California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (not actual size) on Tuesday said it was time for a discussion on the idea of legalizing and taxing marijuana. Although he said he doesn't support it now, he welcomed a debate on the issue.
(NEWSCOM/FILE)Photos (1 of 1)
Legalize marijuana? Schwarzenegger says let’s debate it
By Jimmy Orr | 05.06.09
It wasn’t as though Arnold Schwarzenegger held a press conference with Cheech and Chong in the back of a van and said, “Whoa, I have this awesome idea, man…”
The governor was asked if he would support the legalization and taxation of marijuana to help the state of California get out of its budgetary mess.
No, he doesn’t support that — at least right now. He said specifically, “No, I think it’s not time for that.”
Debate
It was the rest of his statement, however, that’s caused a stir around the pro-legalization world. The governor said it should be talked about.
“I think it’s time for a debate,” he said. “I think all of those ideas of creating extra revenues, I’m always for an open debate on it.”
As part of that debate, the governor said Californians need to look to the countries — like his native Austria — that have already relaxed drug laws.
“I think that we ought to study very carefully what other countries are doing that have legalized marijuana and other drugs, what effect it had on those countries, and are they happy with that decision,” he said. “Or, like for instance in Austria, I’ve heard that they are unhappy with that and they want to roll back some of the decisions that were made in European countries.”
Poll
Late last week, the director of a pro-marijuana legalization group praised a recent poll that showed 56 percent of Californians are OK with the legalization and taxation of marijuana.
“Right now people in the Capitol are laughing off the idea of taxing and regulating marijuana. This will show them there’s some serious voter support on the issue,” said Aaron Smith, the Marijuana Policy Project’s California policy director.
It’s not just a California poll. A WashingtonPost/ABC survey, also released last week, revealed that 46 percent of Americans support legalization of small amounts of marijuana for personal use — that’s double the support it had a decade ago.
Money
If it were legalized and taxed, how much of an impact would it have on California’s budget? According to the author of a bill in the California State Assembly, it could add $1.3 billion to the state’s coffers.
But Assemblyman Tom Ammiano said it’s not about the money.
“It’s also about the failure of the war on drugs and implementing a more enlightened policy,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle. “I’ve always anticipated that there could be a perfect storm of political will and public support, and obviously the federal policies are leaning more toward states’ rights.”
Reader comments
Regardless, there were plenty of comments from our readers on the topic.
Carolyn said there were two ways to look at legalization:
“Does CA on pot make the economy look better OR does the economy on pot make CA look better?”
CWB was touched:
“I almost cried with joy when I saw this.”
Tom has renewed faith in the government:
“Could it be possible that some rational thinking has entered national politics? If so, then I think I love that big goofy Austrian musclehead. Now, once the Governator has straightened out the great state of Cal-E-fornya, he can move on to get the cultivation of hemp as a food/fuel/textile on the ballots and into practice. GO Arnold!”
Matt94 said legalization will do more harm:
“Legalizing marijuana will have zero impact on cocaine, heroin and the like. So while it may let the pro-drug folks get what they want, it does nothing to help the hard core addicts of the “hard” drugs or the ever increasing prescription drug abusers. It doesn’t reduce crime in our cities (more personal and property crime is attributable to cocaine, meth and heroin users than marijuana). The Mexican drug cartels that currently smuggle drugs into the country will not suddenly stop smuggling, become law-abiding, tax-paying entrepreneurs, and cut their profit margin in the name of generating tax revenue for the U.S. government. They will continue to smuggle and traffic illegally, with the routes that have been long established as successful. The impact on law enforcement will increase, not decrease, as they enforce additional laws about who/what/where drugs are legal. The cost of regulation, licensing, etc will result in increased government expense at the local, state and federal levels.”
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Comments
2. G Osterlund | 05.06.09
The last response re: hard drugs is completely irrelevant. We are talking of a soft drug, not legalizing heroin, cocaine, etc.
Or am I mistaken?
3. tresmurcielagos | 05.06.09
One big thing this article left out is the savings to the state from not locking people up for marijuana charges any more. When you jail someone for marijuana use, you lose whatever tax revenues that person might have generated, and you pick up somewhere between $35,000 and $50,000 of additional costs to the state of incarceration. So the $1.3 billion benefit to the state budget noted above is probably understated by a huge factor.
Second, Matt94 says that the Mexican cartels won’t immediately start to behave and pay taxes. This is a fair point. However, if California farmers were allowed to farm and legally distribute marijuana, they would become the low-cost producers, and effectively undercut the economics of the Mexican cartels, thereby causing them to collapse because their illegal distribution system is far less efficient than a legal system would be.
The trick would be to set the price for marijuana, tax included, that is well below the current market price. This would kill the cartels, save the state money, reduce incarceration for something many think shouldn’t be a crime, and set the stage for future tax increases once the cartels are bankrupted.
Really, all in all, an excellent idea. Probably so good that it will never be implemented.
4. membery | 05.06.09
“Matt94 said legalization will do more harm:”
What are the mexican cartel going to be selling? If Pot is legal then there will not be demand for smuggling. The profit made from pot is very high compared to heroin and cocain. It is their biggest cash crop - why not make it ours? Pot being illegal is just plain stupid anyway. Obviously Matt94 hasn’t ever inhaled. Matt, are you still watching and believing “Refer Madness?”
5. Dave | 05.06.09
No big surprise. The Governator was filmed smoking a joint in the movie “Pumping Iron.”
Will legalizing pot end the war on drugs? Of course not. But it will take away a big chunk of revenue from the drug lords and add needed tax revenue to government coffers.
6. matt94 is an idiot | 05.06.09
cause that is just how it happened with prohibition right? Al Capone continued to be a bootlegger after alcohol was made legal? Drug cartels from mexico could not compete with commercial, taxed and regulated prices within a growing season of the legalization. Besides, if they’re taxed and regulated they’re really not cartels anymore…
8. Tyler | 05.06.09
Matt94: maybe we should legalize all drugs, then, because we do not need the gov’t to baby-sit us and tell what we can and can’t do to our own bodies. Legalizing all drugs would see a dramatic drop in violent crime, the Mexican drug cartels would be completely helpless (and penniless), and the cost of regulating the sale of drugs would be exponentially smaller than continuing this failed war on drugs. And not only that, but the revenues generated from taxing drugs could pay for itself, and fund initiatives such as treatment for drug addictions. There is absolutely no downside to legalization, just look at prohibition in the U.S. and the effects that repealing it had: people were free to make their own decisions, it created [legitimate] jobs, crime went down.
10. Dan | 05.06.09
Matt94 - Leagalizing won’t do more harm. You have to look at the facts. The DEA and Police Forces spend more money and time on arrests and searches on marijuana.
Leagalization would only free up more time and manpower for law enforcement to crack down on the real dangers in the drug war, such as cocaine, heroin, and other hard drugs.
11. Roger | 05.06.09
This is just brilliant. I hope other politicians are listening. Go Arnold! Please do SOMETHING that will end this stupid failed war on drugs. Even small steps will help our economy, ease our border issues and stop feeding the greedy private prison industry! It is time to legalize or at least decriminalize. I just makes sense now. Thank you for taking the lead California!
12. A Ghaffari | 05.06.09
I am sure the good peopple of California rather pay more taxs then leaglize
ing drugs
13. Jackie | 05.06.09
To add to tresmurcielagos’ point of the added benefits of legalization, just think of how much money enforcing the war on drugs costs. How much fuel, time and money does it take to fly a helicopter over crops and forests looking for cannabis plants? Simply decriminalizing marijuana would save our country millions of dollars, legalizing would probably save our country from another depression.
14. Linda Cartwright | 05.06.09
I knew an attorney who was a great guy, a law abiding person who grew alittle pot for his own use. He was busted in the mid ninties after his “garden” with 5 plants was seized– they weighed everything, stems, leaves(the “non high” part of the plant) and the weight was up there because of that and he went to JAIL for 5 freaking years!.. what a waste of years for a good man!Had I not had small children at that time I would have protested in his defense, but with my toddlers I couldn’t risk the witch hunt turning on me! Time to stop this nonsense! LEGALIZE it!…Let American farmers make money and users relax and cartels lose,WIN, Win, Win!
15. susannsweeney | 05.06.09
why not let our farmer make so money this sad that our jails are full of drug offender it cost more money to buy cig let people be to use the drug of choise instead of doctors giving us pill and then sending us to pain mangement clinic give us back the power of choise
16. jc4shoo | 05.06.09
legalize the herb its the best cash crop in the world and an awesome way of enjoying life
17. overdue | 05.06.09
Also think about how it could help save our parks in the state. The cartels and other growers use public land to grow mass amounts of pot, pillaging the earth, dumping god knows what, cutting all the buds in the fall and leaving huge piles of garbage (plastic bags and pails, miles of drip systems….)
Likewise, the money saved from not having CAMP copters buzzing the mountains and park lands.
18. Jeff | 05.06.09
I think legalizing pot is a bad idea. Think of all the “stoned” people we will have around, at work, on the roads, in boats, etc. How about when you are driving in the country, look over at what used to be a tobacco field, is now a marijuana field, hmmm, I think I’ll go pick a few buds. Bang! Bullet through the head from the field’s owner. I think American industry production will deteriorate, safety incidents will rise dramatically. It’s hard enough to keep people motivated and focused at work anyway. If someone smokes pot every day, they have a low level buzz constantly, not good for production, not good for the health. Bad idea.
19. SWM | 05.06.09
Every adult should be able to decide what he/she wants to do with their own body as long as they do not harm anyone else.
Currently, we allow people to use tabacco and alcohol…why not just let individuals decide what they want?
Maybe instead of spending tax dollars on the “war on drugs” and prisons, we could sell these drugs to people who choose to use and offer help for those who want it.
I wonder what all those inner city drug dealers would do for a job?
20. Thomas Hawke | 05.06.09
As much as I would love to see marijuana legalized, it will not be allowed any time soon. The Feds won’t allow it. They will trump the States and continue to prevent legalization.
tresmurcielagos: “Really, all in all, an excellent idea. Probably so good that it will never be implemented.”
I agree.
Our country has a history of the large corporations controlling the flow of intellectual brilliance and usurping meaningful innovation. The Government is nothing more than another big, powerful company. At the present, its current financial position and power status would not be enhanced by legalization. “They” are too concerned that their own operations would suffer as a result of use by their own employees. This fear, and their own insecurities, will drive the suppression of all legalization attempts.
It’s very, very sad. Arnold knows this….hence his opening statement about now not being the time.
21. Surprised | 05.06.09
It’s awesome that Arnold is responding to the polls regarding marijuana use. If there is a debate and a question of legalizing the drug, I think putting an age limit on the legal purchase of marijuana is important. It could parallel the age limits (but not have to equal) of alcohol. Arnold should tackle driving age too. Why not make everything 18? Raise the driving age and lower the drinking age, and add marijuana. 16 year olds are terrible drivers. Eaughl.
23. Damianini | 05.06.09
I think legalizing pot would be a great idea. Think of the millions of dollars which are spent to shut down smugglers, police the areas, stop it from coming in, arresting local dealers, population increases in prison. If it is legal then they can simply put it in trucks and ship it. It can then be subject to taxes/tariffs. The distributors in the us would also be subject to taxes. It’s a win/win. It’s more expensive to fight it than it is to embrace it and tax the hell out of it. People want their drug regardless of legality. Therefore they’re willing to pay for it. So let them. No difference than paying $6 for a pack of cigarettes. People are still buying them!
24. Daniel | 05.06.09
I think Matt94’s point are a good argument in favor of decriminalizing all drugs, and then dealing with addiction as a public health issue, which it is.
I wouldn’t want to see advertising, promotion, public sale, etc. of drugs be legalized (because we don’t need any more heroin addicts) but if someone is going to be addicted to heroin I’d rather them be able to get it safely by getting it over the counter versus having to steal to be able to afford to buy black market heroin. Let’s be real, for a second: illicit drugs being expensive - the natural consequence of them being illegal - haven’t stopped people from trying or getting addicted to them, nor has it helped people quit. It just increases the damage to people’s lives and makes them more likely to do unsocial behavior in order to be able to afford their fix.
I hope legalization starts, but does not end, with cannabis.
25. Ian G | 05.06.09
To “Matt94″ about hard drug impact.
Actually, in most of the countries that have legalized marijuana, hard drug use has gone down. Another counter-intuitive statistic is that marijuana use among youth has gone down in those countries too.
26. Nick | 05.06.09
One of the contributing reasons that Marijuana is a gateway drug is that it is commonly categorized with Heroin, Cocaine, and Meth as being an evil destructive drug. Take a look at the perscription drugs such as Methadone, and Oxycodone. These are synthetic versions of some of the most hardcore drugs on the market and their legality are never challenged. To take the allure away from marijuana and to legalize it will also stamp out much of the taboo that is associated with the drug. There are junkies in every facet of our society. Whether the stimulant of choice is Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana, Alcohol, Video Games, Gambeling, etc… there will always be an aspect of society that will throw their lives away for the persuite of the next high. The actual effects of marijuana are far less debilitating and far less leathal than other vices currently available to the public. With marijuana comes lazy, junkfood eating, non driven individuals. However it is their choice to make. People do not chase the pot high as they do Heroin, Crack, Meth and Cocaine. People need to step back to reality and start focusing their attention on how to improve the common wealth, rather than worry about people who are to lazy to rob you, or if they do it will probably be for chips n’ salsa not money.
27. Fred Waff | 05.06.09
Judging by all the contribution this is a topic that isnt going away. But drugs cartels are groups that thrive on illegal business and they will find something else to sell, marijuana is just a tip of the iceberg. The effects of marijuana are well known and legalizing it will fuel a ripple effect on other products in their illegal business. More people will be paranoid either as a result of using the drugs or seeing more people using them and will have more guys related crimes and assault just to name a afew in the chain reaction. People who use drugs want a fix and if marijuana can’t do it anymore they will more a step higher to coccaine or heroine. Lets not lie to ourselves drugs will destroy not just california but the rest of the US. Any user who finds it necessary for the drug to be legalized it already an addict and needs help or should find help quick before its too late.Otherwise, reduce the charges based on quantities an individual can poses to reduce ligation costs and other associated costs. The drug war has to live on it has nothing to do with winning, it is won everyday someone doesnt become an addict or is rehabilitated. And rehab and associated costs more than ligation !
29. flreader | 05.06.09
A Ghaffari,
first learn how to spell. second, we all love our kids. Third, Californians already pay higher taxes than almost any other state, so no, they don’t want more taxes. fourth, by legalizing it we are preventing the drug lords from one of their bbiggest cash crops! We sell the future to the drug lords as it is, they make billions, innocents get arrested, the violence in Mexico continues. do some reading, learn to write and pull your head out
30. Indifferent | 05.06.09
This is too funny,
If pot were legal, everyone who smoked it, would grow it… Only a very minimal amount would be out in public for “travelers”
the only real revenue that California would make, is the revenue they Keep from not having criminal prosecutions of it… this would actually amount to billions…
However the police/judges/attorney/DEA/FBI/and many others will never let it happen… They are being pay’d to fight it… despite what many think, there is a huge amount of revenue generated by seasure of property and assets… this amounts to hundreds of billions each year… Lose this money, and they loose their jobs on a massive scale….
One other reason this will never happen because the drug cartels wouldn’t let it because they know it would ruin them…. Drug cartels do infact have lots of money to funnel into stoping it.. and they will even do it through political routes
31. John Baltic | 05.06.09
This whole debate begs a couple of more important questions. Will it be legal, as it should be, for individuals to grow marijuana? Will we be able to develop some standard to measure impairment?
Personal use of marijuana by adults in the privacy of their homes does not harm society any more than the consumption of beer, tobacco, or fatty foods. Society has NO RIGHT to prohibit it’s responsible use - let alone mere possession! And make no mistake, people are not primarily charged with being “too high”. They are charged with simple possession.
