Get high and shrink the deficit...
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,079
...what do you think?
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/power-playe ... 08225.html
What if the United States could shrink the federal deficit and get high at the same time? Two congressmen calling for the legalization of recreational marijuana say it's not such a trippy idea.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) say marijuana legalization is a common sense fiscal policy that could save the government billions of dollars through a combination of tax revenues and savings from not pursuing costly enforcement and incarceration.
“We are trying to rationalize federal drug policy,” Blumenauer tells Top Line. “We're spending too much money on enforcement for something most Americans think should be legal, and we're losing revenue. And we're going to create federal train wreck if we don't fix it.”
They say the federal government is behind the curve of states like Washington and Colorado, where recreational marijuana is regulated and taxed.
"Colorado and Washington voters agree, as do I, that the proper policy with regard to marijuana is to regulate it rather than ban it," says Polis.
Polis makes the case that marijuana should be treated no differently from "other unhealthy substances" like tobacco and alcohol. But that’s not such an easy sell in the halls of Congress, where Blumenauer and Polis face an uphill battle in getting legislation passed.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/power-playe ... 08225.html
What if the United States could shrink the federal deficit and get high at the same time? Two congressmen calling for the legalization of recreational marijuana say it's not such a trippy idea.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) say marijuana legalization is a common sense fiscal policy that could save the government billions of dollars through a combination of tax revenues and savings from not pursuing costly enforcement and incarceration.
“We are trying to rationalize federal drug policy,” Blumenauer tells Top Line. “We're spending too much money on enforcement for something most Americans think should be legal, and we're losing revenue. And we're going to create federal train wreck if we don't fix it.”
They say the federal government is behind the curve of states like Washington and Colorado, where recreational marijuana is regulated and taxed.
"Colorado and Washington voters agree, as do I, that the proper policy with regard to marijuana is to regulate it rather than ban it," says Polis.
Polis makes the case that marijuana should be treated no differently from "other unhealthy substances" like tobacco and alcohol. But that’s not such an easy sell in the halls of Congress, where Blumenauer and Polis face an uphill battle in getting legislation passed.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.
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Comments
Godfather.
Two, I agree with GF in that those who currently handle our taxes/money aren't well-equipped to do so. In fact, ill-equipped to do so - these people are fuckups of the nth degree, from my perspective. Nice to have additional income or revenue - it'd be huge and fuck knows this state could use it - but I don't want that precious value thrown in with most every other toss to the coffer to be frittered away.
(also, for some, it's not just about getting high, it's about the other benefits this "gateway drug" provides)
"Sure, you may become suicidal from these drugs, but they'll take care of your depression!"
So much space to be freed in our jails & prisons, much court time relieved from pissant charges.
I think it should be legalized for the personal and medical uses alone. If taxes can be gleaned as well - and USED RESPONSIBLY - even better.
my favorite is the increased urge to gamble that comes with restless leg syndrome treatment.
I don't get why marijuana is still illegal (well I do, but I would think the tobacco lobby would start to support it and then start to grow it)
It is terrifying when you are too stupid to know who is dumb
- Joe Rogan
:P
1) Too much money is made by the prison systems;
2) Too much money is made by lawyers who deal with these cases;
3) Too much money is made by the individuals who have been fighting the "Drug Wars"; and
4) Too much money is being used to lobby against this, by tobacco and alcohol (and probably other groups too)
The reality is that the only way the Federal law changes is if the states all make the change. There is too much money being passed around to keep it illegal.
Yep.
And this related to what Hedonist said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBBBxVNjOeE
EXCEPT that I don't agree that it should be considered unhealthy
I mean, we see all over the place that marijuana is being used more and more as medicine
The ancients always knew this, and some of us do too
How many times have you seen the states give you a special card to use alcohol or tobacco as medicine?
Marijuana is a totally different animal.
I agree that the government could regulate it and tax it similar to alcohol and tobacco, I can see it in the same category for casual users, I don't expect them to agree that its not in the alcohol and tobacco category, but not some of us need this for quality of life
As far as the govt actually using the revenue in the "right" way, well we all know how that goes
When the regulations come, the bills should include specific terms on the revenue
I know if its done right, it could help the country out
jo
http://www.Etsy.com/Shop/SimpleEarthCreations
"How I choose to feel is how I am." ~ EV/MMc
"Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness and they live by what they hear. Such people become crazy, or they become legends." ~ One Stab ~
I'm willing to bet that is one reason it's not legal,who else has the money to and resorces to jump start an operation big enough to cash in on the weed farming and cig(joint) production ? and government has been fu**ing the tabbaco companys for years and probably don't want them running the show on weed production....just a wild out of the blue guess
Godfather.
