Barack Obama Comes Out in Favor of Marijuana Decriminalization [Updated]
The announcement comes as a bit of a surprise after Obama recently raised his hand in opposition to marijuana decrim at a recent democratic debate. Seeking to paint him as a flip-flopper, The Washington Times dug up footage of a 2004 appearance in which Obama said this:
"I think we need to rethink and decriminalize our marijuana laws," Mr. Obama told an audience during a debate at Northwestern University in 2004.
Obama's campaign is now standing by this earlier statement, claiming that the Senator has "always" supported marijuana decriminalization. This actually makes sense, because Obama's apparent opposition to decrim during the debate was triggered by a badly worded question from Tim Russert. As I said at the time, this all goes to show how a cheap soundbite approach to the marijuana discussion trivializes the issue and obscures any real difference of opinion.
Fortunately, now that Obama's position has been made perfectly clear, we face the possibility of a full-on marijuana debate between front-running presidential candidates. It could begin as soon as this evening during Obama's long-anticipated one-on-one face off with Hillary Clinton. Absent that, an Obama nomination would guarantee republican attacks on the marijuana issue, inevitably sucking this discussion into the political mainstream where it belongs.
Jacob Sullum argues correctly that decrim is a remarkably soft position by drug reform standards, but that fact will surely be lost on the blood-thirsty political attack machine that will be directed at Obama if he receives the democratic nomination. And I for one welcome every last nasty morsel of it, lest the debate over recreational marijuana use in America should be excluded entirely from presidential politics yet again.
Weak as it may be, Obama's is the best position on the marijuana issue taken by a viable presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter.
Update: Tragically, the Obama campaign has now reversed its position on decrim. Most of the above can be disregarded entirely.
Barack Obama and decriminalization
From a Canadian perspective I applaud President Obama's principled position regading the decriminalization of Marijuana. Perhaps he realizes American incarceration rates put the lie to the notion of America as a free country. More likely a wealth of votes has influenced or bottom lined his stance. Let mad dog repugnicans howl as is their wont, truth and justice will always find the light of day.
Spoke to soon -- Obama runs like Hell from decrim statement...
"Then after the Times posted copies of the video on its Web site today, his campaign reversed course and declared he does not support eliminating criminal penalties for marijuana possession and use."
http://washingtontimes.com/article/20080131/NATION/269196852/1001
Article published Jan 31, 2008
Obama flip-flops on pot
January 31, 2008
By Jen Haberkorn - Barack Obama, the senatorial candidate of 2004, might have a bone to pick with Barack Obama, the presidential candidate of 2008.
Videotapes of debates and speeches that were obtained by The Washington Times show Mr. Obama took positions during his Senate campaign on nearly a half dozen issues, ranging from the Cuba embargo to health care for illegal immigrants, that conflict with statements he has made during his run for the White House.
For instance, in MSNBC's Oct. 30 presidential debate, Mr. Obama hesitantly raised his hand and joined with most of his Democratic rivals to declare that he opposed decriminalizing marijuana. (See clip below.)
But as a U.S. Senate candidate, Mr. Obama told Illinois college students in January 2004 that he supported eliminating criminal penalties for marijuana use or possession, a debate video shows.
"I think we need to rethink and decriminalize our marijuana laws," Mr. Obama said during a debate at Northwestern University. "But I'm not somebody who believes in legalization of marijuana." (See clip below.)
When confronted with the statements on the video, Obama's campaign offered two explanations to the Times in less than 24 hours. At first, Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor said that the candidate had "always" supported decriminalizing marijuana, suggesting his 2004 statement was correct. Then after the Times posted copies of the video on its Web site today, his campaign reversed course and declared he does not support eliminating criminal penalties for marijuana possession and use.
We Need to Bring the Troops Home
That's most unfortunate, that Obama decided 2 reverse his position on Decrim. I have voted Republican primarily, but that would be the only factor that would make me decide to vote for him. I even looked up his stance thinking that since he is such a "Liberal" he would be open to this possibility.
