Ballot measures in the states of Colorado and Washington to legalize marijuana for recreational use have passed! They’re now the first two states in the US in which personal non-medical marijuana use is legal. This is of course in violation of federal law and may lead to a legal battle with the Obama administration. Advocates point out that this is how prohibition was appealed in the late 1920s – individual states repealed prohibition prior to its appeal on the federal level in 1933.
Marijuana in these two states will now be officially regulated, taxed and sold by the government – similar to how my state, Virginia, sells hard liquor only in government-run stores. Individuals in Colorado and Washington can possess up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use. People in Colorado will be allowed to grow up to six marijuana plants, while grow-your-own is prohibited in Washington. A similar, more permissive bill in Oregon, which would have legalized unlimited cultivation and possession of marijuana, was defeated. They need to start a little slower than that. Medical marijuana was also approved in Massachusetts by yesterday’s vote, making it the 18th state to do so. Here’s more, thanks to Reuters, which has more information at the source about the process these states will go through to set up legal dispensaries.
Colorado and Washington became the first U.S. states to legalize the possession and sale of marijuana for recreational use on Tuesday in defiance of federal law, setting the stage for a possible showdown with the Obama administration.
But another ballot measure to remove criminal penalties for personal possession and cultivation of recreational cannabis was defeated in Oregon, where significantly less money and campaign organization was devoted to the cause.
Supporters of a Colorado constitutional amendment legalizing marijuana were the first to declare victory, and opponents conceded defeat, after returns showed the measure garnering nearly 53 percent of the vote versus 47 percent against.
“Colorado will no longer have laws that steer people toward using alcohol, and adults will be free to use marijuana instead if that is what they prefer. And we will be better off as a society because of it,” said Mason Tvert, co-director of the Colorado pro-legalization campaign.
The Drug Policy Alliance, a national advocacy group that backed the initiatives, said the outcome in Washington and Colorado reflected growing national support for liberalized pot laws, citing a Gallup poll last year that found 50 percent of Americans favored making it legal, versus 46 opposed.
Supporters of Washington state’s pot legalization initiative declared victory after the Seattle Times and other media projected a win for marijuana proponents.
Early returns showed pro-legalization votes led with 55 percent versus to 44 percent opposed with about 60 percent of ballots tallied in the state’s all-mail-in election system.
The outcomes in Colorado and Washington, which already have laws on the books legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, put both states in further conflict with the federal government, which classifies cannabis as an illegal narcotic.
The U.S. Department of Justice reacted to the measure’s passage in Colorado by saying its enforcement policies remain unchanged, adding: “We are reviewing the ballot initiative and have no additional comment at this time.”…
Under the recreational marijuana measures in Colorado and Washington, personal possession of up to an ounce (28.5 grams) of marijuana would be legal for anyone at least 21 years of age. They also will permit cannabis to be legally sold and taxed at state-licensed stores in a system modeled after a regime many states have in place for alcohol sales.
Oregon’s initiative would have legalized state-licensed sales, as well as possession and cultivation of unlimited amounts of pot for personal recreational use.
The Colorado measure will limit cultivation to six marijuana plants per person, but “grow-your-own” pot would be still be banned altogether in Washington state.
Tvert said provisions legalizing simple possession in Colorado would take effect after 30 days, once the election results are certified. Colorado’s amendment also mandates establishing rules for sales and excise tax collections once the state legislature reconvenes in January.
“The voters have spoken and we have to respect their will,” Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, a Democrat who opposed the measure, said in a statement. “This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through.”
As Reuters mentions, we’ll have to see what the Obama administration says about these measures, and if they speak out against them. They’ve been cracking down on medical marijuana outfits in California that were distributing the drug on a wider basis. This is something much different.
I’m not a pot smoker, but I’m glad these bills have passed. I don’t think possession and use of small amounts should be illegal, and I agree that people with chronic pain and medical issues should be able to use marijuana responsibly to manage their conditions. There are prescription narcotics on the market that are much more harmful and life-altering than pot ever will be, and it’s about time that it was decriminalized. (At the least.) I do worry about people driving while high, though, and whether law enforcement will have the tools they need to sobriety test for pot.
These photos are from the 2011 Hempfest in Seattle. Credit: Cannabis Culture on Flickr
BOO-YA!
Your last paragraph describes my feelings on this subject exactly. I couldn’t have (and haven’t) said it better myself.
I agree with you. My best friend has actually gotten 2 DUI’s for smoking weed here in CA, (yes, he’s a damn fool). The cops are trained well enough here, so let’s hope that’s the case in CO.
Here in CO the cops rarely bat an eye if you have it, sometimes they take it from you and your pipe if you’ve got one unless you are behind the wheel. On 420 this year people were smoking in the park and cops didn’t bother them.
Legalize it yeah dont critize it and I will advertize it.
Yeeeeeaaaaaa
Lighting a bowl to celebrate!
I have a family friend in WA who grow medical marijuana. granted, its still federally illegal. But he is making a living doing what he had been doing anyway for the last 15 years. He’s been robbed twice though so growing is still pretty dangerous but its whatever in WA state. The I-5 corridor is rampant with drug traffic
king of weed, meth, and heroin from Mexico so if this helps take a bite out of that profit I’m all for it. Drugs and the general welfare state of rural Washington are turning it into a place I don’t recognise anymore. (Grays harbor is where my fam is from. Look it up. It’s depressing)
Hey KK? Since your family grows it, would you happen to have any suggestions on what to do to deal with pot-allergies? (Yes. I’m serious. Of all the stupid moronic dang fool things to be allergic to… the smell of weed makes me puke. Almost instantaneously. And THAT’S just a heartbeat behind the staggering migraine that knocks me over. Yeah, I was worlds of fun in college at parties….) I want to visit friends here soon who are in areas where it’s legal – but I’ve got no idea what to do to keep from getting ill. Any suggestions? (Oh please oh please oh please. Because when I called the pharmacy to ask, I got stunned silence, a quietly muttered “Is she serious?” and then a final “Man. That… SUCKS. I am SO sorry, but I’ve got no idea..”)
Bake some in a muffin…add lots of vanilla essence…job done!
A chemist can give you anti-histamines over the counter, but they’ll only work for something simple like hayfever or rash. Your reaction sounds more like either migraine (triggered by the odour) or gastrointestinal-anaphylaxis. If so, anti-histamines won’t do anything. I think you should speak to a doctor. If it’s an odour-triggered migraine there might be prescription meds that help.
Lucrezia – I was afraid of that. On the one hand, I’m ambivalent on pot. “Just don’t be a moron” covers my view (similar to booze – don’t drink & drive, don’t endanger others, and it’s fine) but even though I know it’s selfish… it’s frustrating to think I might have to continually take medication (most with not-great side effects) in order to deal with other people taking recreational drugs.