Where society DOES have a legitimate concern is with impairment. Brain surgeons, cross country truckers, airline pilots - does anyone actually feel OK with them being “really high” when they perform their jobs?
Alcohol impairment varies from individual to individual. We, as society, settle on a somewhat arbitrary measurement to enforce drunk driving laws and the like - blood alcohol level. It’s not perfect but it’s what we use.
As with alcohol, the effects of marijuana vary considerably from individual to individual. How will we determine when someone is “too high” to drive a car?
It may turn out that marijuana does not significantly impair driving ability for many people. But we simply don’t know that yet. Until we repeal marijuana prohibition and diffuse the cloud of hysterical and historical propaganda around this issue, the necessary unbiased research will never be done in the United States at the university level.
32. monica | 05.06.09
It’s about time we decriminalized pot! Forget the revenue aspect, that’s beside the point.
My only caveat: private interests should not benefit from its production and sale. The last thing we need are ads promoting the use of marijuana as the drug of choice.
33. Nicholas | 05.06.09
Surprised
While I agree that the legalization of Pot is sensible, I strongly disagree with the idea of harmonising the age of drinking and driving. I grew up in Australia, where the ages are almost coincident, and the combination is fatal. Losing 18 year old friends to drink driving was/is a rite of passage when growing up in Australia. Of course it happens in America too, but imagine how much worse it would be if they were synchronised.
By the way, I grew up in a city in Australia where pot was decriminalised more than 15 years ago. Was there a collapse of society? No!
34. mickey | 05.06.09
In Calif almost anybody can get a med card.So we can buy it any way.If you cant get a card almost anybody can score for you.Its here so they might as well tax it a leaglize it.Its matter of time.
Who smokes mexican pot anyway?
35. BIll | 05.06.09
Marijuana expands consiousness when used appropriately.
If you were to only use it once a month… (I know, I know..)
It would allow your mind to hold x30 times more thoughts at the same time..
Then, when you give your mind 30 days of rest, in between,
with practice, it should allow you to be more creative and thoughtful overall.
If you OD on anything you will have side effects.. such as laziness =P
You can drink too much water! So just stick to 8 glasses of water per day, and 1 gm of cron per month and you should be good to see why
all the people so fortunate to have realized this are standing up for what is right. Marijuana is a 100% natural herb that has done 100% less damage than…
Cigarettes…
Alcohol…
Prozac… (and the ridiculous number of anti-depressants out there)
(No one has ever committed Marijuana induced suicide, like w/ anti-d’s..)
Any more excuses? Dont be scared that someone that takes a puff of Marijuana smoke will have something smarter to say than you, its time to embrace the facts. Why do you think medical science avoids Miracles like Marijuana and Human Growth Hormone like the plaugue?
Because they dont want people to be as healthy as you think…
No Cure for Swine Flu??? Eat 2 Fresh Lemons a Day..
No Cure for Cronic Fatigue??? Eat 3 Fresh Lemons a Day…
No Cure for Cancer??? Eat 4 Fresh Lemons a Day….
No Cure for Diabetes??? Just Eat Healthy for God’s Sake…..
No Cure for Unoriginality??? Just puff on a Jay once or twice a month…. =)
36. davidford | 05.06.09
lets see people are woried that pot heads are a danger when driving. well so are drinker. it is the same. dont drink and drive, and dont toke and drive. the law is already set up. most pot heads i know dont do much of anything when they are stoned anyway. yes there are a few that get rough and fight, again the same with drinkers. i say do it, legalize pot.
37. tl sinclair | 05.06.09
I think the point is … stop wasting time and money arresting people and putting them in prison just for smoking pot.
38. MI07 | 05.06.09
I think we should tax users (require them to buy a license to purchase) as well as growers. If they are in possession of marijuana then ticket them.
I think this will be acceptable to marijuana buyers/sellers as well as Govt. as they can be reasonably be assured of substantial license revenue.
It’s going to happen sooner or later in one of the 50 states (probably sooner), and who ever goes first will benefit the most. Researchers as well as users/growers will flock to that state.
39. G Gupta | 05.06.09
If cannabis is legalized & regulated, the government can make sure no retailers sell to anyone underage.
Under prohibition, drug-dealers will sell to anyone, even kids.. and they might even offer other drugs.
If the government actually wants ANY control over this - they need to end prohibition. They have tried cannabis prohibition for over 70 years - and cannabis is still just as available as it ever was. This policy simply does not work - we need to find a policy that does.
40. Antiacus | 05.06.09
The tone of these comments is bothersome. Healthy people shouldn’t be jumping up & down for joy for marijuana. The fact is, when people smoke too much pot for too long a time they change and not for the better. As a very general rule they get moody, they become emotionally flat when not high, they get air-headed & distracted and it interferes with a healthy happy life. Granted, used only occasionally and without getting “bombed” you don’t tend to see any deleterious effects but you folks make it sound like it’s garlic or vitamin c that’s outlawed.
No, there are no studies confirming adverse health effects from Pot. Yes, there is a lot of good that could come from it’s industrial use. Yes, it’s preposterous that it’s illegal.
But pot, like any other drug, is dangerous. It can be and is frequently taken way too far and it can effect long term brain function.
America should be about self rule and standing on your own two feet. Americans should thrive or struggle by their own choices, it’s the only way to grow as a human. Legalization would be a rare win for freedom in America, yes, but it wouldn’t make marijuana this benign plant that it’s proponents make it out to be. Part of the problem is that Americans are too accustomed to blindly following authority. If the FDA declared battery acid healthy americans would cook their fries in it (phen phen, HFCS, gmo “organics”, etc etc anyone?). My concern is that people will act out of stupid faith and make bad choices not only because it’s now legal (and hence “safe”)but because of people like you make it sound like some sort of wonder cure-all tonic for everything.
41. tico13 | 05.06.09
I will buy an apartment in california if this goes through. i will take vacations here instead of new york. so besides tax from legalization, now the state will receive funds from reactivating the real estate business.
42. Common Sense | 05.06.09
This is a great discussion. I hope people realize there are more pros than cons here.
Jeff wrote-
“I think American industry production will deteriorate, safety incidents will rise dramatically. It’s hard enough to keep people motivated and focused at work anyway.”
Um, last time I checked, most employers dont allow you to come to work drunk, so what kinda point is that? Besides, It does not mean that employers cannot still drug test and refuse employment.
Fred Waff wrote-
“People who use drugs want a fix and if marijuana can’t do it anymore they will more a step higher to cocaine or heroine”
Most people try these drugs out of curiosity, and unfortunately, keep doing them. I am guessing you have never smoked pot or been around anyone that has.
43. learsi | 05.06.09
we can not even control all the drunk driving,date rape, and domestic violence from the already legal alcohol so how do we contend with legalizing pot.
44. brox | 05.06.09
I cant agree with more with this ideas of legalizing a harmless plant that should have never been criminalized to begin with. I was 25yr old college student going back to school to get my second degree. On a routine traffic stop I was found to have a small amount of marijuana. For this small amount (less then a bowl) I lost a 35,000 a year job working for the casino industry. I lost my financial aid that allowed me to continue with my education. I lost my drivers license for over a year. Plus I cant get it back now till I pay about a $1500 fine. I had to do extensive outpatient rehab 3x’s a week for 16 weeks, which I had to pay for out of pocket at $50 a session. I was denied an apartment lease because of the job and have missed out on more then a few high paying jobs because this is on my record.
So therefore all in all I lost pretty much my life, due to a bowl of harmless marijuana.
Does this make sense to anyone. Not me? Ill suggest at least to stay out of Iowa. It’s ridiculous. I didnt sell it, I didnt grow it. I got good grades and never missed a day of work. Then everything is taken away from me for something I decided to do on my own time, my personal time, after i was done with school and work and homework and my home duties.
Well after the drug treatment, the $xx,xxx of dollars spent and lost. The year and a half of probation. The loss of my financial aid. The loss of my job. The loss of my license. Was it worth it? Yes I still smoke. The only thing thatll change is me moving to a better town/state with less stringent rules and regualtions. I could go on and on but Ill stop for now…
sincerly,
confused in iowa….
45. Rick | 05.06.09
I’m impressed with the number of “pro” opinions expressed here. If we can get the minority to drop the old “Refer Madness” - Pot leads to hard drugs misconceptions we’d only have people like A Ghaffari left to deal with. From his/her comments one can’t tell if he/she is self-righteous, a radical religious nut or simply ignorant. I suspect a large majority love their kids, leaving very few to “sell them to drug lords” (either literally or figuratively).
At least those that have been mislead by fiction are easy to spot and have offered semi-reasonable arguments that justify further research. Hopefully they possess the capacity to reason based on logic versus emotion as well.
The Govenator offering a debate on the topic? That’s great!! It has to start somewhere.
46. Louweegie272 | 05.06.09
Isn’t it pretty much legal in California already? We have medical dispensaries and I don’t know anyone who has difficulty finding pot. The idea of the drug cartels being uninvolved with legalized pot is silly. They are the ones growing it in California and shipping it from Mexico. Legalizing pot would just make our Government partners with the Cartels, and make them even more powerful.
47. Little Birdie | 05.06.09
It’s unfortunate that a global recession was necessary to see the wisdom of this.
48. somejerk | 05.06.09
A Ghaffari, you obviously arent a tax-paying resident of California if you suggest higher taxes to an already high paying state possibly the highest we need this money to get us out of the hole of debt
49. Jake | 05.06.09
“But pot, like any other drug, is dangerous. It can be and is frequently taken way too far and it can effect long term brain function.”
Show me the peer-reviewed medical journal that published this information, please. Reefer madness doesn’t count.
50. imthe169ingher | 05.06.09
If California was to pass legislation legailzing marijuana for other than medicinal purposes, I think I would move to Cali. Not only are they ahead of the game in the supply aspect of their medicinal MJ, but they grow the best variety around. It is sad to take the poor aconomy to bring us to this, but it is something that I think the time has come. Look at how much tax revenue is generated on the sale of tobacco.
It’s time to really go GREEN America!!!
51. danielle | 05.06.09
matt94 -
they weren’t saying it would lower crime - although it would because all those people that would be arrested for pot are not arrested - it also gives the police more time to focus on those harder drug users, and more serious criminal offenses, thus, yes, dare i say it, REDUCING CRIME!!!!
the whole fact of the article was to legalize it because CA is broke!! - not legalizing it to reduce crime. As for your “it would cause more taxes, blah blah blah” -
well did you see this part of the article: If it were legalized and taxed, how much of an impact would it have on California’s budget? According to the author of a bill in the California State Assembly, it could add $1.3 billion to the state’s coffers
that does not sound like it’s costing the state money, in fact, it sounds like it’s making the state money - use some common sense dude - what if cigs were illegal - the govt would lose their 10% tax on cigs - thus losing billions of dollars every year. If you legalize them again, you stand to gain that money.
Take an economics class dude - educate yourself about supply and demand
52. Inspector Javert | 05.06.09
Having been in the business, for 30 years, of going to court and locking people up, I am sick to death of seeing the prisoner’s box full of marijuana cases. The money that will be saved, from the street cop level up through
the appellate courts, by legalizing mj, is stupendous.
Of course, it will put a lot of defense lawyers on the beach, but that’s a side benefit.
53. Terminator 12 | 05.06.09
Legalize pot already. Millions are smoking it. And Billions are going to gangs and cartels. Screw your medical evidence. Cigarettes are far more lethal. People should take responsibility for their own lives. Legalize. Grow the best pot ever. And use the taxes to waste it on whatever you government people waste it on anyway. If you ask me half the politicians in the US are stoned out their trees anyway when you look at their political records. Oops. time for another champagne cocktail.
54. y gibson | 05.06.09
Imagine the voter turnout of pot heads that usually set at there couch smoking one rather than vote.It would be a landslide for the politician that push’s it through.Right on guys.
55. James | 05.06.09
Antiacus:
Wow, you are very ignorant for someone who can actually form paragraphs and spell, unlike our friend above you, A Ghaffari, who is probably just a link bait troll.
I have been smoking cannabis (yes, it is NOT called marijuana, that was a tactic used in the 30s to tie cannabis to crazed mexicans that the good, white, ignorant, and bigoted forefathers hated) and it has not changed me for the worst.
I make over 100k a year as a software developer, have run two companies, and I have lived all over Europe as well. How many 29 year olds do you know that has accomplished that?
So stop with the “burnout” argument already, in the 60s and 70s an enormous amount of people smoked a lot of herb. Now they are senators, govenators (on purpose!), and business men and women.
Smoking cannabis, eating acid or mushroom occasionally, or for that matter MDMA, does not harm people long term, and many studies and anecdotal accounts show the opposite.
56. Stuart | 05.06.09
It’s about time this country stopped being hypocritical and short-sighted. How can we allow two proven causes of death and disease, tobacco and alcohol, to be legal yet make the use of marijuana a crime? And, to add insult to injury, all our policy has succeeded in doing is flood our penal system with users and sellers of this drug and make murderous criminal enterprises richer and more violent by the day. Stop trying to legislate morality and common sense. That was the lesson we should have learned from the total failure of Prohibition.
57. Scott S. | 05.06.09
Ridiculous to even debate it.
Will increase Tax revenue huge,
Will reduce criminal prosecution/holding costs,
will reduce “drug war” costs,
will reduce MexCartel influence,
will legalize the most effective crop for green auto gas
will legalize crop for textile use
how many people die from tobacco/alchohol a year - millions!
how many have ever died from Marijuana overdose - none!
What kind of paper is the constitution written on?
59. me | 05.06.09
Do NOT legalize, but decriminalize. The USA should just admit that they were wrong about imprisioning people for marijuana use. And now they want to go into the marijuana business. marijuana is good in itself, without profiting this money grubbing gobment.
60. kangarooLipstik | 05.06.09
Oh man!! This is a glorious idea!! Time to take advantage of a wonderful plant and it uses it can have: fuel, paper, food, etc. The benefit list can go on and on. Saying that it is a gateway drug is the dumbest thing ever. Bad parenting is a gateway drug. Stupid bible thumpers get over it, ur kids are gunna smoke weed. Rather drive with a stoner than an alcoholic.
61. Petaluma, CA | 05.06.09
It’s about time, making drugs illegal creates a huge black market. Filling the black market we have the Colombian and Mexican Cartels, the Taliban and all the local gangs. We spend billions fighting these drug lords and billions more on incarceration. Isn’t it time to stop the madness. Let’s legalize, tax and control the substance. A win-win philosophy. It worked when we ended prohibition and it will work again now.
62. Ian | 05.06.09
I just find it interesting that the only argument AGAINST legalizing marijuana was emotional in nature, not logical.
Ultimately, it boils down to:
- It’s no worse than alcohol. Different effects, but nothing WORSE. Those people worried about their kids obtaining it should notice that it’s much harder to obtain alcohol. Why? Because it’s regulated by the government and sellers are subject to laws on who they sell it to. Today’s dealers don’t have to worry about those laws, because they are not regulated businesses.
- It can decrease if not eliminate foreign cartels by undercutting their costs.
- It reduces a significant cost by eliminating the costs of incarceration.
- It can — nay, WOULD — be a huge tax generator.
I don’t care for the stuff myself (anymore), but I’m all in favor for this. It just makes sense.
63. Wardog | 05.06.09
Matt94 - Yo Matt - you are way off the content of legalizing drugs. Legalizing is to make California money through taxation. The real concerns are:
1. Medical Costs to the state and country due to health problems like cigarettes (will the cost outweigh the benefit?)
2. How do we prevent out kids from smoking it? We can’t even prevent kids from smoking cigarettes which is currently legal.
We should be careful about about using a controlled substance to make money for the state - then who is really the enemy of the State? Corrupt politicians.
64. DaveS. | 05.06.09
To all who say the Mexican drug lords would be cut out of the marijuana business- I think they could probably afford to buy all the agricultural land they wanted here, become the marijuana industry in California, and have more resources to smuggle in illegal drugs. Users would grow their own? Probably. But there’s still a lot of money in pot - you can bet that a cannabis industry will develop anyway.
