Marijuana Legalized in Two States

[hooblabla6262]

Let's take a minute to make a comparison between video games and drugs.
Now, those who play video games will argue that video games don't cause violence. That just because you play, doesn't make you a unproductive memeber of society. Or that not all video gamers are anti-social or in bad health. And yet, many people on the outside of this culture continue to reach the same conclusions. Video games are bad. Detrimental to society.

Now, other than the violence, drugs share a very similar scrutiny from the outside world. Associated with health risks, anti-social behavior, and a lack of productivity.

So let me ask you this. If video games were made illegal tomorrow, would you still play? If you knew the opposing side, the side in control, was completely off-base about the potential of video games, would you still conform to their rules?
Personally, if going to jail is the risk asociated with doing something I love, then I guess I know where I'm going.

there is a huge amount of difference between taking something that is legal and making it illegal than the other way around, especially in terms of how society reacts.

Your suggestion is just as plausible as politicians deciding to take away womens right to vote.

Yes, society reacts differently depending on what's happening. I think you missed my point, and I just plain don't get yours. Elaborate?

Drugs were not always illegal. Most of the prohibition laws enforced today were created not too long ago. And most of which were passed as a means of promoting some backwards agenda like war or racism.

And I can also say with much confidence that it is much more plausible that they would outlaw video games, and not a womans right to vote.

 

[hooblabla6262]

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1283927--marijuana-legalized-in-colorado-washington

So I read the article this morning, and now I can't stop smiling.
I have always took a strong stand against prohibition, and am surprised to see my brothers to the south making such progress.

As a Canadian, I long believed that The States stance on drugs would forever have its influence on many other countries. Hopefully, this is a sign of greater freedoms to come.

What do my fellow Escapians think of the matter?
Is this a sign of greener pastures?

Ah fuck. Now I will have to deal with even more dumbass potheads.

I hope to god more states do not do this shit.

*Hopes to not be quoted by Angry Potheads*

EDIT: Please read this before you quote my angry post above.

Spoiler

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1283927--marijuana-legalized-in-colorado-washington

So I read the article this morning, and now I can't stop smiling.
I have always took a strong stand against prohibition, and am surprised to see my brothers to the south making such progress.

As a Canadian, I long believed that The States stance on drugs would forever have its influence on many other countries. Hopefully, this is a sign of greater freedoms to come.

What do my fellow Escapians think of the matter?
Is this a sign of greener pastures?

Ah fuck. Now I will have to deal with even more dumbass potheads.

I hope to god more states do not do this shit.

*Hopes to not be quoted by Angry Potheads*

I gotta ask and i aint angry just curious, everyone's entitled to their opinion but how have "potheads" offended you so much?

It's cool if you don't want to explain why

Oh no, sorry. Was a bit pissed in Comp 101 class when I wrote that. This guy behind me kept kicking my chair repeatedly.

I don't care much for those who smoke (I just call them Potheads for short-hand speak), as all the ones I have spoken with are all doing that, "Man... I... I am so high right now. Man, what you said... what you said is just so deep, man." It is more annoying than anything else. Also, this isn't just one or two that have said this. I have met around 15 potheads and THEY ALL TALK LIKE THAT. IT IS SO ANNOYING.

Also, I don't care if you do drugs, just don't promote it. That is the MAJOR thing that annoys me. I feel like this will just promote the children who didn't smoke to try it as "well it isn't illegal anymore!". Then I will have to deal with even more Hippy speaking children T-T

Yea, fuck freedom. In fact while your at it, just make those gay pride parades and nazi events illegal too they're annoying. In fact, just let the government decide whats best for everything we do, having to think and do shit on my own is just annoying

Yes, because despising illegal substances is totally the same as promoting Facism and stopping Homosexual Events, right? Right? OH yes, of course! It all makes so much sense now!

OT: I have gotten quite a few quotes by the very people I specifically told to not quote me. And they are angry. Great.

