Video: Legalize it?
Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:51 PM PDT
By The Daily News
Printable version
E-mail this articleA recent string of local and regional marijuana busts has sparked a lively debate within our story comments regarding the benefits and/or problems associated with the legalization of marijuana.
Daily News online reporter Thacher Schmid spent some time on Commerce Avenue this week talking to people on the street about the issue, and the response was very evenly divided.
Click here to view the video.
Related articles:
Weekend marijuana raid yields 900 plants, no arrests (Aug. 26)
24,000 pot plants seized on Spokane Reservation (Aug. 26)
Chelan County marijuana seizures top $127 million, authorities claim (Aug. 15)
Marijuana leaf ads on Olympia buses draw tokin' opposition (Aug. 11)
Drug agents seize thousands of marijuana plants at lower Yakima Valley vineyard (Aug. 3)
20,000 marijuana plants seized in Yakima Valley (Aug. 1)
Feds seize medical marijuana taken in Seattle raid (July 30)
Marijuana grower gets three months (July 25)
Two arrested after 30,000 marijuana plants seized near Sunnyside (July 10)
Group pushes to legalize marijuana in Oregon (July 8)
State seeks to reduce guidelines for legal amount of medical marijuana (July 1)
Four arrested in Toledo marijuana bust (June 28)
Marijuana farm suspect pleads not guilty (June 18)
Marijuana operation's power theft difficult to estimate (June 17)
Kelso Guy wrote on Aug 28, 2008 1:18 PM:
" Maybe if we could get accurate facts from the government and authority figures we could all make an informed decision. You know, actually weigh the pros and cons instead of just saying it makes people crazy and it's a gateway drug. As far as gateway drug is concerned, last time I checked cigarettes are still legal yet they teach you how to inhale smoke. Since the beginning of this crusade called the war on drugs, we've been bombarded with propaganda about marijuana so that no one takes the law serious. If they'd just level with people and tell them that it makes you less likely to better yourself and mature properly, makes you into a "stoner" and portray the "stoner" exactly how they are, less people would smoke it whether it was legal or not. Bottom line is you'll always have the ones who'll smoke and the ones who won't, legal or not. Spend money on it (and we spend alot) or harvest some of that money and educate our kids (and pay teachers what they deserve). Clearly the "stay the course" war on marijuana isn't working. "
Rosey Glasses wrote on Aug 28, 2008 2:28 PM:
" Noticing a few of the interviewed looking off and not at camera, makes me wonder what they really were thinking. I think there needs to be a better poll and it taken to the voters. Get the federal government out of state affairs once and for all. Allowing the federal government to have laws that states can't alter (thank you Honest Abe Lincoln, which is what the Civil War was originally over) is just wrong. It should be the individual community, state or county's decision. I could care less either way, but the tax revenue would be a great way to make up for expenditures that are needed in the community. Thatcher? I would like to see more interviews, say at functions. It is hard for some people to speak on camera (how many blew you off? and walked away?) I think that when the federal government gets out of state, county and community affairs and his honest with the people, we will see a whole different attitude. I heard here a lot of propaganda type attitudes. More sheeple in our community than people that think and have thoughts of their own. This has been one of my biggest issues here, people believe what they are told and taught; they don't investigate for themselves, do some research, quit taking what the government indoctrination centers and ATF tell you for fact. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 28, 2008 2:29 PM:
" Kelso Guy, exactly what propganda are you talking about? I haven't seen an anti-pot commercial in years. Have you? The only fact that I need to know is this: About 10 years ago, an Ivy League school did a survey of all the people on death row in the United States. More than 80 percent said pot was the first narcotic they tried and almost the same number said it helped lead them down the road to where they are today. Smoking pot is like playing Russian roulette. Some people can pull the trigger and nothing happens. Others face a life of ruin, havoc, and deviancy. So why should we make something legal that creates that chance? Get serious. Not one person in the world has ever said they over achieved or became a better-rounded, intelligent, achiever because of pot. "
El Gabilon wrote on Aug 28, 2008 3:24 PM:
" Anyone on death row or in prision will tell you what you want to hear if they think it will benefit them in any way. It's not much different than the individual who before being caught dressed like a gang member but when appearing before the judge was dressed as neat as a pin to make a favorable impression. Billions of dollars are being wasted going after pot smokers. Legalize it, tax it, and spend the wasted billions on going after hard drug users, dealers and makers. Somewhere in this country hundreds of people are spending years in prison
for growing a few plants or having possession of a few ounces. When we attended college we knew a number of students who smoked pot, who didn't turn into pot heads, and are now teachers, politicians, clergymen, fathers, mothers, volunteers, military, and in one case a doctor. When AIDs first appearede the "do gooders" ranted and raved about gays being the cause of it all only to find out otherwise. Many older people remember when the "do gooders" thought being left handed was the work of the devil and their cure was to turn lefties into righties by abusing them There are a lot of "do gooders" in the world who do good things, but far too many who are pushing their own agenda. "Do Gooder" George W. Bush led us into an unnecessary and illegal war, and destroyed our economy.We need a commonsense approach not insanity. "