So let’s look at this in another light - how do you feel about putting your kids/nieces/nephews on a bus, while watching the bus driver finish a joint? In short - if many people are already using it when it’s illegal, how do you ensure the ‘legal’ users are going to follow the law?
I completely agree with the idea of a debate - with religious and personal prejudices set aside.
65. cynthia | 05.06.09
The U.S.
5% of the worlds population.
25% of the worlds jailed population.
1/3 of jailed Americans are in jail for simple pot possession. Not trafficking, not for violent crimes but for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Policing, Law proceedings and jail time is not cheap.
Tobacco is the biggest gateway drug, alcohol is next. Pot is very, very far down the line.
Marijuana laws were enacted under racist policies. Hemp, a non THC producing plant, is still illegal in the US.
You cannot overdose on Pot, but you can on alcohol. Alcohol and cigarettes claim too many lives and cause too many illnesses.
Prescription drugs cause far more work place and road injuries than pot.
Prescription drugs have serious side effects especially when mixed with alcohol and/or other drugs, no such problems with pot.
Police rarely deal with accidents or crimes related to pot usage alone.
I could go on and on, but hopefully you get the picture.
66. Opinionator | 05.06.09
No one has mentioned the fact that if marijuana was legalized, its distribution and sale would be better regulated. As of now most underage kids have an easier time buying pot than alcohol due to the fact that alcohol sales are strictly requlated by the government. If marijuana was legalized then there could be an age limit attached to its use and sale. With better control over all aspects of production and distribution you children would actually be SAFER!!!
That is until they reach the age of adulthood when they should be free to make their own decisions about what they do or do not put in their bodies! I would rather have children who smoke pot with 0 fatalities a year than cigarettes which cause over 200,000 fatalities a year.
67. D’man | 05.06.09
Before everyone get’s into how society would be if this passed, let’s not forget that marijuana was legal until 1937. There wasn’t high crime associated with smoking and we didn’t have a nation of stoners. The arguments against legalizing marijuana only supports big government and more restrictions on our private lives. The federal government needs to stay out of state business. We should all decide state by state whether we want it legalized or not.
68. jon | 05.06.09
Matt’s comment at the end of the article is completely disproved by the changes that ending alcohol prohibition had on the US.
He’s right that even after marijuana legalization, the remaining illegal drugs will continue to be a problem. Nonetheless, since there are an enormous number of marijuana users who do not use harder drugs, there will be a refocusing of police work that will benefit everyone and there will be a reduction in prison population. There will be fewer non-dangerous people who view the police as enemies. There will be fewer non-dangerous people converted into hard criminals by going through our prison system.
No, legalization won’t stop all the world’s suffering, but it’s an obvious small improvement. This has already been demonstrated here with alcohol and in other countries with marijuana and even harder drugs in portugal.
69. Gabriel | 05.06.09
Sorry Brox, maybe you shouldn’t have broken the laws of your state? Stop blaming society or the government for your mistakes. You took the chance and now you’re paying the price for your arrogance. Laws are there for a reason, like them or not there they are. I don’t agree with the law, but I respect them and give my support to causes that will attempt to change them. That doesn’t mean I believe it’s okay to break whatever laws I don’t agree with, no matter how harmless they may seem.
I am also willing to bet there is more to this story than you being a helpless victim. “Routine traffic stops” cannot include a search of a vehicle without cause (such has having the drugs in plain sight). That’s the law. So either the officer had cause or you were ignorant of your rights (you could have said no).
Obviously even though you went through hours and hours of drug treatment you haven’t learned your lesson. Maybe some jail time next time you’re caught doing something illegal on your own time might change your mind. Why not put some of that rebellious energy into getting the laws changed?
70. Frank Stein | 05.06.09
Drug Trafficking - A Solution
In America it is estimated by our Department of Health that 73.5 million people have used illegal drugs other than marijuana. If we add in marijuana the numbers would more than double. The time has come to admit defeat in our “Wars on Drugs.” We have been spitting into the wind for a long long time and we simple must stop because we can not afford to throw away our money.
When we repealed alcohol prohibition the naysayers predicted a drunken America. It has not happened. We have drunks, some find their way out and some don’t. We rarely arrest them for being drunks, we do arrest for driving, operating machinery and the like. We also fire them for these same things. And we provide treatment in many ways so that there is always a path back if our drunks want to rejoin us.
All of what we have done with alcohol needs to be applied to drugs with one big exception. While it must become legal to sell and possess drugs. It should also remain illegal to use them.
The reason for legalizing sale and possession is to eliminate the traffickers. It is tough to make billions as a narco-terrorist when Rite-Aid or a federally licensed vice store sells anything that is wanted, from cigarettes to alcohol to drugs. Legal drugs will not command high prices, most are quite common, and what revenue there is will go to established businesses and will be heavily sin taxed.
One result of this change will be a temporary upswing in drug use. This is because many people are very stupid and they believe the ads on TV that say drugs make life better. The answer to this is the same as it has been for alcohol. We educate, identify, prosecute, sentence, treat, fire, and shun in an ongoing cycle that always provides a path back. That path gets longer and harder the deeper they go.
The money for prevention, identification and treatment will come from the current enforcement budgets. With more than $6 billion dollars spent annually to lose our war on drugs, we can instead fund a vast array of prevention and treatment options and still have money left over for schools, hospitals and more.
Remember, drug use would remain illegal. Users would be identified at work in the same way we handle DUI for drivers and boaters. Today, if you get behind the wheel you are giving your consent to breath and blood tests. Now, the same would be true for your place of work. Every employer and fellow employee has a right to know if their employees and colleagues are ready to work or doped up. It is both a safety issue and a performance fairness issue. Thus, saliva tests administered by independent companies would become mandatory for every employee at companies that opted to test. These tests would be universal from the President and board members to line workers.
Protections would be in place for the employee. An initial positive would not be reason for dismissal even from high security/risk occupations, although the individual might not be allowed to perform sensitive tasks until they are certified clean. Initially the path back would be secondary testing of a more comprehensive nature, adjudication before a drug court, treatment sentencing and completion. Procedures would be in place for both false positives and lacing of food, beverages and the like.
A key component in this policy change is our social networks, churches, schools, teams, volunteer organizations and the like. In these venues the anti-drug message must be hammered home frequently, constantly. It must become unacceptable to show up high at any event. This will take time to spread but with $6 billion annually we can keep at it.
This policy change is not only a domestic issue. Drugs fund terror. We take away the funding we cripple the organizations. Al Qaeda would have to sell its heroin at market prices. That is about 1% of what they get now. Mexico drug gangs would suddenly have no capital with which to control that government and terrorize the people.
So let’s get off our soap boxes and really deal drug use a blow. Vice cannot be stopped by laws; it can only be stopped by making it socially abhorrent, detectable and treatable and by providing the fiscal means for these tactics.
Legalize the sale and possession, criminalize use within drug treatment laws, mandate testing for anyone employed at companies who opt in, provide rapid adjudication in specialty drug courts, provide varied treatment, make active users pariahs in their communities and end our funding of terror.
71. The Fed | 05.06.09
Ghaffari, the good people of California would rather the state file for bankrupcy than pay more taxes.
Legalize and tax is the only logical solution.
72. rp | 05.06.09
This is another vote to legalize it. Then spend some of the millions of dollars saved and collected in taxes on real drug education and rehabilitation for victims of far worse drugs such as alcohol, nicotine, and the other “hard” drugs. Legalization is not without some negative trade-offs, but this choice is clearly the lesser of two evils.
73. Hippie | 05.06.09
Pot is not a drug, its an herb some have called it weed.I am 68 my wife is 53 we both have smoked weed any time we can find it since we were teenagers no problems.
I have never liked any kind of tax but the big boys are all about money so if thats a way to get it legal and make easier and safer to buy lets do it
74. robhon | 05.06.09
I think it’s a tougher issue than either side realizes. What, 80 years after prohibition we still have all kinds of social issues related to alcohol being legal and taxed. It broke the mafia’s role in it’s distribution but how many drunk drivers kill people on US roads every year? How many people are alcoholics, losing their jobs and distrupting their families’ lives? There are significant social costs to all of this. As a society we’ve just come to more or less accept them.
Legalizing pot could probably break the backs of many of the drug cartels. That’s a good thing. It would put tax dollars in the state coffer. That’s good. But California would also become more of a haven for people who just want to stay stoned all day long. That would have a drain on the state. No one can truly and easily quantify what the eventual outcome would be.
But I do commend Arnold for his openness to new ideas and discussion. I’m a long time liberal but I sure do like his ability to step up and straightforwardly say what he thinks. We could use a lot more of this in politics.
75. Jeff | 05.06.09
ummm…when the drug lords suddenly lose all their business and no longer have income from marijuana do you think they will just say, “oh well, maybe i’ll open a bakery now”? What is the most likely thing that will happen with someone that has made a career of openly breaking the law and that already has an existing infrastructure for illegal substance distribution. I’m pretty sure they will move on to the next most profitable illegal drug/thing which will cause a big increase in abuse of that drug/thing as increased supply drives down cost and increases availability. I don’t see the legalization of marijuana putting drug lords out of work, sorry.
76. Spudnut | 05.06.09
Recently a young college student died of alcohol poisoning in our state. He would not have died if they had been binging on pot and cookies. People suffer much more from the effects of alcohol.
It is good this will be debated - it should bring up some real science instead of the old ‘reefer madness’ BS.
Go Arnie!
77. A Ghaffari | 05.06.09
somejerk This kind of money puts people like you deep in the hole in then the tax payers of Ca. has to save them.
78. Badforu | 05.06.09
Mexico’s problem is there own. Not our’s to take blame for, nor correct. Just keep it from spreading here.
Theres so many plus’s on Legalizing pot that its amazing they still havnt. Plus the other benifits that the byproducts the plant can provide.
Of course this one drug legalization dosnt cure the USA problem on other drugs. But that is like Grouping fruit together calling it just fruit. That dosnt work. Those that do perscription drugs may not smoke pot, same goes for each individual drug. I smoke pot, but i dont drink, i dont do coke/crack, i dont do herion. I have no desire to do any of those other drugs. As im sure is the case for many. Each individual instance(drug) has to be viewed individually.
Abuse of any thing… including water, leads to bad things happening. The cure i believe is in education and freedom of will. We have to be there to lead those behind us, through example and education. Because they have freedom of will regardless of what you do.
80. Scott | 05.06.09
I’m sick of people saying we need laws to protect the kids! Grow up and be a parent, dammit! We are suppossed to be a free society where we don’t need government dictating antiquated laws such as this, in which marijuana (which is less dangerous that alcohol) is illegal. If you don’t want your kids to use marijuana, then its up to you as a parent to teach them that. Period. But don’t make the rest of society give up their freedoms to police your children. I am neither a drinker or pot smoker. But I bartend part-time, and after seeing what alcohol does to people, I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that alcohol is legal while marijuana is not.
Matt94 is right: Legalizing marijuana will have zero impact on cocaine, heroin and the like. If anything, legalizing marijuana may even decrease the sale of illegal drugs, since legalized marijuana users will no longer have contact with illegal drug dealers.
re: Fred Waff - are you high? Your statement that “if marijuana can’t do it anymore they will more a step higher to coccaine or heroine”, is the equivalent of saying that when beer doesn’t do it anymore people will drink whiskey or vodka. Sure, a very small percentage may. But do we make all alcohol illegal just because a few become alcoholics? Should we also make desserts illegal because some people are obese?
81. bob | 05.06.09
Whooooo Hoooooo!!! Time to start investing in Pachouli stock!!! Gunna dust off my Birckenstocks tonight.
82. Mike B | 05.06.09
I only read through 1/2 the comments and never once did I see anyone mention that pot is not addictive.the people that have never tried smoking pot may not know this,and to each there own.I do not know what the effects of legalizing pot would be,but its got to be better than the situation we are in now.When I smoked pot,and maybe other people did it different than I did but I never did it when I had things to accomplish I did it to relax, and in todays world maybe we should be smoking more because there are some people out there who really need to relax
84. MarkM | 05.06.09
This is the first rational thing I’ve heard in a LONG time. Let’s clear out our jails, tax marijuana like we tax cigarettes, and use some of the money for drug education, prevention, and treatment. Yeah Arnold for having the courage to debate this!
85. Mike in LA | 05.06.09
Matt94 is either extremely close minded or is in drug enforcement (although many of my friends in regular law enforcement actually support marijuana legalization - some actually support legalization across the board). Supporters of a rational drug policy are going to have to stand up and be heard against the anti-marijuana interest groups. Although not all of them have come out against marijuana legalization, keep on the lookout for the tobacco, alcohol, and pharaceutical industries to argue against marijuana legalization - in addition to the traditional drug enforcement and right-wing conservative coaltion (although no libertarians, they are pro-legalization). All of these groups have vested economic interests in the status quo and will throw a lot of money and propaganda into this debate.
86. pedro the beaner cleaner | 05.06.09
unfortunately this will change nothing. if they raised an extra $100 billion in tax, these nit-wits will **** away $200 billion to special interests & illegal immigrant leeches.
legalise pot, and fuzz out the misery of customary state failure. who knew the third world could be so expensive!
87. Scott | 05.06.09
Jeff, with legalization comes regulation. Does your doctor come to work drunk? Is your bus driver drunk? We have laws to deal with public intoxication. that will not change.
88. tricky | 05.06.09
What’s worse, a harmless plant (it didn’t force you to smoke it), or the amount of politicians who have admitted to using it and then turn around and pass laws which cripple others (who are poorer and not as fortunate) for doing the same.
Nobody says it’s good, or you should smoke or eat it. It’s your choice what you put in your body and no law can ever stop people from doing it. Just because tobacco is legal doesn’t mean you should start smoking it. Just because you can buy beer doesn’t mean drinking a case a day is a good thing to do. All we’ve learned here is that prohibition is a tool to divide a population into artificial castes and stereotypes that can be exploited rather than being honest with ourselves.
It’s only been prohibited for 70 years but it was around before the first civilization even wrote about it 5000 years ago. Guess what? Jesus knew what it was too. Buddha knew about it. Mohammed certainly did. None of them seemed to have a whole lot to say about it they were concerned with bigger issues than a plant.
What have we learned from it all.
89. Jojowasaman | 05.06.09
Honestly, I’m very impressed with the comments on this article. Just when I had lost faith in humanity I find that a significant portion of the people here can actually reason. My two cents:
I sincerely hope that the political climate can change enough to allow the legalization and regulation of drugs, especially marijuana. I know that there are a lot of concerns, especially from people who have not had any exposure to marijuana. I want to see if I can clear up a few major points.
Concern #1) People who want drugs legalized are all addicts who don’t realize how much they are messed up or simply don’t care but want easy access to the drugs. This is simply not true. People who have had exposure to potheads know that it has no more effect on your ability to function than alcohol. As for looking for an easy score, trust me, its already plenty easy to get pot.
Concern #2) What about the children? They’ll be fine. Outlaw any advertisement of pot to kids and create a minimum age for smoking/purchasing. Children with responsible parents don’t drink or smoke tobacco, they can be kept from smoking pot. If you are a parent who can’t keep a kid from smoking pot just because pot is legal, then you are a BAD parent!
Concern #3) Soon everybody is just going to be high, accident rates will skyrocket, crime will increase and society as we know it will end! If you study logic you learn about logical fallacies. This one is known as the slippery slope fallacy. Society falling apart is not a logical outcome of the legalization of pot. Many of the same arguments were used during the prohibition of alcohol and we know today that they were wrong.
Thanks for reading and considering my post.
90. galen | 05.06.09
A important point that has not been mentioned here is the hypocrisy factor and how it relates to children. Kids are smart, they can smell hypocrisy a mile away. When adults tell them pot is a dangerous drug, and all drugs are bad, the kids know they are being fed a line of bs. This makes them immune to any advice about any drug, and often leads kids to make horrible mistakes like trying crack cocaine or heroin. If the hypocrisy was gone, then honest discussions between parents and children could occur regarding drugs and the results of that would be nothing but positive.
