questions you would ask someone who wanted to legalize marijuana?
830744
What would happen to the crime rate if it were legalized?\n\nWhat would the number of users do if it were legalized... would it increase or decrease?\n\nWe know it's a harmful substance so why would one want to legalize such a harmful drug?\n\nIf it were legalized, then teens (for the most part) using the substance to rebel against parents, rules, laws, and whatever else, what would they do?  Would they continue using marijuana or would they move on to another, more harmful substance?\n\nHow and why would this benefit society?\n\nThe only use for marijuana that's acceptable in society today (for medicinal purposes) is already available in many states/provinces with a prescription from a qualified doctor.  What would the purpose of legalizing marijuana be?  \n\nIf it were legalized, wouldn't it be easier to get ahold of and be easier for children to access and be harmed by?\n\nWould you allow your own children (either now or several years down the road when you do have children) to use marijuana?  If it's legalized they can purchase it on their own much easier.  Just gives a person a little bit to think about.
677045
Marijuana does not kill you.  (Unless it's from high cholesterol from eating too many munchies :P.) Lung cancer may be a factor - but the same is true of cigarettes, and they are far from illegal!  \n\nI lived in the Caribbean for over a year and am originally from Canada...two of the best places to find marijuana... so I've seen my fair share of chronic users.  I'm yet to see anyone go crazy from pot use... in fact, they are generally very nice, mellow people...especially the Rastafaris I met when living offshore.  That being said, as with anything, moderation is key. If his using is upsetting you, then I would talk to him about it... not because he's using this "drug" but because he's OVERUSING a substance...(the same way you would if he were drunk on alcohol everyday).\n\nI view pot the same way I view alcohol..ie: I think if alcohol is legal that pot should definitely NOT be criminalized.  I've been witness to quite a few violent acts as a result of alcohol use - but am yet to ever see one by someone who's buzzed from puffing on a joint.  If you want to support his desire to experience the Rastafari way, then I would suggest coming to a compromise on how often he should be trying to attain "enlightenment".  \n\nOther than that, try to remember that there is a reason why pot isn't illegal everywhere (there are even countries where you don't need to have a Rx to partake) ...IMHO alcohol is much much worse.
76831
I would ask your local legislator.
108802
I can forsee many social impacts from the potential legalization of marijuana.\n\npros \nFarmers will have a viable cash crop\nTax monies can be collected from the sales\nCigarette companies could package it and promote less tobacco use\nLess criminals in an already crowded legal system\nMany drug dealers would be put out of business and foreign imports of the drug curbed\nLess need for other means of getting high\n\ncons\nFurther class separation\nWorkforce productivity impact and drug related injury increases\nAnother source for family breakdown\nGenerational dependency issues\nIncreased lung and heart disease incidents and other long-term effects of chronic usage
422337
legalize marijuana!!!
140239
The main argument against legalization is that there would be a lot of cops on the unemployment line, not to mention prison guards, probation officers, etc., etc., etc.\n\nThe arguments in favor of legalization are more profound.  They have to do with the fundamental rights of individuals to decide for themselves what they will or will not inhale, eat, or even inject.  If we ended the drug war today, most addicts (here referring to hard drugs; addiction is almost impossible in regard to marajuana) would be at the doctor's office getting help tomorrow morning early.  The drugs they crave would be less expensive that way, because the black market is even more expensive than not having health insurance!  They could also get help to quit if they were so inclined, and probably get a good bit of pressure to be so inclined.  Their families and friends would no longer have to fear that they will be arrested, put in jail, lose their jobs, lose custody of their children, and beg for money for bail, a lawyer, etc.\n\nAs to marijuana, it is a useful medicinal herb, as you probably know by now.  It is also considerably less dangerous as a recreational drug than alcohol, which is legal.  And we already have laws in place that people are not supposed to drive a car under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, so we would not need to change that.
409587
read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legalization_of_marijuana
81531
I'd decriminalize drugs and would put FDA in charge of regulating them. With the money from taxing drugs and the budget for DEA which will not be needed anymore, I'd fund research and educational programs to study the effect of drugs and to educate the users free of charge. Anyone who wants to OD or is too ignorant to use the drug without taking advantage of the educational resources then let them!\nDrug dealers will then switch to the next illegal thing to smuggle. I don’t know what would that be.
101655
Legalizing it for medical purposes would be ok.  Look at the side effects from some of the other drugs you see commercials for.  I mean what is the harm in prescription marijuana compared to percocet, methadone etc...
