Not the hottest issue on my mind, but another instance when the Senator from Illinois was caught stretching the truth. This was in an LA Times blog today. Here’s the permalink and the post:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/02/oops-obama-was.html
Oops, Obama was for decriminalizing marijuana before he opposed it
Here’s that uncomfortable old video problem again for presidential candidates.
The Washington Times has unearthed a video of a debate in Barack Obama’s initial Illinois campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2004. The debate tape from Jan. 21, 2004, at Northwestern University shows Obama proclaiming the war on drugs an “utter failure.”
“We need to rethink and decriminalize our marijuana laws,” he said to scattered applause. “But I’m not somebody who believes in legalization of marijuana. What I do believe is that we need to rethink how we’re operating in the drug war. Currently, we’re not doing a good job.”
OK. Fine.
But then in a Democratic debate last fall, Tim Russert asked all the party’s candidates if anyone disagreed with Sen. Chris Dodd’s idea to decriminalize marijuana. Obama, standing center stage, was one of several candidates who raised their hand, albeit not very high.
An Obama spokesman told the newspaper the other day that the senator has “always” favored decriminalization as he said in the 2004 debate, meaning he mistakenly raised his hand as an opponent for the national TV audience.
A spokesman for the campaign of Hillary Clinton, Obama’s sole remaining Democratic opponent, said she opposes decriminalization.
89 responses so far ↓
Kristine B // August 16, 2008 at 12:31 pm
What i dont understand is why the American people are so blind by the “war on drugs”. The mayjority of crime is in relation to drugs. By decriminalizing weed it would bring more peace to the world, boost the economy and save ALOT of gang bangers from shooting each other up over a dime bag. I dont see why a working professonal who smokes weed but still is a college graduate with a decent job in society would be labeled a criminal for smoking something that grows form the earth and poses no general harm what so ever. Legalize it and see the endless possiblilities of world with hope and give everyone a little bit of a sence of humor, maybe then our world would look a little brighter.
GO GREEN!
Rake Morgan // August 19, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Kristine, poppy seeds grow from the earth, too. Does that make shooting up heroine OK?
I am not here to preach because I DID inhale and did some other things as well. But weed and many other things we like are addictive and harm us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
I was only suggesting that Obama make some effort to discourage drug use. He didn’t and it was a lost opportunity with a bunch of hs kids.
dennis francis // August 28, 2008 at 10:33 am
why is drugs so bad, i mean some hurt you, and others don’t but that’s the users decision to decide if they want to use the drug or not….
simmons // September 16, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Hi nice post about Obama flip-flops on legalizing marijuana…..
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ryan // September 20, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Marijuana is not an addictive drug because it has no additives in it. To Rake Morgan- heroin has other things in it as well not just opiets from poppy seeds. marijuana is an all natural substance that goes all the way back to our ancestors. Marijuana should be legal. just because its illegal doesn’t mean no one is going to do it.
Chris // September 29, 2008 at 3:40 am
One day, one sweet, sweet day, America will wake up to its hypocrisy concerning cannabis.
Jesse B. // October 1, 2008 at 2:00 pm
of corse weed is bad for u, but so many things we do are worse, cigarettes and alcohol are ten times more deadly, why arent they illegal?? there is something wrong with everything we do in this life,LEGALIZE IT, the crime rate would drop like crazy, so what if it makes you lazy, so does TV,lol,so what if its bad for your brain, so are the fumes at gas stations,the government want to make money and since they dont know how they could tax it, they have to bust people with it for money, (edited for profanity) our government, legalize weed and there will be more pros then cons!!!!!!!!
victor // October 1, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I love america, but the idea that i can get hammerd off my butt, pay a huge alcohol tax. keep uncel sam happy, but get thrown in jail for a joint
Caitlyn // October 15, 2008 at 12:35 am
I agree with the people saying to legalize marijuana. Alcohol is legal to those who are 21. Alcohol is a lot worse than smoking a joint. I think that going to jail for possesion of weed is crazy when someone can be beligerently drunk and they stay in a sober bin then are released when they have sobered up. Doesn’t that seem odd? As the words of KMK, “Alcohol takes lives but Pot no one die”. Have you ever heard of someone overdosing on marijuana? I know I haven’t.
smoke rocks // October 15, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Marijuana has both positive and negative effects but the positive can be worth it more than the negative. Marijuana is alot less harmful than tobacco or alc if you look it up you will find out what really goes on basicly getting high or drunk does the same thing it sorta tickles your receptors but thats all weed does alc on the other hand releases toxins which shuts down parts of the brain starting with the frontal lobe which controls our higher thought process without that you basicly have an animal brain a mammal brain to be specific but while your brain shuts down the toxins kill brain cells. weed does not kill brain cells but it does wear out receptors which is why you feel burnt out but after that wears off your back to being yourself. weed just has a bad reputation without that it would be close to legal by now but most people think the right thing is to listen to what everyone says around them and do what they do because they cant make desisions on their own they want everyone around them to make the desisions for them if you think about it i bet you all can think of a couple people like that if not tons… anyway i am going to vote for obama just because he seems like he wants to try new things im sick of the same old scum bags in politics i know the president cant change everything but he can help i guess
Crystal // October 20, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I really dont get why marijuana is illegal. It is beneficial to AIDS and cancer patients. I dont see “medical alcohol” anywhere. If people can drink and drive all they want and never get caught, then why is it different when people smoke weed? People are mellow when they are stoned. At least the people i know are. The world would be a better place if our good old maryjane was legal. People will be happy all the time. Plus, you CAN’T overdose marijuana. Aspirin is legal, but if you take 13 of those things it will “be your last headache”, as Katt Willams says. Marijuana is an herb of the Earth that is from our planet. “Its just a plant and if you just happen to set it on fire..there are some effects”, says Katt Williams on Katt Williams Live. I think people should stop being so damn conservative and live a little. Would you rather drink and drive or smoke and fly? I would choose to smoke and fly everyday, man. Every single day. There would be less crime and punishment for stupid reasons. Its so stupid to be punished and put in jail for having something that grows on this earth. In response to Rake Morgan, heroin is a different story honey. You can overdose on Heroin. You cant overdose on marijuana. So, i think everybody should have the right to smoke themselves retarded if they want to. So make like Peter Tosh and “Legalize it!!”
