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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: DanGWanG on Fri, 06 April 2012, 14:34:53

Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Fri, 06 April 2012, 14:34:53
I've heard and read many debates about what the effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana would be.  And while I am biased, I'm still interested in hearing the economic opinions of fellow Geekhackers.

I'm especially interested in hearing Ripster's opinion :)  See the image below, and let's discuss.  As much as possible, I'd like to stay on topic for this one!  It's something I'm passionate about =)

[ATTACH=CONFIG]47614[/ATTACH]
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Fri, 06 April 2012, 15:02:01
I think that jpg pretty much sums it up, there would be a net positive effect on the economy if the drug war were ended and drugs taxed.  Even if it was just marijuana and the rest of the drugs remain illegal.  

Look at this image:  

[ATTACH=CONFIG]47616[/ATTACH]

When Nixon enacted the "War on Drugs" incarceration in America skyrocketed.  In 1980, there were approx. 227 million people living in America, and less than 500,000 incarcerated.  Fast forward to 2006, and there were almost 300 million Americans, but the number incarcerated skyrocketed to 2.5 million people!!!!!!!  So our population has risen by approx 32%, but the incarceration rate has risen by over 500% in that same time frame?  Who do you think pays the salaries of the police, the jail workers, who builds the jails, who pays for the inmates food?  The productive members of our society of course, the ones who take risk and move society forward are held back by these parasites (supporters of the drug war, some of whom smoke weed....talk about effective brainwashing...)

I get really worked up when I think about how broken America is, so I'm going to stop now and take a binger!
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Reptile on Fri, 06 April 2012, 15:11:20
I love how the states that have medical completely surround idaho.

For me it would be a godsend if they even just decriminalized it here. I have served over 100 days in jail due to 3 possessions; each time less than a gram :doh:
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: fossala on Fri, 06 April 2012, 15:15:02
Quote from: Reptile;569167
I love how the states that have medical completely surround idaho.

For me it would be a godsend if they even just decriminalized it here. I have served over 100 days in jail due to 3 possessions; each time less than a gram :doh:

That is a bit harsh.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: funxion on Fri, 06 April 2012, 15:33:43
I don't drink, smoke, or do anything drug-related, but marijuana should be legalized. The other junk can stay illegal, but legalizing marijuana (not even just medical) would be a huge benefit to the economy, especially if taxed. The U.S. government is obviously oblivious to the fact that although laws are put in place, people constantly break them regardless of the consequence(s). Why wouldn't they take advantage of a profitable market?

And in response to ripster's incarceration rate reference, I actually chose to present a formal persuasive speech on that topic, which also led to the debate of our tax money being spend ferociously in sectors that don't necessarily benefit us or even the general public. The government's argument is that of throwing people in jails/prisons helps to keep our country free of violence. I personally am led to believe that a good chunk of the reason why crimes occur in the first place is due to the very hefty restraints of the government on our country, such as the legality of marijuana.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 07 April 2012, 07:19:51
I agree that marijuana should be legalized. And eventually, all drugs.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: fossala on Sat, 07 April 2012, 07:27:32
I don't see why we are told what we can do with our bodies. You will get full time drug addicts like you get alcholics, but the majority of people will control themselves.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Sat, 07 April 2012, 10:33:27
Quote from: keyboardlover;569716
I agree that marijuana should be legalized. And eventually, all drugs.

I'm not sure I agree with the all drugs part, but certainly medical use of Marijuana should be legalized.

----

I'm not sure America is truly ready yet to really make these available as a non-medical use standard (like cigarettes and alcohol is today), but I truly believe it should be used to treat certain symptoms for relief.  This isn't a cure for cancer, but if Vicodin (and other pain meds) exist in the medical realm of treatment, then why shouldn't cannabis be considered?

As far as economics is concerned, I think the regulation aspect of the whole ordeal is really what intrigues me the most.  You've all seen those movies where retards buy oregano instead of weed because they didn't know any better.  That kind of **** can make someone sick or even kill them in extreme cases.  Once it's regulated and checked for quality (which occurs today in a lot of medical dispensaries on the west coast), no one has to worry about the possibility of it being laced with other drugs.  Regulation also examines the level of THC and CDC within marijuana so the user can understand the level of "high" they are about to receive, which again, leads to a more controlled environment.

There's also other herbal products on the market that legal across all states, and have similar effects of Marijuana.  I recently tried this drink called Marley's Mellow Mood (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CSUGP0/ref=s9_simh_gw_p325_d0_g325_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=02V98RXA8FZY8MW4TRT8&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846) (don't buy this on Amazon, check your local grocery store first...they're usually cheaper).  This drink utilizes an herbal root called Valerian root.  It's been used forever as an all natural remedy for treating anxiety and insomnia (sounds like Marijuana to me lol).  In any case, this drink, even a few sips will start kicking in immediately.  Literally, it takes like 10 minutes for you to start feeling drowsy and relaxed.  Quite frankly, I would NOT drink this and drive, it is just too ridiculous.  But my question is, why is this legal and weed isn't?

I'm going off topic a little here, since I wanted to discuss the economic effects.  Again, I really just want to see marijuana regulated more than anything.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: noog on Sat, 07 April 2012, 10:58:50
I am originally from south Texas and have seen first hand the the ill effects drugs like cocaine have, hence I don't believe all drugs should be legalized. Broken homes, murder, prostitution both male and female. It's sick. Marijuana's effects and benefits highly outweigh the reasons for it being illegal. You know **** is effect up when drug dealers are with the federal gov in not wanting it legalized. We never learn that prohibition does not work in cases like this. The economical benefits have been mentioned so I will not repeat them. Legalize, regulate, tax it and watch our economy stabilize. Not totally but it will help drastically.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 07 April 2012, 12:25:18
The idea is that many of the ill effects of hard drugs like cocaine is actually partially caused by their illegality. Definitely the violence, prostitution, etc.

Not to mention the psychological fact that not being able to have something (because it's illegal) makes people want it more.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: funxion on Sat, 07 April 2012, 13:09:08
KL has it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 07 April 2012, 13:32:25
Can someone tell Malphas about this thread? He seems to think income tax is more viable for some strange reason.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sLeezy on Sun, 08 April 2012, 02:27:14
I don't participate in any type of drug use but I am for the decriminalization of marijuana and for medicinal use.

I think DangWang's pic sums it up pretty nicely for the pros. Some European countries have decriminalized it and have had very positive impacts on the economy. I think Portugal, one of the most liberal countries in the world, decriminalized all drugs and they have noticed a significant drop crime, in teens that consume marijuana, and a lower use and lower death rate in the more hardcore drugs like heroin and cocaine.

But the problem is that Portugal is pretty small and the effects of decriminalizing marijuana might not have the same outcome in the US. I also think a lot of politics are involved as nobody wants to take the heat for being the "bad guy" as it could potentially ruin their career if things don't turn out well.

The reason why I'm against full legalization of marijuana is because people are money hungry phaggots ie Philip Morris/Altria Group. I can easily see Altria Group become the largest distributor of marijuana in the free market and I can also see them adding additives to make them addictive just like they do to their cigarettes. You can argue that the government will regulate it, but do they regulate cigarettes? They have too much money and too many lobbyists to not get their way.

Anyways, just my 2 cents.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: net2522 on Sun, 08 April 2012, 02:33:37
wink wink :thumb:
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: ekw808 on Sun, 08 April 2012, 18:58:00
Cost to house prison inmates: http://www.ehow.com/about_5409377_average-cost-house-inmates-prison.html times the number of people sent to prison over MJ charges = more savings. Marijuana should be sold like cigarettes but even cheaper to deter people from growing their own. When America wants to make the best of something they come pretty dam close to Japan at being number 1, US government grown MJ is some of the strongest and most potent out there they could easily regulate the amount of THC that could be sold per pack of "cigs" sold. I think I read that Mexico or some South America country was trying to push for the legalization of all drugs, there are countries in Europe that have drugs legalize and have seen a decrease in all sorts of crimes. US needs to get off its ****in pedestal and accept the fact that the tests done years ago were inappropriately executed and as a result has produced false and inaccurate information. Those tests involved giving chimps respirator masks that were pumped with MJ smoke for numerous hours to find out that the chimps had died due to a lack of O2.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Sun, 08 April 2012, 22:38:06
I like the passion I see in this thread and it means a lot to see the perspectives of many people, even those who don't engage in usage of marijuana.  Two thumbs up to you guys, that understand this needs to happen sooner than later.  It's inevitable that this will eventually be legalized and taxed, but let's get the process started.  It can't happen if federal and state level government don't start cooperating on this.

