The Legalization of Marijuana

[Asia2000]

I am curious of people's opinions regarding the legalization of marijuana for RECREATIONAL use - not specifically medical use. Just wondering about the arguements people have for or against it. Comments?

Not the most mature and well though of opinion, but here goes:

For recreational use? I've seen people doing it for "recreational use" and they look ridiculous. Their condition afterwards is awful. Why pass laws legalizing it when there's other non-narcotic things to do to make you look dumb?

*If I have offended any marijuana consumers, I apologize. My opinion was requested, therefore I have delivered.*

[MIDWESTDIVA]

I don't like smoke. If I had my way people wouldn't be able to smoke ANYTHING.

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"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." ~Harry S. Truman~

[Asia2000]

Originally posted by OohTeenyWahine:
I've seen people doing it for "recreational use" and they look ridiculous. Their condition afterwards is awful. Why pass laws legalizing it when there's other non-narcotic things to do to make you look dumb?

No need to apologize for the opinion. Exactly what I wanted. Just to play devil's advocate: What about alcohol? Just as with marijuana, when alcohol is not used in moderation, the user looks pretty awful too (I never thought vomiting in the parking lot looked like a fun way to spend a Sat night!) -- but that's legal?

Been in a few discussions about this lately and I honestly wonder how people feel about this and why they feel that way.

[ZTAngel]

Many people's defense in the support for the legalization of marijuana is that it is not physically addicting. Although it may not be physically addicting, I still believe 100% that it is mentally addicting. I have seen so many of my friends get completely hooked on it. It's so sad that these people who had so much potential have done absolutely nothing with their lives except sit around and smoke weed. Another defense is that tobacco and alcohol is worse than marijuana and they're legal. My opinion is that we already have enough of a problem with tobacco and alcohol. Legalization of marijuana would only add to it.

[33girl]

I'll just say this: when we have to release violent criminals before their sentences are up to imprison people for marijuana possession, the drug war has lost its purpose.

If marijuana was legalized, it would most likely be in a MUCH less potent form than is available now. Similar to alcohol vs. moonshine.

There was a very good series on either A & E or the History Channel called "Hooked" that talked about used-to-be legal drugs (marijuana, LSD, cocaine, heroin) and how they became illegal. Suffice it to say there was a lot more involved than the well-being of the American people - a lot of politics played into it.

[James]

I am not much into legislating away your right to do any recreational drug.

Your body your choice (my view on abortion also).

However, if I had to argue for the legalization of pot in today's climate I would just compare the effects of pot addiction ot alcoholism.

Alcohol abuse is much more detrimental to the body than pot use. This is mainly because it breaks down into acetylaldehyde, a substance 20 times more toxic than alcohol itself and akin to fromaldehyde.

And pot tends to have more value in society as far as calming people down and aiding sleep vs. the destructive/addictive power of sleeping pills, anti-anxiety drugs, and alcohol.

[Asia2000]

Originally posted by ZTAngel:
I have seen so many of my friends get completely hooked on it. It's so sad that these people who had so much potential have done absolutely nothing with their lives except sit around and smoke weed.

I've seen people on both sides of this argument. Believe me, I know plenty of loosers straight out of Half-Baked! They wake up and must smoke to function -- and that's all they get accomplished that day!

But I also know a few friends who smoke like chimneys. One chick goes to school full-time, honor student, works a full time job at night -- she's doing well. The other graduated with honors and was just promoted to a high management position at her new job.

Is it the weed killing their drive, or is it that the weed is an easy excuse? Sorry if that question is way out there.