91. Mike Keener | 05.06.09
What a debate! I strongly support decriminilazation of marijuana for personal use. For those of you worried about all the stoners that will be out there runnng around causing a muck- relax. They’re already out there, have been, and will continue to be. Go to McDonald’s, see that young man flipping your burger, he’s probably high, and so are at least three of his coworkers. People of all walks of life use marijuana, in fact they might be riding next to you in a car right now, or they may be uploading your comments onto this page! Decriminalizing personal use will change the smoking lifestyle. Users will be less likely to encounter other “hard drugs,” because they won’t have to drive out to the “Hood” to get their supply, instead they can just get it over the conter at a neighborhood smoke shop, or grow some in heir backyard. The financial benefits are staggering, between potential tax revenue increases, the shrinkage of overcrowded jails and prisons, we will stop losing billions in U.S. currency to imported pot and instead keep it in our economy, I can keep going.
Let’s look at who’s pushing opposition and why:
DEA-no brainer. This organization is full of talented individuals who are very good at what they do, but let’s face it, many would lose their jobs if pot becomes legal. This organization stands to lose a lot if laws change. However, the manpower could be re-positioned to handle hard drugs, national security matters, and staffing whatever government organization is created to oversee marijuana/hemp production use and taxation.
Local and State Law Enforcement/courts: Another no brainer. This group is vast, the last thing a police officer, judge, or especially a lawyer wants is a loss in work. Our courts and jails are full of small msdemeanor offenders, remove them from the equation and suddenly we will need far fewer police, judges, prosecuters, and sadly many lawyers will be out of work. This group as a whole fights hard to keep pot illigal, it’s a major part of their business, and yes, they are businesses, just a little different type of shareholders.
Timber Industry/Petro-Chemical Industry: OK OK, I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but it’s true. These industries’ leaders WROTE THE ORIGINAL MARIJUANA/HEMP LAWS. Why? Timber was essential to paper making at the time, though hemp(the non-high plant) was being used far more effectively, and cheaper. Although we would have to cut down some forest for hemp fields, we have plenty of farmland that could easily be converted, and we don’t have to constantly cut forest down, displacing wildlife. The Chemical companies like Dow Chemical have patents on petroleum products and the methods to make them. Hemp offers a natural way to make so many products I can’t even start to list, but it’s a lot harder to patent a plant, so….. what do you think their perogative is?
Religious Right: Strong “conservative” supporters fight legalization generally out of ignorance of the subject. At this point almost no one alive in America can remember a time when pot was legal, and more than half our country was born after the DEA was created, so they don’t know life without it. They grew up hearing nothing but negative often blatantly wrong information on marijuana and hemp. Their “pastors” often do the same, and force opinion down their throats. If they received a little open education and debate on the subject, they might find out they actually support it. Farmers across America could take back their way of life with a solid cash crop. Don’t forget, small farmers started dissapearing around the same time hemp was outlawed, and they were replaced in many areas by mega corporate farms, who blast crops with harmful chemicals, pay horrible wages, and abuse animals.
If marijuana becomes legal, it doesn’t mean everyone can smoke. Of course there will be age restrictions, and yes, pilots and doctors will still be drug tested, among others. Will there be problems, yes of course, no decision comes without consequences. However, it’s time to open a serious debate. We must openly decide what’s more imortant, an antiquated law that was never needed in the first place, or living up to our American Values. Last I checked we were supposed to be a “Free” country, at least that’s what all the people I meet who oppose legalization tell me……
92. Pat Rogers | 05.06.09
‘Legalization, For The Children’
In the War on Drugs: Addict dealers and gangsters don’t ‘just say no’ when children come seeking drugs.
Children too often don’t ‘just say no’ when addict dealers and gangsters entice them into drug use.
Legalized and regulated drug distribution would put responsible adult supervision in control of drug sales. Responsible licensed adults who, unlike the addict dealers and gangsters of prohibition, would “just say no” when curious children seek to buy.
93. Charles Duwel | 05.06.09
It shouldn’t be up to the voters anyway. Equal protection covers it since alcohol is a legal recreational drug. If they want to make marijuana illegal they need to prove - Prove - that a person high on marijuana is more of a danger to the public at large than a person high on alcohol. Good luck with that.
Of course it only works like that if we had a Supreme Court that valued the constitution more than the prejudices of the majority.
Someday maybe.
94. Elaine | 05.06.09
It’s unfortunate that a global recession was necessary to see the wisdom of this.
Legalize it ALL!
It’s time for some survival of the fittest-social darwinism!!
95. Byron Gordon | 05.06.09
I’m not only in full agreement with Gov. Schwarzenegger about having a discussion on the merits of legalizing marijuana but I’m in full support of this measure! Making marijuana illegal has criminalized an entire generation of people and it simply is not the solution in preventing people from smoking marijuana. The evidence is in and it is indisputable. Marijuana has medicinal properties and is an excellent choice if you suffer from certain illnesses. In addition, as a recreational herb, it is far superior to getting inebriated and committing heinous acts of violence which we know alcohol is well-known for.
Finally, legalizing and taxing marijuana in excellent way to actually control the availability of the herb. A government puts its restrictions on who can purchase marijuana, how much and even control the amount of THC in marijuana.
Let us hope California in the very near future legalizes and taxes marijuana consumption and sales so this country can once and for all, “end” the war on drugs!
96. Antiacus IS IGNANT | 05.06.09
Antiacus
please link me to first hand evidence you have that smoking pot for a long time messes you up? pot is not a cure all, maybe most heavy potheads are trying to self medicate for something else. The drug itself is not dangerous.
I have smoked weed for 18 hours a day for over a decade now, thats over three thousand days in a row that i have been high, Taking internet tests and an sat shows that i am not losing my abilities. Not to mention my perspective is about 30 steps behind yours, meaning i see things from a better angle. Never lost a job, held 3 jobs for more than 5 years each, got through college with a 3.6. SATs 640/730 iq tested by mensa to be 137.
your perspective is close minded, untill YOU have actually smoked the drug yourself, and for long peroids of time please stop misleading people.
lung function : 93% capacity and i smoke tobacco
Mile run time last week: 7:48
Pounds overweight i am : 0
Enemies i have made : 0
Relationships that have been rekindled because of the perspective i get from weed: 6
Jobs currently held: 2
Hours /wk currently worked: 82
Grams per day smoked : .7
People who noticed that i am stoned all the time : 2
People who think that i am one of the brightest, and most interesting person they know: Nearly Everyone i meet.
I hate the ignant
Go obama
97. drew | 05.06.09
Everyone is thinking of the good that legalizing or non-criminalizing will have on economy and inmate populations and what not, but if you want to be part of this movement then start thinking of the limits and boundaries that would need to be put in place. Don’t get me wrong I love them tastie buds as much as the next person but, think about it. Would be like the restrictions on alcohol? Thank about going into your bank and the guy processing your loan is baked out of his skull… we need ideas instead of just hoping a law passes before our court dates.
99. 1Greensix | 05.06.09
In 1970 only 3% of Americans over the age of 21 had smoked marijuana. Today, over 46% have smoked it. To me that means the drug war is a total failure. It has cost us more than three trillion dollars in enforcement, trials, prison costs, welfare for families, and has accomplished nothing. You have to remember that marijuana was made illegal because one white man testified in Congress that Black Jazz musicians were raping white women in Alabama, and it was all a total lie. We have a drug war that didn’t need to happen, have declared war on our own people, and have failed as a nation becuase of it. Certainly Prohibition must have taught us SOMETHING in the Twenties. It taught me that the guys that provide something illegal make a ton of money, their political friends get paid under the table to keep it illegal, so the crooks can continue getting richer, and that the Public gets screwed in the deal. Let people grow pot, just the same as they can raise chickens for eggs. Not everyone will do it, and those that want it and don’t grow it should be able to go to a store, or a friend, and get what they want, just as they do for chicken eggs. Tax that which is sold in stores and forget about the amount that is grown by an individual for personal use and as gifts, or sharing with friends and family. We do the same for beer and wine. Why not for pot??
100. Hithertoyon | 05.06.09
What!? You mean to tell me that Reefer Madness isn’t a real honest-to-goodness documentary? You mean that reefer doesn’t make you crazy?
At closer to 70 than 60, I would venture to say that I am probably the oldest one here among this string of commentary. Although that means nothing really, wise people know that experience is a great teacher. I’ve walked on many sides of the street and in fact, lived on the street. I’ve known hard-core druggies and hard-core boozers and those that partake in a bit of weed.
However, in spite of my many years and many miles traveled I’m yet to see anyone go to the emergency room with a pot overdose or pot poisoning. Nor have I seen anyone lose their family, their career and then their life to marijuana addiction.
Part of the sub-total that leads to the bottom line is that Bud Weiser and friends at the party akin to Jack Daniels with a splash of ‘do-gooders’ and Geico running among the guests don’t want pot to be legalized and will lobby hard to see that it doesn’t happen. This could change overnight of course, when Bud figures out how to make jack from selling bud to Bud with a Bud.
Conversely, those of us on the other side of the room need to remove the complacency, quit dreaming and talking among our select group of shall we say “indulging friends” and take our opinions and most importantly our votes, to those in government that on our side. Phone ‘em. Write ‘em. Email ‘em.
Do something. Otherwise, the madness continues.
101. W. Richards | 05.06.09
A. Ghaffari, if you love your kids, you would prefer for the drug to be regulated and sold behind a counter where someone can check IDs and verify they are not children but adults who are old enough to make a more educated decision.
With marijuana being illegal, access to the drug by children is made extremely easy because it is sold by the neighborhood stoner who may not have any issues with selling to minors.
Your children may not listen to everything you tell them not to do, and it would probably give you more peace of mind to know the drugs are safely locked up and age restricted than to know some doper salesman is out selling the drug to your kids.
102. Jobs | 05.06.09
And even if Police have to expand that creates more jobs therefore more spending, house buying, and tax payers = stimulating the economy.
103. poe | 05.06.09
matt- you’re all over the place buddy. i get what you are trying to say, but it’s a little 1950s with some conversational scare tactics thrown in for impact. i’m almost surprised you didn’t go for the gold and call it a gateway drug.
first of all, you’re right, legalizing mj would not do anything for harder drugs. It’s not supposed to-it’s not a hard drug. No one expects the cartels to lay down their guns and start putting in job applications, but if it were legal in the US it would put a huge dent in their income. Who would buy low grade mexican dirt weed when you could get high grade American product legally? Almost no one. And sure, they would keep smuggling all the other hard drugs, but that’s another problem altogether that needs to be addressed on it’s own. Think about it tho, do you think all their super secret smuggling techniques were invented to smuggle weed in the first place? I doubt it very seriously-weed isn’t really that profitable for them in the first place-what do you think costs more? A pound of weed or a pound of cocaine or heroin? Are we talking high quality or mexican dirt? I’m just saying-your ideas aren’t very rational.
And then you go for the gold, and claim that instead of creating a whole new industry that in fact it would cost taxpayers more money. How did you come to that conclusion? You’re not really thinking if you believe that. Legalizing it to the same extent as cigarettes or alcohol would generate huge revenues. Take a look at both of those industries if you don’t believe it-you know that both of them weren’t hurt a bit during a bad economy-I would imagine they do better when everyone is stressed out… Not to mention hemp products. Your argument is backwards, get off the soapbox and open your eyes.
104. one-4-it | 05.06.09
Anecdotally: I’m 48 years old and have been suffering from and been treated for Depression/Anxiety for the past 9 years using a variety of pharmaceutical anti-depressants and other medically prescribed psychotropic medications with limited success and unwelcome side-effects, such as flat emotional affect. My depression drove me to alcoholism, drinking in 8-12 cocktails daily, sometimes more, to escape the emotional suffering. The end result is I ended up with Fatty Liver disease–a precursor to Cirrhosis.
About a year ago, a young man suggest that I start smoking Cannabis, instead of drinking alcohol. Well, my initial reaction, based upon standard doctrine was to scoff at his suggestion, as I remember what the “Stoners” were like in high school and college. Then I thought, I’ve got nothing to lose, the booze or the depression is going to kill me anyway, why not give it a shoot.
The net result is I now don’t feel the need to drink anymore and at least while I’m “high” my depression resolves entirely and I “feel” and can express a vastly improved range of emotions that I haven’t felt in over a decade, such as joy, happiness, love, compassion, and understanding, instead of despair, anger, hatred, selfishness. I don’t drink and drive anymore, nor do I get stoned and drive. I am far more responsible for the safety of others while intoxicated on Cannabis than I ever was on alcohol.
So, based upon my personal experience with Cannabis, I am now for the Decriminalization or Legalization of it.
105. Johnson | 05.06.09
What Linda Cartwright mentions in her post is not uncommon. If you consider this issue on a personal level, it reveals the true insanity that underlies the prohibition of marijuana.
What could could make our nation’s founders more proud than someone who cultivates their own garden, brews their own beer, or builds their own house?
Concerning Mexican imports and American consumption: just think about the marketing battle that has ensued over avocados here in CA. Economically, are avocados and marijuana really that different?
106. Jim | 05.06.09
Outlawing pot is like outlawing pine trees, it won’t work and it will cost 10 of billions each year.
107. Fast Fred | 05.06.09
What are you talking about taxing it? It’s free. You can grow it in your back yard or patio.
That’s why it’s called pot…. you can grow it in a flower pot for your personal use.
No drug dealers or sales people or sales tax. No danger of someone adding
another substance. Pick your own species for strength. Stop trying to control my life!!
108. A Ghaffari is Paranoid | 05.06.09
“Kids” are not going to be affected by marijuana reform. Alcohol is a billion times more accessible and way more harmful. Any kid with a little ambition can walk into any store around the country and steal a 40oz! I would love to see a 12 year old try and fake his way into a California dispensary. Good luck to him and good luck to you with your poor children A Ghaffari. 
110. tim | 05.06.09
Legalize the Herb, its about time. If it were discovered right now it would hailed as a wonder drug. Marijuana, the name is what has a negative stigma. The herb is a blessing to many people who NEED it for medicine. And who are YOU to tell a sick person he can’t have medicine that helps him?
tobacco has caused millions more deaths than marijuana, why is it I can go to ANY gas station, bar, pharmacy, and some vending machines to buy cigarettes?? Marijuana grows in every single place in america. every single place, come on now people.
111. John Larson | 05.06.09
Prohibition made the Italian mafia rich . The War on Drugs made the Mexican mafia rich. Time to remove the profit motive from pot and concentrate on hard drugs. It would seem that the money saved in incarceration and manpower could be put to better uses(education. The tax revenue(don’t be greedy) would help California
112. Keith | 05.06.09
Big Pharm and the justice “industry” will see to it that weed is never legalized.
113. Donna | 05.06.09
I think… “A Ghaffari” needs to stop worrying about pot and worry more about her kids getting a better education then she has had seeing she can’t seem to either spell or type.
114. arizona dood | 05.06.09
I and many others in Arizona support the legalization. Why does taxing it have a hard sell? I’ll answer this with another question…
Have you ever seen a tobacco seed? I bet not…
another question….
Have you seen a marijuana seed? I bet you have…
Tobacco was locked down long ago and was easy to tax. Marijuana on the other hand can not be taxed if you or your neighbor are growing it yourself.
One more question…
Who knows what ATF stands for? I’ll help out… Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. All 3 get taxed heavily… ATF enforces laws that keep individuals from brewing and distributing their own ‘Alcohol’, growing their own ‘Tobacco’ and manufacturing and selling their own Firearms…
Now you know… this issue is but a small pinprick from the vast assault on our supposed freedom. What are you gonna do about it??? huh huh?
115. Joseph B. | 05.06.09
Has anyone else noticed this ” A Ghaffari” fellow posting very blunt conjectures to combat the obvious weight of beneficial usage of marijuana.
“A very bad idea no one needs that money. I LOVE MY KIDS.”
We are in a nation wide economic slump, and marijuana is an untapped market.