Wilson // October 26, 2008 at 10:45 pm
BlaBlaBlaBlab:
I lived in San Francisco in the 60’s. I had a chance to be in the groove ,of the pot culture, as well as the acid people. I have been waiting for the infamos flash back. “A free ride”, however I have spent my time as a home builder and could care less about the herb, Yes it’s an herb, and do you know poppy seeds have morphine still on them, you can go and buy a pound tomorrow, and I heard ‘they are the only drug not made illegal.
If the Democrates take controll, with out checks and balances, there should be no problem floting a a law legalizing pot. No questions, if not, there are some special favors being paid to our political, drug dealers.
That’s the deal.
Our hypocritical servants are in the dope business.
The war on drugs continues to fail, the money continues to be flushed down the shiter and the killings go on.
O Bama will be no different!
Let’s wait and see.
carlitos // October 27, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I think weed should b legalize its not addictive, unlike cigs,& alc and ppl r gunna keep doing
it even if they have to get arrested for it. The giverment should make make money off it taxing it not use our tax money trying to bust people that smoke it or sell it..
James // November 1, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I agree that marijuana should be legalized because of the fact that people who smoke marijuana have a less likely chance of hurting somebody than alchahol does.. atleast when somebody smokes alot of marijuana they still know what they are doing compared to somebody who drank alot of liquor and has no idea whats going on,.. blacks out and has no reoccouring memory of it.. somebody who smokes marijuana is also less likely to be violent still knowing whats going on when somebody who is drunk.. could care less about anything. these are my points. im not saying that marijuana has not done this to people.. but Im saying there is a less likely chance for something bad to happen to people who smoke marijuana than to people who drink alchahol
nick c. // November 5, 2008 at 6:06 pm
i agree with those of you that want to legalize marijuana. its a plant. it grows in the ground. can you name anyone that has died from smoking weed? honestly. its a lot better for you than going home and snorting coke at the end of a long day or shooting some heroine. i mean seriously. its better for you than cigarettes are. legalize it.
Ben K // November 5, 2008 at 9:37 pm
LEGALIZE! This is soo retarded. So many people I know smooke everyy day and nothing happens yet so many of my friends are big drinkers and quite often wreck their cars, start fights and what not. I personally hangout with so many different types of people all because we’ve sparked it up before. It brings tremendous amounts of people together and basically keeps the peace.
Logan // November 5, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I noticed people mentioning that weed is addictive, yeah, maybe if your a weak minded person. Once you do it does your body HAVE TO have more? No, its all in your head.
If anything should be illegal before marijuana it would be alcohol. It seemed to kill 4 of my family members now.
Kerry // November 10, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Decriminalization is the right thing to do.
As far as that one comment above that said poppy seeds grow out of the ground, does that make it right to shoot up heroine.. NO… Marijuana is not chemically altersed like heroine, it is natural. Marijuana is NOT addictive, there are NOT the same traits in a blunt as there are in a cigarette. People who say marijuana is addictive are ignorant. If someone gets “addicted” to weed then thats their own pshycological problem. They’re addicted to the IDEA of smoking weed.
And I utterly HATE the arguement that if we were to legalize marijuana then why not just legalize it all – BECAUSE THEY’RE NOT THE SAME… that’s like saying, “oh you can get advil at a store, why shouldn’t you be able to get vicoden… CUZ THEY’RE NOT THE SAME, they have different purposes. Have you ever heard of people smoking crack to fall asleep? or to get an appetite? or to calm their nerves before a test? HELL NO.
I mean look at Holland, the crime rate there is so miniscule it’s ridiculous that we are ever debating this problem. If weed should be iilegal then so should cigarettes and alcohol cuz we all know they kill way too many people
And the only times weed has been related to death were on two accounts where marijuana was the only thing in their body that’s not natural, but yet it did not kill them, it was only there.
Marijuana is not a gateway drug either, people who go to harder drugs from marijuana are struggling internally and they obviously have something in their life they are trying to avoid by staying effed up all the time.
I have been smoking marijuana for over 9 years now and I have never tried ANY other illegal drugs. I have no desire to, because Im not a dumb ass. I see what cocainek, crack, heroine, and meth can do to people. And anyone who can know those harms and still chooses to do it is retarded. Thats like getting kicked out of a bar for being too drunk and then proceed to drive yourself home. That’s a problem.
Weed never hurt nobody. And the govt. trying to supress its citizens by punishing people for what they do in the privacy of their own home is unconstitutional. Why not make it illegal for gay people to have sex in their own home?? Why not make it punishable by law to smoke tobacco in the presence of children, you’re damaging their health too.
If you are smoking grass in your own house, not endangering anyone or acting as a danger to society in ANY way… then don’t eff with it.
It’s just another way the man tries to hold us down.
Dean // November 11, 2008 at 6:47 am
Yea it needs to be legalized. If you start researching it you will see that our founding fathers smoked it. Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjiman Franklin all had hemp farms the constitution itself is written on hemp paper but yet somehow it’s illegal to smoke. Hell it’s even illegal to grow the plant for the other thousands of things it’s good for. Marijuana needs to be legalized. Our founding fathers would be disappointed in us.
shanaynay // November 14, 2008 at 2:22 pm
duuuuuuuuuuuuudee! weed is amazing!!
it needs to be legalized because i get high like planes! weed is daaaaa shhhiittt!
TOKE ON MY FELLOW POTHEADS TOKE ON!
PEACE.
dueces i’m out.
david // November 15, 2008 at 3:08 pm
marijuana like many other natural substances can be good and can be bad. it all depends on the purpose intended or persued while getting high. for example, marijuana its a great inspirational source, spiritual acelerator and peace mediator; but it can be bad when used (ignorantly) as an anti-depresant. that can be harmful in your emotional being, because it presents you with your reality and you will end up hooked and ever more depresed. i think that it is a personal desicion wether to use it or not. and that personal decion should be based on values and moral, not in peer presure or mass media as it only represents the down-presion of the propaganda control aparatus. peace be on high. blessings. ps. helps you educate yourself in philosophy.
