I believe that marijuana should be legal (discussion)

[stueycaster]

I used to be stoned on pot every day all day long. I spent way too much money on it. Maybe if I hadn't I might have had more ambition to do what was necessary to make enough money to have the "good life". Maybe not, I don't know. I wish I hadn't now. It was a waste.

I can't say I blame the pot smoking for my lack of ambition. I've seen some pot heads that made out alright. There are some very successful people who regularly use it.

I've driven while real stoned and real drunk both. I never had a wreck because of it. I felt a whole lot safer driving while stoned. Driving while drunk made me feel like I could easily get in a wreck. I guess I just lucked out. I'd ride with someone who was stoned a hundred times before I'd ride with a drunk once.

Now I have no desire to ever smoke pot again. I kicked the habit with ease. People who get badly hooked on alcohol usually have to be institutionalized in order to break the habit. I never liked it that much I guess.

It's been medically proven that alcohol has the most drastic bad effect on a person. Pot has a relatively minor effect. As far as I'm concerned if alcohol is legal pot should be too. If pot is illegal alcohol should be too. Also every person that ever gets caught driving drunk should do prison time. Alcohol makes you do stupid stuff that you never would on pot.

 

[lordofthereef]

People can get an assault charge based solely on a cops discretion. Not to mention, again, the fact you can ALREADY GET A DUI, based solely on the cops discretion.

*SIGH* This will be my last post in response to this, because you don't seem to get where I am coming from and it feels like I am wasting my breath. I know there are ways injustices can occur in the system. I am saying I don't want there to be even more. We don't need another reason for people to be charged with a DUI. This is something I would be willing to bet WILL be discussed ad nauseum and a conclusion will be made before marijuana is legalized for recreational use.

 

[nlsme]

*SIGH* This will be my last post in response to this, because you don't seem to get where I am coming from and it feels like I am wasting my breath. I know there are ways injustices can occur in the system. I am saying I don't want there to be even more. We don't need another reason for people to be charged with a DUI. This is something I would be willing to bet WILL be discussed ad nauseum and a conclusion will be made before marijuana is legalized for recreational use.

I get what you are saying. But, you seem to be missing what I am saying. Keeping it illegal BECAUSE the cops can give a due at their discretion is absurd. IF you keep things illegal for that reason, NOTHING would be legal. Not driving, not even talking. Because a cop can give you charges at their discretion for almost anything.....

 

[lordofthereef]

No. What I am saying is legalization while NOT deciding what is to be done on the issue is what cannot happen. We can't just gloss over this fact. We either need a test, or we need it understood that you better not give the cop any reason to think you may have had some MJ recently. In other words, have it written into law that one can be given a DWI for suspicion of using marijuana while operating a motor vehicle, if that's what needs to be. Then watch cops busting people left and right because they have a vendetta against this legalization. I can already hear the public outcry and see the threads exploding!

What I THINK will happen? It will be decided that there needs to be some sort of test before enough people (that matter) are willing to sign off on legalization.

 

[nlsme]

But there is no test for anything other than alcohol. Why does there NEED to be one for pot?

 

[lordofthereef]

Because it is a drug taken for recreational purposes that alters your mind.

 

[Bob Maxey]

I get what you are saying. But, you seem to be missing what I am saying. Keeping it illegal BECAUSE the cops can give a due at their discretion is absurd. IF you keep things illegal for that reason, NOTHING would be legal. Not driving, not even talking. Because a cop can give you charges at their discretion for almost anything.....

Wrong. No cop worth a darn will indiscriminately charge you with something like talking or driving. they would look like fools and have to answer for their nut-bar actions.

Cops can charge you for possession because it is illegal. I have a difficult time understanding the point you are trying to make, so perhaps it is me.

I just can't follow you, try again.

 

[Bob Maxey]

But there is no test for anything other than alcohol. Why does there NEED to be one for pot?

If pot stays in the system for a long time, as some here claim, then if you used it a week ago it is still in your system you could be charged for using it "appropriately" (Yes, I am also laughing hard, too).

There needs to be a test before it is legalized. I would fire anyone that tested positive and not hire those that can't pass the test in the first place. I do not want to give away my cash because some employee shows zero judgment, as would be the case, perhaps, if an employee did something I am liable for.

 

[lordofthereef]

Wrong. No cop worth a darn will indiscriminately charge you with something like talking or driving. they would look like fools and have to answer for their nut-bar actions.

Cops can charge you for possession because it is illegal. I have a difficult time understanding the point you are trying to make, so perhaps it is me.

I just can't follow you, try again.

I think the point here is a cop can make a statement (perhaps one he BELIEVES to be true) that is false. Without witnesses or evidence to the contrary, the cop's word will likely be taken over the defendant's.

