Marijuana.com

Niteshift

Slate might have been a great reference for CA, but he hasn't even logged on here since July 2001 according to his profile. Unfortunately, you're still stuck with me though.

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A burning desire for social justice is never a substitute for knowing what you're talking about. -Thomas Sowell

Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is muzzle flash.

 

SkyTripper

Niteshift: Since I just happened to come across such an ancient thread as this, I have just one question for you.......maybe 2.....

Do you personally feel that the time is nearing overall in America when marijuana will finally be legalized at the Federal level for use by those say....over the age of 18?
Or do you believe the status quo will continue for many more years to come and that this "War on Drugs" will only continue to get worse?

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SkyTripper

Niteshift

My guess is legalization for recreational use in the next 10 years.

matty86

Wow! What a proclamation. Let's hope you're right. I really think Canada is getting closer and closer, but I never thought the United States may be so close. I disagree that it will be legalized on a federal level, but I do beleive the federal government may leave it up to the states to decide . . .therefore some liberal states may legalize, while the suspected more conservative states will stick with the current "marijuana is evil" mind set.

My simple reasoning for this is that it's just not enough of an issue, even in Canada. I havn't heard federal politicians even talk about the legalization of marijuana on a really public basis in a long while. I do beleive though, that once Martin resigns or retires (let's hope that's soon) that it will be brought up again in a big way.

Matt

P.S.

There are a lot of people pissed off at the liberals right now, so therefore I think a lot of votes will go conservative out of spite. Do NOT vote conservative and let your neighbours know too, not just for marijuana, but for our deteriorating healthcare and human rights too.

Niteshift

There is this mistaken notion that drug prohibition is a conservative idea.

The fact of the matter is that liberal Democrats have done about as much to start and perpetuate mj prohibition as conservative Republicans. Ignoring that is a disservice to legalization efforts.

 

theherbalist

Niteshift is right. I think the main reason that most view prohibition as a conservative ideal is because normally there is a Republican in office when sever crackdowns start after a lull period. But MANY Democratic (some VERY liberal)Reps and Congressmen have pushed anti-pot legislation, and helped to overturn anti-prohibitions proposals.

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The biggest problem I have is, the people of the United States of America have forgotten that WE are the government and the people in Washington DC are the ADMINISTRATION. Does “by the people for the people” ring any bells?
http://votetoimpeach.org

LAsMoker17

I agree, they seem to use Drugs, and MJ as a "unifying" issue...both are involved...

That sucks about Slate, it was a nice Ca reference. Oh well, plenty of good advice available...

Niteshift

I think the main reason that most view prohibition as a conservative ideal is because normally there is a Republican in office when sever crackdowns start after a lull period.

Pot enforcement rose under Clinton and declined during the first years of Bush. Keep those kind of things in mind.

It's not that either one is more or less against it. Often it's just about priorities and headlines. In other words, politics.

SkyTripper

Is there anything in particular that causes you to suspect marijuana would be legalized for recreational use here in the US within just 10 more years?

Or as someone posted....do you believe it will not happen at the Federal level....but state or local exclusively?
Personally, I do not see HOW it can be left to the states when the Feds won't even acknowledge medical mj for those states who have passed laws for it now.
I believe it MUST become legal at the Federal level FIRST.....(by Congress?)...especially in regards to recreational use. Obviously the FDA and DEA will fight any and all attempts at this to the bitter end, a repeal of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 would also be necessary and some way to tax it, regulate it and distribute it in the way they do with alcohol now.
And even if this all happened....WHAT would become of those who still CHOOSE to grow their own instead of purchasing it through a "pot store" or whatever?
Obviously, there are soooo many things that would need to be considered as well as the governments' desire to "protect" its citizens with correct and proper "labeling" of the product for sale as well as its purity....among many things.

I HOPE you are correct in your prediction though.....of 10 years or so, but....to be honest..... I still doubt that and suspect it could easily be another 20+ years....or NEVER.
I honestly believed pot was going to become completely legal once before in my life.....back around 1975-76. The movement for legalization WAS there....back then...like NEVER before or since, IMO. It didn't happen and actually went the other way instead.
I often wonder WHAT America would really be like TODAY.....IF marijuana had been re- LEGALIZED back in the mid 70s at the Federal level.
Guess I will never know.

LAsMoker17

Nite****, you say legalized for recreational use within the next 10 years, do you see legalized for medical use sooner? Nationwide?

I feel that Legalized for medical use will be the first step.