It's time to bring the troops home, It's time to end the bloodshed, and by that, I mean letting violent sociopaths, and sexual offenders walk the streets because those who choose do self-medicate, with something that actually work for any given number of ailments, or just because they feel free to, are imprisoned due to "maditory minumumn sentences" imposed by are former "glorious" leader Bill Clinton. He can take "mms" & NAFTA & cram them both up his... It's time to stop spending Billions of our hard earned tax dollars, on funding these so called "task forces", which are more like small militias, operating under the guise of the law. I've lived in small town America, where 15-20 officaers, they gotta be makin @ $150-$200 a day each, to bust some small time Joe for a quarter-pound of marijuana. That's about $4000-$5000 to take about $500 worth of weed off the street. I must applaud the job of the DEA, to waste our tax dollars. And then "housing" the so-called criminals, to take this "scourge" off the street. While violent & sex offenders walk free after maybe a couple years, if that. Not to mention, in a number of states, this is still punishable by a Felony, creating "criminals", and possibly making an otherwised skilled worker unable to get a decent job, or the right to vote(which I believe is their real endeavour), beacuase of a felony on their record from a marijuan possession charge.,Does this picture seem distorted to you?
This is not like 100,000 people dying because their leader used chemical weapons against them. NO ONE is dying here, this so called "Drug War" has to end, we need to bring the troops home, give the DEA jobs as Drug Guidence Counselors, let's get these people help, actual rehabilatation, Prisons are only turning these people into criminals, not rehabilatating, or helping them. We have lost this War, let's bring home the troops, release the p.o.w.'s
decriminalizing marijuana
Marijuana is a plant that no one created much like tobacco. However, it has an effect on people that is not a violent manner but in fact an ease of mind. Other drugs such as meth, exctasy, cocaine(also a plant) are chemically altered, wich can be deadly and have different effects on people much opposite of marijuana. No one has overdosed or died from marjiuana, unlike other drugs, but it is used by millions of Americans. When has there been any report of murders or other violent crime from people being high on marijuana. I myself have only heard these crimes from (un-natural) drugs. If being aloud to use marijuana that would lower the crimes of manufacturing drugs and violence. People just want happiness or something different than reality and thats the reason for drug use. Im not suggesting fully legalizing marijuana, but making it to where you can only have a certain amount without being penalized in any way. Also only being aloud to use in the privacy of your own home. Marijuana should have the same rules as for drinking, such as no driving under the influence or public intoxication for that not be appropriate for younger children under the age of eighteen. Marijuana should not be considered a illegal drug due the fact that people, not just enjoy it, but use for other purposes such as sleeping, eating, depression and other disorders. So not only as our new President, but a citizen like everyone else think about from our point of veiw. My name is Anthony Morris and I fully stand by what I have written.
Cocaine is not 'chemically
Cocaine is not 'chemically altered', it is merely refined and concentrated.
flip flop?!
This sounds like all the other lawyers invoved in politics. Just tell the people what it will take to get elected! He needs to be more decisive. Like my favorite candidate! If there was no drug war, many, of us "good" doctors, would still be working!
Obama is a drug warrior
While I have no respect for the Washington Times they have accurately reported Obama cannabis flip flop. Typical of him.
I posted a piece today on the flip-flop with links for the other posts that I have written since last summer about Obama the drug war here at: Barack Obama....Getting Smaller
Obama promised New orleans that, if elected, he would send more DEA agents to the city to help reduce their post Katrina drug crime problem. His solution to poverty, incarcerate and disenfranchise more of the victims.
His support for the 2005 Combat Meth Act makes him look like a total idiot.
Barack Obama is a right-wing Jim Crow pandering drug warrior a-hole.
I hope the Greens, Libertarians or Independents give us an alternative to these single-minded authoritarian Democrats and Republicans.
I do not vote for drug warriors.
well is he pro decriminalization or not?
I'd really like to know my vote is very dependant on this issue.
Of course there are so many issues that are much more important but It could sway my vote. The act of decriminalizing the behavior of a very large portion if our populace is certainly a step in the right direction. I may be dreaming but could this be an indication that theres is a politician out there with some common sense that may be applied to other issues as well?