I recently started watching this show "American Weed" and it follows a family in Colorado that harvests and dispenses medical marijuana to patients.  Obviously, there's some bias here as they only show people buying that are "real" patients, those who are in need by some clinical disease or problem (i.e. cancer patients, severe pain patients, insomnia, etc.).  It's starting to intrigue me how many people are looking towards alternative, all natural sources of medicine these days.  There are people who move to these counties just to get treatment.  Little by little, these counties are starting to deny dispensaries and existing patients are forced to move or buy on the unregulated black market.

How can we deny patients in need of medicine?  And how can we be more firm about who gets to have a medicinal license?  It's about finding that happy medium, and not just outright make it legal or illegal.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sLeezy on Sun, 08 April 2012, 23:46:45
[video=youtube;NY6UTnS6Z-A]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY6UTnS6Z-A[/video]
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Fri, 27 April 2012, 13:16:42
Very informational and good watch, albeit a little outdated.

[video=youtube;qKgY5eOlhEc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKgY5eOlhEc&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/video]
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: MyNameIsFinn on Fri, 27 April 2012, 14:16:01
Marijuana should be legalized for a number of reasons. The amount of money the government could make from taxing it is insane, making it legal can do two things, take away the hole "Its illegal so its more fun to do" factor.. Alternatively  it can raise the amount of people buying marijuana because it is now less risky. I personally believe that if something like alcohol is legal which has caused (not directly) many deaths such as car accidents then something like marijuana should be legal.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sth on Fri, 27 April 2012, 14:38:57
The government needs to spend the money we're already giving them a hell of a lot more responsibly before we vote on legalizing something just to tax it.

Decriminalize, don't legalize.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 27 April 2012, 14:49:27
Quote from: MyNameIsFinn;584077
... I personally believe that if something like alcohol is legal which has caused (not directly) many deaths such as car accidents ...

So is it the vehicle being driven by the drunk that's 'directly' responsible, or is it the drunk?  Are you considering cirrhosis of the liver and similar as the only direct deaths caused by alcohol?  Stupid people do stupid things to kill others, but alcohol is still a major cause of fatal stupidity and should be considered directly responsible.

Personally I think marijuana should be legalized and all taxation funneled straight into public education.  edit: let me be clear on that.  Actual schooling K-12 type stuff, not anti-drugs education.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: silat on Sat, 28 April 2012, 04:40:18
The cons and their privatizing of prisons will fight legalized mary jane to the death. They need inmates...
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: leoblack9 on Fri, 25 May 2012, 10:30:12
Me and my buddies somehow had a weed-related discussion like this (no we were not high then and I never smoked weed before) and they always brought up the point that if Marijuana was legalized the tobacco industry would be devastated because everybody can and would probably grow weed for self-consumption, which cannot be done with tobacco plants.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 25 May 2012, 10:48:10
Not necessarily. Would depend how it's regulated.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: leoblack9 on Fri, 25 May 2012, 11:08:05
Well I've been hearing conspiracies that it was the huge tobacco companies that prevent its legalization. While tobacco and alcohol products are legal the rather less harmful of the ones mentioned is the one that's not legalized (erm, weed).
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sth on Sat, 26 May 2012, 18:12:41
Quote from: leoblack9;599918
Well I've been hearing conspiracies that it was the huge tobacco companies that prevent its legalization. While tobacco and alcohol products are legal the rather less harmful of the ones mentioned is the one that's not legalized (erm, weed).

Don't forget the paper and textile industries.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: silat on Sat, 26 May 2012, 19:19:06
Biggest financial effect: Repubes create a new multi trillion dollar give away to big pharma
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 26 May 2012, 19:50:43
Legalizing for medicinal purposes does not necessarily imply making it free for everyone to grow and use. I think that marijuana should be treated as any other medicine - administered by subscription only, as pills, tinctures, injection, infusion (as tea) or whatever would be a good method for ingesting the active substances, but not as something that can be smoked.
I am strongly against smoking - of any drug, because smoking is an effective way of spreading drug-addiction to people who don't want to become addicts -- which includes everyone who isn't an addict already.
In the case of smoking tobacco, no tobacco smoker has chosen to become a smoker. There are those who say that they have chosen, but they don't know better, because they are addicts. Practically all tobacco addicts are addicts because they had been subjected to enough second-hand smoke to trigger the addiction.
Smoking is also a stupid way of ingesting drugs, because it also produces many harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide and so called "tar" - which consists of literally thousands of chemicals (slow-burning a chemical does not combust the chemical properly, but turns into many variants between uncombusted and combusted, and these half-combusted chemicals can be more reactive and therefore dangerous).

People who want to legalize marijuana (for everyone) often compare it to tobacco, and say that if tobacco is free to use then marijuana should also be.
They don't see that the legality of tobacco is a special case: Tobacco is legal because of pressure from tobacco companies but mostly because the number of addicts is significant enough. If it's use had not become popular early so that there was a large amount of addicts at the beginning of the 20th century, then it would also have been made illegal at about that time, and we may now have discussed tobacco instead of marijuana.

That said, I think that the US is sentencing people too harshly overall. Possession of a small amount of marijuana without a license or medical cause should give you a fine. Maybe a short prison term if you are caught with the third time, or something like that.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: alaricljs on Sat, 26 May 2012, 21:03:19
Quote from: Findecanor;600979
In the case of smoking tobacco, no tobacco smoker has chosen to become a smoker. There are those who say that they have chosen, but they don't know better, because they are addicts. Practically all tobacco addicts are addicts because they had been subjected to enough second-hand smoke to trigger the addiction.

Well, I get to be the exception to the rule then.  I chose to pick up smoking, smoked for 3 years and then dropped it cold turkey.  The hot non-smoker blonde I started dating the next day was good incentive, but there was nothing difficult about it for me.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Sat, 26 May 2012, 21:37:28
Quote from: Findecanor;600979
Legalizing for medicinal purposes does not necessarily imply making it free for everyone to grow and use. I think that marijuana should be treated as any other medicine - administered by subscription only, as pills, tinctures, injection, infusion (as tea) or whatever would be a good method for ingesting the active substances, but not as something that can be smoked.
I am strongly against smoking - of any drug, because smoking is an effective way of spreading drug-addiction to people who don't want to become addicts -- which includes everyone who isn't an addict already.
In the case of smoking tobacco, no tobacco smoker has chosen to become a smoker. There are those who say that they have chosen, but they don't know better, because they are addicts. Practically all tobacco addicts are addicts because they had been subjected to enough second-hand smoke to trigger the addiction.
Smoking is also a stupid way of ingesting drugs, because it also produces many harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide and so called "tar" - which consists of literally thousands of chemicals (slow-burning a chemical does not combust the chemical properly, but turns into many variants between uncombusted and combusted, and these half-combusted chemicals can be more reactive and therefore dangerous).

People who want to legalize marijuana (for everyone) often compare it to tobacco, and say that if tobacco is free to use then marijuana should also be.
They don't see that the legality of tobacco is a special case: Tobacco is legal because of pressure from tobacco companies but mostly because the number of addicts is significant enough. If it's use had not become popular early so that there was a large amount of addicts at the beginning of the 20th century, then it would also have been made illegal at about that time, and we may now have discussed tobacco instead of marijuana.

That said, I think that the US is sentencing people too harshly overall. Possession of a small amount of marijuana without a license or medical cause should give you a fine. Maybe a short prison term if you are caught with the third time, or something like that.

How do you feel about vaporization of tobacco or marijuana?
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 26 May 2012, 23:10:00
I personally found it a HELL of a lot harder to quit weed than tobacco. Of course, I never smoked cigarettes anywhere NEAR as often.

