Ex-Police Chief of Police in Seattle...

[69dejavue]

Concur that some kids start with chemicals for huffing, inhaling, etc.. And some kids start with pharmaceuticals found in the medicine cabinet. Yes, we are a society that expects instant gratification and give me something to make me feel good and do it now. And yes there are addictive personalities.

 

I wonder how much drug usage there would be if it were not glorified by hollywood and the liberals. And how much drinking there would be if there were no alcohol ads. The alcohol ads are directed towards teenagers and young adults. always partying and having a good time.

 

It would be a better world if people learned to address their issues without drugs, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, etc.

 

Yes, I am conservative and feel people should be able to make choices. But those in the lower socio economic scale do not have the background or reasons to avoid drugs. Drugs are everywhere in the lower socio economic areas and people there grow up thinking it is normal to do drugs. I spoke to a young girl about 6 months ago and asked her about her boyfriend and if he took drugs. She said yes. I asked what did he do? She replied, he's like everybody.....he drinks, he does heroin, meth, coke, marijuana, just like everybody else.

 

Most people on this forum are not in the company of the people described above. There is another whole third world country that lives in the United States.

[switz]

It is human nature to experiment with drugs. From the days of the caveman (no offense to religious ones who believe in Adam and Eve) to American Indians who, for religious reasons, used peyote to little children who spin around to get dizzy, it seems to be in our genes. To suggest that God is the salvation of drug addiction is such and over simplification of the issue. I have known literally thousands of drug addicts over my career and yes, there were numerous ones who were believers in God and guess what? They still used drugs. And finally, the marijuana gateway drug thing is just something that was made up by politicians for funding of drug programs. Remember, drug fighting is BIG business with billions spent.

[Boss Doctor]

69Dejavue: Give me one hard example of how the current policy has worked in the many decades of its implementation, please?

[Boss Doctor]

It is human nature to experiment with drugs. From the days of the caveman (no offense to religious ones who believe in Adam and Eve) to American Indians who, for religious reasons, used peyote to little children who spin around to get dizzy, it seems to be in our genes. To suggest that God is the salvation of drug addiction is such and over simplification of the issue. I have known literally thousands of drug addicts over my career and yes, there were numerous ones who were believers in God and guess what? They still used drugs. And finally, the marijuana gateway drug thing is just something that was made up by politicians for funding of drug programs. Remember, drug fighting is BIG business with billions spent.

I think that turtle might need some oxycontin soon.

[NordicShelby]

I think that turtle might need some oxycontin soon.

 

Yeah after being squezzzzed so much I bet he's in alot of pain :hyper:

[David Hawkins]

Yes, Alcohol is a drug, is THAT any reason to add to the list of Legal Drugs?

 

If you make Pot Legal NOW, what happens to all the People in Jail and Prison that were Arrested for Buying, Selling, Holding, Growing, Trafficing, etc......... Think of the Lawsuits that can happen. Before you say that It was Illeagal then and no one can Sue Now it it becomes Legal, guess again. Watch TV, everyday, there are Commercials to Call this Attorney if you have illness from Asbestos or know of someone who does or have died from it...................

[Boss Doctor]

Yes, Alcohol is a drug, is THAT any reason to add to the list of Legal Drugs?

 

If you make Pot Legal NOW, what happens to all the People in Jail and Prison that were Arrested for Buying, Selling, Holding, Growing, Trafficing, etc......... Think of the Lawsuits that can happen. Before you say that It was Illeagal then and no one can Sue Now it it becomes Legal, guess again. Watch TV, everyday, there are Commercials to Call this Attorney if you have illness from Asbestos or know of someone who does or have died from it...................

You mean like they did with alcohol?

 

There are big differences between the two things you mentioned. The biggest of which may be trying to sue the government for making a lawful action versus suing a manufacturer for negligence.

[shelbyguy470]

As a retired Deputy Sheriff, I too say that legalization would be a good idea. You would increase money to the states, cut down on costs to law enforcement to eradicate it, therefore affording more time to deal with other drugs and put the illegal farmers out of business.

 

Do I think we need another legalized drug? no, but I think in these economic times it is time to stop spending valuable resources on marijuana and step up prosecution and incarceration of violent crimes.