I am a firm believer if marijuana users would back off on the pothead behavior I'E. put down the Bong set aside their fear of retribution and write our representatives and simply state I use marijuana and I vote! in mass we could effect change. but then i've always been a dreamer!
Flip Flop
I am having a hard time with this years election. I used to consider myself a democrat. I thought maybe Obama was the way to go but I realized we don't need more taxation we need lower spending. When a company is having a hard time they cut fat where it counts, from the top. We should be thinking the same way. I switched to Ron Paul. I know he is a little extreme but I truly believe that is what America needs. He is not a flip flopper and he doesn't want more of my hard earned money. He wants less!!! Also he consistently polls as the most believable candidate. Maybe it's because he isn't a flaming idiot like the rest of the people running. I'm dissapointed in Obama. I had my hopes up.
I smoke pot and I will vote
I recently wrote Bart Stupak of Michigan to do exactly that.
How about a national post card campaign
A post card campaign to tell candidates that you vote against drug warrior politicians.
Politicians view each hard copy post they get from voters to represent some thousands of voters views. Hard copy mail gets the highest rating. Telephone calls second and email has the lowest value to them. I got this from a political hack who was working congress a few years back.
So if we can get a lot of people to send post cards that say "I vote against the drug war" the candidates will find themselves being confronted by the issue in their own offices.
So go get some post cards from the Post Office. Send one to each candidate in all races that you are interested in on the federal level.
We can change their minds.
Oh really...
No Pills.
No Powder.
But what grows in the ground is probably ok.
failed drug war and your vote
You still continue to think that the drug war is helping with "pills and powders" or you would know that there could be an alternative. Yes drugs are bad for people, and society. But, no more, so, than alcohol! If the drug war is not working, there needs to be another approach. Regulation would take the drugs out of the hands of the dealers, anyway! But, too many time we forget, dealers don't card!! Regulation cannot be legal if the drugs remain illegal. It is a big jump.
But, at least we do "think of the children" (since drug dealers do too)! If the dealers were out of business, our children would be safer! Minors should not consume and brain altering drugs, in my line of thought, anyway!
legalized
Marijuana is healthier for you than anything else its more natural. It should be legal I vote for Obama because he knows what he's doing! compared to ANY OF THE CLINTONS.
"Bad People."
Drugs are not just for BAD people. I know plenty of good people who do drugs. My brother who is a good person was a coke addict and an alchohalic. That is just an opinion people have about people that use drugs. Maybe if you got to know some of the people who do drugs you wouldnt think they are so bad. And im not saying EVERYONE who does drugs is good. Because there are BAD people that do drugs. And the kids that do drugs do it because it was their decision. If you want them to be "safer" then things like weed should be legalized. Because yes the drugs people by from other people have probably seen 50 other people before the person they got it from. But if it was legal and sold in stores, it would be straight from the stores and people would know EXACTLY what they are getting. But dont call every drug user a bad person just because you are single minded.
Your absolutely right!
Your absolutely right!
wtf
well yea that shit is bad 100 times as bad as weed and weed should be legal bc no one has died from it! power and pills kill ppl every day ass!!!!!!!!!
Re: Oh really...
no pills, no powder?!?
what about prescription pills? aren't those just the government's version of legal, socially acceptable, "good," "safe" drugs? there are tons of legal drugs available (via prescription) that don't grow in the ground. what about all the chemicals that are abundant in the food we eat on a daily basis?
if you ask me, the government should poke its nose elsewhere and not tell me what i can and can't put into my own body.
legalization versus decriminalizing
someone should define these terms.It would be nice if we could buy the great pot and hashish from Afghanistan and pay the farmers there so they might have food and schools,,this would reguire legalization.Decriminalizing is what??Just reducing the penalty for use???We should ask the Rx lobbies about this,,they are the ones that still spend tons badmouthing the natural remedy marijuana.It would be very interesting to research how much money is spent every year to fear and smear this silly little weed.
Of course booze sales would fall too,,so wonder how much interference is being run from those lobbyists??