No you're free to despise illegal substances, even though your views on them are thoroughly misinformed. Fascist is the wrong word. You are being authoritarian when you say that I am not free to do what I want with my own body. I hate nazis, but I observe their right to free speech. Fat people clogging up the aisles at walmart piss me off, but Im not going to advocate a ban on mcdonalds. Abortion makes me sick but I observe the right of the woman to have one.

You may not like the idea of people smoking pot, but you should be even more against the idea of some government bureaucrat dictating what you can and cant do with your own fucking body. This isnt rocket science

As long as the Government's Views are the same as mine, I don't really care.

Yes, I said it. I. Don't. Fucking. Care.

I think some 1930's German folks may agree with that.

The only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

Please, tell me: How does disliking the use of ILLEGAL drugs that I personally feel shouldn't be used (same with cigarrettes), the same as the genocide of an entire Religious People? It isn't. I don't like the drug, I don't want to promote the drug, I want the drug removed. Simple as that.

Perhaps that is what you meant, but that is not what you said.
I've highlighted what you actually said for convenience.

My point, although with a fair share of hyperbole, was that this kind of attitude is rather dangerous.

Either way though, keeping marijuana illegal will not have it removed, as 50+ years of WAR ON DRUGS[sup]TM[/sup] has clearly shown.

by that line of logic, we should make all drugs legal.

We should. Drugs are a medical issue, not one for the justice system. Selling drugs without government permission should still be illegal though.

 

[Ryotknife]

Let's take a minute to make a comparison between video games and drugs.
Now, those who play video games will argue that video games don't cause violence. That just because you play, doesn't make you a unproductive memeber of society. Or that not all video gamers are anti-social or in bad health. And yet, many people on the outside of this culture continue to reach the same conclusions. Video games are bad. Detrimental to society.

Now, other than the violence, drugs share a very similar scrutiny from the outside world. Associated with health risks, anti-social behavior, and a lack of productivity.

So let me ask you this. If video games were made illegal tomorrow, would you still play? If you knew the opposing side, the side in control, was completely off-base about the potential of video games, would you still conform to their rules?
Personally, if going to jail is the risk asociated with doing something I love, then I guess I know where I'm going.

there is a huge amount of difference between taking something that is legal and making it illegal than the other way around, especially in terms of how society reacts.

Your suggestion is just as plausible as politicians deciding to take away womens right to vote.

Yes, society reacts differently depending on what's happening. I think you missed my point, and I just plain don't get yours. Elaborate?

Drugs were not always illegal. Most of the prohibition laws enforced today were created not too long ago. And most of which were passed as a means of promoting some backwards agenda like war or racism.

And I can also say with much confidence that it is much more plausible that they would outlaw video games and not a womans right to vote.

it is slightly more plausible due to half of the voters being women. But thanks to how popular video games are in society now, banning video games would be just as hard as banning music or movies or TV.

also, no one told me it was Tin Foil Hat time where we share silly conspiracy theories.

 

[raklin]

As a guy who's never done drugs in his life, it's about goddamn time. I mean, hell, achohol is far worse than Pot... Not to mention the taxable revenue it can provide - maybe half as much as ciggies, I'd guess.

 

[Ryotknife]

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1283927--marijuana-legalized-in-colorado-washington

So I read the article this morning, and now I can't stop smiling.
I have always took a strong stand against prohibition, and am surprised to see my brothers to the south making such progress.

As a Canadian, I long believed that The States stance on drugs would forever have its influence on many other countries. Hopefully, this is a sign of greater freedoms to come.

What do my fellow Escapians think of the matter?
Is this a sign of greener pastures?

Ah fuck. Now I will have to deal with even more dumbass potheads.

I hope to god more states do not do this shit.

*Hopes to not be quoted by Angry Potheads*

EDIT: Please read this before you quote my angry post above.

Spoiler

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1283927--marijuana-legalized-in-colorado-washington

So I read the article this morning, and now I can't stop smiling.
I have always took a strong stand against prohibition, and am surprised to see my brothers to the south making such progress.

As a Canadian, I long believed that The States stance on drugs would forever have its influence on many other countries. Hopefully, this is a sign of greater freedoms to come.

What do my fellow Escapians think of the matter?
Is this a sign of greener pastures?

