Colorado voters to consider marijuana legalization Vimal Patel of the Rocky Mountain Collegian (Colorado State U.)
Issue date: 8/25/06 Section: National
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Coloradans are set to vote on whether to legalize marijuana after a lively signature collection effort that included help from CSU students.
The Secretary of State's office last week certified the required number of signatures for the Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative to be placed on November's ballot.
"This is a chance to make history," said Ben Prytherch, a junior liberal arts major, who was one of hundreds of volunteers who helped collect the nearly 68,000 required signatures.
The measure would legalize use and possession of up to an ounce of pot for those age 21 and older.
The drug would still be illegal under federal law, but the federal government rarely intervenes in minor pot possession cases.
So far, few polls have been conducted about how Coloradans will vote on a statewide legalization measure.
Last year The Denver Post conducted a survey of 625 respondents and found 51 percent would be opposed to one, while 37 percent would support it.
Mason Tvert, the campaign director of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation, the group behind the measure, said the 14-point spread is encouraging given the circumstances of the survey.
The poll was of likely voters, who were called from home phones. College students generally aren't likely voters and are more likely to have dropped their landlines in favor of a wireless phone.
"When you poll all the grandmas and grandpas, that's what you get," Tvert said. Tvert said his group will actively start registering students to vote. He's banking on a high student turnout in November and the hope that his group's message - that alcohol is more dangerous than pot and therefore it's fundamentally unfair to keep the drink legal while banning the plant - will resonate with voters.
At CSU, several students helped out by attending SAFER rallies and collecting signatures.
The CSU chapters of Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Libertarian Party were active in the campaign.
Amanda Broz, president of SSDP, said her group will help register students to vote in the November election.
"There's a huge amount of non-violent drug offenders in jail," she said. "They're in there with violent criminals; that's not a good way to rehabilitate people."
SAFER turned in about 130,000 signatures, almost double the required amount, just in case any signatures were challenged in court.
Last November, Denver voters approved Initiative 100. The measure made Denver the first city in the country to drop all penalties for use and possession of up to an ounce of recreational marijuana. However, citizens were still prosecuted under state law, hence the need for a statewide measure, Tvert said.
Prytherch said the passage of this initiative could be groundbreaking for the national pot legalization movement. "A lot of people see the pot movement as consisting of just hippies and potheads," he said, "but if this passes, it'll be exposed as being mainstream."
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
Pro Marijauna Group Opens Office In Lewiston
A new organization that wants to legalize marijuana in Maine has set up shop in downtown Lewiston. The Maine Marijuana Policy Initiative has opened a new office on lower Lisbon Street.
The group is currently working on two separate initiaves. One seeks to strengthen Maine's medicinal marijuana law. The other, called the "Lowest Law Enforcement Priority," seeks to get local communities to stop using law enforcement resources on marijuana.
The groups ultimate goal is to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Executive Director Jonathan Leavitt says, "We're here in Maine to advocate for a system of control and regulation of marijuana. We want to put it on par with alcohol and we want it to be treated the way alochol is in terms of legal for adults 21 and over."
The group may have it's work cut out. Several people that we spoke with for this story only favored legalizing marijuana for medicinal use.
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
[ August 31, 2006, 20:37: Message edited by: Ace of Spades ]
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
Colorado Cannabis Legalization Initiative Certified For November Ballot
August 17, 2006 - Denver, CO, USA
Denver, CO: The Colorado Secretary of State's office announced Wednesday that a statewide initiative that seeks to eliminate all criminal and civil penalties for the possession of cannabis by adults has been certified to appear on the November 2006 ballot.
Sponsored by Safer Alternatives For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER), the measure would amend state statutes to make the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis legal in Colorado for those age 21 or older. Last year, voters in Denver passed a similar municipal initiative by 54 percent.
Sponsors turned in more than 130,000 signatures from Colorado voters to qualify the measure for the November ballot.
"The campaign will highlight the hypocrisy of laws that prohibit the use of marijuana while allowing and even encouraging the use of alcohol, an infinitely more harmful drug," said SAFER Campaign Director Mason Tvert.
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
DEA SHOULD KEEP OUT OF STATE POLITICS (Source:Rocky Mountain News)
Fate of Marijuana Measure a Local Decision
Federal agencies should stick to their knitting, as the saying goes. They have no business using their muscle to influence state ballot races.
Not only could the federal government's vast resources distort the tenor of debate within a state, it would also force out-of-state taxpayers to underwrite political campaigns that have no impact on them.
That message has fallen on deaf ears at the Denver office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, which is poised to assist in the campaign against Amendment 44. That measure, on Colorado's November ballot, would legalize possession by adults of as much as 1 ounce of marijuana.
Setting aside the merits of Amendment 44, the DEA's decision to raise $10,000 to hire a professional campaign manager is a heavy-handed use of federal power. Jeff Sweetin, the special agent in charge of the local office, acknowledges that the notice seeking an experienced pro to run the campaign was sent from a Department of Justice e-mail account.
Federal officials are free to offer their opinions about the legality or the wisdom of state political controversies, and that bully pulpit can often sway public opinion. But when agencies organize formal opposition to local or state ballot measures, they're interfering in the local political process. And where would it stop?
At least some federal lawmakers have acknowledged the potential for abuse. Three years ago, the House of Representatives passed a measure that would have, among other things, blocked the DEA from using its advertising budget to work against state ballot measures. ( The Senate did not pass the bill and it died in 2004. )
The National Taxpayers Union and the American Conservative Union, among others, persuaded House members that if the DEA could campaign against initiatives that would liberalize drug laws, then there is no principled reason the Environmental Protection Agency couldn't spend money lobbying against property rights protections or the Department of Justice coordinate a campaign for tougher gun controls at the state level - just to cite two possible examples.
Letting federal agencies become political activists in one area invites them to take sides on a host of others. That's why we hope the DEA will abandon this campaign - and that next year, Congress will enact legislation that would prevent any federal agency from pursuing this sort of mischief.
Posted by Upside on :
Ace, You've posted a few articles on the upcoming vote and debate surrounding it. Can I ask what your position is?
Posted by T e x on :
I was gonna read all that...but? I got real hungry... Posted by Ace of Spades on :
quote:Originally posted by Upside: Ace, You've posted a few articles on the upcoming vote and debate surrounding it. Can I ask what your position is?
Weed used to be a big part of my life from ages 18-20. I'm 23 now. I became a strict christian, and even keep the sabbath. Although it doesn't break a commandment specifically, It goes against "the body is the temple of god" teaching. And if you're high you might be more easily tempted.
But it's an interesting topic, and could help economicaly if it was sold and taxed, and could decrease the # of people that drink and drive. Many people drink because it's legal. Imagine if instead of drunk fathers beating kids, high fathers played with them.
Posted by Upside on :
Guess that depends on your definition of your body being a temple of God.If done in moderation, does drinking/smoking/eating anything that we deem unhealthy violate that teaching in your opinion?
Posted by BLACKBEARD on :
well i'm all for it , it is about time. one of the main points is non-violent pot offenders in with violent-crimers , that would severly reduce over crowding , and also reduce tax dollars , plus it grows out of the ground , and undergoes no proccessing , unlike beer and other things , it's like makeing tomato plant ill eagle
Posted by BLACKBEARD on :
quote:Originally posted by T e x: I was gonna read all that...but? I got real hungry...
ROFlmao Posted by Ace of Spades on :
Possesion is already protected by the state constition in Alaska. You can even have up to 25 plants.
Because I got high Because I got high Because I got high
Posted by glassman on :
Setting aside the merits of Amendment 44, the DEA's decision to raise $10,000 to hire a professional campaign manager is a heavy-handed use of federal power. Jeff Sweetin, the special agent in charge of the local office, acknowledges that the notice seeking an experienced pro to run the campaign was sent from a Department of Justice e-mail account.
this part right here should be looked at closely..
Posted by glassman on :
isn't anybody else wondering what law allows Federal dollars to be used in a State referendum?
if it is actually legal? it shouldn't be...
CA has referendums on a regular basis...
anybody from there ever hear of Federal $$ being used?
Posted by jordanreed on :
i got stoned and missed it...
Posted by Upside on :
Dr. Hook?
Posted by 10of13 on :
IMO...It should be legalized...it's not nearly as bad for you as alcohol...I've never been able to understand why it's not...
I would rather come home from a hard day and take a couple of hits to relax than to have to consume a couple of drinks...it would be way better for the waste line! LOL...