Not sure how it happened, but I seem to have turned into the living embodiment of the OhGod of Hangovers for Weed. Sigh. (If that makes no sense – Terry Pratchett in his book Hogfather. Read it, it’s hilarious and brilliant. Like all Pratchett’s books.)
Try a licensed acupuncturist/chinese herbal practitioner. In many states, they are licensed, and considered primary healthcare providers. [full scope of practice thereof].
No side effects to their tx’s, unlike prescription drugs.
I’m in CO and my dad has a medical farm for the past 5 years. Since he hasn’t been able to find work building houses it is the only thing keeping he and my mother afloat, much less out of pain after 3 spine surgeries.
Of course, we all smoke recreationally so this is a victory. The first $40 MILLION in taxes each year will go to our schools, which I’m psyched about.
Most people don’t realize that Washington state is on the US/Canadian border, and is a pass through for the notorious BC Bud marijuana. Lots of smuggling going on up here. People in British Columbia are thrilled that the law was passed due to the drug violence and lawlessness they have had to endure up until now. In addition, the new law will enrich the pockets of Washington taxpayers, not drug lords. It can add a billion dollars to the tax rolls that can be used for schools or helping senior citizens, or other worthy causes. The weed will be sold at state run stores, along with marijuana paraphernalia, bongs, pipes, etc. All the merchandise will be heavily taxed, as is liquor and cigarettes. Since there is no income tax in WA state we gotta pay for roads and infrastructure some way, and this is as good as anything.
well that’s awesome news, glad to hear it-more states need to follow.
Arkansas had medical marijuana on the ballot and it lost. Most of the media coverage focused on the opponents, who claimed this was a stealth move by outsiders to legalize marijuana for general consumption.
I see a lot of medical records in my job. There are many people prescribed addicting narcotic pain relievers who could get some relief without the heavy addiction. I know it is very helpful to those who suffer from severe nausea from cancer treatment. I was sorry to see it didn’t pass.
Probably the current field tests police use would work for testing sobriety of drivers. Also sense of smell…:) Then medical testing to confirm.
The problem is that THC stays in your system for weeks so on the spot testing would be faulty.
Secondly “smell” is a totally biased way of determining someone has been smoking. The police are trained to know what it smells like however they use this to thier advantage. I have had my car searched because an officer claimed he smelled smoke and I had never smoked anything in that car. He was trying to be a dick because my friends and i were in the around pretty much.
It’s just a matter of setting the threshold high enough that it only detects recent use.
Here in Oz the cops have saliva drug tests that detect pot for up to 4hrs after smoking. The threshold is also high enough that you couldn’t test positive for passive-smoking.
The saliva test only takes 5 minutes, so it’s really no more inconvenience than a alcohol breath-test.
Lucrezia, I’m glad to hear that there are reliable ways of detecting high-driving. That’s my main worry about legalizing pot (along with second-hand inhalation). If the technicalities are taken care of, I’m all for legalizing.
Actually they already have a test that can tell you if someone has used in the last 12 hours. It is a saliva test for thc. This test along with other tests to test reaction time I think they could certainly figure out if someone was stoned and take appropriate measures to deal with that. While driving under the influence of anything is dangerous, I would rather be driving next to s s toned person than a drunk person any day of the week.
+1 on the drunk/high driving comment.
FST don’t work and aren’t accurate. Any lawyer would tell you to NEVER do the roadside gymnastics. The most apt analogy I have heard is it is like using metal detectors as gun detectors. There are plenty of innocent reasons to set of a gun detector and there are many innocent reasons for being uncoordinated or failing the HGN eye test both the person giving it and the person taking it can do small things or have minor problems to mess up the test. And smell is so subjective and can’t be proven after the fact it could lead to harassment.
http://www.prleap.com/pr/183250/
Not being judgement at all but I guess I don’t understand why people feel the need to get high all the time. ( this doesnt include for RX reasons ) Does reality suck so bad that you have to go through it in a haze? Maybe I just know too many excessive users?
I prefer to be around stoners than drunks bc they are too lazy to be harmful or violent but people who can handle reality without needing chemical dependence are my preference.
Honestly Tiffany, I ask the same question about alcohol all the time. Why do people have to go out and drink? Why is it necessary that after a long day one must have a few glasses of wine? I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all, but I think weed is more preferable to alcohol. I have never seen a stoned person cause a fight or be destructive like I have with a drunk person. Not to mention, some of the most successful and normal people I know are stoners, not drinkers, I’m talking lawyers and architects. I enjoy smoking herb and I don’t feel bad about it because I work full time and I am a college graduate, so is my husband. I feel like the media has always portrayed stoners is a bad light by being lazy, jobless and couch potatoes, when this is far from the truth.
Yeah, it does. I’m off it at the moment to stay out of an asylum (looooong time user) but now I’m seriously considering a move to Colorado! Legal weed and casa Bonita!
LMAO Casa Bonita. I hope that’s a joke. CO has bad food already but that’s the worst. LOL. Love it.
excessive users, you´re having a good point here.
getting high now and then is okay, but too many people fall into the trap of needing their first hit in the morning.
I once was like that. for like three years. it totally crashed my personality and personal life. not too say these years I´m missing concerning my vitae and studies.
today I like to smoke one or even two on a friday or saturday night. when it is okay to have a hangover in the morning. otherwise I dont even feel the need to do it anymore. It just sucks being high all the time. you are missing on life.
that being said, I´m glad its legalized in those states. It shouldnt be illegal anywhere. It´s the same with alcohol: okay when you do it to come down from the stress of your life now and then, but dont let it be your life.
Just like alcohol, use it wisely. And just like alcohol, don’t use it if there’s a problem.
If only people were able to see when they themselves have a problem! I know people who use drugs and alcohol constantly and don’t think it’s a problem. If only they could see it from the rest of the world’s perspective. Sad really.
How old are you? I think when you are younger, it seems everyone that smokes weed does it all day long. But the older you get the less that is the case. For me and my group of friends all in our thirties, it is more of a weekend deal to relax similar to a glass of wine. Someone that smokes all day every day obviously has a problem. No different than a heavy drinker versus a moderate drinker.
Tis enjoyable to take the edge off…and also consciousness expansion is particularly delightful. It may not be for you – that’s cool, but some people like the altered state of awareness.
That is EXACTLY my position. I understand its pretty harmful in and of itself– but why walk the world as a bogged out zombie? Why not deal with things that stress you out instead of hiding in the basement to smoke? I have never been much impressed with people I know are smokers– its a crutch like any other– like alcohol or cigarettes– I lose respect for it and the users of it when they can no longer function with daily life– which includes up and downs, without having to resort to a hit to ‘help them out’. Its like they have given up on trying to handle things on their own.
