Medical/Recreational Marijuana thread
 

WASHINGTON — The District of Columbia Council approved a measure on Tuesday that would allow people with certain chronic illnesses to obtain [URL="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/m/marijuana/index.html"][COLOR=#004276]medical marijuana[/COLOR][/URL] from a handful of dispensaries regulated by the city.

[url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/05/us/05marijuana.html]Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana - NYTimes.com[/url]

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

Just make it legal and tax it. I don't use it but it is such a waste of resources and money trying to round these "criminals" up.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=mredskins;698388]Just make it legal and tax it. I don't use it but it is such a waste of resources and money trying to round these "criminals" up.[/quote]


absolute concurrence.

i'd much rather take one little hit and be set for the night vs. the money/time wasted on drinking.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

Its just a matter of time now...the trend has hit the east coast. It should be decriminalized shortly

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Chico23231;698399]Its just a matter of time now...the trend has hit the east coast. It should be decriminalized shortly[/quote]

I think eventually it will go that way, but it will still take quite some time. There's still significant political opposition to the idea.

I hate marijuana and hate when people smoke it for recreation. It disgusts me. But I've come around to the idea of legalizing. Scientific studies have shown the negative effects aren't worse than tobacco products. And those are legal.

I used to really buy into the gateway drug argument too. But after considering some more, isn't weed just a gateway drug because it's obtained illegally, and a lot of the same guys you buy weed from also have connections to other drugs? Weed wouldn't be a gateway drug if it was available at 7-11.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

Seriously it would eliminate drug dealers and we at least be able to receive some revenue from it.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=mredskins;698402]Seriously it would eliminate drug dealers and we at least be able to receive some revenue from it.[/quote]

Yeah. Tax the ever living shit out of it. Take the tax revenue and put it into the healthcare system, help offset the long-term costs of living an unhealthy lifestyle. Just makes financial sense.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Schneed10;698404]Yeah. Tax the ever living shit out of it. Take the tax revenue and put it into the healthcare system, help offset the long-term costs of living an unhealthy lifestyle. Just makes financial sense.[/quote]

People are going to do if it is legal or not. I am pretty sure most people who really want to do it are doing it, they are not holding back because it is illegal.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Schneed10;698401]I think eventually it will go that way, but it will still take quite some time. There's still significant political opposition to the idea.

I hate marijuana and hate when people smoke it for recreation. It disgusts me. But I've come around to the idea of legalizing. Scientific studies have shown the negative effects aren't worse than tobacco products. And those are legal.

I used to really buy into the gateway drug argument too. But after considering some more, isn't weed just a gateway drug because it's obtained illegally, and a lot of the same guys you buy weed from also have connections to other drugs? Weed wouldn't be a gateway drug if it was available at 7-11.[/quote]


well, while smoking anything isn't good for your lungs. MJ isn't just "not worse than tobacco" it doesn't contain nearly the amount of harmful chemicals, carcinogens and addictive ingredients. MJ has never killed anyone... how many thousands per day/week does cigs kill?

as for the gateway... what a myth. it's based on stuff like "what's the first drug you tried" answer is always MJ. of course. the fact that some cokehead or heroin junkie first tried "drugs" with MJ when they were 15 doesn't mean one led to the other.

how come ALCOHOL is never called a gateway drug? cuz really, most everyone starts their experimentation with inebriation by drinking. once you're out drinking/partying you are likely to end up in a position to start trying drugs. how many alcohol related deaths are there per year?

so yea, i dont smoke anymore... but i'm still a supporter.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

I don't buy the whole gateway argument and I've never seen any meaningful research to support such a claim. THC is a drug that's practically as benign as caffeine, yet you don't see people worrying that drinking coffee is going to lead to someone snorting coke.

I do believe we'll see it legalized in our lifetime, support for it is higher than ever (lol) hopefully California will set the standard this fall and get this thing rolling (ha-ha).

Legalize it, tax the hell out of it, and let's start using our legal system and resources on more important things.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Schneed10;698401]I think eventually it will go that way, but it will still take quite some time. There's still significant political opposition to the idea.

I hate marijuana and hate when people smoke it for recreation. It disgusts me. But I've come around to the idea of legalizing. Scientific studies have shown the negative effects aren't worse than tobacco products. And those are legal.