Amanda n Brooke // November 22, 2008 at 6:00 am
People against weed have no defense anymore…It will be legal soon! All yall gotta do is sit here and wait! Our day will come! Until then Keep Blazin! And Love Life!
Im for it // November 28, 2008 at 2:38 am
Seriously, if there was any one time that I have seen more reasons why people should not smoke herb it’s because of the posts here.
When you are arguing a case, especially in writing, learn to spell correctly, be correct in your argument and do not say things like DUUUUDE.
Devon // December 1, 2008 at 4:05 am
I agree with “Im for it” about how moronic some of these posts are….if you don’t want people to argue that it makes you dumber, use some correct grammar and spelling.
I think that it does need to be legalized for various reasons. It would get alot of virtually innocent people out of jail, it would make an easy way for the “man”, as some of you would like to put it, to get more tax money, and it would calm alot of people down.
To the arguements that it’s untaxable and that’s the only reason it’s still illegal: just make it illegal to grow, not distribute. People would still grow it, it hasn’t stopped them yet, so you would still be able to get better quality if you knew people, but the people who didn’t know anyone with a connection would just go buy government grade weed from the gas station. It’s a win/win situation between the potheads and the government. :]
my reason // December 16, 2008 at 1:47 pm
I agree with legalizing marijuana because; Scientist have found that it can help reduce joint pains for arthritis patients, not one case of lung cancer has been reported due to marijuana smoke, marijuana has been known to help patients suffering from anorexia.I also beleive that individuals deserve the right to make choices for themselves. The government only has a right to limit those choices if the individual’s actions endanger someone else. If the canadian goverment can collect about 2 billion dollars from legalizing marijuana, i think the U.S could do the same, and maybe by doing this we can start to tackle the economic crisis that we have today.
Not only do i think everything on earth was made for a reason, i beleive that cannabis research should increase as there are manny differnt types of marijuana plants that if studied correctly might have an impact on new medicine.
I had a huge hang over last weekend, then i smoked a bowl and the dizzines and the headaches went away. Need i say more? there is no way that this drug could be more harmfull than tobacco or alcohol.
“god made weed, man made beer. In god we trust” =)
Shamus Murdok // December 31, 2008 at 2:10 am
I cannot believe how ignorant people are in this country. Marajuana should be legal. Every one knows it, Why deny it. Of course it will harm you physically, Honestly if you can name one thing that does not harm you physically you should be proud because I cant.
Working out: Some sort of strain on certain joints and muscles
Going to school: can harm you both mentally and physically.
Reading a book: Can harm your eyes when you finish reading and have to focus far away or at something bright.
Eating a salad: Can always have the chance of having some sort of disease as well as the lack of protein needed.
Any thing and every thing you think of will harm you. Dont you think it is my choice if I choose what I want to do knowing what it will do to harm me? Thats almost like throwing people in jail because you don’t approve of they choice of outfit. You don’t approve of they’re recreational choice or medication choice so you throw them in jail, Get real.
If you legalized marijuana you could fix all our economic troubles.
And with that poppy seeds come from the earth so techniqually heroine is from the earth theory. Hey if you can pick up a poppy seed and some how inject your self with it using nothing but a lighter and your pipe or needle then that should be your choice.
Heroine has to be made from the seeds, marijuana can be smoked instantly, No chems added.
And honestly if you knew all of the effects of heroine and what happens when you are coming down from heroine as well as if you are of legal age, shouldn’t that be your choice?
smarter // January 1, 2009 at 4:55 am
To the person who said “marijuana is addictive,” please stop spreadling lies. I smoked almost everyday for 4 straight years(13 total). I had to quit recently to pass a lame drug test, and have been clean for over a month. Not once have i “needed” to smoke. Sure, ill sometimes think to myself “man, i wish i was loaded.” but never did i “have” to smoke. Cigarettes, on the other hand, are a completely different story. LMAO at our idiotic government. and LMAO at marijuana is harmful spiritually, get a clue please…thanks
buy grow lights // January 3, 2009 at 5:26 am
that is what worries me about him, he will say whatever is needed to get votes, money and so on. This is the one thing I hope he sticks to his guns on.
Keep the actual PEOPLE on your side and you can be president forever for all I care BUT stop listening to big business because once they don’t need you POOF.
Rygar // January 4, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Should cops waste their time giving tickets for j-walking? It’s like a $10 fine and it’s a victimless crime, so cops don’t waste their time. At least, they don’t where I’m from. In some states the penalty is a $500 fine. So guess what? Cops are out looking for j-walkers. Not domestic abuse, not drunk drivers, but j-walkers. It’s all about the money people. Can you imagine if possession of marijuana was a $10 fine? Cops wouldn’t waste their time on such a petty crime. Then maybe the cops in my town could concentrate on the high level of unsolved violent crimes. Wouldn’t that be a better use of their time? Aren’t cops supposed to protect and serve? How is locking up stoners protecting or serving us?
I agree that marijuana should be legalized and decriminalized, but I would gladly settle for a reduced penalty, at least for now. This HAS to happen. Am I wrong? Somebody argue the fact that cops should spend more time locking up stoners than locking up violent criminals.
patric // January 11, 2009 at 11:35 pm
1) you don’t get addicted to pot, you can quit whenever you like
2) the only reason it is considered a gateway drug is because kids are growing up being brainwashed that all drugs are bad and therefore after they try marijuana and realize its not so bad then they think maybe the other drugs are not as bad either
3) everyone admits that marijuana does less damage to you and to others as tobacco and alcohol
4) marijuana enhances your movie watching and music listening as well as your food tasting : ) thus its possible that to go along with the money made from taxing marijuana, the extra money put into those three categories could help to boost the economy.
5) definitely helps cure insomnia
mickmck707 // January 20, 2009 at 5:39 pm
all you people are brain dead, from smoking to much weed. I was in lawenforcement for 25yrs. I delt with kids and adults using weed. the majority of them are dropouts, go on to hard drugs, acid,coke,crackcocaine. marijauna is a “hallucinogenic drug”.We have enough problems now without legalizing a drug!!!!
IPityTheMisinformedMasses // January 22, 2009 at 1:57 am
mickmck707 said: “marijauna is a “hallucinogenic drug””
You’re kidding me right?