 

Of course there should be restrictions on age, use and sales.

 

my two cents.

 

Russ

[69dejavue]

69Dejavue: Give me one hard example of how the current policy has worked in the many decades of its implementation, please?

 

 

Snake Doc, if by policy you are referring to the war on drugs I cannot. However, if this was a war we were never engaged. I believe in the elimination of drugs, not controlling, tolerating, etc.

[Boss Doctor]

Snake Doc, if by policy you are referring to the war on drugs I cannot. However, if this was a war we were never engaged. I believe in the elimination of drugs, not controlling, tolerating, etc.

I understand and respect how you feel, but it's not realistic given our social and political environment.

 

I've heard repeatedly throughout my years that performing the same action over and over again while expecting a different result each time is the very definition of insanity. Although that's not an accurate definition, the principle certainly warrants examination. For decades we've repeated the same war on drugs actions expecting a different result, and in this case I do think it's insane. It's time to look to another solution.

[69dejavue]

I understand and respect how you feel, but it's not realistic given our social and political environment.

 

I've heard repeatedly throughout my years that performing the same action over and over again while expecting a different result each time is the very definition of insanity. Although that's not an accurate definition, the principle certainly warrants examination. For decades we've repeated the same war on drugs actions expecting a different result, and in this case I do think it's insane. It's time to look to another solution.

 

Well, actually I disagree again. When drugs were more illegal there was less drugs. As previously stated marijuana was a felony. They made it a misdemeanor and drug usage went up. Then they made it a minor misdemeanor, similar to a parking ticket, and the drug usage went up. If we legalize all drugs, including marijuana, crack, powder, heroin, meth, etc is there a reasonable expectation that drug usage will increase. Common sense and history tells us it will. This country is already going socialist. That will mean just another class of people that cannot and willnot work and we will have to pay for.

 

Again, history has shown as we have softened our stance on drugs the usage has increased. Do you agree?

[69dejavue]

I understand and respect how you feel, but it's not realistic given our social and political environment.

 

I've heard repeatedly throughout my years that performing the same action over and over again while expecting a different result each time is the very definition of insanity. Although that's not an accurate definition, the principle certainly warrants examination. For decades we've repeated the same war on drugs actions expecting a different result, and in this case I do think it's insane. It's time to look to another solution.

 

You stated for decades we have repeated the same war on drugs actions.... I say again, if it was a war we were never engaged. The ROE have been such as to allow it to spread.

[JeffIsHereToo]

You stated for decades we have repeated the same war on drugs actions.... I say again, if it was a war we were never engaged. The ROE have been such as to allow it to spread.

 

 

And so much of it comes through the Great State of Texas! I didn't see that on your list in the other forum!?!?

 

http://www.teamshelby.com/forums/index.php...st&p=694132

 

Should we add drugs, in addition to things like gas and oil, that we'll no longer get once Texas becomes a separate country? Wow! A twofer! We get rid of the far right AND our drug problem! Outstanding!

 

[NordicShelby]

Well, actually I disagree again. When drugs were more illegal there was less drugs. As previously stated marijuana was a felony. They made it a misdemeanor and drug usage went up. Then they made it a minor misdemeanor, similar to a parking ticket, and the drug usage went up. If we legalize all drugs, including marijuana, crack, powder, heroin, meth, etc is there a reasonable expectation that drug usage will increase. Common sense and history tells us it will. This country is already going socialist. That will mean just another class of people that cannot and willnot work and we will have to pay for.

 

Again, history has shown as we have softened our stance on drugs the usage has increased. Do you agree?

 

This topic is only pertaining to the legaliaztion of marijuana you can't group these other substances into the catergory of marijuana but since you categorized them into the same group I will tell you how I feel about that. I feel and I am sure most others feel that only Marijuana should be decriminalized. I completely agree crack, powder, heroin, meth and ect should be illegal but more so than throwing these types of users in prison I would like to see long term success treatment programs. We should help these users so they can become "model citizens" not throw them away to rot.

 

This topic should only be focused on Marijuana lets try to not categorize it in the HARD DRUG catergory, and YES there is a difference.

[DubbsFaris]

This topic should only be focused on Marijuana lets try to not categorize it in the HARD DRUG catergory, and YES there is a difference.