I would love to see a movement away from all unhealthy living and
a new generation that takes personal responsibility to heart.
I think this can be done but it's going to take a few generations...
maybe more.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE MY WEED!!!
Our backs were wrenched most of last week - can only take so many pain and anti-spasm pills.
What helped more than anything?
Yup.
It possibly could generate a bunch of revenue, it will prevent people going to harmful drug dealers and locations (especially in the south), and it will save a lot of money through justice system.
Pot may be unhealthy, but so so smoking and alcohol. So choose your poison I guess.
You can spend your time alone, redigesting past regrets, oh
or you can come to terms and realize
you're the only one who can't forgive yourself, oh
makes much more sense to live in the present tense - Present Tense
I've been all for legalizing pot for the better part of my adult life, but I definitely do consider it as unhealthy as cigarettes. How is it not?
Small aside - my guy's had three lung surgeries over the last several years. Nothing to do with smoking, it's something his gender & body type are prone to: blebs form around the lung and pop, resulting in a collapsed lung. Despite his smoking weed for 20 years, his lungs (according to his doc) are those of a non-smoker.
I suppose anything can be (considered) unhealthy, but no way would I put pot in the same realm as cigarettes or alcohol.
So there's no additives. Lol. Ingesting smoke into your lungs is not healthy. Is there really an argument about this?
It doesn't matter. Legalize it. Across the board.
I agree these are the reasons legalization is stalled. I do think one day it will become legal. I am ready.
I have been telling my BF when it does we have to get in the business. I have enough stock to sell to start a growing farm. I have a BIG green thumb, he is a Connoisseur and a numbers guy. How could we go wrong? My friend told me today his uncle moved to Colorado and is growing medicinal marijuana bringing in thirty grand a month. Not sure of the over head but that's a lot of dough.
What I would love to grow is the old school pot. I haven't smoke in forever because the stuff out there now is way to potent.
I do know from Personal experience it helps nausea and cramps.
Not for the kids though, future generations might have a chance at less disease.
If pot sticks around like cigs and alcohol abuse has we will see just how unhealthy it is.
I'm still wondering if that's what the rise in pancreatic cancer is all about.
I read some articles about pot studies, researching awhile back,
they are all relatively new and few.
10 Facts About Marijuana
Fact #1: Most marijuana users never use any other illicit drug.
Marijuana does not cause people to use hard drugs. Marijuana is the most popular illegal drug in the United States today. Therefore, people who have used less popular drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD, are likely to have also used marijuana. Most marijuana users never use any other illegal drug and the vast majority of those who do try another drug never become addicted or go on to have associated problems. Indeed, for the large majority of people, marijuana is a terminus rather than a so-called gateway drug.[1]
Fact #2: Most people who use marijuana do so occasionally. Increasing admissions for treatment do not reflect increasing rates of clinical dependence.
According to a federal Institute of Medicine study in 1999, fewer than 10 percent of those who try marijuana ever meet the clinical criteria for dependence, while 32 percent of tobacco users and 15 percent of alcohol users do. According to federal data, marijuana treatment admissions referred by the criminal justice system rose from 48 percent in 1992 to 58 percent in 2006. Just 45 percent of marijuana admissions met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for marijuana dependence. More than a third hadn’t used marijuana in the 30 days prior to admission for treatment.
Fact #3: Claims about increases in marijuana potency are vastly overstated. In addition, potency is not related to risk of dependence or health impacts.
Although marijuana potency may have increased somewhat in recent decades, claims about enormous increases in potency are vastly overstated and not supported by evidence. Nonetheless, potency is not related to risks of dependence or health impacts. According to the federal government's own data, the average THC in domestically grown marijuana – which comprises the bulk of the US market – is less than 5 percent, a figure that has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. In the 1980s, by comparison, the THC content averaged around 3 percent. Regardless of potency, THC is virtually non-toxic to healthy cells or organs, and is incapable of causing a fatal overdose. Currently, doctors may legally prescribe Marinol, an FDA-approved pill that contains 100 percent THC. The Food and Drug Administration found THC to be safe and effective for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and wasting diseases. When consumers encounter unusually strong varieties of marijuana, they adjust their use accordingly and smoke less.[3]
Fact #4: Marijuana has not been shown to cause mental illness.
Some effects of marijuana ingestion may include feelings of panic, anxiety, and paranoia. Such experiences can be frightening, but the effects are temporary.
