CDZ Canada to legalise recreational pot:pros and cons

[kellyd]

Justin Trudeau launching plan to legalise marijuana in Canada

legislation is being presented in Canada to legalise the recreational use of marijuana. It's a controversial topic, as there are many moving parts to this issue.

On one hand, the war on drugs has been an abysmal failure, and an expensive one, at that. Enforcement of this so called war has fallen mostly on minority shoulders, even though non minorities are statistically more likely to be cannabis users.

On the other hand, is it correct to just surrender to the issue of drug abuse, merely because it seems to be unenforceable with the tools we currently have at hand?

This is a major step to take, and the consequences may be far-ranging. Any ideas from states that have already started this process, and can offer some advice?

 

[yiostheoy]

Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state that legalized pot.

The state is making a lot of money on excise taxes on the pot.

The other Rocky Mountain states are not likely to follow in their footsteps however, at least not anytime soon.

The religious environment here (Mormon, Catholic, etc.) does not favor it.

 

[kellyd]

Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state that legalized pot.

The state is making a lot of money on excise taxes on the pot.

The other Rocky Mountain states are not likely to follow in their footsteps however, at least not anytime soon.

The religious environment here (Mormon, Catholic, etc.) does not favor it.

Has there been any impact on crime rates, etc since the legislation?

 

[TNHarley]

On the other hand, is it correct to just surrender to the issue of drug abuse
Seems like that could also apply to alcohol and prescription meds
Basically, in my mind, it comes to down big govt advocates that think they know whats best for you. Its a flower that grows in a ditch FFS
And also big pharma

 

[Picaro]

Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state that legalized pot.

The state is making a lot of money on excise taxes on the pot.

The other Rocky Mountain states are not likely to follow in their footsteps however, at least not anytime soon.

The religious environment here (Mormon, Catholic, etc.) does not favor it.

Has there been any impact on crime rates, etc since the legislation?

There have been several big explosions that killed morons trying to make hash, thanks to the big increase in availability of pot. you see, morons will screw up anything, literally anything, so legalizing drug use for idiots is never going to be the Big Giant Positive the Beavises and Buttheads want everybody to believe. You can bet there are even more Stoners Do Science! travesties on the way.

 

[Aries]

Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state that legalized pot.

The state is making a lot of money on excise taxes on the pot.

The other Rocky Mountain states are not likely to follow in their footsteps however, at least not anytime soon.

The religious environment here (Mormon, Catholic, etc.) does not favor it.

Has there been any impact on crime rates, etc since the legislation?

"Prohibitionists sometimes imply that legalization has boosted crime in Colorado, but there is little evidence of that. Colorado's property crime rate fell by 5 percent between 2012 and 2015, while its violent crime rate rose by 1 percent. Since 2009, when the medical marijuana industry in Colorado started to take off, both rates have fallen—by 3 percent and 6 percent, respectively."


Early Lessons From Marijuana Legalization in Colorado

 

[Picaro]

On one hand, the war on drugs has been an abysmal failure, and an expensive one, at that. Enforcement of this so called war has fallen mostly on minority shoulders, even though non minorities are statistically more likely to be cannabis users.

It's just a fact hood rats are more violent and kill people over money, or tennis shoes, or just for fun, so you'll just have to accept reality as it is.

On the other hand, is it correct to just surrender to the issue of drug abuse, merely because it seems to be unenforceable with the tools we currently have at hand?

The 'libertoons' are always telling us stuff like 'legalizing it will reduce crime n stuff', but it's doubtful, and for some reason they think it's not the same as just legalizing rape, robbery, murder, and the like, even though legalizing all that would certainly reduce crime if it were legalized, too.

 

[Aries]

On one hand, the war on drugs has been an abysmal failure, and an expensive one, at that. Enforcement of this so called war has fallen mostly on minority shoulders, even though non minorities are statistically more likely to be cannabis users.

It's just a fact hood rats are more violent and kill people over money, or tennis shoes, or just for fun, so you'll just have to accept reality as it is.