 

Dude, these guys arent going to see the seperation...they argue the brainwashed propoganda b.s. that has been shoved down our throats all these years...

 

Should Marijuana be legal? Who cares...If I wanted to, I could do what I want to do...no one tells me what I can and can't do. Police already dont care to enforce it typically, and you can get pot easier than alcohol if you are under age. All the current system does is encourage high schoolers to do pot over alcohol, because they probably dont even need to leave their own school campuses to get it.

 

Will it ever be legal? Not anytime soon. But it will eventually.

 

Dont be a sucker...educate yourself, and make an informed decision. You will be better for it whichever side you fall on. I do agree with one thing that officer says....alcohol is much much worse.

[69dejavue]

This topic is only pertaining to the legaliaztion of marijuana you can't group these other substances into the catergory of marijuana but since you categorized them into the same group I will tell you how I feel about that. I feel and I am sure most others feel that only Marijuana should be decriminalized. I completely agree crack, powder, heroin, meth and ect should be illegal but more so than throwing these types of users in prison I would like to see long term success treatment programs. We should help these users so they can become "model citizens" not throw them away to rot.

 

This topic should only be focused on Marijuana lets try to not categorize it in the HARD DRUG catergory, and YES there is a difference.

 

Concur there must be a multi-faceted approach to the drug problem. It must be made illegal and the laws to prevent the importation and spreading of drugs. There must be strict enforcement. And there must be both education and treatment for users. Dealers should go to jail for ruining the lives of millions. Right now there is very little long term treatment for users. If you have health insurance it may or may not pay for an in-patient stay. The drug problem is such that it is a matter of national security. Terrorists are involved to make money for their projects. Mexican cartels routinely shoot at BP agents across the border with immunity. It must be multi faceted. The countries that grow the dope, process the dope, ship the dope should not receive foreign aid unless they cooperate completely with DEA and others. I do believe in education and treatment. Otherwise those people, and their children, are doomed to a life of addiction. And we all pay for it.

[DubbsFaris]

Concur there must be a multi-faceted approach to the drug problem. It must be made illegal and the laws to prevent the importation and spreading of drugs. There must be strict enforcement. And there must be both education and treatment for users. Dealers should go to jail for ruining the lives of millions. Right now there is very little long term treatment for users. If you have health insurance it may or may not pay for an in-patient stay. The drug problem is such that it is a matter of national security. Terrorists are involved to make money for their projects. Mexican cartels routinely shoot at BP agents across the border with immunity. It must be multi faceted. The countries that grow the dope, process the dope, ship the dope should not receive foreign aid unless they cooperate completely with DEA and others. I do believe in education and treatment. Otherwise those people, and their children, are doomed to a life of addiction. And we all pay for it.

 

You can grow pot in the closet...I think legalizing it would kill trafficking of that particular crop, as it would be grown here in the states anyway...no need for black market supply...

 

Dont get me wrong, much of your other points are well taken...and frankly our health system does indeed fail addicts...my sister was a casualty to heroin a few years ago...so I know first hand how it affects families.

[svtbird91]

Rufdraft

 

Hi George! Good to see you back! No need for amor. You have the right to your opinion in this country. And part of that is because this country isn't grounded in one religion. (vis a vie - the Middle East) Other countries continue to try to lesgislate morality - and have failed. I agree with your ideology - but feel like it's not realistic in this day and age. Sad - but true.

 

Snake doctor

“SVTBird91: Although I respect people for having their religious views, we are fortunate enough to have a system in place that doesn't force our religion on one another. I have my own religious views, but that is not the subject of this thread.”

To Snake Doctor and Rufdraft : I am simply making a statement here not forcing a religion on anyone. It is obvious here that the solution to America’s drug and alcohol problem is a monumental one. Drugs have become deeply entrenched in the social make up of this nation over the years, to the point where it has become big business both the legal and illegal kind.

 

In my post I am simply pointing to the root of this problem as I see it.

 

“The fact that this country has so many people with major drug and alcohol problems is indicative of the moral decay in this country. The real solution to this and many other problems is this country needs to turn away from it's current path of destructive living and turn back to God's ways if there is any hope for the future of this nation.