And no I don't drink that much nor do I "smoke pot"... smoke isn't legal... I have kids...the only reason I don't... hense if it was legal... I'd grab the joint before the bottle...
Posted by T e x on :
quote:Originally posted by Upside: Guess that depends on your definition of your body being a temple of God.If done in moderation, does drinking/smoking/eating anything that we deem unhealthy violate that teaching in your opinion?
yup...
anything with Drano as an ingedient...that crank chit? do *not* smoke that...
talk about "damage control"
Posted by casviper on :
make it legal and TAX IT!!!!
Posted by jordanreed on :
keep it illegal...dont need the govment screwin with that too...
Posted by rimasco on :
quote:Originally posted by jordanreed: keep it illegal...dont need the govment screwin with that too...
Worse case scenario...It will make them fat, lazy(not show up to work) and paranoid. Ummmmmmm I think they should start drug testing congress.
Mary jane vs alchohol: Did you ever hear about anybody smoking a bunch of weed and committing a crime? Me neither. I had the luxury of spending a day in a holding cell and I couldnt help but notice 5 out of the 5 people there were in there did something under the influence of alchohol. I bet if you did a survey on 3rd degree murders. You would find an overwhelming number of them were using alchohol prior.......
Dont get me wrong....me loves me drinks...me just aints aloud to touch it no'mo Posted by farmgirl on :
I am not a pot user nor have I ever tried it but my question would be. If we are such an obeast country why would we legalize something that gave people the munchies? The people I see making the most money off off this would be clothing companies.
Posted by rimasco on :
quote:Originally posted by farmgirl: I am not a pot user nor have I ever tried it but my question would be. If we are such an obeast country why would we legalize something that gave people the munchies? The people I see making the most money off off this would be clothing companies.
I disagree....I would buy stock in Frito-Lay and Drakes
Pot should be legalized and taxed....Like 10of13 was saying earlier the side effect of booze are far greater. Thats including anibriation stages
So whats the real problem? To much money would be lost in drug-lord kickbacks? One things for sure. The reason its not legal = $$$$$$
Posted by rimasco on :
quote:Originally posted by farmgirl: I am not a pot user nor have I ever tried it but my question would be. If we are such an obeast country why would we legalize something that gave people the munchies? The people I see making the most money off off this would be clothing companies.
Trust me farmgirl. I was a heavey abuser of BOTH at different points in my life. Pot just makes people act like jack-asses, booze makes people act like reckless jack-asses.
Mel Gibson is a good example
As far as the second part of your post.
"If we are such an obeast country why would we legalize something that gave people the munchies?"
Well then Pfizer and Merck would have to recall alot of there meds...cause i know alot of them that give people the munchies. Some people need the munchies
Nicole Richie is a good example
Posted by BLACKBEARD on :
i know many people that smoke cannabis , and are not fat or obease , and i have to go with rim on the point of no crimes on reffer and u don't forget what u did or said last night , much more self control with weed vs. drunk Posted by farmgirl on :
Nicole Richie, the Olsen twins and several others are good examples. Thanks for the input.
Posted by stockdealer on :
I don't think it should be legal cause it might damage some peoples income
Posted by bdgee on :
I am strongly of the opinion that it needs to be legalized.
But that nonsense about pot users not being dangerious when on it and remembering the stupid things they said and did is something the pot user can believe.
Having seen what a lot of them did, I know they are not harmless and then, later, hearing them telling their memory of it, I can assure you, either it causes cases of deep dishonesty or they can't remember.
[ September 01, 2006, 17:17: Message edited by: bdgee ]
Posted by utvolsfan13 on :
quote:Originally posted by Ace of Spades: [QUOTE]Originally posted by Upside: [qb] Imagine if instead of drunk fathers beating kids, high fathers played with them.
Damn that's a good one!
Posted by Upside on :
Anyone believe that it's a "gateway" drug?
Posted by IMAKEMONEY on :
Pot should be legalized and taxed.
Posted by Hannibull on :
quote:Originally posted by IMAKEMONEY: Pot should be legalized and taxed.
for once i agree with you imake LOL
I've only smoked pot a few times, and I think it's a sickening thought knowing people go to jail like criminals for that, when in a country like the Netherlands it's completely legal (FYI, only 6% in the Netherlands indulge, even though it's legal). When you legalize pot, nothing needs to happen "underground" anymore. If you want to keep a war on drugs then that's one effective way to go to battle (imo). Plus if you tax it like cigarettes, the government benefits from it as well! (Although I don't like that thinking of "we'll make something legal/illegal, only if it benefits US, even if we play with people's freedom")
I've never seen people bash each other's heads in on pot, in my experience when you're high on pot you're happy, you laugh, you're not violent at all, and strangely enough you're very concentrated on everything. This is not something that can be said about alcohol (which, contrary to pot, is a hard drug, why not make that illegal?)!
Alcohol and cigarettes are legal (also 2 drugs), so the only logical thing to do is make pot legal as well
Posted by bond006 on :
I am not a user of anything but coffee anymore but pot should have been legal long ago and any body with a criminal record for having used it .this record should be exsponged also.
Compared to booze pot is nothing in regards to harm done
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
quote:Originally posted by Upside: Anyone believe that it's a "gateway" drug?
I think cigarettes is the #1 gateway drug.
It's advertised like crazy, and kids see their parents do them since their born. Most people that smoke pot, tried cigarettes first. Parents that smoke pot usually don't do it in fron of their kids, especially when their young. In the D.A.R.E. program they teach kids that any harmfull substance is a drug. The ones that they actuall see what they think are "mature adults" using, are cigarettes and alcohol.
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
"The DEA is paid to enforce drug laws, not to educate, not to campaign,"
Pot Could Become Legal In Two Months Colorado Voters Will Soon Decide If Marijuana Should Be Legal
DENVER -- In November, Colorado voters will decide if people should be allowed to possess small amounts of marijuana.
There have been reports recently that the state's Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) would use $10,000 to campaign against the initiative.
Tuesday, however, DEA agent Jeff Sweetin said that is simply not true. Sweetin opposes the initiative that would make it legal to carry up to 1 ounce of marijuana.
The DEA said it will not overstep its mission, which is to enforce drug laws, but Sweetin said it will continue to educate the public about the dangers of smoking pot.
The DEA said any amount of marijuana should be illegal. The marijuana initiative states that anyone 21 years or older could legally carry 1 ounce of pot or less in Colorado.
"I just see that as totally ludicrous both as a father and as a drug enforcement officer," said Sweetin.
Sweetin said, despite reports to the contrary, his office is not campaigning against it or fundraising.
"We don't have $10,000 in money. There may be organizations that are raising money," said Sweetin. "There is no $10,000 in money that I've ever heard of."
If the DEA were to get involved, Safer Colorado's Mason Tvert said it would be an enormous conflict of interest.
"The DEA is paid to enforce drug laws, not to educate, not to campaign," said Tvert, Safer Colorado's campaign director for legalizing marijuana.
While Sweetin is clear he is not campaigning, he is also not hesitant to share his opinion.
"All the research we see on marijuana continues to tell us it's a very dangerous, addictive substance," said Sweetin.
Tvert said it is no more dangerous than alcohol.
"The prohibition of marijuana, as Jimmy Carter said, is more damaging than the drug itself," said Tvert.
The DEA said if the public comes to them for information, they will gladly share their expertise. As of now, they said, they are stepping out of this debate.
If it passes, the DEA said they will still enforce federal law which makes pos
Posted by Relentless. on :
One needs to question whether or not the federal government ever should of had the power to regulate your intake of any substance.. Arguing that alcohol is worse than weed is pointless and is exactly the kind of distraction that the government hopes will fill the minds of potheads the country over.
Posted by bond006 on :
You have a good point relentless and I agree it is a some what child like stand but some time it is necessary to make a comparision to make a point.
I personally do neither any more because I was sick of making an ass out of my self.
I have known kids that have went to jail in the sixties for a joint and had felonies on there record
Posted by Relentless. on :
I understand, but that point has been made for years.. I've sat stoned in many a place and listened unwillingly to that same borish argument... None of that is the point.. nor should it be. The point is that our federal government is not intended to be this powerfull.. We are not to fear our government.. Our government is to fear US. And yes I gave up weed quite a few years ago as it no longer suited my needs.