Having attended the world's first cannabis law reform conference in Amsterdam in 1980,I am still quite amazed by the regular smokers who are too afraid to grow their own because that could mean real jail time,so they pay these crazy prices for their pot.$400 for an ounce????Unreal.Me,,
I stopped smoking pot after I saw three or four thirteen year old boys huddling and then sneaking off into the woods to smoke a joint,,then coming back all red-eyed and dreamy.It was never the same for me after that moment,,it just lost its' cool factor for me.
Of course to mention legalization is still seen as political suicide,but a little less every year.But for me decriminalizing is no real benefit.It should simply not be controlled at all.Any smoker should have their own little happy garden,and we should have access to the world's best hashish.Ron Paul is the only man calling for legalization,,I know,,he is a republican(scary,),but he does make sense.I do not see any real balls about drug reform from any of the others.
legalization
Make it legal, and tax it like liquor,or cigarettes. You could drop the national debt.
article
i read an article that said if we were to leagalize just marijuana and tax it its estimated that we would be out of debt within two and half years
pot is not a bad drug
it realiy isnt a bad drug.. beer is worst it kills you liver.. if you just smoke pot u will be able to funtion and everything... pot is just made for the seritit people...i want to be able to smoke pot than go where ever i need... i dont want everyone to smoek it just the people that want it can smoke it so the people that think it is bad for us they dont have to smoke it just the people that liek it and want to smoke it can..
pot is not a drug
what i consider to be a drug is a man made product such as alcohol, pills,powders, and anything that can be put into your viens with a needle. if marijuana is illegal because of the thc in it then all of mankind should be put away. Our own bodies make drugs similar to thc and other endorphins, why aren't we being punished.
legalizing weed
I think hat is a wonderful point about how our bodies produce endorphins like THC. Everthing is there to prove that weed is not a drug and the public has proved it. Marijuanna is growing in popularity because teens found that when you smoke it you dot turn into a rampaging idiot,and just everything is happy and ok. Another point I have is that pot is and has never been an addictive substance, unlike some legal substances such as cigeretts and alcholthank you for taking the time and reading my ideas. please rply with me at [email protected]
Well then..
If you are going to try and make a point, make sure you don't look like a total idiot. Learn how to use correct spelling and punctuation. Then MAYBE someone will take you seriously.
pot is not a bad drug....
were you high when you wrote this?
Decriminalization
the time has come to quit wasting our money and resources on cannibis. It recently came out here in michigan that not only are our prisons overflowing, but that we spend more money on housing prisoners than in our schools. How much money would be saved by decriminalizing cannibis? Only studies sponsored by the U.S. government shows cannibis being dangerous, many others actually show more benefits than negative side effects. It certainly is safer than prosac, a drug I'm sure is in as high of use in Michigan as it is in the rest of the country.
will he decrimanlize weed or not
i want to know will he im sick and tired of seeing frinds go to jail and being put there for having a lil weed big deal it pot man smoke up if u need to smoke a joint hear and there to get away from the strees of the day then i think u should be able to with out the worry of going to jail over a lil pot id like to know what he is about because that really matters to me on my vote
Obama
I think Obama will atleast decriminalize Weed and that means it wont be on drug tests and if you get caught with it by a cop you will probably only get a ticket if its obvious its only for personal use but if your selling it you will go to jail.
Marijuana Decriminalization
Marijuana is not bad. Statistics show that marijuana is better for you that alcohol. Alcohol leads to liver problems, domestic violence, obesity; however, marijuana in no worse than a cigarette. Not just that it could be used to tax and lower our nations debt, other countries in Europe that have decriminalized the so called "drug" have both lower crime rates and less economical difficulties. Also, hemp could be used as an alternative to paper and other products created by destroying our Earth.
