Why Obama Really Might Decriminalize Marijuana

[dejr_8]

Good story - this would make so much sense.

http://www.esquire.com/the-side/richardson-report/obama-marijuana-legalization-122308

In July, Obama told Rolling Stone that he believed in "shifting the paradigm" to a public-health approach: "I would start with nonviolent, first-time drug offenders. The notion that we are imposing felonies on them or sending them to prison, where they are getting advanced degrees in criminality, instead of thinking about ways like drug courts that can get them back on track in their lives -- it's expensive, it's counterproductive, and it doesn't make sense."

 

[soupy11]

Good article! Get detroit building pot delivery trucks! LOL.

 

[Sanchez]

He could work towards eliminating federal drug laws. Perhaps states would fall in line as well.


It would be a great boost to the economy.

 

[eliza61]

Good story - this would make so much sense.

http://www.esquire.com/the-side/richardson-report/obama-marijuana-legalization-122308

In July, Obama told Rolling Stone that he believed in "shifting the paradigm" to a public-health approach: "I would start with nonviolent, first-time drug offenders. The notion that we are imposing felonies on them or sending them to prison, where they are getting advanced degrees in criminality, instead of thinking about ways like drug courts that can get them back on track in their lives -- it's expensive, it's counterproductive, and it doesn't make sense."

Funny story. I think it's safe to say, with every thing else on his "to-do" list, this is going to be waaaay down on the list.
Thank you thoug, I needed to laugh, Christmas traffic is getting crazy out there.

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

I never thought about the fact that the people were just learning to be "better" criminals in prison, but thats a good point.

I don't smoke it or hang around people who do, but it seems kinda ridiculous to throw people in prison for it.

 

[soupy11]

I never thought about the fact that the people were just learning to be "better" criminals in prison, but thats a good point.

I don't smoke it or hang around people who do, but it seems kinda ridiculous to throw people in prison for it.

I agree. It is such a strange line that was drawn all those years ago. Maybe it is time. Maybe a horrible economy will bring around social change in an effort to stimulate job creation. Wouldn't that be something worth looking into? 10 - 14 billion in revenue say some economists..........

 

[Uncle Remus]

I agree. It is such a strange line that was drawn all those years ago. Maybe it is time. Maybe a horrible economy will bring around social change in an effort to stimulate job creation. Wouldn't that be something worth looking into? 10 - 14 billion in revenue say some economists..........

Maybe Obama could change this too:

UNITED NATIONS - Alone among major Western nations, the United States has refused to sign a declaration presented Thursday at the United Nations calling for worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality.

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According to some of the declaration's backers, U.S. officials expressed concern in private talks that some parts of the declaration might be problematic in committing the federal government on matters that fall under state jurisdiction. In numerous states, landlords and private employers are allowed to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation; on the federal level, gays are not allowed to serve openly in the military.

LINK

After all, gays 'n lesbians pay taxes.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I support decriminalizing pot. You aren't going to get rid of it and putting people in prison for smoking pot needs to end.

If you have not seen "AKA Tommy Chong" about his arrest and prison stint or follow his exposure about decriminalizing marijuana it is something to look into if you are interested.

And yes, I can't see Obama jumping on this one or the GL cause either for that matter.

 

[friendofgusgus]

I agree. It is such a strange line that was drawn all those years ago. Maybe it is time. Maybe a horrible economy will bring around social change in an effort to stimulate job creation. Wouldn't that be something worth looking into? 10 - 14 billion in revenue say some economists..........

I always wonder about these revenue estimates, though...

What makes anybody think that someone who is used to getting all of their cash to keep for themselves is immediately going to turn into a law-abiding, Schedule-C filing small businessman?

What is more likely to happen is that the small dealers will be pushed out of the maryjane business by drugstores, find an alternate product and keep on pushing something else.

And how on earth do you prevent this scenario? Can you imagine the SBA classes to turn small-time dealers into legal small businesses?
How about the protest marches to drive the mega-stores out of town so that mom-and-pop dealers can get their customers back?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Drug companies already push drugs. Drugs are drugs. I can see the marijuana lobbyists in DC....