Just from reading that, I can tell that you have no clue what you’re talking about. I also doubt that you were ever in law enforcement, but that’s neither here nor there.
I’ve been a pot smoker for 9 years now, and yes smoking does hurt you physically (lungs), but that’s it. If you drink it in a tea, eat it in brownies, or ingest it as a bud (ew), there are NO harmful side effects (unless you ingest it as a bud, then you may choke on a stem).
If people drop out of school from smoking pot (nobody can prove this is even happening), they probably would have dropped out anyway. I, for one, DIDN’T drop out of school, and am working to get money for college currently.
As with any “drug” marijuana and alcohol are LEAST dangerous when smart and responsible people use them. It’s the same with guns too.
I’ve also never tried any “harder” drugs, and I don’t want to, because I’m not misinformed like a large percentage of the country, because I do my RESEARCH like you SHOULD.
Not only that, but if the government legalized and taxed marijuana, it would help the economy by making money off of marijuana, AND by reducing money spent on the “War On Drugs”. It would also put a dent in gang-bangers sales profits by removing one of their cash cows, and who doesn’t want less gang-bangers on the streets?
Then there’s the medical standpoint, I don’t really need to go into much detail here at all, as it should speak for itself at this point.
Good day.
Nathan // January 22, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Unlike any other drug and some things that are sold legally
such as alchol and ciggeretts they have addicted millions throughout the states.But they frown upon legalizing marijuana which isnt addictive, it grows out of the earth and it’s smoked or whatever you wanna do with it but it’s not messed with at all like all of the other drugs out on the streets. It should definetly be legalized
nate // January 22, 2009 at 5:02 pm
God…er Obama! Please legalize weed. I recently was perscribed medical marijuana for a very serious condition but I can’t even use it without going through a ton of stress and getting a huge guilt trip about it from my wife and entended family because they have been brainwashed to think weed is bad. They can’t tell me why it is bad, they only know that it is bad… Really? You think I shuld roll around on the floor suffering in pain because weed is bad and you don’t know why? The best answer I can get from them is “Nathan, marijuana is illegal.” IT’S NOT ILLEGAL IDOIOT! IT WAS PERSCRIBED TO ME BY A DOCTOR! It is so confusing to me. My family is deeply rooted in the church… so… weed is the same as killing someone but… apparently I can take any pill under the sun and that’s fine. My parents basically suggested being completely out of my mind and off the rocker on pills would be acceptable, but not weed. If you have a brain at all compare those two. Pills: nausea, headache, cramps, constipation, insomnia, coma, heart problems, liver problems, death…… Marijuana: appetite increase, drowsiness, maybe a little lung problem from the smoke, but certainly not near as bad as a career cigarette smoker. People amaze me at how stupid they can be… By the way, the reason I perfer weed over pills besides the obvious is, I had a friend overdose after years of batteling addiction to certain pills. I have never heard of anyone overdosing on weed…
nate // January 22, 2009 at 5:04 pm
I was also a police officer for 5 years. I don’t consider myself a career drug addict, but I totally support legalizing or at least decriminalizing marijuana. If you see a drop out or criminal who smokes pot… It’s not the pot
nate // January 22, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Chances are they were destined to be worthless from birth. Cops only see the criminals who do drugs because they are the bottom of the barrell with or without drugs. Cops never see the doctors or lawyers using marijuana in the privacy of their own home because they are generally responsible people who with or without drugs will continue being responsible members of society.
Adrian // February 8, 2009 at 3:16 am
Apparently everyone is for the legalization of marijuana. You know the only reason the herb was made illegal was because blacks used to smoke it to have fun like what we do no a days, but whites wouldn’t allow it so they decided to make it illegal. I didn’t mean to make that statement sound racist or anything im just saying. But if you tried to argue with the government and ask them why is it illegal they’ll just say because its a drug. But how is it a drug when alcohol and cigarettes do a ton more damage. For instance my uncle drank himself to death. Studies have shown it took a mouse 4 pounds of the herb all at once to over dose and predicted it would take a human being a good 25+ pounds to possibly (not a 100%) to maybe od on it if consumed all at once. But who would try to smoke 25+ pounds of it at once? If they dont legalize the herb within the next 5-10 years then i have lost all faith in the U.S.
jimmy j // February 10, 2009 at 3:42 am
weed is only a gateway drug because the government lies about it, then kids assume that other drugs are ok too…
oh yah “Rake Morgan
Kristine, poppy seeds grow from the earth, too. Does that make shooting up heroine OK? ”
no but i think eating poppy seeds are ok…
Jamie // February 18, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Decriminalization doesn’t make sense because it still is nearly impossible to obtain marijuana legally . If its illegal to sell or manufacture it where would all the marijuana come from. Decriminalization is just a disguise don’t be fooled by this bureaucracy.
Jamie // February 18, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Legalization is the only way!
caveman // February 19, 2009 at 11:34 am
well i think it so be legal because it would help our gov. out so much you can make paper out of it which would mean less trees getting cut down because it only takes 6 months to grow a plant to make paper out of and it takes 50 to 100 years to have a tree you can also make fule out of it so it would be one more then helping us get away from ferigen oil
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DaltonG // February 27, 2009 at 12:33 am
I don’t understand what’s wrong with marijuana, I’ve been smoking for four years, it’s a great stress reliever, sleep aid, and a lot of other things that you can only describe if your stoned. But If the people want it we should be able to have it. A crime is a crime if there is a victim, and with no victim there should be no reason for a harmless plant to be hated and illegalized. I want a free country. I wish there was somthing we could do to actually get our ganj. Oh well, lets just hope that great day actually comes and the date 4-20 will go extinct and the new one will be set. and damnit obama if you read this i would like to smoke a doob with you. And if it’s legal then you wont have to feel guilty or be impeached.
and then we could discuss some creative plans to fix the economy.