Here's What I Think
Well I actually I really think that marijuana should be legalized pretty much for all of the reasons that all the above people have specified, but there is more to it than just that. From my expierience of pot smoking it really isn't bad of a drug at all. It all depends on the person using it. Yeah sure if you just started your probably goin out with your friends every weekend smoking pot and getting retarded but that is just cause people are not in the right mind set for it and just starting. The mind is a very powerful thing. Say if you are going out to smoke with your friends and you have only smoked a couplke of times most of those people get really high and dumb but there comes a tolerance and a better dealing of the high and less paranoia over time. Same thing for drinking. I f your gonna go to a party that you are ready for and you know you r are gonna drink up a storm your gonna make it to the end. I f your thinking oh well i haven't drank in a while approaching a party on the weekend chances are they are gong to get drunk quik. All you got to do is believe.. The govenment should teach people how to use these brain methods. I mean come on they know how to brainwash people and get info from people by various ways. Anyway im sure that all of these candidates have used matriuana in their lifetime but they just dont know how you can really trainn yourself to be on weed. They just go back to the feeling they got and think you cant do anything. I go to my job high all of the time and there are lots of people who do that. I can work just as good high as sober. my boss even knows I get high and come to work and knows how big of a stoner i am. Another person was fired tfrom there for smoking on break. But im not fired. because i am friendly and nice to the people. Im not walkin around work like a typuical doped up pot head or walkin around in paranoia. Im just a simple minded lightheaded weed toker. Its all good. Besides this country isnt going to get any worse in the amount in pot smokers. The people who do it now are going to be the same people who do it in the future and no matter what we are always going to see pot around. So why dont you make the right choice and legalize. Its only better.
reason weed is illegal
the government does not want to legalize it because of allthe profit they make from taxing pharmacies and pharmicudicals.
they believe that if marijuana is legal then most of the pills taken daily by gulable americans will be discarded.why because weed does the same shit as all of those man made deathmints
Why is it illegal?
People will go to a bar, drink till they drop! The bartender tells them to quit offers them a cab, and the offer is rejected. 30 minutes later the guy in the bar is driving home and crashes into another car injuring or killing people.
Someone who smokes weed, smokes, then watches t.v and then decides to eat something...
The end!
OMFG
EXACTLY...burger kings making they money!!
Bill to decriminalize pot, and Obama?
He should co-sign/endorse the bill that is being introduced into congress to do just that :)
Check it out!:
http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_HR_5843.html
I have reasons to beleive he will at least decriminalize it
The guy admittedly used to "inhale frequently", and i honestly believe he'd smoke with some people here given a chance. his flip flops are just a way to get the most votes he can.
don't be so pissy!
i smoked pot almost every day for over fifteen years and have just recently stopped due to possible legal technicalities. I would absolutely do it again if it were legal, and most likely will continue to do it again in the future, regardless of law. To take the time to post a comment full of cursing and incorrect spelling makes us look like an ignorant group of people rather than people who simply support a cause. If you are really this mad about the topic, please smoke another one to chill out. Then, move to a country where you are able to toke legally so that you can be more at peace with yourself!
ok
ok
The National Deficit
A few months ago, I read a report that said, all the money spent on controlling possession and consumption of marijuana , could pay off the national deficit in a matter of 2-3 years.... Hmmm , anyone see a problem here? They are trying to fight loosing battle against pot. Sit there and ponder this. If they would legalize marijuana cultivation and possession, and make selling a serious felony, punishable by say a 10 year prison sentence. They would total trash the drug trade; as far as pot goes anyway. Let me see, if i could grow as much pot as I wanted and give it to my friends, I'm guessing they probably wouldn't be buying it somewhere else, and giving someone else the opportunity to spend larger amounts of money on worse drugs. This country is overwhelmed with stupidity. It could also be used for anorexia patients. Good luck telling a pot smoker they can't eat. lol And as a extra benefit, I bet that food sales would sky rocket, therefore, helping the economy and with as many people who already smoke it, it could possibly create more jobs in the food industry. I love our little illusion of so called freedom we have. Don't you?
There is only one choice to make this happen
Vote Libertarian, vote for your freedom and Liberty this Fall! Vote Bob Barr for president. If this "Stop the drug war" organization truely wants to see these changes, then there is only one party committed to ending the failed war on drugs. Along with the end of the Drug war, large amounts of your tax dollars will be saved in the the peace process. The Libertarian party support fredom and liberty to all of the U.S. citizens who can be responsible in enjoyment of the pursue of Happiness.