On the other hand, is it correct to just surrender to the issue of drug abuse, merely because it seems to be unenforceable with the tools we currently have at hand?

The 'libertoons' are always telling us stuff like 'legalizing it will reduce crime n stuff', but it's doubtful, and for some reason they think it's not the same as just legalizing rape, robbery, murder, and the like, even though legalizing all that would certainly reduce crime if it were legalized, too.

did you just compare the inhalation of a plant to ....rape???????????????

 

[TNHarley]

On one hand, the war on drugs has been an abysmal failure, and an expensive one, at that. Enforcement of this so called war has fallen mostly on minority shoulders, even though non minorities are statistically more likely to be cannabis users.

It's just a fact hood rats are more violent and kill people over money, or tennis shoes, or just for fun, so you'll just have to accept reality as it is.

On the other hand, is it correct to just surrender to the issue of drug abuse, merely because it seems to be unenforceable with the tools we currently have at hand?

The 'libertoons' are always telling us stuff like 'legalizing it will reduce crime n stuff', but it's doubtful, and for some reason they think it's not the same as just legalizing rape, robbery, murder, and the like, even though legalizing all that would certainly reduce crime if it were legalized, too.

If the black market diminished, why wouldn't crime go down?
Are criminals out there killing people over black market liquor?
If weed was legal and not taxed to high heaven, what incentive would the cartels have to ship stuff over here?

 

[Aries]

On one hand, the war on drugs has been an abysmal failure, and an expensive one, at that. Enforcement of this so called war has fallen mostly on minority shoulders, even though non minorities are statistically more likely to be cannabis users.

It's just a fact hood rats are more violent and kill people over money, or tennis shoes, or just for fun, so you'll just have to accept reality as it is.

On the other hand, is it correct to just surrender to the issue of drug abuse, merely because it seems to be unenforceable with the tools we currently have at hand?

The 'libertoons' are always telling us stuff like 'legalizing it will reduce crime n stuff', but it's doubtful, and for some reason they think it's not the same as just legalizing rape, robbery, murder, and the like, even though legalizing all that would certainly reduce crime if it were legalized, too.

If the black market diminished, why wouldn't crime go down?
Are criminals out there killing people over black market liquor?
If weed was legal and not taxed to high heaven, what incentive would the cartels have to ship stuff over here?

it also stops the criminalization of thousands of citizens who are otherwise harmless and law abiding. (disproportionately minorities of course)

 

[yiostheoy]

Your points TNHarley are valid.

I also harken back to States' Rights and the notion of local government as more responsive than distant larger government.

The issue of drug use and drug addiction goes back to the late 1800's and early 1900's historically in the USA. There was widespread alcoholism and dope addiction back then of the order of 90%. Frontline or American Experience did a documentary program on this.

The Feds stepped in to try and curb it with their "schedule of controlled substances". Pot got onto that list somehow.

Pot is mild enough that it probably should not be prohibited. Like alcohol it is mostly recreational and party medicinal.

Alcohol prohibition obviously did not work.

Pot prohibition is probably getting old too.

If we allow cocaine as well then it will only open the floodgates of addiction that prevailed back in the late 1800's and early 1900's and then we will be back to square #1 in that cycle.

 

[TNHarley]

On one hand, the war on drugs has been an abysmal failure, and an expensive one, at that. Enforcement of this so called war has fallen mostly on minority shoulders, even though non minorities are statistically more likely to be cannabis users.

It's just a fact hood rats are more violent and kill people over money, or tennis shoes, or just for fun, so you'll just have to accept reality as it is.

On the other hand, is it correct to just surrender to the issue of drug abuse, merely because it seems to be unenforceable with the tools we currently have at hand?

The 'libertoons' are always telling us stuff like 'legalizing it will reduce crime n stuff', but it's doubtful, and for some reason they think it's not the same as just legalizing rape, robbery, murder, and the like, even though legalizing all that would certainly reduce crime if it were legalized, too.

