CactusPair Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I found out my state is having a vote on legalizing marijuana for medical use only. Use would be by prescription only for serious medical conditions and stricitly monitored. This is marijuana in a smokable form, rather than a pill, which is already available by prescription. According to supporters, the smokable form is much more effective than the pill for alleviating extreme nausea and pain and would be prescribed when more traditional medicines failed to ease suffering in some patients. Smokabale marijuana works where nothing else does, they argue. Opponents say that medical marijuana isn't necessary; current medicines are effective in managing pain and nausea in seriously ill patients. They argue that legalizing marijuana for medical use would lead to abuse of the system and illicit distribution, and is the first step in making it legal for recreational purposes. 1. How do you feel about prescription marijuana. Would you vote yes or no and why? 2. Do you feel it's an appropriate issue to be placed on the ballot for ordinary citizens to cast a vote on? Why or why not? Or do you think that since it's a medical prescription issue it's more appropriate for the FDA, pharmacologists and doctors to determine whether marijuana could or should be distributed to a select group of patients? Why or why not? Okay, hive, put this in your pipes and smoke it! Then tell me what you think. Bring it on, dudes!:001_smile: :lurk5: (here's some corn if you get the munchies:D) BTW, I'm not just trying to stir the pot (cool pun, why not use it?). I'm genuinely interested in this topic for a variety of reasons. The upcoming vote was a shock to me as is the intensity of opinion that's appearing in my small town newspaper. :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Personally, I am fine with legalizing it for medical use. I'm not fine with legalizing it in general mainly because I don't like encountering it *in public*. I don't think it's any more or less appropriate for public vote than the other things every day citizens vote on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I do not think it should be legalized, as that just gives the current street peddlers a legal way to make a profit off it. I do think though it should be regulated, grown by the gov't, sold in tobacco shops to adults only and heavily taxes just like tobacco products and alcohol. That way it can be legally purchased by adults and not sold by guys on the street that are lacing it with other more serious drugs and poisons. I do not think it needs to be for medicinal purposes, but if it is done right can make the current dealers pretty much obsolete and rather than the gov't wasting money busting grow ops, they can be earning money off the sale of it through taxes and putting that back into the system for schools, health care etc where there never seems to be enough money being delegated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I'm for the legalization of all drugs. If someone is sick and pot makes them feel better, I have no issue with them being able to use it. On the other hand I'm a no tolerance kinda of gal with things like drunk driving or endangering others because of drug use. Mixed bag... that is me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I think it should be legalized and treated as a medicine for those in need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Academy of Jedi Arts Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I think it should be legal for recreational purposes. I am not convinced of it's medical properties, but I have not done much research (and no field studies in the last 10+ years lol) in that area. I see no benefit to the "war on drugs" which is what I base my opinion on. As for how it should be handled, if it is to be dispensed by doctors, I see no need to put it on a ballot for a vote. I mean, we didn't put Viagra to a vote, did we? I think it is up to the FDA to approve it and the doctors as to whether they want to prescribe it. Heck, it was used by Elizabeth I, and I don't see how it's any different than other natural remedies. Interesting thing to ponder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I do not think it should be legalized, as that just gives the current street peddlers a legal way to make a profit off it.In Oregon at least, while it is legal for those with a permit to possess marijuana, it is not legal to sell marijuana. Patients can grow their own. The Feds don't recognize Oregon's law. FWIW, I think marijuana should be legalized, period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jugglin'5 Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I'm for the legalization of all drugs. If someone is sick and pot makes them feel better, I have no issue with them being able to use it. On the other hand I'm a no tolerance kinda of gal with things like drunk driving or endangering others because of drug use. Mixed bag... that is me. :iagree:I'm also for legalizing drugs, and think you should face manslaughter charges if you kill or hurt somebody while you are drunk or high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I think it should be legal period. I don't believe it is any different than alcohol. I would vote for it and I would also use it just like I have an occasional glass of wine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNC Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I'm not in favor of it.... I have multiple sclerosis with severe nerve pain and spasticity. There are zero meds I can take for it that don't affect my altertness. I've never taken any muscle relaxer or various seizure meds for more than a couple months bc of that. I can't imagine smoking marijuana and functioning to care for my family, or just myself properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I can't imagine smoking marijuana and functioning to care for my family, or just myself properly.Some days I think it might actually improve my mothering... :leaving: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbyl Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I'm for the legalization of all drugs. If someone is sick and pot makes them feel better, I have no issue with them being able to use it. On the other hand I'm a no tolerance kinda of gal with things like drunk driving or endangering others because of drug use.... I agree with Jenny. Possibly I could have benefited from marijuana when pregnant. I suffered from severe dehydrating hyperemesis gravidarum, i.e., puking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Academy of Jedi Arts Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Some days I think it might actually improve my mothering... All I know is if they ever legalize it, I'm heading to True Blue's house for a glass of wine. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNC Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Well, I was a zombie on a super low dose of Topamax. Nothing got me really upset, sad or excited. I was steady, mellow, never changing - I was in a fog. I've gotten firm a few times with the children since being off of it - and they are so excited - "Yea - Mommy's back!!" :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey in TX Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Some days I think it might actually improve my mothering... :leaving: That's the funniest thing I've heard in a long, long time! I am an advocate of legalizing for medicinal purposes for certain. Given the right set of convincing arguments, I could opt for total legalization. How is this any different than prohibition of alcohol in the '20s? It causes similar reactions to alcohol, sans the calories. Maybe we should nix alcohol altogether and make smoking cigarettes illegal, too. Don't see how it's that much different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genie Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 All I know is if they ever legalize it, I'm heading to True Blue's house for a glass of wine. :D Pick me up on the way, would ya? :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genie Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I'm for the legalization of all drugs. If someone is sick and pot makes them feel better, I have no issue with them being able to use it. On the other hand I'm a no tolerance kinda of gal with things like drunk driving or endangering others because of drug use. Mixed bag... that is me. Joining you in the mixed bag. There's room for both of us, right? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Joining you in the mixed bag. There's room for both of us, right? :DIt's hard to drink OR smoke inside a bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genie Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 It's hard to drink OR smoke inside a bag. Depends on the relative size and permeability of the bag. I guess there's always pills... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Depends on the relative size and permeability of the bag. I guess there's always pills... Yeah, it would be too dark for needles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 It's hard to drink OR smoke inside a bag. What about a genie bottle? Personally, I am not for legalization of pot. Just my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockermom Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Joining you in the mixed bag. There's room for both of us, right? :D We may need to buy a bigger bag, but I'd like to jump in as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammy Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 like someone else said....alcohol is just as bad. Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlifemom Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 How low you all are sinking into that bag.:D I guess I am not for it. But all of your arguments here make sense. I don't know, cant make up my mind.:confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I say legalize it altogether. Did you hear about the storm troopers beating down the home of the mayor in some town in the Midwest, killing the homeowner's dog (a Lab, who wasn't doing anything except being in *his own kitchen,* for goodness' sake), making the mil lie face down on the floor next to the dead dog, requiring the mayor to sit in his undies for a couple of hours until someone figured out he was innocent...all because he was suspected of being a drop for marijuana??? :ack2: So, yes, I'd absolutely vote to make it legal for medicinal purposes. Right on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticamethyst Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I think it should be legal. Marijuana is safer than its couter part alcohol imo, only because no one has ever over dosed on it. I have never heard of a smoker getting violent, just the opposite in fact; unlike alcohol which tends to make many violent. But I agree that there should be stiffer consequences for those drive, work while or after smoking. My take on it is as long as it comes from the ground it is probably okay. Not to mention the room it would clear up in our jail systems for serious crimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 We had a full-blown debate on this in my college debate class. It was the most fun I've ever had in a classroom setting! The only thing I can see would be a problem with it being legal is the testing after an accident. At this time, there is no way (to my knowledge) to test for marijuana by levels. If you smoked some yesterday and then drove today, it would still be in your system, though when you drove today, you were sober. If they could test for it by levels, I'd be for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Some days I think it might actually improve my mothering... Priceless. :) I'm in favor of legalizing it. Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I think it should be leaglized for anyone age 21 and older, regulated like alcohol, and taxed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 We had a full-blown debate on this in my college debate class. It was the most fun I've ever had in a classroom setting! The only thing I can see would be a problem with it being legal is the testing after an accident. At this time, there is no way (to my knowledge) to test for marijuana by levels. If you smoked some yesterday and then drove today, it would still be in your system, though when you drove today, you were sober. If they could test for it by levels, I'd be for it. Those who are in favor of legalization, what do you say to this? And what about the public issue? Really, much of Amsterdam *reeks* of pot, I would hate that. And I run into the problem of people smoking in public here as it is and it's illegal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genie Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 If you smoked some yesterday and then drove today, it would still be in your system, though when you drove today, you were sober. If they could test for it by levels, I'd be for it. Well, you could tell them a stupid joke and time how long they laugh. I'm thinking a contraption could also be built that would detect the slight differences in a stoned vs. not stoned laugh. It's subtle. The instrument would have to be very sensitive. But it's possible. You could put Cheetos in front of them and see if they can resist. All sorts of fun tests! (said completely tongue-in-cheek :tongue_smilie:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I say legalize it altogether. Did you hear about the storm troopers beating down the home of the mayor in some town in the Midwest, killing the homeowner's dog (a Lab, who wasn't doing anything except being in *his own kitchen,* for goodness' sake), making the mil lie face down on the floor next to the dead dog, requiring the mayor to sit in his undies for a couple of hours until someone figured out he was innocent...all because he was suspected of being a drop for marijuana??? :ack2: Wasn't that horrible? I recall a night in a very busy NYC ER. I had a med student trailing me who went on about the evils of MJ. I was tiring of it. I suddenly stopped him and said: look around this ER. We have PCP psychosis, we have AIDS, we have DT's and cirrhosis of the liver, we have an MI from coke, we have a benzo withdrawal seizure, and we have a man shot over 10 times including through both eyes, over crack dealing. Who is here because of MJ? His reply? "I never thought of that". It is also a very expensive war. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam "SFSOM" in TN Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I guess I am not for it. But all of your arguments here make sense. I don't know, cant make up my mind.:confused: And I think that's ok. It is worthwhile to consider, though. IMO. Worth seeing all the sides, you know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Well, you could tell them a stupid joke and time how long they laugh. I'm thinking a contraption could also be built that would detect the slight differences in a stoned vs. not stoned laugh. It's subtle. The instrument would have to be very sensitive. But it's possible. You could put Cheetos in front of them and see if they can resist. All sorts of fun tests! (said completely tongue-in-cheek :tongue_smilie:) :lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlashine Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I feel that Mj should be legalized for private use. Like any other "altering" substance, one has to be of a certain maturity level to use it responsibly. I have followed the paths of those I was associated with in my wild days, and the alcoholics descended much farther than the potheads. More lives are destroyed by the war on drugs than the drugs themselves, and it would be more stable and profitable in the end if mj was legalized. Then the system could focus on those drugs that cause the most violence and disruption. The tax money would also be fabulous. I cannot quote sources off the top of my head because it is a long time since I studied the history of government policy on mj beyond a history channel special, but there were many dubious factors in the criminalization of marijuana. People who act irresponsibly with their addictions need harsher punishment, I believe drunk driving should involve a year or more of jail time, for example. Jmho, jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I feel that Mj should be legalized for private use. Like any other "altering" substance, one has to be of a certain maturity level to use it responsibly. I have followed the paths of those I was associated with in my wild days, and the alcoholics descended much farther than the potheads. More lives are destroyed by the war on drugs than the drugs themselves, and it would be more stable and profitable in the end if mj was legalized. Then the system could focus on those drugs that cause the most violence and disruption. The tax money would also be fabulous. I cannot quote sources off the top of my head because it is a long time since I studied the history of government policy on mj beyond a history channel special, but there were many dubious factors in the criminalization of marijuana. People who act irresponsibly with their addictions need harsher punishment, I believe drunk driving should involve a year or more of jail time, for example. Jmho, jen Yes, the history on this is quite interesting. It was many years ago that I researched it. I'm sure it's much easier now with google. I was apalled with the reasons for criminalizing the use and sale of it. Absolutely ridiculous imho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepy Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I'm for the legalization of all drugs. If someone is sick and pot makes them feel better, I have no issue with them being able to use it. On the other hand I'm a no tolerance kinda of gal with things like drunk driving or endangering others because of drug use. Mixed bag... that is me. :iagree: 'nuff said. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Well, you could tell them a stupid joke and time how long they laugh. I'm thinking a contraption could also be built that would detect the slight differences in a stoned vs. not stoned laugh. It's subtle. The instrument would have to be very sensitive. But it's possible. You could put Cheetos in front of them and see if they can resist. All sorts of fun tests! (said completely tongue-in-cheek :tongue_smilie:) :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wagnfun Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Some days I think it might actually improve my mothering... :leaving: :lol: :lol: :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarheel Heather Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 I found out my state is having a vote on legalizing marijuana for medical use only. Use would be by prescription only for serious medical conditions and stricitly monitored. This is marijuana in a smokable form, rather than a pill, which is already available by prescription. According to supporters, the smokable form is much more effective than the pill for alleviating extreme nausea and pain and would be prescribed when more traditional medicines failed to ease suffering in some patients. Smokabale marijuana works where nothing else does, they argue. Opponents say that medical marijuana isn't necessary; current medicines are effective in managing pain and nausea in seriously ill patients. They argue that legalizing marijuana for medical use would lead to abuse of the system and illicit distribution, and is the first step in making it legal for recreational purposes. 1. How do you feel about prescription marijuana. Would you vote yes or no and why? 2. Do you feel it's an appropriate issue to be placed on the ballot for ordinary citizens to cast a vote on? Why or why not? Or do you think that since it's a medical prescription issue it's more appropriate for the FDA, pharmacologists and doctors to determine whether marijuana could or should be distributed to a select group of patients? Why or why not? Okay, hive, put this in your pipes and smoke it! Then tell me what you think. Bring it on, dudes!:001_smile: :lurk5: (here's some corn if you get the munchies:D) BTW, I'm not just trying to stir the pot (cool pun, why not use it?). I'm genuinely interested in this topic for a variety of reasons. The upcoming vote was a shock to me as is the intensity of opinion that's appearing in my small town newspaper. :bigear: When my mother was going through chemo, her oncologist said he had no objection at all to her doing so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E_Edgerton Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 I am kind of a libertarian on this one...legalize it. People are able to make their own decisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 I am kind of a libertarian on this one...legalize it. People are able to make their own decisions. I'm with you here except I get stuck still on how do you penalize a person who has caused harm to another while intoxicated? There just isn't any way to determine it yet... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammy Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Well they don't test for it now....do they? Why would they have to start if it was legal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fourmother Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Yes, the history on this is quite interesting. It was many years ago that I researched it. I'm sure it's much easier now with google. I was apalled with the reasons for criminalizing the use and sale of it. Absolutely ridiculous imho. :iagree: The criminalization of marijuana is ridiculous - so much so that it extends to hemp which is a very useful plant. Hemp fiber can be used on so many applications, but cannot be grown in the US because of our foolish drug policies. I believe marijuana should be treated no differently than Prozac, morphine, alcohol or tobacco. Addiction should be handled as a medical/psychological matter instead of a criminal one. It seems to me that criminalization is a very poor deterrent to drug use. On the other hand, it does a good job of supporting the prison industrial complex as well as the black market. It's stupid to spend so much money locking up non-violent drug offenders for possession of banned controlled substances, when alcohol and nicotine addicts get off free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Well they don't test for it now....do they? Why would they have to start if it was legal? No, because they can't. What I mean is, like a breathalizer. If you harm someone while driving a vehicle intoxicated by pot, you should be held responsible, just like you would if you did so while drunk. kwim? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammy Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 If someone has a accident....and they happen to find weed in their car....what happens? Are they automatically charged with DUI? As you can see...I have no clue how it works, LOL. I wonder if the standard DUI test (road side) would work if you were high on weed? Anyone know the answer to that, LOL! Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 No, because they can't. What I mean is, like a breathalizer. If you harm someone while driving a vehicle intoxicated by pot, you should be held responsible, just like you would if you did so while drunk. kwim?Why not a standard sobriety test? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Why not a standard sobriety test? If there is one, great! I just don't think there's one available that would measure the amount of pot in one's system at the time of the accident... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 If there is one, great! I just don't think there's one available that would measure the amount of pot in one's system at the time of the accident...No, the "Walk a straight line; stand on one foot; touch your nose" variety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 No, the "Walk a straight line; stand on one foot; touch your nose" variety. Okay, I see what you're saying...I'll have to ponder that one.... ETA: I told dh this and he said, "most people could pass it...they might be giggling the whole way through, but they could pass it." :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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