thank you,
a fifteen year old kid
who loves his herb
James // February 28, 2009 at 6:04 pm
im not gonna repeat what everyone on this site had already said i just want to point out how absolutley retarded this post is
on January 20, 2009 at 5:39 pm mickmck707
all you people are brain dead, from smoking to much weed. I was in lawenforcement for 25yrs. I delt with kids and adults using weed. the majority of them are dropouts, go on to hard drugs, acid,coke,crackcocaine. marijauna is a “hallucinogenic drug”.We have enough problems now without legalizing a drug!!!!
really we all know whats up this guy cant get out of the box that the gov. put his weak minded ass in.
dude, wake up, light up, then ease up
Adam // March 3, 2009 at 1:58 pm
look i honestly bellive that it should be legal to inhale. ive done studies on my own that show absolutley no long-term or harmful effects from the drug it does nothing. it grows from the earth if it wasnt meant to be smoked then why is it here. to make smoking legal it would free up alot of jail cells for people who actually belong there like murderes and kidnappers and soforth. plus alot of lives would be saved because of the drug wars with gangs. if inhaling was legall gang-bangers would not have to shoot each other over it. also if hospitals are giving it out right now for medical reasons why not make it legal to every one why is it legal for some but not all thats pointless. i do know some very nice people who are high powered in there jobs who inhale and they are not what kids would call a burn outs or a doper. being stupid from inhaling is a mind set. i think it should be legal to inhale think of how much better the world would be if people could inhale. it makes almost everything alot better plus our economy wouldnt be so bad trust me legalize it see how many good changes come from it .
go green =)
Adam // March 3, 2009 at 2:08 pm
also another thing is the reason they dont want to make inhaling legal is because the goverment cant tax it because people can grow it but also becasue other medicine companies will loose money. such as medicine companies like advil or comapnies who make sleeping pills and all sorts of knock off medecins. but if they all sold marijuana but gave it diffrent brands and diffrent levels of highs then medical compineis wouldnt have to worry about loosing money they should make inhaling legal. but you should make the law with bounderies like it shouldnt be alowed to have over a pound if the goverment did that then they would still be able to make money and it would still free up some jail cells once again i see nothing wrong with it legalize it.
Go Green =)
the post above this is mine too
Franco // March 10, 2009 at 7:19 am
Legalizing weed is a mistake. If we do then we owe an apology to the tobaco industry. We have tried to kill tobaco by making it practically impossible to smoke in public, taxed the hell out of it, campained relentlessly to show all the health risks, we have crippled the tobaco agriculture and we blame everything on it from cancer to stinky feet. NOW WE WANT TO LEGALIZE another smoke and another drug? There is no way we can say taking smoke into the lungs and inhaling is healthy and creating a generation addicted to some other thing the government allowed.
TAXES – taxing the sales of weed will only hurt lower incomes. We need more jobs not more taxes
ECONOMY -some say it will improve econonmy and deficit by taxing. we don’t need more taxes, we need more jobs. Like I said taxing mari effects the poor the more, just like those taxes on cigs do. The poor will be using limited income to ensure they have their stash and more people will get hooked once it becomes legal.
It may help short term but so would legalizing meth and prostitution, but I don’t want that world. Many things that are fun and enjoyable are not always right or healthy long term.
FARMING – Farmers now are allowed to kill animals that raid their crops, what would farmers do to stop humans raiding their fields
FOOD – If farming the weed becomes this huge cash crop as some predict – what would happen to food prices or food supply since farmers would be growing this huge cash crop? Food would either become in short supply or the prices would have to go up to ensure farmers still find it worth while to produce. The only choice would be gov control like they had with tobaco. So like many have said and predicted with Obama we get more gov and creep closer and closer to a world where the gov does everthing for you – we have no reason to excel once the gov takes care of you – which sounds like a nation of pot heads.
ATTITUDE – it is a weak human that feels they need to get high to have fun and enjoy life – the same with alcohol – weak and undisciplined
PRODUCTION – I know everyone comes out with examples of people that smoked weed in college and great members of society that smoke as they are producers, but we all know the unmotivated lazy bums that do nothing except smoke weed all day. I personally know people that flunked out of school because in their own words “all I wanted to do was get high all day”. If we put our personal wants and needs aside and stop being selfish little kids, we know the truth. I have smoked it myself and I don’t want it to be made popular by our government or that attitude that surrounds the tokers. People that smoke overall are not as productive. If you had a choice for a pot head performing an operation that had just recently smoked operate on you or a health nut surgeon that puts keeps his body as a clean temple and both were equally skilled, who would you pick. We need to buckle down as a nation right now, not toke up.
HYPOCRIT – we want to crucify athletes that take steroids to improve performance. we want to say its dangerous to the youth and dangerous to all. We treat athletes as dishonest cheaters that use steroids, blood doping, etc, but we want to make legal a drug to get high.
SECOND HAND SMOKE – cigarettes have become evil for second hand smoke. Some want laws against parents smoking around their own children, what about second hand weed smoke.
Aaron // March 16, 2009 at 12:57 pm
“Kristine, poppy seeds grow from the earth, too. Does that make shooting up heroine OK?
I am not here to preach because I DID inhale and did some other things as well. But weed and many other things we like are addictive and harm us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
I was only suggesting that Obama make some effort to discourage drug use. He didn’t and it was a lost opportunity with a bunch of hs kids.”
I gotta comment on this one. You do not smoke poppy seeds in their original form, like you do marijuana. That makes heroin a man made creation. Unlike heroin, marijuana is smoked in its original form:the bud of a flower.No mixing with chemicals, no chemistry involved.Talk about a green future.
johny // March 29, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Franco, youve got to be the biggest idiot ive ever seen. Who are you to tell people what to do? Its not your choice to decide if people want to smoke pot or not. Just because youre another brain-washed moron who cant see beyond what people tell you, it doesnt mean you have to try and impede on other peoples rights. First off…. Farmers shooting people who steal pot??? Are you joking me, You either have quite an imagination or are just totally braindead. or wait, lets get more jobs and take LEGAL drugs that im sure you approve of like xanax, ambien that are addictive or anti-depressants like paxil that cause you to commit suicide. They dont want pot legal because it is a MONEY KILLER. thats all.
