To understand why it remains illegal, examine how much money the criminal justice system makes off of this, from the fines, court costs, and the confiscation of private property used in the commission of a crime. The criminal justice system is addicted to the drug money.
Agree mostly. I've always found its effects on the mind to be...neglible. Mild, I would say. I've never understood is why some people think it's the greatest thing ever. But spending time around those who smoke, I've never seen them act outside the ordinary. The worst thing it can do is make a person lazy...it really just makes people contented easier. If we're talking about the welfare of those who smoke or those who might be attracted to smoking, making it illegal was the worst thing that could've happened.
While not the case for everyone, marijuana ' reputation as the gateway drug is well earned. I know plenty of folks who have been to rehab for meth and such. When I asked them how they got mixed up in this sort of thing. Virtually all of them said it was a case of boredom that started with marijuana then that wasn't exciting enough after a while which led to experiments with other stuff.
It seems to me that Denver will be an interesting case study for other cities to follow. Crime rates have fallen 10%, and Tax Revenues have increased exponentially. Further more, recreational legalization in only two states have already begun to hurt Mexico's drug cartels pocketbooks. I think it's time to end the Marijuana Prohibition, and begin taking an objective approach to 'drug-war'.
So the plan for improving each time next year is, "We need to increase our time of possession." Right?What a quinella! I don't get it, continually amazed, seeing this. Happens frequently these days, SMH...
Re: Latest Bama News 6/6/14 Thru 6/8 Weekend Edition
1) It sounds like the people you've described would've gotten into drugs anyway. "Marijuana's not enough, I want more." Sounds like they just have an addictive personality. And just because pot is a stepping stone to other drugs, doesn't mean they wouldn't have made that leap without it.
I don't believe there is such a thing as a "gateway drug". Some people have mental, physical or genetic, (who knows), traits that lead to addictions. They're going to find something to be addicted to no matter what.
I'm 60 years old and haven't "done" drugs of any kind other than a rare Jack & Coke since I graduated from college. Other than a couple of short term prescriptions for antibiotics I've never used a prescription drug. However, I know lots of people, family members included, that would light up a drug test on prescription medications alone.
Re: #2 The idea of anything being a "gateway drug" is not a legitimate reason to criminalize it because the very act of criminalization categorizes it with all the more serious offenses, both with the assumption of risk and the exposure to a more unsavory crowd. The reasoning is circular.
I can't agree more with marajuana. Alchahol was the gateway to my most troubled times and yes I have used both in the far past to get high or get drunk.
