Nevada Could Legalize Pot (Think Amsterdam)

[Nbadan]

What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas!

Nevadans to Vote on Legalizing Marijuana
Tuesday October 17, 2006 7:31 PM
By SANDRA CHEREB
Associated Press Writer


RENO, Nev. (AP) - Gambling, prostitution, and now pot? Organizers of a Nevada ballot measure hope voters in a state where almost everything goes will go one better and legalize marijuana.

If it passes Nov. 7, Nevada will be the first state to allow adults to possess up to an ounce of pot that they could buy at government-regulated marijuana shops.

The Committee to Regulate and Control Marijuana, which has pushed medical marijuana and decriminalization laws around the country, thinks Nevada - with its embrace of certain vices and its streak of Western independence - is a perfect venue.

In an editorial last spring, the rural Lahontan Valley News argued that gambling, Nevada's most powerful industry, caters to ``visceral pleasures,'' and that it would hypocritical to oppose the legalization of marijuana on moral grounds.

Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6153572,00.html)

Nevada newspaper polls show it losing by about 8-10 points, but methodologically sound internal polls done by the Committee to Regulate and Control Marijuana (www.regulatemarijuana.org ) show it winning. While up to an ounce is legal in Alaska, this would be the first time voters at the state level chose to free the weed.

[jman3000]

first marijuana... then cocaine...what's next? legalize terrorism?

[Nbadan]

Yes, it's much better to keep feeding the monster $8 billion per year...

Paul Armentano: A billion dollars a year for pot?
Paul Armentano, The Examiner
Oct 18, 2006


WASHINGTON - American taxpayers are now spending more than a billion dollars per year to incarcerate its citizens for pot. That’s according to statistics released last week by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics.

According to the new BJS report, “Drug Use and Dependence, State and Federal Prisoners, 2004,” 12.7 percent of state inmates and 12.4 percent of federal inmates incarcerated for drug violations are serving time for marijuana offenses. Combining these percentages with separate U.S. Department of Justice statistics on the total number of state and federal drug prisoners (BJS October 2005 Bulletin: “Prisoners in 2004” — NCJ 210677) suggests that there are now about 33,655 state inmates and 10,785 federal inmates behind bars for marijuana offenses. (The report failed to include estimates on the percentage of inmates incarcerated in county jails for pot-related offenses.) Multiplying these totals by U.S. DOJ prison expenditure data (BJS June 2004 Bulletin: “State Prison Expenditures, 2001” — NCJ 202949) reveals that taxpayers are spending more than $1 billion annually to imprison pot offenders.

The new report is noteworthy because it undermines the common claim from law enforcement officers and bureaucrats, specifically White House drug czar John Walters, that few, if any, Americans are incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses. In reality, nearly 1 out of 8 U.S. drug prisoners are locked up for pot. Of course, several hundred thousand more Americans are arrested each year for violating marijuana laws, costing taxpayers another $8 billion dollars annually in criminal justice costs.

According to the most recent figures available from the FBI, police arrested an estimated 786,545 people on marijuana charges in 2005 — more than twice the number of Americans arrested just 12 years ago. Among those arrested, about 88 percent — some 696,074 Americans — were charged with possession only. The remaining 90,471 individuals were charged with “sale/manufacture,” a category that includes all cultivation offenses, even those where the marijuana was being grown for personal or medical use.

Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/a-349381~Paul_Armentano:_A_billion_dollars_a_year_fo r_pot?.html)

[NASCARdad]

You liberals can have Nevada!

[boutons_]

If Phillip-Morris or Exxon or Pfizer were making money selling weed and the govt was taxing it, you damn well know it would be legalized.

[smeagol]

If Phillip-Morris or Exxon or Pfizer were making money selling weed and the govt was taxing it, you damn well know it would be legalized.
Does this make any sense at all?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

This is a stupider idea than Taint Magazine.

[Drachen]

This is a stupider idea than Taint Magazine.

Ha Ha, dont know many people who saw that show on a consistant basis, but that was one of the best skits in it.


"These are the party DAAAAAAAAAAAYs!"

P.S. re: the issue at hand.
I think it is a good idea. Did you know that in Holland where it has been legal for a very long time only about 2% move past Marijuana to harder drugs? Ill bet that with it all being very taboo over here we have a higher percentage of hard drug users.

[turambar85]

Thank God for Nevada, the only sane state in America.

[turambar85]

Why do some Christians think that medicinal marijuana use, or even casual marijuana use is a sin?

[Drachen]

Why do some Christians think that medicinal marijuana use, or even casual marijuana use is a sin?

