Another look at the Pot debate

[TxMusky]

Seems like the good is outweighing the bad on this issue. Of course the downsides will always throw shade on what the original intention really was.

Our country is facing a drug epidemic. Legalizing recreational marijuana will do nothing that Senator Booker expects. We heard many of these same promises in 2012 when Colorado legalized recreational marijuana.


In the years since, Colorado has seen an increase in marijuana related traffic deaths, poison control calls, and emergency room visits. The marijuana black market has increased in Colorado, not decreased. And, numerous Colorado marijuana regulators have been indicted for corruption.


In 2012, we were promised funds from marijuana taxes would benefit our communities, particularly schools. Dr. Harry Bull, the Superintendent of Cherry Creek Schools, one of the largest school districts in the state, said, "So far, the only thing that the legalization of marijuana has brought to our schools has been marijuana."


In fiscal year 2016, marijuana tax revenue resulted in $156,701,018. The total tax revenue for Colorado was $13,327,123,798, making marijuana only 1.18% of the state's total tax revenue. The cost of marijuana legalization in public awareness campaigns, law enforcement, healthcare treatment, addiction recovery, and preventative work is an unknown cost to date.


Senator Booker stated his reasons for legalizing marijuana is to reduce "marijuana arrests happening so much in our country, targeting certain communities - poor communities, minority communities." It's a noble cause to seek to reduce incarceration rates among these communities but legalizing marijuana has had the opposite effect.


According to the Colorado Department of Public Safety, arrests in Colorado of black and Latino youth for marijuana possession have increased 58% and 29% respectively after legalization. This means that Black and Latino youth are being arrested more for marijuana possession after it became legal.


Furthermore, a vast majority of Colorado's marijuana businesses are concentrated in neighborhoods of color. Leaders from these communities, many of whom initially voted to legalize recreational marijuana, often speak out about the negative impacts of these businesses.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opini...xSi8xeJGPb8ycU

The truth is something that few politicians will admit, but this news organization is not some loony right wing rag, they usually carry a liberal torch so it surprised me that this was allowed to be in their news.

[FredK]

One guy's opinion. Everyone has one.

[mgrist]

Fred it doesn't sound like opinions to me. it looks like somebody did their homework, either way we at least know what one of your problems are.

[wacojoe]

Same old conundrum: we believe in as much freedom as possible, yet recognize the dangers and attraction of mind-bending drugs, so should we impose the force of government to change behavior by lessening choices or not, and if so, by how much?

[Phillbo]

I don't understand. If it's legal, how are they arresting people for possession?

[FredK]

It was the same argument presented in AZ when the issue came up for a vote. Same tired hack on MJ and it's users. To be sure like everything else there are people that need it and use it and others that will abuse it.

So the facts about schools was the same thing except it failed to mention the school that didn't get any money never applied for it.

So do yourself a favor and pick up more info instead of cherry picking something that appeals to you.

[UTAH]

I support the legalization of marijuana. I'm currently taking opiates for pain and think marijuana may be a viable alternative. After watching Nevada roll out it's marijuana shops - I believe it can be done right. My state, Utah, is ready to legalize medical marijuana this fiscal year.

Hunter

[TxMusky]

The majority of the people being arrested is about the same as for alcohol, as far as the arrests go. Too much alcohol you can be arrested for public intoxication or PI as it is usually called. The same goes for operating a motor vehicle, driving under the influence of drugs is as bad or worse than alcohol. I also think that there are certain places where alcohol is not permitted to be, same goes for pot, and school should be the number one spot that both are outlawed.


I have nothing against pot use actually, in fact I have used the CBD oil for a very bad knee and leg and it works great. Wife has had 3 back surgeries and she used it and it worked for her as well. Now, just because it is "legal" does not mean that employers are obligated to stop drug tests or quit firing people for having a "hot" drug test. Insurance requirements for workers say that drug testing will still be done and any positive tests need to result in firing. I agree with that as well, to a point. If a person is using an actual doctor and gets an okay to use the CBD oil it should be fine. The oil has the THC that makes a person high, removed from the end product.



I drive a company vehicle, so mandatory drug testing is what I have to go through, and I also go into many wellsites for different oil producers and it is a requirement for working for them. Pros and cons and I see and understand why on both sides. If an employee that used pot a few days ago, but is stone cold sober at the time they have an accident and somebody is seriously hurt or killed, the lawyers for the insurance company will make sure they never pay the claim. How can one prove that one was not under the influence of the drug when it happened. Unlike alcohol there is no baseline, such as the set limit of .08 % in most places, so just having pot in your system makes you guilty. Although if I went out the night before and drank whiskey shots until 2am and then went home and got up at 6am and went to work, I would also be consider under the influence as well.


Fred,you need to chill dude. I presented this to have a general conversation and made my argument for both sides, take a pill.

[Phillbo]

Is there an age limit for pot possession like there is for alcohol? Is that why the arrest are up on a legal product?

"According to the Colorado Department of Public Safety, arrests in Colorado of black and Latino youth for marijuana possession have increased 58% and 29% respectively after legalization. "

[TxMusky]

I am not sure Bo, but I do believe it is the same as for alcohol and cigarettes.

[FredK]

I just pointed out this guy or others have used the same argument time and again and the info way out of date or false.

When you want to have a conversation then start something and not cherry pick something stupid.

Besides is medical marijuana legal in Texas? Thought it was only for a patient that is diagnosed with intractable epilepsy. Not sure how a knee fits that bill.

[TxMusky]

I used the oil, told my boss first just to make sure he knew so I didnt get popped for a test. Had a guy working for Shell out here that had a bad back and took one of his wife's muscle relaxers. He got a random test the next day at work and they fired him on the spot. Even though it was his wife's prescription and he took it on his days off, it was still in his system when he got tested. Since the prescription was not his, seeya.

[mgrist]

Yes Bo there is a minimum age and you can only buy it from an authorized dealer. If I sell you a bag of pot we both go to jail. You have to have a license to sell it and you can only buy it from as I said above an authorized dealer. I've heard it's cheaper to buy on the street, don't know if that is true but it is illegal. There are a lot of rules on where the dealer buys his stock and if the supplier has his tax stamps etc... There's enough verbiage in there to where they can do whatever they want if you piss them off.

[Wannabe]

I just check an advertisement for the oil and a single bottle was 60 something dollars. You would have to be hurting mighty bad to be willing to pay that much.

[TxMusky]

Yep wannabe, its not cheap, but it does work. It also does not take but a dab on your finger tip. Rub it in and wait a few mins. This is the one my wife and I used. I think a single little jar was 20 bucks.

https://naturesbestcbd.com/product/n...l-size-3-pack/