When I quit weed I hardly slept for a whole week. That was like 5-6 years ago. :D
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: cactux on Wed, 20 June 2012, 18:34:45
Mr. dop (DanW) do not worry people love junkies,(you know what I mean ;-b )
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: MMB on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:03:22
Quote from: DanGWanG;601039
How do you feel about vaporization of tobacco or marijuana?

I only use a vaporizer. Want to keep my lungs intact. :)

Here is what I use:

http://www.amazon.com/7th-Floor-Life-Saber-Vaporizer/dp/B004Y6W8TM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pdT1_S_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3GJ61V1ATKDFR&colid=112IZUU5T73VL

[ATTACH=CONFIG]53510[/ATTACH]
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:21:24
I have one of these:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arizer-Extreme-Q-Herbal-Vaporizer-2-Bonus-Balloons-/180803756532?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a18be61f4#ht_2811wt_1164 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arizer-Extreme-Q-Herbal-Vaporizer-2-Bonus-Balloons-/180803756532?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a18be61f4#ht_2811wt_1164)

It's like a cheap knockoff version of the Volcano; the bags take a lot longer to fill than the Volcano but you get a greater density of thc vapor.  Never been a fan of whip-style vaporizers for some reason (though my vape also has a whip).  

I like vaporizers, but THC has a lower vaporization temperature than many of the other active cannabinoids, so you don't get the same psycho-active effects as when smoking.  I prefer a healthy mix of smoking and vaporizing, and the occasional ingestion of cannabis-infused edibles when I know my agenda is clear for the day!
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sth on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:23:04
The friggin hell is wrong with you chumps, learn to roll a cone or Quit Doing Pot.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:23:07
Must be nice to live in Boulder =)
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: MMB on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:24:03
Quote from: WRXChris;618202
I have one of these:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arizer-Extreme-Q-Herbal-Vaporizer-2-Bonus-Balloons-/180803756532?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a18be61f4#ht_2811wt_1164 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arizer-Extreme-Q-Herbal-Vaporizer-2-Bonus-Balloons-/180803756532?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a18be61f4#ht_2811wt_1164)

It's like a cheap knockoff version of the Volcano; the bags take a lot longer to fill than the Volcano but you get a greater density of thc vapor.  Never been a fan of whip-style vaporizers for some reason (though my vape also has a whip).  

I like vaporizers, but THC has a lower vaporization temperature than many of the other active cannabinoids, so you don't get the same psycho-active effects as when smoking.  I prefer a healthy mix of smoking and vaporizing, and the occasional ingestion of cannabis-infused edibles when I know my agenda is clear for the day!

Edibles are my favorite.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: cactux on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:24:38
Dam W , What about you in which planet you are right now?
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: MMB on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:27:47
Quote from: cactux;618207
Dam W , What about you in which planet you are right now?

I don't know about Dan, but I am in a completely different Galaxy right now. Not sure the name of the planet, but it's pretty epic...
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: TexasFlood on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:28:31
Boulder, for work or school? It's a nice, if relatively pricey, place to live.  Not really much available real estate IN Boulder and the zoning is crazy but lots of sprawl area.  Gotta watch it driving around the CU campus, the students just walk out in front of you like they're daring you to run them over.  I thought they taught the laws of physics there but must not teach that car trumps pedestrian.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sth on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:28:36
Quote from: MagicMeatball;618212
I don't know about Dan, but I am in a completely different Galaxy right now. Not sure the name of the planet, but it's pretty epic...
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M7syfSkg-e8/Sax8o_iIogI/AAAAAAAABS4/tvYOqo8ehac/s400/weed8pb.jpg)
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:33:49
Moving there for fun!  Gotta spend at least a year or 2 in close proximity to the Rockies since I'm about to turn 30, starting to get old, lol.  Yeah Boulder has some quirks, and I'm sure I'll run into the entitlement-minded douches, but it can't be much worse than the suburbs of DC.  I plan on finding a job within the city and bike to work and stuff.  The food is fantastic, there are plenty of tech industry jobs, great ganj, great mountain biking, snowboarding, etc.  True, real estate is high, but I'll save the difference in rent by not having to pay for commuting gas.  T-minus a few weeks!
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: TexasFlood on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:36:38
Sounds like fun, I'm jealous, I never seem to take advantage of the benefits of the places I live. It is a great place. Monk and Mindy was filmed there. OK just the exterior shots but still...
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:38:03
Slightly off-topic, what's the typical rent there in a decent location for a 1 bedroom?
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: TexasFlood on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:41:49
Quote from: DanGWanG;618226
Slightly off-topic, what's the typical rent there in a decent location for a 1 bedroom?

http://www.boulderrent.com/

And seriously, watch the CU students, or you're run them over.
I almost did, in Boulder and once in Hollywood to.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:42:14
I've only been looking at places that accept dogs, specifically pit bulls which REALLY limits me, but the cheapest I've found is $800-900.  I'm guessing without a dog, you could find a mediocre apartment in a decent location for 7-800.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:44:13
Looks like I can get a pretty nice 1BR/1BA for under $1300...which is about what I pay here in Chicago, unless it's in a really crappy area of Boulder lol
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:48:17
Oh for sure, my budget is much lower than that, and even with the dog I'm not too concerned about finding a place to live.  More concerned about finding the job to support it and my various addictions..I mean hobbies, in this post-Wall Street-greed economy!
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:49:21
Boulder just may be my Bay Area alternative then...
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:52:36
lol that's what I was planning on doing...well not really bay area, a bit further north in Humboldt county (got family there), but it's kinda boring up there full time.  Decided on Boulder because of the outdoorness factor and my starting to get old thing, and if I end up not liking it, Cali is next!
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sth on Wed, 20 June 2012, 19:54:02
Swing by oakland, we can... talk about... keyboards. Right.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:07:06
yes. keyboards. lol!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]53513[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]53514[/ATTACH]
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:18:32
Hey!  Those aren't keyboards!!
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: TexasFlood on Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:25:05
The Smoker You Type The Player You Get

Spent the last year
Rocky Mountain way
Couldn't get much higher
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:25:21
haha you got me!  this one's for your sth: [ATTACH=CONFIG]53517[/ATTACH]
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sth on Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:28:59
Oh honey. You just come out here and I'll roll you something nice like you never seen.

JK looks tasty. Enjoy :)
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 25 July 2012, 18:49:01
(http://boards.420chan.org/weed/src/1343178390582.jpg)

I hope Rip sees this...
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: demik on Wed, 25 July 2012, 22:37:52
corny
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Thu, 02 August 2012, 10:42:25
I wasn't aware there were other pot smokers on Geekhack until I started reading this thread...
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Thu, 02 August 2012, 10:43:32
I wasn't aware there were other pot smokers on Geekhack until I started reading this thread...

Welcome to my subforum =)
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Thu, 02 August 2012, 10:45:49
Another good find on r/trees...

(http://i.imgur.com/rCz6C.jpg)
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Thu, 02 August 2012, 10:53:18
Another good find on r/trees...

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/rCz6C.jpg)


I know first-hand that numbers 1, 7, and 10 are 100% accurate.  I get the occasional headache/migraine, and the pot helps with that a lot. I also have severe ADHD, and I have noticed it does help me keep motivated and on task. And I do have some mild OCD, and it has pretty much disappeared since I've been smoking.

I think I will be spending a lot more time in this subforum. =)
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Thu, 02 August 2012, 10:56:01
No personal experience with #9? hahaha
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Thu, 02 August 2012, 10:57:33
Lmao...
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Thu, 02 August 2012, 17:03:27
Thought I'd post this here, as I saw it was somewhat relevant...