Posted by glassman on :
The point is that our federal government is not intended to be this powerfull.. We are not to fear our government.. Our government is to fear US.
uhoh... we need to stop agreeing like this...
there is no place in the constitution to justify it... prohibition was the 18th ammendment.. which was repealed by the 21st ammendment...
the govt has no constitutional right to control substances...
Posted by Relentless. on :
number four
Posted by bond006 on :
So true they have no right to but they do.
Another point is so many people make a good living controling pot it would be a big blow to the economy.
Posted by andrew on :
I think Pot is the "gateway drug" upside. Ask most crack heads and they started on pot. No....everyone that smokes pot will not become a crack head, But every crack head started on Marijuana.
Posted by Browndog on :
quote:Originally posted by andrew: I think Pot is the "gateway drug" upside. Ask most crack heads and they started on pot. No....everyone that smokes pot will not become a crack head, But every crack head started on Marijuana.
And how many of these peole also started on alcohol and cigarettes?
Posted by bdgee on :
"Ask most crack heads and they started on pot."
I don't believe that those that make that claim have asked very many or they wouldn't feel so certain they know anything about the subject.
I have asked more than just one or two, and the most frequent causes seems to be either "everyone does it" i.e., peer pressure) or that it was a seeming escape from the hopelessness of poverty and social stigma.
And this,
"But every crack head started on Marijuana.",
I know as a fact is simply a falsehood!
Notice that if the first of those statements were corrrect, the implication is that "most" but not "all" crack heads started on pot, a direct contradiction to the second claim, that "all' started on pot!
Why issue such misinformation?
Posted by bdgee on :
Good point, Browndog....
Posted by andrew on :
lol.....you get my point mister literal.
Posted by T e x on :
quote:Originally posted by Browndog:
quote:Originally posted by andrew: I think Pot is the "gateway drug" upside. Ask most crack heads and they started on pot. No....everyone that smokes pot will not become a crack head, But every crack head started on Marijuana.
And how many of these peole also started on alcohol and cigarettes?
don't forget cow's milk...and refined SUGAR! Posted by Ace of Spades on :
quote:Originally posted by andrew: I think Pot is the "gateway drug" upside. Ask most crack heads and they started on pot. No....everyone that smokes pot will not become a crack head, But every crack head started on Marijuana.
I agree. Going from being sober or smoking cigarretes straight to crack, is like going from playing in little league straight to the major leagues.
Posted by T e x on :
quote:Originally posted by Ace of Spades:
quote:Originally posted by andrew: I think Pot is the "gateway drug" upside. Ask most crack heads and they started on pot. No....everyone that smokes pot will not become a crack head, But every crack head started on Marijuana.
I agree. Going from being sober or smoking cigarretes straight to crack, is like going from playing in little league straight to the major leagues.
nope--Little League to majors would require extraordinary talent, drive, direction and so forth...
getting addicted to crack requires only likely circumstances, eg, one's body chemistry, predisposition and so forth... a "flaw," if you will...perhaps not biologically accurate, but certainly not talent. Some try it and forget it, while others try it and the next day are hunting more...
Posted by jordanreed on :
youre right about that . Tex...
ive done quite a few of those drugs... pot,hash,mesc,opium,coke,crack,meth,heroin(snorted),..and never got addicted on any..
only smoke now...coz i like it ..oh, alcohol too..but only 2-3 times a month..
and ceegars
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
quote:Originally posted by jordanreed: youre right about that . Tex...
ive done quite a few of those drugs... pot,hash,mesc,opium,coke,crack,meth,heroin(snorted),..and never got addicted on any..
only smoke now...coz i like it ..oh, alcohol too..but only 2-3 times a month..
and ceegars
What was your favorite high?
Posted by T e x on :
quote:Originally posted by Ace of Spades:
quote:Originally posted by jordanreed: youre right about that . Tex...
ive done quite a few of those drugs... pot,hash,mesc,opium,coke,crack,meth,heroin(snorted),..and never got addicted on any..
only smoke now...coz i like it ..oh, alcohol too..but only 2-3 times a month..
and ceegars
What was your favorite high?
lol...lemme guess, JR...
either snorting the horse (with favorite beverage) or mixing hash & mescaline...
how close am I?
Posted by glassman on :
pot wouldn't be a "gateway drug" if drug dealers were taken out of the equation...
are there any crackheads that didn't drink a beer before?
Posted by bdgee on :
"are there any crackheads that didn't drink a beer before?"
Or a soda pop......
Posted by jordanreed on :
quote:Originally posted by Ace of Spades:
quote:Originally posted by jordanreed: youre right about that . Tex...
ive done quite a few of those drugs... pot,hash,mesc,opium,coke,crack,meth,heroin(snorted),..and never got addicted on any..
only smoke now...coz i like it ..oh, alcohol too..but only 2-3 times a month..
and ceegars
What was your favorite high?
thats like asking who my favorite child was...
altho, i hated pcp..man, that sh!t was nasty!
Posted by T e x on :
ya...sugar...
I tell ya, there is something insidious about crank/crack and human DNA...
In high school, the anti-drug folk warned us that one toke of pot led straightaway to heroin addiction. That's why they lost so many of their audience, who simply knew better from experience.
But crank/crack both--even though different compounds--are tremendously addictive for those susceptible. I've seen otherwise psychologically hardy individuals get simply swept away... By that I mean, peeps who weren't simply "talked into" things, not peer-pressure susceptible, etc. One kid I tried to help got started on crank cuz at first he could work longer, hold two jobs, work extra shifts, etc. By the time I was his last stop before sleeping in cardboard boxes? He couldn't work 30 minutes in the yard...
Posted by T e x on :
quote:Originally posted by jordanreed:
quote:Originally posted by Ace of Spades:
quote:Originally posted by jordanreed: youre right about that . Tex...
ive done quite a few of those drugs... pot,hash,mesc,opium,coke,crack,meth,heroin(snorted),..and never got addicted on any..
only smoke now...coz i like it ..oh, alcohol too..but only 2-3 times a month..
and ceegars
What was your favorite high?
thats like asking who my favorite child was...
altho, i hated pcp..man, that sh!t was nasty!
lol, JR...
Posted by The Bigfoot on :
Here is my problem with legalizing pot. In the area I'm in there is a big problem recently with nasty mean people lacing the pot that gets sold to the highschoolers with Opium and other "stuff".
Kiddies think they're playing with a non-addictive drug and don't know enough to realize the sh*t is laced. Two months down the line they switch em to regular pot that don't do sh*t for em and they end up forced into buying the harder stuff or going through withdrawl and detox.
It's a mean game getting played.
I don't mind legalization if it is regulated...won't say I've never had a puff and enjoyed myself...but want to make sure crap like that gets shut down hardcore in the process.
BF
Posted by The Bigfoot on :
quote:Originally posted by rimasco:
Mary jane vs alchohol: Did you ever hear about anybody smoking a bunch of weed and committing a crime?
Actually yes.
Some of my friends who lived next to a golf course got high and decided that it would be fun to steal golf carts and tool around downtown. Wouldn't a been a big deal but a couple of them decided to try and lose the cops on the back nine when they were busted. LOL
Posted by Upside on :
Going from my own experience in my youth, I believe pot is a gateway drug. While it doesn't make you crave something stronger, it lowers your resistance or hesitancy to try something different/stronger. That's how I discovered coke which turned into my drug of choice for a long time. If I had never smoked pot though, I'd never have tried it. Cig's and booze are something different. I dont believe that smoking a Camel is gonna make you want to try pot, there's no connection there. Same thing with alcohol, it doesn't lead to drugs, just makes you want to drink more.
Posted by T e x on :
Bigfoot: if it were legal? Peeps could grow their own...
Upside: related point--presumably you "discovered" coke cuz pot was illegal: same "criminal element" involved in both, eh?
Posted by Upside on :
Could be Tex. Some kind of attraction to legal vs. illegal. I don't really agree with that though. It's a matter of "well, this didn't harm me" so it lowered my worries about trying something else.
Posted by T e x on :
well, what I specifically mean is the pot guy also had the coke...so the "gateway" is the setting, not the chemistry...
logically, if you "blame" pot for coke? You gotta blame some antecedent for the pot...
Posted by jordanreed on :
its in the mind...
Posted by Relentless. on :
The thing you can blame for pot's luster is MTV. That's where our youth are told every five minutes life is better when you are high. Life is better when you sell drugs. Life is better when you make every bad decision possible.