for growing a few plants or having possession of a few ounces. When we attended college we knew a number of students who smoked pot, who didn't turn into pot heads, and are now teachers, politicians, clergymen, fathers, mothers, volunteers, military, and in one case a doctor. When AIDs first appearede the "do gooders" ranted and raved about gays being the cause of it all only to find out otherwise. Many older people remember when the "do gooders" thought being left handed was the work of the devil and their cure was to turn lefties into righties by abusing them There are a lot of "do gooders" in the world who do good things, but far too many who are pushing their own agenda. "Do Gooder" George W. Bush led us into an unnecessary and illegal war, and destroyed our economy.We need a commonsense approach not insanity. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 28, 2008 3:58 PM:
" El Gabilon, not sure what report you are reading about AIDS but everything I have read from the CDC says a Gay Canadian brought it to the U.S. As for the billions being wasted to fight pot, I disagree about being wasted. I think the waste is a life being ruined. How many people do you think fail to achieve what they should achieve in life because of a dependency on drugs that includes pot? We both know that number is way, way too high. So you can argue all you want about waste. I think a life that does reach it's potential because of drugs or alcohol is a waste. Also think about all the billions that go up in smoke just for a high. Now that is smart use of money that most of the people who use drugs don't have in the first place. Your argument is totally a waste of time. "
Kelso Guy wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:17 PM:
" TBB you shouldn't comment on things you know nothing about...marijuana causes people to commit crimes that would land them on death row...that's the propaganda I'm talking about. You can make a study or gather statistics to prove any point you want. I agree with your last sentence,...but then you can put cigarettes or alcohol in there and they're legal. "
Commenter wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:01 PM:
" Here comes the sarcasm... Ok, let's legalize it. Then we'll have more people using the drug because there is no fear of breaking a law. Now, instead of just dealing with drunk drivers on the road, we have to worry about even more potheads on the road. Then how do we test individuals believed to be high? With alcohol, a simple sobriety test usually does the trick. You can't just order a blood test on somebody you think might be driving while high on marijuana. Some people are that slow and act that way when they're not high. I'm not saying alcohol is any better than marijuana, but let's not add to the problems our society already has. A taxed government marijuana won't be strong enough for some people, so illegal grow operations will still occur or people will eventually turn to a stronger drug. "
kelso gringo wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:41 PM:
" I couldnt agree more with Kelso Guy, the war on drugs is NOT working, it simply uses up valuable funds that could be better spent on education or supporting those in need.
The myth that marijuana is a gateway drug has been around for a long time and it still has not been proved. In fact, here is an article from a reputable source quoting the contrary: rand.org/news/press.02/gateway.html "
The myth that marijuana is a gateway drug has been around for a long time and it still has not been proved. In fact, here is an article from a reputable source quoting the contrary: rand.org/news/press.02/gateway.html "
Jynx wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:48 PM:
" Sure, legalize it. It will be abused as much then as now. Personally, I like my brain cells intact. And from the looks of the video, I like to WASH as well. "
Rubicon wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:11 PM:
" It will NEVER be legal, so give it up. I find it funny to those who say pot doesn't harm the body! So what drug would be next if pot is legal? "
AnotherLameOpinion wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:01 PM:
" To Commentor: there is a simple saliva test that can be done that will indicate if a person has used in the last few hours, very similar to the breathalizer given for alcohol. "
Kelso Guy wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:08 PM:
" Nobody said it doesn't harm the body,...but there are millions of other substances that are not illegal that are harmful to the body. Bottom line is prohibition feeds crime. Look at the issues surrounding alcohol prohibition and see the parallels. Heroin, cocaine, meth - all drugs that are imported...they could easily be stopped if we were to concentrate on them...but instead we go after something that can be grown anywhere by a high school kid. And then we tell that kid (who knows better) that weed is like playing russian roulette and yo could end up on death row if you smoke it and what do you know,...you got kids smoking marijuana. Not cool but you helped him along by lying to him and prohibiting it. "
MOLE wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:30 PM:
" tdnbb,your argument is also a waste of time.COMMENTER: A taxed government marijuana, won't be strong enough!!! lol lol lol.G-13 is a breed of pot the government grows,stttrrrongg stuff!!nobody would risk,growing,when it becomes legal.Can you not, buy 100 proof alcohol!!!,I don't see many stills around,these days do you?I WOULD BE DEAD IF I STILL DRANK,I WILL AND CAN PROVE,POT WAS A BETTER CHOICE!!!FOR ME.pot never made me want,cocain "BOOZE" did,POT never got me In a fight "BOOZE" did.POT never dented my cars "BOOZE" did,pot did not effect my liver "BOOZE" did!!!pot never made holler at my wife,"BOOZE" did.POT did make the OREO COOKIE company,lots of money!!!!bad effect I gained a few pounds. "
LongviewFam wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:32 PM:
" TDN Bad Boy: Though this has nothing to do with the legalization argument please site your reference for the gay Canadian who first brought AIDS to the US. Nothing I have ever read from the CDC or their current website on the AIDS topic states that is the source of US AIDS. "
pangborn wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:30 PM:
" It was researched during our short age
rnlightenment.
