this is how it works in holland, and they have the lowest rate of marijuana abuse in the country, as well as the lowest rates of any drug in the world, and has one of the richest economies through taxation and government control over the purities and sale of it, it would work in the US with this kind of idea, wouldn't it? it's unavailable to minors under 18, the use of vehicles and so on is illegal still under use of it, for instance considered the same as a DUI, it's enforced the same as alcohol for the most part yet is less health impacting than alcohol, and tobacco as found by both US and European Union studies over the last 100 years. i mean the lowest rate of marijuana abuse in the world.
Politics - 9 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Some people want to tell you how to live in our Free Country.
2 :
The timber industry would be all over you though. It won't come to pass with all the special interests out there. Unless you can motivate potheads...
3 :
Go right ahead....just be prepared to lose your job when you can't past a drug test.
4 :
When the government describes abuse as smoking it, how can you make it legal and prevent abuse? Hell, prescription drugs are abused, it is human nature to like to alter our consciousness on occasion and no law or absence of a law will change that. It is just a plant that humans like to smoke and make rope and nothing more, legalize it already. The answer below me, great point. It is legal here in Colorado to grow your own if you can afford $90.00 and a visit to a "green" doctor to get a medical card. Loving the buds growing.
5 :
yeah, but look at what happened with tobacco... it used to be pure, but since the government got ahold of it and the big companies are money hungry morons, now they are putting rat poison and 100's of other chemicals in it. you're better off just growing your own weed- That should be legal. Dont let the government get their hands on it.
6 :
Ever been to Amsterdam? The "meat wagons" run all evening and cart of those who have OD ed on the streets. Don't tell me they don't have a problem. Go there. They have "Bars" that sell all you can possibly consume. Like fine wines, the various forms are labeled according to the source and type. The hashish varieties are particularly good. Enjoy, the ambulance ride is free to tourists.
7 :
"But if the young people start smoking the wacky-weed, who's gonna fight the commies?" This is my hyperbolic interpretation of the real argument most American's have against legalizing Cannabis. Even it falls flat on its face. I know my fair share of soldiers who would smoke with friends when they get leave, but cannot for fear of getting DD'd. That's right, former-stoners (would be current stoners) want to fight for our country. I think its a good idea, but what do I know? I'm a stoner.
8 :
You mean we could pay people to grow it. Pay people to transport it. Pay people to sell it like liquor. Raise tax money for schools and fire fighters. Take a product out of the hands of drug cartels. Save billions on dropping the war on drugs. And to boot we could save millions of trees by using hemp for paper. Sounds like the Dutch just might have an idea. P.S. to the Sock Monkey , why test for something legal ?
9 :
Well unlike Philip I have never been to Amsterdam.......... I have only lived there (and still visit on a regular basis living 40mins away), but hey of course his words of wisdom MUST be correct right because he's been there once. Actually the whole tirade is littered with inaccuracies and if you want to really understand the policies and importantly the results of the policies concerning drug use (and sales of marijuana which actually is tolerated but not legal btw) then you can read these two documents produced by The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs http://www.minbuza.nl/dsresource?objectid=buzabeheer:58788&type=pdf and Ministry of Health http://www.minvws.nl/en/folders/vgp/2009/drug-policies-in-the-netherlands.asp I have never seen a meat wagon so I have absolutely no clue what he was smoking when he saw one of these! Yes there are some people stumbling around Amsterdam because they have taken it to excess and are stoned out of their minds or drunk, or worse - both, but guess what, the vast majority of those are not Dutch but tourists visiting the city and going mad because like the child with the cookie jar syndrome, they are stuffing themselves with cookies because of the opportunity whilst the Dutch child just stands and laughs (well I use to dodge and stay well clear!) There are not "bars" selling weed in Amsterdam but licenced coffeeshops and one of the conditions of them retaining a licence and not being prosecuted for sales of marijuana is to sell a max of 5g per person, per day (to over 18's) which is hardly the same as "sell all you can possibly consume" Oh and the ambulance ride isn't free either, pretty expensive taxi if you don;t have insurance to cover you ... but as I said, what do I know eh?