Posted by Sunnyside on :
I don't believe pot is a gateway drug. I believe ppl who are interested in trying pot will be interested in trying other things. Its the mentality of the person.
But, its helps you make stupid choices because it makes you stupid, even though you think you're so cool.
MTV? Nah, I dont think that was it, but if you want to talk about BET, then we have a conversation.
Posted by Upside on :
Look, I'm 47 now. It was 25 - 30 years ago that I was involved in this chit. It wasn't MTV (wasn't around) or the fact that the "dealer" had harder stuff. We never had a dealer that we wen't through, just a group of buddies where someone hopefully had some smoke or could get some if we all pitched in. But, if I had never tried pot, I can say with certainty I'd have never progressed onto other drugs. Again, I feel it lowers your hesitancy to try other things, at least in a young mind. Now? I can't do it, makes me want to shut all the curtains and cower in a corner. Been drug free for 15 years or so but I still likes my Bombay Sapphire on occasion. Doesn't make me want to get involved in the drug scene again though.
Posted by bdgee on :
YES!
Bombay and tonic ot Boodles and tonic....
Yes!
YES!
Posted by IMAKEMONEY on :
ok whos holden.lol
Posted by glassman on :
quote:Originally posted by Relentless.: The thing you can blame for pot's luster is MTV. That's where our youth are told every five minutes life is better when you are high. Life is better when you sell drugs. Life is better when you make every bad decision possible.
LOL relentless, you just showed your age....
i remember when Cheech and Chong were selling albums with giant sized rolling papers....
yeah albums, those big vinyl things with the two long grooves on them....
i wonder if anybody has one with the paper still intact? Posted by bdgee on :
And well before Cheech and Chong there was Barry Goldwater explaining he had been smoking it around campfires all his life and hadn't seen it hurt anyone.
Hell, the stuff is a native plant in a lot of the country and if you live where it is and you learn to, I'll bet you can find some in a roadside ditch within a few miles from town, if not in some vacant lot in town. And don't be fooled by that bilge that the native stuff ain't potent enough.....just depends on the growing conditions.
Posted by rimasco on :
They should hold an "American Idol" type poll
And they can pan to the traffickers and users faces when the results come in
Now that would make some good tv
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
Colorado Attorney General to debate marijuana activist over Amendment 44
DENVER - The debate over Amendment 44 will heat up on Tuesday when Colorado's Attorney General faces off against a local marijuana activist.
Attorney General John Suthers will speak in opposition of Amendment 44. Mason Tvert, campaign director for Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER), will speak in favor of marijuana reform.
Amendment 44 is a statewide issue that would legalize personal possession of less than one ounce of marijuana for people over the age of 21 if it passes. A similar initiative passed in the city of Denver last November.
The debate is being held at the Gates Concert Hall in the Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver.
"Ballot Measures 101: Issues and Insights" is free and open to the public and will be aired on tape-delay on 9NEWS.
The event will be hosted by 9NEWS reporter Adam Schrager and will be streamed in its entirety on 9NEWS.com.
DENVER -- Supporters of an initiative that would legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana said Tuesday they will ask a judge to block the state from distributing a voters guide, claiming it is misleading.
Mason Tvert, campaign director for Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation, said the voter guide incorrectly claims the initiative would allow people to transfer up to one ounce of marijuana to juveniles 15 and older as long as there is no compensation. The voter guide notes that possession for people under 21 would still be illegal.
The voter guide, known as the blue book because of its cover, is printed by the state and distributed to voters to explain initiatives on the November ballot. It includes statements submitted by supporters and opponents of initiatives on the changes that would be made to state laws.
This year's blue book was approved last week by the Legislative Council. The final draft said that Amendment 44 would legalize the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, and "possession" includes consumption or use of marijuana as long as it's not in public, and transferring up to an ounce of marijuana to someone 15 years or older.
Tvert said the marijuana initiative would not change current state laws that bar contributing to the delinquency of a minor and make distribution of any amount of marijuana to minors under age 18 a felony.
"For some reason, the Legislative Council wants to make this about children. It's not," Tvert said. "The Legislative Council has perpetrated an act of fraud upon the people and the voters of Colorado ... The Legislative Council wants people to believe that our initiative would make it legal for adults to give small amounts of marijuana to minors. That, in no uncertain terms, is a lie."
"We don't and certainly would never perpetrate a fraud on the public," said Kirk Mlinek, the director of research for the Legislative Council.
Mlinek said the wording is derived from existing law and is an impartial analysis of the proposal.
"For the past 70 years, officials at all levels of government have lied, exaggerated, and used every dirty trick in the book in order to keep marijuana illegal. This is just one more example," said Tvert, at a press conference on the steps of the Capitol.
"He's dead wrong and I think those accusations are reckless and wrong," said Rep. Andrew Romanoff, the House Speaker. "It's not the job of the Legislative Council to fix flawed ballot measures on their way to the ballot."
Romanoff said the people who compile the Blue Book don't take sides; they simply explain what the proposal is, and then present both sides of the argument. He said the opponents of the marijuana ballot measure didn't like the wording either and tried to get the Legislative Council to strengthen the arguments against it.
"They didn't get what they wanted, but they're not suing the Legislative Council or trashing the staff who work for us. And I think that sort of behavior is reckless, unwarranted, and deeply disappointing to me," Romanoff said.
David Evans, an opponent of the initiative, said supporters want to eliminate the crime of possession of marijuana from state statutes, which could allow juveniles under 18 to possess the drug.
"I don't think it's ambiguous at all," Evans said.
Tvert and his group plan to file suit to block the blue book on Wednesday.
Even if Amendment 44 passes, it would still be against federal law to possess marijuana and it would be against state law to grow marijuana.
how many pot threads you got going??
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
Just this one, and the one about the butter Posted by T e x on :
lol...
don't start a hash thread--too confusing Posted by Dan VA 1983 on :
Hello, I can attest that pot legalization isn't all glory, I was recently addicted to it. Quit a few months ago - though there are many people who would not get hooked like I did. (I must say that quiting pot is relatively not very hard assuming you get rid of people who smoke it around you - quitting cigarrettes - now that is one of the most addictive and hardest things to quit ever! Tobacco IS more addictive than just about any other drug including cocaine) Overall I'm of the opinion that we are experiencing all of the bad effects from marijuana now. Thus legalizing it would alleviate the bad effects that are purely a result of it being illegal and in the black market.
As a former buyer of an illegal drug (pot), I had access to cocaine and several other drugs (which were things some pot dealers happened to also sell). If pot were legal, then those connections would not have existed, and I would never even have been tempted.
It is a shame that marijuana does dull the brain to an extent - but I completely agree that there should be more stoner parents than alcoholic parents... Ever hear of a raging abusive stoner? People do get into trouble on pot, but often they are coked up to - when they are finally tested the blow is out of their system and they go down under the stat of being an offender under the influence of pot - I think the same with driving accidents, that a person probably was drinking and smoking, and the drink left their body before they were tested.
READ THIS PARAGRAPH! I saw a gov't commercial a while back - said that johnny had bought a dime bag from his dealer. His dealer was supplied by terrorists - thus the dime bag went to support terrorism. OK, so organized dealers support terrorism. But, what if as an American citizen I grow my own pot - with the intention of consuming it myself, and giving it to my friends so that none of us have to go to our dealer that supports terrorism. I then assert, that the US gov't by cutting down my plants is supporting terrorism.
Even forbes magazine had an issue that essentially said that it makes economic sense to legalize it. Unofficialy Tennessee economic revenue is %40 from pot growers.
Looking at the gov't anit-pot debate points - they are all BS... there really is not a very strong argument against pot. Furthermore, pot is one of the best medication for nausau - on top of that people can smoke it with vaporizers - which do not burn the plant matter. Pot is harmful mainly because you are burning carbon when you smoke it, and carbon is a carcinogen. Vaporizing involves no burning, and thus you are not inhaling carbon fumes.
Furthermore there are many great uses from the hemp fiber. It can be used as rebar in concrete to make it about twice as strong and a quarter the weight. The fiber is one of the strongest in the world - since the fiber can be as long as the stalk of the plant (several feet) whereas a cotton fiber tends to be at most 4-6 inches long (and the longer the fiber the stronger). They used to use hemp for rope in the navy because hemp rope is strong. Hemp clothing last a long time. The constitution was written on hemp paper and is still around.
