for the 50 years I've been on this planet the government has been attempting to convince me that pot is bad. I've tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, truly I have. But, I do not find their ever changing stories credible. I know how Hemp became demonized and in my way of thinking, since Hemp prohibition was brought about by lies then it should be ended. I do not believe any government should make laws that assume I am not capable of making my own decisions. It's insulting. And furthermore, when I hear brown nosed "yes" people, people who are so afraid of making everyone responsible for themselves, try to convince me that the government is only trying to help....All I can say is....you are sorely mistaken.

You said you believe Hemp prohibition is justified. Did you not? You have said that it is necessary in our society, did you not? So, do you think the war on drugs should continue or don't you?

Dave, look who is assuming things.....I do not smoke pot. I am a former pot head. I do not want Hemp prohibition to end so I can get stoned. I want it to end because it is criminal, immoral, un-Constitutional and it causes pain and suffering far above and beyond any adverse affects of the drugs themselves. You can't tell me your government funded Hemp "studies" are credible because I know from first hand experience that they are manipulated propaganda. It's just that simple Dave. So, why don't you and the government turn your focus inward and worry about yourselves instead of trying to protect me from myself?

What you believe is lies and half truths. You CLAIMED to have researched marijuana, then you post this blatant lie.........

"You have stated that marijuana is only slightly more potent than it was 20 years ago, when it is officially 8 to 20 times stronger than it was 20 years ago."

Please, feel free to give a credible source for this statement.

Of course, you can't because it is pure bullshit. Here is some REAL RESEARCH.

truth: the Anti-drugwar Marijuana Potency Through the Years

truth: the Anti-drugwar THC Content in Seized Marijuana Samples (1972 - 2004)

So, you see, it is difficult to believe anything you say, as you started off early on in the discussion posting PROPAGANDA and LIES as fact.

Yes marijuana is stronger than 20 years ago. About twice as strong. NOT 8-20 TIMES AS STRONG.

Her is an article from last month.......

OXFORD, Mississippi (CNN) -- The average potency of marijuana, which has risen steadily for three decades, has exceeded 10 percent for the first time, the U.S. government will report on Thursday.

The stronger marijuana is of particular concern because high concentrations of THC have the opposite effect of low concentrations, officials say.

In addition, while experienced marijuana users may limit their intake of potent marijuana, young and inexperienced users may not moderate their intake and possibly suffer from dysphoria, paranoia, irritability and other negative effects.

Marijuana potency surpasses 10 percent, U.S. says - CNN.com

OH NO, users might become paranoid, or irritated. OH NO! We must save the children from irritability and paranoia. Of course hash oil, which has been available since the 70s, or possibly 60s, has had a higher THC content than most marijuana has even today. Where are the grave warnings about hash oil?

Have you even considered the possibility that you could be wrong? That much of what you believe is not the truth?

President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Camacho?

I have asked dozens of questions of you folks. Not only have you ignored them, to pick out some little bit because you think you can make an arguement from it, you don't even read what I write. Again, how is it that you think I support the governments handling of drug standards?
My opposition to marijuana is of economic basis. You need to go back and look at what I have said.
I am in disagreement with my government on 80% of what they are doing. If you knew who I was you would know I am being truthful.
I do not support the NIH, CDC, their handling of drug problems, or their treatment of addicts. Nor do I support the Judicial system in their handling of drug offenders.
The Department of Justice has had their own finger in this pie, clear to the southern tip of South America.
When Juan Matta Biasteros was caught red handed assisting one of the biggest coca cartels in South America, Oliver North mad him transportation director of that whole dirty operation. Our government made billions off of that whole machine. Legalizing marijuana increases this operation, because countries such as Mexico, will only increase their marijuana fields and slavery will increase. The arguement that says we can keep it here, has been proven wrong many times over.
Have any of you ever seen a marijuana plantation in Mexico?
I just do not think you guys see the whole picture. Some of you refuse to allow any discussion of this at all. It is for this reason that I am going to exit.
By the way, it is some of you that need to grow up. Egos in here are staggering.

So, you are aware of our government's hypocricy on the drug war, yet you still support prohibition? You are right, I don't understand your position since you have not clearly stated what that position is.

You seem like a decent person, I hate to see you leave. This forum could use another good person and I hope you will consider hanging around.

Thank you for that.

If you keep coming up with utterly disproven, illogical pablum that flies in the face of all economic considerations and history, don't be surprised when no one around here takes you seriously.

I wanted a discussion. I tried to provoke that, but you guys aren't going to allow it. Remarks like "Grow some" from someone who is too busy patting themselves on the back to see how foolish they are being, are just too tiresome. You didn't offend me, so those of you who are dillusioning yourselves with those types of comments are wasting time.
Farewell.

Do you mean by that, your cost-benefit assessment that the costs due to increased marijuana use would outweigh the revenues from taxation?

If so, that's already been answered, but I'll repeat myself.

First, the assertion is highly dubious, since no health costs due to marijuana smoking have actually been documented.

Secondly, on the debit side you must include the costs to society from crimes and corruption due to drug criminalization, and also the costs of law enforcement and incarceration. The costs of keeping pot illegal are much, muchy higher than you have acknowledged.

So, you don't believe in the legaliziation of marijuana, but you also don't believe pot smokers are criminals? Those statements seem mutually exclusive.

__________________
"Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have... The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases."

-Thomas Jefferson

*hugs the rational TSGacchus*

well said me hearty!

AYEEEE!

- MeadHallPirate

ahoy oh besieged Dave_X!

mate, this be off topic...but why do ye keep threatening to leave, but then return to post once more, only to conclude once more yer leavin'?

aye?

-MeadHallPirate

ps - if ye rolled yerself a spliff, ye'd be much less agitated. cheers me hearty!

Unless it is the really good shit, which leads some inexperienced smokers to become irritated.

lol

Didn't you see the CNN piece I posted?

Arghh, you musta missed it.