The Libertarian party is also commited to non violence in bringing change to what was once the land of free and home of the brave.
So this fall, vote for Your Freedom and Liberty, Vote Bob Barr for President, and Vote for the Libertarian Party.
Charles L. Shaw, Liverpool, NY
Pot legalization not Decrimilization
This topic hits me hard for the 2008 election. I dont understand why it is illegal because it causes more harm that way. First of all I smoke pot and I will continue to do so no matter what laws are passed or not passed. And whoever told that canadian guy to shut up Go fuck urself if you dont realize it our country is in a lot worse shape than many right now. Maybe its time for us to actually listen to other options and make some fucking change come on America Grow a pair!
Reasons for legalization
1.It is easier for children to get weed than adults that should have the right to do what they want. Ive known many people that had to find weed for their parents... Thats Fucked up
2.What is a drug anyways... In turkey there is a DRUG for sleep aid why isnt turkey "behind the counter" and a limit for driving. That would just be stupid right? So whats the big deal about a plant that makes you relieve pain and stress?
3.Keeping weed safe... People are going to smoke weed sorry Government but theres nothing you can do to stop that. Wouldnt it be better if there wasnt the chance of some other drug getting mixed in with the weed or some other unsafe chemical
4.It will stop loopholes... In California medical patients that have a perscription to grow up to 100 plants in their home(I read an article a while back may not be 100% accurate but an example that needs to be fixed) 9 out of 10 of these homes were turned into Marijuana factories growing to their maximum or more. You dont need 100 plants for yourself they must be selling. So if it were legalized this wouldnt be neccessaryand everyone could have their own private garden where they can control what chemicals go into the weed their smoking.
5.Keeping the money in america... The money spent on weed isnt taxed and goes through a line of drug dealers all taking their cut. Most commercial mexican weed is brought through a line of family putting alot of American Dollars into Mexcico each year. This money could be kept in the country and taxed on to give a rise to our economy.
6.Create Jobs... The legalization of weed will create thousands of jobs. Every thing from grower companies to coffee shops. This would simotanesily put drug dealers out of buisness and force them to get real jobs that will further add to the economy.
7.It would bring us closer to a government that we could actually believe in because right now politics is about hiding who you are and preeching what your not. At least until you get elected. WE NEED OUR GOVERNMENT TO BE REAL WITH US... Why isnt this topic more out there we need to stop beig scared to do something that will help us overall.
Decrimilizing marijuana is only one step in the fight. To me it would help our country alot more to legalize than just letting it to continue to slip under the radar.
Obama would be a hypocrite to flip flop
I am only 15 so I'm sorry if my spelling or vocabulary is not perfect. I don't think that i know more about this issue then anyone else, so don't attack me because I'm allowed an opinion too. As far as i know Obama wants to decriminalize this drug, but I am frequently told that he is changing his opinion. He is a strong believer that we need to change our lifestyle and government, correct? Well I do know that the reason that cannabis is so taboo is because of racism, back when the Mexicans were viewed upon poorly because they weren't of the same ethnicity as us, their usage of marijuana frightened us because we didn't want to become like them. Even though pot is an illegal substance it is a useful medicine that helps a lot of people on a daily basis not only with bodily issues such as injuries or sickness but also relieving the stress of a daily blue collar worker's routine. Even though the white collar workers don't understand why this is important to their less fortunate counterparts, because they don't need it like others do. Obama see's why people need it but doesn't want to lose his chance to remodel our country because one of his beliefs may be taboo and frightening to those considered worthy to run our country. Don't tell me that I'm too young to have a valid opinion about our country because I grew up having the Republican ideals shoved down my throat.