I used to really buy into the gateway drug argument too. But after considering some more, isn't weed just a gateway drug because it's obtained illegally, and a lot of the same guys you buy weed from also have connections to other drugs? Weed wouldn't be a gateway drug if it was available at 7-11.[/quote]

I used to be against the legalization of it too, but have come around to thinking it that it should be re classified, and then decriminalized by the Fed and then let the states decide if they want it or not set thier own limits ie. medical use only, small amount decriminalized, full blown i can grow it in my garden. Positives: The border issues of violence surrounding the drug trade (smuggling and selling) could be substantially lessened. Cash crop to tax. Less people in jail for bullsh*t. Problems would be the same we have seen with alcohol, I dont envision an "opium den" like effect in communities. I think the legal marijuana experience among the masses will be virtually the same as it is today: you are young, you experiment, and then you graduate from college and realize you got sh*t to take care of so you grow out of it like any partying. Thats what I and many of my peers did, but dont get me wrong if i am at a concert or maybe a party, I will hit the joint if its good sh*t.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

If it does become legal I can't wait to see how it is marketed. MJ light and MJ unfiltered. "The King of Buds"

LOL! Should be interesting.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

Marlboro Green

:cool-smil

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Mattyk;698407] Legalize it, tax the hell out of it, and let's start using our legal system and resources on more important things.[/quote]

This.

Will it happen in our lifetime? I would say possible, not likely. I would say once the "old guard" of the war on drugs era politicians lose office over the next 20 years, mostly due to age, and then maybe.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

:doh:

Just what we need, Arlen Spector and Robert Byrd going to work on "medication".

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=mredskins;698402][B]Seriously it would eliminate drug dealers [/B]and we at least be able to receive some revenue from it.[/quote]

You seriously believe that? It would increase the number of dealers. Pot isn't the only thing they sell anyways.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Buster;698436]You seriously believe that? It would increase the number of dealers. Pot isn't the only thing they sell anyways.[/quote]


it wouldn't eliminate them. but not sure how it would increase them either.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

It would absolutely impact the black market. It's not the only thing dealers sell, but it probably represents the majority of it.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Buster;698436]You seriously believe that? It would increase the number of dealers. Pot isn't the only thing they sell anyways.[/quote]


Beer is legal and I have yet to meet a beer dealer in my neighborhood.

I should have said decreased the number of dealers and I was referring to pot only dealers.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Buster;698436]You seriously believe that? It would increase the number of dealers. Pot isn't the only thing they sell anyways.[/quote]
Once Marlboro and the other tobacco companies got into the manufacturing side, and using their distributions sources, the true drug dealers would be pushed out of the low end drug use. They couldn't compete with the availability at the local liquor store, and who is gonna risk getting caught up with a "hard" drug dealer, when they can go into the liquor store just as easily for a quick buzz.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;698456]Once Marlboro and the other tobacco companies got into the manufacturing side, and using their distributions sources, the true drug dealers would be pushed out of the low end drug use. They couldn't compete with the availability at the local liquor store, and who is gonna risk getting caught up with a "hard" drug dealer, when they can go into the liquor store just as easily for a quick buzz.[/quote]

And people will likely be allowed to grow a certain amount at home as well, totally eliminating the need for any outside source.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Mattyk;698461]And people will likely be allowed to grow a certain amount at home as well, totally eliminating the need for any outside source.[/quote]


that's what i'm talkin about.
if they let Big Tobacco do it, they'll just load it up with chemicals and shit. no thanks. i'd grow my own or find friends that do it well and only get that stuff.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Rainy Parade;698440]it wouldn't eliminate them. but not sure how it would increase them either.[/quote]

When it's allowed by the Government to deal, there will be no fears of the legal consequences to get into it.

Tax fraud will also rise if it is taxed. You honestly trust criminals like drug dealers to suddenly abide by tax laws when "allowed" to sell. Heck, there are legitimate businesses selling legal goods that cheat on taxes. All of this "extra revenue" won't be seen. The Government will spend more of our tax dollars trying to enforce their "legal drug sale" guidelines. I'm sure a new department will be formed to handle this new commerce.

Trusting Government is as smart as trusting drug dealers.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Buster;698473]When it's allowed by the Government to deal, there will be no fears of the legal consequences to get into it.

Tax fraud will also rise if it is taxed. You honestly trust criminals like drug dealers to suddenly abide by tax laws when "allowed" to sell. Heck, there are legitimate businesses selling legal goods that cheat on taxes. All of this "extra revenue" won't be seen. The Government will spend more of our tax dollars trying to enforce their "legal drug sale" guidelines. I'm sure a new department will be formed to handle this new commerce.

Trusting Government is as smart as trusting drug dealers.[/quote]

Again I see no "beer dealers" on the corner of my block plus every time I have bought beer I have been rung up the tax as well.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

Pot dealers will simply go by the wayside if it's legalized. There's not going to be any need for a black market once it's legalized and mass produced and sold in stores and cafes, or people growing in home gardens.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Buster;698473]When it's allowed by the Government to deal, there will be no fears of the legal consequences to get into it.