Marijuana was refeared during the late years of the paranoid Nixon and during the Reagan years Nancy went nuts scaring people while they guzzled martinis.
Just say no to hysteria and stop listening to the fear mongers. "
rnlightenment.
Marijuana was refeared during the late years of the paranoid Nixon and during the Reagan years Nancy went nuts scaring people while they guzzled martinis.
Just say no to hysteria and stop listening to the fear mongers. "
Piper wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:39 PM:
" Mole-I am a substance abuse counselor and I totally agree with you. Although I do not recommend my clients smoke pot, and excessive anything is bad for you, alcohol is more addictive that pot and meth put together. I've had clients die mostly of alcohol, a few meth, no one pot yet. It does coat the receptor sites in the brain and pollutes your lungs but from the research Ive done, it is by far safer than alcohol. "
abokaa wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:52 PM:
" Pot is less deadly and less addictive than cigarettes. It's less destructive than alcoholism. By these measures it's ludicrous that it's not legal when they are. It could create a similar industry. It would bring tax revenue instead of draining tax resources and taxing law enforcement resources. And I don't know anyone that doesn't smoke it now who would suddenly start smoking it just because of new legislation... "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:06 AM:
" bmoc -- Most of the people who are against it won't have anything to do with this debate because of the attacks they face. I happen to enjoy the debate and to see the stupidity of the arguments for. Wasted government money, no harm, able to function, etc. If you have the votes, all you have to do to get marijuana legalization on the ballot in this state is collect 125,000 valid signatures of registered voters. Bring it to a vote, I urge you to. My prediction is that it will be shot down by 62-65 percent. I know that you think differently and that's great. Bring it to a vote. You won't for two reasons: Either you can't get the signatures since probably most of the people on your side are to apathetic to partake in the election process or you know it will lose and you are hoping that some stoned out Liberal Legislator will do an end run around the public majority. That won't happen. Any governor who signed it would be signing away any political aspirations they have and they know it. I urge you to get an initiative going, heck I might even sign it just to get it on the ballot. Then we could shut you potheads up once and for all. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:11 AM:
" Kelso Guy -- meth is imported? Man you make me laugh with some of your statements. Here is a simple fact that you potheads will have to overcome to get any support for your movement: Legalized pot would make it more accessible to grade school kids. Is it there now? Absolutely but in an extreme minority number. And a very big majority of the public does not want to see that number go up. You don't see elementary kids, junior high or high school kids hooked on the hard drugs you mention. It is more of an adult problem, and that's OK. If an adult wants to destroy their lives, well I guess they have that choice. But to make pot legal will be a sign to younger and younger kids that it is OK to get stoned and waste away. That is not the message anyone wants to send to kids in the formative years of their lives. Do you? "
country gal wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:56 AM:
" TDN Bad Boy: I don't smoke it but I've tried it years ago. Just curious, have you tried it? "
thacherschmid wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:49 AM:
" Surprisingly, only five or six declined to be interviewed on camera for this video, and only because they were camera shy. I didn't give away the subject before the tape started rolling, yet not a single person declined to give an opinion once the question was put to them.