From the creators of "The Union," the same team is out to document something from a culture perspective.  Right now they're on Kick Starter trying to raise any revenue they can in order to move forward with the video, and it looks like they've achieved their goal, which is awesome.  Please show your support and donate (or buy a dvd, it's a good deal):

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/scorgie/the-culture-high
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: demik on Thu, 02 August 2012, 18:20:56
only reason i need (http://i48.tinypic.com/24pfiw5.png)
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Sat, 20 October 2012, 11:08:39
This year Colorado, Washington (state) and Oregon are voting for full legalization of Marijuana.  That is to say, they will be treated and enforced by state government in the same manner as alcohol.  Prohibition just doesn't work, and I for one, can't wait for one of these states to fully legalize.  This is a great opportunity to present some new entrepreneurial ventures as well =)
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: kurplop on Sat, 20 October 2012, 13:13:02
Having somehow managed to remain drug and alcohol free for my 58 years of life, many of my friends are surprised that I take a somewhat relaxed position on the legalization of marijuana.

- I agree with those who think we spend too much on the prosecution and incarceration of non-violent drug users.
- A stay in a prison could possibly turn a non-violent pothead into a more destructive member of society.
- Like prohibition, the War on Drugs never advanced past it's beachhead invasion. The  violence and financial cost is reason enough for a retreat.
- Even if pot is a gateway drug to more harmful substances, I doubt that those with a predisposition toward drug abuse or overuse have been waiting for it's legal status before lighting up.
- While I hate more taxes, I dislike even more that drug users seem to be in a protected class because they seem to be able to skirt paying taxes on there purchases.
- It does seem irrational for society to have outlawed prescription marijuana, assuming it's miraculous healing properties, but allow much more dangerous prescription drugs.

Going back to the thread title, I think that legalizing Medical Marijuana and properly taxing and regulating it's use would have a positive economic cash flow on the gov't coffers.

I am curious however, and this is not a rhetorical question, how many of you want to see pot legalized for medical reasons, and how many for recreational convenience?
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Goliath on Tue, 23 October 2012, 00:10:04
I do not smoke and never have, but I do feel it should be legalized. It does not cause any harm and I do not see the harm in cannabis being illegal. It causes more harm and costs more money trying to stop it. The choice seems pretty clear Imo. lol :cool:
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: kurplop on Tue, 23 October 2012, 08:02:54
Abuse, or overuse of almost anything (e.g. the young woman who died of drinking too much water a few years ago) is possible and the more pleasurable the act, the greater the risk of addiction.

My overall opinion of my fellow Geekhack contributors is that they are intelligent and productive and are probably not underachievers. However, by necessity, anyone who can spend so much time dwelling on something as trivial (blasphemy) as the subtle nuances between the sound of key switches has an obsessive personality.  Those of us with such a personality could go overboard with any of our passions.

 I've had too many friends who have passed the tipping point with drugs to believe that there isn't a risk of harmful drug use, whether medical or recreational.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 24 October 2012, 09:22:52
I am curious however, and this is not a rhetorical question, how many of you want to see pot legalized for medical reasons, and how many for recreational convenience?

I'd say a little of both, but leaning towards the recreational side.  I don't have any major illnesses so I can't really speak on that aspect without experience.  But from what I've seen and testimonials I've read/heard, the people who believe in it's medicinal effects really do appreciate this organic medicine.

From a recreational perspective, the argument I most commonly see is, "why is alcohol legal and pot isn't?"  It's a good question.  Alcohol can potentially cause a much more dangerous situation.  Do you want a teenager drunk as hell driving on the road?  Or a paranoid teenager stoner, driving under the speed limit?
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: kurplop on Wed, 24 October 2012, 20:06:54
I am curious however, and this is not a rhetorical question, how many of you want to see pot legalized for medical reasons, and how many for recreational convenience?


From a recreational perspective, the argument I most commonly see is, "why is alcohol legal and pot isn't?"  It's a good question.  Alcohol can potentially cause a much more dangerous situation.  Do you want a teenager drunk as hell driving on the road?  Or a paranoid teenager stoner, driving under the speed limit?

You make a good point although where I live, in California, alcohol is not legal for teens but the reasoning is sound.

Being ignorant about such things, could you answer this. Do you think a person under the influence of alcohol, would be more or less likely to decide to drive in that state than someone equally impaired by pot?
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 24 October 2012, 20:28:05
In theory, I am in favor of legalizing just about anything, however, driving under the influence of just about anything is inherently more dangerous than driving without the influence of anything.

As I am now in the process of teaching my 15 year old daughter to drive, I am more acutely aware than ever of just how deadly and treacherous going out onto the highways and byways in a moving vehicle can be.

In the comfort and safety of your own home - knock yourself out!

On the roads where you are a deadly weapon careening directly towards dozens or thousands of innocent people - look out!
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 24 October 2012, 20:31:46
The worst is when you are under the influence and you THINK you are just fine.  Like when you're drinking coffee (or soda or whatever), or eating that Big Mac, or texting, or having a serious conversation  (even with people in the same car). 

People don't take driving seriously enough.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sth on Wed, 24 October 2012, 20:52:43
i would say (completely unscientifically) that it's plausible that people drive better under the influence of cannabis than under the influence of alcohol. that said, your attention span is easily realigned under the influence of cannabis, so what could start as a very resolved 'i'm going to drive super safe because i know i'm stoned' can quickly become 'whoaaaa the sky looks amazing right now.'

i am 100% for complete decriminalization for both medicinal and recreational use. 100% against taxation. seriously. we need to spend the money we're already using from taxation a hell of a lot better before we infuse the government with a new vice cash cow.... let alone the fact that vice taxes effectively make a government more reliant on "x' vice than the users/participants of the vice itself. we pretty much ****ed ourselves on cigarettes - do you think the US will ever outlaw tobacco products based on the level of taxation at this point?

this is not the first post by me advocating decrim+no taxes but i think i forgot my position on vice taxation and how that affects my view, so that's what's up with the department of redundancy department.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: kurplop on Wed, 24 October 2012, 21:08:25
So are you suggesting that there be no gov't oversight in the growing, processing, distribution and selling of pot? Because if there is, wouldn't it be reasonable to at least recoup the cost of regulating it?
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sth on Wed, 24 October 2012, 21:10:15
taxation for regulation perhaps, i hadn't given that much thought to it. but states could easily add further taxes to it like they do with cigarettes.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: kurplop on Wed, 24 October 2012, 21:12:48
I don't think California would do that. Do you?
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sth on Wed, 24 October 2012, 21:14:54
california needs all the tax money it can get. i wouldn't be surprised.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Goliath on Wed, 24 October 2012, 23:12:44
california needs all the tax money it can get. i wouldn't be surprised.

True dat! lol
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Tue, 30 October 2012, 00:42:10
(http://i.imgur.com/Kr2pm.png)
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Tue, 30 October 2012, 01:21:13
All i gotta say is life is good right now in CO.  The town I live in legalized up to an ounce for 21-year-olds a couple of years ago, but that makes total sense since I live in forward-thinking freedom land! 

It sure is nice to know that if I get pulled over my stinky bag of weed is akin to a 6-pack of beer; as long as I'm not partaking while driving it's all good!

Now with the Amendment 64 vote a week away, CO may become the first state to legalize for recreational use for anyone 21, even non-CO-residents...  Sure will be a boon for tourism if it passes! 
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DarkShot on Fri, 02 November 2012, 21:09:25
This thread is very relative to my interests and I'll read through it and edit this post should it be needed.

I watched this documentary on Marijuana (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfxaJQVxSA4) last night, and it was surprising how much there is to everything.

Before I go any further, I am passively-for the legalization of MJ, and have never seen a reason to be against. I'm speaking distribute it as a controlled substance in the same method that cigarettes and alcohol is done.

Unfortunately, we're relatively far off from that in this day and age. Up here in Canada things are looking much better, but for the most part there's still a long way to go.

My thing is how long it's been drilled into our heads that weed is worse than cigarettes and booze for us. I had a talk with my mother who found out my 15 year old brother has been smoking cigs. She doesn't want him to do it and of course he gets punished, but the comment about him possibly lighting up a joint came up and she said she'd kick him out of the house. I've heard that there are others who think in a very similar mindset, and I believe that one of the key factors in bringing this forward is to re-educate those who think in this mindset. People can still have their preferences, but they should at least understand that having a drink after work every day or smoking a pack a week does far more damage than what weed ever could.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: JoeC on Fri, 02 November 2012, 23:15:23
All i gotta say is life is good right now in CO.  The town I live in legalized up to an ounce for 21-year-olds a couple of years ago, but that makes total sense since I live in forward-thinking freedom land! 