Ah fuck. Now I will have to deal with even more dumbass potheads.

I hope to god more states do not do this shit.

*Hopes to not be quoted by Angry Potheads*

I gotta ask and i aint angry just curious, everyone's entitled to their opinion but how have "potheads" offended you so much?

It's cool if you don't want to explain why

Oh no, sorry. Was a bit pissed in Comp 101 class when I wrote that. This guy behind me kept kicking my chair repeatedly.

I don't care much for those who smoke (I just call them Potheads for short-hand speak), as all the ones I have spoken with are all doing that, "Man... I... I am so high right now. Man, what you said... what you said is just so deep, man." It is more annoying than anything else. Also, this isn't just one or two that have said this. I have met around 15 potheads and THEY ALL TALK LIKE THAT. IT IS SO ANNOYING.

Also, I don't care if you do drugs, just don't promote it. That is the MAJOR thing that annoys me. I feel like this will just promote the children who didn't smoke to try it as "well it isn't illegal anymore!". Then I will have to deal with even more Hippy speaking children T-T

Yea, fuck freedom. In fact while your at it, just make those gay pride parades and nazi events illegal too they're annoying. In fact, just let the government decide whats best for everything we do, having to think and do shit on my own is just annoying

Yes, because despising illegal substances is totally the same as promoting Facism and stopping Homosexual Events, right? Right? OH yes, of course! It all makes so much sense now!

OT: I have gotten quite a few quotes by the very people I specifically told to not quote me. And they are angry. Great.

No you're free to despise illegal substances, even though your views on them are thoroughly misinformed. Fascist is the wrong word. You are being authoritarian when you say that I am not free to do what I want with my own body. I hate nazis, but I observe their right to free speech. Fat people clogging up the aisles at walmart piss me off, but Im not going to advocate a ban on mcdonalds. Abortion makes me sick but I observe the right of the woman to have one.

You may not like the idea of people smoking pot, but you should be even more against the idea of some government bureaucrat dictating what you can and cant do with your own fucking body. This isnt rocket science

As long as the Government's Views are the same as mine, I don't really care.

Yes, I said it. I. Don't. Fucking. Care.

I think some 1930's German folks may agree with that.

The only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

Please, tell me: How does disliking the use of ILLEGAL drugs that I personally feel shouldn't be used (same with cigarrettes), the same as the genocide of an entire Religious People? It isn't. I don't like the drug, I don't want to promote the drug, I want the drug removed. Simple as that.

Perhaps that is what you meant, but that is not what you said.
I've highlighted what you actually said for convenience.

My point, although with a fair share of hyperbole, was that this kind of attitude is rather dangerous.

Either way though, keeping marijuana illegal will not have it removed, as 50+ years of WAR ON DRUGS[sup]TM[/sup] has clearly shown.

by that line of logic, we should make all drugs legal.

We should. Drugs are a medical issue, not one for the justice system. Selling drugs without government permission should still be illegal though.

Well, you are in a very small minority. There are not many people (% wise) who want all drugs legal. Still, I will give you credit for being consistent even though i disgree. You probably wont see legalization of hard drugs within your lifetime, but marijuana could happen in the next 10-20 years.

50+ years from now? who the F knows.

 

[chadachada123]

Great, I'm sure now everybody in my vicinity will not stop to shut the fuck up about how it should be legalized like, everywhere because it's the most perfect plant ever and the big cool US are doing it too because we all know the US has always been the perfect example for all our issues in the EU.

Sod drugs and this rebel culture.

I know I'm late to the party, but is not a huge part of the "derp rebel culture" only around BECAUSE weed is illegal?

In the US, for example, alcohol binging is extremely high in teens but drops off immensely as soon as they reach the legal buying age of 21. It's not as "cool" once you are legally OK to do it, and I think the same would absolutely apply to weed if the government would just stop freaking out about it.

 

[hooblabla6262]

Let's take a minute to make a comparison between video games and drugs.
Now, those who play video games will argue that video games don't cause violence. That just because you play, doesn't make you a unproductive memeber of society. Or that not all video gamers are anti-social or in bad health. And yet, many people on the outside of this culture continue to reach the same conclusions. Video games are bad. Detrimental to society.