The more man tries to solve its own problems without God the bigger they become.”

 

King Cobra666

svtbird91: IMHO religion is a matter of personal belief, not public policy. It may work for some folks but not for everyone. There is of course the Constitution to consider.

I am not saying to make any religion a public policy? That said much of this country’s foundation for laws are based on moral principals found in Biblical roots. All you have to do is to look closely at the very Constitution you mention and you will see that.

 

We are a nation of laws. Laws put in place to protect us from others who would do harm to us and or to themselves. There is always a cause and effect with regard to one’s behavior. When it is determined that that effect brings harm to society then the leaders of that society looking to act in the best interest of that society will enact a law to hopefully prevent that harm.

 

The problem we face with this is that the Gov has allowed the lure of gaining great monetary compensation to cloud their judgments of what’s best for the individual and ultimately society as a whole thus the real reason for wanting to legalize any mind altering drug which we all know is extremely harmful the fabric of society.

 

To legalize something is to make it socially acceptable. Along with that acceptability is the risk of even greater abuse than if it was still illegal. That’s why we see so many highway deaths linked to alcohol. To think we will not see an increase in use and abuse of Marijuana and an increase of the use of other more potent forms of drugs once it becomes socially acceptable is IMO foolish and a huge mistake and another step towards the further decline of this once great nation.

 

Like I said before and yes it may sound simple but as long as man continues to follow a path away from the Godly principals found in Gods word, the bible, the deeper and more vast his problems will become and the greater the number of people will be that will be touched by his actions.

Sorry but one cannot make effective moral judgments without looking to the source of those morals.

 

Thank you all for allowing me to express my view on this subject.

 

George…

[08SGT1977]

What was that reggae song "Why criticize it, just legalize it."???

 

Frank Zappa also had a song "Mother's milk leads to heroin."

 

Interesting post. I see good points on both sides of the argument.

[NordicShelby]

What was that reggae song "Why criticize it, just legalize it."???

 

Frank Zappa also had a song "Mother's milk leads to heroin."

 

Interesting post. I see good points on both sides of the argument.

 

There is a Peter Tosh song called Legalize it and the main chorus is

 

"Legalize it and we will advertise it"

 

Peter Tosh was one of the Wailers with Bob Marley and the Wailers.

 

This an intersting Post and I know there are many more people that have opinions in either direction on this subject but probably are afraid to express their views. I would like to hear some Canadians opinions on this

[69dejavue]

You can grow pot in the closet...I think legalizing it would kill trafficking of that particular crop, as it would be grown here in the states anyway...no need for black market supply...

 

Dont get me wrong, much of your other points are well taken...and frankly our health system does indeed fail addicts...my sister was a casualty to heroin a few years ago...so I know first hand how it affects families.

 

You have my sympathy re your sister. Most on this site do not know the addictive power of drugs and think that anyone can kick the habit if they are sincere. It is not that simple, even with the most expensive in-patient treatment. The drugs are just too powerful. Opium was addictive, morophine more, and heroin even more addictive. The government and the mafia did not care about heroin as long as it stayed in the black community 80 years ago. Then it spread and then it became a concern.

[Boss Doctor]

Well, actually I disagree again. When drugs were more illegal there was less drugs. As previously stated marijuana was a felony. They made it a misdemeanor and drug usage went up. Then they made it a minor misdemeanor, similar to a parking ticket, and the drug usage went up. If we legalize all drugs, including marijuana, crack, powder, heroin, meth, etc is there a reasonable expectation that drug usage will increase. Common sense and history tells us it will. This country is already going socialist. That will mean just another class of people that cannot and willnot work and we will have to pay for.

 

Again, history has shown as we have softened our stance on drugs the usage has increased. Do you agree?

Sorry, I do not agree. Substantiate your claim with scientific evidence rather than speculation and I'll agree. To do otherwise is simply propagating someone’s speculation or belief system, (granted, not necessarily yours).