Tax fraud will also rise if it is taxed. You honestly trust criminals like drug dealers to suddenly abide by tax laws when "allowed" to sell. Heck, there are legitimate businesses selling legal goods that cheat on taxes. All of this "extra revenue" won't be seen. The Government will spend more of our tax dollars trying to enforce their "legal drug sale" guidelines. I'm sure a new department will be formed to handle this new commerce.

Trusting Government is as smart as trusting drug dealers.[/quote]


sure, "drug dealers" might still sell weed to their coke customers... but most weed smokers would gladly not deal with sketchy freaks who are still mixed up with coke/guns/whatever if they can just stop at the liquor store on their way home instead of having to call up some criminal and play phone tag and figure out where and when to meet him and all that BS.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

Good move...People get what they want...someone that's already into coke or meth will continue to ge their fixes....rec users will get theirs from 7-11. One thing for sure, 50 biliion dollar drug war is a complete failure.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

Making it legal should carve into the profit margins of drug dealers, which in turn provides less incentive for folks to become one. Taxation is ok, but too much taxation could result in a black market.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=saden1;698496]One thing for sure, 50 biliion dollar drug war is a complete failure.[/quote]
And this one line for sure is one of the larger reasons why they haven't legalized it to date. They do not want the drug ware to be seen as a total and complete waste of time and money...

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Rainy Parade;698406][B]well, while smoking anything isn't good for your lungs. MJ isn't just "not worse than tobacco" it doesn't contain nearly the amount of harmful chemicals, carcinogens and addictive ingredients. MJ has never killed anyone... how many thousands per day/week does cigs kill?[/B]

as for the gateway... what a myth. it's based on stuff like "what's the first drug you tried" answer is always MJ. of course. the fact that some cokehead or heroin junkie first tried "drugs" with MJ when they were 15 doesn't mean one led to the other.

how come ALCOHOL is never called a gateway drug? cuz really, most everyone starts their experimentation with inebriation by drinking. once you're out drinking/partying you are likely to end up in a position to start trying drugs. [B]how many alcohol related deaths are there per year?[/B]

so yea, i dont smoke anymore... but i'm still a supporter.[/quote]


[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]This is stoner talk even if you dont smoke.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]To say weed has never killed anyone is a absolute myth, especially when using the same logic that tobacco kills people via chemicals and carcinogens causing death from things like cancer. There are no chemicals or carcinogens in weed? And how many weed related deaths are there a year, would there be more if it were legal? People dont make poor choices when there high, or drive a car while there high? [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Im personally all for legalizing it and think it will be a great thing when it happens. I do agree that it will dramatically reduce drug dealers and the drug trade and raise tax revenues, but more importantly, to me, it will give people the freedom to make decisions that affect their bodies themselves. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black]A long while ago I got a allergy test and it turns out im allergic to dust mites. So this doctor gives me some Flonase and says I should use it every day to combat my allergy. There was this girl I remembered from high school that used Afrin all time and was literately addicted to it (look it up). Also I think if you use Afrin too much you can even permanently harden normally soft nasal tissues and then have even more problems with congestion among other things. So I asked my doctor about this and it brought about a whole discussion. Pretty much everything used to be OTC back in the day and the FDA wasn’t around until about 100 years ago and they couldn’t/didn’t test things like they can/do now. So Flonase is a safe drug that can be used daily without addition or permanent long term negative effects, but there are potential interactions and side effects from it (all of which are much less substantial then potential negatives of Afrin), so it has to be regulated nowadays. Things like tylenol, advil, decongestions, and other drugs are over the counter because they have been around for a while, not because they are safer or less effective than other available prescription drugs. Remember when Claritin was available only by prescription, then it went OTC? It takes a long time for even the safest drugs to be OTC. Seriously think about it why in the hell should all these drugs be only available by prescription? Who is going to abuse Claritin or Flonase? So I guess my point is why are people unable to make decisions for themselves, whether it be to smoke weed and combat some dust mites with Flonase, or drink a beer and help relieve a headache with some advil? Its all pretty ridiculous when you think about the over regulation especially when it comes to our own bodies. [/COLOR][/FONT]

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

Vaporizers are where it's at. Or so I've heard.