Now, other than the violence, drugs share a very similar scrutiny from the outside world. Associated with health risks, anti-social behavior, and a lack of productivity.

So let me ask you this. If video games were made illegal tomorrow, would you still play? If you knew the opposing side, the side in control, was completely off-base about the potential of video games, would you still conform to their rules?
Personally, if going to jail is the risk asociated with doing something I love, then I guess I know where I'm going.

there is a huge amount of difference between taking something that is legal and making it illegal than the other way around, especially in terms of how society reacts.

Your suggestion is just as plausible as politicians deciding to take away womens right to vote.

Yes, society reacts differently depending on what's happening. I think you missed my point, and I just plain don't get yours. Elaborate?

Drugs were not always illegal. Most of the prohibition laws enforced today were created not too long ago. And most of which were passed as a means of promoting some backwards agenda like war or racism.

And I can also say with much confidence that it is much more plausible that they would outlaw video games and not a womans right to vote.

it is slightly more plausible due to half of the voters being women. But thanks to how popular video games are in society now, banning video games would be just as hard as banning music or movies or TV.

also, no one told me it was Tin Foil Hat time where we share silly conspiracy theories.

Ah, the old "you're crazy so I don't have to listen to you argument". In all seriousness, if you do even the slightest research in to the history of prohibiton, you'll find that many of the laws had a strong footing in racism and the vietnam war. Oh, and Nixon. Can't forget that guy. I consider him the face of all those who stand for prohibiton.

Edit: Also, the whole video game scenario was a hypothetical situation to help people better understand where I'm coming from. If you don't see the similarities in such a hypothetical world, then you just aren't looking.

 

[Something Amyss]

Well, you are in a very small minority.

Honestly? I don't think he is anymore. That was probably true a few years back, but the "very small" minority seems to be growing. It's not a huge minority or anything, but I think we can drop the "very small" part.

 

[hooblabla6262]

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1283927--marijuana-legalized-in-colorado-washington

So I read the article this morning, and now I can't stop smiling.
I have always took a strong stand against prohibition, and am surprised to see my brothers to the south making such progress.

As a Canadian, I long believed that The States stance on drugs would forever have its influence on many other countries. Hopefully, this is a sign of greater freedoms to come.

What do my fellow Escapians think of the matter?
Is this a sign of greener pastures?

Ah fuck. Now I will have to deal with even more dumbass potheads.

I hope to god more states do not do this shit.

*Hopes to not be quoted by Angry Potheads*

EDIT: Please read this before you quote my angry post above.

Spoiler

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1283927--marijuana-legalized-in-colorado-washington

So I read the article this morning, and now I can't stop smiling.
I have always took a strong stand against prohibition, and am surprised to see my brothers to the south making such progress.

As a Canadian, I long believed that The States stance on drugs would forever have its influence on many other countries. Hopefully, this is a sign of greater freedoms to come.

What do my fellow Escapians think of the matter?
Is this a sign of greener pastures?

Ah fuck. Now I will have to deal with even more dumbass potheads.

I hope to god more states do not do this shit.

*Hopes to not be quoted by Angry Potheads*

I gotta ask and i aint angry just curious, everyone's entitled to their opinion but how have "potheads" offended you so much?

It's cool if you don't want to explain why

Oh no, sorry. Was a bit pissed in Comp 101 class when I wrote that. This guy behind me kept kicking my chair repeatedly.

I don't care much for those who smoke (I just call them Potheads for short-hand speak), as all the ones I have spoken with are all doing that, "Man... I... I am so high right now. Man, what you said... what you said is just so deep, man." It is more annoying than anything else. Also, this isn't just one or two that have said this. I have met around 15 potheads and THEY ALL TALK LIKE THAT. IT IS SO ANNOYING.