^comments like these re-emphasize the importance of legalization. With legalization comes EDUCATION.
So many misinformed people who really don’t know anything about the medical benefits of marijuana.
@tee-hee and others-do you drink alcohol? Even just a glass of wine on the weekends or at dinner? What if I said because I know that you drink alcohol that you must really enjoy being buzzed all the time and questioned why would you want to go through life like that?
That is EXACTLY what you’re doing except that the difference is that the health benefits of wine are negligible at best, compared to the medical benefits of marijuana for people who suffer from pain, insomnia, lack of appetite. I have a friend who had cancer but forgo chemo (very brave guy-just released an auto-bio about his experience). He smoked marijuana throughout while taking herbal-based injections that he had to get from Canada. To this day he credits marijuana for helping to save his life. For his one story, there are literally millions more from people suffering from HIV, Cancer etc. who take medical marijuana to help them manage their disease.
Even recreationally, if alcohol is legal then why can’t an HERB be?
How can you possibly argue against that?
There’s no reason you can’t have an opinion, but I would stop short of making sweeping generalizations based on a few pothead friends you knew in college. I knew several hard core binge drinkers in college, doesn’t mean I think every person who has a glass of wine is an alcoholic.
OKitt, always the well-written voice of reason.
OKitt– you say later you dont want to be combative, but that is how you come across. I didnt say a word about medical, no mention of it. My point was the ‘sweeping generalization’ about the portion of users who we all have run into before (who live in a powerless haze). Thats all I was complaining about. I am not excited about the prospect of more of the population behaving that way. I didnt say all smokers are, I only focused on those who are dependent– just like dependent on alcohol- so Im not even sure why yuou bring up alcohol as a counter argument to my own comment which includes alcohol. Derp.
Geesh- the big sob stories– not necessary. Totally not connected to anything in my post.
And I now see a typo in my first comment- its supposed to say “not harmful in and of itself”. Big typo
LOL
Edit: My BF’s best friend since forever is a massive smoker– every 15 minutes or so. He is hugely succesful and productive, active (hyper actually) and a great guy. But, its just not at all my thing. Its like he cant breathe fresh air anymore. It just looks sad.
It’s sad but not surprising that the government propaganda machine has brainwashed several generations of Americans into believing that marijuana is bad. It’s not. The government lies. Think for yourselves, talk to adult users of marijuana. Medical cannabis has been a life changer for me and countless others. The fears of people of other drivers being high while driving is unfounded. Marijuana doesn’t work like that. It’s not alcohol. It’s not a narcotic. You’re in more danger from sleepy drivers. Again, THINK for yourselves. Do you realize how much money big pharmaceutical corporation make on narcotic medications that are no longer needed for many patients (myself included) and that they influence legislation that doesn’t go in their favor, such as decriminalizing marijuana. Why buy synthetic narcotic poisons that may or may not relieve your pain, but have a horrendous effect on the human body, when you can medicate safely with a plant that anyone can grow?
Think for yourselves, ask questions, challenge propaganda and misinformation.
I’m near 50 years old, a medical professional, homeowner, tax payer, non-criminal. Marijuana has returned quality of life to me after an accident left me injured and with chronic pain that wasn’t relieved by any narcotic.
Even if you don’t agree with my points of view, THINK for yourselves!
@ Tee-hee?
“sob story”? My friend almost died but thanks for minimizing that. Classy.
If stating facts comes across as “combative” to you then maybe you’re taking this whole thing a bit too personally, which is odd because by your admonition, you don’t smoke marijuana. Not sure why you have such an investment in this…
I live in CO and all of my friends smoke. Have since college. HOWEVER, in college we were excited by the freedom of being away from our parents and having few responsibilities when the books were closed.
Nowadays in our late 20s, early 30’s, we get together, have dinner, smoke a bowl or two. Go snowboarding, smoke one after. We are not high all the time, thank you, we have jobs and are all highly productive members of society. We spend a lot less health and money on it than cigarette smokers. My boyfriend and I and most of our friends are legit scientists in biology and medicine. It is enjoyable to use recreationally, we are not deluded by that, but along with the “high” is an analgesic effect and a sleep aid that is also helpful to most even if they don’t have a serious medical issue. I don’t go to work high, and I don’t use it as a crutch. Neither do my parents, grandmother, boyfriend, brothers, bosses, coworkers or friends.
I will tell you this. Someone who is “high all day” doesn’t come home and beat their wife, and they don’t overdose.
Please educate yourself. More people smoke than you know because someone with your attitude is not going to be told the truth. I am not trying to be rude, but ignorance is destructive.
VERY True, Sweet Dee!!!
omg, sweet dee. . i think i am in love with you.
Thanks guys 😀
I agree. I’m up for marijuana for medical use but I’ve been around people who abuse it and it was frustrating. They were too high to have a conversation with and just too lazy to do interesting things. They’d rather sit around getting high and watch stupid things on the internet or tv. Not my idea of a good time.
Yeah this^ is what I’m referring to. I have no interest in that, or the idea that this becomes more widely spread. Not a good thought…
People like that are just boring and lazy to begin with, weed/ alcohol will just enhance it.
I’ve been around people who are boring and enjoy watching 5 hours of TV a day and they don’t smoke or drink, they’re just easy to please and don’t have a lot going on, so what’s your point?
What about the openly gay senator? Or the passage marriage equality in I think 4 more states. And the rape loving candidates- gone as well. Maybe Ohio will be next to legalize weed and gay marriage(ha ha). I’m 17 so I couldn’t vote, but I still got involved in this election. Maybe I won’t run off to Canada just yet.
As an Ohioan, don’t get your hopes up. Ain’t gonna happen any time soon (despite how much I want it to happen).
I wouldn’t ever use pot myself, but I think it will be very interesting to see how this pans out.
Also, OriginalKitten, if you’re around – congratulations! You voted ‘yes’ for medical marijuana, didn’t you?
Thats it,Im moving to Colorado!
The real winner last night was Mary Jane!!! A political candidate we can all get behind. Congrats to CO, you just upped ski season attendance, to WA and to MA!
Now for CA and the rest to get this done, we have medical already, but need recreational use legalized.
Kitten and I will celebrate today with a cyber toke! Plus, marijuana does not make political promises or attack ads, she is the perfect politician!
They have just increased their touristy revenue in spades.
Slowly slowly, things are finally moving forward towards the full legalization of marijuana. Expect the for-profit prison systems to fight this one tooth and nail…but it is worth it. The war on drugs is destroying our society, and decriminalization and medical marijuana are not enough. Mary Jane should be a source of tax revenues, not a drain on the budget!
I really think more states will follow once they see not only how much revenue the can generate from it but how much it will also save in wasted court cases/jail time for the people who were arrested for it.
Like everyone else said, as long as its used responsibly and you’re over 21 I dont see the problem with it.