well spoke, kid
Obviously weed is not the biggest issue that we face. Neither is gay marriage, or abortion, or the war in iraq. It is a combination of these issues, and how the current administration chooses to communicate their values and positions on these issues which is the main issue. Hillary clinton came out in 1993, stating that while she disagreed with most people's opinions about marijuana being a safe drug, it was making no sense to not just treat it like alcohol, and tax it. I would take a random guess that 20 percent of americans spend 25 dollars a week on weed. 300 millionx20 percent is 60 millionx25 dollars is 1.5 billion per week! Minus 50 percent for poor government management is 750 million per week times 52 is 39 billion per year--not to mention the 89 billion which is solely dedicated to marijuana prosecution and housing "prisoners" so far, 128 billion, which could go to schools to hire more teachers, thus reducing the chance of violence caused by children who "slip through the cracks". So to all you people out there who want to keep weed illegal and not cash in on this overwhelming opportunity, look at your child. Why would you rather curb a persons liberties than see your child prosper from something you disagree with. And to all of the displaced DEA agents, we will be moving you to a position keeping foreign weed out of our country, thus helping to ensure that this money stays state side. I smoke and I vote. And if this doesn't get done in the next administration, I will run myself on the sole platform of legalisation and regulation. I will develop a budget so strong and with such a surplus that not even the Bush family could screw it up. My name is Shawn Frerking, and I will be looking for your vote in 2012. We the people can fix this. I look forward to hearing your responses at [email protected]. Best wishes to you and yours
-Shawn
So What's It Gonna Be?
What I really want to know is if Obama really wants to legalize or decriminalize the "drug" because whenever I go out on the weekends with my friends there is always that risk of getting caught, and I have strict parents who want me 2 succeed and go to College one day. Just recently my friend was caught with a second offense posession and was sent to a state prison since he still had was on probation for his first offense. Just imagine how it would be going to the store and buying a pack of 20 class A marijuana joints. But I dont see legalization or decriminalization within the next 20 years due to the government's loss of money to please its citizens.
Yours Truly,
?Pissed Off And Confused?
Legalization
I believe Marijuana should be legalized solely because it causes less problems. For example drug dealers not saying most drug dealers are murdered due to selling marijuana but the majority of them are since marijuana is such a popular and non-expensive drugs. If we legalize it it would take the money from those who make money from it but also lower crime rates. Plants shouldn't be illegal in no sort.
I THINK THIS IS BULLSHIT ITS
I THINK THIS IS BULLSHIT ITS ILLEGAL AND IT SHALL REMAIN ILLEGAL AND ALL U POT HEAD MOTHERFUCKERS CAN ROT IN HELL** RON PAUL REVOLUTION
Marijuana can make us rich.
Do you realize that the legalization of marijuana could help the financial economy of the nation by billions probably in as little as a month.... I mean, just think about it. So many people smoke pot daily and if every one of those smokers were to buy a pack of joints, or blunts, the government could be making double what they are now. Its just like the cigarette companies; they make millions of dollars off of cigarettes daily..... Imagine how much money a marijuana producing company could make. I live in Houston Tx. and here alone could bring in plenty. I smoke pot every day and there are many many others like it.. Basically all i can say is that if we legalize weed.... not only will we be better off financially, but the world will be a more peaceful place......... Any comments appreciated.
Joe 20-sack
My name is Joe 20-sack and I voted for Obama. The main reason I voted for Obama is because I don't want to be incarcerated for purchasing a single joint to smoke on a Friday night. Marijuana helps me enjoy my weekend a little bit better because I work hard through the week. I don't drink and I don't do pills and I do not plan to in the future. Now I'm hearing that Barack went back on his word on decriminalization. I feel that I have been jipped. I have not been arrested yet but I feel that my luck will soon run out. I guess I will have to quit smoking god's herb. Sad.
GO OBAMA!
i agree 100% with his word choice. making this legal would put a control on drug trafficking and let us monitor how much is actually consumed and they would be able to tax it making lots of money instead of taking our work money with taxes. It would lower crime rates dramatically so cops could bust real bad, addicting drugs instead of a drug thats less addicting than caffein and has less health risks than cigarettes (on the lungs) and drinking (on the brain and liver).
legalize it!
i agree 100% with his word choice. making this legal would put a control on drug trafficking and let us monitor how much is actually consumed and they would be able to tax it making lots of money instead of taking our work money with taxes. It would lower crime rates dramatically so cops could bust real bad, addicting drugs instead of a drug thats less addicting than caffein and has less health risks than cigarettes (on the lungs) and drinking (on the brain and liver).
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