Also, I don't care if you do drugs, just don't promote it. That is the MAJOR thing that annoys me. I feel like this will just promote the children who didn't smoke to try it as "well it isn't illegal anymore!". Then I will have to deal with even more Hippy speaking children T-T

Yea, fuck freedom. In fact while your at it, just make those gay pride parades and nazi events illegal too they're annoying. In fact, just let the government decide whats best for everything we do, having to think and do shit on my own is just annoying

Yes, because despising illegal substances is totally the same as promoting Facism and stopping Homosexual Events, right? Right? OH yes, of course! It all makes so much sense now!

OT: I have gotten quite a few quotes by the very people I specifically told to not quote me. And they are angry. Great.

No you're free to despise illegal substances, even though your views on them are thoroughly misinformed. Fascist is the wrong word. You are being authoritarian when you say that I am not free to do what I want with my own body. I hate nazis, but I observe their right to free speech. Fat people clogging up the aisles at walmart piss me off, but Im not going to advocate a ban on mcdonalds. Abortion makes me sick but I observe the right of the woman to have one.

You may not like the idea of people smoking pot, but you should be even more against the idea of some government bureaucrat dictating what you can and cant do with your own fucking body. This isnt rocket science

As long as the Government's Views are the same as mine, I don't really care.

Yes, I said it. I. Don't. Fucking. Care.

I think some 1930's German folks may agree with that.

The only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

Please, tell me: How does disliking the use of ILLEGAL drugs that I personally feel shouldn't be used (same with cigarrettes), the same as the genocide of an entire Religious People? It isn't. I don't like the drug, I don't want to promote the drug, I want the drug removed. Simple as that.

Perhaps that is what you meant, but that is not what you said.
I've highlighted what you actually said for convenience.

My point, although with a fair share of hyperbole, was that this kind of attitude is rather dangerous.

Either way though, keeping marijuana illegal will not have it removed, as 50+ years of WAR ON DRUGS[sup]TM[/sup] has clearly shown.

by that line of logic, we should make all drugs legal.

We should. Drugs are a medical issue, not one for the justice system. Selling drugs without government permission should still be illegal though.

Well, you are in a very small minority. There are not many people (% wise) who want all drugs legal. Still, I will give you credit for being consistent even though i disgree. You probably wont see legalization of hard drugs within your lifetime, but marijuana could happen in the next 10-20 years.

50+ years from now? who the F knows.

I once watched a documentary about a group called LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition). They discussed a lot about the idea that people would go to doctors for things like heroine addiction, so that doctors could use their best judgement to prevent further harm. It would be nice if people didn't do heroin, but if they are, I'd like them to have clean needles and be getting a proper dosage, and not be locked up.

 

[Dense_Electric]

Well, you are in a very small minority. There are not many people (% wise) who want all drugs legal. Still, I will give you credit for being consistent even though i disgree. You probably wont see legalization of hard drugs within your lifetime, but marijuana could happen in the next 10-20 years.

I know many people who believe all drugs should be legalized, myself included.

Frankly, unless a drug can be scientifically proven to consistently drive a user toward outwardly violent tendencies (thus threatening other people), the government has no business regulating what a person chooses to inject into their own body. Period.

 

[Ryotknife]

Well, you are in a very small minority.

Honestly? I don't think he is anymore. That was probably true a few years back, but the "very small" minority seems to be growing. It's not a huge minority or anything, but I think we can drop the "very small" part.

that want ALL drugs legal? There are more posters (who tend to be VERY LIBERAL on this site, speaking as an independent) who are for marijuans but are against other drugs than there are posters who are for marijuana and other drugs. And right now it is almost a 50/50 split (probably more in the 40-45 area) who want to legalize marijuana. So even if 50% of the people who are for marijuana are also for legalizing all drugs, that still puts them at 20-25% of the population, and that is highballing the hell out of the numbers. More likely they are less than 10%.

While i am against legalization of marijuana, it at least has SOME positives going for it and I wouldnt mind too much if it was legal. Anyone advocating legalizing cocaine or other hard drugs are traitors to mankind in my book as they are willingly trying to destroy mankind.

Although if marijuana does become legal, I want to see it done at the federal level, not the state level. And I want it put to popular vote.

 

[Dense_Electric]

Well, you are in a very small minority.

