Bismarck Tribune - North Dakota News - Decriminalizing pot use is wise

Decriminalizing pot use is wise

Apr 26, 2008 - 07:12:21 CDT

By JAMES WALSH
Bismarck

On April 17, Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., introduced his briefly anticipated marijuana decriminalization bill. Dubbed the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008, it would eliminate federal criminal penalties for possession of up to 100 grams (about 31/2 ounces) of marijuana and the nonprofit transfer of up to an ounce. This is similar to the change recommended by the Nixon-appointed National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse (aka the Shafer Commission) 36 years ago.

Speaking as someone who most emphatically is not a marijuana user, I applaud Frank for taking this step. As unpopular as it may be to do so, I hope others will seriously consider supporting him and his efforts at ending this most wasteful and pointless aspect of the so-called War on Drugs.

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Comments

VoR wrote on May 9, 2008 1:57 PM:

" To mom-of-teens, Are you willing to consider that the stupid and self destructive behavior of your ex may have a deeper cause than just pot? The person you describe in your post of May 3rd shows a profound lack of emotional development. What he did to You and your kids is wrong and is completely indefensible. The fact that he is a chronic stoner obviously didnt help this situation any but to attribute his range of socially irresponsible actions to this one activity might be a case of misplaced anger. I know many decent, responsible, hardworking people who use marijuana without experiencing any of the misfortune and abuse that was dumped on you. I also have seen some of the many positive therapeutic effects of marijuana used medicinally.
I have read quite a few of your posts on this and other boards. I know that you are someone who thinks things through and I generally either agree with you or at least empathies with your point of view. However on this one I must respectfully disagree. In my view addressing this social problem through the criminal justice system is a misguided and overly heavy handed approach. Unless and until we can take this stuff off the street and regulate it through legitimate distributors, we as a society will never find a path to fixing this vexing dilemma. That being said, I do understand how you have come to the place where you are when it comes to weed. Your experiences with your ex were totally unacceptable. I just hope that youd be willing re-consider the wisdom of simply continuing with the current drug war approach that has gotten us to where we are today. Good luck
"

mom-of-teens wrote on May 9, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Kids learn what they live, plain and simple. Pot smoking parents have pot smoking kids. The stats are out there. And here's another new one. Teens who smoke pot have a higher rate of mental illness. Sounds "harmless" though, huh? Makes sense to me. My ex starting smoking weed at a very young age and he is the craziest man I know. I'm so glad that my son has such a wonderul male role model to someday get high with....WOW, what a legacy! "

VoR wrote on May 6, 2008 12:06 AM:

" To verde, Sadly this thread has fallen into a disagreement about the relative merits of marijuana. That was never the intent of Mr. Walshs letter nor the bill, H.R. 5843
This proposed law is about our individual freedom. The premise of your argument fails to recognize a clear and established constitutional guarantee of everyones undeniable and inalienable right to Life, Liberty and The pursuit of Happiness.

The point is that if I choose to use a mind altering substance in the privacy of my home in a manner that harms no one except arguably myself, that is my constitutionally protected right. If after using that substance I do harm someone or commit a crime I am then just as responsible for that act as a person who did so without using that or any substance. The government has no legitimate right to dictate to me what I am allowed to do in private or to read, think, believe or say. Its that elementary. Its that simple. It is at the core of what America is all about.
"

verde wrote on May 3, 2008 11:39 PM:

" To VoR: You are correct in your belief that I am against use of all mind altering substances because they are just that, mind altering substances. Even the fact that they might be used in the privacy of your own home bears limited validity because of the effect of your behavior with a mind-altering substance. If your mind is "altered", by definition, your behavior would also be altered. A woman who has been through an awful family breakup is also posting on this board, and her story is only one of millions that result from someone using mind altering substances. People fight with people they would not normally fight with, sometimes leading to the need for law enforcement and emergency medical services, all because of mind altering substances. Besides the effect that the drug has on them, people will do things other things they ordinarily would not do, just because of the drug. People develop addictions, and some of their behavior may be public, and some private, but it will all need to be dealt with. Addicts will often leave behind a family who will be dependent on public assistance for a certain length of time without their support. Someone whose behavior is affected by a mind altering substance may do things offensive to their neighbors, or may get into a vehicle and start driving erratically, because their behavior is affected. So, you see, the use of a mind altering substance privately can have very public consequences. "

Rasmus wrote on May 3, 2008 9:21 PM:

" verde, in my opinion, we spend too much time and money on prisons and not enough on treatment for use of outlawed drugs. Some people even see drug users as lacking in morals or religious instruction. So pot is illegal because it's bad and it's bad because it's illegal? I do worry about people thrown into prisons and not just because I have to pay for prisons. The US incarcerates about 2.3 million, second only to Russia. Isn't about time we start asking questions about this giant industry, parts of which appear on the NYSE? "

mom-of-teens wrote on May 3, 2008 9:18 PM:

" To razor's edge, I enjoyed reading your post; and just an FYI, I don't intend to argue with you whatsoever. I would like to say that if pot was legal at the time I was with my ex, it wouldn't have mattered. His consumption would have been the same; his behavior would have been the same; the only thing that would have been different was the price he was paying for it would have been HIGHER because of taxes; even less money for his family then. As far as getting rid of the drug dealers; wouldn't they technically be independent sales consultants then if pot was legal? They would no longer be "dealers" in the true sense; they would be salespeople, right? They would be selling pot legally then and could do what they wanted. I don't think legalizing weed would stop any kind of black market. Look at the scenerio with guns. Guns are still sold on the black market, and unfortunately people still die from guns. I don't see a difference with weed. Except maybe you don't die, at least not instantly. I understand the argument "Legalizing it and regulating it would keep it safe to use". But it isn't safe to use anyway; studies have shown that. Are you against legalized abortion, by the way? The same argument is used for that. Keeping it legal will keep the it safe, and yet still a lot of people don't believe in abortion. And if we legalize it and then tax the h#ll out of it, those who use it for medical reasons will be paying through the nose, and very doubtful insurance or Medicare D would cover something like that; just my thoughts. "

Apathetic wrote on May 3, 2008 7:57 PM:

" To mom-of-teens. You are right. Your ex would never have shared his weed with your mother just because she was dying in pain. That never happens.
Now if it was clear that she might live and be a good customer he would have gotten her some for free for a time or two.
There is no one more selfish than a marijuana junkie. And they have some delusion that if it were legal it would be free. Very delusional. "

VoR wrote on May 3, 2008 6:56 PM:

" To verde, After re-reading both of your posts on this board I'm convinced that your position comes from the conclusion that all mind altering substances are bad, dangerous or at least counter productive and therefore should be banned or made unavailable to all of us except in a way you believe is in some way acceptable. The problem with this viewpoint is that it violates some of my most basic constitutional freedom. You or anyone else don't have the right to dictate to me or any other adult what we have the right to do in our own homes either alone or with other consenting adults so long as no one else is harmed by it.

I also reject the premise of your argument that a big problem with marijuana is that you can't know it's potency because you're buying it from a criminal drug dealer. That's exactly what's wrong!!! The very fact that it's illegal is why it comes from an illegal source. In the 1920's many people were seriously hurt consuming bad bootleg booze during it's prohibition. While organized crime took in millions of untaxed dollars.

FYI, I haven't smoked pot for about 5 years and I rarely use alcohol. I don't advocate the use of either, but if I choose to it's not the government's business. And you are wrong. The criminal justice system and it's "drug war" have damaged many people and this sensible bill is a step toward correcting the problem. "

verde wrote on May 3, 2008 3:16 PM:

" To Rasmus: There is no such thing as a "simple possession and use." Use and abuse of a drug is just that. The criminal justice system will not ruin anyone's life, don't worry about that. It's the drug that will ruin someone's life. "

mom-of-teens wrote on May 3, 2008 2:56 PM:

" The pot that is floating around today is much more potent than it was 30 years ago; that's a fact that has been researched. The damaging effects of pot is still very real and the medical facts are still out there to support that. I would have supported my mom smoking it when she was going through her chemo; but my ex let it ruin his career, his family, and basically his life, and has burned more bridges than he has built. He became the poster boy for "stoner". Not an attractive picture. His relationship with his kids and still strained and his relationship with me and the rest of my family is ruined for life. "

Razors Edge wrote on May 3, 2008 2:22 PM:

" mom-of-teens:

You and I have gone rounds before so just to let you know I'm not trying to start a fight. I know many, many, many people who smoke pot. Some you wouldn't guess they did and others fit the perfect pot smoking image. You can smoke pot and be "productive", and you can smoke pot and start using other drugs and end up in jail.

The difference (to me) is about personal responsibility. It seems your ex was not responsible. Marijuana is illegal and he still smoked it. Do you think it would have made any difference if it was legal? If it was legal we should be able to regulate it which could mean even regulating how much he buys. That of course is assuming we can get rid of all the drug dealers which I think we could if we priced it right. If we priced it below street value people would go to the government to get it instead of dealers. If you take away the market they cant make money.

The other thing I think it would be good for is of course the taxes. We can tax them for using it, and fund the rehab centers. We would also be getting a lot of the "black market" money that we don't see right now. If you disagree with everything I say that's fine. But the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and hoping for different results. We've been doing the same thing the last 30 years, and nothing has changed. Maybe we could just make it so that you have to be over 18, only an ounce or half an ounce is legal, and see how that goes. If it doesnt work then go back to making it illegal. No harm no foul. "

Rasmus wrote on May 3, 2008 2:00 PM:

" Many of us today are former users from back in the day when "busted for weed" was a major headache. Marijuana was then considered as dangerous and addictive as any opiate or cocaine. I would not want to see or encourage any youth to try any drug but neither do I want a youth's future ruined by the justice system for simple possession and use. As far as a treatment, would anyone on this thread deny a person suffering from a serious condition or disease deny that person a cheap remedy like medical marijuana? I hope not. "

dante wrote on May 3, 2008 12:38 PM:

" MOM-of-teens, i see your pain and concern. i gave up my smoking habit years ago and have no intention of starting it again, ever. "

mom-of-teens wrote on May 3, 2008 10:17 AM:

" I wasn't gonna comment on this issue, my ex was a chronic weed smoker and was completely worthless to me and the kids. He couldn't hold a job, he would lock the kids out of the house so he could get high with his friends or farm them out to the neighbors while I worked and attended school. His money, when he DID work always went to fund his friend Maryjane, and I could never trust him to pay bills, clean house, care for the kids, or anything normal. I was responsible for EVERYTHING! He hung out with groupy type "skanks" and guys who cheated on their wives all the time WITH the groupy type "skanks", which all of the above led to our ultimate breakup, and I got custody of the kids without much effort since he had hung his own nuce. I don't agree with legalizing pot for people like him. Giving legal pot to this man is EXACTLY like giving a drunk a drink or a shopaholic a credit card! These people don't need pot in their lives; they need to grow up and take responsibility to not being "worthless" to society! ESPECIALLY if they have families! Pot is NOT harmless just because it is grown in "nature." All you have to do is a little research to find that out. Our family broke up because of it and my kids lost their dad because of it. My mom had cancer. Her chemo ruined her appetite, she lost tons of weight. I jokingly said to her after she recovered that I could've had my ex "hook her up" so she could eat. In that case, I wouldn't have minded. With my ex, not a chance! "

observer wrote on May 3, 2008 9:18 AM:

" I don't know how many non-smokers of marijuana have bothered to post to this discussion but wake up smokers, most people don't smoke this WEED! Most people live healthy, sane lives, don't need an escape, are facing down and meeting today's challenges and don't crawl off to some corner to sneak a smoke. But it is interesting how, just like alcoholics, marijuana smokers find comfort in trying to get people to believe that's it's ok and therefore they must be ok. Truth is, like alcoholics, drug users, and yes that includes marijuana smokers, need to find better ways to cope with the trials and tribulations in life. I believe many marijuana smokers started early in life with a bad decision and are still trying to justify it rather than growing up. Look around and you'll realize, the vast majority of people don't smoke marijuana and are leading happy, healthy, productive lives. Come join us. "

The Hammer wrote on May 3, 2008 2:27 AM:

" God is perfectMan is not. Man made beerGod made pot.
"

VoR wrote on May 2, 2008 11:49 PM:

" To Razors Edge, You are 100% correct. Pot growers have discovered ways to hybridize the pot plant in ways that bring out it's desired traits, just as they have with almost every agricultural product. Strawberries are much larger & sweeter than the ones of 30 years ago too.

To maNDanJim, I also see your point. The problem is that until it's decriminalized there is no way to regulate or tax it. Which means it remains a street drug available to anyone who has the money regardless of their age or need. Everyone who thinks it through knows that prohibitions almost always fail. So long as it remains a "banned" substance it will never be controlled and the huge profits it's sales generate go into a black market cesspool instead of being channeled into productive ways.

To Mom, We've had similar exchanges on other boards So I think I have an idea where you're coming from here and I can't really argue with your logic. However I can't help but be hopeful that the elimination of federal sanctions would cause our legislators to re-consider the wisdom of our currently misguided and heavy handed laws. "

dante wrote on May 2, 2008 11:17 PM:

" ... and where are these blonde-haired FOXES that used to drive my car? "

Rasmus wrote on May 2, 2008 10:43 PM:

" dante, as you probably know, our Founding Fathers were growers of hemp. They would have been shocked to find out how our personal freedoms have been curtailed. A citizen in their time had the freedom to make whiskey, beer, or wine and many did. Washington had multiple whiskey stills and who knows what Jefferson was smoking? I, too, sought out FOXES in my youth. "

idiots wrote on May 2, 2008 10:23 PM:

" drugs are addictive, addicts (those not in recovery) eventually make poor choices. Many of those poor choices involve other criminal activities. Which leads to jail time. Here is an idea, lets create more addicts so they can commit more crimes. Wow I didn't realize how many of you idiots there are in this world. Visit a rehab center and talk to those recovering from addiction, this isn't a good plan or a bandwagon to jump on. this is the high way to a personal hell. Ask an addict. "

to mom wrote on May 2, 2008 9:00 PM:

" That would be great.. We already have a hard enought time keeping out young people here... lets be the last state to legalize it and watch the rest of the youth leave as well... for once in our exsistance could ND be a leader instead of acting like people in a bad movie (fargo) most people in the US already laugh about us anyway.. LETS LEAD NOT FOLLOW for once. Why is it illegal in the first place? I have never really understood that. half the population has either smoked or still does anyway.. its not hard to find.. it is cheap. why not tax it and treat it like booze. everything I have read about it says that booze is much worse for you than pot. is this not true. "

dante wrote on May 2, 2008 7:58 PM:

" RASMUS, you are bring back memories of my OFFICIAL BI-CENTENNIAL HOMEGROWN of '76. we celebrated freedom while smoking it, and thought of the founding fathers..... Nah, actually, we thought of and sought out FOXES to share in our spirit of patriotism.... or something like that. "

Razors Edge wrote on May 2, 2008 6:55 PM:

" maNDanJim:

The reefer we have today is not the same you smoked 30 years ago. It is a lot more potent. For that to happen man was involved. I'm not really against weed. Just saying it's not the same as it used to be. "

Mom wrote on May 2, 2008 4:59 PM:

" to VoR: thanks for the info. I feel the need to point out that this law would decriminalize federal sanctions, however, each state has their own marijuana laws/penalties, so even if this passes I can't see the ND legalizing pot anytime soon. In fact, I'm willing to bet we'd be one of the last states to get on the band wagon! "

maNDanJim wrote on May 2, 2008 4:13 PM:

" The government will not legalize this harmless drug (safer than alcohol and not man made) unless they can figure out how to tax it. "

CWRETIRED wrote on May 2, 2008 3:21 PM:

" To Some Think They Know: Thanks for the response. My hat is off to you for eliminating meth from your life. You couldn't be more right about legal drugs being abused. I see it quite often in the hospital setting. It's difficult to control. Some doctors are more liberal than others with aministration of pain medications, and some people find ways to use multiple doctors to write prescriptions. Kids can find it in their parents' medicine cabinet, and in some cases I have seen parents be the enablers for their kids by sharing presciption meds they themselves are addicted to. "

Rasmus wrote on May 2, 2008 2:15 PM:

" "Reefer Madness" abounds on this thread. First of all, you do not have to smoke marijuana to receive its effects. Marijuana is not a drug that makes one violent, unlike alcohol. I would support decriminalization of marijuana, legalization for the sick and elderly, and the right of every adult American to grow their own at home for personal use. "

some think they know wrote on May 2, 2008 11:52 AM:

" CWRETIRED I agree with you, I am also think that they should concentrate more on the fight against meth, as well as try to prevent gang activity, I know the life these people live because a very long time ago I used to live it, only I wised up and became one of those less than 6%. And you know what my life is tremendously better. I do also feel though that worse than a problem with meth in our community and not that its not there because we all know it is and how dangerous it is. However pharmacutical drugs are what I see to be the biggest problem the drug our community if not the world has seen yet and it is legally handed out to people everyday. Legalize marijuana let people relax and have their time, what should be looked into is how to control and make sure that people are taking all of their medcine, not getting rid of all of it, taking the proper doses, and that they are putting it into their body the proper way. "

VoR wrote on May 2, 2008 11:29 AM:

" I thought that for the purpose of this discussion we should all be able to read exactly what this proposed law actually says:

Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008 H.R. 5843

A BILL
To eliminate most Federal penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults'.

SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN MARIJUANA-RELATED PENALTIES.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no penalty may be imposed under an Act of Congress for the possession of marijuana for personal use, or for the not-for-profit transfer between adults of marijuana for personal use. For the purposes of this section, possession of 100 grams or less of marijuana shall be presumed to be for personal use, as shall the not-for-profit transfer of one ounce or less of marijuana, except that the civil penalty provided in section 405 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 844a) may be imposed for the public use of marijuana if the amount of the penalty does not exceed $100.

END

"

Razors Edge wrote on May 2, 2008 10:54 AM:

" I agree we need to stop sending people to prison for small amounts of drugs, and just increase the fines instead. However, don't tell me that marijuana isn't addictive. Anything that alters your body can be addictive. Someone below said this, but I laugh that people want to legalize marijuana but hate cigarette smokers. If I was driving down the road and saw someone who just smoked a cigarette, someone who is drunk, or someone who smoked a bowl I'd rather face the person who just smoked a cigarette. "

some think they know wrote on May 2, 2008 8:56 AM:

" have you ever met a person that is addicted to oxycontin, dilodad, morphine, fetynal or anything similar to these drugs into their system? I have, do I NO, these people are some of the most messed up people I have ever seen in my life, and just think doctors hand out scripts to junkies for drugs like these EVERYDAY. And then there are people that want to trip out on how "bad" marijuana use is. From my point of view I would almost rather meet a drunk driver on the road than half the people sleeping or pretty much sleeping off the pharmacuticals that doctors hand out on a daily basis. Really I wouldn't like to meet a drunk driver on the road either, but my point is there are so many other drugs out there that are ridiculously more dangerous than marijuana that are "legal" and handed out everyday. But hey lets make marijuana illegal right? The drug that has the side effects of hungry, happy, and sometimes a lil sleepy. Makes sense to me instead why don't we send everyone to the doc and put everyone into a walking coma and call it legal. "

CWRETIRED wrote on May 2, 2008 7:56 AM:

" TO VOR: As usual, VOR, your make some valid points and you supported them with some facts. This is one area we can agree on. I work in the health field now in a local hospital and often see the effects of meth, alcohol and other hard drugs. To date, I have not seen any patients admitted as a direct result of using Marijuana. According to the last statistics I found, meth users have a less than 6% success rate with rehab. They are known to have violent mood swings that lead to murder and other violent acts. It is a physically addictive drug. Alcohol is very destructive. It shuts down the liver and other vital organs over time. It is a
physically addictive drug. Marijuana does have harmful effects on the lungs. Regular use does tend to show a decrease in short term memory. I don't use any of them, but logic tells me that marjiuana is probably the least harmful of the social drugs available. I would much rather my tax dollars go toward meth, cocaine, etc. as well as gang activity. Thanks for your input VOR. "

SRahn wrote on May 2, 2008 7:08 AM:

" This web address is provided for all persons whole wish they knew the truth about reefer, take the time and stroll thru this site. You'll learn more then you might want to know..
http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7305
I believe Montana, Colorado and California has it right; even Cali's Governor S. the terminator, admits to the use of Hashish and Reefer, but not the hard drugg's tho and many influential people are in the closet junkies as well.
"

fp wrote on May 2, 2008 1:53 AM:

" When the government finds a way to control it they will decriminalize it. Right now they have no way of controlling it. They tried to control it once and they couldn't... It's big money in marijuana and they know it...they just dont have a constitutional way to keep it where they get their cut. The big drug companies have
more "effective treatments" and that is the secret code for much more addictive and profitable DRUGS.
We know that we don't need an army of doctors to tell us that. The worst thing americans ever allowed was to be lead so blindly by commercialized propaganda. Not only that but if anyone including doctors defy or challenge the federal fascist rules there automatically jailed,fined, banished. Look at the humanity in jail cause of it.
1mo2j "