 

Your claims, (as presented), are open to many questions. Did lessoning the criminal severity result in increased usage, or did it just make those that would normally keep their usage to their self comfortable enough to finally admit to it on a document? The latter would give a false result. Did the numbers go up simply due to population increase, or was it due to availability? Both would give a false result. Did the economic growth that we've experience give potential users the disposable income to purchase something that a down economy would normally deny them? That would give a result that had nothing to do with legality. Did the use of alcohol increase or decrease at the same time? The former could indicate existing users just increased consumption, and the latter could indicate that they shifted preference perhaps do to social acceptance.

 

In short, statistics can be skewed/distorted to add validity to one's beliefs, and far too frequently that is precisely what happens. Without all of the information and methods open for examination then the conclusions cannot be accepted. Based

 

Where I do agree is that common sense leads one to believe that usage would increase with legalization…for a time. At no time did I ever state that we should just legalize it all and leave everyone to their own devices. What I did say is to divert the tax monies currently used for our “War on Drugs” to prevention and rehabilitation efforts while creating a system that favors legal distribution by authorized vendors rather than cartels just as we did with alcohol. Education and rehabilitation efforts would be a key effort in driving down any legitimate usage spike. Regulation and taxation would also be a key effort.

 

I also admit that I have an advantage in that I'm operating off of a hypothesis that has not been tested. I do not accept another countrys experiences because they are of a different culture. Your hypothesis has been tested for decades and fails to support your conclusions.

[NordicShelby]

Today is a historic day in Minnesota

 

Medical marijuana bill clears Minn. Senate

 

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Senate has backed legislation that would allow medical marijuana use for seriously ill patients.

 

The 36-28 vote defied party lines, drawing support and opposition from both the GOP and DFL.

 

The issue pits those suffering or dying from cancer, AIDS and other diseases against worries from law enforcement that easing marijuana regulations would lead to more crime and drug abuse.

 

Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty has given those concerns as his reason for opposing the bill.

 

The House is expected to weigh in this session.

 

Even as the Senate debated marijuana, the House was talking about liquor.

 

The House amended a liquor bill to require the University of Minnesota to sell alcoholic beverages throughout its new football stadium, not just to premium ticketholders.

[69dejavue]

Sorry, I do not agree. Substantiate your claim with scientific evidence rather than speculation and I'll agree. To do otherwise is simply propagating someone’s speculation or belief system, (granted, not necessarily yours).

 

Your claims, (as presented), are open to many questions. Did lessoning the criminal severity result in increased usage, or did it just make those that would normally keep their usage to their self comfortable enough to finally admit to it on a document? The latter would give a false result. Did the numbers go up simply due to population increase, or was it due to availability? Both would give a false result. Did the economic growth that we've experience give potential users the disposable income to purchase something that a down economy would normally deny them? That would give a result that had nothing to do with legality. Did the use of alcohol increase or decrease at the same time? The former could indicate existing users just increased consumption, and the latter could indicate that they shifted preference perhaps do to social acceptance.

 

In short, statistics can be skewed/distorted to add validity to one's beliefs, and far too frequently that is precisely what happens. Without all of the information and methods open for examination then the conclusions cannot be accepted. Based

 

Where I do agree is that common sense leads one to believe that usage would increase with legalization…for a time. At no time did I ever state that we should just legalize it all and leave everyone to their own devices. What I did say is to divert the tax monies currently used for our “War on Drugs” to prevention and rehabilitation efforts while creating a system that favors legal distribution by authorized vendors rather than cartels just as we did with alcohol. Education and rehabilitation efforts would be a key effort in driving down any legitimate usage spike. Regulation and taxation would also be a key effort.

 

I also admit that I have an advantage in that I'm operating off of a hypothesis that has not been tested. I do not accept another countrys experiences because they are of a different culture. Your hypothesis has been tested for decades and fails to support your conclusions.

 

 

 

Marijuana is Gateway Drug

 

 

 

 

New research confirms that marijuana is a gateway drug for most teens who use it.

 

Some will tell you marijuana is a harmless drug, but the Journal of the American Medical Association isn't one of them.

 

Young people who smoke marijuana are two to five times more likely to move on to harder drugs. That is the formal opinion of researchers, who published their conclusions from a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

 

It is also the informal conclusion of two recent high school graduates who talked with Family News in Focus. The two, who asked that their names remain anonymous, said they no longer smoke marijuana, but that most of the kids they smoked pot with in high school went on to harder drugs and aren't able to hold jobs.

