Why do we criminilize marijuana??

Question

Not once in my police career did I do a DUI, go to a fight or answer a domestic violence call where MJ was the catalyst, it was always Alchohol. I got to believe Uncle Sam can't get a piece of the pie you can grow in your yard.

I think I spelled criminalize wrong !!

Answer 1

Great to see humans in the field of law enforcement are waking up to the truth about marijuana. Do me, and other people a favor, and get you and your old and new law enforcement friends signed up at www.leap.cc These guys have the same view you do sir, and are working to make a change.

Answer 2

Marijuana was first criminalised by a rednecked peace officer who was discriminatory towards Mexicans,and the lies about it were spread around the world. And still are...Now giant corporations involved in the warehousing of people (incarcerating criminals) are making sure that those laws remain in place. It seems that money is more important than quality of life.Being a peace officer,I'm sure that you know more about the wasted time, energy,and money used to help criminalise our future citizens and our hope for a stronger and more stable country. Hmmm, Perhaps thats why the U.S has 25% of the world's population of incarcerated prisoners. What a waste of our best resourse,our children..our future. Sad, isn't it?
And you are correct about the social aspect, I've never met anyone that got off work,went home,smoked some pot and beat their wife and family,and lost their job because they were too sick to do a proper job at work. But I know many,many people who got off work,stopped for a few drinks,went home and caused nothing but strife and abuse towards their family,and ended up losing both their jobs and everything they had,including their families and the respect of their peers. Of course alcohol is legal and government controlled,for a profit, how rude is that? What happened to the government when profit from the suffering and destruction of a normal social environment out weighs the needs of and the quality of life we all expect from our elected "leaders". Profit seems to be the norm now. Corporate America......yup,..they know whats best...

Answer 3

I think it's because of the social dimension of marijuana. Since most of the groups that have the legalization of marijuana as one of their chief causes are also on the far left side of the political spectrum, the issue of legalizing marijuana has become part of the "liberal agenda." Were this issue to be taken up by more mainstream or "centrist" groups without the other issues it's generally tied to, I think there would be more social acceptance. Until then, don't hold your breath.

Answer 4

Protectionism of the pharmacuetical industry is probably one issue. Also, if they legalised it, people would all jump on the bandwagon and start takin too much of it which could casue all sorts of social problems. Basically, it's because of the irresponsible people in society who can't be trusted to take it in moderation and could possbily cause health problems for themselves and social problems for society, although the health risks from alcohol are worse which is why it is so stupid.

It's simply a case of penalising the majority becuase of the minority which is a policy i don't agree with. A lot of the law makers are just ignorant idiots aswell who have a view of the world which is not in sync with that of most people.

p.s I'd have thought you should have asked these questions while you were still an officer. If you're gonna be inforcing the law, then surely you need to know the reasons behind the law in order to apply discretion appropriately.

Answer 5

We criminalize because it gets people more high than alchohol. We as a society fear people having a good time. We like to think that most people drink to relax but not to get high. When in reality I, like most people, drink to get a little high. Uncle sam needs to move away from their Taliban position that getting high is evil. Rather, they should legalize marij and make some tax money and reduce jail crowding. Tragically, 25% of inmates are there for drug charges learning how to become violent criminals. The system does not work.

Answer 6

The government would rather do testing of man made chemicals and the pharmaceutical companies can reap the profits.

The government has not proof or have done any research on how Marijuana can affect a person, short term and long term. They would rather produce man made drugs than test and do research on nature made products. Mostly it is about the money.

However, I believe that the government is changing this around and will be doing extensive research on the benefits and negatives for the usage of marijuana. After they do research, THEN they should make an informed and educated decision.

Answer 7

Your legislative body and congress make it a crime. If you don't like it, run for office or vote the scoundrels out of office. Until you hold your representatives accountable, you will have to deal with it being illegal. I don't use the stuff but I know this, I don't want to get on a plane, in a car, on the operating table when the guy/gal in charge is doped up.

Answer 8

In many countries, the use of marijuana is prohibited by law enacted by such country. If the same is prohibited in your country, how come you have not came across to a user of marijuana and never have arrested one and have not caught person in the actual possession of such which only means that you are not doing your work as police officer, hence one of the duties of a police officer is to detect crimes, detect the use of prohibited drugs and marijuana

Answer 9

So, the Government can get illegal payoff's allowing it in, and they can make money prosecuting the one's who use, thus putting money in thier pockets and in their coffer's. Put's million dollars a year into pockets of court officials, lawyers, counslor's, etc, and its called self made job security! Its a joke, and not a very funny one at that! Need's to be decriminalized for sure...you make a good point bro.

Answer 10

Too keep the anti-drug industry in Maximum profits.And to keep it fully employed.