Not only will the recreational usage of marijuana generate revenue, the industrial usage of hemp is remarkable and eco-friendly. The War on Drugs is a failure, because we persecute non-violent marijuana offenders. More people are arrested yearly for marijuana related crimes than all violent crimes combined. Now if you take in consideration that we are spending $20,000 per marijuana offender yearly to house them in penitentiaries, How is the War on Drugs feasible. Most of the nation has already used marijuana, and your kids most likely will at some time or another. If you care so much about your children put regulations on it like tobacco or alcohol.
116. Bill | 05.06.09
The cards are stacked against legalization. The paper, cotton and alcohol lobbies (to name but a few) would never allow it. Follow the money.
117. John | 05.06.09
God already said we could smoke it….
Genesis 1:10-12 (New International Version)
10 God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.
11 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
118. im me too | 05.06.09
k so obviously there is ALOT of pro support for legalization. I haven’t read quite as many negative comments… hmmm… does this mean that there are just more smokers out there reading these articles (and responding to them)? One of the main reasons that I have heard over the years for maintaining the current status quo is the “laziness” factor. I just wanted to point out that there are plenty of smokers (even everyday 3xs a day) that not only maintain a healthy, happy lifestyle, but also have tremendous contributions to society. From layers, and teachers to constructions workers and doctors, the “laziness” factor shouldn’t be a factor. Most of the people I know or have known in the past that are “lazy” or “unproductive” smokers are teenagers that don’t know there own bodies limits (hmmm… sounds like sloppy drunk kids). This does not mean that habitual, adult smokers are incapable of making contributions to their communities just like non smokers. In fact, i would argue that, if honestly answered, many people that would never be suspected smokers are just that in the privacy of their own homes.
sorry if this is sloppy im in a hurry to go to school (where i maintain a 4.0, and am an active member of several on campus clubs, along with maintaining duties to a loving family… AND YES;. IM A SMOKER TOO- just gotta add that i am also legal ((just in case))
119. Bryan | 05.06.09
I don’t smoke the stuff anymore because I have a Job that drug tests, and a house and Mortgage, and a car note. If MJ were legal, (or if I ever retire,) I’d go right back to smoking. For the 15 years that I did smoke since I was 18, I hardly had a drink. In the last year I’ve been drinking every weekend. I’m here to tell you, I’ve done more foolish things drunk in the last year, than high in the last 15. I also believe that alcohol has more adverse effects on me than MJ ever did. I support the efforts of MPP (Marijuana Policy Project) by donating $10 a month, and more when I can. Marijuana should be legal. Weather or not it’s ‘good for me’, It’s my choice of lifestyle, and as long as I do not impede anyone else’s rights in the process, I should be allowed to live free. I mean we are in America Right? Let Freedom ring and all that. I say to the American government, let these non violent/non-intrusive prisoners go! And while your at it stop taking away their financial aid! They smoke pot so they can’t get help with an education. That’s ridiculous.
120. Fireye | 05.06.09
It is very simple. End drug prohibition or build a police prison state. Drug prohibition only exists in order to feed and build a police state.
Prohibition has destroyed more lives than any and all drugs put together. If you like violence and like living in fear then keep prohibition.
Oh….I forgot……I’m talking to Americans.
121. Jack Cocneh | 05.06.09
Its a very interesting concept , yes legalising alcohol did draw the Chicago crime syndicate to a close !
The one point no one has mentioned is that the cheap grade Pot that the mexicans grow illegally in our national forest ( gee what an insult where is US army when we need em ? , oh yea guarding Bush and Cheneys oil investments in Iraq ) is being grown with outlawed old fashioned banned pesticed ( DDT ) and illegal fast growth chemicals that leach into out water supplies !
Jail cells could be emptied for this low crime of being a use, revenue would be gained , and im quite sure the quality grade Pot that US farmers could grow would exceed the cheap product that is grown illegally by crime cartels , which is more than likely the Pot equivalent of ‘bathtub Gin’ in 30s !
123. Mike | 05.06.09
Legalize it. Regulate it. License it. I’d gladly pay $1,000 a year for a license to allow me to grow 10 plants. I’d never have to buy it from anyone. I’ve been smoking the herb since I was 16. I’m 59. I’m a College graduate. Not a ‘deadbeat’. Long time career. My only other ‘vice’ is Guinness! Smoking pot effects me less than 2 pints of Guinness does…..non-smokers find that hard to believe. Let me grow my own. The pot plant is a beautiful weed to behold…growing ’stash’ is be a hobby, not unlike orchids, or pumpkins, or even roses. I’m looking forward to the day when I can enter my homegrown buds in a County Fair competition and win a ‘blue ribbon’ for ‘Best Bud’ category. Let me indulge in my ‘vice’ in my home. Allow me to enjoy a good meal, movie, and friends in my home with my friends and some home grown buds. Does that sound so bad? What’s criminal about that?
124. vs | 05.06.09
So, now we are supposed to become a natiion like Netherlands, freely hooked on their drug habits, openly laying around all messed up. And what about the children and hospitals and all other social groups. Choice, as they say, ends at the other persons gunbarrel … so when all the addicts cant get their fix, lets just leagalize it? MaryJane smokers … get a job and quit wining about what you can’t have … like little kids that roll around on the floor when you discipline them.
126. Will | 05.06.09
It’s not Marijuana that needs legalization. It’s HEMP! For crying out loud, the benefits of hemp production could do an incredible amount of good. The facts are overwhelming. The constitution itself was written on hemp paper. As far as marijuana, the demonization of it in the 1950’s was enough to tarnish any objective analysis, so perhaps the Governor is right. Let’s look at it.
127. hairynugs | 05.06.09
I think some people are missing the point about the majority of people that smoke marijuana. The people that I know that smoke marijuana are not big drinkers and do not use any other drugs at all. These well-employed professionals would prefer to smoke in peace occasionally rather than live in fear of jail time for a small joint. This discussion about drugs needs to be thorough, intelligent coming from the history of what has worked and has not been working and not fear-based, as though our children are going to smoke it and be doing something worse. Release the fear and ignorance!
128. T | 05.06.09
So they want to make money off it, huh, …. they raise alcohol tax, they raise tobacco tax, now they want a cut of the bud too. 
I’m all for the decriminalization of marijuana- but please, cut the consumer a break.
129. Ned | 05.06.09
Marijuana should be Legalized immediately. There is nothing to discuss; this was all hashed out and the positive results (as positive as anyone could reasonably hope for) speak for themselves when prohibition ended so many years ago. Many Law enforcement officials agree, see Law Enforcement Against Prohibition’s website http://www.leap.cc
130. Victor Purinton | 05.06.09
There’s a good reason most politicians don’t want to touch this discussion - it’s such a no-brainer slam dunk that keeping marijuana illegal does more harm than good that the pols don’t want to be in a position to have to defend an utterly mistaken and failed policy, and yet they feel that they have to to get re-elected.
Go Arnold!
131. Joseph B | 05.06.09
When you think about the Declaration of Independence, the document that created our nation as a separate entity free of tyranny. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Doesn’t prohibition hinder the pursuit of happiness. I’m for the Legalization of Marijuana because it has little/no adverse health effects when compared to other recreational drugs. I’m against the legalization of hard drugs that have physical addictions such as cocaine and heroin; however, I do think that the “gateway theory” is caused because we have lumped marijuana in the same category as these dangerous drugs. Remove the association and you eliminate the gateway.
132. Chill | 05.06.09
To: vs
You sound like one of those angry gun owner types. Keep “your” hands off “my” “stash” (cache) of weapons or I’ll kill you. But, for God’s sake don’t let someone else enjoy a freedom that is not explicitly enumerated in the US Constitution’s Bill of Rights.
Maybe you should smoke, might make you a little less paranoid. (-;
133. B | 05.06.09
18. Jeff said: I think legalizing pot is a bad idea. Think of all the “stoned” people we will have around, at work, on the roads, in boats, etc… It’s hard enough to keep people motivated and focused at work anyway.
You think the fact that it is illegal prevents any of the potential problems you are suggesting? The marijuana supply chain is healthy, and anyone who wants pot in this country can easily get it, illegal or not. There is no evidence whatsoever that legalizing marijuana will cause any problems that we do not already have. We do know that it will eliminate the problems of illegal marijuana trade and free up massive resources in the criminal justice system. And please read up on the effects - alcohol is far worse a drug than marijuana. Unless you think that we should start prohibition back up, you should be for legalization of marijuana. To argue against legalization is just propagating ignorance.
134. Common Joe | 05.06.09
Pretty funny comments. It’s obvious who smokes the herb and who doesn’t. Comment #124 ‘us’ is indicative of those that haven’t indulged and tend to believe the BS propaganda prevalent in such classics as ‘Reefer Madness’. My retort to comment #124; I’ve got a job. Matter of fact, I own the company. And I’m not whining… I’m winning. Marijauna ‘addicts’? “Ain’t no such animal”..
135. newageblues | 05.06.09
Matt, obviously legalizing cannabis won’t solve the problems that are being caused by hard drugs, though it would weaken the cartels that deal hard drugs as well as weed.
But why don’t you want cannabis legal when alcohol is already legal and so much more dangerous to life, limb, fetus and more? What is the point of allowing alcohol but drawing the line at cannabis? It hardly seems fair to trash people for using a drug/herb that is clearly, clearly less dangerous than what is already legal.
If it ain’t fair, it ain’t just, and if it ain’t just it violates the solemn pledge of allegiance and the spirit of equal protection under the law. Let’s widen the circle of equality one more time.
136. Freedom!!! | 05.06.09
What’s good enough for the winningest olympian of all time is good enough for me.
I work, and own a home, and drive safely. I don’t lie about openly intoxicated. My parents raised me better than that. What’s the big deal?
Who are the biggest supporters of penalizing people who smoke a certain plant (a work of God) that grows in the ground?
FOR-PROFIT PRISONS
CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS UNIONS
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMPANIES
137. adicus | 05.06.09
Yes! Let’s have SERIOUS debate on this! Let’s go, one-on-one. the Pro-Cannabis Reformers vs. the Anti-Cannabis Reformers. But this time, no cheap shots (slang terms like ’stoner,’ ‘munchies,’ etc.) Only use FACTS to barrel your argument–none of this “it’s a moral issue”.
if it was really a moral issue, then marijuana would be legal and alcohol would be illegal. marijuana is from the Earth whilst alcohol isn’t. but I’m not for alcohol prohbition, because prohibition creates violence.
look at other countries with more relaxed drug laws. they have less violence, less users, and a safer atmosphere. how do you explain that? I’ll give you a hint–because marijuana’s regulated!… any debate, and we will easily win.
I’m for morals too, but not when it’s costing me $75 billion a year, a loss of civil liberties, violence, impurity, inflated prices, and good people’s lives ruined.
140. Loki | 05.06.09
Your children are already infected by drugs of all kinds! That’s not an issue! The issue is freeing the millions of people who have to hide there pot use! It will also bring safety in buying it! You had your war on drugs you lost! Trillions of dollars spent for nothing! Law enforcement, jails, tax revinew would all benifit so would busniess. The green factors could only help are global warmming issues! There is no down side to pot any way you look at it!
141. nox_42 | 05.06.09
its ok if you Legalize the only problem is the little kids that will be smoking Marijuana
142. Chad | 05.06.09
Everyone forgets the cash crop that comes along with Cannabis… Hemp! Right now we are importing large amounts of industrial hemp into the states when we could be growing it ourselves. This country was founded on hemp and it’s about time we as a people bring this industrial crop back. There will be a ballot measure in Oregon in 2010 for legalization and selling of marijuana. http://www.cannabistaxact.org/
143. stud muffin | 05.06.09
do we want marijuana addicts running the streets? If they legalize it, more people will become addicts. The marijuana monkey you do not want on your back. I saw reefer madness and know this is a bad drug
144. Marc | 05.06.09
Bringing pot out of the darkness of the black market will give us control on who can buy it, whereas now that power is in the hands of street dealers.
Buying alcohol or prescriptions are regulated and controlled for the most part satisfactorally. Pot is currently sold to anyone of any age who has the cash.
145. farris | 05.06.09
I’ve done them all (drugs) thank god i don’t have an addictive personality but I will say that pot is the least of our worries and problems. I’ve never heard of a kid or adult strung out on pot normally coke or oxy’s, where i’m from. If you’ve never smoked pot I dont think you have a valid opinion.Plenty of productive, tax paying, law abiding (sort of) citizens out ther smoke pot and if you disagree that just means that you’ve been sheltered. Some of the smartest most successful people I know smoke pot. No laziness, no criminals, none of the sterotypes except for the munchies you got me there! haha
146. They Do Now | 05.06.09
To: nox_42
Kids smoke it now, illegally and secretly. They also drink alcohol and do other drugs and have sex. Do you really think jail is the best place for them? Why not have its use out in the open where they can at least benefit from adult supervision and guidance, without the fear of criminal ‘persecution’ and the ruinous effects a criminal record can have on them for the rest of there lives.
147. chudzilla | 05.06.09
Seems like a good idea. A lot less weight in court and prison costs for the state and increased taxes.
As for the fear people might grow it and skip the taxes: Not everyone who eats tomatoes grows them. It could also be handled by zoning or licensing.
Police efforts could be shifted to keeping it out of the hands of minors similar to current tobacco and alcohol laws, and keeping unsafe drivers out of cars.
Better yet, with a large population that is no committing a criminal act and is willing to talk about their marijuana use, we could get some good scientific data on the use patterns and long-term effects.
Perhaps legalize it for an 5 or 10 year probationary period with the option to expire or extend at the end of that time. Then we’d have some data on crime, teen use, etc and we could more accurately assess the threat or value it might pose.
Seems like the only people who really obviously stand to lose here are the people with their fingers in the prison pork-barrel.
148. Kirk Muse | 05.06.09
For those who wish to continue the status quo of marijuana prohibition my question is: why do you want marijuana to remain completely unregulated, untaxed and controlled by criminals?
149. LLP | 05.06.09
Perhaps I missed something, but if marijuana had such great medicinal properties, why haven’t the pharmaceutical companies jumped on it? If it’s to be legalized for medical use, where’s the FDA? Making drugs legal without medical research or proper oversight is asking for trouble!
150. Chris | 05.06.09
The arguments for legalizing Marijuana are extremely thought provoking and provide insight into what may result, in terms of legislation, in years to come. Recently, The Economist released an expose that was in firm agreement with the libertarian stance on drug control which shows that this type of thinking has not only been applied in Europe for some time now, (and can be adapted just as well in the US) but is becoming more mainstream.
Thanks to the recent liberalization of social politics, i.e. gay marriage being legalized, the forum for a more enlightened stance on Marijuana has been blown open for deliberation. I concur with Josh, (First post) in that, if the United States can undercut drug dealers by providing a better product at a more competitive price it could seriously improve a number of crucial problems arising from drug trafficking, usage, Mexico etc.
The reason that most people are opposed to the idea of legalizing “drugs” is because it feels “wrong”. For many generations “Say no to drugs” was a parental corner stone, rallying cry, and mantra which, regardless of whether the United States likes to admit it or not, WAS the result of a failed drug education campaign. Letting go of such principles may prove more difficult than some imagine and could stand in the way to a transformed Drug Policy. It may take the influence of one particular group-Generation Y. With their support, policies may be enacted that actually provide beneficial results.
Many people lack the education that this drug debate could provide because of its rather taboo nature. Until more politicians jump on board it may stay that way for a while. In conclusion, Arnold’s recent comments will help fast-track this hot-button issue to the forefront of Domestic Policy once control of the Markets is re-attained. (Legalization of drugs could be seen as its own bail-out for many states)
151. Either Way | 05.06.09
Studies of other countries where the laws are more relaxed regarding marijuana show that juvenile consumption rates decrease as oppsosed to the always assumed increase. If it isn’t taboo, then it isn’t cool. In a nutshell. Teenagers, and no not all, but the ones you’re concerned with, want to impress their friends by doing something against the rules.