It sure is nice to know that if I get pulled over my stinky bag of weed is akin to a 6-pack of beer; as long as I'm not partaking while driving it's all good!

Now with the Amendment 64 vote a week away, CO may become the first state to legalize for recreational use for anyone 21, even non-CO-residents...  Sure will be a boon for tourism if it passes! 
I used to live in 'Somewhat County' CO.  I remember when the medicinal law first became active, (I did vote yes, btw).  My question to you is, do the Breck cops still drive those dark blue Land Cruisers?
Oh, and going through Blue River (northbound Hwy9)  are those people still throwing shoes on the powerlines?  Seems like every 2 weeks it was a different pair of shoes/boots.... 3 years since I've moved away.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Sat, 03 November 2012, 00:27:58
I used to live in 'Somewhat County' CO.  I remember when the medicinal law first became active, (I did vote yes, btw).  My question to you is, do the Breck cops still drive those dark blue Land Cruisers?
Oh, and going through Blue River (northbound Hwy9)  are those people still throwing shoes on the powerlines?  Seems like every 2 weeks it was a different pair of shoes/boots.... 3 years since I've moved away.

Thank you for your yes vote, although I don't have a red card and have no intention of getting one, it was a necessary step toward full legalization (Americans are incapable of coping with drastic change, I think).

I just moved here a week and a half ago so my answers probably wont be fully accurate!  The Breck police do drive dark colored SUVs, but I've only seen them at night and didn't pay attention to whether they were Land Cruisers or American SUVs.  I'm definitely intrigued though, so I'll try to confirm this tomorrow!

I live just south of Blue River between Mount Quandary and North Star, so I drive through Blue River every day and haven't noticed any shoes.  Maybe that group of jackasses moved, lol.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: JoeC on Sat, 03 November 2012, 02:33:01
Ok.
We all know that the footwear on the powerline is a signal for dealing... so it is a good thing they are gone now.
On the otherhand, I do know the addresses of a few growhouses out there, on the ridge above Dillon Valley.  But they were the suppliers for the store next to the 7/11, upstairs from Blue River Liquors.  IDK if BRL is still there?  Across the street from the 7/11.   Does Brother Nathaneal still dance on the median/corner there? 
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Malphas on Sat, 03 November 2012, 10:47:17
Can someone tell Malphas about this thread? He seems to think income tax is more viable for some strange reason.
Probably because it's vastly easier to calculate, much fairer, and is actually capable of generating the revenue required to run a first world country. Unlike the backward medieval idea of "sin taxes" you're such a proponent of, which we established basically boiled down to "I don't want to pay income tax for the protection and services provided by my government, so why not apply a ton of tax on things like drugs instead and make them pay for it, so I can have a free ride?" Which you tried to play off as being because income tax was somehow morally wrong, rather than the more obvious explanation of it just being selfishness and immaturity.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Malphas on Sat, 03 November 2012, 10:48:23
My word, I just realised how ancient this thread is. What is this doing up near the top of the page?
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: absyrd on Sat, 03 November 2012, 11:21:34
My word, I just realised how ancient this thread is. What is this doing up near the top of the page?

It was in DanGWanG's subforum, and since that was closed it became more public and gained a new, larger audience.

And as far as that health chart goes, among my very small immediate family we have 7/10 (combined) of the conditions it is said to benefit. Would be very interesting to actually have the ability to test it out!
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Sat, 03 November 2012, 11:43:12
My word, I just realised how ancient this thread is. What is this doing up near the top of the page?

It was in DanGWanG's subforum, and since that was closed it became more public and gained a new, larger audience.

And as far as that health chart goes, among my very small immediate family we have 7/10 (combined) of the conditions it is said to benefit. Would be very interesting to actually have the ability to test it out!

Under a controlled environment and moderated/healthy intake, a test would never hurt.  You'll never know unless you try!
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Sat, 03 November 2012, 11:50:30
Can someone tell Malphas about this thread? He seems to think income tax is more viable for some strange reason.
Probably because it's vastly easier to calculate, much fairer, and is actually capable of generating the revenue required to run a first world country. Unlike the backward medieval idea of "sin taxes" you're such a proponent of, which we established basically boiled down to "I don't want to pay income tax for the protection and services provided by my government, so why not apply a ton of tax on things like drugs instead and make them pay for it, so I can have a free ride?" Which you tried to play off as being because income tax was somehow morally wrong, rather than the more obvious explanation of it just being selfishness and immaturity.

Quick question -- Do you know how much the marijuana industry currently yields yearly?  In the 3 states (Colorado, Oregon and Washington) voting to legalize marijuana for recreational use, the Mexican cartel ALONE generates approximately $4.5 billion.  That doesn't include dispensaries, private home grown sales, etc.

While I'd agree, on the large scale, income tax is likely easier to integrate especially since it's already in place.  Taxation on "drugs" is merely a method of complementing existing structures and foundations.  Why would it NOT be appealing to states with lots of debt? Sin taxes don't only have negative effects, but also attracts tourism.  Income tax and sales tax on "drugs" go hand in hand.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Sat, 03 November 2012, 12:04:27
I feel like I should add to the medical end of the discussion.  I have had pretty severe ADHD my entire life.  In college I discovered adderall and it helped significantly, but the teeth gnashing, nervousness/sweating, and loss of appetite/weight loss all drove me crazy.  Let's be honest, Adderall is a milder form of crystal meth, and because it must be synthesized in a lab and can't be grown by anyone with water and soil, it is acceptable by our ****ed up profit-centric government.

Enter marijuana.  As soon as I started smoking daily, I was able to stop using adderall and my grades improved significantly; all of the sudden I was on the dean's list every semester up until graduation, and even had a couple 'straight A' semesters.  I felt healthier and happier, and haven't skipped a beat since.  I still smoke daily because I enjoy it, and because it is the absolute best thing I've found to help me cope with my ADHD.  I have no intention of stopping using it for any reason for the rest of my life, if I do it will have to be replaced with something more harmful and dangerous, and to me, that is ****ed up.  Opponents of medicinal or even full legalization are just brainwashed government patsys.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 03 November 2012, 12:22:28
I can offer this opinion:
I think that if there is a certain level of decriminalization, crime syndicates won't be able to make the huge amounts of money anymore and the related crime associated may be reduced. And the amount of people in jail cells seems to be counterproductive. The action of jailing people with small amounts certainly hasn't shown to improve anything.

In California the dispensaries are making huge amounts of money, much of it is not the little personal consumption indoor grown boutique material at the front counter, but instead the fields of outdoor grown laden trucks that pass through after hours. There are other 'hidden hands' involved with most of these operations. Don't be fooled and think otherwise, that's just naive. Take the profit out of it and you'll get to what the original law that was passed in California in the mid-90's was about. Providing medical marijuana to people that need it for medicinal purposes and the channel partners are doing it as a non-profit business model.

Possibly some decriminalization, massive regulation, taxation, and go from there.

I don't have a clear idea or answer, but I believe we can do better than what we're doing now.

FUN FACTS:
For 1 pound (as part of a 6 pound grow) $250 cost to grow indoor , if it's excellent, sell to bay area dispensary $2,500-$3,500 winter 2011-2012, wait 30-60 days to be paid. 5-6 months cycle start-to-payday. Oh yea, theres' risk.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keycapbrah on Sat, 03 November 2012, 12:36:53
I feel like I should add to the medical end of the discussion.  I have had pretty severe ADHD my entire life.  In college I discovered adderall and it helped significantly, but the teeth gnashing, nervousness/sweating, and loss of appetite/weight loss all drove me crazy.  Let's be honest, Adderall is a milder form of crystal meth, and because it must be synthesized in a lab and can't be grown by anyone with water and soil, it is acceptable by our ****ed up profit-centric government.