Honestly? I don't think he is anymore. That was probably true a few years back, but the "very small" minority seems to be growing. It's not a huge minority or anything, but I think we can drop the "very small" part.

that want ALL drugs legal? There are more posters who are for marijuans but are against other drugs than there are posters who are for marijuana and other drugs. And right now it is almost a 50/50 split (probably more in the 40-45 area) who want to legalize marijuana. So even if 50% of the people who are for marijuana are also for legalizing all drugs, that still puts them at 20-25% of the population, and that is highballing the hell out of the numbers. More likely they are less than 10%.

While i am against legalization of marijuana, it at least has SOME positives going for it and I wouldnt mind too much if it was legal. Anyone advocating legalizing cocaine or other hard drugs are traitors to mankind in my book as they are willingly trying to destroy mankind.

10% of 300 million people (I assume we're talking just in the United States) is 30 million people. That's not a "very small minority" by any stretch of the imagination. And that's assuming that figure is 10% or lower, and not higher.

And your "willingly trying to destroy mankind" comment is one of the most laughably absurd I've heard all week. Most people advocating legalizing harder drugs are doing so because we don't believe in Big Brother telling us what we can and can't do with out own bodies when those actions don't directly harm or threaten other people - regardless of whether or not we actually do those drugs (the vast majority of us do not). Explain to me, for example, how heroin does direct harm to anyone but the person doing it.

I'll let you in on a little fact: whether or not a substance is legal historically has had little to no impact on how many people did said substance. If anything, more people drank alcohol during prohibition, but it more or less didn't change.

 

[Ryotknife]

Well, you are in a very small minority.

Honestly? I don't think he is anymore. That was probably true a few years back, but the "very small" minority seems to be growing. It's not a huge minority or anything, but I think we can drop the "very small" part.

that want ALL drugs legal? There are more posters who are for marijuans but are against other drugs than there are posters who are for marijuana and other drugs. And right now it is almost a 50/50 split (probably more in the 40-45 area) who want to legalize marijuana. So even if 50% of the people who are for marijuana are also for legalizing all drugs, that still puts them at 20-25% of the population, and that is highballing the hell out of the numbers. More likely they are less than 10%.

While i am against legalization of marijuana, it at least has SOME positives going for it and I wouldnt mind too much if it was legal. Anyone advocating legalizing cocaine or other hard drugs are traitors to mankind in my book as they are willingly trying to destroy mankind.

10% of 300 million people (I assume we're talking just in the United States) is 30 million people. That's not a "very small minority" by any stretch of the imagination. And that's assuming that figure is 10% or lower, and not higher.

And your "willingly trying to destroy mankind" comment is one of the most laughably absurd I've heard all week. Most people advocating legalizing harder drugs are doing so because we don't believe in Big Brother telling us what we can and can't do with out own bodies when those actions don't directly harm or threaten other people - regardless of whether or not we actually do those drugs (the vast majority of us do not). Explain to me, for example, how heroin does direct harm to anyone but the person doing it.

10% is a pretty damn small minority, and like i said it is probably less than that.

As for the direct harm, i dont know. Why dont you ask the people who have been killed because of heroin addicts? Not by accident either, murdered for pocket change so they can afford their next fix?

Why dont you ask the woman who was attacked by two drugies during the christmas holiday when her husband just passed away?

The FACT of the matter is that people who use hard drugs are DANGEROUS to everyone around them, especially considering how easy it is to get addicted AND how hard drug addicts act. I cant believe im defending people who use pot, but at least pot doesnt make someone dangerous unless they are operating machinery. Compromises their judgement? sure. But a pothead wont charge a group of cops with nothing but a knife. Even someone drunk would either trip and faceplant on the ground or fall asleep halfway through the charge. Your statement that hard drugs like heroin, speed, etc are not dangerous is perhaps the stupidest thing ive heard in my entire life.

Marijuana it is at least debatable. Hard drugs it is not.

 

[godofallu]

Honestly I don't like potheads and I don't want the amount of potheads to increase. So I am against legalization.