Also, pot laws are not color blind. The laws go with how much weight you have, not potency. To be a bit blunt, white people tend to smoke more expensive higher potency pot - black people are unfortunate in that since they have lower potency pot, they carry more on them, since they require more to get roughly the same level of high. And funny enough the cut off points are set just about right to make sure that if you are carrying the typical amount a white person would carry (1.5-3.5grams) you would not get in much trouble, but the typical amount a black person would carry (if smoking schwag) would be about 7-28 grams. After about 7 grams you automatically get an intent to sale, which usually has a 1-2 year minimum...
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
quote:Originally posted by jordanreed: youre right about that . Tex...
ive done quite a few of those drugs... pot,hash,mesc,opium,coke,crack,meth,heroin(snorted),..and never got addicted on any..
only smoke now...coz i like it ..oh, alcohol too..but only 2-3 times a month..
and ceegars
No wonder you have always thought GTE would hit big even after all the bad PR.....because your head was always clouded up....lol.
Posted by jordanreed on :
thats reachin a bit, dont you think?
maybe with a handle like yours, you should think twice...
Posted by Gordon Bennett on :
It's already legal at my friend's house!
Posted by Grynder on :
Interesting topic......
I have Crohns disease. I've had it for 15 yrs now. I've tried every medication and treatment known for the disease and the bottom line is, Nothing comes close to easing the pain and discomfort of my problem like pot. Not only that but when I'm having a flare up of Crohns, my appetite goes away, eating is LAST on my list. I've tried the medications that make me hungry but the side effects were horrible. Pot makes me hungry ! If I didnt smoke it, I would probably be less than 100 lbs.
It's what I would consider a "Non violent drug"
No worse than alchohol.
I dont support terrorist's when I buy a bag. Mine is locally grown and harvested and the small group it supplie's is well trusted, hard working profesionals and probably the last people you would think of that smoke it.
I'm 42 yrs old, raised 4 responsible children, own my home, pay my bills, no criminal record (not even a traffic ticket).
Do I deserve to be in jail if caught with pot ?
G.
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
quote:Originally posted by Grynder: Interesting topic......
I have Crohns disease. I've had it for 15 yrs now. I've tried every medication and treatment known for the disease and the bottom line is, Nothing comes close to easing the pain and discomfort of my problem like pot. Not only that but when I'm having a flare up of Crohns, my appetite goes away, eating is LAST on my list. I've tried the medications that make me hungry but the side effects were horrible. Pot makes me hungry ! If I didnt smoke it, I would probably be less than 100 lbs.
It's what I would consider a "Non violent drug"
No worse than alchohol.
I dont support terrorist's when I buy a bag. Mine is locally grown and harvested and the small group it supplie's is well trusted, hard working profesionals and probably the last people you would think of that smoke it.
I'm 42 yrs old, raised 4 responsible children, own my home, pay my bills, no criminal record (not even a traffic ticket).
Do I deserve to be in jail if caught with pot ?
G.
I hope you get healed, if not you might want to try this...It's easier on the lungs.
Posted by Grynder on :
No healing from Crohns. Already have had 4 surgery's to remove damaged portions of my intestine. From the begining the best one can hope for is control of it.
Try what Ace ???????? You didnt say.......
Posted by skip on :
vaporizers are great if you want to indulge in the herb without the adverse effects of smoking. In short, they heat the herb up to a temperature in which only the moisture inside of the plant is released into a vapor. No combustion. So there is no actual smoke, just vapors, because you are not actually burning it. That means no carbon monoxide, burnt throat, etc. I LOVE mine...
a little spendy...BUT,,, sum dam good butter! Posted by Dan VA 1983 on :
About vaporizers -
Really pot is only bad for you because you are burning carbon - smoke from burnt carbon is carcinogenic (sp?).
Thus, by vaporizing you are not burning carbon, and really people don't know how bad that is for you - not very... Vaporized smoke you can feel is really light on your lungs. It's easier than cooking it.
When getting a vaporizer be sure you are getting a good one (one that works well). You can spend $100 on one and it'll not work very well (don't get the kind that has a jar upside down that screws in (they suck!)).
It turns out though you can vaporize without an expensive vaporizer decently easily. My friend keeps his stuff in a glass jar (a famous one actually since he's used it for so long). The jar get's really keefed. One day he decided to put the jar in the oven on a low temp.. After about 5 minutes he opened it, inhaled what he could, and he certainly got a vaporizer hit. Probably would have worked better with an inverted funnel.
One last thing about vaporization. I think it is the case that the release temperature of CBC and CBD are higher than THC and THCV. The latter two drugs being associated with the heady/happy/active high, whereas the former are associated with the high that has you passing out after 2 hours, and you spend the time sitting on a couch with a strong body high. So the high is also quite pleasant from a vaporizer, and it also tastes really good as well - no carbon to mess up the taste, tastes like the smell of a grow room full of really nice buds ripe for the picking.
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
It's almost time for the vote...Anyone have any predictions?
Posted by Nirvana on :
You must vary your styles of inducing THC. If you use a vaporizer all the time, your body will begin to become immune to the effects of the THC. A good way to vary is to ingest and use a vaporizer. And then every once in awhile you will use a cold water bong.
Posted by Gordon Bennett on :
I think I just figured out when Nirvana does most of his critical thinking.
Posted by Gordon Bennett on :
I'm sure of it, as a matter of fact.
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
Nevada will vote on legalizing pot
By Sandra Chereb
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tucson, Arizona 10.15.2006
Nev. — Organizers of a measure on Nevada's November ballot hope that voters in a state in which almost everything goes already will go one better and legalize marijuana. If voters approve, Nevada would become the first state in the nation in which adults could legally possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and conceivably purchase it at government-regulated and -taxed pot shops. The Committee to Regulate and Control Marijuana, which has pushed medical marijuana and decriminalization laws around the country, thinks a state that embraces gambling, allows prostitution in rural counties and prides itself on its Western independence, is a perfect venue to legalize marijuana. "All we're saying is, our marijuana laws completely do not work," said Neal Levine, executive director of the committee, which is largely funded by the Washington D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project. The group argues that the legal system wastes time and money on low-level marijuana offenses, and that taxing and regulating pot would put drug dealers out of business while freeing law enforcement to focus on violent crime and trafficking in narcotics, such as methamphetamine. "Anyone who wants it can get it," Levine said. "Put it into a tightly controlled and regulated environment. We think that makes a lot of sense." Opponents, including law enforcement, the nation's drug czar, and civic and business groups, argue the measure sends the wrong message. They say it will encourage the use of other drugs, and they question proponents' contentions that marijuana could be Nevada's newest cash cow because they say the state doesn't have the authority to regulate such substances. "The fact is, growing, distributing and warehousing marijuana will still be a federal offense," said Todd Raybuck, a Las Vegas police officer and volunteer spokesman for the Committee to Keep Nevada Respectable, which opposes the measure. Question 7 allows people 21 and older to possess 1 ounce of marijuana in their homes — the same amount allowed under Nevada's medical-marijuana law. Includes excise tax Twelve states have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana and 12 allow its use for medical purposes. Possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana at home is legal in Alaska under a court decision, but appeals are pending. In November, South Dakota will vote on authorizing medical marijuana. Colorado voters will vote on a ballot measure that would legalize possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana by those 21 and older, similar to an ordinance Denver voters approved last year. But the Nevada measure goes further. It also directs Nevada's Department of Taxation to set up procedures to license and regulate marijuana growers, distributors and retailers. At the same time, it doubles penalties for selling or giving pot to minors and for vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The legislation also imposes a $45 per ounce excise tax, the proceeds of which would be used to defray administrative costs. Remaining tax dollars would go to the state general fund, with 50 percent earmarked for alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse programs. Revenue estimate questioned A 2002 study by researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas estimated taxing and regulating marijuana would generate $28.6 million in new state revenue. But opponents counter that the touted benefits are pipe dreams, flawed by the reality of federal law, and they point out that since 2001 possession of an ounce or less in Nevada has been reduced to a misdemeanor punishable by a $600 fine. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Nevada said the office doesn't comment on policy issues and referred questions to the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., which didn't respond to several phone calls and e-mails seeking comment. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled people who smoke marijuana for medical reasons can be prosecuted under federal drug laws. Though officials have said it's unlikely federal authorities would target medicinal users, Raybuck said it's doubtful that federal agents would tolerate commercial pot ventures. "The big question is, this goes beyond legalizing 1 ounce," Raybuck said. "How many pounds will they have in their warehouse? What community is going to open their streets and highways to tractor-trailer loads of weed? "Even if we could set up pot farms and pot shops, it's not going to happen overnight," Raybuck added. That gap, he said, would invite criminal elements. "It'd be a heyday," he said. ● Here is a look at the status of marijuana laws in various states, including those that have decriminalized possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana and approved use of marijuana for medical reasons: l DECRIMINALIZED (12): Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon. l MEDICAL MARIJUANA (12): Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington. l LEGAL (1): It currently is legal in Alaska to possess up to 1 ounce in the privacy of your own home but an appeal is pending in the state court system. l NOVEMBER BALLOT: Colorado voters will vote on a ballot measure in November that would legalize possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana by those 21 and older, similar to an ordinance Denver voters approved last year. South Dakota votes on medical marijuana. l LOCAL ORDINANCES: Several local jurisdictions across the country also have measures on the ballot that would make possession the lowest law enforcement priority, something already adopted in Seattle and Oakland, Calif., among other places. Sources: Committee to Regulate and Control Marijuana and the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center.
