Medical Marijuana Ballot Question

[Sandtrap328]

This amendment got defeated four years ago and is back on the ballot.

I am definitely in favor of making medical marijuana available for those in chronic pain. I am not talking about those types we have seen on Judge Judy who are saying they have a marijuana card and smoke all the time.

I am talking of seniors and others that we all know who are in chronic pain from cancer or other debilitating disease.

Sure, there will be some misuse but the overall good outweighs the few bad apples.

[karostay]

Abuse won't be any greater than the Florida pill mills

[Carl in Tampa]

The Florida Legislature has already made medical marijuana legal. Statutes & Constitution:View Statutes: Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0381/Sections/0381.986.html)

Amendment 2 is simply an unnecessary attempt to embed it into the Constitution to make it more difficult to modify the law if a need is seen later.

I voted NO.

[graciegirl]

The Florida Legislature has already made medical marijuana legal. Statutes & Constitution:View Statutes: Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0381/Sections/0381.986.html)

Amendment 2 is simply an unnecessary attempt to embed it into the Constitution to make it more difficult to modify the law if a need is seen later.

I voted NO.

As usual. I am in complete agreement with your post.

[wendyquat]

No, no and no!

[jane032657]

In Washington State, marijuana is legal and there are shops everywhere. They advertise a 10% senior discount, so your AARP card really is accepted everywhere!

[Sandtrap328]

In Washington State, marijuana is legal and there are shops everywhere. They advertise a 10% senior discount, so your AARP card really is accepted everywhere!

Sounds forward thinking and not regressive.

[Northwoods]

I don't get it.... if the Florida Legislature has already make it legal, what is the point of amendment?

[manaboutown]

Smoking marijuana can cause the heartbeat to increase from 20 to 50 beats per minute for up to three hours, loss of short term memory and IQ and adversely affects one's body in many ways. THC affects one's judgment and remains in the body for up to 28 days. I suppose if I were dying of cancer and had only a short time to live but wanted relief from pain I might use it...but otherwise no way.

[Barefoot]

This amendment got defeated four years ago and is back on the ballot.
I am definitely in favor of making medical marijuana available for those in chronic pain. I am talking of seniors and others that we all know who are in chronic pain from cancer or other debilitating disease.
Sure, there will be some misuse but the overall good outweighs the few bad apples.
:agree:

[rubicon]

This issue is being pushed in the name of altruism and a medical miracle both of which are misleading but positioned to gain an emotional response from voters. The main goal for getting this passed is to make way for the legalization of recreational marijuana. We have serious national drug problem now and all that goes with it.
Like other illnesses there certainly are many other options available. However those who seek profits from marijuana mislead by shining a light on this one option.

Too many voters are not doing their due diligence and we should have all learned the consequences when the Speaker stated "we have to pass it to know what's in it." Well I know what's in this ballot and its a path way to legal recreational use I will never lend my support and the last 8 years have demonstrated that our governments are corrupt to the core

[RickeyD]

The doom and gloom experts have been proven wrong regarding the passage of legalization for recreational marijuana in Washington and Colorado 2 years ago.

Here’s how legal pot changed Colorado and Washington - The Washington Post (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/wonk/wp/2016/10/13/heres-how-legal-pot-changed-colorado-and-washington/?client=safari)

[ColdNoMore]

While I do neither, I can tell you that personally I would much rather be around someone who smokes pot...than consumes alcohol.

Almost all of the pot smokers I've seen tend to sit around giggling and looking for something to eat, while a large % of those who I see get drunk become belligerent...and it is also a leading cause of domestic violence.

I think all too many people of our age still actually believe that crazy and pure fiction documentary....'Reefer Madness.' :ohdear:


While this link is obviously pro-marijuana, it's points are still valid.

7 facts that prove alcohol is way more dangerous than marijuana - Salon.com (http://www.salon.com/2015/07/08/7_facts_that_prove_alcohol_is_way_more_dangerous_t han_marijuana/)


1. Many people die from alcohol use. Nobody dies from marijuana use. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 37,000 annual U.S. deaths are attributed to alcohol use alone (this figure does not include accidental deaths). On the other hand, the CDC does not even have a category for deaths caused by the use of marijuana.

2. People die from alcohol overdoses. There has never been a fatal marijuana overdose. The official publication of the Scientific Research Society, American Scientist, reported that alcohol is one of the most toxic drugs and using just 10 times what one would use to get the desired effect could lead to death. Marijuana is one of – if not the – least toxic drugs, requiring thousands of times the dose one would use to get the desired effect to lead to death. This “thousands of times” is actually theoretical, since there has never been a case of an individual dying from a marijuana overdose. Meanwhile, according to the CDC, hundreds of alcohol overdose deaths occur in the United States each year.

3. The health-related costs associated with alcohol use far exceed those for marijuana use. Health-related costs for alcohol consumers are eight times greater than those for marijuana consumers, according to an assessment recently published in the British Columbia Mental Health and Addictions Journal. More specifically, the annual health-related cost of alcohol consumption is $165 per user, compared to just $20 per user for marijuana. This should not come as a surprise given the vast amount of research that shows alcohol poses far more – and more significant – health problems than marijuana.