Enter marijuana.  As soon as I started smoking daily, I was able to stop using adderall and my grades improved significantly; all of the sudden I was on the dean's list every semester up until graduation, and even had a couple 'straight A' semesters.  I felt healthier and happier, and haven't skipped a beat since.  I still smoke daily because I enjoy it, and because it is the absolute best thing I've found to help me cope with my ADHD.  I have no intention of stopping using it for any reason for the rest of my life, if I do it will have to be replaced with something more harmful and dangerous, and to me, that is ****ed up.  Opponents of medicinal or even full legalization are just brainwashed government patsys.

While I agree that our government and more so our society as a whole is generally centralized around increasing profit and revenue, it isn't everything. If this were true then the government would legalize and tax the sale of marijuana. The government, believe it or not, attempts to keep the general public from making poor decisions because people are stupid. Why do you think there are laws that enforce the use of seatbelts? And no, I don't necessarily agree with the government on a lot of decisions but you can't say that they solely operate for generating income.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 03 November 2012, 12:41:11
Remember, this country was founded by a group with very puritanical beliefs. Religious freedom....
That may explain why we don't have nude beaches, and don't legalize pot, and a few other things...

I dunno, just rambling this morning as I'm applying for jobs online before I starve to death.....
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Sat, 03 November 2012, 13:07:48
If this were true then the government would legalize and tax the sale of marijuana.

I completely disagree.  The modern two-party government is funded entirely by large donations from corporations, not from individuals.  Most legislation these days are to appease the interests of those that keep the D's and R's in power (think pharmaceutical companies who want to protect their revenue streams from the synthetic drugs that could be replaced by marijuana, or printing companies who are heavily vested in pulp-based paper production who would be competed out of business if much cheaper (and environmentally friendly) hemp-based competitors were allowed to enter their markets, etc.).

Most of the policies we see today are to protect the interests of corporations who lobby with millions of dollars to prevent governmental reform in areas that would benefit society but hurt their bottom line.  If their interests were aligned with those of the general public, they wouldn't have to spend large sums money to sway politicians because there would already be unanimous support.

Sure the government is occasionally looking out for the safety of individuals with things like seatbelt laws and texting while driving laws, but I can't think of many legislations passed in recent years that aren't corporatist policies enacted purely to appease the interests of major political contributors. 

Read the first couple paragraphs of this webpage (http://www.conservapedia.com/Fascism) (most importantly the "Beliefs" section) and tell me that it isn't scary how well modern America fits the bill of fascism...
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Sat, 03 November 2012, 14:04:40
I guess I'm introducing a separate argument, you're right that the government isn't entirely about profit, and I suppose my point is that they are very selective about who is allowed to take the profit, and in the last decade in particular the 'rules' have been heavily manipulated by the ultra rich that control the big corporations and have pools of millions of dollars to accomplish their goals.  In 2008, Obama and McCain spent a record  $1 billion combined in the presidential race; in 2012, Obama and Romney have already spent $2 billion.  This money isn't coming from 'Joe the Plumber', and when you think about it, this money is being wrongly siphoned from shareholders and investors and written off as an operating expense..  This isn't capitalism, this is fascism.

Legislation that benefits corporations with deep pockets and hurts the average citizen only serve to weaken the country.  The ultra rich have bought their way into politics and found a way to do so without even spending their own money, and they are the reason we haven't seen reform sooner on issues such as marijuana.  They have been able to keep enough of the population brainwashed into thinking that smoking marijuana is the same thing as shooting up heroin, while at the same time convincing those same people to buy synthetic heroin for pain management...  They are also lobbying against immigration reform (and drug reform) because they are making money in the privatized prisons in some of our southern states (look into GEO group and CCA).  The internet is still free enough for the future generations to see the truth in these matters, but the ultra rich are lobbying hard to end that with legislations such as SOPA and PIPA.

Sorry to sound all Occupy, but I strongly believe in everything I've said.  If America continues down this path, I'm confident that even those who disagree with my views will eventually see that I was right, and by then it will be too late.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Malphas on Sat, 03 November 2012, 19:06:29
Can someone tell Malphas about this thread? He seems to think income tax is more viable for some strange reason.
Probably because it's vastly easier to calculate, much fairer, and is actually capable of generating the revenue required to run a first world country. Unlike the backward medieval idea of "sin taxes" you're such a proponent of, which we established basically boiled down to "I don't want to pay income tax for the protection and services provided by my government, so why not apply a ton of tax on things like drugs instead and make them pay for it, so I can have a free ride?" Which you tried to play off as being because income tax was somehow morally wrong, rather than the more obvious explanation of it just being selfishness and immaturity.

Quick question -- Do you know how much the marijuana industry currently yields yearly?  In the 3 states (Colorado, Oregon and Washington) voting to legalize marijuana for recreational use, the Mexican cartel ALONE generates approximately $4.5 billion.  That doesn't include dispensaries, private home grown sales, etc.

While I'd agree, on the large scale, income tax is likely easier to integrate especially since it's already in place.  Taxation on "drugs" is merely a method of complementing existing structures and foundations.  Why would it NOT be appealing to states with lots of debt? Sin taxes don't only have negative effects, but also attracts tourism.  Income tax and sales tax on "drugs" go hand in hand.

I'm not anti-legalisation. But taxes on a particular industry should be limited to paying for the costs associated with that industry, i.e. revenue from road tax should be used for road building/maintenance, not for general revenue, which is ethically dubious in my opinion. Things like recreational drugs, polluting industries, etc. are all easy targets for "sin tax" because they're supposedly intrinsically "bad" and therefore the tax can be seen as a punitive measure, when it's simply an excuse to generate revenue dishonestly.  This goes back to another thread from ages back where keyboardlover was suggesting income tax was morally wrong and hypocritically suggesting that governments should just tax weed and prostitution etc. instead, as if that's remotely fairer or even plausible.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: funkymeeba on Mon, 05 November 2012, 16:37:41
I guess I'm introducing a separate argument, you're right that the government isn't entirely about profit, and I suppose my point is that they are very selective about who is allowed to take the profit, and in the last decade in particular the 'rules' have been heavily manipulated by the ultra rich that control the big corporations and have pools of millions of dollars to accomplish their goals.  In 2008, Obama and McCain spent a record  $1 billion combined in the presidential race; in 2012, Obama and Romney have already spent $2 billion.  This money isn't coming from 'Joe the Plumber', and when you think about it, this money is being wrongly siphoned from shareholders and investors and written off as an operating expense..  This isn't capitalism, this is fascism.

Legislation that benefits corporations with deep pockets and hurts the average citizen only serve to weaken the country.  The ultra rich have bought their way into politics and found a way to do so without even spending their own money, and they are the reason we haven't seen reform sooner on issues such as marijuana.  They have been able to keep enough of the population brainwashed into thinking that smoking marijuana is the same thing as shooting up heroin, while at the same time convincing those same people to buy synthetic heroin for pain management...  They are also lobbying against immigration reform (and drug reform) because they are making money in the privatized prisons in some of our southern states (look into GEO group and CCA).  The internet is still free enough for the future generations to see the truth in these matters, but the ultra rich are lobbying hard to end that with legislations such as SOPA and PIPA.

Sorry to sound all Occupy, but I strongly believe in everything I've said.  If America continues down this path, I'm confident that even those who disagree with my views will eventually see that I was right, and by then it will be too late.

Amen, brother.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 05 November 2012, 20:29:17
To veer off on another bit of a tangent, the 1886 Supreme Court ruling that established the precedent that a corporation is a person with all the 14th Amendment privileges of personhood opened Pandora's Box to what we see today.

I am afraid that nothing short of a constitutional amendment defining personhood is going to solve any of these problems, if even that would be sufficient at this late date.

This is, obviously, a minefield, since we all intuitively understand that real human society would best be served by the narrowest possible definition of personhood, yet forces from all sides are pulling mightily to change the age-old and universal understanding that a "person" is a natural-born member of the homo sapiens species who has not yet (permanently) died.

Personally (no pun intended), I am currently far more worried about non-meat entities being persons than I am about which sub-set of homo sapiens ectoplasm falls into the definition de jour (but, obviously, I am 100% pro-choice and pro-hemlock). However, rapid advances in laboratory technique makes meat intelligence a looming threat of monumental proportions, as well. 

