No I don't think that the drug laws have a significant effect on
consumption. I know quite a few people who indulge in a variety of
drugs on a regular basis, regardless of the laws. I also know of
high school students getting high on OTC drugs, which is certainly
worse than smoking a little weed, and that is a direct negative
result of current drug laws.
Assuming for a moment that you are correct, and 2x as many people
start smoking MJ, who gives a shit? The effects are not particularly
different than drinking alcohol, except that one is a lot less prone
to go out and get into trouble. The ultimate question, however, is
what business is it of yours if your neighbor smokes pot? In what
way does it harm you?
Julian
PS: It's not fear of reprisal, it's just that they got over
it. Almost every single person I know has smoked weed at some point
in their lives. Some give it up, some don't. Some use it
responsibly, some don't. None of them seem particularly hurt by it.
At 11:25 PM 8/25/2005, you wrote:
I am none of the below and thanks for making it about me. I always
enjoy ad hominem attacks, it is a sign of a weak position. The last
thing I believe is that the government is always right, you could not be
further from the truth. I am also not the product of any warped era
(whatever that is). I am also not an addict, never have been.
I will ask you the same thing, you don't think punishment does not deter
drug use? That is just plain silly. If mary jane were legal and sold
at the local drug store there would be at least 2x as many people
smoking it. You think some of those who are not smoking might be
abstaining because of fear of reprisals? LOL
-Gary