4. Alcohol use damages the brain. Marijuana use does not. Despite the myths we’ve heard throughout our lives about marijuana killing brain cells, it turns out that a growing number of studies seem to indicate that marijuana actually has neuroprotective properties. This means that it works to protect brain cells from harm. For example, one recent study found that teens who used marijuana as well as alcohol suffered significantly less damage to the white matter in their brains. Of course, what is beyond question is that alcohol damages brain cells.

5. Alcohol use is linked to cancer. Marijuana use is not. Alcohol use is associated with a wide variety of cancers, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, lungs, pancreas, liver, and prostate. Marijuana use has not been conclusively associated with any form of cancer. In fact, one study recently contradicted the long-time government claim that marijuana use is associated with head and neck cancers. It found that marijuana use actually reduced the likelihood of head and neck cancers. If you are concerned about marijuana being associated with lung cancer, you may be interested in the results of the largest case-controlled study ever conducted to investigate the respiratory effects of marijuana smoking and cigarette smoking. Released in 2006, the study, conducted by Dr. Donald Tashkin at the University of California at Los Angeles, found that marijuana smoking was not associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Surprisingly, the researchers found that people who smoked marijuana actually had lower incidences of cancer compared to non-users of the drug.

6. Alcohol is more addictive than marijuana. Addiction researchers have consistently reported that marijuana is far less addictive than alcohol based on a number of factors. In particular, alcohol use can result in significant and potentially fatal physical withdrawal, whereas marijuana has not been found to produce any symptoms of physical withdrawal. Those who use alcohol are also much more likely to develop dependence and build tolerance.

7. Alcohol use increases the risk of injury to the consumer. Marijuana use does not. Many people who have consumed alcohol, or know others who have consumed alcohol, would not be surprised to hear that it greatly increases the risk of serious injury. Research published in 2011 in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that 36% of hospitalized assaults and 21% of all injuries are attributable to alcohol use by the injured person. Meanwhile, the American Journal of Emergency Medicine reported that lifetime use of marijuana is rarely associated with emergency room visits. According to the British Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, this is because: “Cannabis differs from alcohol … in one major respect. It does not seem to increase risk-taking behavior. This means that cannabis rarely contributes to violence either to others or to oneself, whereas alcohol use is a major factor in deliberate self-harm, domestic accidents and violence.” Interestingly enough, some research has even shown that marijuana use has been associated with a decreased risk of injury.


IMHO, this country would be better off overall making alcohol illegal...and marijuana legal. :shrug:

Flame suit on for the inevitable attacks...by those who love to drink. :D

[ColdNoMore]

This issue is being pushed in the name of altruism and a medical miracle both of which are misleading but positioned to gain an emotional response from voters. The main goal for getting this passed is to make way for the legalization of recreational marijuana. We have serious national drug problem now and all that goes with it.

We have a much larger national problem with alcohol than we do with marijuana (I'm not talking about the more serious drugs such as meth/cocaine/ecstasy/heroin/etc), so are you advocating that we make alcohol illegal again?

If so, I personally wouldn't have a problem with that...and it looks like we agree on at least one thing. :thumbup:


Like other illnesses there certainly are many other options available. However those who seek profits from marijuana mislead by shining a light on this one option.

Too many voters are not doing their due diligence and we should have all learned the consequences when the Speaker stated "we have to pass it to know what's in it." Well I know what's in this ballot and its a path way to legal recreational use.
And so what if recreational use does occur?

I agree that 'true due diligence,' an examination of the facts and not just knee-jerk emotional responses...are what is really needed.

I'm not too confident however, that will ever occur...since all too many have their bias' set in stone. :shrug:


I will never lend my support and the last 8 years have demonstrated that our governments are corrupt to the core
So you really believe that it's only been in "the last 8 years, that our government(s) (sic) have become corrupt to the core?" :oops:

[bbbbbb]

Well here we go. Meds are Meds and that is well established. If the weed is for Med only and strictly controlled, OK.

However if the Weed is recreational then it fits in with the Recreational booze, call it what you want.
We lived on the West Coast. Weed is actually ruining a small town we lived in. Weed is prevalent, the cops are smoking it, the City councilmen smoke it. There are four dispensaries in town, it is rampant, the high School kids are smoking it on lunch break, we saw this, this is not hearsay. Already they are having major car wrecks in parking lots and slow speed zones, it is causing Chaos. We were in a program where we advised and tutored High School Students on how to get into college and how to find financial aid. It is a great program. Aspire is the name. We had boys and girls who were into the program and when they started the weed use,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, THEY DROPPED OUT.

Here in this lovely place, Recreational booze is already a problem, the drinking and driving is very popular, how does someone sit on a bar stool for two hours putting them down the hatch and then do they walk home? No, I do not think so, how many seniors do you see walking around long distances after the happy hours are over?
We have friends who just came here to find a home. This is their second trip. Now they are now thinking they will go elsewhere due to the EXCESSIVE DRINKING AND THE GOOFY DRIVERS. Do we need WEED to add to that misery?