152. ty | 05.06.09
legalize all drugs, stop enriching criminals and terrorists, stop ruining lives and wasting money
153. BigPharma | 05.06.09
To: LLP
Marijuana is currently used medically in California. As for the pharmaceutical companies, its a natural product that can’t be drug patented, so there is no financial benefit to them.
154. Brittany B. | 05.06.09
3% of the United States population is in jail for drug crimes. Most of those people were arrested for marijuana. If we legalize marijuana then there won’t be some many people in jail. Plus alcohol does more damage to your body than marijuana. So all those who are against legalizing marijuana really need to think more clearly about what they are saying and what effects marijuana really has on people. Pot is a way for people to relax and I don’t know about you but I really don’t want to go anywhere after smoking pot because I’m relaxed and I would have to move. There are some people out there, believe it or not, that don’t smoke and drive. So where are people getting this idea that there will be more crime and more crazy people on the streets? Please do tell me because I really want to know. What people need to understand is that there are still going to be laws on pot but they aren’t as strict as they are now. Think before you speak.
155. Robert H | 05.06.09
Re: A Ghaffari is Paranoid
That may be, but there is a huge percentage of the population who reacts the same way to any talk about legalizing marijuana or other recreational drugs.
It is a protective reaction, and whether or not it is rational, it is real. Dismissing it won’t make it go away. It has to be addressed. The comparison to alcohol regulation is apt. We haven’t sold our kids to the beer companies just because we allow adults to consume alcohol. But we _did_ give them up to tobacco insterests until just recently.
Kids will find a way to get whatever they want. If we regulate and tax it, we can provide funding for addiction treatment. If not, … not.
156. tied both | 05.06.09
RE: LLP’s comments.
Marinol, is a THC based drug, the active ingredient fond in marijuana, and it is far less effective and far more expensive than marijuana in my experience.
157. Karl Rove - not | 05.06.09
Marijuana should be legalized and regulated just like alcohol spirits, beer, and wine. The same goes for the hard core drugs that are destroying our inner cities. The taxes earned from these drugs should go towards treatment and solutions to manage this serious problem in our society……
Under the current model, we are draining our society by imprisoning drug users, the treatment and care system is only available to the “have’s”, and the gangs and drug cartels are laughing all the way to the bank. But most of all - usage is on the rise…….
We need to change…….and even Obama is hugging those old establishment trees on this area and it does NOT work.
158. onchu | 05.06.09
Anybody who wants to smoke pot already can easily enough, it’s far less harmful than tobacco, alcohol, and most prescription medications, and it’s less addictive than caffeine. So why not legalize it?
The only reason I can think of is that the government doesn’t want to admit what everybody over 10 years old already knows, that the government was wrong to criminalize it in the first place and that the “war on drugs” was lost when the government decided to go after users instead of looking at the social and economic conditions that encouraged use.
Besides, I’m sure the police have better things to do.
159. Howard otton | 05.06.09
This is a bad idea.Just look what alcohol has done to our people. and what is the real cost of that . Who pays for the rehab centers, hospital bills and domestic violence this will bring? ,We will the taxpayer ! We should not raise short term government finances with substances that cause long term financial burden on our country. This is another example on how our liberal thinkers think We should be allowed to do anything we want as long as we don’t hurt anyone else. Let us decide whats right for us. THINK of the people who will be hurt by this if it were to come into law and what the rear cost would be .
Also pot maks you lazy and stupid.Is that good for America?
160. ffelix | 05.06.09
“Personal use of marijuana by adults in the privacy of their homes does not harm society any more than the consumption of beer, tobacco, or fatty foods.”
Actually, this is an interesting point. Yes, there is a significant cost to society from these activities. Which begs the question of why they are all not illegal.
One argument holds that all cultures allow whatever mind-altering drugs promote that society’s values. In our case, productivity is our god: stimulants & cheap calories help.
Another answer seems to come down to enforceability–when it is impossible to enforce a law, it becomes self-destructive to even try. Prohibition proved this & we are seeing it again in the hashing out of file-sharing: if you have implemented a concept of intellectual property, it’s impossible to argue witha straight face that file-sharing isn’t theft. But if enough people do it anyway, the laws have to change or the regime falls.
Yes, there are foundational moral standards, but unless something is so destructive that it threatens the existence of society–murder, for example–then we seriously have to weigh the cost of enforcement against the negatives of non-enforcement, because it is very costly to force people to do–or not do–anything.
In the case of cannabis, it’s pretty clear that we are way past the point of diminishing returns. We are spending ourselves into a major pit in a symbolic moral crusade that abandoning would not hurt us much at all.
161. Chris | 05.06.09
The arguments for legalizing Marijuana are extremely thought provoking and provide insight into what may result, in terms of legislation, in years to come. Recently, The Economist released an expose that was in firm agreement with the libertarian stance on drug control which shows that this type of thinking has not only been applied in Europe for some time now, (and can be adapted just as well in the US) but is becoming more mainstream.
Thanks to the recent liberalization of social politics, i.e. gay marriage being legalized, the forum for a more enlightened stance on Marijuana has been blown open for deliberation. I concur with Josh, (First post) in that, if the United States can undercut drug dealers by providing a better product at a more competitive price it could seriously improve a number of crucial problems arising from drug trafficking, usage, Mexico etc.
The reason that most people are opposed to the idea of legalizing “drugs” is because it feels “wrong”. For many generations “Say no to drugs” was a parental corner stone, rallying cry, and mantra which, regardless of whether the United States likes to admit it or not, WAS the result of a failed drug education campaign. Letting go of such principles may prove more difficult than some imagine and could stand in the way to a transformed Drug Policy. It may take the influence of one particular group-Generation Y. With their support, policies may be enacted that actually provide beneficial results.
Many people lack the education that this drug debate could provide because of its rather taboo nature. Until more politicians jump on board it may stay that way for a while. In conclusion, Arnold’s recent comments will help fast-track this hot-button issue to the forefront of Domestic Policy once control of the Markets is re-attained. (Legalization of drugs could be seen as its own bail-out for many states)
162. bayrootarcade | 05.06.09
To many people here who have said something like “Think of all the high people that would show up to work or roam around high in public etc etc”
How many employers have you had that allow you to come to work DRUNK? Alcohol is legal but not only would you get fired for showing up to work drunk, you can’t be drunk or be drinking in public either. What would be different about cannabis? Same rules would apply and the incentive to be high in public or work would be nearly non-existent. So please stop using that argument.
Anytime you think of another reason why cannabis should stay illegal, please compare it to alcohol and ask the same question. If alcohol is legal, why shouldn’t cannabis? This is besides the many good points people have brought up regarding the tax generating and crime inhibiting benefits.
164. Pothead | 05.06.09
Just because I smoke pot does not mean I can’t hold a job or obtain an education… Its a lot easier to function on MJ than if I were to drink alc. In fact, alc makes me extremely sick. Whereas pot makes me feel better when I am sick.
Best cure for an upset stomach… POT!
165. Travis | 05.06.09
Someone explain why alcohol and tobacco are legal and marijuana is not. Most of the arguments against legalizing marijuana apply equally to alcohol and tobacco. Prohibition did not work, neither is this war on marijuana. We have elected (at least?) two presidents (Clinton and Obama) who admit to having used (if not inhaling :)) marijuana. Its time to drop the facade.
166. Plantguy | 05.06.09
I am 42 years old, been smoking MJ for 28 years. College educated, married (faithful) for 14 years, two very smart kids, house and a mortgage (never late). Never been on public assistance. I am not over weight and am in overall excellent health, not lazing around. I don’t smoke tobacco, I drink alcohol very lightly. I don’t go to work high, I don’t smoke around my kids. I don’t drive intoxicated, and I don’t assault little old ladies in the park.
I have never harmed another person, nor denied them their safety or interfered with their personal life.
I work, pay taxes, and support my community. I am a good neighbor and citizen. Yet my government considers me a criminal, no better than a thief or a rapist. Why? Who is being protected from me? What is the threat?
The real crime is the law restricting cannabis use and production. These laws are anti-freedom, anti-American.
To you opposed to legalization: How exactly am I ruining society and placing your children in danger? How am I threating you or your safety? Why not legitimize, legalize and regulate that which is already present and clearly not the harmful force it has been misrepresented as, for far too long?
To characterize all users as lazy stoners is an ignorant oversimplification.
Is the sky really falling in, chicken little?
I know, its scary to actually think for yourself, it is much simpler to just accept the same old tired lie.
Hopefully the politicians are tuned in to this thread.
167. DVB | 05.06.09
The pharmaceutical companies have jumped on it. Dronabinol (Marinol) is a synthetic cousin of THC which is often use as a mild sedative/anti-anxiety or to increase apetite in patients. FDA approved it.
No one is suggesting that marijuana be legalized with the proper oversight or medical research.
168. mike | 05.06.09
Finally, some rational thinking in government. Raise taxes, regulate the marijuana industry, and take away all demand from mexican marijuana operations.
169. SC | 05.06.09
Ron Paul has introduced a bill that is a good start by making it legal to farm hemp domestically.
Ron Paul is also against the silly war on drugs. Obviously this war has failed, just like the war on poverty, maybe it is time to rethink the strategies in combating these problems.
170. USaFortiori1 | 05.06.09
I feel compelled to at least throw in my two cents worth of opinion. I have read every post up to this moment and have even had a conversation with my wife. I am all for the idea of cannabis being legalized, it was one of the most versatile crops every grown commercially, (other than corn), historically it had been used for clothing, ropes, ship sails, fuel, mixed into composts for growing, had medicinal benefits, and was just plain enjoyed. But, if I remember correctly in reading some ol’ history books. Several industries had lobbied very successfully to have it banned, that then led to the federal government to make it illegal to grow it if you did not have the proper licensing for it. Because they never issued licenses, until recently to the larger drug companies, (due to their lobbyists, being more successful than the prior lobbyists). In short - in order for us - the John and Jane Q. Public to be recognized and heard you have to get the ear of the different politicians that control and regulate the licenses for cannabis and make your opinion/interest more “convincing than the others”. I have more on the subject but I have cut it short to allow others to join in. Thank You.
171. Chris | 05.06.09
The arguments for legalizing Marijuana are extremely thought provoking and provide insight into what may result, in terms of legislation, in years to come. Recently, The Economist released an expose that was in firm agreement with the libertarian stance on drug control which shows that this type of thinking has not only been applied in Europe for some time now, (and can be adapted just as well in the US) but is becoming more mainstream.
Thanks to the recent liberalization of social politics, i.e. gay marriage being legalized, the forum for a more enlightened stance on Marijuana has been blown open for deliberation. I concur with Josh, (First post) in that, if the United States can undercut drug dealers by providing a better product at a more competitive price it could seriously improve a number of crucial problems arising from drug trafficking, usage, Mexico etc.
The reason that most people are opposed to the idea of legalizing “drugs” is because it feels “wrong”. For many generations “Say no to drugs” was a parental corner stone, rallying cry, and mantra which, regardless of whether the United States likes to admit it or not, WAS the result of a failed drug education campaign. Letting go of such principles may prove more difficult than some imagine and could stand in the way to a transformed Drug Policy. It may take the influence of one particular group-Generation Y. With their support, policies may be enacted that actually provide beneficial results.
Many people lack the education that this drug debate could provide because of its rather taboo nature. Until more politicians jump on board it may stay that way for a while. In conclusion, Arnold’s recent comments will help fast-track this hot-button issue to the forefront of Domestic Policy once control of the Markets is re-attained. (Legalization of drugs could be seen as its own bail-out for many states)
172. ACS | 05.06.09
stud muffin: marijuana ADDICTS?? Are you truly that dense? You cannot have an addiction to marijuana. It is a plant. Do you know the definition of this word? A plant is an herb or other small vegetable growth, in CONTRAST with a tree or a shrub. Is it possible to be addicted to tomatoes? Same concept. Addiction is something someone causes upon themselves mentally and is controlled by none other than ones self.
Now to the real issue. Why are we AGAINST legalizing something that will not only help the economy financially and criminally but also has beneficial factors to its users as a pain reductor, may reduce aggression, can stimulate appetite, gives feelings of happiness and help reduce nausea?
I see no real arguement from those of you who dont want marijuana legal.
173. iHATEtobacco | 05.06.09
Why is it that tobacco products are legal and they contain things as harmful as arsenic which is used in rat poisoning, nicotine, acetic acid which is used in hair dyes, carbon monoxide poison, formaldehyde which preserves corpses and SO MANY MORE things that cause cancer, yet marijuana which is used as a pain reducer, relaxant, appetite stimulant and sedative is illegal?
Why are you people arguing to keep marijuana illegal instead of trying to make tobacco illegal?? If you look at the two in comparison, is pot REALLY the worser of them? You dont see marijuana being the cause of death for over 400,000 Americans each year..
174. Sue | 05.06.09
make marijuana legal. You don’t hear of people robbing banks or crashing their cars because they got stoned. Only the people who have never gotten stone think that stuff.Marijuana helps out all kinds of medical conditions and being used for that already.You can have new jobs. growing it and also selling Hemp stems for rope. Hemp rope use to be made back in the olden days and they say it was better then any rope they had. it was the rope people and gas people who fought for it to be illegal so they could make money. Yes pot can be used to make gas.you would be surprise at what kinds of things could be made from hemp.Now other drugs i am not sure about.Its the hard stuff that make people dangerous.And if you know people who smoke pot they do not all use the hard stuff. I would rather be in a car with someone driving stoned then drunk.People who are stoned drive slower. Most do not drive fast like the media wants you to think.You do not see color and want to hurt someone when your stoned. You eat more that’s for sure witch will make money for the people who make food.You would have the same rules on smoking pot as you would drinking you don’t do it at work.Only reason the feds don’t want it is because they will lose money and some drug enforcements would lose their jobs.Heck i am sure some of them smoke pot anyway.They feds also don’t want it legal because then they lose control of part of our life’s they think they have control over already and really don’t.Making it legal they would in fact have more control.Making it legal and maybe taxing it would make money for many people new jobs and make billions for the government. a win win for many. Other countries are already doing this and crime has slowed down.
175. Ranger | 05.06.09
Interesting how many angles are covered in this debate!
I am for legalization and decriminalization and reckon the advantages of doing so would outweigh the disadvantages.
I think that i would be difficult to tax cannabis though as people would just grow there own even if there was a pharmacy that sold it. On the other hand though it would possibly be easier to go to the pharmacy than to struggle to grow your own? Like if your plant died or whatever. Not everyone has ‘Green fingers’.
Things would just have to be more controlled:
Laws could be implemented that make it criminal for people to sell it (unless a certified pharmacy or centre) and
Age restrictions would also be put in place.
Permits issued per pot (one plant per pot) and the numbers of permits controlled. Its supposed to be for personal use and youre not allowed to sell so no need for a plantation in your backyard! Supposed you could be taxed per permit and seeds initially bought from the pharmacy?
Anyway, I reckon that this is good that people are talking more about this subject. Obviously those who dont know anything about cannabis will be very skeptical. ‘My mom told me all drugs are bad’ type of attitude. Everyone should be properly educated about the effects of Cannabis.
Generally people are responsible and once we all know the guidelines there wont be an excuse for being disobedient (not that those who havnt been taken ‘classes’ or who havnt been given the guidelines are disobedient). Chilling at home with some friends chatting about the universe and having a puff would be right whereas, obviously driving or working on somebody’s brain while stoned or even slow is wrong. I mean, Come on- when i worked in the States the biggest thing that i realized was that everyone was proud of their job and provided excellent service. Why would people start going to work high? They dont go to work drunk.
Why on earth would little kids start smoking unless you breath it into their faces. Please, the last thing kids are going to want to do is start smoking. Kids play with Marbles, cars, sport…. Set the rules. Dont steal dads car and dont smoke weed till your of age. Simple 
I agree with #21 in regards to the age factors. The drinking age and driving age where i live (South Africa) is 18 and works really well. At this age you are old enough to be responsible. We always nominate a designated driver for the night! To #33 you must have been with a rough group if all your friends reckon its cool to drive under the influence. I know more young drivers that have been involved in accidents where the other driver is middle-aged and intoxicated.