I’d take a group of stoners over a bunch of drunks any day.
Like they say, you get a bunch of drunks in a room and they’ll start of fight, get a group of stoners in a room and they’ll start a band.
@ Macey
DYING at your last statement 🙂
hahahaha! @ Macy & Well, I’m dying too! Thanks for that one.
YES, Tiff and gg! 🙂
I kind of hate posts like this though because it reminds me how there is still SO much misinformation about marijuana out there. The quotes about smoking every day and walking around “like a zombie.”
*sigh*
You smoke almost every day Tiff right? How many miles do you bike a day? Are you really walking around in a fog “like a zombie”?
People just don’t understand that marijuana use isn’t ALWAYS about escapism the way alcohol use is. Often it’s necessary for managing pain. For me, it helps me manage severe insomnia. Would people prefer that I take Ambien of 6 Tylenol PMs every night?
Personally, I’d rather forgo all the pharma-chemicals and smoke a PLANT that I grew myself on my roof deck.
People need to get informed and understand that you take a couple tokes at night (OR during the day) and still be a fully-functioning, productive member of society.
I smoke everyday. I have forever. I have had a successful medical career, I have been with my hubby almost 24 years, have two flourishing children, I ride my bike miles(as in, many) a day, I walk, I work out, etc.
Not quite the mindless zombie locked away in a basement, huh?
I also competed in endurance riding and lots of other sports, I’m out constantly. Kitten seems like she has her crap together also. Generalizations are stupid, just like saying a person who enjoys a glass of wine is an alcoholic. Also, smoking is better than my 14 prescriptions were and less expensive. It helps me deal with anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain.
I’m developing a girl crush on you two “originals” 😉
Awesome, Sweet Dee, because Tiff and I want to move to CO and we might need a place to stay! lol! 😉
Slow clap for OTiff. Celebitchy regulars know you’re a baller.
LOLsauce 😀 Do come! I’m in Fort Collins and I have two couches and a futon! Party at Sweet Dee’s!
That’s how we roll, ladies! Packing up for CO, Kitten and I can share the futon. You are the healthiest state in the nation. I do need a new ski outfit though, mine is too big from all the exercise I get while laying around in a zombie like state. BTW, whoever said that has never gotten high out in the woods because you just want to walk around and experience everything. It is quite the opposite of zombie. That’s cool though, it leaves more of the sweet herb for people like me:)
I hope that was a slow and relaxed clap;)
You can be smart, funny, on the ball, be a mom, a good worker and still smoke pot. 19 states have spoken, plus DC and the electorate would vote to legalize if they could. Now on with the Lakers, Dexter and good gossip.
True! Stay on the futon. Lose the weight here. I will take you skiing! And ski clothes shopping. I have a season pass 🙂 That is a good way to lose weight heh.
I wonder a lot why we’re so healthy here because I drink A LOT of beer and so do my friends. We smoke pot but the “lazy stoner” thing is just a stereotype, all of my friends are incredibly active and productive. We’re not known for great food though, maybe that’s it. Hope you like meat and Mexican food! At any rate there’s lots to do 🙂
I’m from SoCAl, Mexican food is a daily occurrence almost! Sounds perfect!
Oh crap. That’s a good point. I’d better go snowboarding on weekdays this year. Oh well. I have Fridays off.
“Amendment 64 legalizes the personal use, possession, and limited home-growing of marijuana legal for adults 21 years of age and older; establishes a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol; and allows for the cultivation, processing, and sale of industrial hemp.”
You have to be 21. It’s going to be regulated and taxed just like Alcohol. And why not? Makes perfect sense to me.
If you drink, even socially, you have no room to go all morally high horse on Weed. Both get you buzzed; Both are used explicitly for the purpose of intoxication. However, the difference here is that chemically, alcohol is terribly, horribly addicting. Weed is not. At all. Don’t believe me? Look it up.
Legalize it, regulate it, and tax the crap out of it.
Oh – and the great state of Maryland? I big fat puffy heart you! #yeson6
This. The lamest argument I hear against it is that somehow, someway, having a pot shop within any distance of a school will make kids use it. Does having a liquor store near a school make kids drink more? Of course not.
what puzzles me is that so many people make a whole lifestyle about being on drugs. potheads are thrilled when they meet other potheads. how can you tell me you are not addicted when your whole lifestyle is based on being stoned and being around people who are stoned?
Potheads and other mild users get thrilled about meeting other users because smoking pot is part of a sub-culture. You know this is something that is supposed to be kept secret and you know you cant tell everybody about your pot smoking. That is why when you meet somebody that is a pot smoker, you get excited because now you can get excited and relax knowing no judgment is being passed.
Because being stoned is my one vice that I like before bed and I have medical issues that it helps me with.
I am not ashamed of my pot smoking at all, around anyone, as there is nothing for me to be embarrassed about. I have a legal prescription. Are you embarrassed when you drink a glass of wine or when you take your prescriptions?
It’s similar to meeting someone who enjoys the same books as you, or loves the same band…it’s a behavioural choice and it’s always enjoyable to meet those with similar interests – and a few tokes always adds a different dimension to conversation. (I’m 41, so not into being wasted, just mellow)
It’s just like the subculture alcohol has created. There are “party kids” at my university who spend most of their money drinking, who dress and behave more wildly than everyone around them (even when not drinking). I’m in Vancouver so we also have the pot subculture of people who spend their free time thinking and talking, and who act more relaxed and earthy than everyone around them. Some people like to get pumped up, some like to get chilled out.
Ok good to know I’m not the only one who thinks this way or just imagining things. There really is a portion of users who overdo it; just like with any substance, its not really a criticism againt legalization but moer like a complaint, an “oh great :/” reaction that I have to this. I just cant be excited about it LOL
People are far safer driving under influence of pot than they are alcohol.
Alcohol can be far more destructive to a life than pot.
I want stricter cigarette smoking laws. I shouldn’t have to deal with second hand smoke from the apartment downstairs. No air filters can actually protect you from those particles-despite what ads claim.
I voted for it for medical marijuana in my state but it didn’t pass.
I worry about stoned drivers too. I also wonder about employees drug testing their employees. Will they just cross it off if they test positive for marijuana?
Awesome question, Isa. Hadn’t thought about that..
It would probably like if they found opiates/benzos and you have to provide a legal prescription – if it was legal only for medical purposes.
Well I figured that for prescription states. But I guess they would just leave that part off for the drug test? Hmm. I don’t know.
In Cali if your company has a no drug use policy and tests for marijuana you can be fired or sent to rehab even if you have a prescription.
That is to say if I’m working for a company with a no illegal drugs policy and injure myself and am forced into getting tested (common) or am suspected of taking any federally illegal drug and test positive they could take measures against my employment with them.