[leftyf]

I do support marijuana in the pill form, but not the smoking form. I would never even consider a "Medicine" that you smoke.

[bbbbbb]

Hi in Washington and Oregon, the Medical weed got started as a door opener. Prescription only.

Well the program went on, anyone could get it because any legal user could and did give it to friends and non friends, just set up their own dispensary so to speak. We do know a person, a great guy, who actually jumped through the hoops to get authorized as a medical "grower and shipper". He made a lot of money, he also ruined his health, battered his wife and children and lost his other gardening related business. He is now in jail for battery and illegally selling the stuff. I know his father well. His father just revised his will and trust to exclude and disown him. Weed really impacted his life for sure, we saw it first hand folks, not hearsay. He loved to smoke it.

So it grew and grew into the monster it is today, outrageous.

bbbbbb

[dewilson58]

Well, um, ah.......crap, forgot what I was going to say.

:crap2:

[Sandtrap328]

I do support marijuana in the pill form, but not the smoking form. I would never even consider a "Medicine" that you smoke.

I do not believe that medical marujuana is smoked. I have only heard of it in pill form or possibly in precise doses in some foods - but not leaf form for rolling and smoking.

[Henryk]

The Florida Legislature has already made medical marijuana legal. Statutes & Constitution:View Statutes: Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0381/Sections/0381.986.html)

Amendment 2 is simply an unnecessary attempt to embed it into the Constitution to make it more difficult to modify the law if a need is seen later.

I voted NO.

Agreed. Legislate if you must, but NO to CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

[Stdole]

Most comments have been said.... why do we need another abuser (which will happen even one more) cross that center line in a vehicle
and now becomes our problem... both our own hurts and now we have to rehab the violators of which the court will order for sure.

ABSOULUTELY NO!

[graciegirl]

This medical marijuana stuff is such a hoax. Those Morgans from the Law Firm were all salivating over something last time it was on the ballot and I doubt very much that it was getting some medical marijuana for John Morgan's brother. Forgive me if I am skeptical. Any 15 year old could tell you how to get marijuana. I just think the medical marijuana stores are like a whole lot more bars, enabling folks to get all glassy eyed and high. And make a lot of people a LOT of money, legally. Not against making money, but not crazy about causing more folks to get so they don't want to work today.

I say call a spade a spade.

I hope that isn't politically incorrect.

[RickeyD]

This medical marijuana stuff is such a hoax. Those Morgans from the Law Firm were all salivating over something last time it was on the ballot and I doubt very much that it was getting some medical marijuana for John Morgan's brother. Forgive me if I am skeptical. Any 15 year old could tell you how to get marijuana. I just think the medical marijuana stores are like a whole lot more bars, enabling folks to get all glassy eyed and high. And make a lot of people a LOT of money, legally. Not against making money, but not crazy about causing more folks to get so they don't want to work today.



I say call a spade a spade.



I hope that isn't politically incorrect.



http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161014/74976533075eab07762264d11cb43512.png

[manaboutown]

This issue is being pushed in the name of altruism and a medical miracle both of which are misleading but positioned to gain an emotional response from voters. The main goal for getting this passed is to make way for the legalization of recreational marijuana. We have serious national drug problem now and all that goes with it.
Like other illnesses there certainly are many other options available. However those who seek profits from marijuana mislead by shining a light on this one option.

Too many voters are not doing their due diligence and we should have all learned the consequences when the Speaker stated "we have to pass it to know what's in it." Well I know what's in this ballot and its a path way to legal recreational use I will never lend my support and the last 8 years have demonstrated that our governments are corrupt to the core

:agree:

Its all about the huge amounts of money to be made.

[graciegirl]

:agree:

Its all about the huge amounts of money to be made.

Amen!

[daveczo]

I agree 100%. Also to so many returning vets who are having pain mental and physical. So much better than Doctors pushing pills they are getting paid to push.

[daveczo]

Disagree respectfully. I think you legalize it completely and tax it. Yes, any 15 and many 65 year olds can tell you where you can score pot. So legalize and tax.

[blyarbrough]

There is a reason it's not legal.....I voted NO 4 years ago and will vote NO today. If Morgan and Morgan is for it, as they are, then you should be aganist it.

[ColdNoMore]

There is a reason it's not legal.....<snip

So, in your opinion...what is the reason?

In addition, what is the reason that alcohol is legal...and marijuana isn't?

And, why are pain pills legal (with a prescription)...but pot isn't?

[Polar Bear]

So, in your opinion...what is the reason?

In addition, what is the reason that alcohol is legal...and marijuana isn't?

And, why are pain pills legal (with a prescription)...but pot isn't?

Reasonable questions IMHO.

[Barefoot]

Hi in Washington and Oregon, the Medical weed got started as a door opener. So it grew and grew into the monster it is today, outrageous.

The doom and gloom experts have been proven wrong regarding the passage of legalization for recreational marijuana in Washington and Colorado 2 years ago.

:shrug:

I think you legalize it completely and tax it. Yes, any 15 and many 65 year olds can tell you where you can score pot. So legalize and tax.