 

One of the young persons said she started smoking pot because of peer pressure, but she stopped out of concern for her parents.

 

"I realized how bad it disappointed my parents," she said. "My dad cried and so I stopped."

 

The JAMA study followed 311 sets of identical twins � one smoked pot while the other did not. Twins were chosen to help rule out a genetic or social explanation for the gateway effect. Almost half of the young people who started smoking marijuana before 17 went on to use harder drugs later in life. The study is the latest to suggest the link between marijuana and other drugs like cocaine and heroin. However, Howard Simon, of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, said regardless of the evidence some still dispute the findings.

 

"But the one thing everyone should be able to agree on is that for young kids, to be even 'dabbling' with marijuana is just not a good idea," Simon said.

 

He added he still thinks "Just Say No" is the best policy.

 

"Regardless of the first drug that is used, what we want to see is kids choosing not to use any of these substances," Simon said.

 

But experts say a good drug policy isn't enough. They say parents need to be open and consistent with an anti-drug message.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, a non-profit group founded by the nation's advertising industry to fight drug use among teens and children, has a Web site with information for parents.

 

The Journal of the American Medical Association is a subscription-based periodical. Temporarily, the online version of the Journal is offering free access to the drug study article. Please be advised that JAMA, however, reserves the right to change free access to paid access at any time.

 

 

 

 

If you have a substance abuse problem an

[69dejavue]

Sorry, I do not agree. Substantiate your claim with scientific evidence rather than speculation and I'll agree. To do otherwise is simply propagating someone’s speculation or belief system, (granted, not necessarily yours).

 

Your claims, (as presented), are open to many questions. Did lessoning the criminal severity result in increased usage, or did it just make those that would normally keep their usage to their self comfortable enough to finally admit to it on a document? The latter would give a false result. Did the numbers go up simply due to population increase, or was it due to availability? Both would give a false result. Did the economic growth that we've experience give potential users the disposable income to purchase something that a down economy would normally deny them? That would give a result that had nothing to do with legality. Did the use of alcohol increase or decrease at the same time? The former could indicate existing users just increased consumption, and the latter could indicate that they shifted preference perhaps do to social acceptance.

 

In short, statistics can be skewed/distorted to add validity to one's beliefs, and far too frequently that is precisely what happens. Without all of the information and methods open for examination then the conclusions cannot be accepted. Based

 

Where I do agree is that common sense leads one to believe that usage would increase with legalization…for a time. At no time did I ever state that we should just legalize it all and leave everyone to their own devices. What I did say is to divert the tax monies currently used for our “War on Drugs” to prevention and rehabilitation efforts while creating a system that favors legal distribution by authorized vendors rather than cartels just as we did with alcohol. Education and rehabilitation efforts would be a key effort in driving down any legitimate usage spike. Regulation and taxation would also be a key effort.

 

I also admit that I have an advantage in that I'm operating off of a hypothesis that has not been tested. I do not accept another countrys experiences because they are of a different culture. Your hypothesis has been tested for decades and fails to support your conclusions.

 

 

 

 

 

Q: What are the long-term effects of marijuana use?

A: Findings so far show that regular use of marijuana or THC may play a role in some kinds of cancer and in problems with the respiratory and immune systems.

 

 

Cancer

It’s hard to know for sure whether marijuana use alone causes cancer, because many people who smoke marijuana also smoke cigarettes and use other drugs. But it is known that marijuana smoke contains some of the same, and sometimes even more, of the cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Studies show that someone who smokes five joints per day may be taking in as many cancer-causing chemicals as someone who smokes a full pack of cigarettes every day (15) .

 

 

Lungs and airways

People who smoke marijuana often develop the same kinds of breathing problems that cigarette smokers have: coughing and wheezing. They tend to have more chest colds than nonusers. They are also at greater risk of getting lung infections like pneumonia.

 

 

Immune system

Our immune system protects the body from many agents that cause disease. It is not certain whether marijuana damages the immune system of people, but both animal and human studies have shown that marijuana impairs the ability of T-cells in the lungs' immune systemm to fight off some infections.

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

From the National Institute of Drug Abuse

 

 

Q: Does marijuana lead to the use of other drugs?

