state lotteries.

Great post, Calmike!

are we, as a society, better off given how accepted and wide-spread alcohol use is?

most parents get their pot from their kids....

Well sai

AZrancher:

most parents get their pot from their kids....

Do you have any evidence to back up what is obviously a BS claim?

Don't try to steer between the trees.

you might be surprised how many country folks in these parts go out and pick 'shrooms.

Dee,

It's the high that makes the patients feel better.

and so does a glass of scotch.

what we have in california is profitable. the economy is hurting. just open your mind and give it a try.

Dee, I think If I was ever diagnosed with cancer, I will take my chances with pot, alcohol isnt going to do much of anything. You should really do some research.

dee-1234

and so does a glass of scotch.

Except scotch tastes like dog @!$%#.

All medications have side effects, ever seen anyone on morphine? A "side effect" of laughing a stupid crap doesn't worry me. The prescription drugs with side effects like "death, addiction, heart failure, and anal leakage" worry me more.

Right there, they just suck!!!