It makes perfect sense to prohibit underage teenagers from buying pot, controlling where people buy it and taxing it.
Let's be real, people are buying pot now. Why should drug lords make all the money?

[graciegirl]

The last time this issue was discussed on this forum, someone put up a poll and more than half wanted it legalized. A great many people use marijuana on this forum. That was a surprise to me. I leave stuff like that alone, addictive personalities cloud my gene pool.

[Allegiance]

The last time this issue was discussed on this forum, someone put up a poll and more than half wanted it legalized. A great many people use marijuana on this forum. That was a surprise to me. I leave stuff like that alone, addictive personalities cloud my gene pool.
It's those young wippersnaper villagers that are on totv, most do not want legal weed.

[rubicon]

what has been the result as respects kids with alcohol which is both regulated and taxed?

what has been the result, as respect kids with cigarettes that have been regulated and taxed?

It will take some time once marijuana is legalized before the ill effects to the community are actually known. In quiet Des Moines in the 1980's no one knew they had a drug epidemic until kids started showing up in the emergency rooms and then it was too late.

The human experience has shown people rationalize and if marijuana is legal than it must be OK and since the only reason smoking it is to get high than getting high is OK and there are other ways to get high

[Barefoot]

The last time this issue was discussed on this forum, someone put up a poll and more than half wanted it legalized. A great many people use marijuana on this forum.
Gracie, with due respect, a vote to legalize pot doesn't mean the voter uses pot. :ohdear:
I don't use it, but I feel pot needs to be legalized.
I feel it needs to be sold in a controlled environment and taxed, not sold on street corners by drug gangs to children.

[ColdNoMore]

The last time this issue was discussed on this forum, someone put up a poll and more than half wanted it legalized. A great many people use marijuana on this forum. That was a surprise to me. I leave stuff like that alone, addictive personalities cloud my gene pool.

Do you believe alcohol should be legal?

If you do (and I'm betting that you do), then by your reasoning...you must drink.

[ColdNoMore]

Gracie, with due respect, a vote to legalize pot doesn't mean the voter uses pot. :ohdear:

Exactly. :ohdear:



I don't use it, but I feel pot needs to be legalized.

I feel it needs to be sold in a controlled environment and taxed, not sold on street corners by drug gangs to children.

:agree:

[buckscounty]

No way will I vote for that.

[graciegirl]

Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining.

[graciegirl]

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/medical-marijuana-107216/?highlight=marijuana

Now here is the other poll on this forum about recreational pot.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/recreational-marijuana-107224/?highlight=marijuana

[Barefoot]

... if you imbibe or toke, please don't drive and run into anyone I love.

I share your hope that people who drink or toke do so responsibly, and aren't getting behind the wheel!

[rubicon]

This debate is not about the legalization of medical marijuana. If that were the truth of it then there would be no debate. Clearly the intent, the hidden agenda of the Amendment is in question. Big Pharma works on new discoveries 24/7 some of their products are miracles others have caused irreparable damage . Unfortunately even after FDA approval the consequences are often not found until years later on such legally prescribed drugs.

So one wonders if the hype pertaining to medical marijuana is just that and being applied by those eager to cash in on a new crop called legal recreational marijuana?

One wonders if Big Pharma has an equivalent drug equal to the alleged benefits of medical marijuana?

I wonder what is the real difference between an illegal drug dealer and a legal drug dealer?

One wonders exactly who would become the legalized king of recreational marijuana? Perhaps the senator of your state? perhaps Big Pharma? Perhaps Mexican Cartels ?

One wonders how many politicians salivate on the thought of the taxes recreational marijuana will bring?

One wonder if these same politicians give thought or care as to the adverse effects it has on people and their families?

I wonder how many responsible parents tell their kids that its OK to smoke dope?

I wonder about a society that obsesses about the legalization of marijuana but ignores the evidence of what a hedonistic society we are becoming?

I wonder about political/community leaders and/or celebrities who promote such destructive practices?

I wonder how many people complain about tobacco users but believe marijuana is just fine?

Call me a doom and gloom kind of guy but history is replete with examples of the human experience method of rationalization that goes from the sublime to the ridiculous. Socialize it normalize it and soon no one notices...

[bbbbbb]

Hi, we all have nice packaged theories about the WEED!

I have seen it, no I do not and have not used it.

On the West Coast, they have it, real legal and real accessible in Oregon and Washington.

We used to advise and Tutor School age children on the benefits of going to college, how to prepare to get an advance education, how to find financial aid to go to College. Believe me, there is an abundance of money available to get aid and go to college, the child needs to want it,,,,,,,,,,,,, the parent needs to want it.
In the small town where we lived, we personally found children who were good students, then they started on the WEED. Then we see them behind the furniture store, behind the market, smoking and sharing the smoke with very young about 10 year old boys and girls. WE have seen this folks, we have seen them drop out of the College Prep Program after they start smoking. How about this? What if it was your child?
Young Tommy was an A student, was going to be a Scientist, was a real achiever in sports, in academics, did a lot of volunteer work in the community garden. Well, Tommy started smoking, on our last visit, he had smoke on is breath and I asked him about it,,,,, Well he said all of us get together and share a joint while on lunch break, soon after he dropped out of school, was arrested for shoplifting, was in jail, was transferred to some boys program by the State. Hey, do all the theorizing you want, Marijuana may be OK for the people in pain, but it goes a long way to ruining a lot of young people. We saw it. We do know first hand.

bbbbbb :spoken:

[ColdNoMore]

This debate is not about the legalization of medical marijuana. If that were the truth of it then there would be no debate. Clearly the intent, the hidden agenda of the Amendment is in question. Big Pharma works on new discoveries 24/7 some of their products are miracles others have caused irreparable damage . Unfortunately even after FDA approval the consequences are often not found until years later on such legally prescribed drugs.