1182063
this is a really good question,  I for one think the US should legalize pot too.... They should sell "j's" in packs like cigs... The US is in so much debt, then y not legalize something that has few side effects besides muchies..... they would be out of debt in no time... And ppl need not to say that it leads to other things cuz it dont , its the person who wants more... not because they cant get h*gh ne more its all in their head ... I know..... Just think if they would legalize it there wouldnt b much hate ne more either........ because its a know factor that when ur sto*ed that ur a happier person .....
907722
How about "Legalizing medicinal marijuana would be a humanitarian and compassionate act?"\n\nOr "Is world over-population an urban myth?"\n\nOr "The death penalty constitutes cruel and unusual punishment?"
401831
Well, that depends on what substances you are talking about.  Personally, I think that an adult should be allowed to engage in activities that are not harmful to anyone else and do not infringe on the rights of others.  Having said that, I do not necessarily believe that full legalization is the way to go.  In the case of marijuana, for instance, it is theorized that the price might actually increase if the government started regulating and taxing the sale of marijuana.  I think a more logical solution, at least in the case of marijuana, would be decriminalization.  The government would not regulate the industry; instead, they could monitor the sale of the plant to minors, insuring that everyone who chooses to buy marijuana is an adult(just like cigarettes).
538629
I think all drugs should be legalized, and I havent touched anything harder than alcohol in the last 10 years. If the US legalized everything, here are some of the advantages:\n\n1) They would tax it. Hopefully this would get them to ease up on some of the other things that are taxable. Additionaly maybe we could work off some national debt, use the money for medical and scientific research and other benificial things.\n2) Crime would go down. Many crimes are committed (ie armed robbery, breaking and entering, etc...) are commited to raise money for drugs. Since the government would be the ones selling and pruducing the drugs, there would no longer be drug dealers on our streets, forcing them to find other means of income. \n3) We would weed out a lot of society. My theory is that within the first 6 months of legalization, we would eradicate many of the junkies, simply due to overindulgence. Many of them would simply OD due to having a vast supply of their favorite drugs. \n3) I think there would actualy be a reduction in drug use. Many people use drugs for the simple reason that they are something that is illegal. \n4) We would free up prison space for actual violent offenders. More than half of the prison system today is filled with people who just had felonious amounts of drugs on them, as opposed to killers, rapists, child molestors, etc...that we allow to walk free. \n\nThats just a few of the reasons i believe they should be legalized. Of course we would also have to have strict rules and regulations for use. Some jobs would have to be exempt from these legalizations for obvious reasons, such as doctors, public engineers, professional drivers, and others that would have a reasonable potential for affecting others lives in a negative way. \n\nOk, thats long enough. Theres a lot of other things that i would say, but ill leave some space for others to answer.
1035368
Marijuana, because it can be used to treat glaucoma patients and to alleviate certain types of pain, should be legal, provided that it does not cause uncontollable affects in the users for whom it might be prescribed.  Legalization could eliminate the abuse of this drug and the sale of it by "street pharmacists" who frequently add other dangerous chemicals to it and use unscrupilous sales tactics to dupe customers who cannot get it legally.  The fact that it is illegal makes it more tempting to some people who enjoy living on the edge.
55616
Legalize it, impose laws like drinking laws.  I'd rather be around someone high, than a nasty whiskey drinking drunk!
244540
have rethought my position on legalization of marijuana. I think it should be legal under certain guidelines and locals.\n\nThe first reason it should be legalized it will mellow out the liberals. They are way to shrill.\n\nReason number two, if a liberal is high they won't care about voting and we can easily elect conservative representative, congressmen, and president. Conservatives will never again have to deal with R.I.N.O.s if this happens. Imagine if there was no Arlen Spector or John McCain.\n\nReason Three assuming that only liberals and libertarians are for the legalization of drugs they can fight amongst themselves, and we conservatives have a way to sure up our power\n\nThe Previsos\n\nmarijuana would only be legal in Blue States. If you are caught with marijuana in a red state you get a trial and immediately executed after the trial, no appeals. The reason for this is to get potheads out of here and since it seams as if the Blue states want to legalize it let them.\n\nIf someone who is high robs, steals, or causes an accident after THC is detected in their system ALL their possessions become the property of the estate of the victim. (applies to all fifty)\n\nIf they have children, the children are removed from the home and are never returned (applies to all fifty)\n\nThe only treatment for those who want to quit smoking marijuana will be the intake of tobacco products, or beaten with a bong. Paid for by the offender (the way they train dogs not to make messes on carpets) Again all fifty.\n\nIf this works for marijuana I would propose the same for all illicit drugs. But no one would accept this proposal so I will have to continue my opposition to this and ALL illegal drugs.
953973
Weed may eventually be legalized only for medicinal uses only.  I don't think it will ever be legalized for every day personal use.  \n\nPS the Democrats are going to win in 08.  Thats just the way this country runs.