Years ago I remeber my girlfriend's dad taking us to Disney Land got a ticket for reckless driving. Know what he did? he was going to change lanes on the highway, noticed the cop in his blindspot, and "swerved" back to his lane. I say "swerved" because it was a movement of less than a foot either way. The cop claimed had he not slammed his breaks (if he slammed them, his breaks suck because he didn't slow down except to get behind us after the fact) to avoid a collision. He probably could have contested it, but he would have had to contest it in a court about 100 miles away. It was cheaper for him not to miss a day of work...

I would love to think that cops don't act unjustly, but it would be a naive thought. They can, and some do (although not anything close to a majority) abuse their power.

 

[kool kat2]

I think the point here is a cop can make a statement (perhaps one he BELIEVES to be true) that is false. Without witnesses or evidence to the contrary, the cop's word will likely be taken over the defendant's.

Years ago I remeber my girlfriend's dad taking us to Disney Land got a ticket for reckless driving. Know what he did? he was going to change lanes on the highway, noticed the cop in his blindspot, and "swerved" back to his lane. I say "swerved" because it was a movement of less than a foot either way. The cop claimed had he not slammed his breaks (if he slammed them, his breaks suck because he didn't slow down except to get behind us after the fact) to avoid a collision. He probably could have contested it, but he would have had to contest it in a court about 100 miles away. It was cheaper for him not to miss a day of work...

I would love to think that cops don't act unjustly, but it would be a naive thought. They can, and some do (although not anything close to a majority) abuse their power.

That's why I freak out when I have a cop behind me, I never know what I'll do out of nervousness. That's how I got pulled over for going 28 in a 40 zone lol. Trying to be careful


O yea btw, marijuana should be legal (just to stay on topic )

 

[nlsme]

Wrong. No cop worth a darn will indiscriminately charge you with something like talking or driving. they would look like fools and have to answer for their nut-bar actions.

Cops can charge you for possession because it is illegal. I have a difficult time understanding the point you are trying to make, so perhaps it is me.

I just can't follow you, try again.

And no cop worth a darn will give you a dui for no reason.... Doesn't mean it won't happen. Just like a cop giving an assault charge, because he can, because he "said" you threatened him. I can't hold your hand, you want to keep up, read....

If pot stays in the system for a long time, as some here claim, then if you used it a week ago it is still in your system you could be charged for using it "appropriately" (Yes, I am also laughing hard, too).

There needs to be a test before it is legalized. I would fire anyone that tested positive and not hire those that can't pass the test in the first place. I do not want to give away my cash because some employee shows zero judgment, as would be the case, perhaps, if an employee did something I am liable for.

I actually smoke with one of my employees. He is a lot better than the drunk he replaced. There doesn't NEED to be a test. Is there a test to show how much zoma's someone has in their system? Adirol (sp?)? The other million or so mind altering drugs (other than alcohol)?

I think the point here is a cop can make a statement (perhaps one he BELIEVES to be true) that is false. Without witnesses or evidence to the contrary, the cop's word will likely be taken over the defendant's.

Years ago I remeber my girlfriend's dad taking us to Disney Land got a ticket for reckless driving. Know what he did? he was going to change lanes on the highway, noticed the cop in his blindspot, and "swerved" back to his lane. I say "swerved" because it was a movement of less than a foot either way. The cop claimed had he not slammed his breaks (if he slammed them, his breaks suck because he didn't slow down except to get behind us after the fact) to avoid a collision. He probably could have contested it, but he would have had to contest it in a court about 100 miles away. It was cheaper for him not to miss a day of work...

I would love to think that cops don't act unjustly, but it would be a naive thought. They can, and some do (although not anything close to a majority) abuse their power.

So, let's make driving on the freeway illegal!!!!!!! I mean hell, a cop can make a statement and all.

 

[Bob Maxey]

I actually smoke with one of my employees. He is a lot better than the drunk he replaced. There doesn't NEED to be a test. Is there a test to show how much zoma's someone has in their system? Adirol (sp?)? The other million or so mind altering drugs (other than alcohol)?

Sad that you would expose your company to potential legal action

And no cop worth a darn will give you a dui for no reason.... Doesn't mean it won't happen. Just like a cop giving an assault charge, because he can, because he "said" you threatened him. I can't hold your hand, you want to keep up, read....

Most people not under the influence will be ever be charged with a DUI. If you were/are charged, likely chance there is a reason.

 

[kool kat2]

Sad that you would expose your company to potential legal action

From what I've seen, its probably more common than we all think... Both in and out of the workplace.... As long as you know who you're with and there's no heavy machinery right?

 

[Bob Maxey]

From what I've seen, its probably more common than we all think... Both in and out of the workplace.... As long as you know who you're with and there's no heavy machinery right?

All I am saying is you should never put your employer into a bad position. And you also open yourself up to possible termination.

 

[kool kat2]

All I am saying is you should never put your employer into a bad position. And you also open yourself up to possible termination.

True which is why I save my bad habits for the home. I actually never understood how someone can trust their boss as a smoke buddy anyway.

 

[nlsme]

Sad that you would expose your company to potential legal action



Most people not under the influence will be ever be charged with a DUI. If you were/are charged, likely chance there is a reason.