That would be the fault of the DuPont corp. Really.

Edit: I do want to make it clear that I do not smoke pot, I havent smoked in any measurable amount since the year I lived in germany 96/97 I only smoked twice before that and maybe 20 times after that, the last time being about 4 or 5 years ago. BTW it has nothing to do with the law, I just found it boring.

[johnsmith]

Yeah, I've never really understood the big issue on weed. Big fucking deal, it's less harmful then alcohol, but we celebrate that.

[turambar85]

My problem is as follows:

1. Christians believe that God is a perfect entity.

2. Christians believe that God created the entire planet.

3. A perfect being creates things in the best possible manner.

4. If something is created in the best possible manner, then everything serves a purpose.

5. Marijuana exists, and is completely natural in the environment. If it is a sin, and not to be used, then it does not serve a purpose.

6. Thus, either God is not perfect, or it is not always a sin to smoke weed.


So, if you outlaw even medicinal use, you are acting against the desires and wills of God, the supposed reason for these laws in the first place.

Common sense...

[Crookshanks]

Yeah, I've never really understood the big issue on weed. Big fucking deal, it's less harmful then alcohol, but we celebrate that.

I think it's because more and more studies are showing all the harmful effects of marijuana. Let's face it, if tobacco or alcohol were trying to become legal right now, they'd never make it because of the harmful effects.

With all the attention given to harmful drugs and the resultant lawsuits, I think the government is loathe to legalize something they know is dangerous.

[Drachen]

My problem is as follows:

1. Christians believe that God is a perfect entity.

2. Christians believe that God created the entire planet.

3. A perfect being creates things in the best possible manner.

4. If something is created in the best possible manner, then everything serves a purpose.

5. Marijuana exists, and is completely natural in the environment. If it is a sin, and not to be used, then it does not serve a purpose.

6. Thus, either God is not perfect, or it is not always a sin to smoke weed.


So, if you outlaw even medicinal use, you are acting against the desires and wills of God, the supposed reason for these laws in the first place.

Common sense...


Aha, not that I disagree with your position but your way of getting there isnt necessarily right.

Points 4 and 5 show a deep level of conceit. How do you know that THIS is the way god intended you to use said plant. We, being non-perfect beings couldnt possibly know how he intended the use of said plant. He might have put it here so that we could build hemp powered mercedes (which I have witnessed).

[turambar85]

I think it's because more and more studies are showing all the harmful effects of marijuana. Let's face it, if tobacco or alcohol were trying to become legal right now, they'd never make it because of the harmful effects.

With all the attention given to harmful drugs and the resultant lawsuits, I think the government is loathe to legalize something they know is dangerous.

Then it is even worse than I feared, we are run by a government full of spineless cowards and religious cooks.

God help us...

[turambar85]

Aha, not that I disagree with your position but your way of getting there isnt necessarily right.

Points 4 and 5 show a deep level of conceit. How do you know that THIS is the way god intended you to use said plant. We, being non-perfect beings couldnt possibly know how he intended the use of said plant. He might have put it here so that we could build hemp powered mercedes (which I have witnessed).

If God intended the use of said plant, the use of said plant would be known to the said non-perfect beings. A perfect God would have the sense to realize that we can't use something if we don't understand it. And the greatest use to huminity that marijuana could have is as a medical agent.

Would it be of so much use if it were not meant to be used in such a manner?

[johnsmith]

If God intended the use of said plant, the use of said plant would be known to the said non-perfect beings. A perfect God would have the sense to realize that we can't use something if we don't understand it. And the greatest use to huminity that marijuana could have is as a medical agent.

Would it be of so much use if it were not meant to be used in such a manner?


Well, that or rope.

[Drachen]

To provide a renewable source of energy? Im pretty impressed by that. Or to provide a renewable source of fiber without cutting down oxygen-important trees? I am pretty impressed by that. Being that we are supposed to be stewards of the earth I would imagine that these two things rank higher in importance than the selfish goal of self-preservation for some. Then again that would be me being conceited and thinking I know his plan. Thus proving that even I am a hypocrite.

[johnsmith]

To provide a renewable source of energy? Im pretty impressed by that. Or to provide a renewable source of fiber without cutting down oxygen-important trees? I am pretty impressed by that. Being that we are supposed to be stewards of the earth I would imagine that these two things rank higher in importance than the selfish goal of self-preservation for some. Then again that would be me being conceited and thinking I know his plan. Thus proving that even I am a hypocrite.


You damn hypocrite.