I don't get where people yank the idea that legalization increases use from.
Usage is at a point you would likely consider "pandemic" and it's been illegal longer than I've been alive. The smallest percentage of people that haven't tried it are either extremely hardheaded *cough cough* or way too afraid of being prosecuted for it (like if it was cocaine or something, ha!). Everyone else has had experience with it already, and made up their minds.

Seriously, if making something illegal actually WORKED the way you think it does, then alcohol prohibition wouldn't have been one of our more famous "oops" stories.

*Texas will never make it legal, though... because Texas will always be Texas*
(so move to Texas)

To be fair I have never seen anyone smoke pot and i'm an adult who has graduated college.

It isn't just about them smoking pot, but whether they do it or are high around me.

 

[fenrizz]

by that line of logic, we should make all drugs legal.

Indeed.
Seems to be working for Portugal.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1893946,00.html

The paper, published by Cato in April, found that in the five years after personal possession was decriminalized, illegal drug use among teens in Portugal declined and rates of new HIV infections caused by sharing of dirty needles dropped, while the number of people seeking treatment for drug addiction more than doubled.

The Cato paper reports that between 2001 and 2006 in Portugal, rates of lifetime use of any illegal drug among seventh through ninth graders fell from 14.1% to 10.6%; drug use in older teens also declined. Lifetime heroin use among 16-to-18-year-olds fell from 2.5% to 1.8% (although there was a slight increase in marijuana use in that age group). New HIV infections in drug users fell by 17% between 1999 and 2003, and deaths related to heroin and similar drugs were cut by more than half. In addition, the number of people on methadone and buprenorphine treatment for drug addiction rose to 14,877 from 6,040, after decriminalization, and money saved on enforcement allowed for increased funding of drug-free treatment as well.

 

[Quaxar]

Great, I'm sure now everybody in my vicinity will not stop to shut the fuck up about how it should be legalized like, everywhere because it's the most perfect plant ever and the big cool US are doing it too because we all know the US has always been the perfect example for all our issues in the EU.

Sod drugs and this rebel culture.

I know I'm late to the party, but is not a huge part of the "derp rebel culture" only around BECAUSE weed is illegal?

In the US, for example, alcohol binging is extremely high in teens but drops off immensely as soon as they reach the legal buying age of 21. It's not as "cool" once you are legally OK to do it, and I think the same would absolutely apply to weed if the government would just stop freaking out about it.

Exactly. I briefly talked about that in a reply somewhere in this thread but I really dislike exactly that "it's illegal so we HAVE to do it" attitude a lot of people seem to have. I don't have much issues with the US legalizing it, I just fear that people here will use the opportunity to annoy me with their rant for legalization again.

Maybe I should move to Singapore... I hear they disencourage drugs quite effectively.

 

[Cuddlebear]

Moral progress really. Laws based on what people believe should be illegal because they dislike are immoral. I don`t like Justin Bieber, but i have no right to deny other to listen to him. That`s not my buisiness. I also believe a plant with the medical effect that cannabis have should not be illegal at all. Used wisely alot of people could get alot better life without drugs with fun side-effects. But everything can be abuses so that is no real reason to ban something. It makes my life easier despite having two chronic illnesses that bothers me every day.

 

[Something Amyss]

that want ALL drugs legal? There are more posters (who tend to be VERY LIBERAL on this site, speaking as an independent) who are for marijuans but are against other drugs than there are posters who are for marijuana and other drugs. And right now it is almost a 50/50 split (probably more in the 40-45 area) who want to legalize marijuana. So even if 50% of the people who are for marijuana are also for legalizing all drugs, that still puts them at 20-25% of the population, and that is highballing the hell out of the numbers. More likely they are less than 10%.

While i am against legalization of marijuana, it at least has SOME positives going for it and I wouldnt mind too much if it was legal. Anyone advocating legalizing cocaine or other hard drugs are traitors to mankind in my book as they are willingly trying to destroy mankind.

Although if marijuana does become legal, I want to see it done at the federal level, not the state level. And I want it put to popular vote.

The numbers seem to be going up beyond just Marijuana. Honestly, I think you're underselling things. Marijuana is at least plurality status as you say, but I don't think the drop off is as sharp as you assume.