RENO -- Organizers of a Nevada ballot measure hope that voters in a state where almost everything goes will go a step further and legalize marijuana.
If it passes Nov. 7, Nevada will be the first state to allow adults to possess up to an ounce of marijuana that they could buy at government-regulated shops.
The Committee to Regulate and Control Marijuana, which has pushed medical marijuana and decriminalization laws around the country, thinks Nevada -- with its embrace of certain vices and its streak of Western independence -- is a perfect venue.
In an editorial last spring, the rural Lahontan Valley News argued that gambling, Nevada's most powerful industry, caters to ``visceral pleasures" and that it would hypocritical to oppose the legalization of marijuana on moral grounds.
Proponents of the measure also argue that the legal system wastes time and money on low-level marijuana offenses, and that taxing and regulating marijuana would put drug dealers out of business while freeing law enforcement to focus on violent crime and more dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine.
``Put it into a tightly controlled and regulated environment. We think that makes a lot of sense," Neal Levine, executive director of the committee.
Opponents, including law enforcement officials, the nation's drug czar, and civic and business groups, argue the measure would encourage the use of other drugs, and they question whether it would even prove to be a good source of tax revenue.
``The fact is, growing, distributing, and warehousing marijuana will still be a federal offense," said Todd Raybuck, a Las Vegas police officer and spokesman for the Committee to Keep Nevada Respectable, which opposes the measure.
Question 7 allows people 21 and older to possess an ounce of marijuana in their homes, the same amount allowed under Nevada's medical marijuana law. Currently, possession of an ounce or less is a misdemeanor punishable by a $600 fine.
Twelve states have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana -- that is, possession is punishable by a ticket and a fine -- and 11 allow its use for medical purposes. Possession of up to an ounce at home is legal in Alaska under a court ruling there, but the case is under appeal.
Colorado residents will vote next month on whether to legalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana by those 21 and older, similar to an ordinance Denver voters approved last year.
But the Nevada measure goes further. It directs Nevada's Department of Taxation to set up procedures to license and regulate marijuana growers, distributors, and retailers. At the same time, it doubles penalties for selling or giving marijuana to minors and for vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The legislation also imposes a $45-per-ounce excise tax, with some of the proceeds going toward the budget and alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse programs. An ounce of marijuana on the street costs upwards of $300, depending on the quality.
A 2002 study by researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas estimated taxing and regulating marijuana would generate $28.6 million in revenue.
The Justice Department in Washington did not respond to calls and e-mails seeking comment. In June, the US Supreme Court ruled that people who smoke marijuana for medical reasons can be prosecuted under federal drug laws, and Raybuck said it is doubtful that federal agents would tolerate commercial marijuana ventures in Nevada.
In 2002, Nevada voters overwhelmingly rejected a move to legalize up to 3 ounces of marijuana. The latest measure got onto the ballot after 86,000 people signed petitions.
A poll conducted in September for the Las Vegas Review-Journal found that 51 percent of voters surveyed opposed Question 7, while 42 percent supported it and 7 percent were undecided.
``Make no mistake, I don't think using marijuana is a wise choice for anyone," said the Rev. William C. Webb, a Baptist minister who joined dozens of other religious leaders in declaring their support. But ``if there has to be a market in marijuana, I'd rather it be regulated with sensible safeguards than run by violent gangs and dangerous drug dealers." Posted by whats4dinner? on :
I caught that one Gordon...
Interesting thread indeed.
Gryndr: My best to you bud..
Gas,Grass,Ass, nobody rides for free. Remember that bumber sticker from the 70's. Taxes Taxes Taxes.
Oh and Californias Cigarette Tax will make it about 7 bucks for a pack and supossedly much will go to our schools. I'll believe that when I see it. November will tell.
Best to All.
dinner
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
Now that makes to states ( Colorado & Nevada )voting to legalize pot in NOVEMBE. And Nevada would have legal government run shops where you can buy an Ounce at a time.
Posted by whats4supper? lol.. on :
Yep and the tax revenue for the state of Nevada will do very well on top of all of the Casino Money. The future of Nevada is alllll about making Money. They are good at it...
Posted by skip on :
my vaporizer broke! uggh....
Lights up, but won't heat up...
anyone else have a vapor brothers vape?
I'm pissed!
my fine northwest herbs are too pretty to burn... anyone else have one or any idea of warranty? I searched the net but really didn't come up with anything...
Posted by whats4supper? lol.. on :
No but the Sunset on the WEST COAST is awesome this evening... at least down south.
Go buy some papers..lol
Posted by whats4supper? lol.. on :
......and Roll a Fatty !!!
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
What state do you think has a better shot at legalizing weed in November, colorade, or Nevada?
Posted by whats4supper? lol.. on :
Nevada. It's all but signed from what I understand and is permitted currently with the possesion allowence.
Posted by skip on :
quote:Originally posted by whats4supper? lol..: No but the Sunset on the WEST COAST is awesome this evening... at least down south.
Go buy some papers..lol
rained here tonight...
no worries though, I had some zags... Posted by MoneyMoneyMoney on :
quote:Originally posted by whats4supper? lol..: Nevada. It's all but signed from what I understand and is permitted currently with the possesion allowence.
Thats the way it should be everywhere. If I'm not mistaken you will only get a ticket with less than an oz in CA and AZ. Not a bad start.
Lots of people are unaware but medical marijuana also comes in a pill form called Marinol. I've administered the med before to patients here in FL. Its an antiemetic which of course helps with nausea and appetite. A very good benefit, esp with chemotherapy.
I'm with 10, I'd rather relax by taking a puff rather than poisioning my liver. But to each's own.
Legalize the weed!!! lol
Posted by andrew on :
Use for medicinal purposes I think is ok. Other wise I think it is promoting the use. jmo......I dont know much but I did stay in a Holliday Inn last night.
Posted by bond006 on :
It hurts nothing legalize it on a national level
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
quote:Originally posted by andrew: Use for medicinal purposes I think is ok. Other wise I think it is promoting the use. jmo......I dont know much but I did stay in a Holliday Inn last night.
The government is already promoting the use of alcohol and Tobbaco, no? I Think Pot would do less harm then both.
Posted by andrew on :
Add fuel to the fire. hmmm
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
I rather be on the road with people that left a Pot Cafe high, then someone who left a bar drunk.
Or I'm sure kids would rather their high father play with them, than a drunk father beating or sexualy abusing them.
And Tobbaco....There's no rat posion or nicotine in Pot.
And all of the money wasted on good people in prison, just for holding a green plant istead of a red one, can be put to better use. Actually we can make money on the tax on pot.
And weed is always gonna be around no matter what...But gangs don't have to. If Government regulated the sale of Pot, Gangs would be in business. And buyers wouldn't have to worry about wheather the pot has bad stuff it, or is it safe.
Posted by cottonjim on :
No need to bring tobaco into this debate. I know that are are plenty of people that will tell you that tobaco is a drug to but, camels never f'd someone up so bad that they piled into on coming traffic. If you're going to lump all "drugs" together, add viagra to the list. THere has to be some 70 year old guy out there that has driven his car through a crowd because he was gettin a BJ because of his first stiff one in 30 years, Now that i think about it, did anyone test that guy that plowed through the farmers market for viagra? He might have been by himself but that doesn't mean anyhting ( nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more).
Posted by Nirvana on :
Your American weed is as weak as your American beer. Your alchohol bars serve watered down cat piss and call it beer. Your new pot bars will serve lawn grass and call it weed.