--Thacher Schmid, tdn.com Web reporter "
--Thacher Schmid, tdn.com Web reporter "
MOLE wrote on Aug 29, 2008 10:12 AM:
" piper:I wondered why you allways have a civil way,with your comments,your clients are lucky!!!!bmoc:YOU CAN READ tdnbb,like a FUNNY BOOK.I HAVE SAID BEFORE,[AND BEEN CENSORED]HOW HIS ARTICLES GET PRINTED,IS STRANGE AT THE LEAST!!!! "
opinionated wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:08 PM:
" I think marijuana should be legalized and regulated just like cigarettes or alcohol . Set an minimum age limit of people who can purchase it and for possession between 18 - 21 years old . I think we as American citizens should have the right to choose what we put in our own bodies . Sure , marijuana is not for everybody . If it were legalized it's not like you'd be forced to smoke it . I bet if marijuana was legalized and not discriminated against by employers that we'd significantly reduce the use of the harder drugs ( meth , cocaine , heroin ) . I know I wouldn't want anyone working for me to be high while they're working . But if they want to go home after work and smoke a joint or two to relax thats fine with me . This pot prohibition is a joke . We have city counselman ,cops , judges and even past and current Presidents of the United States who have ( or still do ) smoked marijuana . You know why it will be a long time ( if ever ) before it is legalized ? Because our politicians are bought and paid for by people who lobby for big business . "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:17 PM:
" Like I have said above, all you potheads have to do is gather 125,000 valid signatures in this state and you can put this on the ballot. I dare you. I dare you. You won't because you know that the majority is dead set against you. The majority grew up like me, watching people in school waste their chances by smoking pot. Too brain dead to think in class. Too lazy to do the work. I'll bet that describes a very high percentage of the pot heads in here. Look at panghorg. He can't even put two or three punctuated sentences together. Refeared instead of referred. That's the perfect example of the illiterate who support legalizing pot. So if you think your drug is as righteous as you believe, let's get it on the ballot and vote on it. Here the way it will go: 62-65% will be against legalization. Put that in your bong and smoke it. "
opinionated 1 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:28 PM:
" I think marijuana should be regulated like cigarettes or alcohol . Set a minimum age to buy or possess it between 18 - 21 . I think we as American citizens should have the right to choose what we put in our own bodies . I also think that if marijuana was legalized and not discriminated against by employers , that we'd have a significant drop in the amount of people who use hard drugs ( cocaine , meth , heroin ) . I wouldn't want someone who works for me to come to work high . But if they want to go home after a long day of work and smoke a joint or two to relax thats fine with me . To me it's the same as having a couple cold beers after work . This marijuana prohibition is such a joke and a complete waste of time and money . We have city counselman , cops , judges and even past and current Presidents of the United States who have ( or still do ) smoked marijuana . Do you know the reason why it will be a long time before ( or if ever ) marijuana will be legalized ? It's because our elected politicians are bought and paid for by people who lobby for big corporations . "
LOUIE wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:24 PM:
" I'll try this again because my comment did not get posted.
It is a curious bunch of folks that hang out on Commerce Ave where this video was filmed. It is true those that oppose it know nothing about it and come from a generation that is only afraid of it leading to some other harder drug...ridiculous! Alcohol is much worse for you.
I would like to see an "on the campus" interview on the question of whether to legalize Marijuana or not. Or maybe an anonymous poll of all the professional people in town!? Now THAT would be a very interesting poll. "
It is a curious bunch of folks that hang out on Commerce Ave where this video was filmed. It is true those that oppose it know nothing about it and come from a generation that is only afraid of it leading to some other harder drug...ridiculous! Alcohol is much worse for you.
I would like to see an "on the campus" interview on the question of whether to legalize Marijuana or not. Or maybe an anonymous poll of all the professional people in town!? Now THAT would be a very interesting poll. "
bmoc wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:37 PM:
" BB - even if you were right about 62-65% opposing it (you are not right), what right do six people have to tell the other four they can't do something that does no harm to those six?