A: Long-term studies of high school students and their patterns of drug use show that very few young people use other illegal drugs without first trying marijuana (7). For example, the risk of using cocaine is much greater for those who have tried marijuana than for those who have never tried it. Using marijuana puts children and teens in contact with people who are users and sellers of other drugs. So there is more of a risk that a marijuana user will be exposed to and urged to try more drugs.

 

To better determine this risk, scientists are examining the possibility that long-term marijuana use may create changes in the brain that make a person more at risk of becoming addicted to other drugs, such as alcohol or cocaine. Although many young people who use marijuana do not go onto use other drugs, further research is needed to determine who will be at greatest risk.

[69dejavue]

Sorry, I do not agree. Substantiate your claim with scientific evidence rather than speculation and I'll agree. To do otherwise is simply propagating someone’s speculation or belief system, (granted, not necessarily yours).

 

Your claims, (as presented), are open to many questions. Did lessoning the criminal severity result in increased usage, or did it just make those that would normally keep their usage to their self comfortable enough to finally admit to it on a document? The latter would give a false result. Did the numbers go up simply due to population increase, or was it due to availability? Both would give a false result. Did the economic growth that we've experience give potential users the disposable income to purchase something that a down economy would normally deny them? That would give a result that had nothing to do with legality. Did the use of alcohol increase or decrease at the same time? The former could indicate existing users just increased consumption, and the latter could indicate that they shifted preference perhaps do to social acceptance.

 

In short, statistics can be skewed/distorted to add validity to one's beliefs, and far too frequently that is precisely what happens. Without all of the information and methods open for examination then the conclusions cannot be accepted. Based

 

Where I do agree is that common sense leads one to believe that usage would increase with legalization…for a time. At no time did I ever state that we should just legalize it all and leave everyone to their own devices. What I did say is to divert the tax monies currently used for our “War on Drugs” to prevention and rehabilitation efforts while creating a system that favors legal distribution by authorized vendors rather than cartels just as we did with alcohol. Education and rehabilitation efforts would be a key effort in driving down any legitimate usage spike. Regulation and taxation would also be a key effort.

 

I also admit that I have an advantage in that I'm operating off of a hypothesis that has not been tested. I do not accept another countrys experiences because they are of a different culture. Your hypothesis has been tested for decades and fails to support your conclusions.

 

 

From the American Council on Drug Education.

 

I would suspect that a study from Columbia University would be accepted. Now who previously stated that the gateway issue had been disproven?

Teens and Marijuana

Although dangers exist for marijuana users of all ages, risk is greatest for the young. For them, the impact of marijuana on learning is critical, and pot often proves pivotal in the failure to master vital interpersonal coping skills or make appropriate life-style choices. Thus, marijuana can inhibit maturity.

 

Another concern is marijuana’s role as a "gateway drug," which makes subsequent use of more potent and disabling substances more likely. The Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found adolescents who smoke pot 85 times more likely to use cocaine than their non–pot smoking peers. And 60 percent of youngsters who use marijuana before they turn 15 later go on to use cocaine.

 

But many teens encounter serious trouble well short of the "gateway." Marijuana is, by itself, a high-risk substance for adolescents. More than adults, they are likely to be victims of automobile accidents caused by marijuana’s impact on judgment and perception. Casual sex, prompted by compromised judgment or marijuana’s disinhibiting effects, leaves them vulnerable not only to unwanted pregnancy but also to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

 

 

Marijuana Dangers

 

Impaired perception

Diminished short-term memory

Loss of concentration and coordination

Impaired judgement

Increased risk of accidents

Loss of motivation

Diminished inhibitions

Increased heart rate

Anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia

Hallucinations

Damage to the respiratory, reproductive, and immune systems

Increased risk of cancer

Psychological dependency

[69dejavue]

Cannabis use and other illicit drug use: testing the cannabis gateway hypothesis.

 

RESEARCH REPORT

 

Addiction. 101(4):556-569, April 2006.

Fergusson, David M.; Boden, Joseph M.; Horwood, L. John

Abstract:

Aim: To examine the associations between the frequency of cannabis use and the use of other illicit drugs.