Do you have any idea what people pay for prescription drugs these days? Why would the government want to tax you 5$ on a joint when they can charge WHATEVER they want for prescription meds? Legalizing pot would help the economy…. but it wont help the medical industries. Thier getting what they want, Pot will NEVER be legal in the USA till a good portion of our congress and president get replaced. Why do you think Obama suddenly said OH SHIT umm i think ima change my mind ya all.. SORRY GUYS! I wouldnt bother blaming Obama, He is afterall just a puppet. Its the Medical industries and congress that need to be re-worked totally.
chris // March 31, 2009 at 6:27 pm
i say something about weed.it has not killed NO ONE!You got worst drugs then that .let me tell you this i use to do crack,meth,and weed.how many people die on crack or methor alchole or cigs.weed makes you chilled out you dont want to do any thing wrong when you are on it .you also get the munchies .does crack or meth make you hungery ,no it makes you stay up for days and you dont eat on it .i dont loose no sleep when i was on weed.so i really dont see the reason why it is illegal.it would bring alote of people at peace and happiness .it would bring the crime rate down in alote of people.so all i got to so is VOTE YES FOR GREEN!!!!
Cooker // April 1, 2009 at 10:57 am
I like Comedian Daniel Tosh’s take on legalizing marajuana. We should legalize it so the pot heads don’t have anything to talk or bitch about ever again.
The pot heads should grow up and do coke like an adult!
someone // April 4, 2009 at 2:56 am
how many lawsuits do you think will happen from everyone who has an attorney “stoned” in court on their behalf? a “high” doctor who smokes marijuana alot then has to perform surgery? if marijuana becomes legal, and every one become high, stoned, dazed, and tired with heavy eye lids and red eyes, then who will be the sober proffessionals in business? I would not want a stoned real estate broker to conduct a very complex and important sales contract for my home, where 1 sentence in the fine print can change the whole agreement. how many people do you think will smoke then drive, or claim “they didnt feel high” or ” they smoked hours ago” so felt it was safe to go out and drive on the free way. car accidents are already a leading cause of death in America, then add the possiblilty of “high” drivers? marijuana is a psychoactive drug. It will send mixed signals to kids.
A 2007 study by the Canadian government found cannabis smoke contained more toxic substances than tobacco smoke.The study determined that marijuana smoke contained 20 times more ammonia, and five times more hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides than tobacco smoke. some researchers still conclude that marijuana smoke poses a higher risk of lung cancer than tobacco. Studies have also shown links between heavy long-term use (over five joints daily over several years) and incidence of heart attacks, strokes, as well as abnormalities in the amygdala and hippocampus regions of the brain.
The most common short-term physical and neurological effects include increased heart rate, impairment of psychomotor coordination, concentration, and short-term memory.While many drugs clearly fall into the category of either stimulant, depressant, hallucinogen, or antipsychotic, cannabis, containing both THC and CBD, exhibits a mix of all properties, leaning towards hallucinogen properties due to THC being the primary constituent. Smoking of cannabis is the most harmful method of consumption, since the inhalation of smoke from organic materials such as cannabis, tobacco, wood and gasoline can cause various health problems. With a large amount of reports of respiratory symptoms.
I think before marijuana ever becomes legal “for tax revenue for california, and the government” the legalization of hemp will come first (which has 0% THC) for manufactured goods to generate more tax revenue, and then the decrimilization of small possesions of marijuana, and have anyone with possesions of small amounts be geving a $150 fine, instead of going to jail and convicted of a drug felony possesion.
bill // April 4, 2009 at 3:26 am
The last thing we need is yet another mind-altering substance to be legalized.
jennifer // April 5, 2009 at 4:46 am
parents, do you really want your children to legally smoke marijuana when they turn 21? There are many harmful effects, along with positive effects.
I know I would never want my children to smoke and cause harm to them selves, and become addicted and want to be less active.
Mr. Anonymous // April 8, 2009 at 7:11 pm
People in here are being ridiculous. Marijuana, for one, is not an addictive substance. I did it once, and I feel no need to do it again. People who are high are less likely to go out and wreck a car, or start a fight with fatal results. Yet, all this is possible and worse. I see newspaper articles nearly DAILY about teenagers who get drunk at their little parties, go out, and wrap Daddie’s convertable around a tree. When do you ever see an article about someone who did this stuff while under the effects of cannabis? Alchohol is a poison, marijuana is an herb. An herb, people. Just like rosemary, or thyme. Sure, people may do it too often, but that is by their own decision. To all you religious nuts out there, if God put marijuana on this earth, why NOT utilize it??
WC // April 13, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Ok, I will give you a reason not to legalize. As everyone says it is a gateway drug. You use it and it leads to other drugs when used by people with addictive personalities.
Well, it could also be a gateway to other drugs to be legalized. Lawyers use cases that were won in order to win other cases. In this case it was naturally grown so it was legalized. What if something else that could kill people is legalized because the law overrides ethical matters?
On another note, if the drug dealers aren’t making as much when it goes mainstream, they will most likely begin selling more potent substances to our youth.
So if you legalize it, people are going to bypass drug dealers and be taxed. Drug dealers are going to sell coke, heroin and meth instead. More and more drugs that are claimed to be natural will be made legal.
Agree or disagree, I just wanted to point out the not so obvious.
kodee // April 16, 2009 at 3:51 pm
legalize mariguana!!!!!!!!!!!!! now!!! stop this argueing
kodee // April 16, 2009 at 3:53 pm
okay so this is so dumb! why don’t we just legalize marijuana! well how many people have really died from it… you might have thought that person was dead but in 20 min is going to wake up and eat everything in you house! just do it! its good for you !
xEPICmoneySHOTx // April 16, 2009 at 3:53 pm
legalize it!!!!!! bitches
xAbAgOfBaBySx // April 16, 2009 at 3:55 pm
lol i know the name is tight
SOMEONE // April 16, 2009 at 5:06 pm
marijuana is ILLEGAL!
KEEP IT ILLEGAL!!!!!!
virginia // April 16, 2009 at 5:07 pm
marijuana effects the negro brain to go crazed and have sex with white women!!!!
nate // April 17, 2009 at 3:37 pm
what i dont understand is: if the president and others in office are supposed to put what the country wants ahead of what even they want, then why dont they just throw the pot topic somewhere on a ballad and let the country vote? then when they see that most of the country wants pot legalized they can change the law.