ridiculous! "
ridiculous! "
Scot Heisel, TDN wrote on Aug 29, 2008 3:48 PM:
" We're having technical issues with this comment thread. Some approved comments are not appearing. Please continue to submit comments while we try to fix the problem. "
justa_name wrote on Aug 30, 2008 5:20 AM:
" honestly can someone who is against the use of pot tell me some legit reasons why? besides the fact that its illegal, what about it is so bad? I smoke pot every day and before you use the phrase "pothead" and label me as a couch bum, I would like to also say that I am a full time college student, I have two jobs, and I am athlete. The Fact of the matter is that just becuase a person smokes pot doesn't mean they fit the stereo type. you couldnt pick me out of a line up and dont be suprised there are many out there, just like me. The excuses used to keep pot from being legalized is crazy! Motivation, gatway drug, stoned drivers, the future of america, all these have another side and i different story. "
toledoone wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:49 AM:
" Can't help but notice Kelso Guy should have the saliva test, Meth is imported? You too much weed my friend. "
toledoone wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:51 AM:
" Come on Mole, neither booze, pot, cocaine or anything else caused you those problems except your bad choices. Grow up. "
toledoone wrote on Aug 30, 2008 11:02 AM:
" Justa Name, my ex sister in law smokes pot every day, she has a PHD and is a Psyiachrist. That would be two doctorat degrees. She is one of the most messed up pesons I know on this earth and her life is a constant catastrophe. I hope you are going to change soon. "
toledoone wrote on Aug 30, 2008 11:08 AM:
" bmoc, first, the way the United States works is by truth, justice and so on. Six can tell the other four because that the way justice works in this county. Second, legalizing marijuana has nothing to do with alcohol being legal. I happen to believe that legalizing marajuana is the correct thing to do but most of the reasons here are rediculous, expecially when you relate it to other legal substances. Legalize it, make tough laws for violators and follow through but that is not going to happen. It is not politcally correct. "
toledoone wrote on Aug 30, 2008 11:15 AM:
" Oh yea, and any substance abuse councelor who would tell you that marajuana is not harmful to you should not be one. "
MOLE wrote on Aug 30, 2008 7:51 PM:
" TOLDOONE:AND WHAT BAD CHOICE WOULD THAT BE,OH WISE ONE? IF YOU LOST YOUR CONSENTRATION,"BOOZE" WAS THE BAD CHOICE,AND toldoone YOU NEED A COUNSELOR FAST!!! SHE DID NOT SAY IT WAS NOT HARMFULL,LESS HARMFULL WAS THE WORDING. "GROW UP" THAT WAS THE TRUTH,I STOPPED BOOZE,THE COKE, THE FIGHTS, THE NIGHTS IN JAIL,DENTS GONE,MY WIFE STILL LOVES ME,SO IF YOU THINK STOPPING DRINKING FOR ME WAS NOT GROWN UP THINKING,CHECK THE MIRROR FIRST,SERIOUSLY!!!! "
justa_name wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:51 PM:
" toledoone, you still havent answered my question. what is it that is soo bad? that is the point im trying to make. its not the drug that determines how one lives their life, but the individual themselves. every person and situation is different. so to stereotype a person as "pothead" is very ignorant. Have you ever thought to look at your ex sister in law and not see pot as the problem but it is just her who is messed up? why is it people think that if you smoke pot you become a messed up low life? there are plenty of people out there who smoke and are productive citizens. just like you, so who are you to judge what they do to wind down? why is alcohol legal but not pot? give me a bowl over a shot anyday. "
justa_name wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:15 PM:
" Tdnbadboy, just for your information call me the only one in the "world" but pot has made me a better person. I used to drink all the time. infact I used to be so against pot, I tried to do an intervention on my sister becuase she was smoking. About a year later, I tried it for my first time and havent stopped since. Ive said it before and I'll say it again, give me a bowl over a shot anytime. With alcohol people do things, major things that they wouldn't normally do. With pot you get the giggles and the munchies...OH NO!! when i started smoking pot its not just about the drug but the attitude that came with it. yes some people take the i dont care approach to far when it comes to smoking but for me it helped me not care about what everybody thought. If it wasnt for pot, I prob. wouldnt even be voicing my opinion now. It kept me from drinking and the stupid stuff that goes along with it. Say what you want, but I honestly believe the use of pot in my case helped me become the person I am today, and someone I enjoy being. "
mole wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:40 PM:
" justaname,exactly,It is what you make of yourself,and how you feel!!I GOT SO TIRED OF WAKING UP IN JAIL,DRUNK.I ALSO WAS AGAINST POT,1968 WAS,MY HIPPY HATER DAYS.1973 FIRST TIME I SMOKED,HAVEN'T STOPPED YET AND NEVER WILL,1990 I GOT SMART STOPPED"BOOZE"AND THE REST WAS EASY.NO 12 STEP THING ,WAS TIRED OF EMBARESSING[SP] MYSELF.!!! "
Q wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:35 AM:
" I"ve smoked pot/drank pot tea for the past 40+ years. As a daily toker, I was able to earn 2 Associates degrees in less than 2 years (both in computers), while maintaining a 3.8 gpa, after the Reynolds shutdown, and have worked in computers ever since! During a battle with cancer three years ago(at which time I made the switch from toking it to drinking it), it may have been the biggest thing that kept me alive! It was the only thing that kept me eating, and allowed me to sleep through the nausea! Legalize it and tax it for the revenue, rather than drain taxpayers pockets for something that will never go away! It's like a dog chasing it's tail! "
toledoone wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:27 AM:
" Okay, I'll restate, any councilor who will tell you that marajuana use is safer than alcohol should not be a councelor. The words condone the use.