[turambar85]

To provide a renewable source of energy? Im pretty impressed by that. Or to provide a renewable source of fiber without cutting down oxygen-important trees? I am pretty impressed by that. Being that we are supposed to be stewards of the earth I would imagine that these two things rank higher in importance than the selfish goal of self-preservation for some. Then again that would be me being conceited and thinking I know his plan. Thus proving that even I am a hypocrite.

But, not knowing his plan, you should always assume our fallibility, and not restrict things which may be within the parameters of his intention for creation.

[Drachen]

You damn hypocrite.

I just wanted to feel like part of y'alls group. Cant fault a guy for wanting to belong. :blah

[johnsmith]

But, not knowing his plan, you should always assume our fallibility, and not restrict things which may be within the parameters of his intention for creation.


Wow, this is about to switch over to the "Catholic Views" thread.

[johnsmith]

I just wanted to feel like part of y'alls group. Cant fault a guy for wanting to belong. :blah


Which group, the one discussing weed in Nevada or the hypocrite group?

[Crookshanks]

If God intended the use of said plant, the use of said plant would be known to the said non-perfect beings. A perfect God would have the sense to realize that we can't use something if we don't understand it. And the greatest use to huminity that marijuana could have is as a medical agent.

Would it be of so much use if it were not meant to be used in such a manner?

God's purpose may have been quite different, but us sinful humans corrupted God's purpose and used it in a harmful way. For example, I sincerely doubt that God intended the poppy to produce opium or for tobacco to be turned into cigarettes - that was man's idea.

And BTW, sometimes the purpose of something God created is just to bring glory to God and to give pleasure to man. The bible say, "the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament his handiwork."

[Drachen]

Which group, the one discussing weed in Nevada or the hypocrite group?

Hypocrite group. Dont get your panties in a wad, I am joking, we all have some hypocrytical bones in our bodies... its human nature. I make concious efforts not to be hypocritical (see: not going to strip clubs even though I like nakedness since I would not be happy if a girl close to me was stripping), that doesnt mean I am perfect.

[johnsmith]

Hypocrite group. Dont get your panties in a wad, I am joking, we all have some hypocrytical bones in our bodies... its human nature. I make concious efforts not to be hypocritical (see: not going to strip clubs even though I like nakedness since I would not be happy if a girl close to me was stripping), that doesnt mean I am perfect.


When did I get hypocritical?

[Drachen]

When did I get hypocritical?

Let me try to spell this out. I-T W-A-S A J-O-K-E !-! I said I was a hypocrite, you said you damned hypocrite (which I assumed [possibly incorrectly] was to be laughed at, a joke some call it). I havent seen any hypocritical statements from you in this thread. I imagine there are aspects of your life in which you are less than true to your stated values, since we cant always be perfect. Anyway I am done explaining. It was funny to me, but if I have to spend this much time explaining, I was obviously wrong about its comedic value.


........... And now, back to your regularly scheduled thread.

[johnsmith]

Let me try to spell this out. I-T W-A-S A J-O-K-E !-! I said I was a hypocrite, you said you damned hypocrite (which I assumed [possibly incorrectly] was to be laughed at, a joke some call it). I havent seen any hypocritical statements from you in this thread. I imagine there are aspects of your life in which you are less than true to your stated values, since we cant always be perfect. Anyway I am done explaining. It was funny to me, but if I have to spend this much time explaining, I was obviously wrong about its comedic value.


........... And now, back to your regularly scheduled thread.


Nope, my fault, I didn't pick up on it. My bad. I too dislike when people don't pick up on my jokes.......again, my bad.

Having said that, could you please spell that entire thing out for me, rather then just the it was a joke part?

[boutons_]

If the arguments for criminalizing weed were really medical, then cigarettes, alcohol, and just about any shit made by Frito-lay, fast-food industry, and coke/pepsi would be illegal.

[xrayzebra]

What happens in NV stays in NV, well except Harry Reid. The real estate man.

Hey they have always had legalized gambling and prostitution. So the next step.
You got it. Pot

[Drachen]

Nope, my fault, I didn't pick up on it. My bad. I too dislike when people don't pick up on my jokes.......again, my bad.

Having said that, could you please spell that entire thing out for me, rather then just the it was a joke part?

check inbox

[mikejones99]

Only state that allows sports betting and hookers, might as well allow all drugs. You can drink at bars 24 hours a day 7 days a week and that includes Sundays even

[cheguevara]

gambling and prostitution, and for that matter alcohol are 100 times worse on a person's life than pot is.

pot jut makes u lazy, fat and slow. that's why I'm over that crap... temporarily.