Vee // April 19, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Its called freedom. Anyone remember what that is? I know its been awhile. Bottom line, smoking weed has no victim thus is not a crime.
Amanda // April 20, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Everyone smokes weed anyways It might as well be legal. There might be room in some of these jail for our real criminals.
mistasirr // April 21, 2009 at 12:41 am
just to point out one thing to the “parents” here, they are not your kids at age 21. they stopped being YOUR KID at age 18. I think i speak for everyone here when i say the common man is a fool, and i’m tried of arguing with peoples emotions and lies. free the green leaf.
james // April 21, 2009 at 2:24 am
sure legalize weed!!!!! then there will be no more responsibility in life…..no proffessionals that will be sober, and every one will be lazy, tired, high, laughing with red eyes.
i think we need to INCREASE the war on drugs. we need to put our tax $$$$ to better use and increase the number of federal agents and police to keep it illegal!!!!
keep the green leaf behind bars!!!!
jennifer // April 21, 2009 at 2:27 am
mistasirr is gay!! did they stop being ur kids at 18? or r u confusing the age 18 with the state law. ur not an adult untill 21 according to federal law. if the law said ur an adul at 17
u would say they stopped being ur kid at 17. id like to throw u out of my house on ur 18 bd.
if they stop being ur kids at 18, why do sooo many parents save soo much for their college education whn they “stoppeed being ur kids at 18″
Monsta // April 24, 2009 at 2:03 pm
To the narrowly minded james and others who feel that investing more tax money into an already failing war on drugs policy, which Obama claims to be “an utter failure”, is a good idea. Continuing this illegalized way certainly would NOT be more beneficial to our country than if we were to make a change in the other direction. Legalization would free up costs on taxpayers of housing, feeding, and providing for these hundreds of thousands marijuana offenders which are currently behind bars, billions of dollars in revenue would be derived from taxing the marijuana and make reporting requirements for those wishing to produce or manufacture it with hefty fines, not jail time, for those who fail to cooperate. It would create much needed jobs and also eliminate funds we are currently pouring into this failing war on drugs. Basically, as long as there is a demand… there will always be a supply, no matter how strict the penalties, someone will provide, this is simply why the war on drugs cant ever be won. As far as health, studies show its no more harmful than alcohol or even tobacco. As for a gateway drug, MANY people myself included who either occasionaly or often use marijuana have never even experimented with other drugs. And as for that it promotes laziness and counterproductivity. I have smoked throughout my college career and will be graduating in May as Magna Cum Late with a degree in Business. Futhermore, all lab experiments conducted show no developed addiction or dependence on the drug after use. Since legalization would be a big step, its likely that decriminalization will be seen first. For example, jaywalking has costly fines in some areas with cops often on the lookout for violators in attempts to make more money. Same with marijuana (which a 1st time charge of simple possesion fines ranging from $1,000-1,500 after attorney, probation fees and court costs), if it were only a $15 ticket for possesion, cops would not persue it therefore letting them focus on real criminals (rapist, murderers, theifs), because really who are we fooling, its all about the money, always has and always will.
BangingBytch // April 24, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Everyone Who Doesnt Want Weed To Be Legal…… Screw You! Im About TO Smoke A Blunt Watch Tv And Maybe Eat… Thats What I Do! I Wish It Was 420 Everyday! I Hope That Soon They Will Legalize This Shit! Everyone In This Favor To Do So Call 973-409-3274 They Need 1 million Votes So They Can Take It To Obama And Congress…. Maybe Then We Can All Smoke!
someone // April 25, 2009 at 1:32 am
I hope thy keep weed illegal. it causes harm, and smells real bad. i hope everyone who wants to legalise it smokes, and goes to jail and gets a felony drug possesion crime, and has a hard time getting a job the rest of their lives and stay on probation.
cigarettes already cause alot of health problems, its annoying to smell smoke on someone, and marijuana will make alot of dumb people already dumber. we need to keep kids drug free, and businesses and professionals drug free.
i hope marijuana remains a shceudule 1 drug with the federal government. it has NO medical value. go to a doctor and get real medication. marijuana should ONLY be prescribed to omeone who has a very terminal illness and a their last option.
if i see anyone smoking weed. im calling the police.
someone // May 8, 2009 at 1:19 pm
intoxication is not good for anyone period!
kids who get a D’s in school or less are 4 times more likley to smoke marijuana than “A” students
keep marijuana illegal!
someone // May 8, 2009 at 1:26 pm
stay above the influence!
nate // May 9, 2009 at 5:39 pm
why are people so ignorant? it’s not a big deal, just legalize it and go on with your lives, if you wanna smoke do, and if you don’t…don’t. its a freaking plant. people give Christians so much shit for the stupid things they do like judging people and being hypocrites, and the people who complain about that are the tyrants against marijuana.. it takes a little brain power to follow what i said, but it makes sense i promise. so remember, at the end of the day, it’s a plant and your ill informed if you think it has an effect more than a slight head change. when i smoke i feel relaxed and a little floaty, i
nate // May 9, 2009 at 5:40 pm
why are people so ignorant? it’s not a big deal, just legalize it and go on with your lives, if you wanna smoke do, and if you don’t…don’t. its a freaking plant. people give Christians so much shit for the stupid things they do like judging people and being hypocrites, and the people who complain about that are the tyrants against marijuana.. it takes a little brain power to follow what i said, but it makes sense i promise. so remember, at the end of the day, it’s a plant and your ill informed if you think it has an effect more than a slight head change. when i smoke i feel relaxed and a little floaty, it doesn’t make people go commit crimes or get so fucked up they are a danger to themselves. read some facts, geez!
someone // May 10, 2009 at 3:19 am
nate not a big deal? ur right! intoxicating ur self, causing red viens in ur eyes, heavy eye lids, lung damage, short term memory loss and a loss of coordination and motor skills is nothing!