You think you have grown up but listen to yourself, you are still in the 70's my friend. I am really glad your wife loves you.
Ex Sis is constantly making bad choices, losing partners, going to jail, losing jobs because she is under the influence all the time. "
You think you have grown up but listen to yourself, you are still in the 70's my friend. I am really glad your wife loves you.
Ex Sis is constantly making bad choices, losing partners, going to jail, losing jobs because she is under the influence all the time. "
toledoone wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:35 AM:
" And I'll bet everyone here knows someone who can't keep a job, can't stay in a relationship, can't stop doing marajuana. You just want it to be legal so you can get stoned. I think it should be legal too, only so the police can concentrate on other crimes like driving under the influence of whatever. The tax generated will be wasted on some new govenment waste. "
mole wrote on Aug 31, 2008 3:07 PM:
" TOLEDOONE:It sounds like your life is in the toilet,not anyone your trying to run down in this blog!!!IF SHE IS YOUR EX-SIS,WHY ARE YOU SO TROUBLED?CAN'T STAY OUT OF HER LIFE!!!"LISTEN TO MY SELF"I don't know when you "grew up"or the generation you derive your meaning of life from??stuck in the 70"s glad to be there??? there was more moral fibre,and way less bad mouthing!!!LEAVE YOUR EX ALONE THATS WHAT THE EX PART STANDS FOR!!! "
justa_name wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:41 PM:
" toledoone, that is where you are wrong. I can't speak for everyone like you can, but I dont want it to be legalized so I can get stoned. I do that already, legal or not. For me I want to be able to go to the lake, and smoke a joint while I paint and enjoy the surroundings. You think that it's all about getting stoned, its how you feel and being able to express those feelings freely. "
toledoone wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:18 PM:
" Have not talked to her in twenty years, my life is great. "
toledoone wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:41 PM:
" You are correct mole, I am being harsh, but I can't help it when marajauna users keep wishing for something that is not going to happen. And then you continue to use, and risk your family's welfare just to be stoned. If it was legal, I might even smoke but I cannot take the risk of letting my family down by using illegally.
I hope your life is great as well. "
I hope your life is great as well. "
justa_name wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:31 PM:
" toledoone, isn't that the point of wishing and hope? that the impossible may happen? you say we are wasting our time, but at least we have a voice for something that we beleive in. In a comment before you said that pot was the reason for your ex sister's messed up life. If this is true why would you smoke if pot became legal. your arguements make no sense. The problem is that people are against the use of pot just becuase its illegal. But remember alcohol was once outlawed in our history and now look, thousands consume it every day. Marijuana will be the same. Just give it time. "
MOLE wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:36 AM:
" "RAGE IS A THING THAT DOES NOT PRODUCE LIFE"!!!! WHEN PEOPLE ARE SO SET IN THIER WAYS,IT LEAVES THIER JUDGEMENT CLOUDED!!!I DO NOT "SMOKE" IT TO JUST GET HIGH,I USE TO[A NICE SIDE EFFECT]!!!! I FELL 40 FEET,WHAT DID NOT BREAK,WAS JARRED LOOSE AND HAVE MOBILITY TROUBLE!!! WITH POT,IT HELPS WITH PAIN[ICANNOT EAT PAIN PILLS,DOES THE SAME TO ME AS ALCOHOL] "
toledoone wrote on Sep 1, 2008 11:15 AM:
" The difference is that I don't put my family at risk of being on their own. I can have a drink and not go to jail. Not so with marajuana. Its about responsibility. If it was to become legal to use marajuana, I would not use it frequently. I contrary to many here believe that it is much more damaging to your body and self than what is said here. "
toledoone wrote on Sep 1, 2008 11:21 AM:
" Who is talking about rage?