[Drachen]

gambling and prostitution, and for that matter alcohol are 100 times worse on a person's life than pot is.

pot jut makes u lazy, fat and slow. that's why I'm over that crap... temporarily.

Spoken with true conviction!

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

This is a stupider idea than Taint Magazine.

Um, okay, lemme see. Marijuana use is widespread - it is all around us. Since it is illegal, the money used to pay for the pot ends up in the hands of organised crime. Legalize, regulate, and suddenly all the money that is going to crime (and crime prevention for something that should not be criminalised) can now be put into the health and education budgets. Does that sound stupid to you??? Also, a lot of the people who use end up in jail for something that has a far less detrimental effect on society than either cigarettes or alcohol.

Whoever said "cocaine, and what's next" - there is a BIG difference between coke and pot. Firstly coke is highly PHYSICALLY ADDICTIVE, pot is not - that is, coke withdrawl has debilitating physical symptoms. Pot is NOT PHYSICALLY ADDICTIVE. It is somewhat psychologically addictive, but if you stop using it you don't get cravings and shakes and become a mess.

I am not ignoring the role of pot in triggering mental illness, but if you look at the science, alcohol is also a major trigger of mental illness, yet we sell that to 18yos (in the States 21).

Then you have the problem of poor quality or PCP-laced weed on the streets - that disappears because the government is producing it and people then know what they are buying.

Seriously, legalize both pot and ecstacy, which was originally used as a psychotherapeutic drug by psychologists and is also NOT PHYSICALLY ADDICTIVE, and put all the money that is right now going to organised crime back into health and education.

Human nature is such that people will use drugs. Educate them, teach them to minimse the harm of those drugs, and use the money they spend on them to enhance social institutions. How does that not make sense? It has worked in Holland.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

To provide a renewable source of energy? Im pretty impressed by that. Or to provide a renewable source of fiber without cutting down oxygen-important trees? I am pretty impressed by that. Being that we are supposed to be stewards of the earth I would imagine that these two things rank higher in importance than the selfish goal of self-preservation for some. Then again that would be me being conceited and thinking I know his plan. Thus proving that even I am a hypocrite.

Drachen (Bab 5 fan?), as to the emboldened bit, where did you get that strange idea? We're not stewards of the earth, we're here to make money!!!

(I am being ironic, btw...)

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Oh, and one more thing.

Where I come from we have regulated brothels in which the hookers are registered, taxed and checked for STDs weekly. We have NO STREET PROSTITUTION and thus none of the associated problems.

We also have a regulated porn industry and decriminalised pot, which means that you can possess an ounce and smoke in your own home, but if you do it in public and get caught you are issued with the equivalent of a speeding ticket. This frees up the police to pursue real criminals.

We've had these laws for 15 years, and thus far no major problems have arisen.

[Nbadan]

Jailing pot smokers is a multi-billion dollar industry here in the U.S.. There is the myraid of police agencies, the courts, the prosecutors, the jailers, the jail makers and their suppliers, the dog trainers and the states which collect fines. No one wants that gravy train to end. At least make it so a person can permanently expunge a possession conviction from his record voluteering at the human society or something...geezz..

[Drachen]

Drachen (Bab 5 fan?), as to the emboldened bit, where did you get that strange idea? We're not stewards of the earth, we're here to make money!!!

(I am being ironic, btw...)

Never seen an episode of Bab 5, why? do they talk about being stewards of the earth or something?

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Dan is talking about the prison-industrial complex:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prison-industrial_complex

Drachen - drachen are one of the bad-guy races who support the Shadows is all. If you like Sci-Fi, Bab 5 is a must. Starts slowly, but season 2-4 are genius!

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

As for "stewards of the earth", I know that this is a concept popular amongst tribal societies, and I agree with it, but unfortunately modern human beings, especially from developed coutries like us, have almost no connection to the natural and physical process which support them, so the idea of stewardship has been supplanted by the primacy of growth economics (despite its unsustainability as a concept over the long-term) and the almighty $$$$$$$$$$$.

Sad as fvck.

[Drachen]

stewards of the earth = from genesis
Drachen = (german for) Dragon

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Stewardship is also a concept popular with native Americans, native south Americans, various African and Asian tribes. I didn't know the Bible also called for stewardship of the earth. Maybe the religious right should re-read their Bibles.

[AFE7FATMAN]

Then it is even worse than I feared, we are run by a government full of spineless cowards and religious cooks.

God help us...

:clap :clap :clap

That just about sums up Politicians.

I wonder how much we pay to keep Drunks in Jail/Prison.

I have never heard of a person beating up their spouse while high on MJ but,you can find at least one ever weekend being booked for it because they were drunk.