I find that many smaller companies simply don’t test here. Or if job-seekers know they will be tested they take a ‘break’ until they are tested then go back to business as usual
I only know because my fella has a MM card, but his company has a no illegal drugs policy. So while the CA gov won’t mess with him, if he gets busted by work that certificate won’t make a bit of difference! He doesn’t smoke at work, and does well at his profession so its not been much of a concern!
I just don’t understand the need of getting high. That’s a waste of money to me.
Tabby, do you drink? Because that’s a waste too. The difference with legal marijuana is that it actually helps people.
@tabby, if you don’t understand it, that’s just it, you don’t understand.
What do you think about fake boobs and hair?
Off to check the job listings in Colorado and Washington….
And they call these middle-aged hippies terrorist, ha.
I am happy to read everyone’s comments on this! I’m not a smoker but my husband smokes in order to calm down before bed. He took every stereotype I had about marijuana and it’s users, and turned it around. He works 80+ hours a week, is intelligent, motivated and not a criminal. Who would have thought? I hope the stigma will one day be gone and our economy will benefit from the taxation. If I have to hear one more story about a rapist going free when someone with a small amount of marijuana faces years in jail, I’m going to lose it.
Only users lose dope! 😃
I voted yes on Amendment 64 (the one in Colorado) and they were smart how they did it. The first 40 million from taxes every year from this will go directly to the Colorado public school system. I think just this aspect gave a lot of people who were on the fence about it the nudge they needed to vote yes.
+1 I voted yes too.
The $40 million to schools keeps getting left out of the stories! That is SO important!
Very good that we’re starting to use our common sense in this country!! Marijuana should never have been illegal in the first place. I’m not a used but it is patently ridiculous that alcohol is legal while weed is not. I always hated when people call marijuana a “gateway drug.” Bullshit. If there is a gateway drug it’s alcohol. When people want to get messed up and be wild and crazy they dont get high, they get drunk. I find it crazy that we spend BILLIONS fighting mj every year when we could be making billions off of it instead! They could be using that tax money to put towards schools and healthcare! Anyways, I’m excited about the outcome.
Hear, hear! I have always secretly hoped that marijuana would be legal while liqour is banned. Not to take away anyone’s sweet nectar fun-time but knowing that someone can literally take one gulp of alcohol then go out and drunk text, make babies with strangers or inevitably take out a car full of children is really gross.
everyone should watch the documentary “the union” on netflix.
it talks about how pot can act as a gateway drug because people’s pot dealers often deal other harder drugs and push customers to try them. if pot were LEGAL, people wouldn’t have to get their pot from drug dealers and wouldn’nt be exposed to harder drugs. all the problems with marijuana stem from its illegality.
Netflix has an awesome library of weed documentaries. The Union being one of them.
Tobacco is actually a gateway drug for many young people (i.e. under 21). It is also incredibly addictive, which is why tobacco companies have targeted kids.
I live on Washington and no one seems to be bringing up a very obvious point. So the state will now tax it which will make it more expensive. people will stick to their dealers and there will be a black market for it. Besides the fact that the Federal Government probably won’t like it, and if they don’t it will not matter what we vote. Doesn’t everyone get that by now??? 🙁
You make a good point about it being more expensive but as far as I understand it it really isnt exorbitantly priced. This will bring out a lot of people who would have liked it smoke it before but didnt want to break the law. Also, you get can better weed from people that are actually doing it for a living and spend their time cultivating it and making new and better strains. You wont get shitty skunk weed, there will be standards.
YES exactly! I love being in Amsterdam because you know that you are going to get GOOD weed. Not ‘shitty skunk weed’ (lolz). Having a standard would be worth paying taxes on it, to be honest.
Once the government gets in the business of growing and selling pot, how do we know what our benevolent government will put in it or on it?
The people couldn’t defeat Monsanto in CA. Anybody who is paying attention knows that genetically modified crops are harmful to humans. Next stop: GM pot. And govt weed will be seedless so you can’t grow your own if you wanted to. The legal dealers don’t like competition.
It will be interesting to see how the federal government responds, but remember, this is how alcohol prohibition was overturned..it was done through the states individually repealing it. People always forget that the original intention for government was that our federal government was supposed to have LESS power then the states, then we allowed it to become bigger then it was intended to be. I am hopeful that it will remain.
To your comment regarding it becoming more expensive, I’m assuming that it will parallel the price of medical marijuana, which is significantly less expensive then buying it illegally..literally, half the price.
By law, the federal government cannot compel your state and local legislators and officials to uphold their laws. That means that if they want to enforce the illegality in your state, they need to come there and do it themselves. Otherwise I imagine WA would file suit against the Feds and win.
Here in CO, most will happily pay the taxes to benefit our state. We’re also allowed to grow our own, though. And HEMP!
They will just with hold monies. Please, they can and will do what they want regardless of who voted what. They just won’t fund certain th 🙁
The hemp thing is so excellent. Everyone who is opposed to legalization should read up on hemp and rethink your stance. Hemp is a fantastic product, you can even make bio-fuels from it. The clothing is great, the fiber is what ropes should be made of, etc, etc.
Hemp would be a huge cash crop if it were just allowed to be grown. Did you know marijuana is most closely related to hops? I hope CA follows in your footsteps, we were close last time, but now that you guys have taken the leap, I bet it goes back on the next ballot.
Hmmm, I wonder if we could settle in CO? Mountains, yes, horse culture and endurance riding, yes, weed, yes, musical opportunities for husband, not so much:(
Please sunny don’t condescend to me about the law. They cannot withhold money because they are mad at us, and if they try that then Colorado will sue because this is potentially a great source of huge income for us in a tough economy. It’s that kind of a state, I don’t know about WA and how aggressive they are. We voted Yes with a 10 point margin, and Obama doesn’t have to worry about campaign pandering anymore. I’m not worried about the feds.
OTiff–you’re so right. Hemp is also a complete plant protein, which would be beneficial to all of the vegetarians and vegans because there are very few complete plant proteins. Our music scene is getting better but not thriving 🙁 our beer scene, on the other hand…
……and medical marijuana was reversed last night in Montana. Two steps forward and one step back.
Another point. For all the drug free companies. How are they going to know if the person they are testing smoked Sunday night, which like drinking would be legal for them, or Monday before work? It isn’t like they are testing for alcohol. While I agree that a small amount should be legal especially to hopefully free the police up to get real criminals, it is such a slippery sloap. How do I know the guy in Home Depot driving the for lift around the inside of the store didn’t get stoned right before work knowing full well they can’t tell when he did, therefore he knows he won’t be caught, because it is legal…….. 🙁
You can use saliva tests that only test positive for recent use (around 4hr limit).
Lucrezia, I have never heard that. Thank you.