I too have pain and difficulties. Today, I pretty much can't walk. I have atificial knees and Rhumatoid Arthritis. I have no health insurance. Not complaining, do not expect anybody to take care of me. But don't believe that any drug will solve my daily pain troubles or yours. I still believe that you just want to get stoned so you don't have to deal with something. However, that's your business. I don't believe marajuana will ever be legalized. Too much politics and nonsense. "
I too have pain and difficulties. Today, I pretty much can't walk. I have atificial knees and Rhumatoid Arthritis. I have no health insurance. Not complaining, do not expect anybody to take care of me. But don't believe that any drug will solve my daily pain troubles or yours. I still believe that you just want to get stoned so you don't have to deal with something. However, that's your business. I don't believe marajuana will ever be legalized. Too much politics and nonsense. "
just a thought wrote on Sep 1, 2008 3:22 PM:
" I am an ex drug addit, I did meth, pot, coke, speed and acid mostly and have been clean for almost 20 years. I don't smoke cigs or even drink I go to church and try my best to be a good person. I hate seeing what drugs have done to people I used to be friends with and to loved ones, I was lucky to get out and still be alive. The thing is that they were choices I made, it wouldn't have mattered if they were legal or not. The hardest things for me to stop were drinking and smoking cigs and those are the things that are legal. I do believe that pot should be legalized because we could use the taxes for a lot of positive things such as our childrens education. I don't think that it will be much more available than it is now, we would hopefully be able to maintain the distribution of it more. You all are sounding like if it is legalized that you will have to start smoking it, nobody is asking you to but it is a persons choice. It is as easy to buy as cigs only you don't need ID. "
toledoone wrote on Sep 1, 2008 3:53 PM:
" And after reading all of the blogs about marajuana I see that it does not matter what the circumstances are, it is okay to smoke and grow marajuana. Now I understand the reciculous excuses for using stated here. Anything goes. "
stu63 wrote on Sep 1, 2008 5:11 PM:
" Lies Lies Its all lies. Wake up and smell the canibus a burning.If God made it its good. If man made it its bad.God made weed. Weed is good. Man made meth. Meth is bad. As a cancer patient I can attest to the fact that weed cures nausea lack of appetite and relives pain. Chemo therapy destroys brain cells "
mole wrote on Sep 2, 2008 12:28 AM:
" TOLEDOONE:I THOUGHT THERE WAS HOPE FOR YOU,but it seems that you have the need to belittle people,don't tell me one thing about your knee or RHEUMATOID WHAT EVER any doctor would tell you pot would help you.BUT YOU SUFFER ALL YOU WANT,your self righteousness make me SICK!!!! "
DW wrote on Sep 2, 2008 1:59 PM:
" just a thought, that's wonderful. Tax pot and spend it on kids education. Have another toke.....remember there is a reason they call it dope!! "
thetruth wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:18 AM:
" I used all through high school and was on the honor society, and heald a 3.8 gpa all the way through high school. I then used through college, and had a 3.5 average. Still using, still making 65k a year. Am I a loser too? "
kelso guy wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:38 AM:
" toledoone and tdnbb, yes a great deal of meth is made in mexico and comes across the border, and I've stated a number of times that I don't smoke anything, period. I don't believe that those who know what's best for us must rise and save us from ourselves either. Of course with alcohol and cigarettes being legal we have grade scholl kids drinking and toking it up ldaily, it's a real problem. Next? http://www.csdp.org/research/1238.pdf
american medical association lists 435,000 deaths due to tobacco and 85,000 deaths due to alcohol(excluding accidents and homicides). yet a search for marijuana related deaths at the cdc (office of drug control policy points to the cdc for statistics info) doesn't even list it in their annual report. "
american medical association lists 435,000 deaths due to tobacco and 85,000 deaths due to alcohol(excluding accidents and homicides). yet a search for marijuana related deaths at the cdc (office of drug control policy points to the cdc for statistics info) doesn't even list it in their annual report. "
kelso guy wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:50 AM:
" As far as getting it on the ballot in this state, most people see it as a waste of time because the federal government trumps the states rights. It's all about the money. Good drugs are lexipro, prozac, lithium, etc. Bad drug is marijuana. Why? Cause it competes with big money and it divides us into us and them. Funny thing about you TDNBB, when you run out of good points and facts to support your ridiculous viewpoints, you make it about subjective morals instead (you don't want grade schoolers to smoke do you?), that way, you can't be proven wrong, typical minion mentality. So believe what you want and blow your trumpet, because you are a "them". "
kelso guy wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:55 AM:
" And by the way, you don't want grade schoolers taking drugs but wait, we've got ritalin & aderall for the kids so they don't need the horrible evil marijuana. By the second grade we've already got them well on their way to chemical dependency, just as the corporate minions intended. Good thing that stuff doesn't grow wild or how would we be good parents? "