Legal action for what?

So, why then do we NEED a test? Kinda my point there Bob. Try and keep up.

All I am saying is you should never put your employer into a bad position. And you also open yourself up to possible termination.

I judge my employees on what REALLY matters. Performance. Something the smoker beat the drunk on in EVERY category,

 

[kool kat2]

Legal action for what?

So, why then do we NEED a test? Kinda my point there Bob. Try and keep up.


I judge my employees on what REALLY matters. Performance. Something the smoker beat the drunk on in EVERY category,

Unfortunately other people are quick to judge based on personal habits. From what I've seen, the smoker is (usually) quite productive, hell in high school they were in flipping honors classes. I was clean as a whistle back then and barely managed to slide by. And if I ever wanna move to a decent paying job id have to be tested because what I personally do is more important than my work ethics and habits..... Hey can u hire me?? Haha



And as far as legal action, how would that go on? I don't know how it would work, but you would expose yourself to termination like bob said. Depending on where you work anyway.

 

[lordofthereef]

I judge my employees on what REALLY matters. Performance. Something the smoker beat the drunk on in EVERY category,

I am not sure I would want to walk in to a place where the customer service rep had just blazed up, his eyes are blooddshot, and he is having a tough time concentrating on what I am asking him. We keep comparing drunks here, yet we currently have a way to get the drunks the hell out, and tests can be required. I see someone with symptoms of recent marijuana use, all I can do is assume. I send this guy home, and low an behold it comes back on ME, as the manager, for unjustly sending the guy home since I had no proof he had been smoking.

I am still confused as to why developing a test would be a bad idea here. With a working test there would literally be no ifs, ands, or buts. You seem to be the only one against it here and I seriously can't understand why.

 

[lordofthereef]

what I personally do is more important than my work ethics and habits..... Hey can u hire me?? Haha

When what you personally do is a potential liability for the company you work for, you can bet that it matters, a LOT.

If/when MJ is legalized, these companies will almost certainly lighten up (AFAIK a company cannot decline you because you smoke(tobacco)/and or drink, technically speaking). Currently, it is an illegal substance and they have zero tolerance/interest in you either bringing an illegal substance to the workplace or being under the influence of said illegal substance.

 

[Bob Maxey]

Legal action for what?

So, why then do we NEED a test? Kinda my point there Bob. Try and keep up.


I judge my employees on what REALLY matters. Performance. Something the smoker beat the drunk on in EVERY category,

You mean I need to spell out what can happen to a company if impaired employees get into trouble?

 

[bbrosen]

With the Government pushing No Smoking it will now never allow marijuana to be legal, else it will blow their whole premise to hell and the lawsuit against the tobacco industry that was spearheaded by my state, Miss would have to be reveresed and billions refunded that was won against them. No way the gov will allow this now, should have pushed for this back in the 70;s. Too late now

 

[Frisco]

With the Government pushing No Smoking it will now never allow marijuana to be legal, else it will blow their whole premise to hell and the lawsuit against the tobacco industry that was spearheaded by my state, Miss would have to be reveresed and billions refunded that was won against them. No way the gov will allow this now, should have pushed for this back in the 70;s. Too late now

I have not read the text of the law suits, etc, but am wondering if the focus is on nicotine and tobacco additives, which do not exist in pot (although I've seen an article here and there about regular pot smokers developing respiratory problems, etc).

 

[Bob Maxey]

With the Government pushing No Smoking it will now never allow marijuana to be legal, else it will blow their whole premise to hell and the lawsuit against the tobacco industry that was spearheaded by my state, Miss would have to be reveresed and billions refunded that was won against them. No way the gov will allow this now, should have pushed for this back in the 70;s. Too late now

I tried to make that very point, BB. Seems lost on some here. Seems if the government is trying to stop smoking, the last thing they would do is legalize another thing that is smoked. Kinda like banning all guns because of the supposed health issues and then legalizing the use of guns.

 

[kool kat2]

When what you personally do is a potential liability for the company you work for, you can bet that it matters, a LOT.

If/when MJ is legalized, these companies will almost certainly lighten up (AFAIK a company cannot decline you because you smoke(tobacco)/and or drink, technically speaking). Currently, it is an illegal substance and they have zero tolerance/interest in you either bringing an illegal substance to the workplace or being under the influence of said illegal substance.

Sorry I think I strayed from the conversation a bit. I was talking in general not actually at work. I need to read the previous posts a little closer

 

[lordofthereef]

I tried to make that very point, BB. Seems lost on some here. Seems if the government is trying to stop smoking, the last thing they would do is legalize another thing that is smoked. Kinda like banning all guns because of the supposed health issues and then legalizing the use of guns.

I am not sure anyone disagrees, but this is a thread on why individuals think MJ should (or should not) be legalized, not whether the government will actually go through with it. My personal opinion? There will be regulations on what sorts of additives can be put into tobacco before it is banned altogether. I base this solely on what I think would be most logical and nothing more.