VoR wrote on May 2, 2008 1:16 AM:

" To Captain Crunch, mom, Jim S, fp, CWRETIRED, I agree with most of what I've read from you. Regardless of wether you think using pot is a good idea or not, it's clear that criminalizing it's possession or use is destructive to our society. 90% of the inmates at the N.D. Penitentiary are there on drug related convictions. While it's true that many of them have committed other crimes as well, many others are simply taking-up valuable and expensive space ($70,000 per year) instead of being mainstreamed into becoming productive tax payers. It's time that we quit buying into the "reefer madness" prohibitionist propaganda that inspired today's Draconian sentences. To those who want to protect our kids from it, doesn't it make much more sense to take it off the street and distribute it through legitimate sources who would check ID's. Not to mention that the stuff would be taxed. A good way to fund rehab centers and or wherever else it's needed. On top of freeing up the billions that are now being spent in the futile attempts to stop it. This would also allow our law enforcement to re-direct a significant part of their resources to violent and cyber crimes like identity theft. Just that fact that those of us with such diverse viewpoints have some consensus here is very encouraging. "

fp wrote on May 2, 2008 1:13 AM:

" Well verde, in your perfect world no one drinks or smokes. You see thats your world. Not everyone lives in your world. I am not telling anyone to smoke or drink, I am saying in my opinion pot is less harmful than booze. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Aren`t we the generation that makes the rules or are you just happy to continue this failed war on drugs. I`m not condoning using anything, I am just saying the system is broke and needs to be fixed. So quit acting like you know the answers because no one does. 241 days left of bush......doesn`t that cheer you up. "

verde wrote on May 1, 2008 10:27 PM:

" The idea of legalizing marijuana is ridiculous. We already have enough problems with liquor because of the vehicle accidents it causes, the family problems, and the addiction issues. Why would anyone in their right mind want to make things worse by making marijuana legal? I do understand the possible use medically, under the supervision of a physician, but recreational use is just ridiculous. Liquor nor marijuana is necessary, anyone can get along just fine without being drugged.
Marijuana would also cause problems with traffic stops, because when an officer stops a car and suspects someone has been drinking he can just give them a breathalyzer to detect alcohol, but not marijuana. When someone uses marijuana they really don't know for sure how strong the substance is, and are just taking the word of a drug dealer who is a criminal by virtue of the fact that he sold it to them, but when they drink liquor, at least the label discloses the alcoholic content of the beverage.
I just think people are much better off without either. "

fp wrote on May 1, 2008 5:59 PM:

" Sorry dude. It won`t hapen again. "

Online Editor wrote on May 1, 2008 5:32 PM:

" To fp: I believe your comment was posted. All comments are read before being posted or deleted. As a side note, I don't appreciate the shots you took at me. "

fp wrote on May 1, 2008 4:27 PM:

" To Trial basis: All you are doing is perpetuating a stereotype that is off the mark. Why can`t we legalize it instead of making criminals of everyday people? It`s just another way of trying to impose the rule of the pasty faced quackers that live in this town. People will continue to use pot because they don`t want to drink. Have you ever heard of an overdose on weed? No because it can`t happen. Think of all the money you would save just in prison. People who smoke pot aren`t any differant than anyone else. Legalize and tax it. "

No Common Sense wrote on May 1, 2008 2:57 PM:

" Captain Crunch wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:30 AM: " Legalize it, regulate it, tax it. "

Makes Perfect Common Sense "

Moker wrote on May 1, 2008 2:24 PM:

" I get a kick out of the dripping sarcasm being used by the "anti" crowd. Giving it to firemen and cops to lower stress...that was supposed to be a ridiculous cheap shot? In reality, it might not be a bad idea after the shift is over to go burn a bowl. I know people in both professions who have done it, along with many other professions that would surprise the heck out of the "anti" crowd. "

Trial Basis wrote on May 1, 2008 1:51 PM:

" First lets study it by giving marijuana free to policemen, pharmacists, and maybe airline pilots.
Police report reads I arrived at the scene of the accident and smashed cars were everywhere. Skid marks ten or twenty feet long maybe north. I looked at the injured and followed my training by putting my head between my legs so not to faint.
Pharmacist says, Im sure I gave you the right pills, I put red and blue in the computer.
Airline Pilot is not talking, disappeared from radar a while ago. "

So Smart wrote on May 1, 2008 12:21 PM:

" Sure is a lot of people who want to legalize pot and outlaw cigarettes nowadays. Inhaling carbon monoxide and other chemicals from any smoke is not good. Legalize marijuana and then get busy passing secondary smoke laws. Soon the question will be whether it is child abuse to smoke pot in the same room or vehicle the kids are in.
Then Johnny will be given some drug at school to increase his attention because his parents smoke pot? When Susie grows up she will pay more for health insurance because her parents smoked pot when she was young.
This article says and the non profit transfer of up to an ounce. So now drug dealers are going to be labeled as volunteer non profit social worker types? Lots of money changes hands in non-profit industries with creative accounting methods. Or are we supposed to believe one ounce will be free any time you want it.
I assume this will be one of those consenting adult things. How many consenting adults can smoke marijuana in a Volkswagen together with windows rolled up?
I assume it will still be against the law for minors? Like cigarettes they will think daddy and mommy are supposed to smell like that? Good fodder for future psychologists and social workers. Future elections will be won by the person that promises marijuana stamps for the poor maybe? Lets provide it free to policemen and firemen to lower stress. "

cookie monster wrote on May 1, 2008 11:54 AM:

" ME want cookie! Anyone else got the munchies? "

Notnek wrote on May 1, 2008 11:54 AM:

" This issue is extremely volatile. There really is no good solution. Truth and Mom both have excellent points. I personally think tobacco should be illegal as nicotine is extremely addicting. Alcohol, tobacco, pot, crack it goes on and on. Just maybe education if the only solution. I just have a problem with making some kid a criminal who gets caught using pot. Truth is I am totally confused when thinking about a solution to this enormous national problem. "

Truth wrote on May 1, 2008 10:37 AM:

" Two trucks are driving down the highway towards me and my family; the driver of the first truck is driving over the speed limit and is coming from the bar after spending the afternoon and part of the evening dinking with buddies. The driver of the second truck, which is driving ten miles an hour less than the speed limit, just left a buddies house after smoking a joint. I know which impaired driver I would rather meet on the highway!! No recreational drugs are good, I do not drink alcohol or smoke anything but I have been both of those drivers. "

mom wrote on Apr 30, 2008 10:32 PM:

" to AquaTeenhung; what an interesting way of looking at it. Usually you hear opinions of legalize and tax it or keep it illegal. You idea may actually be more viable. I would worry about young teens having too much access to it though that way. I'd rather it be the same as alcohol or tobacco and have an age limit.
"

AquaTeenHung wrote on Apr 30, 2008 3:47 PM:

" Decriminalizing pot is a great idea. Letting the Gov't legalize it, regulate it & tax it is a bad idea. Decriminalizing pot would allow a person the right to decide if he or she wanted to grow their own for personal use. No drug dealers would be involved in the process. If you try and tax it then the Gov't becomes the drug dealers. "

wolfman wrote on Apr 30, 2008 2:46 PM:

" Oh heck muder and rape are never going away and judges are tired of putting them away too. same old crimes .... how boring is that. Why doesn't everyone just mind their own buisness. Come on folks wake up. A big no on this subject. "

Dave wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:31 PM:

" Hasn't anyone seen that South Park episode with all the hippies? If we legalize pot, it will probably just attract a bunch more hippies and then they will take over like some kind of plague. "

Notnek wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:13 PM:

" After thinking about this issue . I cannot help but recall my youth.. In the 50s the big deal was cruising and a few beers. The 60s we were to young to buy beer but old enough to die for the Vietnam debacle. Pot was everywhere and widely used. Now 40 plus years later pot and other drugs are still widely available.. The courts are full of offenders who are the least able to pay hefty fines. The prisons are full of drug offenders.. The financial toll is overwhelming. The political process and religions refused to address any solution.. Jail, and fines are just compounding an issue that cannot be wish away. "

To dof wrote on Apr 30, 2008 10:59 AM:

" sounds like a good idea to me. "

JIm S wrote on Apr 30, 2008 9:54 AM:

" I agree with the legalizing of pot. ou would be surprised at who and how many people here in Bismarck do come to work everyday after smoking pot. Being an X-pot smoker, I could take a few hits off my "bat" and continue to do my job and no one ever suspected. If pot were legalized, things would not change that much. The people who smoke pot will still smoke pot and are already going to work high. I am in favor of legalizing pot for economic reasons. I do think that if it were legal, dealers would almost be put out of business or taxed to death; maybe both. The money would do so much for our economy, could be used to offset us having to pay any Federal Income Tax, used to pay for healthcare, give our teachers better pay. Used to cover all our short comings that are draining our pockets. Pot is no worse than alcohol mainly beer. Give knew meaning to "This buds for you!" "

Notnek wrote on Apr 30, 2008 9:48 AM:

" I really do not care for any drug that is harmful . The problem is government is more than happy to take tobacco tax money. Pot is here, and here to stay ,legally of illegally, so why don't government that is always after tax money go ahead and legalize it with a tax included???? Or is it the Oh My factor,,,,,,,,, our representatives don't dare do something like that,, because they might not get reelected??? Wishing away problems do not work in our personal lives or in government. "

Richard B. wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:33 AM:

" With some experience in the legal field and especially with marijuana both personally and professionally I can say that if you put it on a ballot even the judges would vote for it. They are sick and tired of locking up productive members of society for smoking a plant that grows in the wild. It is a waste of taxpayers dollars and time. I would serve marijuana in my bar if I could. Maybe even quit drinking if I could go home and just "relax" "

My point wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:31 AM:

" I think that if Alcohol is legal why not make pot legal? Pot is a natural drug (except when laced with other harmful chemicals). My point of view is....if I had to be on the road next to a drunk driver, or on the road next to a person that smoked a joint I would pick the person that smoked the joint anyday. "

Captain Crunch wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:30 AM:

" Legalize it, regulate it, tax it. "

Moker wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:59 AM:

" I agree that marijuana should be legalized. It's far less dangerous and damaging than the precious alcohol that flows freely and destroys lives. However, due to the stigma instilled by the US Government early in the 20th century and the continued belief that it's a dangerous "gateway" drug, we'll never see it legalized. Too many lies have been repeated too many times, and too many people believe these lies to be the truth. Comparing marijuana to cocaine and heroin? Laughable. That's like comparing Advil to Morphine or Fentanyl. The "gateway drug" idea? Ludicrous. I know many people who smoke marijuana who won't go near any other drugs with a 10 foot pole. The thought that marijuana smokers are losers? Outrageous! People would be surprised how many respected professionals enjoy a toke now and then. VERY surprised. "

CWRETIRED wrote on Apr 30, 2008 6:23 AM:

" I consider myself to be mostly conservative, but I'm not sure legalizing marijuana is such a bad idea. The government tried to implement prohibition of alcohol and failed. So many people used it that there was no way to control it. We know alcohol has addictive properties and degrades function of bodily organs. We know people under the influence of alcohol kill others in motor vehicle accidents, yet we are willing to accept its use as legal. But once someone mentions marijuana use, some people come unglued. I am now in the medical field and have found no research showing it is physically addictive or that it automatically leads to hard drug use. And those that compare it to meth simply show their limited knowledge of the drug. If it were legalized, the quality could be controlled, taxes could be levied on it to help pay for healthcare programs, and drug dealers would lose a big share of their market. Just like alcohol, operating an automobile under the influence should be met with harsh penalties. I don't use it, nor do I plan to use it. That's my choice. "

Really wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:35 AM:

" For those of you who are comparing marijuana to cocaine and heroin.. get real. Marijuana does not do a tenth of the damage that serious drugs do. Do not just assume that marijuana causes lung cancer, can be addictive, gets you high off one hit and so forth. Let's try and do some credited research of the affects of marijuana on the system, not just guess work. Just because it is illegal, does not mean that it is life threatening. "

SRahn wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:40 AM:

" Thank you for your answering the question you've asked: ie (preventing nausea/vomiting), helping stimulate appetite (helpful for those who have experienced weight loss due to chemo or other treatments), to the best of my recollection "The failure to eat/vomiting is the cause of Red Blood Cell Depletion" and that depletion may cause the physicians discontinuance of treatments and the patient my die"! See Garon's Story at http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Medical-Marijuana-Transplants.html?_r=1&oref=slogin "

Jen wrote on Apr 26, 2008 11:17 PM:

" I agree that it should be legalized for people "WITH" a prescription from their medical doctor. If pot is used for pain people do develope a tolerance for it where they would not be "Stoned or High" at their jobs, there are many people walking around that have smoked a bit of pot to ease their pain but you would never know they are high or stoned (if youu will). They don't act like some people who hit it hard to purposely get messed up on it. "

To SRhan wrote on Apr 26, 2008 9:45 PM:

" Um, you may want to check your facts on what marijuana (more specifically, cannabidiol, a chemical found in marijuana) actually does. Cannabidiol does indeed offer some useful medicinal properties, such as acting as an antiemetic (preventing nausea/vomiting), helping stimulate appetite (helpful for those who have experienced weight loss due to chemo or other treatments), does help with pain relief, and is helpful in treatment of glaucoma. However, to my knowledge, there is no known mechanism for marijuana "stopping" red blood cell depletion. Just thought I would clarify this. "

bigpoppakdog wrote on Apr 26, 2008 9:23 PM:

" we have prescription drug abuse at an all time high, lets add pot to it. Way to go duuude! Reeefers forever maaaaan! Civilization is going downhill I tell you. I hate to see how the world will be when we have legal druggies running the world. At least now there is some challenge to getting drugs. "

SRahn wrote on Apr 26, 2008 5:48 PM:

" Thanks Jim, I already read his story and believe he too would endorse Dr's perscription useage as I've indicated in my previouse post. Did you notice the article regarding a patient now dieing in front of his wife, as well as being denied a liver transplant due to his Dr's perscribed medicinal usage? Place yourself at that bedside to watch the agony he and his wife are suffering, while knowing you could relieve that agony by medicinal authorization. My wife watched many Veteran's in a San Antonio, TX hospital suffering that way and let me tell you, she'll never recover from those site's and sounds because they were denied a product that "STOPS" red blood cell depletion while prepairing the chemo solution being administered. All apposer's should have to see such a un-godly site in front of them prior to deciding such a bill's failure, along with you! Personal, on-going experience, outweighs "ALL" argument's this very moment! "

Mom wrote on Apr 26, 2008 4:48 PM:

" Jen; does that mean we'd have stoned employees? No thanks, I think our worker's comp. rates would soar. Which brings up an interesting question. If small amounts of marijuana were legalized would that mean people could legitimately be stoned at work? You couldn't do a urine test on them because that would only show that they'd smoked it sometime in the last few months. I agree that it should be legalized for chronic pain sufferers, but only by prescription by a doctor, otherwise I'm thinking of a lot of people that may fake some aches and pains! "

Jen wrote on Apr 26, 2008 3:29 PM:

" I firmly believe pot SHOULD BE LEGALIZED for people who live with chronic pain everyday of their lives. Whats worse, legalizing small amounts of pot for medical use or paying for all the people who are on disability for chronic pain and cann't work? Majority of them get disablity for chronic pain, more than likely get welfare since medicare don't pay diddly! Ever think that if pot was legalized for chronic pain sufferers maybe they could go to work instead of pulling disablity/welfare?? "

Been around the block wrote on Apr 26, 2008 10:35 AM:

" The problem with the decriminalization of marijuana use is that it would say to our young people and everyone else that it is OK to smoke it. We already have a very serious problem with alcohol and nicotine addiction. I can have a glass of wine, or beer, or a mixed drink with friends or myself this evening and not become rude, or loud, or belligerent or goofy. If I smoke a joint or part of a joint or take a hit on a bong or pipe I will almost instantly be high, probably very high. The marijuana in use today is much more potent then the marijuana is use during the 60s or 70s. As I breathe the smoke into my lungs, I will hold it in as long as I can to get a maximum high. This is disastrous from the perspective of getting lung cancer. These are the messages we need to send to our children. I dont believe marijuana smokers should be sent to prison but totally decriminalizing it sends an improper message to our youth. If my son or daughter were to come home smelling of marijuana or I were to find smoking paraphernalia in the car or bedroom we would have a very serious discussion of the expectations of their mother and myself and it would be a discussion between my son or daughter and my wife and myself. The same holds true with alcohol or the smoking of cigarettes. "

contributor wrote on Apr 26, 2008 10:24 AM:

" Mr. Walsh,
I'm always amused by people that speak of the "war on drugs" and pronounce it lost. It's because of apologist, weak knee'ed, possibly well meaning but woefully uninformed people like you that we as a society will have to suffer through more pain, more loss, more degradation, more moral decline, etc., etc., that is associated with the use of these powerful and dangerous drugs. And if you really knew the aim of the people who use whatever quasi legitimate argument they can come up with to attempt to mainstream marijuana first, and ALL drugs later than you would join the fight to make ALL dangerous drugs illegal. Why don't you read the story of the addiction counselor that is coming to town with a real life story to tell, go see him and ask him if he thinks it's wise to decriminalize any amount marijuana for any reason. Then you might realize it's not government's, or law enforcement's, or the court's responsiblity alone to wage this "war". It's the responsibility of parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, politicians, in short EVERYONE'S (including you) to take up this cause and not do the equivalent of cutting and running. "

Just a Thought wrote on Apr 26, 2008 10:01 AM:

" I don't want to get into the whole good vs bad of marijuana, however dof did bring up a valid point (perhaps a little too caustic or sarcastic) about where do we draw the line. We have seen time and time again that the noise made by a vocal minority outweighs the will of the majority, not through legislation, but through our judicial branch of government. There are too many judges, especially at the federal level, who feel it is their priviledge to shape and make legislative policy to their personal agenda. But I digress....so, today, a minority of citizens and medical professionals push through their agenda for legalized use. Tomorrow, a minority of citizens and professionals, plus a very shrewd lawyer and forward thinking judge, using marijuana as precedent (it really doesn't hurt anything or anyone else) claims that consenual sexual contact between a 12 year old and a 35 year old is natural and doesn't hurt anyone else. I know that is an extreme example but................is it really??? Look at our inept and politically polarized legal system now. "

lwa wrote on Apr 26, 2008 8:56 AM:

" I, too, am "someone who most emphatically is not a marijuana user". The U.S. used to spend a huge amount of money prosecuting and incarcerating people for marijuana-possession convictions. But, even without the laws changing, it appears that more and more people are getting fines now instead of time. I think the courts have taken it upon themselves to lessen the penalties because, frankly, we don't have the manpower resources to put these people on probation and certainly not the room to put them in prison. dof - Mr. Walsh was not referring to cocaine, meth, or heroine; there is a difference. Maybe it was too early in the morning when you read the article. Your "Awww.....shucks" mentality needs to get into the 21st century! "

WHATEVER wrote on Apr 26, 2008 8:27 AM:

" To 'dof': If keeping pot illegal is such a great idea, then why not make booze and tobacco illegal as well? Never mind, I already know the answer: the booze drinking, cigarette smoking hypocrites only want the other drugs kept illegal. "

jim wrote on Apr 26, 2008 7:57 AM:

" maybe you could explain your opinion to delbert boone. an article about him appears in the tribune, saturday april26, 2008, page B1. "

SRahn wrote on Apr 26, 2008 6:47 AM:

" Sounds good on paper Mr. Walsh and support (By Appropriate Parties) is never coming in the amount needed to PASS this Bill. Medicinal use should most definitely be decriminalized with Full Support, failing to do so by every physician world-wide indicates a failure of the whole medical fields "Professional Oath's Of Practice" to aid patients and their suffering (Good Class Action Suit against AMA, FBI, CIA, DEA and The United States President in office), with full knowledge of it's benefits to many illnesses: Cancer-Glaucoma and Hepatitis C treatment patients. This Bill will fail as worded, it should be: "Decriminalized Medicinal Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008", then it stands a chance far better in passing! "

dof wrote on Apr 26, 2008 5:22 AM:

" Awww.....shucks if this is such a great idea, Why don't we decriminalize possession of cocaine in the amounts of 10 grams or less, for use by responsible adults...heroine in the amounts of 10 grams or less, for use by responsible adults.. and maybe even decriminalize the manufacture of methaphetamine for personal consumption only.....Barney Frank is a liberal, sexual deviant, that has no more business in guiding our country, than Jane Fonda should have been our countries representative in her visit to Hanoi...back in the '70s (you brought up the wack..Shafer Commission) People can't control their live with alcohol now Purple haze Barney wants to add Pot tothe mix?? "

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