So one wonders if the hype pertaining to medical marijuana is just that and being applied by those eager to cash in on a new crop called legal recreational marijuana?

One wonders if Big Pharma has an equivalent drug equal to the alleged benefits of medical marijuana?

I wonder what is the real difference between an illegal drug dealer and a legal drug dealer?

One wonders exactly who would become the legalized king of recreational marijuana? Perhaps the senator of your state? perhaps Big Pharma? Perhaps Mexican Cartels ?

One wonders how many politicians salivate on the thought of the taxes recreational marijuana will bring?

One wonder if these same politicians give thought or care as to the adverse effects it has on people and their families?

I wonder how many responsible parents tell their kids that its OK to smoke dope?

I wonder about a society that obsesses about the legalization of marijuana but ignores the evidence of what a hedonistic society we are becoming?

I wonder about political/community leaders and/or celebrities who promote such destructive practices?

I wonder how many people complain about tobacco users but believe marijuana is just fine?

Call me a doom and gloom kind of guy but history is replete with examples of the human experience method of rationalization that goes from the sublime to the ridiculous. Socialize it normalize it and soon no one notices...

I wonder why so many that have no problem with alcohol being legal...are so emotionally against marijuana?

It's too bad that a number of posts are now gone, because there was actually some great insight from some of them...on that same exact question.

For me personally, I couldn't care less if alcohol prohibition were reinstated or pot was kept illegal since I do neither, but I DO think it is a huge hypocrisy to have one legal...and the other not.

In fact, Big Pharma is one of the most outspoken against legalization because it is a product that can be grown by anyone and they can't control it. The same goes for the alcohol industry.


Who's Really Fighting Legal Marijuana? Big Tobacco, Big Pharma and Big Booze | Op Ed | US News (http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2014/12/08/pot-legalization-opponents-aim-to-protect-their-bottom-line)


On TV and billboards, the fight against legalizing marijuana is about health, safe communities and our children’s future. But for Big Pharma and Big Tobacco – who fund these anti-marijuana efforts – it’s really about the bottom line. For years, large corporations and well-heeled lobbyists have blocked the legalization of marijuana for medical use or recreational use in order to protect their own profits....

The crusaders against weed constitute a long list of suspiciously self-interested folks. Lobbyists work hard to secure for police departments millions of dollars in federal grants towards eradicating weed. Pharmaceutical companies compensate leading anti-marijuana researchers in order to keep their customers on painkillers over cannabis, which is cheaper. The prison-industrial complex would like to keep making money on building more prisons to fill with non-violent grass-smokers.

Just follow the money and you'll see the real reasons so much money is spent trying to scare the electorate...about marijuana legalization. :shrug:

Since alcohol is a huge part of The Villages, "the slide into a hedonistic society"can be seen right here...and started long ago. :ohdear:

[ColdNoMore]

Hi, we all have nice packaged theories about the WEED!

I have seen it, no I do not and have not used it.

On the West Coast, they have it, real legal and real accessible in Oregon and Washington.

We used to advise and Tutor School age children on the benefits of going to college, how to prepare to get an advance education, how to find financial aid to go to College. Believe me, there is an abundance of money available to get aid and go to college, the child needs to want it,,,,,,,,,,,,, the parent needs to want it.
In the small town where we lived, we personally found children who were good students, then they started on the WEED. Then we see them behind the furniture store, behind the market, smoking and sharing the smoke with very young about 10 year old boys and girls. WE have seen this folks, we have seen them drop out of the College Prep Program after they start smoking. How about this? What if it was your child?
Young Tommy was an A student, was going to be a Scientist, was a real achiever in sports, in academics, did a lot of volunteer work in the community garden. Well, Tommy started smoking, on our last visit, he had smoke on is breath and I asked him about it,,,,, Well he said all of us get together and share a joint while on lunch break, soon after he dropped out of school, was arrested for shoplifting, was in jail, was transferred to some boys program by the State. Hey, do all the theorizing you want, Marijuana may be OK for the people in pain, but it goes a long way to ruining a lot of young people. We saw it. We do know first hand.

bbbbbb :spoken:


I think we can all come up with anecdotal stories about kids using/abusing alcohol...and the same thing happening to them. :oops:

One of the benefits that I see of legalization, is that it can now be more tightly controlled and more effort spent ensuring that kids don't start using it.

Raising taxes on cigarettes has shown to be an effective way to stop kids from smoking...because they now can't afford it.