Within my children's lifetimes, if not in mine, these issues will become monstrous, and we would be well served to start addressing them now, as a national or planetary society.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: trentva on Tue, 06 November 2012, 08:44:30
more car accidents
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Tue, 06 November 2012, 23:30:22
I can't believe nobody has posted this here, but marijuana is now legal in the state of Colorado for recreational use for anyone 21+...  :D
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Tue, 06 November 2012, 23:32:15
Washington too:)
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: TheQsanity on Wed, 07 November 2012, 00:18:18
Not sure if any marijuana passing state law will actually be effective for long due from it still being illegal in federal law.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Wed, 07 November 2012, 00:42:03
Well we're not going to make any progress if we continue to smoke weed and lie about it; saying one thing and doing the opposite is why Romney lost.  You can't deny that this is a big step forward!
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: sth on Wed, 07 November 2012, 00:45:41
saying one thing and doing the opposite is why Romney lost

:)) nicely put.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: singaporean123 on Wed, 07 November 2012, 02:29:45
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/06/amendment-64-passes-in-co_n_2079899.html
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 07 November 2012, 14:29:38
It's happening, right before our eyes.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Malphas on Wed, 07 November 2012, 14:38:55
I think weed is ****e, to be honest. Do some real drugs, hippies.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 07 November 2012, 14:44:03
Thank you for contributing constructive criticism, ***** **** **** 8** 8** **** ** ** 8* 8** ****.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Wed, 07 November 2012, 14:58:25
Consider Colorado and Washington the testing grounds for now. If all goes well (and I think it will) then you can expect to see other states follow suite in the years to come. Hopefully it happens in Canada now too (not as long as we have the Harper robot sitting in). I think you will see a more financially stable Colorado/Washington because of this and when it works it will be hard for other states to argue its benefits as they do now.  I believe the first $40 million in tax revenue will go to building schools too and I think that might be annually as well so that's a positive. Of course it's still illegal federally so who knows what will happen there.  This is a huge step in the right direction. Come on Canada!
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 07 November 2012, 17:09:04
More progress...

http://www.tokeofthetown.com/2012/11/dare_curriculum_drops_marijuana.php
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: ekw808 on Wed, 07 November 2012, 17:14:25
Do some real drugs, hippies.

Why?
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Malphas on Wed, 07 November 2012, 17:15:00
A: Because they're much more fun.

B: Because I was being facetious.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: TheQsanity on Wed, 07 November 2012, 17:46:51
This will not work for long as it is a contradiction to our constitution and state law must abide under federal law. This will not work till it has been amended into our constitution. Amendments do not easily come  around. 
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: funkymeeba on Wed, 07 November 2012, 17:48:09
I was unaware it was a contradiction to our constitution.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 07 November 2012, 18:41:54
Article I, Section 8 "provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States"

Article VI says that "The Authority of the United States shall be the supreme Law of the Land"

and the 14th Amendment might be used, if applied in reverse, here:

"No State shall make of enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of the citizens of the United States"

- if it is a privilege or immunity to be protected from the evils of the Devil's weed.
Title: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Wed, 07 November 2012, 19:14:23
Well it all depends on where Obamas justice department stands in this term. According to a report last summer in GQ, Obama has said he plans to "pivot" on the war against drugs in his second term and that since his days as a senator he has considered the drug war a failure. Now last time a ballot for recreational use of marijuana was considered (California 2010), attorney general Eric Holder issued a "stern letter" voicing his intent to "vigorously enforce" federal drug law. As you know that measure didn't pass anyway. This time around Holder never issued a letter or a statement like he did in 2010 even though he was under public pressure from former DEA administrators and directors of the Office of National Drug Control policy to do so. Many people look at these points as evidence that Obamas justice department MAY ease up on marijuana enforcement. Of course this is all just positive thinking. After all according to federal law there is no such thing as "medicinal marijuana" and we have all witnessed how far that has come. Yes many dispensaries have been shut down by the federal government but the initiative continues to spread at an encouraging rate. Only time will tell. Lots of time.  For now this is just food for thought.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: TheQsanity on Wed, 07 November 2012, 20:50:57
Obama or any president really does not have the power to do that. It's all just politics. The Supreme Court are the people with that power.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: tufty on Thu, 08 November 2012, 05:59:04
Legalise the lot. Everything. Then control and tax the supply line, in the same way tobacco and alcohol are handled (although probably with a 'scrip for 'hard' drugs). Good gear = less medical problems, controlled supply = an idea of the size of the problem, taxed supply = tax income and equitable commerce with (agricultural) suppliers in 3rd world countries, and a boost to local agriculture. Also less police time spent dealing with petty dealers and users, less users and small time dealers spending time in the big house learning to be hardened crims, and so on.

You don't solve anything by putting the control into the hands of criminals. You lot should have learned that during the prohibition era...
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Thu, 08 November 2012, 10:12:55
Obama or any president really does not have the power to do that. It's all just politics. The Supreme Court are the people with that power.

You have a good point about the Supreme Court.  And actually, with Obama re-elected in a critical time, there is a possibility of putting some democrats on the Supreme Court.  It's been speculated that there will be 1-3 Justice's that will be either dead or retiring during Obama's term, and he will have the option to appoint new ones.  For the first time in 50ish years, we could have a left leaning supreme court.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: TexasFlood on Thu, 08 November 2012, 10:36:29
Here are some numbers on Colorado revenue on "medical" sales.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/us/cities-turn-to-a-crop-for-cash-medical-marijuana.html

We'll have to see what happens now that non-medical use has been legalized there, at least at the state level :D
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Malphas on Thu, 08 November 2012, 15:43:55
Legalise the lot. Everything. Then control and tax the supply line, in the same way tobacco and alcohol are handled (although probably with a 'scrip for 'hard' drugs). Good gear = less medical problems, controlled supply = an idea of the size of the problem, taxed supply = tax income and equitable commerce with (agricultural) suppliers in 3rd world countries, and a boost to local agriculture. Also less police time spent dealing with petty dealers and users, less users and small time dealers spending time in the big house learning to be hardened crims, and so on.

You don't solve anything by putting the control into the hands of criminals. You lot should have learned that during the prohibition era...
Yeah, it's a no-brainer but it'll never happen of course. If you ever wanted concrete evidence of this, they should criminalise coffee for a few decades and then sit back and watch how the effects are 90% as harmful as heroin, once dealers are cutting smuggled Nescafe with dimethocaine and selling it for $100 a cup.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 05 December 2012, 09:42:21
I have changed my mind a bit on this topic. I tried to explain my thoughts about this on reddit but got downvoted into oblivion - before eventually getting upvoted once people started to understand the point I was making:

Legalization makes sense. Legalization of ALL substances, to me, makes sense. I don't see any reason why any substance should be illegal. Laws currently don't stop people from attaining any substance that I'm aware of, regardless of age. Hell, I first tried pot and alcohol at 13 and I'm sure many other people have too.

Regulation, on the other hand, does NOT make sense to me. Taxation is theft and therefore, taxation of marijuana is ALSO theft. Also, it means that the government is going to have a lot of control over the substance you are ingesting, which is arguably just as dangerous as not knowing the source you are getting it from in the first place.

Regulation/Taxation in general are dangerous because they allow the government to create arbitrary laws which expand control. That's how things like war and poverty get created.

So, I am ALL for legalization of marijuana and ALL other substances, but I am 100% AGAINST regulation. I think that the government at this point is sort of tricking marijuana users into thinking they are doing a good thing for them, yet all they are really doing is expanding control.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:03:16
Quote
Regulation, on the other hand, does NOT make sense to me. Taxation is theft and therefore, taxation of marijuana is ALSO theft. Also, it means that the government is going to have a lot of control over the substance you are ingesting, which is arguably just as dangerous as not knowing the source you are getting it from in the first place.

I think there's always going to be 2 opinions to every topic.  Regulation to the producer is definitely something the current pot growers are not exactly too happy about.  Like a lot of American farmers who grow soy beans, it's regulated and are provided seeds from the government to grow, which they have to return/destroy once it has fully flourished and harvested.  It's complete bull****.