viper wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:27 PM:
" http://www.drugtext.org/sub/marmyt1.html Here is some good reading for those of you that think it's bad and here is some more http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/viewresource.asp?resourceID=145 not that anyone that dislikes it will even read anything about it maybe if some one would read the facts at least they would know more. hope you don't get cancer and have to choose your poison they can put you on oxycontins or what ever I bet they are the better choices Viper "
toledoone wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:51 PM:
" Mole, you can buy legally marajuana, but that is not what this blog is about. If you can find a doctor to give you marajuana legally, I'm okay with that. But you would claim that any enforcement is a waste. I just can't see that. But to each his own. "
DW wrote on Sep 4, 2008 4:23 PM:
" bmoc, I knew there was something wrong with you....your living in a different decade. Check out the date on your last post...Dec 31, 1969?? Pot will never be legalized, you started that montra 40 years ago and look where that got you!! Quit the dope and wise up. I'm gonna go have a cold beer. "
mole wrote on Sep 8, 2008 5:08 PM:
" I did not say anything about controls.I talked of my personal contact with booze and feelings about my pot use.THE SAME LAWS AS NO DRINKING UNDER 21 SHOULD APLY,OR WHEN IT GOES TO 18,MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND,NOBODY TWISTED MY ARM TO DRINK!!!OR SMOKE POT,TO EACH HIS OWN,I WILL TAKE POT!!!! TO SET THINGS STRAIGHT I DID NOT FIND A DOCTOR,THE PAIN MANAGEMENT CENTER AT OHSU GAVE IT TO ME,I DID NOT ASK!!!!! "
ThunderStorm98626 wrote on Sep 12, 2008 9:57 AM:
" MOLE: I justy want to say that I appreciated your comment on Aug. 28th.
Pot never made my ex abuse me... alcohol contributed to the abuse I suffered. And then the justice system set the jerk free...after he literally came within an inch of killing my or paralyzing me for the rest of my life by shoving me. Oh, and for the record, he got away with committing DUI almost every night for over 17 years without ever getting caught. Alcohol is just as harmful, if not more so than pot, so if it can be legal, why not pot? Smoking cigarrettes is just as addictive as heroin... the substances themselves are nbot the problem, it is the people thgat get addicted to meth, alcohol, pot, heroin, etc... those people have addictive personalities. I personally think that the war on drugs would be better fought by upping the DARE program to the next level. Prevention is the better cure... and if screening for addictive personalities or risk factors of children in the DARE program took place, then more effort could be spent on preventing those young ones from starting on that path... and maybe even getting them the help they need with personal issues that present as risk factors for future substance abuse... "
Pot never made my ex abuse me... alcohol contributed to the abuse I suffered. And then the justice system set the jerk free...after he literally came within an inch of killing my or paralyzing me for the rest of my life by shoving me. Oh, and for the record, he got away with committing DUI almost every night for over 17 years without ever getting caught. Alcohol is just as harmful, if not more so than pot, so if it can be legal, why not pot? Smoking cigarrettes is just as addictive as heroin... the substances themselves are nbot the problem, it is the people thgat get addicted to meth, alcohol, pot, heroin, etc... those people have addictive personalities. I personally think that the war on drugs would be better fought by upping the DARE program to the next level. Prevention is the better cure... and if screening for addictive personalities or risk factors of children in the DARE program took place, then more effort could be spent on preventing those young ones from starting on that path... and maybe even getting them the help they need with personal issues that present as risk factors for future substance abuse... "
DestinyN wrote on Sep 13, 2008 2:54 PM:
" I've never tried marijuana, but everyone I know who has tried it never turned out to be one of those crazies that rob buildings for 10 dollars worth of junk metal to support their habit. None of the "stoners" I knew ever wound up in jail for theft or other crimes related to their drug use. I think that the argument against the legalization of marijuana is unfounded and very difficult if not impossible to back up. "Don't legalize marijuana because it's a drug?" Let's do away with aspirin then. Bring back prohibition. Forget the Pepto Bismol when your tummy aches because drugs are baaaaaad, maaaan. Honestly, if the government were to legalize marijuana, they could put a tax on it and make plenty of money. That'd sure make them happy, and we wouldn't have to worry about thieving meth addicts and child molesters roaming free because the authorities could focus more on them than on the lawbreaking potheads. "
mole wrote on Sep 14, 2008 10:28 PM:
" thunderstorm: thank you, the truth has allways been the best cure,for me.prevention,before rehab,great thought!!! "
bmoc wrote on Dec 31, 1969 4:00 PM:
" Thacher, you are correct - the responses were evenly divided, yet the debate is clearly won by those who agree with legalization. The naysayers have no response to why alcohol is legal and marijuana is not. Alcoholed martinis.
Just say no to hysteria and stop listening to the fear mongers. "
Just say no to hysteria and stop listening to the fear mongers. "
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