🙂
Almost no company test randomly, it just isn’t worth the expense. Many do initially, if you come in obviously messed up they probably will (no company allows drunk employees) and then in the case of a work place accident they will for their insurance company (avoid Worker’s Comp payouts or like the new movie Flight shift blame.)
The person driving the lift could be stoned either way they don’t test them as they walk in the door. I don’t know how long weed last but 4 hours later I would think could be just as much of a liability as a bad hangover under bright lights.
I’m quite surprised actually that it did not pass here in Oregon. I don’t use it, but the idea of state-regulated doesn’t bother me, and, quite frankly, I’m just so sick of hearing about it, like when the president does an AMA on Reddit, or a Town Hall, and he gets bombarded with questions about his policy on it, as if it’s the most pressing issue in the US, which it’s not.
I guess the upside to it failing here is that those that campaigned this year for it will get to see how our neighboring state handles the implementation and craft a better argument for it next time.
I knew it was only a matter of time after they announced “Rocky Mountain High” as our official state song.
So proud to be a citizen of the great state of Colorado!
Hahahahahaaahhaaa!!!
Proud Coloradoan here too Missy!
Coloradical!*
*Okay that was dorky I’m just so proud!
This is awesome and for people who are confused about the medical efficacy of mmj go right to Toke of the Town blog, have a seat, and read the medical information there.
For those whining about the cost-no one blinks when they have to get taxed for booze, snacks, or cigarettes but mmj, which helps people, is a problem? Please.
If you are a citizen of Washington and you don’t want to be taxed exorbitantly for it then USE YOUR VOTE POWER. Use it regularly instead of every four years. Use it to let your congress folk, city leaders, and governor know that if they go too far they’ll be out of a job.
This is great news! Now only if it would pass in my state, New York! I hate drinking, but I love pot. I like to smoke every couple of months, it really is therapeutic, relaxing, and expands my creativity and analytical and organizational skills, when I smoke just a little bit from time to time. I’m even a nicer person. I wish I could just go and buy a joint as in Amsterdam whenever I feel like it. I didn’t think this would ever happen in this country.
One of the reasons we are so excited here in Colorado is the projected amount of money just made from the taxes alone will be AT LEAST $40 million, and the majority of this will go to our schools and education systems (which are badly in need). So even for those of us that don’t smoke this initiative just made sense. With medical marijuana being legal here anyone can pretty much find it and buy it, so there’s no reason we shouldn’t be taxing the hell out of it (like booze or cigarettes) and using that money to keep our state out of debt. Also, this way we reduce drugs coming in from Mexican cartels. I remember hearing once that in Colorado the only businesses that made a large profit where the dispensaries and the microbreweries. So, even if you don’t smoke marijuana I doubt most people would turn down $40 million to go to their state’s schools.
Great points. Also, we can now legally cultivate hemp, an incredible resource and huge money-maker. My parents will be using their 13 acres for that.
Suddenly RPatz & KStew are on board for filming more Twilight sequels in Washington state lol!
I’ve never smoked pot, nor do I intend to, but I think this is one of those “Mind your own business” issues. Weed isn’t addictive. It’s not really a big deal. Should be legal everywhere.
I do not smoke pot. I did in high school, but I stopped after a few years because I started having panic attacks whenever I smoked. That being said, marijuana SHOULD be legal in all 50 states. From what I remember, Obama said the first time he ran for president that he would not interfere with states that choose to have legalalized marihuana, whether its for medicinal use or rec use. Lets hope he keeps that promise.
He has been in office for four year and his actions over that last four years mean a lot more than something he may have said to get elected. He doesn’t support it: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/21/california-marijuana-growers_n_1820429.html
Medical marijuana has been proven in ‘legitimate’ clinical trials in Great Britain to be a neuroprotector. My husband has MS. He deteriorated during a two year period when he wasn’t using pot, was misdiagnosed for a year, then confirmed w/the disease. When he started using again, his symptoms abated. 14 years later, he has lost some ground, but few can tell he is ill. He had access to medical research after going to work his former doctor. The cover-up on what WORKS: mitochondrial diet, avoiding milk products, and mmj, is epic.
He was excluded from clinical trials b/c his health was so good, he skewed GLOBAL trial results for the killer drugs Big Pharma was testing.
He does act silly when baked but I’ll take it over wheelchair bound or dead. And my longterm chronic pain lessened its grip w/a tiny amount. I no longer use it due to mental confusion-I have traumatic brain injury, and become alarmingly forgetful & spaced out when I medicate, but the results speak for themselves. I am off of ALL allopathic drugs now. It’s a miracle. I have enjoyed being high-I get very verbal & relaxed. But my brain function comes first.
My heart goes out to you and your husband. I study MS in clinical trials in Northern CO and have done a lot of MS walks/runs/mud runs/charity events. Working with MS patients every day I know how bad it can be when it’s bad, and how precious good days are. I also know how much MJ benefits our patients. I’m really glad he has found something to help the pain and neuropathic issues. Good luck 🙂
I just moved to Denver in July and this makes me so happy 🙂 I’m not a regular pot smoker, in fact I smoke less now that I moved here than I did in my home state of WI, but I am happy that prop 64 is not only approving marijuana use but also helping support schools. People in CO are friendly, relaxed, and happy generally… there’s nothing wrong with smoking a little pot here and there, and if the government can tax it and make money then it’s a win-win. Go CO!
There is a great movie out called “The House I Live In” It doesn’t argue for legalization as much as it does an end to minimum jail sentences for non-violent offenders, but it is a really thought provoking movie.
I live in Colorado and I am glad that it passed. The downside to the legalization of Medical MJ a few years ago, is that the MJ shops that have all popped up market it as if it is a health elixir. I think if you are a kid growing up in Colorado right now, you would have the feeling that pot is super healthy.
I believe, like alcohol, there are some people that can do it…and some that can’t. I would rather see some realistic messaging of the dangerous effects pot can have on some – especially kids.
Hi Asputter-
I agree that some people have addictive personalities, period, but I don’t see how this is relevant to the argument of legalization.
The people who are prone to substance abuse will likely become addicted to a substance, and the least likely/least harmful of all the myriad substances they could potentially become addicted to is marijuana. We can’t save people from themselves-all we can do is put regulation and safety measures in place to warn people. Someone can become addicted to sniffing glue, but outlawing glue only stops the millions of us who WON’T become addicted to glue from having access to it. In other words, we can’t make laws/rules for the 1/100 people who *may* potentially have a problem-that’s on that individual, not us.
As far as MJ shops, they’re no more of an endorsement of pot-smoking than a liquor store is an endorsement of alcohol-drinking. As I said above, with legalization comes education-so the more we get the word out there on the pros/cons of smoking weed, the more we put the burden of responsibility on the consumer. It’s empowering and a good thing in the end. As far as marketing it as a “health elixir” I’m sure that with government regulation, there will be safety measures put in place to guard against false claims or unethical marketing ploys.