If the black market diminished, why wouldn't crime go down?
Are criminals out there killing people over black market liquor?
If weed was legal and not taxed to high heaven, what incentive would the cartels have to ship stuff over here?

it also stops the criminalization of thousands of citizens who are otherwise harmless and law abiding. (disproportionately minorities of course)

It always pisses me off how a guy with an ounce of weed gets more prison time than the bankers that purposefully crashed our economy and screwed over thousands and thousands of people..

 

[yiostheoy]

Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state that legalized pot.

The state is making a lot of money on excise taxes on the pot.

The other Rocky Mountain states are not likely to follow in their footsteps however, at least not anytime soon.

The religious environment here (Mormon, Catholic, etc.) does not favor it.

Has there been any impact on crime rates, etc since the legislation?

Early Lessons From Marijuana Legalization in Colorado

 

[Toronado3800]

Justin Trudeau launching plan to legalise marijuana in Canada

legislation is being presented in Canada to legalise the recreational use of marijuana. It's a controversial topic, as there are many moving parts to this issue.

On one hand, the war on drugs has been an abysmal failure, and an expensive one, at that. Enforcement of this so called war has fallen mostly on minority shoulders, even though non minorities are statistically more likely to be cannabis users.

On the other hand, is it correct to just surrender to the issue of drug abuse, merely because it seems to be unenforceable with the tools we currently have at hand?

This is a major step to take, and the consequences may be far-ranging. Any ideas from states that have already started this process, and can offer some advice?

I will just argue. I'm going to say the war on drugs has been a success.

There are plenty of people in jail for using drugs which the population deemed dangerous.

The town has its fair share of crack houses, meth labs and what not. Generally though people who can't function with their drug problem end up in prison.

With drugs illegal employees who hurt themselves fail urine tests and don't get to game the system quite as easily.

Are we drug free? I dunno. Drugs seem to be a condition people who aren't happy with their lives will always fall back into.

That sunset not good enough? The best mother nature or your wife has to offer, not enough? Get high, make it better.

Really I can live with legalized pot and alcohol as long as we can take the "right to use" away from people the second time they mess up stoned or drunk.

 

[TNHarley]

Your points TNHarley are valid.

I also harken back to States' Rights and the notion of local government as more responsive than distant larger government.

The issue of drug use and drug addiction goes back to the late 1800's and early 1900's historically in the USA. There was widespread alcoholism and dope addiction back then of the order of 90%. Frontline or American Experience did a documentary program on this.

The Feds stepped in to try and curb it with their "schedule of controlled substances". Pot got onto that list somehow.

Pot is mild enough that it probably should not be prohibited. Like alcohol it is mostly recreational and party medicinal.

Alcohol prohibition obviously did not work.

Pot prohibition is probably getting old too.

If we allow cocaine as well then it will only open the floodgates of addiction that prevailed back in the late 1800's and early 1900's and then we will be back to square #1 in that cycle.

Im with you on it all except the coke part. But that is just my personal experience. I am sure it is different for other people, though. Some people don't have enough will to control themselves.

 

[yiostheoy]

On one hand, the war on drugs has been an abysmal failure, and an expensive one, at that. Enforcement of this so called war has fallen mostly on minority shoulders, even though non minorities are statistically more likely to be cannabis users.

It's just a fact hood rats are more violent and kill people over money, or tennis shoes, or just for fun, so you'll just have to accept reality as it is.

On the other hand, is it correct to just surrender to the issue of drug abuse, merely because it seems to be unenforceable with the tools we currently have at hand?

The 'libertoons' are always telling us stuff like 'legalizing it will reduce crime n stuff', but it's doubtful, and for some reason they think it's not the same as just legalizing rape, robbery, murder, and the like, even though legalizing all that would certainly reduce crime if it were legalized, too.

If the black market diminished, why wouldn't crime go down?
Are criminals out there killing people over black market liquor?
If weed was legal and not taxed to high heaven, what incentive would the cartels have to ship stuff over here?

it also stops the criminalization of thousands of citizens who are otherwise harmless and law abiding. (disproportionately minorities of course)

It always pisses me off how a guy with an ounce of weed gets more prison time than the bankers that purposefully crashed our economy and screwed over thousands and thousands of people..