Quite frankly, I personally believe that we should be doing the same on beer & alcohol (I'm sure there will be some wailing over that :D).


https://www.acscan.org/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Tobacco%20Tax%20Increases%20General%20Fact%20Sheet .pdf

Regular, significant increases in the retail price
of cigarettes reduce the number of people who begin
smoking
and increase the number of smokers who quit.

• For every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes, there is a 4 percent reduction in overall cigarette consumption 13 and a 6.5 percent reduction in youth consumption.

• Low-income adults, youth, and pregnant women are especially likely to quit or reduce their smoking
when the price increases.

• Lower smoking rates translate into fewer smoking-related cancers and premature deaths, reduced
spending on smoking-related health problems, and mo
re productive workers.


So control it, tax the you-know-what out of it...and take it out of the alley's. :shrug:

[Chi-Town]

I gather there are many instances where medical marijuana alleviates symptoms and provides relief to those suffering. So why not help those people ? It is regulated like a prescription drug.

[graciegirl]

Do you believe alcohol should be legal?

If you do (and I'm betting that you do), then by your reasoning...you must drink.

I wish that people could enjoy life and meet life without drugs of any kind. If I could make a "genie" wish, one wish, is that illegal drugs could not, would not be available to anyone and that prescription medication would not be abused. I think that altering anyone's state of mind chemically diminishes their control over their anger and their sexual feelings and their good judgment.

Yet many, many, many of my friends drink and they never go outside any lines of good conduct. If you are looking to see if I am a person who belongs to a very conservative church, I am not. When our daughter had cancer, I began overdrinking. I stopped. She is here, Thank God, and I am here, Thank God. We are all formed by our own life experiences.

[graciegirl]

I gather there are many instances where medical marijuana alleviates symptoms and provides relief to those suffering. So why not help those people ? It is regulated like a prescription drug.

Not "many" and the adds used of children suffering seizures, are meant to engender sympathy, where in truth those children could not be helped in any way by marijuana.

Again, another campaign where we are polarized. If allowing the government to take over solar energy, although we are in fact suffering from greenhouse gases, was an answer I would support it. The truth is that people will continue to use machines all over the world, and machines allow them to make money which puts a roof over their head and food on their table. Altruistic people are beautiful and loveable and good and sometimes poorly directed.

[justjim]

Vote Yes. It's the right thing to do in my opinion. There is a sundown clause in what the Florida legislature passed---I believe.

[graciegirl]

Vote Yes. It's the right thing to do in my opinion. There is a sundown clause in what the Florida legislature passed---I believe.

I think, if Pot was legalized, it would free up our Law Enforcement Officers to go after real criminals. Again, we are having to choose between two not great solutions in our life.

Before the mods get me. I will vote in the Presidential Election, but I don't think either one is worth a damn.

[Greg Nelson]

Taxes on booze never go up. The tax on 'legal' pot in Washington is 48%!

[rubicon]

I wonder why so many that have no problem with alcohol being legal...are so emotionally against marijuana?

It's too bad that a number of posts are now gone, because there was actually some great insight from some of them...on that same exact question.

For me personally, I couldn't care less if alcohol prohibition were reinstated or pot was kept illegal since I do neither, but I DO think it is a huge hypocrisy to have one legal...and the other not.

In fact, Big Pharma is one of the most outspoken against legalization because it is a product that can be grown by anyone and they can't control it. The same goes for the alcohol industry.


Who's Really Fighting Legal Marijuana? Big Tobacco, Big Pharma and Big Booze | Op Ed | US News (http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2014/12/08/pot-legalization-opponents-aim-to-protect-their-bottom-line)




Just follow the money and you'll see the real reasons so much money is spent trying to scare the electorate...about marijuana legalization. :shrug:

Since alcohol is a huge part of The Villages, "the slide into a hedonistic society"can be seen right here...and started long ago. :ohdear:

This moral equivalent comparison between alcohol and drugs is not quite equivalent. Many people who use alcohol do not use it to get drunk.. The only use for recreational marijuana is too get high
alcohol is used for cooking in conjunction with cooking or in celebration. Many of us enjoy a glass a wine with our meal.
Clearly people like you and me would send liquor stores broke.

But as a board member I've witnessed the consequences of young people who did drugs, some solely marijuana and it was a heart breaker.

Again my view is not medical marijuana if that were the true nature of the amendment but the door it opens for further abuse .

Organizations , professional politicians, etc have gotten very good at "head fakes". While it may not be true, is it possible Big Pharma claims its against legalization of marijuana but what they really mean is that they need more time to position so that when it becomes national they will be in a position of the most prolific opportunists?

and just in general what social redeeming value to society does recreational marijuana offer vis a vis the damage it creates in people's lives.

[Sandtrap328]

This moral equivalent comparison between alcohol and drugs is not quite equivalent. Many people who use alcohol do not use it to get drunk.. The only use for recreational marijuana is too get high
alcohol is used for cooking in conjunction with cooking or in celebration. Many of us enjoy a glass a wine with our meal.
Clearly people like you and me would send liquor stores broke.

But as a board member I've witnessed the consequences of young people who did drugs, some solely marijuana and it was a heart breaker.

