[blueash]

Originally Posted by rubicon

HOWEVER the biggest issue I personally find with this marijuana issue is with ALL THE SERIOUS PROBLEMS WE HAVE IN THIS COUNTRY OUR STATE AND FEDERAL LEADERS ARE WASTING TIME AND RESOURCES PLACING LEGALIZATION AS A TOP PRIORITY.

I think you are going the right direction but have stopped before you reached the end of your journey. State and federal leaders are not spending time and resources on legalization. They spend time and resources on criminalization, investigation, incarceration and probation. The estimates are in the several billions per year. While this is certainly good for the jail industry I suspect that locking people up for smoking a joint is not slowing the use of weed any more than locking up people for having sex has stopped normal people from that activity It just makes you more careful about when and where and contributes to a disrespect for the priorities of law enforcement.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by blueash

As you consider your vote on the liberalization of the control of marijuana proposed for Florida, you may want to consider this pointed reminder of the risks of pot. It doesn't take an overly sharp intellect to grasp the dangers of drugs and this case once again cuts to the quick with its brief but rapier like analysis of the unfortunate death of Barry Wilson.

Ky man dies from pot

Is this a true story? If so, I would like to remind everyone that this case is still under investigation. He may NOT have accidentally stabbed himself!

I have a theory: Someone, possibly a Dexter Morgan wannabe, knew of some serious crimes that were committed by the man who was stabbed and they decided to kill him and make it look like an accident.

I just did a search: "Is it normal to wannabe like Dexter Morgan?"

Basically, four kids replied "yes, it's normal". They love him and they wish they could do it themselves.

[PennBF]

This thread has both a degree of humor because of the statements as to personal opinions to support drug usage and traggic sadness because of the personal opinions to support drug usage. Get real. Just show one benefit to society in using pot excluding medical purposes. The pot users are putting our youth at serious risk and I believe there should be serious consequences when this is done. Yep, I think jail time is appropriate and mandatory programs to attend drug education programs and weekly NA meeting for a minimum of 1 year. Couldn't care less if someone wants to go out and kill themselves but it is different when our youth are put at risk.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by ron122049

As a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney I can assure you that there is a significant amount of taxpayers money spent on enforcing laws for possession or use of SMALL amounts of pot. It's a total waste of time and money and by the way has not deterred the continued use of it. I say legalize it, regulate it and tax it!

This makes sense to me.
I hope by regulating the sale of pot, that minors would have restricted access.

[Tennisnut]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

[/B]
This makes sense to me.
I hope by regulating the sale of pot, that minors would have restricted access.

Just wait a few more years - its just a matter of time. Lets have hope and changes will continue.

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by PennBF

This thread has both a degree of humor because of the statements as to personal opinions to support drug usage and traggic sadness because of the personal opinions to support drug usage. Get real. Just show one benefit to society in using pot excluding medical purposes. The pot users are putting our youth at serious risk and I believe there should be serious consequences when this is done. Yep, I think jail time is appropriate and mandatory programs to attend drug education programs and weekly NA meeting for a minimum of 1 year. Couldn't care less if someone wants to go out and kill themselves but it is different when our youth are put at risk.

Just show one beneficial use of pot excluding medicinal purposes? Huh? Is there ANY beneficial use at all of cigarette smoking?

Jail time for smoking pot? Lots of Villagers would be in jail in that scenario.

Marijuana should be legal and controlled just like cigarettes and alcoholic drinks.

[PennBF]

Maybe a lot of Villager's should be experiencing the cosequences of overuse of alchol ! Because we are older does not mean we have a license to make fools of ourselves and hurt other people. A drunk is a drunk is a drunk. Unfortunately in a lot of cases the spouce suffers because of the drunk in the house. I guess I should have included AA in my note along with NA. Nope, there is no benefit to cigarette's, but the last I heard they were not illegal. To compare cigarette's to pot is way overdone and kind of on the low end of smarts. I really emphasis
that the ones in the notes who are supporting these drugs should attend an AA meeting and/or NA meeting. Since most are in denial I would bet they will avoid education. Go to the internet and look up AA meetings in The Villages. You will be shocked as how many there are. You can also look up NA and Al Non and attend and observe how many families are injured by the user in the family. Oh yea, for those who like pot and drugs look up the NA meetings.

[Tennisnut]

Originally Posted by PennBF

Maybe a lot of Villager's should be experiencing the cosequences of overuse of alchol ! Because we are older does not mean we have a license to make fools of ourselves and hurt other people. A drunk is a drunk is a drunk. Unfortunately in a lot of cases the spouce suffers because of the drunk in the house. I guess I should have included AA in my note along with NA. Nope, there is no benefit to cigarette's, but the last I heard they were not illegal. To compare cigarette's to pot is way overdone and kind of on the low end of smarts. I really emphasis
that the ones in the notes who are supporting these drugs should attend an AA meeting and/or NA meeting. Since most are in denial I would bet they will avoid education. Go to the internet and look up AA meetings in The Villages. You will be shocked as how many there are. You can also look up NA and Al Non and attend and observe how many families are injured by the user in the family. Oh yea, for those who like pot and drugs look up the NA meetings.