I think most kids get drug education as part of their health class (I know I did 20 years ago in highschool) so that can also help to inform kids to understand the choice they make.
I hope this didn’t come across as combative, I’m just trying to provide some counterpoints to the issues you raised 🙂
This is a great post. You can’t save everybody from themselves and poor decision making. That’s why legalization with regulation like alcohol will make it less likely for kids to get their hands on it.
Elegantly stated, OKitten. No need for me to chime in at all 🙂
I know I’m going overboard on smileys today but I can’t help it!
Medical marijuana and legalization are two different things. If the shops are mis-marketing, they should be required to correct it.
As far as people handling it, those needing it for medical reasons are typically in a different category. They would take it in lieu of narcotic pain medication or as an adjunct to other treatments like for cancer. I don’t live in a medical marijuana state, but if I had an illness or drug reaction for which mj might be an appropriate alternative, I’d want to talk with a doctor first. It might be contra-indicated in some cases. To me that is very different than using it like people use alcohol.
I have a sister totally down on pot, but she pops xanax like candy. Another completely hooked on ambien – but all judgemental on marijuana.
WAY TO GO COLORADO + WASHINGTON!
It’s about freaking time. F K U big pharma!
Your sister, and all the many people like her, are going to be in for a big surprise in a few years. The media has not been covering this issue and I don’t know why – it’s not like they’re owned by Big Pharma – but in the last six years, a tremendous amount of evidence has been discovered showing that cannabinoids (i.e., the chemicals in pot) have POWERFUL anti-cancer properties.
Most of the research is being done in Europe but some of it is in the U.S. as well (including the University of Colorado). Pot has tumor-killing effects:
“Within the medical science community, the discovery that cannabinoids have anti-tumoral properties is increasingly recognized as a seminal advancement in cancer therapeutics.”
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/06/marijuana-fights-cancer-and-helps-manage-side-effects-researchers-find.html
LOL!
Okay Canada, hear that? The US is moving in the right direction… why aren’t we??
north carolina next please!! ! i love my mary jane 🙂
Man, I wish I preferred pot over alcohol. I really do. All of my friends love their weed and getting high, but I don’t like the feeling. I pretended to like it for a long time though. *le sigh*
This post made me happy, thanks! 🙂
I don’t smoke much either (I’m a lightweight if there ever was one) but lots of people here who don’t smoke voted in favor of the measure. Everyone uses it anyway – tax and regulate that shiz, give the money to schools. I think it’s awesome.
I’ve lived in both seattle and portland, ore. and plan to move to denver within the next year. their pot friendly attitude is just another reason why these are some of the favorite places in the america. i didn’t really care about legalization, though, i just want to be able to grow it and not get busted.
Halleluia. It is long since time for the “reefer madness” hysteria to have been discarded, and rational sane legislation passed to reflect this. If you REALLY aren’t sure about the whole issue, visit sites such as NORML, Dean Becker’s The drug truth network, and LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) wesite to get the REAL information, not propoganda that has been repeatedly proven to be false. Also, if you want to research ANY chemical, the vaults of erowid or the lycaeum are incredible science based sites that provide accurate information.
I live in Colorado and when I get debilitating migraines that feel like fists punching the inside of my skull, a special kind of cheeba chew (they’re like hash oil tootsie rolls) is the only thing I’ve ever tried that really and truly kills the pain without knocking me out or causing a worse side effect. It only affects the pain and not your mental faculties. The migraine pills the doctors originally gave me made me throw up for hours, so it was a matter of which I felt like putting up with: the headache or the heaves. Now I feel like I’m going to have more control over my own headache issues without having to be dehydrated!
If you want to learn more in-depth about this issue, I highly suggest reading Doug Fine’s Too High to Fail.
Hi, MissyA and SweetDee! ^-^
Hi Mouse! Cheeba chews are what I would call a god-send, if I believed that was a thing 😉 I have scoliosis and those are my high-pain day fix.
Im so envious of those who live in Col. right now. Kind of funny b/c just last yr or so I was planning to move there but I wasnt able to sell my house to get the $$ to do it..*sigh*. Im still hopeful tho, maybe next year.
That said, Im a little confused by this post I read on Radar… (im C/P here)
“The voters have spoken and we have to respect their will,” said Hickenlooper, who opposed the marijuana measure in his state. “This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug, so don’t break out the Cheetos or Goldfish too quickly!”
Does this mean you have to wait or is it legal as of today? can the feds shut this down or overturn this? what do they have to do before you can start doing it ‘legally’?
I guess Im wondering to plan my move..lol
It becomes legal 30 days after it was passed with the final recount. The feds CANNOT compel us to enforce their laws if ours directly contradict them, so they would have to come here themselves to arrest people, but they can’t force us to shut down or repeal our law just because they don’t like it. It’s also constitutionally disallowed to “hold monies” or cut funding to our state just because they’re mad at us right now, if that’s the case. They can try, but a state like CO will sue, especially since it is favored by a decently large margin and poses the opportunity for a LOT of revenue, which is why most people say they voted for it.
Those are the facts. Here is my opinion:
My prediction is that they won’t do anything to stop this revenue for CO and WA, that’s just unethical in this economic environment when pot has not been shown to be dangerous, especially in comparison to other legal drugs. Also, this is the way EtOH (alcohol) prohibition ended and the movement to end marijuana prohibition is progressing much faster and with much greater passion than other activist causes right now like gay rights (which is sad in my opinion).
Hope this helps!
If its legalized, states should set a “legal limit” for marijuana intoxication, just as they do for alcohol. Consumers should receive this info in writing when they purchase it. All of the “it’s much safer to drive after smoking than after drinking” is BS. I won’t drive after one drink, and pot smokers should feel responsibility to do the same. It slows your response time/reflexes and makes you sleepy, the same as alcohol. No one smokes or drinks because it makes them more alert. If you smoke or drink and then drive and kill me or someone I love, I’m gonna be pissed.
If its legalized, states should set a “legal limit” for marijuana intoxication, just as they do for alcohol. Consumers should receive this info in writing when they purchase it. All of the “it’s much safer to drive after smoking than after drinking” is BS. I won’t drive after one drink, and pot smokers should feel responsibility to do the same. It slows your response time/reflexes and makes you sleepy, the same as alcohol. No one smokes or drinks because it makes them more alert. If you smoke or drink and then drive and kill me or someone I love, I’m gonna be angry.
Yes to this
To me, this news is very sad. You people think this is a reason to be proud and indicates progress / evolution, but to me (and to major systems of values) it indicates quite the opposite: the degradation of humans and society.