Again my view is not medical marijuana if that were the true nature of the amendment but the door it opens for further abuse .

Organizations , professional politicians, etc have gotten very good at "head fakes". While it may not be true, is it possible Big Pharma claims its against legalization of marijuana but what they really mean is that they need more time to position so that when it becomes national they will be in a position of the most prolific opportunists?

and just in general what social redeeming value to society does recreational marijuana offer vis a vis the damage it creates in people's lives.

...and once again, the ballot question is Medical Marijuana - not recreational marijuana. It is not a doorway to recreational marijuana but ONLY for medically necessary use.

[rubicon]

...and once again, the ballot question is Medical Marijuana - not recreational marijuana. It is not a doorway to recreational marijuana but ONLY for medically necessary use.

Sandtrap I want that to be true but voters have been burned too often by "we have to pass it to see what's in it" bills. As a huge proponent of ACA you may recall all the hype surrounding that miracle cure.

Medical use is the first step because a billl directly submitted for recreational use in Florida would fail. So supporters Like Morgan, who supports recreational use, understand legal precedents. Again we find like ACA , medical marijuana is being hyped as [t]he miracle cure and packaging such as that causes one to furrow their brow .

I opine others can decide

[Greg Nelson]

IMHO I've not seen people die from pot. But over the years I've witnessed many die from booze, my parents included. The war on pot has been going on for over 50 years...

[Allegiance]

I don't know the wording of Florida's Marijuana Bill, but I wonder if doctors can prescribe it for anything?

It certainly should be prescribed for PD (Parkinson’s disease), which needs more and better drugs.

Even our wonderful, honorable and courageous former 1st Lady and former US senator is seeking out new treatments for her confirmed advanced PD.

Hillary Clinton & Parkinson's - A Detailed Analysis By Dr Ted Noel - YouTube (https://youtu.be/INqeoYJy76s)

[ColdNoMore]

This moral equivalent comparison between alcohol and drugs is not quite equivalent. Many people who use alcohol do not use it to get drunk.. The only use for recreational marijuana is too get high.

I'm sorry, but that's simply not true.

While you are trying to define a 'level of highness,' from the first drink of alcohol you ARE getting high (or call it a 'buzz,' whatever you prefer).

Every few months I have a margarita with Mexican food and there is no question that I can feel the effects.

Pot smokers can also choose the 'level' that they wish to get a buzz (and I'm sure they do) and it's not realistic to assume that they are going for the 5 margarita/full bottle of wine equivalent...every time they smoke.


alcohol is used for cooking
OK, I'll give you that ONE exception to my above statement. :D


in conjunction with cooking or in celebration. Many of us enjoy a glass a wine with our meal.
Those uses however, go back to simply trying to judge the 'level' of being high/buzzed.


Clearly people like you and me would send liquor stores broke.
And would very possibly have limited TV to only the Historical Section.

Cheep booze, Happy Hour and strong pours at the squares and establishments...are a big part of TV.


But as a board member I've witnessed the consequences of young people who did drugs, some solely marijuana and it was a heart breaker.

Again my view is not medical marijuana if that were the true nature of the amendment but the door it opens for further abuse .

Organizations , professional politicians, etc have gotten very good at "head fakes".
As I said, do away with just the medical portion and what you are calling a 'head fake'...and treat it exactly like alcohol.

In many respects, it is a LOT less harmful.

That of course flies in the face of decades of programming that have some people convinced, that marijuana really does make you act like the people in 'Reefer Madness.' :ohdear:

The real issue is, that it has always had a connotation in this country with the unsavory...while alcohol always makes life better.

It's not like we will ever see alcohol commercials showing beer drinkers beating their wives, or commercials showing the 'most uninteresting person in the world' ...sitting on a curb with a paper bag in his hand. :shrug:

Not trying to level a personal attack here, but you yourself are the perfect example of being so misinformed by the government/media/political party, for so many years...that you can't seem to see the truth.

BUT, you are far from alone and having been bombarded all your life with the propaganda (primarily to justify your tax money wasted on throwing small time pot dealers/smokers in jail)...so it's not really your fault.



While it may not be true, is it possible Big Pharma claims its against legalization of marijuana but what they really mean is that they need more time to position so that when it becomes national they will be in a position of the most prolific opportunists?
There's no question in my mind that Big Pharma, Big Alcohol and Big Tobacco would all spend billions trying to get it legalized...if they thought they could take most of the pie.

The biggest problem they have with it, is the fact that they can't control it...because it is too easy for anyone to grow plants.


and just in general what social redeeming value to society does recreational marijuana offer vis a vis the damage it creates in people's lives.

Absolutely no difference in "social redeeming value to society," between alcohol and marijuana (and tobacco)...which is why they should be treated the exact same.

Preconceived notions, a lifetime of programming/brain-washing and the concerted interests of Big Pharma/Alcohol/Tobacco aside.

[ColdNoMore]

I don't know the wording of Florida's Marijuana Bill, but I wonder if doctors can prescribe it for anything?

It certainly should be prescribed for PD (Parkinson’s disease), which needs more and better drugs.