i hopeu get high as f*ck 1 day, till u couchlocked starring stupid in an extreme body stoned stuck frozen, and then an emergency happens, a moment where any normal sober person can react to 2 save their life, or the life of another person, where its actually required to react fast witout any mind altering drugs to slow u down and u get seriuosly hurt and become a stiff paralized person and an arm and leg amputee,
but if u were sober, u could have reacted fast enough, but teh 20% THC is not big deal its just a plant, u can explain that to kids when ur wheeled down the hospital hall on life supprt, its just a plant…
oh any my friends r exactly tthe same when they r high! ya right they turn in to mindless zombies!
nate // May 10, 2009 at 3:08 pm
really? you want bad things to happen to me because i use marijuana? that doesn’t sound like a nice thing to say. and there are no red eyes or anything like that anymore. i use a vaporizer and i look and feel just fine… then i get in my car, drive to work, and start my day with a nice little buzz
someone // May 10, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I hope they drug test all employees and fire u because of a positive drug test.
sober proffessionals work better.
driving and working for a company while under the influence is illegal and not responsible.
do u go to church high?
nate // May 11, 2009 at 3:27 pm
as a matter of fact yes, sometimes. i don’t think of myself as some druggie who sits around all day and smokes pot and eats doritos. i used to be a cop but i almost got my back broke fighting with some bastatard who wanted to rob a 7/11 . since then i can only do work with limited movement and i am in hella bad pain almost constantly. by the way, its medical marijuana so its not illegal for me. i honestly don’t know why the people who oppose marijuana do so with such a vengence. the last person wishes i get fired, the person before that hopes i die. maybe you all need to try some marijuana and maybe you’ll lessen the vile crap spewing from your mouth. what do the opposers think marijuana does to people? do they think its like heroin, when you shoot up your out for hours? they would have to think something horrible like that to pursue their hate for the plant so fervently. at the end of the day, if you’ve ever taken any narcotic; vallum, xanex, ativan, or anything like that, its about the same as the “out of control” effects of marijuana. you have a little head change but you can manage your daily activities just fine. you are perfectly aware of your surroundings and function with little to no hinderence at all. if you’re going to say you know people who cant do anything when they smoke or it does terrible things to people, chances are those people are the rejects of society anyway, they just happen to smoke pot. they probably use meth too and drive around looking for peoples wheels to steal. i was a cop remember. by the way, if im a former police officer and i get so much crap, then what if your pastor broke his back or something similar to my case and his doctors recommended he try medical marijuana? would you agree with that? or would you start launching stones your pastors way also?
Chalmes Pridgen // May 25, 2009 at 11:43 pm
look guys if you really want to look at the facts for one i will start with my self i started smoking when i was nine i know thats bad well not really i quit and started again at 12 and quit again then started at 14 and quit yet again would you say im addicted ah naw see im now 17 and had to quit cause i got arrested i have a horrible family life and weed is what has helped me cope when i was eight my favorite uncle died i smoked for a while and quit when i was over it it was my choice no one elses when i was twelve my grandma died the first day of school i was devastated and started not going to school but i didn’t smoke then i started smoking after i started going back later that year then i quit and started smoking AFTER i had already dropped out of school at 15 and i wasnt even smoking then so what was that about kids that smoke are most likely to drop out oh yeah and the friend i smoked my first jay with is in collegic highschool and his brother is graduating this year and i’ve had my ged for almost a year now and im enrolled in a four year college going for my masters degree in accounting oh yeah and i still have a iq of 142 so suck it and Legalize the green good stuff that makes you feel good and the antidepressant that doesnt mess with your organs LEGALIZE WEED OBAMA for every one that agrees give me a hell yea
someone // May 26, 2009 at 3:13 am
keep marijauan illegal!!
it is an intoxicant. causes respitory problems. res eyes, slows down motor coordination and physical coordination, slows down reaction time, gives u a stupidfying and couchlock high and u laugh at everything. u do not act the same when u r high. it is a dangerous mind altering drug, and alot of serious crimes have been commited while under the influence of marijuana.
nate // May 26, 2009 at 10:13 pm
i’m speechless. if you people are still insisting that marijuana is so harmful even when doctors can’t say that there are any longterm effects then you are just dumb. also, if the smoker doesn’t mind the occasional red eyes and munchies, then why do you care so much. your relatives are probably the people who killed innocent women during the witch trials too aren’t they. this is also a witch hunt with no witch. give up, let it be.
casey // June 11, 2009 at 9:38 pm
lets legalize it. most of the comments ive read say that crime will drop and i agree strongly with that. its a fact that more people have died that are into dominatrix than people that use weed. be smart america let us get high as a kite just the same as you let us get drunker than hell
chris // July 30, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Every one here is sounding like a hippie with all the same stuff to say. No one cares about how ciggarets n beer affect you. Thats not going to change any bodys mind, there here and they make money off them. you can’t argue pro”s n cons with the goverment. people are asking to much at once. Instead of legalizing it, we need to get to geather in some sort of way, in a marijuana nation. And stop being so lazy do something to decriminilize it, show the world we are not just a bunch of irresponsible hippies and that marijuana can be used to benifit america. one day we will be able to walk down the street freely smokeing a joint but not in our life time. “Sorry but its the truth.
82nate // August 10, 2009 at 6:46 pm
If nothing else, the U.S. is blowing tons upon tons upon tons of money to fight the war on drugs. Why would anyone think its a good idea to keep fighting it? Even if we’re talking about black tar heroin, it’s still not worth it to waste all that money for something you can’t prevent anyway.
Glenda // October 14, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I support legalizing cannabis. Even if it’s only for medicinal use. I live in a state and have a medicinal license because of my primary biliary cirrhosis (an auto immune disease).
Because of my disease, I can’t take any medications that filter through my liver or take the chance of it doing more harm to my liver and the medication I use LEGALLY in CO helps with the body/joint pain and my sleeping. I’m always tired and because of the pain, unable to sleep.
I did NOT use cannabis before I was diagnosis but realize it’s my saving grace.
Ashley // October 15, 2009 at 8:48 am
Murajuana Is Just A Plant With Special Affects
When U Happen to Light IT UP.
Nothin More NOTHIN LESS
LEGALIZE IT
Juanita // October 15, 2009 at 9:15 am
Marajuana is good for people with eye problems
brainprogramming // November 7, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Since the source of all illments is the brain and marijuana is good for your brain cause it relaxes it, one can state that marijuana is good for all illments..