 

Design: A 25-year longitudinal study of the health, development and adjustment of a birth cohort of 1265 New Zealand children

 

Measurements: Annual assessments of the frequency of cannabis use were obtained for the period 14-25 years, together with measures of the use of other illicit drugs from the same time period

 

Findings: The frequency of cannabis use was associated significantly with the use of other illicit drugs, other illicit drug abuse/dependence and the use of a diversity of other drugs. This association was found to be particularly strong during adolescence but declined rapidly as age increased. Statistical control for confounding by both fixed and time dynamic factors using random- and fixed-effects regression models reduced the strength of association between frequency of cannabis use and other illicit drug use, but a strong association between frequency of cannabis use and other illicit drug use remained even after control for non-observed and time-dynamic sources of confounding

 

Conclusions: Regular or heavy cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of using other illicit drugs, abusing or becoming dependent upon other illicit drugs, and using a wider variety of other illicit drugs. The risks of use, abuse/dependence, and use of a diversity of other drugs declined with increasing age. The findings may support a general causal model such as the cannabis gateway hypothesis, but the actual causal mechanisms underlying such a gateway, and the extent to which these causal mechanisms are direct or indirect, remain unclear.

 

Copyright © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

[69dejavue]

So much for debunking the gateway theory. Now I realize there are other studies that will not concur. Oft times these studies are subsidized by groups such as NORML that wish to legalize marijuan. Just like NORML and High Times and others stated D.A.R.E does not work.

 

In addition to the above cited studies I will offer 36 years of working with addicts and drugs. I offer the above cited studies and probably far more experience, both practical and anecdotal, than most on this site. I have seen it personally for almost 4 decades now.

 

And again I stated heroin was not viewed as an issue as long as it stayed in the black community. That was the theory of the mafia in the 50's forward. But guess what. Yea, it got out. Now we have an epidemec of heroin in the US. And the violence between cartels in both the US and Mexico tell us we had better do something. Phoenix is now the kidnapping capital of the US. Major cartels are targetting cities of all sizes in the US. MS 13 and other violent gangs have spread throughout the US and it is all because of drugs. And too many lives are lost to addiction. When someone uses drugs they are assisting terrorists and organized crime financially. When they use drugs they hurt not only themselves but their families. And they may doom their future generations to a life of drug dependency.

 

I agree we desperately need more than just enforcement. Enforcement at this time serves to drive the price up even more. But if it was legalized, including all drugs, think how cheap and appealing drugs would be. We need vast improvements in drug education and treatment. Dealers need to be dealt with severely. They profit at the expense of other people's lives.

 

Somewhere early on I stated the police chief quoted is an idiot. Chances are he has had little exposure to the streets and drug issues and remained insulated in the ivory palace.

[Boss Doctor]

Marijuana is Gateway Drug

 

New research confirms that marijuana is a gateway drug for most teens who use it....

JAMA: Was this a peer reviewed study or simply a report of findings? It certainly only gives a one paragraph conclusion; not the scientific method used: therefore, I can only conclude that it's simply a report, and it clearly says that it suggests marijuana is a gateway drug rather than confirms that it is. That's a big difference. How many of the kids drank milk? On the surface of this report one could have concluded that milk is the gateway drug. It also does not mention any other substances that could have been used before. Where's the report showing no usage of marijuana resulted in no use of harder drugs? If marijuana is the gateway drug then there is no such thing as a drug user who's never used marijuana. In fact, it cites peer pressure as a significance, so how significant was it? Could it simply be that peer pressure is the gateway to drug use just as peer pressure determines the clothes they wear, the hair styles they come up with, the music that they listen to and everything else that they do? The use of twins is significant too. How many times do twins display the exact same personalities and tastes? Rarely!

 

Anecdotal evidence from teen users is certainly not scientific, and The Partnership for a Drug Free America is certainly not an unbiased source. You speak of agendas of the left and media, but what makes you think that they don't have theirs?

[Boss Doctor]

Q: What are the long-term effects of marijuana use?

A: Findings so far show that regular use of marijuana or THC may play a role in some kinds of cancer and in problems with the respiratory and immune systems....

I never questioned harmfulness of marijuana: however, look at the myriad of other things that are more harmful yet are legal. In fact, look-up the number one cause of death in the country.