Equality in the eyes of the law

[imported_watchmanz]

The previous answer was actually in reply to redRose, but I'm glad to hear from you Cher. I never claimed that marijuana should be introduced with no controls at all. I know exactly what you mean by addictive personalities. Your experience with marijuana laced with PCP shows the dangers when a drug is only available illegally - there is no control over its manufacture and distribution. legalising it would stop that happening - in the main. Addictive personalities also apply in regards to alcohol use ... people who might have this danger present in theirlives should exercise caution, in the same way as they would with alcohol or any other addictive substance. Marijuana shouldn't be illegal just because some people might have addictive eprsonalities. The drug should be fully legalised in the same way as alcohol and tobacco ... that means you must be 16-18 years (depending on which society) old to use it legally, manufacture and distribution is to be strictly controlled, manufacturers should contribute towards drug education programs to assist those with addicitve personalities etc who may fall foul of the addicitve properties of the product.
My main point was that keeping marijuana illegal while alcohol (a far more dangerous drug) and tobacco are legal just doesn't make sense. Alcohol is the more dangerous drug of the two - the position of legality should be reversed if anything.


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Watchmanz
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"The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage"
- Thucydides

[imported_cher]

Kev! interesting, but you didn't answer my question about tobacco and the mental part? What's up with that??? NEWS FLASH!!!!!!!!!!!! Hawaii has just passed legalization of marijauna for the sick, in the house. Now it goes to the senate, if it passes it's law. Doctors will have the right to perscribe as a medication. I think I feel a pain coming on. later cher

[imported_watchmanz]

Hi Cher. By mental (in regards to tobacco) I refer to the addiction. As a smoker who has just given up a mere 6 months ago, after about 20 years as a smoker, I can state categorically that the mental, or psychological, addiction was far worse - and far more difficult to overcome than the physical cravings.

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Watchmanz
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"The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage"
- Thucydides

[imported_watchmanz]

It will be interestting to see whether the Senate passes the law, won't it? My guess is that it won't. There aren't many politicians that are ready to risk their political careers to make such a bold statement for individual rights. I hope it does pass, but I have my doubts.

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Watchmanz
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"The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage"
- Thucydides

[imported_watchmanz]

Just as an update to my original posting about the US billionaire who managed to have his identity protected in New Zealand (look at the posting to see him named!) the new Zealand herald newspaper is STILL fighting and petitioning the High Court to have his name made public. Thank god for the internet! The law is an ass!

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Watchmanz
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"The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage"
- Thucydides

[yngstang]

hey...I'm from the USA and I was under the impression that pot was pretty much legal over there. I guess I'm wrong. ok let me re-phrase that. I thought that it wasn't a big deal, no one really makes a big deal of it. I smoke pot and over here it's illegal as hell. any imput? thanks !

[MoonUnit_21]

Heh Heh, I'm a U.S. baby too.

My philosiphy on the whole subject is: It's only illegal if you don't get caught; so don't get caught. Heh, siwwy one.

I like reading the postings on this forum. So far, pretty much everything that I've read has been a respectful exchange of opinions. I'm impressed.

-Jonezaphine