Posted by dinner42 on :
I guess now Weed is a commodity, just like coffee and tobacco and oranges and pork bellies.
Is there a market emerging?
and don't forget Hemp is a very strong fiber. Great for clothing and all sorts of products like rope etc etc. and the job market yada yada....
Posted by stocktrader2006 on :
quote:Originally posted by Nirvana: Your American weed is as weak as your American beer. Your alchohol bars serve watered down cat piss and call it beer. Your new pot bars will serve lawn grass and call it weed.
lol
Posted by CRab on :
I'm curious...are there going to be detectors to measure ones marijuana content, what would be an expectable level of "highness"...same penalties as alchohol or more severe?
Thats the emerging market...find the company that can make a breathalizer to pick up traces of marijuana and you have yourself a winner...police departments across the country would be buying...
I personally don't smoke, never have and most probably never will...just interested in the all the trickle down legal and market ramifications...
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
quote:Originally posted by Nirvana: Your American weed is as weak as your American beer. Your alchohol bars serve watered down cat piss and call it beer. Your new pot bars will serve lawn grass and call it weed.
Not entirely true. Overall yes...But some real dealers get their seeds from over seas.
Posted by Nirvana on :
This is my exact point. You have good climents to sustain outdoor growth. And you have access to hydroponic equipment, but you must either get your weed from another country or you must get your seeds from another country. Otherwise nobody wants to smoke your indigenous weed.
Posted by jordanreed on :
quote:Originally posted by Nirvana: This is my exact point. You have good climents to sustain outdoor growth. And you have access to hydroponic equipment, but you must either get your weed from another country or you must get your seeds from another country. Otherwise nobody wants to smoke your indigenous weed.
so?..
another point...why are you so mean? smoke another and chill a little...
Posted by Nirvana on :
Jordan are you a woman or just on your man period?
Posted by jordanreed on :
now,now little one..dont p!ss me off.. seems like you need all the friends you can get
men dont get periods Posted by Nirvana on :
Ok homebody. Thats right yo
Posted by bond006 on :
Legalize the stuff and in one year America would have the best weed on the face of the earth
Posted by dinner42 on :
?What difference does it make where seeds originate?
The "bigger picture" includes but is not limited to the opportunities that exist and impact on the infrastructer as it relates to the tax base at the national level, state and local revenue distributions as a result of the added income to the treasuries of said governments of the United States. Setting aside the "named commodity", if one proceeds to examine the math based on "supply and demand protocols" one will find a new, viable contributor to the US economy at what ever level results in "Retail Sales", it doesn't matter. !!Its a revenue stream and then is desribed as an "Agricultural Product". These are the realities and exist. this is what I see when we speak of the legalization.
There are H & S issues also to be considered: impact stuies are required before a bill can become a law. The hypothysis would typically be instituted with heavy regulation at the Federal level.
bottom line,
1. It may not pass and life goes on. 2. It may pass and life goes on.
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
Today's the Big Day for Colorado and Nevada Posted by Gordon Bennett on :
Could be! If the votes actually count. (And that's a huge "if.")
Posted by Ace of Spades on :
That's true...You think they could manipulate the outcome ?
Posted by Gordon Bennett on :
Absolutely. Watch the HBO documentary "Hacking Democracy" to see how easy it is.
You can watch it online, here. Posted by Ace of Spades on :
Colorado Sucks ! Posted by trade04 on :
quote:Originally posted by Ace of Spades: Colorado Sucks !
didnt nevada vote no as well?
Posted by Gordon Bennett on :
PROTEST : Just smoke it anyway. Posted by IMAKEMONEY on :
GLASS HAS THE GOOD STUFF, THINK HEs JUST BLOWING GLASS,LOL Posted by Ace of Spades on :
Voters in 3 states say no to legalizing marijuana Nov 8, 2006 By Jeff Robinson Baptist Press NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Voters defeated three pro-marijuana measures Nov. 7 that would have legalized use of the drug in three states -- Colorado, Nevada and South Dakota.
Barrett Duke, vice president for public policy and research of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, noted: “Despite the plays on people’s emotions, the majority of voters recognized that it is foolish to weaken laws on marijuana usage.
“Marijuana is a very dangerous drug. Anything we can do to help prevent access to it will result in many lives being spared its destructive effects,” Duke told Baptist Press.
In Colorado, Amendment 44, which would have allowed adults 21 and over to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, lost by nearly a 2-1 margin. So unpopular was the initiative, it won only half the vote in traditionally liberal Boulder County.
Robert McGuire, spokesman for the Colorado Chapter of Save Our Society from Drugs and a leader of the opposition of Amendment 44, said he is pleased with the resoundingly negative response to the measure.
“Our goal was to beat it badly enough so we don’t see it again on the ballot,” McGuire said.
Even if it had passed, Amendment 44 wouldn't have technically made smoking marijuana legal in Colorado. It is still a violation of federal drug laws -- though federal drug enforcement officials said publicly they will not actively seek to arrest and convict users in possession of an ounce or less.
The Nevada initiative was similar to the one in Colorado. Question 7 would have allowed Nevada residents 21 years of age or older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana but was being rejected by 56 percent of voters with 1,620 of 1,913 precincts statewide reporting late Wednesday morning.
If the initiatives had passed, they would have made Colorado and Nevada the first states to legalize marijuana use for recreational purposes. Previously, several states -- including Colorado -- passed medical marijuana initiatives that allowed for the distribution of the drug for those battling illness.
Rob Kampia, executive director for Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), touted the “huge progress” in Nevada since a 61-39 loss on a similar initiative four years ago. MPP is a pro-marijuana group that “works to minimize the harm associated with marijuana -- both the consumption of marijuana and the laws that are intended to prohibit such use.”
In South Dakota, Initiated Measure 4 was patterned after laws in 11 states legalizing marijuana for medical usage. Passage looked doubtful Wednesday morning with 141,734 votes against legalized use compared with 127,713 votes in favor, a 53-47 margin, with 743 precincts out of 818 reporting.
Those who opposed the initiative had argued that approval of the measure would have led to open marijuana use, and the public might think that it is the only medicine effective for certain ailments.
Those in favor argued in part that marijuana can relieve seriously ill patients' discomfort and even save lives. Currently under South Dakota law, patients who use marijuana can be sentenced to a year in prison and fined $2,000.
But there is something more subtle and sinister behind the push for legalizing pot for medical purposes, Duke said.
“I’m sure that many people who support the so-called medicinal use of marijuana are very genuine in their concern for people’s suffering. However, it is obvious that others see this issue as a first step toward complete legalization of the drug. We must recognize that the medical marijuana issue is the Trojan Horse of the marijuana legalization movement.
“To use people’s suffering as a subterfuge for such a sinister goal is despicable. I agree that we must do all we can to help people find ways to alleviate their pain and to deal with issues like appetite loss during therapy. I am not oblivious or insensitive to the pain and need of those who are suffering, but relaxing our guard against marijuana is not the answer. I encourage people to look for better, safer solutions.”
Several nonbinding pro-marijuana measures passed in two smaller municipalities in Massachusetts, in Missoula County, Mont., and three California cities -- Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara and Santa Monica. These measures direct law enforcement agencies to make arrests for marijuana possession their lowest priority.
Pro-marijuana advocates were encouraged by these smaller victories and say voters in Nevada, and possibly other states, will get another opportunity to vote on legalizing pot.
“The momentum is with us,” Kampia said. “We plan to try again with another marijuana initiative in Nevada in 2008 or 2010.”
Duke said he is troubled by the idea of making marijuana enforcement a low priority and sees it as a dangerous trend.
“Unfortunately, some communities have voted to ask their local law enforcement officials to look the other way on marijuana violations [which could] very well provide the slippery slope those who want to legalize marijuana are looking for,” Duke said.
“I encourage these communities to reevaluate this request and to reverse it at the earliest possible opportunity. If they do not, they may discover too late that their decision provided the opportunity for the forces of legalization to use their communities in their efforts to undermine the nation’s drug-control strategy.”
On drug legalization in general, Duke added, “I repeat my call for better enforcement of our drug laws, better treatment programs for people using drugs, more anti-drug education programs and harsher penalties for those who distribute drugs.” --30--
Posted by Hannibull on :
lol gotta love conservative people
"im against it, so should you!"
Posted by jordanreed on :
this is the reason Hemp is illegal...