Regardless, weed doesn't have all the chemicals and additives that cigarettes do.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

Imagine how hard my post would be to read if I was stoned.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=firstdown;698526]Imagine how hard my post would be to read if I was stoned.[/quote]

Victory ITT.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=firstdown;698526]Imagine how hard my post would be to read if I was stoned.[/quote]

There's a saying that you can smoke yourself straight... so who knows it might help! ;)

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=mlmpetert;698523][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]This is stoner talk even if you dont smoke.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]To say weed has never killed anyone is a absolute myth, especially when using the same logic that tobacco kills people via chemicals and carcinogens causing death from things like cancer. [B]There are no chemicals or carcinogens in weed?[/B] And how many weed related deaths are there a year, would there be more if it were legal? People dont make poor choices when there high, or drive a car while there high? [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Im personally all for legalizing it and think it will be a great thing when it happens. I do agree that it will dramatically reduce drug dealers and the drug trade and raise tax revenues, but more importantly, to me, it will give people the freedom to make decisions that affect their bodies themselves. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black]A long while ago I got a allergy test and it turns out im allergic to dust mites. So this doctor gives me some Flonase and says I should use it every day to combat my allergy. There was this girl I remembered from high school that used Afrin all time and was literately addicted to it (look it up). Also I think if you use Afrin too much you can even permanently harden normally soft nasal tissues and then have even more problems with congestion among other things. So I asked my doctor about this and it brought about a whole discussion. Pretty much everything used to be OTC back in the day and the FDA wasn’t around until about 100 years ago and they couldn’t/didn’t test things like they can/do now. So Flonase is a safe drug that can be used daily without addition or permanent long term negative effects, but there are potential interactions and side effects from it (all of which are much less substantial then potential negatives of Afrin), so it has to be regulated nowadays. Things like tylenol, advil, decongestions, and other drugs are over the counter because they have been around for a while, not because they are safer or less effective than other available prescription drugs. Remember when Claritin was available only by prescription, then it went OTC? It takes a long time for even the safest drugs to be OTC. Seriously think about it why in the hell should all these drugs be only available by prescription? Who is going to abuse Claritin or Flonase? So I guess my point is why are people unable to make decisions for themselves, whether it be to smoke weed and combat some dust mites with Flonase, or drink a beer and help relieve a headache with some advil? Its all pretty ridiculous when you think about the over regulation especially when it comes to our own bodies. [/COLOR][/FONT][/quote]

Well. There definitely isn't an increased rate of cancer.

[URL="http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/news/20060523/pot-smoking-not-linked-to-lung-cancer"]Pot Smoking Not Linked to Lung Cancer[/URL]

And smoking weed seems to kill brain cells at the same rate of drinking alcohol.

So.. What about weed is gonna kill you? Hmm.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;698534]Well. There definitely isn't an increased rate of cancer.

[URL="http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/news/20060523/pot-smoking-not-linked-to-lung-cancer"]Pot Smoking Not Linked to Lung Cancer[/URL]

And smoking weed seems to kill brain cells at the same rate of drinking alcohol.

[B]So.. What about weed is gonna kill you? Hmm[/B].[/quote]

The munchies maybe? :)

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Mattyk;698525]Vaporizers are where it's at. Or so I've heard.

Regardless, weed doesn't have all the chemicals and additives that cigarettes do.[/quote]


that's what i meant. and i prefaced it by saying that smoking anything is not good for your lungs.

but point taken as far as impaired driving. but i'd like to see the stats on the alcohol-related crashes/deaths compared to weed-only impaired driving. not saying people should drive around all high'd up or that no one's ever killed someone cuz they drove high without drinking at all...
poor phrasing on my part.

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Rainy Parade;698543]that's what i meant. and i prefaced it by saying that smoking anything is not good for your lungs.

but point taken as far as impaired driving. but i'd like to see the stats on the alcohol-related crashes/deaths compared to weed-only impaired driving. not saying people should drive around all high'd up or that no one's ever killed someone cuz they drove high without drinking at all...
poor phrasing on my part.[/quote]

Kinda hard for a stoner to get killed driving since he's probably going 20 mph in the slow lane, if he even leaves the house at all. Stoners are why delivery was invented. lol

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=Mattyk;698545]Kinda hard for a stoner to get killed driving since he's probably going 20 mph in the slow lane, if he even leaves the house at all. Stoners are why delivery was invented. lol[/quote]


"dude we should totally go out for a drive!"

10 minutes later


"what?"

Re: Washington, D.C., Approves Medical Use of Marijuana
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;698534]Well. There definitely isn't an increased rate of cancer.

[URL="http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/news/20060523/pot-smoking-not-linked-to-lung-cancer"]Pot Smoking Not Linked to Lung Cancer[/URL]

And smoking weed seems to kill brain cells at the same rate of drinking alcohol.

So.. What about weed is gonna kill you? Hmm.[/quote]


[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Dang, thats actually pretty cool. I like how at the end of the article the guy who did the study says "we certainly would not recommend that people smoke marijuana to protect themselves against cancer,". If i was a chronic cigarette smoker id probably smoke weed just to be safe. [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]But I guess weed can cause heart problems:[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana][URL="http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20000203051658data_trunc_sys.shtml"][COLOR=#800080]http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20000203051658data_trunc_sys.shtml[/COLOR][/URL][/FONT][/COLOR]