Oh and #137: Not all alcohol is synthetic, eg The ingredients to make beer come from the earth. Hops, Barley… Dont diss the beer brother
Peace people.
176. another_person | 05.06.09
Wow, what a lovely collection of thoughts! I’ve never had any issues either obtaining MJ or using it, regardless of local or federal law. I spent my adolescent and early adult life regurgitating other people’s thoughts about why drugs were bad, and was only able to form my own opinion after having direct experience. It is inappropriate for people to decide on this matter without experience. Looking back at my attitude prior to seeing and experiencing it firsthand, it was uninformed and not reliable. I stand 180 degrees on the issue after having been educated, and hear echoes of my old self in the fear-based rhetoric that has dogged this issue for our whole lives.
Decriminalization seems like an inevitable endpoint, especially considering the tide of more urgent social issues to tackle.
One other thing that deserves a comment- Gabriel, post#69- that argument is lame. He did learn his lesson - “Don’t get caught.” This entire article, and all these comments, are a dialogue about citizens deciding the government does NOT know best in this case. Does the punishment fit the crime? I knew a guy who was imprisoned for simple possession, he was incarcerated for 5 years and raped in jail as an 18 year-old. Does the punishment fit the crime? Really? How about the legal system destroying someone’s life and livelihood for ingesting a plant? THAT is a crime. Not what the government says today is a crime, but a true, undeniable injustice. Where the law and justice do not align, what should a person do? Cower in fear that maybe their ancestors will enjoy freedom if they are patient enough? Screw that… live your life.
177. ConcernedCitizen | 05.06.09
Marijuana needs to be lagalized… Economy will boom, Less inocent people in jail, Gangs that ship marijuana into the states will no longer be needed (Less Drugwars) and finally if we legalize i wont have to go to treatment just because I smoke marijuana. You know what… dont legalize so i can be a bum and sell marijuana for a living and make a grip.. legalizing would open jobs for honest working people who need money for their families. I dont see how the government is this twisted…
178. Chris | 05.06.09
Exactly, why not let our government and our people profit from a substance that obviously isn’t a threat to humanity.
179. Mortymer | 05.06.09
To: ihatetobacco - Now Now, nicotine is addictive but the bigger problem with tobacco is that it is legal. You see most of dangerous chemicals you mention are added to the tobacco by the companies. They will try to do the same with MJ if they can get away with it. In the name of making the taste better, they will look for chemicals that compel and addict. The answer to such people is not to sue them, just kill them and their families.
181. Gail | 05.06.09
In some states, hospice patients can now legally have and/or grow a small quantity of marijuana. It helps stimulate the appetite, eases fears of dying, helps patients relax. This is a very good step forward.
But ordinary citizens should be able to grow, smoke, eat, and enjoy it too. Those who like to garden will grow it. Others will buy it at the local organic food store or dispensary. It will become a non-issue, like wine or beer is now. Someday people will wonder what all the fuss was about.
182. USaFortiori1 | 05.06.09
I had posted an earlier collection of recounts of what I remember reading in a few history books in regard to the banning of cannabis. I am now offering another view point of the same item however with a bit of scientific study involved, (not by own accord of course), does anyone remember a documentary from the BBC sometime middle to late last year where they had sent a reporter to, I believe it was Amsterdam and she had spent several weeks there, experiencing all that the Netherlands has to offer in regard to cannabis and how the laws affect the distribution, usage, and outcome on the society there? It was quite good and fairly in depth giving you a looking glass from all various points of view. Where I am taking you in the thread is simply this. There are some vary dangerous side effects from smoking cannabis…well in specific the THC verses the Cannabinoids that all cannabis contains - it is more lethal than smoking cigarettes on the lungs. However even though it is not legal in Amsterdam nor anywhere else in the world according to the BBC or Internet, the fact that they have created a rather sincere and commonsense approach to the toleration of cannabis; A). The usage of other more hardcore drugs has decreased since 1970. B). Because of the regulations in place, again using a poignant and commonsense approach the overall age of usage falls moderately well in line with the what the age limit is. and C). The system of obtaining it, using it, and enjoying it has actually created a broader and more diverse study into the chemical, psychological, and behavioral studies that unfortunately fall onto deaf ears with the FDA and other government programs that control the US usage.
183. stacey | 05.06.09
People who think marijuana is bad are the people who never tried it.
marijuana cannot kill you. It’s less harmful then cigarettes.
i think marijuana should be legal. It’s not like its cocaine or meth.
185. Chloe | 05.06.09
Just leagalize it.
People are doing it behind the goverments back anywasy why not put the money in the hands of the goverment to help our city schools that are cutting sports and after school activities. And all that the money is going to is drug dealers. Do you really want that?
There is menmore thing we can be doing with the money.
And for goodness sake
186. Chloe | 05.06.09
Leagalize it!
1. It will be bring in a bunch more money that can go to usefull and good thing like our city schools Vs. being put in the hands of crummy drug dealers
2. ITS A PLANT!! Its compleatly natral!!
187. kathy | 05.06.09
I’m tired of hearing how pot is the gateway drug……..It’s not, alcohol is.And look at the problems alcohol causes people and families. I dont see pot smokers , wrecking there cars, beating there wives, acting foolish. Personal use would be great. I believe,the benefits of smoking are alot better than all the pills these Dr. are passing out,,,and who is profiting from that?? the pharmicudical companies… ..if your a smoker now your gunna be , if your not your not going to be just cuz it’s legal. tax it make it legal …….PEACE
188. ArticsUSA | 05.06.09
This is crazy why Allow pot into the Economy????? One it gets people too high and there will be so much Choas in America. Yes it is worth a lot of money but is it worth seeing others get hurt???????? I say the Only thing to solve this Down fall is Ethional gas and Biogas. Also it did fail but due the Engine we have now burns it too fast!. The only way to solve this problem is to make a better Engines. Also make it affordable for all the world to buy. That can rase the stock market so much. Also it will save the GM companies and much more. Allowing Pot is a Horriable Idea! Thats like getting us out of this Choas for only 1 year then the next. We will all be druged out and weak! Maybe more. I say the Economy Does not Need this Idea. It is mad!
189. Pray4Peace | 05.07.09
Legalization and taxation of marijuana will result in some desperately needed prison reform because of increased tax revenue and fewer people being incarcerated.
We have too many laws that lock up too many for too long.
190. Prowwess | 05.07.09
This is a big joke. If you have a hate in your heart for this God made herb that IS in it’s original condition. It is NOT synthesized like heroin or cocaine, you have a serious issue in your thinking. I could understand if it were changed somehow but it isn’t. Maybe interlaced with other breeds just like a dog would be, but not taken out of it’s original form. If you have never tried it, the addiction form is NOT there. I have smoked off and on for years. I can quit smoking weed so so much easier than cigarettes. It has only had one recorded death ever in history. Cigarettes kill THOUSANDS. There are acute symptoms of withdrawal. It is honestly barely noticeable. I can’t see any argument worthy of shooting down the legalization of marijuana. It doesn’t exist.
191. JJ from TX | 05.07.09
If you actually look at why they outlawed some drugs in the first place you might be suprised…. It is based on racism, and fear!!!! I agree that there should be an open debate on it….
192. JJack | 05.07.09
ArticsUSA….What are you trying to say? I can’t seem to navigate through your horrible articulation and even worse grammar. If english is in fact your second language, I strongly suggest you inform the forum readers or have someone check it for you, because your argument is not going to be taken seriously. I am not trying to insult you, I just feel you are doing a disservice to your side of the argument. I’m all for a good debate, but all you naysayers should formulate a factual argument before typing, and leave emotion at the door.
193. Joseph B | 05.07.09
Legalizing Industrial Hemp is a no-brainer. However, due to the prohibition of Marijuana, Hemp is outlawed and destroyed. 98% of the marijuana destroyed by the DEA is actually hemp. Last year, 5 million illegal marijuana plants were destroyed in California. The estimated value of the destroyed crops is $14 billion dollars. Making Marijuana California’s largest cash crop.
194. Sean Guy | 05.07.09
LEGALIZEEEEEE ITTTTTTTTTTTT. DONT CRITICIZE IT!
Arnold, do something good for once.
195. Pragmatic | 05.07.09
I’ve read all the comments and alot of them are just irrational and emotional. No Doubt the result of subliminal messaging. Legalization will not dramatically change the quantity of users. The people that want to use it already do. No one will notice any difference in the general population at all except for decreased law enforcement action. Just look at the distribution network and its position as the leading cash crop for the drug lords. It did not achieve this position because policy detered people from smoking. Quite the contrary, policy has significantly increased its mystique and led to an increased curiosity with people trying it just to find out what all the hype is about. In countries that have legalized it, use by minors has actually dropped. Having been in the hospitality industry I can tell you that alot more of our leaders that seek heavier penalties and regulation are actually the heaviest users and suppliers of illicit substances than any of us would actually like to think possible. Legalization would kill a cash cow for them so regardless of the real pros and cons they will adamantly oppose it. If it were legalized however it should contain a provision that will protect companies from the ACLU and rights violation law suits should they decide to keep their drug free policies intact and they should be granted the right to do so. Legalization would hurt the drug trade as the largest number of customers that they have are the users of cannabis sativa. Without these customers their secondary market for the other products they push would greatly suffer over time due to the overall reduction in traffic. Permitting and licensing would be a good revenue center and could be required for sales, purchases, home growth or farming. The readily available finished product could also be heavily taxed as the real production costs without the illegality being a factor would be extremely low(it grows with the same voracity as a weed). Contrary to beliefs expressed here law enforcement is a tax and fee funded service as such, an increase in the number of law enforcement jobs is not actually good for the economy as it does not help the GDP. Crop production on the other hand does as it produces a sellable commodity. Our legal system is over extended and our jails are over crowded. Removing the cannabis users from the mix would free up significant resources at a substantial taxpayer savings. It would also free up law enforcement to concentrate on more significant crimes of greater impact to the welfare of society as a whole.
196. Tahn | 05.07.09
Pretty sure alcohol has a much worse impact on society than cannabis! Ban alcohol and legalise cannabis I say.. I’d honestly prefer giggling-stoners stumbling down my street than violent-drunks!
197. Miguel tuga | 05.07.09
Guys
I’m from Portugal, that is a country that had decriminalized ( not legalized ) the consumption of drugs ( all ) 9 years ago.
The diference now is tha tyou don’t go to jail if you are caught with a joint in your pocket.
Since there, cannabis is much more tolerated, almost legal.
The impact was very good, the consumption of hard drugs as decreased 10% and the diseases associated and OD’s about 40%. And believe me that we don’t have nothing similar to the drugs problem in USA….
Now think, if the impact is good in the society and it is proved, why not legalize de sell also, like in Holland?
The consumer would prefer to buy it in a legal and authorized store than a squizo dealer with probably a gun in his pocket…
And thats a business of millions & millions of $ and if it’s legal could bo apllied taxes to it and conducted to the Public Health or Education sectors.
And of course, the trafic will die, for all the reasons already exposed
Go Arnold, the whole world is looking at you and remember, times they are a changing and we need courage to change this world.
198. DeCriminalize.com | 05.07.09
Q. Ever wonder why liquor companies advertise on billboards along our state’s roads?
A. That promotes drinking to drivers.
Q. Wonder why there aren’t breathalyzers to use at every bar and tavern?
A. Free breathalyzers will prevent a lot of drunk driving.
Q. Ever wonder, why American citizens are arrested if they prefer pot instead of alcohol?
A. This helps no one, except the liquor companies.
Q. How much money do our politicians get in campaign contributions from liquor companies?
A.Since 1990 Liquor corporations have given $53,188,115.00 to U.S. Republican politicians and $42,117,495.00 to U.S. Democratic politicians (reported by Federal Election Commission). This includes $640,356.00 paid to John McCain and $432,170.00 to President Barack Obama.
199. John Nagle | 05.07.09
Just put it on Schedule III, along with Vicoden and ketamine. Then it becomes an ordinary prescription drug. We can get rid of all those silly “pot clubs” and their hassles; people with a medical need will get their prescriptions filled at the local Walgreens. Manufacturing will be done by the usual generic drug companies. No big deal.
200. Michael Desjardins | 05.07.09
The liquor companies don’t want Americans to be able to choose pot instead of alcohol and the pharmaceutical companies don’t want Americans to be able to choose medical marijuana instead of their patented drugs. Obama is afraid to stand up to these campaign contributors because he remembers what happened to Al Gore when he criticized the tobacco companies at the 1996 democratic convention for giving his sister cancer. The tobacco companies retailiated against Gore by spending millions to make sure he lost his home state of Tennessee in the 2000 presidential election. Until Obama becomes more afraid of us voters he is unlikely stop the arrests of Americans who prefer pot instead of alcohol or other drugs. Ofcourse all the campaign contributions Obama and our other politicians get paid from Liquor companies will influence them too. Is this even legal? What happened to our American freedoms?
201. pollywog | 05.07.09
Alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana, so it makes no sense for marijuana to be illegal. And we need to stop paying the enormous expense of jailing people for marijuana use, when they shouldn’t be in jail. I’m suspicious that the big drug companies don’t want legal marijuana because it might take the place of some drugs, cutting the companies’ profits. And I’m suspicious that some politicians don’t want legal marijuana because those who smoke it would probably vote a particular way, and it’s easier to jail them so they can’t vote.
We definitely need to legalize marijuana.
202. Chris Bennett | 05.07.09
All plants should be legal, laws against plants are completely unnatural. If you believe in a God, then you had better believe that God created cannabis. Even without religious belief, from a purely human secularist view, cannabis should be legal, as humanity has shared an indigenous relationship for at least 10,000 years, but quite likely more like 25,000 years. it has served as a medicine in the oldest pharmacopias in the world, and was a major medicine right up untill it was prohibited.
Many Christian Churches are standing up for the rights of patients to use this healing plant. Christian scientisits should join this number and aid in the liberationof its “leaves for the healing”.
Many scholars believe that the Hebrew term “keneh bosem”, which occurs in Exodus 30:23 is a reference to cannabis, that was later mistranslated as calamus. Over 6 pounds of keneh bosem wwere included in a recipe for a Holy annointing oil, which aided Moses in his dialogue with Y*hw*h. Moreover this same oil was used by the ealy Christian church and Jsus sent out the twelve with oil to cast out demons (eplipsy) and heal the sick in the oldest of the synoptic Gospels. Google ‘Jesus cannabis’ for more information.
203. steve | 05.07.09
Pollywog: Remember Obama made it where people in jail can vote now he needed the votes. And your right. The drug people don’t like pot because many people now are on medical marijuana and off pain pills witch is cutting into their profits.But is good for the people not to be on those pain pills. They will be for pot when the drug companies have total control of the pot and only then.Its all about money. If the government told the drug companies they would be in charge of marijuana they would be fighting right now to get it legal.
204. Blair | 05.07.09
The legalization of weed would save our economy in a matter of 6 months, it would decreace violence (no more fighting for drug territory cause you can’t sell weed on the corner anymore), All the money spent on trying to enfore the drug laws can be put to education or something else.
Did you know that my school year has been reduced and my time in school has been reduced because the state can’t afford to keep schools open the way they used to. From a child stand point AWESOME! From an educated standpoint, its a problem. The next generations, YOUR KIDS! Will have a lesser education than you did. If I remember correctly, its the parents job to work to make sure that your child lives a better life than you did, in a dozen words that sumes up parenthood I believe.
We need money, BAD! My State of FLorida is doing Squat to try and raise more money then it does now. They shot down every suggestion to raise taxes on say alcohol (raise taxes by 9 Cents… COMEON)So what do they do to get money? They cut back on education, civil services, things of that nature. How does that benefit me as a Floridian? DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE ECONOMY! If you hate the idea of legalizing weed, or any drug for that matter, RAISE PROPERTY TAXS! Pay more for Alcohol or Tabacco, YOU will have to do something about it other than compalain.