A History of the Diesel EngineA History of Biodiesel/Biofuels Concurrent histories of the diesel engine and biofuels are necessary to understand the foundation for today's perception of biofuels, in general, and biodiesel, in particular. The history of biofuel is more political and economical than technological. The process for making fuel from biomass feedstock used in the 1800's is basically the same one used today. It was the influences of the industrial magnates during the 1920's and 1930's on both the politics and economics of those times that created the foundation for our perceptions today. Transesterification of vegetable oils has been in use since the mid-1800's. More than likely, it was originally used to distill out the glycerin used for making soap. The "by-products" of this process are methyl and ethyl esters. Biodiesel is composed of these esters. Ethyle esters are grain based while methyl esters are wood based. They are the residues of creating glycerin, or vice versa. Any source of complex fatty acid can be used to create biodiesel and glycerin. Early on, peanut oil, hemp oil, corn oil, and tallow were used as sources for the complex fatty acids used in the separation process. Currently, soybeans, rapeseed (or its cousin, canola oil), corn, recycled fryer oil, tallow, forest wastes, and sugar cane are common resources for the complex fatty acids and their by-product, biofuels. Research is being done into oil production from algae, which could have yields greater than any feedstock known today. Ethanol and methanol are two other familiar biofuels. Distillation of grain or wood, resulting in an ethyl or methyl alcohol, is the process by which these two biofuels are created. Ethanol, made from soybeans or corn, is a common biofuel in the midwest. The viscosity of the "original" biodiesel is lowered by adding approximately 10% methanol or ethanol to the biodiesel esters. Methanol is prefered because there has a more reliable and predictable biodiesel reaction. However, ethanal is less toxic and is always produced from a renewable resource. The lower viscosity brings biodiesl in line with the viscosity requirements of today's diesel engines, making it a major competitor to petroleum based diesel fuel. In 1898, when Rudolph Diesel first demonstrated his compression ignition engine at the World's Exhibition in Paris, he used peanut oil - the original biodiesel. Diesel believed biomass fuel to be viable alternative to the resource consuming steam engine. Vegetable oils were used in diesel engines until the 1920's when an alteration was made to the engine, enabling it to use a residue of petroleum - what is now known as diesel #2. Diesel was not the only inventor to believe that biomass fuels would be the mainstay of the transportation industry. Henry Ford designed his automobiles, beginning with the 1908 Model T, to use ethanol. Ford was so convinced that renewable resources were the key to the success of his automobiles that he built a plant to make ethanol in the Midwest and formed a partnership with Standard Oil to sell it in their distributing stations. During the 1920's, this biofuel was 25% of Standard Oil's sales in that area. With the growth of the petroleum industry Standard Oil cast its future with fossil fuels. Ford continued to promote the use of ethanol through the 1930's. The petroleum industry undercut the biofuel sales and by 1940 the plant was closed due to the low prices of petroleum. Despite the fact that men such as Henry Ford, Rudolph Diesel, and subsequent manufacturers of diesel engines saw the future of renewable resource fuels, a political and economic struggle doomed the industry. Manufacturing industrialists made modifications to the diesel engines so they could take advantage of the extremely low prices of the residual, low-grade fuel now offered by the petroleum industry. The petroleum companies wanted control of the fuel supplies in the United States and, despite the benefits of biomass fuel verses the fossil fuels, they moved ahead to eliminate all competition. One player in the biofuel, paper, textile, as well as many other industries, was hemp. Hemp had been grown as a major product in America since colonial times by such men as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and has had both governmental and popular support. Hemp's long history in civilization and the multitude of products that can be derived from this single plant has made it one of the most valuable and sustainable plants in the history of mankind. More importantly to the biofuel industry, hemp provided the biomass that Ford needed for his production of ethanol. He found that 30% hemp seed oil is usable as a high-grade diesel fuel and that it could also be used as a machine lubricant and an engine oil. In the 1930's, the industrialists entered the picture. William Randolph Hurst, who produced 90% of the paper in the United States, Secretary of Treasury, Andrew Mellon, who was a major financial backer for the DuPont Company which ha d just patented the chemical necessary to process wood pulp into paper, the Rockefellers, and other "oil barons", who were developing vast empires from petroleum, all had vested interest in seeing the renewable resources industry derailed, the hemp industry eliminated, and biomass fuels derided. A campaign was begun to discredit hemp. Playing on the racism that existed in America, Hurst used his newspapers to apply the name "marijuana" to hemp. Marijuana is the Mexican word for the hemp plant. This application along with various "objective" articles began to create a fear. By 1937, these industrialists were able to parlay the fear they created into the Marijuana Tax Act. This law was the precursor to the demise of the hemp industry in the United States and the resultant long reaching effect on the biofuel, petroleum and many other industries. Within three years, Ford closed his biofuel plant. At the beginning of World War II, the groundwork for our current perceptions of biofuels was in place. First, the diesel engine had been modified, enabling it to use Diesel #2. Second, the petroleum industry had established a market with very low prices for a residual product. Third, a major biomass industry was being shut down. Corn farmers were unable to organize at that time and provide a potential product to replace hemp as a biomass resource. Finally, industries with immense wealth behind them were acting in concert to push forward their own agenda - that of making more wealth for themselves. It is interesting to note that, during World War II, the United States government launched a slogan campaign, "Hemp for Victory", to encourage farmers to plant this discredited plant. Hemp made a multitude of indispensable contributions to the war effort. It is also interesting that, during World War II, both the Allies and Nazi Germany utilized biomass fuels in their machines. Despite its use during World War II, biofuels remained in the obscurity to which they had been forced. Post war brought new cars and increased petroleum use. The petroleum industries quietly bought the trolley car systems that ran on electricity and were a major part of the transportation infrastructure system. They dismantled them. The trolleys were then sporadically replaced with diesel buses. These industries also pushed the government to build roads, highways, and freeways ("the ultimate solution to all our transportation and traffic problems"), so the automobiles they produced had a place to operate. This newly created transportation infrastructure was built with public funds, supporting and aiding the growth and strength of the petroleum, automobile, and related industries. By the 1970's, we were dependent on foreign oil. Our supply of crude oil, as are all supplies of fossil fuels, was limited. In 1973 we experienced the first of two crises. OPEC, the Middle Eastern organization controlling the majority of the oil in the world, reduced supplies and increased prices. The second one came five years later in 1978. As was noted in the Diesel Engine section, automobile purchasers began to seriously consider the diesel car as a option. What is more, people began making their own biofuel. The potential of biofuels reentered the public consciousness. The years since have brought many changes. Over 200 major fleets in the United States now run on biodiesl with entities such as the United States Post Office, the US Military, metropolitan transit systems, agricultural concerns, and school districts being major users. The biodiesel produced today can be used in unmodified diesel engines in almost all temperatures. It can be used in the individual automobile or larger engines and machines. The base biomass comes from soybeans and corn in the Midwest with tallow from the slaughter industries becoming a third source. Sugar cane provides the biomass for Hawaii and forest wastes are becoming a source in the Northwest. The embargo on Cuba halted oil importation depriving it of heating oil. They discovered that recycled fryer oil made a good biomass for fuel. Today, the fast food industry is the one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the United States and, in fact, the world. This industry can provide a major resource for biofuels - the recycled fryer oil. The Veggie Van traveled 25,000 miles around the United States on recycled fryer oil as did a group of women. In Europe at this time, there is an option for biodiesel in many gas stations and vehicles that use diesel are readily available. Over 1000 stations in Germany alone offer biodiesel for their customers. Over 5% of all of France's energy uses are provided by biodiesel. Journey to Forever, a non-government organization, traveled from Hong Kong to Southern Africa producing their own biodiesel along the way and teaching the people of the small hamlets and villages how to make their own biofuel for use in their heaters, tractors, buses, automobiles, and other machines they might have. We have the opportunity and the resources to shed our dependence on foreign oil, if we choose. As in the 1930's, we are faced with tremendous political and economic pressure creating similar challenges. The enormous influence of the petroleum industries and other industries that might be threatened and/or impacted by a resurgence of the renewable, biomass, and associated industries is being felt on all levels. One only needs to look to Washington to see how that pressure is being played out. It is a time of choice and one in which small actions can lead to greater impact. Biodiesel remains in the political and economic arena and is playing a part in this process as the awareness alternative fuel spreads through the consciousness of the general public
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eagle
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..oh, alcohol too..but only 2-3 times a month..
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