If marijuana usage in the US were legalized, do you think its use would run out of control?

Question

or would it largely be those who already use?

for A-P: I think I know more than you think I know, but if you want to know if I know as much as you think I know, I'll plead the fifth. ;p

Answer 1

It would not be much different than tobacco use (cigarettes & cigars). It would be highly taxed and an age limit would be set. I'm going to assume that the first few years use will be high which could be due to curiousity.

Whether we want to beleive it, there are doctors, judges, lawyers and law enforcement who smoke pot. It does not mean they use it in excess which would hinder them from doing their daily duties.

If legalized, jail overcrowding would not be such a problem and because the quality of the marijuana that the federal goverment would sell, it would reduce the # of pot dealers and would allow law enforcement to focus on hard drugs and violent crime.

Just my thoughts. I respect that you may not agree and value that you have your own opinion about this matter.

Answer 2

Several reasons. 1) Studies have show repeatedly that it is no more dangerous than alcohol and tobacco, both of which are legal. 2) It lessens the strain on our over-crowded prison and probation systems, which means that more resources can be devoted to violent offenders. 3) State can tax the hell out of marijuana sales, just like they do for alcohol and tobacco... that's a pretty significant revenue source, and a much needed one for many states. 4) The hemp plant has a lot more uses than smoking... In fact, before the paper industry started a propaganda campaign against it (which is the real reason why marijuana is illegal), it was poised to become a huge manufacturing industry in its own right. Hemp can be used to make paper, rope, and a variety of other products much cheaper and with less impact on the environment than wood.

Answer 3

One need look no further than the Netherlands to see incontrovertible evidence that decriminalization of cannabis has actually led to a decline in its use.

Cannabis is a relatively benign, non-addictive, non-toxic herb with a documented history of use that stretches back thousands of years. It has been used successfully as a fiber for clothing, a foodstuff, a fuel, a medicine, a spiritual aid, and simply for relaxation and recreation.

No civilized nation makes war against a plant, especially one as useful as Cannabis. Get informed. Get active. We can change unjust and cruel laws.

Answer 4

I think there would be some slight increase, but nothing significant. It's not like it is all that hard to get already, and there's only a very small percentage of people who don't smoke it only because it is illegal.

I'm one who won't be smoking it if it were legalized. I don't care for the stuff.
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As for those who think there's much money to be made taxing it - hey, the stuff grows like weed! Anybody, with a small investment in equipment, can grow their own supply, very easily.

Answer 5

I imagine that the Wise Snack Food Company will, for the first time in like 30 years, make a profit off of their "Cheez Waffies" . I also predict a spike in Carrot-Top DVD sales. Other than these things, legalizing pot will have little negative effect.

Answer 6

Well mainly the people who use it now would but there are going to be more that try it because it is legal. Its not always a bad thing though. We need to present it as we do with alcohol. It can be controlled and we need to set up laws for it. Also we can put a significant tax to it as cigarettes and that wouldn't be bad either.

Answer 7

The usage might increase slightly but it won't "run out of control" Of course the gov't would look to regulate it and tax it like it does tabacco sales. And even if a few more people did look to try it and actually inhale, it still won't be the great epidemic that most opponents make it out to be.

Answer 8

I believe pot use is already at the saturation point, so I don't think use would increase...what would happen is a lot of harmless twinkie eaters would not have their lives ruined by a paranoid government that reflects the liquor lobby more than their constituents, and about a billion dollars a year would not be pissed away on doofus cops and judges and prison guards...what a sick, tired debate.

Answer 9

no, and frankly, I think it could possibly cut down on other drugs.. they say that pot is the gateway drug, but it is only the gateway drug because it is a lot more difficult to go out when you're 15 and find crack. it's pretty easy to get weed anywhere you go, and that introduces you to a whole new scene of friends which lead you to meeting more hook ups. I don't smoke, but i used to, and I know that I could have found pretty much any drug I wanted in highschool by making one phone call. if pot were legal you wouldn't be introduced to those kind of opportunities!

Answer 10

The only thing that would be out of control, would be supply for a while.

Anyway, have you ever seen someone that it is stoned get violent. Just have enough munchies around and the bean bag is safe, dude.