You are going on the supposition that weed is bad. I completely disagree, I see nothing bad or wrong with it. It has been used and revered by cultures for thousands of years and was only made illegal in this country in 1937.
Do you drink coffee? Wine? Alcohol? Cigarettes? Eat badly? Don’t exercise? Take prescription drugs? Then I could say the same of you, but I’m polite like that, so I won’t.
It seems what people criticize or lament the most, is really addiction or irresponsibility. Of course weed itself is not bad; neither is coffee or alcohol. Its when people overuse or are under the influence while doing somethign else, and they put themselves and others in danger, that we have a problem.
I have mroe of an issue with people’s ignoring the fact that weed isnt necessarily an exception to this, albeit a much weaker exception.
I never tasted alcohol or cigarettes (or pot and other drugs for that matter). I am against all these things, fundamentally. I do eat healthy and exercise, but even if I didn’t, I don’t see how this could possibly endanger others around me. I also fail to see how coffee indicates the degradation of society, since coffee does not alter the state of your mind.
However, that is not the point.
The point is that consuming pot is a very hedonic behavior, to me, it shows that the individual is too weak to face the given reality and takes the easy way out – it’s a very self-indulgent behavior that can cause damage, just like alcohol. The fact that now you are free to use it indicates that you have become a society that is based on non-values, on Hedonist ideologies.
Actually Ayra, if you read my posts, you know that I have major and legit medical problems for which I was on a morphine patch for years for, plus 13 other prescriptions. Pot treats my symptoms and has allowed me to quit all my meds. I live in a state where it is legally prescribed for medical usage.
I eat healthy, don’t do and have never tried any illegal drugs. So no, pot isn’t the easy, hedonistic weakness, it is the medication I use because I had the strength and determination to quit the horrible pharmaceutical drugs that were given to me to treat my myriad of medical problems.
You might want to not generalize people so much when you are clearly wrong about many of the people you paint with a broad brush. I am glad you are healthy, perfect and have no need to any “crutch” like us mere mortals. Also pot does not endanger lives, so comparing it to any of those things is valid. Aspirin kills hundreds more people per year than weed. If coffee doesn’t change the state of your mind why can you use it to stay up for prolonged periods of time. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant, the relatives of those we use in Cardiac Care and stress tests. Caffeine kills more people per year.
Now, your point was?
Arya, well the topic of ‘degradation of society’ is a much larger one than a particular drug. Usually. if a person is weak and more of them (a society) weak and lacking structure, the temptation to use drugs as an escape will increase. So doent it go the other way around? In Netherlands or wherever it is legal and has been for a long time, they have a healthy and stable society. So I understand that becuase Americans for example are already so overly stressed, ill, combative, and spiritually unwell in general, that a thing like weed could in fact destroy whats left of the fabric of their society.
My point is, much stronger drugs usually rip people apart and just becasue of the drug itself, but usually there is a pre-existent problem somewhere for that to occur.
Umm, coffee never killed anyone – don’t confuse it with abuse of energy drinks, please.
And yes, pot does endanger lives – driving when stoned is the clear example. The fact that you actually compared pot with coffee is such an infantile argument.
If that is what you parsed from that whole comment, I feel sorry for your infantile reading comprehension level.
Also TeeHee, I don’t think most Americans are so miserable. I’m not and most of my friends aren’t.
“You have become a society that is based on non-values, on Hedonist ideologies.”
First of all, I think every person is inherently hedonistic. It’s human nature. Just to clarify: ethical hedonism is the idea that all people have the right to do everything in their power to achieve the greatest amount of pleasure possible to them.
I want to maximize pleasure and minimize pain-who the hell doesn’t?
But I have no idea what any of this has to do with medical marijuana or recreational use of marijuana. I smoke to relax after a long-ass day at a hard job that pays me quite well, thank you. I smoke so I can ACTUALLY sleep at night.
I pay my bills, I take care of my friends and family, I am a caring person who was raised with strong morals. I don’t understand why you and Tee-hee and others insist on painting pot-smokers as a group on incapable, weak-minded individuals who rely on weed to get through the day. I don’t think Tiff or Sweet Dee or I or anyone else owes you any real clarification on who we are as people, but when I feel like you’re attacking us for what we choose to do in the privacy of our OWN homes that doesn’t affect you in any way, shape, or form-I start to get a little pissed off.
The funny part is that it’s the narrow-minded, judgemental people that would probably benefit from pot use the most.
Scratch that-I’m not sharing my stuff with you people.
EDIT: Ayra, Tiffany’s point is that caffeine is NOT inherently healthy and yes caffeine addition is real and prevalent. Caffeine is considered a VICE. I though this was pretty obvious from her comments but I guess this was lost on you.
Good God…I know too many mean drunks but don’t know any mean weed smokers. Bigger issues to worry about and deal with then medicinal or recreational pot here in the USA.
OTiff and OKitten, you both make such knowledge-based, intelligent points throughout this thread. I wholeheartedly support your comments.
People often fear that which they do not understand. If you’ve never smoked weed, and especially if you’ve never used it to treat medical issues, how can you possibly hope to offer a plausible argument on the subject? Fear and ignorance do not a sound argument make.
And Chatcat… exactly 🙂
Just a friendly reminder to Ayra that this is and always has been a secular nation, so believe the hell out of whatever religion you want, just don’t go thinking it’s within your rights to try and legislate others to abide by that religion or whatever set of abject “morals” you are touting.
There is nothing wrong with being a hedonist and your opinions on society are irrelevant. As far as I can tell, there is no benefit to experiencing pure reality one’s whole life. Does it impact you personally when I safely toke at home? No? OK, then kindly butt out and live your life the way you please. If you want to live in an ideologically-centered nation, in a theocracy, well then there are many places you can do that. If you want to be an American and a patriot, respect the separation of ideology and legislation, please.
Shoutout to OTiff and OKitten 🙂 I love me a smart woman, MMM!
LOVE your comment Sweet Dee! Beautifully stated.
HOME RUN, Sweet Dee. Perfectly put.
This is a really big deal for me. I don’t live in the two states that legalized weed, but I’m jumping for joy right now. I think if things go smoothly, we might see a nationwide legalization of marijuana, or at least decriminalization. I used to smoke it everyday. Now I only do it on occasion, but my boyfriend smokes almost every day. I’ve become more of an alcohol drinker because I get anxious easily, but my boyfriend is more level headed, and he hates the taste of alcohol. Different strokes. I’ve smoked a lot of weed and drank a lot of alcohol, and in the end, I think they’re pretty similar when it comes to intensity of addiction and side effects. If you are prone to anxiety attacks, you’ll probably get paranoid while high on weed, and if you’re prone to anger outbursts, you’ll probably get in a drunken fight from time to time. I think 21 is a fair age to be considered mentally capable enough to handle both substances.