Those that dont want to do anything about the economy have no justification to go against the legalization of weed. Im sure most of us here agree that Canibis isn’t that bad, you can’t even really overdose on it per say. It makes no sense why its illegal now when so many other things are legal. Plus, THIS DRUG LAW IS JUST UNENFORCEABLE, for every man in jail for weed, I bet you theres still 10x more users. Its the Prohibition times all over again.
LoL FDR legalized alcohol for economic purposes too. ( I think)
Another note, how is weed going to harm your kids, us kids? If I wanted a smoke, all I got to do is go to one of those ash trays outside a mall. theres plenty that aren’t finished. If I wanted alcohol, all I got to do is go into the store, go to the section, cut a box open, take a few, put them somewhere unseen, walk out, and go to the next store…UNENFORCEABLE!
However, no matter how rational and Pragmatic it would be to legalize weed… it wont happen. Proof is history.
One time, I think it was in the Virginnia-Pennsylvania area, the drinking age was dropped down to 18 so they could get more purchases and raise a couple 100,000 dollars in revenue. What they didn’t plan was that teens from the neighboring states would drive in and get drunk, which actually raised even more money. However, the Federal governement came in and said that if they didn’t change the drinking age back to 21, that state would loose all of the federal funds like Highway money and whatnot… shortly there after the drinking age was 21 again.
lol, states rights, that ended after the civil war, the 10th amendment is for appearances sake.
205. hi | 05.08.09
well i am from Austria, and i dont really know what they are referring to with “relaxing the drug laws”
its not like any drugs are legal here, nor is marihuana, or ever has been
the only country in europe where it is legal remains the netherlands
….which doesnt stop me from smoking it, dont get me wrong =)
206. Spectate Swamp | 05.08.09
Let’s talk percentabes
50% or more believe in legalization.
I bet the number would be 90% against a marijuana law that puts you in jail for life.
Woo Hoo Now I can sell my Mystical Tokin Stones.
207. names scotty…got it | 05.08.09
legalizing marijuana will help our economy by opening a door to creating a whole new cash crop. lets stop thinking about “oh its not gonna solve our problems of cocaine heroin” and whatever else the arrogant right wing republicans tell us. those problems are gonna b there anyways. now if we can stop wasting our time and money chasing people who smoke weed and i know alot..they are good people…down to earth. they dnt break the law…they jus spend some time getting high. we are wasting time and money we could be using on more important economic crisis. like the WAR or REAL CRIMINALS. get your head out your ass…this needs to be done. times are changing and we are becoming smarter and adapting even more. we have a black president now…that was a big step that should have happened along time ago. now its due time for the stoners to be allowed their opportuninty to change the screwed up system we have.
208. Ilpalazzo | 05.08.09
I love the ridiculous, misinformed arguments of anti-pot advocates..
“Think of all the stoned people that will be out there on the roads..”
1) There are many already out there and many drive slower and more carefully than non-stoners
2) What makes you think many won’t be responsible enough to know not to drive while stoned?
3) How is it any more dangerous than people driving drunk, driving on their medication, driving while yapping on cell phones, driving while fiddling with a CD player/radio, driving with the bass cranked to deafening levels? How about those driving after a long, exhausting day of work with a tendency to doze off at the wheel? Are you prepared to accept a ban all of those things?
“Think of the children!”
1) So you want to dictate the behavior of someone else?
2) Many kids get it easier because it ISN’T regulated.
3) Many teens get a hold of cigarettes and beer, why should marijuana be any different?
“Excessive use leads to health problems..”
Even if that were true, ANYTHING in excess leads to health problems. Too much TV can cause health problems, too much fast food can cause health problems, too much sleep can cause health problems, even too much exercise can cause health problems.
REALITY CHECK: We are ALL going to die at some point, why shouldn’t people be able to ease their stress in a recreational way if it doesn’t directly inflict harm on someone else? I just find it appalling that in such a selfish nation, people have the audacity to voice their ignorant opinions against what others want to do with their lives. Hey if someone doesn’t want to use pot, when and if it’s legal, they probably won’t do it then!
America AND it’s ignorant, self-righteous, lying politicians needs to smarten up and join us in 2009. Obama should legalize the plant, that way he’d at least do SOMETHING right in his term, as all of his other plans to ’save the economy’ have utterly failed.
209. Ilpalazzo | 05.08.09
Oh and the argument of “Marijuana will lead to harder drugs” is also completely ridiculous. It’s on par with the argument of “Same sex marriage will lead to cross-species marriage”. When you drink Coke, does it automatically lead to drinking Dr Pepper? When you eat Chinese food, does it automatically lead to eating Thai food? Stop fooling yourselves, people!
210. Ross | 05.08.09
When marijuana is available from the ABC store there will be more problems in some areas and less problems in other areas–overall we’ll agree it’s a net gain for society the same way we agree that ending alcohol prohibition was a net gain for society. I will strongly council my two young boys to avoid alcohol and marijuana completely until they are adults (though they will try it to some extent just as I did).
…But none of that changes the fact that it’s Friday night after a long week and I can’t enjoy a nice bowl of good bud without a lot of unnecessary hassle.
211. Tituz | 05.09.09
I agree that marijuana should be decriminalized. People who are drug users are not criminals, they have an addiction problem that needs to be treated. By treating these people like criminals they become criminals by association. I don’t agree that people should use marijuana everyday, but occasionally as a mood enhancer in social situations much like alcohol.
212. Hm | 05.10.09
Legalizing weed would be a total profit for the government, becuase if the government grows it the only cost would be tax on it. so its like 100% profit
213. Radzievicius | 05.12.09
Im moving to alaska during the summer some time. I read that you can have up to 1g of marijuana and have it still be okay with the state, but federally you can still get charged for it. That would be a start here in Cali.
214. Ieku | 05.12.09
Marijuana is a natural product, like tobacco, it can be grown and sold with no questions asked. People sell weed just as much as stores sell cigarrettes. Why not just stop the searches and arrests for something natural. You can’t just eliminate something that’s given by the earth. It’s not manufactured in a lab like cocaine or heroine. It contributes no harm to society - have you ever heard of “high-driving”? I think not. You might have heard of “Drunk-driving”, but you’ll never see someone too high to drive. You can only get so high - a “limit” if you will. You can extend it, but you can’t go over the limit.
215. Dante R. | 05.12.09
I go for Ieku’s response because obviously weed isn’t and has not been legalized for the common sense fact that the government cannot tax it; which is why it is being discussed of whether to legalize it or not. I believe it is going to be just because of the fact that the government will do anything for an extra penny in its pocket. I understand why the government was created but who are they to tell us what to do. I can easily become governor or senator just as easy as the next guy but that doesnt give me the right to tell people how to run their lives.
216. garry armeair holloman | 05.12.09
i think that is a great idea to legalizzw marijuna they need to bring that law to south carolina
217. Sun man | 05.12.09
Everybody still says weed is a drug, no it’s not. Meth, Cocain, and Heroin are drugs they are man made and cemicaly altered. Weed is what it is called a weed. It grows out of the ground. No I don’t think kids sould get it but what stops them from drinking them selfs to death….. Legalize it, it’s the only “drug” you can’t overdose on. If you have never smoked it great but don’t judge something you don’t know.
218. FilipinofromSouthJerseyson | 05.13.09
yo…just imagine everyone in the whole entire world high for a day…no for a week…imagine how good that would be
219. John McMullen | 05.14.09
The growing of hemp was one of the cultivations of Washington and Jefferson. It was on it’s way to being a replacement for paper and a biofuel. Alas, it would have taken money out of the pockets of the lumber and gas/oil industry. And who smoked it? Back in the 30’s when it was made illegal, pretty much it was a drug of African Americans and Mexicans. They wanted the Mexicans out of the labor force during the Depression, so thus and easy mark. Imagine going to jail for a little pot! It undercuts all the other substantial laws: the mockery of hypocrisy. And a little jail sentence ruins a lot of lives and costs a lot of money. The state in a free society should act in the place of parents as little as possible. But the bottom line–like everything–is do you have the votes and do you have the money? Whether it is right is not the issue.
221. John | 05.17.09
This just goes to show how evil our country has become. That’s really just what our great country needs - more potheads! Go back To Austria, Arnold!
222. Reefah | 05.18.09
It won’t matter if it gets legalized or not. The thing that crosses my mind however - is that prohibition brought our economy out of an economic depression, and I believe Marijuana might do the same for our present situation.
And it will make the US loosen up a little bit. Our way of living is strung too tightly. Maybe we blow a little THC in the air, and people will learn to enjoy themselves more - I’m not for it or against the legalization however. Weed will always be around - it would just be nice not to worry about possession charges and drug tests FOR ONLY A LITTLE WEED _ HARMLESS MARIJAUNA
Thank you..
223. MOTAGODZ | 05.20.09
By Legalizing u take away the fun of illegal. And u take away the problems u get from smuggling..
Doesnt everyone agree the way weve been tryin ta stop drugz is old and outdated. There needs to b a constructive and effective alternative to the problem.. y not by making the problem the answer
224. Mik | 05.20.09
All these things are said about what would happen if it was legalized. Like people driving and what not. you think this isn’t already going on? I garuntee that if you compare lethal outcomes of people on pot to drunk people, the drunks take it hands down. Alcohol has a much stronger effect on the mind and body than pot and it is legal. People literally go crazy in blackouts due to drinking this doesn’t occur while on the pot. I also read that if pot was legal the govt wouldn’t benefit much because people would grow it themselves. Growing marijuana is difficult it’s not like you put a seed in the ground and come back later, then puff there’s a pound. If you grow outside it takes months to get the product. It would be good for the economy. As for the cartels just bringing something harder into the country, guess what the drugs are already here. Marijuana is ther biggest export to CA. This would drastically cut down on there business if not kill it, at least for a while.
225. sweetkush | 05.21.09
i think that it will solve a lot of problems all ova so legalize the kush dammit
226. montes/LA | 05.22.09
“Look Matt94 stop thinking like folks are going to get what they want.
Yes Matt there are hard core drug abuser and prescription drug abusers out their.
You forgotten that there are other people out their that are just rolling on their
daily lives. Coming home to their drama life, or not even that husband, wife,
single human beings just coming home to think about their mortgage, credit cards, gas,
water bills and food to bring home to the hand reaching out asking for food, ice-cream, shoes,
pack-back for school. I believe most people come home from work and bring the
stress they have from work to their family. Matt people just want to ignore their problems
Just for an hour and then live their daily life after with peach and a thought in their life that they
might win the lottery one day but they know that it will never come true. Matt of course the Mexican drug cartels is not going to stop cause they want what you want “money“. Matt the impact of the law enforcement will never decrease come on; human beings are being born every day in California. The more land you get the more you are going to enforce the law like Iraq. Matt!! In the long run it’s going to pay off. Is like the way beer is. You’re going to set a line that you can’t pass, and the U.S is good at those, especially those invisible lines that they have and we all know they have.
227. Mr.Montes/L.A | 05.22.09
come on matt!! you know that the goverment is going to just set a line that you cant pass. like being 21 or something.
228. RealiyChk | 05.27.09
This may seem like bs to everyone but I ‘ve seen death caused from drunk drivers to many, many times that I now believe alcohol needs to be prohibited. People claim that alcohol prohibition only got innocent people killed by gangsters who were the only ones selling it back then. How many innocent lives have been lost sence prohibition ended by a drunk driving a car reclessly? Probably a lot more innocent victims destroyed sence prohibition ended than there were when booze was prohibited. Next is the violence associated with alcohol, fighting, robbing, killing just to name a few. So based on this I’ve come to the conclusion that stress is the main cause of all our problems! The govenment needs to give everyone 1 million dollars each starting next week! Stop giving it to banks and everyone else and give every person a million bucks. And when they spend it all the government needs to give them 2 million bucks till every American has every dream they want! As for alcohol make it prohibited and legalize cannabis a more user friendly herb unlike alcohol which everyone should hate by now!
229. Richard the Stoned | 05.28.09
Man y have always got to chirp weed it is not bad as a matter of fact im flogging a big one rite now it woould just make it safer for me to get the weed if you legalize so come on lets vote !!!!!!!! kittens are fuzzy
230. Garrett | 06.18.09
Legalizing marijuana would be completely beneficial to this failing economy. It’s a plant for christ sake give me a break. How many people get high on marijuana and go out and commit crimes, thats right NOBODY does. It would be taxed (understandably) and the government could profit drastically. We are putting an unbelievable amount of people in jail right now for getting high on marijuana which is completely and udderly embarrassing. Why not save room in jail for hardened criminals, not marijuana users. This will also save money for our penile system and create a vast amount of revenue for the government. I think its silly we still treat marijuana like heroine and cocaine. Our government is suppose to be “for the people” well the people want marijuana legalized, so lets toss out the democracy theory.
231. Heather | 07.08.09
On top of helping the farmers, and cutting back on all the tax dollars wasted on “the War on Drugs” thin of how much this could be stimulating the economy. Not only could we tax the plant and make money from that BUT think of all the money people will be putting into the economy. Buying MJ, buying pipes/lighters/ect, and most certainly how much food and drink everyone will buy. Isn’t the best way to create more jobs and stimulate the economy is to convince people to buy more? And how great would it be to buy snakes where you buy you MJ. Talk about a convince store!
232. Stacy | 07.09.09
Look I’m no longer a kid. I don’t have a kid. Stop making laws that assume we all have/want kids. My husband and I are very fulfilled by our jobs and our puppies. I don’t smoke but my hubby does and I’d rather he not have to buy from the creepy teen down the block. Let grown ups do what we want to. I’m 67 stop telling me what to do.
233. Optimistic Canadian !! | 07.16.09
To be perfectly honest, this would make was more sense then the how many billions of dollars your government is spending on this so called Bail out. I think California should legalize marijuana and then at least some of the states will fallow suit and maybe your country could actually have a surplus! Plus if the states legalize marijuana Canada will follow and trust me we could all use the tax break.. \\
234. mary j wana420 | 09.10.09
is America really free? can we really live our lives the way we want to? laws against marijuana only complicate things. what is the government really accomplishing when they bust innocent people for a plant that grows naturally around the whole world. the government is blind to the fact that marijuana is a harmless stimulant. it shouldn’t even be titled as a drug. alcohol is more of a drug than marijuana will ever be. people all over the US die every day from alcohol poisoning, no one in the history of man has ever overdosed on pot because it is nearly impossible. you would have to smoke 3 times your body weight in order to overdose, you would fall asleep long before that happened. and when people drink and drive, it kills thousands of people a day, when i smoke pot i cant even find the keys, and im too lazy to even look for them.
235. conservativechristian1976@yahoo.com | 09.17.09
The Congressional failure to implement a fee and regulatory program for marijuana in the United States is irresponsible and a violation of the public trust.
The cartels would be poorer, our public lands cleaner, and our children safer if we implemented a Personal Use and Cultivation Permit: $100 per year for a dozen plants. Split the proceeds between the States and the Fed.
It’s time to put the cartels out of business.
It’s time to let ordinary Americans grow a little marijuana in their own back yards.
236. end prohibition | 09.27.09
This sounds like a great idea. Someone said,”lets not sell our children and their futures to DRUG LORDS.” Really who wants to do that. Do parents that let their children be put on prescription drugs for something like ADD feel the same way? Our government doesn’t mind getting our kids started on prescription drugs at a young age. My kid can’t pay attention, do his homework, or reason like someone his age should. So I give him ritalin and put him back in front of the t.v. to play video games for four hours every day. He shouldn’t smoke weed, but kids shouldn’t be on any drugs until their brain matures, and develops through puberty.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Josh | 05.06.09
^ I think your missing the point Matt. How can the mexican cartel or whatever continue to illegally sell marijuana (mid-grade at that) when you can get more potent marijuana for the same price if not cheaper if it becomes legalized. there is no incentive to continue distributing illegally; other drugs, maybe