Well maybe your "local harvest" farms will become more popular.

Frankly I just want it decriminalized for now. Growing and dealing is something for the future.

 

[daisax]

I've never smoked the stuff, but why if it's decriminalized/legal you could just grow your own, couldn't you? Why would you have to buy it from a "businessman" as opposed to just your brother in law or the guy at work?

People can brew their own beer at home, can't they?

 

[dcentity2000]

It was downgraded here a few years back and there is a clamour for it now to be re-criminalised back again - I gather that it's on the table as a big issue at the moment.

Me? Well, you all know my views on Cannabis. I'm against casual use but all for medicinal practices.



Rich::

 

[BunsenH]

I've never smoked the stuff, but why if it's decriminalized/legal you could just grow your own, couldn't you? Why would you have to buy it from a "businessman" as opposed to just your brother in law or the guy at work?

People can brew their own beer at home, can't they?

It was just 'decriminalized' here in Massachusetts. That doesn't mean that it was made legal. Big difference. Possession of <1 oz. will be a fine ($100?) instead of a criminal record or jail time.

Dealing, growing, owning more than 1 oz: All still Illegal.

I brew beer at home. But I can't make hundreds of gallons and sell it to my neighbors.

 

[dejr_8]

I think it should be made legal. Sell it just like we sell alcohol.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

It was downgraded here a few years back and there is a clamour for it now to be re-criminalised back again - I gather that it's on the table as a big issue at the moment.

Me? Well, you all know my views on Cannabis. I'm against casual use but all for medicinal practices.



Rich::

What is the reason??

 

[soupy11]

I always wonder about these revenue estimates, though...

What makes anybody think that someone who is used to getting all of their cash to keep for themselves is immediately going to turn into a law-abiding, Schedule-C filing small businessman?

What is more likely to happen is that the small dealers will be pushed out of the maryjane business by drugstores, find an alternate product and keep on pushing something else.

And how on earth do you prevent this scenario? Can you imagine the SBA classes to turn small-time dealers into legal small businesses?
How about the protest marches to drive the mega-stores out of town so that mom-and-pop dealers can get their customers back?

For a while sure, but just like prohibition era, the revenue stream will come.

 

["Got Disney"]

I always wonder about these revenue estimates, though...

What makes anybody think that someone who is used to getting all of their cash to keep for themselves is immediately going to turn into a law-abiding, Schedule-C filing small businessman?

What is more likely to happen is that the small dealers will be pushed out of the maryjane business by drugstores, find an alternate product and keep on pushing something else.

And how on earth do you prevent this scenario? Can you imagine the SBA classes to turn small-time dealers into legal small businesses?
How about the protest marches to drive the mega-stores out of town so that mom-and-pop dealers can get their customers back?

Small time dealers are already turning into buisness men. A friend of mine...a real big pot head....went to a Dr. and got a legal Pot Card...no exam or anything. Just told the Dr. that he has bad stomach problems and smoking helps with it. When he told me that I remembered seeing a report about that on TV....he said yes that is when he searched it out...UGH

He was given a prescription and address to where to purchase with his new RX.....he is now a legal pot smoker. Card and all stating so. There are a lot of pot shops out there and the Dr.s that are real Dr.s get a kick back from the prescriptions just as they do from the Drug companies.

This guy is such a pot head that he could not even stop smoking for 3 months so his Sper* count would come up so to have kids....good thing....last thing he needs is kids

He came to my house and said "Look I am all legal know because I have a medical Marijuana card....wonderful....he has not been invited to my house since. Nothing against pot but ...wow....

As for going to prison that would depend IMO on how much they got caught with. An ounce or 2 is kinda silly to bother...but a lb. is another story.

I am all for giving a prescription to Cancer Pt's and those that truly need it....not pot heads that take advantage of it certain low life and Dr.s that just wanna make an extra buck.