I knew of a white collar criminal who embezzled $4.5 million and lost it all at the casinos in Vegas.

When caught he was sentenced to 5 years and served 1 1/2 years of it.

 

[TNHarley]

On one hand, the war on drugs has been an abysmal failure, and an expensive one, at that. Enforcement of this so called war has fallen mostly on minority shoulders, even though non minorities are statistically more likely to be cannabis users.

It's just a fact hood rats are more violent and kill people over money, or tennis shoes, or just for fun, so you'll just have to accept reality as it is.

On the other hand, is it correct to just surrender to the issue of drug abuse, merely because it seems to be unenforceable with the tools we currently have at hand?

The 'libertoons' are always telling us stuff like 'legalizing it will reduce crime n stuff', but it's doubtful, and for some reason they think it's not the same as just legalizing rape, robbery, murder, and the like, even though legalizing all that would certainly reduce crime if it were legalized, too.

If the black market diminished, why wouldn't crime go down?
Are criminals out there killing people over black market liquor?
If weed was legal and not taxed to high heaven, what incentive would the cartels have to ship stuff over here?

it also stops the criminalization of thousands of citizens who are otherwise harmless and law abiding. (disproportionately minorities of course)

It always pisses me off how a guy with an ounce of weed gets more prison time than the bankers that purposefully crashed our economy and screwed over thousands and thousands of people..

I knew of a white collar criminal who embezzled $4.5 million and lost it all at the casinos in Vegas.

When caught he was sentenced to 5 years and served 1 1/2 years of it.

Let a poor guy get busted with an ounce and he is only serving 5 months less. Its so screwed up!

 

[Aries]

Your points TNHarley are valid.

I also harken back to States' Rights and the notion of local government as more responsive than distant larger government.

The issue of drug use and drug addiction goes back to the late 1800's and early 1900's historically in the USA. There was widespread alcoholism and dope addiction back then of the order of 90%. Frontline or American Experience did a documentary program on this.

The Feds stepped in to try and curb it with their "schedule of controlled substances". Pot got onto that list somehow.

Pot is mild enough that it probably should not be prohibited. Like alcohol it is mostly recreational and party medicinal.

Alcohol prohibition obviously did not work.

Pot prohibition is probably getting old too.

If we allow cocaine as well then it will only open the floodgates of addiction that prevailed back in the late 1800's and early 1900's and then we will be back to square #1 in that cycle.

Pot got on the list due to bad science, propaganda, and racism. With modern science, it is laughable that marijuana is still illegal. We have clearly proven it is not as harmful as once portrayed, has amazing medical benefits, and its tax revenues could literally turn this country around.

 

[TNHarley]

well, I guess a half ounce can get you actual prison time. Maybe I need to quit giving our fascist bureaucrats so much credit

 

[yiostheoy]

Your points TNHarley are valid.

I also harken back to States' Rights and the notion of local government as more responsive than distant larger government.

The issue of drug use and drug addiction goes back to the late 1800's and early 1900's historically in the USA. There was widespread alcoholism and dope addiction back then of the order of 90%. Frontline or American Experience did a documentary program on this.

The Feds stepped in to try and curb it with their "schedule of controlled substances". Pot got onto that list somehow.

Pot is mild enough that it probably should not be prohibited. Like alcohol it is mostly recreational and party medicinal.

Alcohol prohibition obviously did not work.

Pot prohibition is probably getting old too.

If we allow cocaine as well then it will only open the floodgates of addiction that prevailed back in the late 1800's and early 1900's and then we will be back to square #1 in that cycle.

Im with you on it all except the coke part. But that is just my personal experience. I am sure it is different for other people, though. Some people don't have enough will to control themselves.

I had an employee I hired who ended up with a cocaine habit that went out of control.

He was a troublesome employee and he fritted from job to job never staying long at one. Whether the coke did that to him or he would have been like that anyway I cannot say.