Even our wonderful, honorable and courageous former 1st Lady and former US senator is seeking out new treatments for her confirmed advanced PD.

Hillary Clinton & Parkinson's - A Detailed Analysis By Dr Ted Noel - YouTube (https://youtu.be/INqeoYJy76s)

Speaking of drugs, you seem to be having MAJOR withdrawal symptoms...not being able to post in the Political Forum. :ohdear:

[Markam]

Seems like most are not aware of what the actual provisions of the current Amendment are - basing their views on speculation and what we remember of the previous amendment. I admit to being one of those so I've begun to dig a little deeper. 'Googling' (sp?) the issue leads to several more objective presentations that I urge us to all to take the time to access. It is an important issue that deserves our attention.

To start your journey of understanding, consider this one. (https://ballotpedia.org/Florida_Medical_Marijuana_Legalization,_Amendment_ 2_(2016)#Compassionate_medical_cannabis_act_of_201 4)

[Allegiance]

Seems like any doctor can prescribe it for any back ache.

"
The patient must suffer from cancer or a physical medical condition that chronically produces symptoms of seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms; or symptoms of the same. "

[rubicon]

CNM :One of your responses


Not trying to level a personal attack here, but you yourself are the perfect example of being so misinformed by the government/media/political party, for so many years...that you can't seem to see the truth.


I know the truth and I can handle the truth but the truth doesn't seem to matter to the government, politicians, their groupies. and the media because they will create the truth for you Recall, its the dividing issue in this presidential campaign.

Markham (post 59) cited Ballotpedia. if you review this article you will note that every sponsor in the affirmative is in the Democrat camp. I guess as a backward Catholic deplorable redneck I simply can't comprehend ? But then perhaps its others who ignore the obvious nuances of this bill? I dare not go further because this is not a political thread but i can make a long list of the misinformation and damaging regulations, etc passed this past 8 years. Its why GDP can't get past 2.0%

[ColdNoMore]

I know the truth and I can handle the truth but the truth doesn't seem to matter to the government, politicians, their groupies. and the media because they will create the truth for you Recall, its the dividing issue in this presidential campaign.
Ummm no, that is NOT the "dividing issue." :ohdear:



Markham (post 59) cited Ballotpedia. if you review this article you will note that every sponsor in the affirmative is in the Democrat camp. I guess as a backward Catholic deplorable redneck I simply can't comprehend ? But then perhaps its others who ignore the obvious nuances of this bill?

As I mentioned, it really all goes back to the programming and brain washing one received while growing up. :shrug:




I dare not go further because this is not a political thread but i can make a long list of the misinformation and damaging regulations, etc passed this past 8 years. Its why GDP can't get past 2.0%

You are correct, this isn't the Political Forum...so I will refrain from correcting you.

But do keep those thoughts when it reopens...so that I may more fully eviscerate those oft-cited red herrings. :popcorn:

[marianne237]

All of this talk makes me dizzy, and no, I'm not a smoker or advocate of marijuana. HOWEVER, I have a brother who has MS and is in constant pain and worsening mobility. The MS has caused him stomach problems so he can't take much in the way of oral meds. For pain relief, he does smoke marijuana or makes himself cookies or brownies. It helps him. So who am I to criticize? He's gone from an active husband, father or two, grandfather of four, steelworker, charter boat captain, to a semi-invalid. In his small town in a Midwest state that won't even consider medical marijuana, he has to rely on a local dealer. His doctor has told him to use it, but he can't prescribe it. And since he's well known the police look the other way. There is a need IMHO for medical help.

[Polar Bear]

All of this talk makes me dizzy, and no, I'm not a smoker or advocate of marijuana. HOWEVER, I have a brother who has MS and is in constant pain and worsening mobility. The MS has caused him stomach problems so he can't take much in the way of oral meds. For pain relief, he does smoke marijuana or makes himself cookies or brownies. It helps him. So who am I to criticize? He's gone from an active husband, father or two, grandfather of four, steelworker, charter boat captain, to a semi-invalid. In his small town in a Midwest state that won't even consider medical marijuana, he has to rely on a local dealer. His doctor has told him to use it, but he can't prescribe it. And since he's well known the police look the other way. There is a need IMHO for medical help.
I don't see how you can argue with this.

Any medicine is dangerous if used improperly. Treat medicinal use and recreation use separately. Don't withhold medicine from those who need it because of the difficulties of the war on drugs. Especially since, regardless of how you feel about recreational use of marijuana, it is far from the most dangerous drug out there.

[Greg Nelson]

i don't see how you can argue with this.

Any medicine is dangerous if used improperly. Treat medicinal use and recreation use separately. Don't withhold medicine from those who need it because of the difficulties of the war on drugs. Especially since, regardless of how you feel about recreational use of marijuana, it is far from the most dangerous drug out there.
amen!

[tomwed]

Legalize pot for those over the age of 55 in Florida and your home will go up 25%.

Deal with those who give or sell to others under the age of 55 the same way you deal with those who give or sell alcohol to those under the age of 21.

It's not a decision based on values as long as alcohol and prescription drugs are an available alternative to unwind or relieve pain.