Yes, I agree substance abuse is a real problem, however, responsible use of substances can be beneficial whether it be food, alcohol or other drugs. Responsible eating, a nice glass of wine or cold beer, or responsible intake of THC can be very enjoyable experience. Abuse of any substance can hurt ones self and/or others.

[DougB]

[rp001]

Originally Posted by PennBF

Maybe a lot of Villager's should be experiencing the cosequences of overuse of alchol ! Because we are older does not mean we have a license to make fools of ourselves and hurt other people. A drunk is a drunk is a drunk. Unfortunately in a lot of cases the spouce suffers because of the drunk in the house. I guess I should have included AA in my note along with NA. Nope, there is no benefit to cigarette's, but the last I heard they were not illegal. To compare cigarette's to pot is way overdone and kind of on the low end of smarts. I really emphasis
that the ones in the notes who are supporting these drugs should attend an AA meeting and/or NA meeting. Since most are in denial I would bet they will avoid education. Go to the internet and look up AA meetings in The Villages. You will be shocked as how many there are. You can also look up NA and Al Non and attend and observe how many families are injured by the user in the family. Oh yea, for those who like pot and drugs look up the NA meetings.

Obviously you have never tried any of these substances. If you had you would know the difference first hand and perhaps would be a little more tolerant without the " reefer madness" mentality., don't believe everything you read or hear.

[PennBF]

Your right, I have never used any of the drugs being discussed absent of a little while using, not abusing alchol. Of course I have never stuck my hand in a fire but I have a good idea of what it would do. I have, at significant personal expense attended workshops on drug abuses at some of the most respected Foundations, etc in the world. I have been exposed to family who are Professionals in the area and I have made it a point to understand the effects in order to be well educated on the subject. Along these lines a major survey result was just published on "Marijuana" Drug use and Health and it's latest results were that "unsurprisingly" those aged between 18-25 years old are the most popular age group using. Of course everyone knows that the brain is still developing at these ages. Usage rates drop considerably after the age of 26 and and onlye 5% of people over that age still smoked pot on a regular basis. We can conclude that ages between 14-16 are also users and that is when it has the most tragic effect on brain and body. A question is why am I writing on this and not just saying the heck with it and let the chips fall. The reason is that if this helps just one parent or person to understand the real problem with drugs it was worth the effort. We owe it to our youth and the future.

[Patty55]

Originally Posted by PennBF

Your right, I have never used any of the drugs being discussed absent of a little while using, not abusing alchol. Of course I have never stuck my hand in a fire but I have a good idea of what it would do. I have, at significant personal expense attended workshops on drug abuses at some of the most respected Foundations, etc in the world. I have been exposed to family who are Professionals in the area and I have made it a point to understand the effects in order to be well educated on the subject. Along these lines a major survey result was just published on "Marijuana" Drug use and Health and it's latest results were that "unsurprisingly" those aged between 18-25 years old are the most popular age group using. Of course everyone knows that the brain is still developing at these ages. Usage rates drop considerably after the age of 26 and and onlye 5% of people over that age still smoked pot on a regular basis. We can conclude that ages between 14-16 are also users and that is when it has the most tragic effect on brain and body. A question is why am I writing on this and not just saying the heck with it and let the chips fall. The reason is that if this helps just one parent or person to understand the real problem with drugs it was worth the effort. We owe it to our youth and the future.

Why have you taken such an intense interest in this?

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by rp001

Obviously you have never tried any of these substances. If you had you would know the difference first hand and perhaps would be a little more tolerant without the " reefer madness" mentality., don't believe everything you read or hear.

I forgot about the 1936 film "Reefer Madness".

When I worked at IBM, I hung out with a bunch of 30 something's who had professional jobs and occasionally smoked pot.
They went on to be fine parents and for the most part, had stellar careers.
Today they are loving grandparents and continue to be upstanding members of the community.
I've seen no evidence that leads me to believe that occasional pot use leads to an Addiction Center.
Just saying.

[TennDrifter]

Originally Posted by John_W

I would think some of the biggest opponents of legalization would be the alcohol companies and bars and restaurants. In the 70's and 80's I knew many people who smoked pot, never saw them get into a fight or get thrown out of a bar, club, concert, etc. Actually for the most part, pot will make you mellow, less confrontational. I don't put anything into my lungs anymore, but I don't have a problem if someone else wants to. I rather have a neighbor who smokes a little weed on the weekend than one that drinks a case of beer.

Well said....

[PennBF]

What an interesting question? Because I have feelings for people , because I was raised in a family that instilled an obligation to "do good" and instilled a responsibility to serve. It is sad that some don't understand this responsibility or what is "right". Ones that don't believe in serving for the good of others and giving back to the community.It must be a terrible way to live to only think of ones self and not care about others!! It is sad that some live the life of selfishness or anger. They have no idea what they are missing out on !! Hopefully that answers why I take interest in people and youth who may screw their lives up on drugs. I don't deserve any credit as it should be expected and not rewarded.