A lot of people are just going to prefer industrial manufactured, government tampered/sourced marijuana just like cigarettes because of the cheaper price.  But the good news is, there will ALWAYS be a large market of organic smokers and hobby smokers who will continue to grow their OG stuff.  As a consumer, it's all great news honestly.  Legalization, cheaper prices overall, recreational use, etc.  I can see where you're coming from, but it has to be taxed because we live in a capitalist society and that's the sacrifice growers will have to endure for legalization.  For large companies (probably Marlboro), it's a win-win for them no matter how you look at it though.  They will be taxed, but who cares, they will own the market.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:08:31
There is such a thing as capitalism without taxation, though. Which is much preferred to me. Regulation is essentially equivalent to market manipulation. That's why if you enter into the stock market as a first-time investor, you're f***ed. Or the housing market these days, most likely. It's also why it's very difficult for private institutions to keep tuition costs low. You can't compete with free!

And you can't compete with competition that doesn't even have to balance a budget to stay in business.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:20:19
A lot of that is assumption and honestly we don't really know what's going to happen or how it will be carried out.  A lot of consumers and growers are actually FOR taxation to help remedy the US/state deficit as a reason (read sales pitch) to even be considered for legalization.  The government will just say, well the people wanted to tax marijuana to help boost the economy so...yeah.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:21:16
Lol. If taxation was a cure for debt, it would work!

But it isn't, so it doesn't. And it never will, so long as it exists.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:22:10
It's working at the county level for California currently, and those are only medicinal sales.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:25:00
Oh, California has a balanced budget? I was not aware of that.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:25:41
I think he means that having more money doesn't fix debt problems.  It's true.  Having more money show up will typically exacerbate the debt issue in the long run.

You don't learn how to appropriately use your budget by growing available money to fit what you've been spending.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:27:11
I mean that's a very vague concept of what a balanced budget is.  California has a deficit higher than most other states and are using taxation as a means of generating revenue to balance that budget.  No need for sarcasm in this thread, I'm just sharing my opinion, listening to yours and throwing out additional information.

Regardless if it works or not, it's seems to be one of the only ways to convince higher ups (and mass majority) that it should be legalized.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:30:33
Well yea, of course propaganda can be and is used to convince people that all KINDS of things make sense. Like bombing innocent people in foreign countries, one of many evils our taxes pay for. So, I don't think that's a good thing.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:41:37
I also agree, it's not a good thing by any means.  But one thing I'm confident it will help control is criminal activity revolving around Marijuana and it's sales.  Even if it is propaganda, I really do HOPE it works out. I would really like to see a redirection of our justice system be used against more serious crime and violent people.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:45:12
Well, no right cuz it's going to legitimize the criminal activity. The DEA raids, drones, illegal wiretapping/search and seizure, etc...

A redirection of our justice system is the same as the argument against taxation - if it worked it would work. We have a monopoly over the legitimate use force as well as over arbitration. So expecting that to change in a positive way isn't really possible.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:52:43
Propaganda negatively affects criminals too though =)  I'm staying optimistic and it's the only way I can cope with all the negatives I've been hearing lately.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:55:51
I get that - just want to let people know that it ain't all roses though.

And I get a bit annoyed when I see stoners herp derping over it cuz like most things, they have no idea what they're giving away in exchange for that "free stuff" they voted for.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 05 December 2012, 10:59:53
Lots of those stoners though are between the ages of 14-19.  I, in no way, advocate usage before a fully developed adult brain...which I guess is 21 in the US, lol.

Those stoners are just dumb, totally agreed.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 05 December 2012, 11:04:29
It's like "Let's all move to Colorado mah broskies! Don't forget the bongos and Phish albums!"

Cool, rock on brother. Let me know how your first house raid goes.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 05 December 2012, 11:43:28
I won't lie, for recreational consumption, I wanted to move there solely for that reason.  Really I think the only people going to get raided are industrial level growers, but again, just trying to stay optimistic.  There's already parts of the US (I experienced this with JwaZ just the other day in SF), where recreationally consuming marijuana in the public is 99% OK, as long you're not taunting a police officer or something.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 05 December 2012, 11:51:27
At the end of the day, 99% ok still means that there is a gun to someone's head. And anyone who moves is legitimizing tyranny; like "if I don't like the rules then I can just move". Well the native americans didn't really have that choice. Nor do the Syrians or really anyone else in the middle east who is suffering under tyranny right now. Why should I move? They're the ones who suck.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 05 December 2012, 13:07:44
I want to eat a brownie made by Paula Deen with Marijuana in it

Becareful what you wish for!
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: DanGWanG on Mon, 10 December 2012, 23:31:04
On-topic:  http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_22162414/hickenlooper-signs-proclamation-making-pot-legalization-official

Quote
Hickenlooper, a Democrat, signed the proclamation that officially places Amendment 64 into the constitution. And he announced the creation of a task force to attempt to work out the many legal and logistical details that must accompany the amendment, which makes the use, possession and limited home-growing of marijuana legal for anyone 21 and older
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: Input Nirvana on Tue, 11 December 2012, 00:31:29
After my failed experience with investing in iGrow, I think it should be decriminalized in one fashion or another, but the penalties of driving or other 'incidents' should be horrifically prohibitive. My idea is mostly to remove most of the hard crime element, operating in the shadows, opportunist money-makers, petty jail and fines, and overall hassles. It will take the high profit out of it, which for medical and crime reasons would be beneficial.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Tue, 11 December 2012, 06:47:05
After my failed experience with investing in iGrow, I think it should be decriminalized in one fashion or another, but the penalties of driving or other 'incidents' should be horrifically prohibitive. My idea is mostly to remove most of the hard crime element, operating in the shadows, opportunist money-makers, petty jail and fines, and overall hassles. It will take the high profit out of it, which for medical and crime reasons would be beneficial.

I disagree with that too. I don't think DUI or DWI laws that we have NOW are even effective. I should know. One of my friends got three of them and knew enough about law to make a complete joke of the legal system. In the end he didn't get charged with any of them. If people are going to do dumb ****, they're going to do it regardless of the law.

And what people gotta realize is that legalization is fine but regulation causes big problems. The big profits will become that of the government and they will use the regulation to expand control. They are already doing it now with raids, wiretapping, illegal search/seizure, etc. So the criminal aspect of it will be legitimized because it's always OK with the government does it!
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 12 December 2012, 17:07:44
I hate being right so often:

http://www.naturalnews.com/038297_marijuana_decriminalization_Colorado_federal_government.html
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 12 December 2012, 20:38:46
I'm a bit lost, that's just an opinion piece... I see no proof of action on the part of the federal government.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 12 December 2012, 20:56:39
I guess the whole idea is that the structure is in place for it to happen...but fair enough.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: noisyturtle on Wed, 12 December 2012, 21:02:44
I am really highly anticipating stores to open next year in WA. This way I don't have to overcome my crippling social anxiety and trying to get a hook up from random strangers, but instead just weirding them out. People seem bothered when I vomit on them out of fear then curl into a ball on the street apologizing. Now I can just go into a store with minimal human interaction and buy some green, hooray .
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 12 December 2012, 21:04:10
I would much prefer to go to a grower I actually know and get it straight them them, bypassing the whole regulation B.S.
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Wed, 12 December 2012, 21:07:31
Well that will still be an option in both CO and WA.  And not having to worry about being prosecuted by state officials for posessing or growing small quantities is definitely awesome, not gonna lie.  You can't deny that it's a step in the right direction; we the people are vociferously speaking out against the tyrannical federal gov't you speak of!
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 12 December 2012, 21:11:17
I hope you didn't think you were doing so by voting for Obama!
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: WRXChris on Wed, 12 December 2012, 21:14:40
ha.  libertarian here!
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 12 December 2012, 21:15:04
ha.  libertarian here!

^ Likes this.

If Libertarians are crazy, I don't want to be sane!
Title: Re: [Discussion] Economic effects of legalizing Medical Marijuana
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 26 December 2012, 17:02:17
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/27908_319416581496440_1224078612_n.jpg)