That said, none of this is to suggest that there may not be some correlation (but not causation) between marijuana use and certain psychiatric ailments. Marijuana use can correlate with mental illness for many reasons. People often turn to the alleviating effects of marijuana to treat symptoms of distress. One study demonstrated that psychotic symptoms predict later use of marijuana, suggesting that people might turn to the plant for help rather than become ill after use.[4]
Fact #5: Marijuana use has not been shown to increase risk of cancer.
Several longitudinal studies have established that even long-term use of marijuana (via smoking) in humans is not associated with elevated cancer risk, including tobacco-related cancers or with cancer of the following sites: colorectal, lung, melanoma, prostate, breast, cervix. A more recent (2009) population-based case-control study found that moderate marijuana smoking over a 20 year period was associated with reduced risk of head and neck cancer (See Liang et al). And a 5-year-long population-based case control study found even long-term heavy marijuana smoking was not associated with lung cancer or UAT (upper aerodigestive tract) cancers.[5]
Fact #6: Marijuana has been proven helpful for treating the symptoms of a variety of medical conditions.
Marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the nausea induced by cancer chemotherapy, stimulating appetite in AIDS patients, and reducing intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. There is also appreciable evidence that marijuana reduces muscle spasticity in patients with neurological disorders. A synthetic capsule is available by prescription, but it is not as effective as smoked marijuana for many patients. Learn more about medical marijuana. [6]
Fact #7: Marijuana use rates in the Netherlands are similar to those in the U.S. despite very different policies.
The Netherlands' drug policy is one of the most nonpunitive in Europe. For more than twenty years, Dutch citizens over age eighteen have been permitted to buy and use cannabis (marijuana and hashish) in government-regulated coffee shops. This policy has not resulted in dramatically escalating marijuana use. For most age groups, rates of marijuana use in the Netherlands are similar to those in the United States. However, for young adolescents, rates of marijuana use are lower in the Netherlands than in the United States. The Dutch government occasionally revises existing marijuana policy, but it remains committed to decriminalization.[7]
Fact #8: Marijuana has not been shown to cause long-term cognitive impairment.
The short-term effects of marijuana include immediate, temporary changes in thoughts, perceptions, and information processing. The cognitive process most clearly affected by marijuana is short-term memory. In laboratory studies, subjects under the influence of marijuana have no trouble remembering things they learned previously. However, they display diminished capacity to learn and recall new information. This diminishment only lasts for the duration of the intoxication. There is no convincing evidence that heavy long-term marijuana use permanently impairs memory or other cognitive functions.[8]
Fact #9: There is no compelling evidence that marijuana contributes substantially to traffic accidents and fatalities.
At some doses, marijuana affects perception and psychomotor performance – changes which could impair driving ability. However, in driving studies, marijuana produces little or no car-handling impairment – consistently less than produced by low to moderate doses of alcohol and many legal medications. In contrast to alcohol, which tends to increase risky driving practices, marijuana tends to make subjects more cautious. Surveys of fatally injured drivers show that when THC is detected in the blood, alcohol is almost always detected as well. For some individuals, marijuana may play a role in bad driving. The overall rate of highway accidents appears not to be significantly affected by marijuana's widespread use in society.[9]
Fact #10: More than 800,000 people are arrested for marijuana each year, the vast majority of them for simple possession.
Police prosecuted 858,408 persons for marijuana violations in 2009, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual Uniform Crime Report. Marijuana arrests now comprise more than one-half (approximately 52 percent) of all drug arrests reported in the United States. A decade ago, marijuana arrests comprised just 44 percent of all drug arrests. Approximately 46 percent of all drug prosecutions nationwide are for marijuana possession. Of those charged with marijuana violations, approximately 88 percent (758,593 Americans) were charged with possession only. The remaining 99,815 individuals were charged with “sale/manufacture,” a category that includes virtually all cultivation offenses.[10]
You think they make more money off the fines than they would in taxes?
Yeah it's unhealthy i jog 3 miles everyday i swimm two miles everyother day i work out 3 times a week i'm 52 look like 40 . i've never gotten a DUI while high yeah it's unhealthy ...
Jeanwah, thanks for the facts posted. Important for some people to fully digest them.
As to the questions about fines vs taxes, I just don't know. I would imagine the potential for taxes - reasonable ones - is greater when compared with the fines plus the costs for court hearings, incarcerations, etc.
I wish that the monetary factor were secondary to the act of making it fully legal.
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
God I hope you didn't just jinx yourself ... my kids always say I jinx things
and it is funny bout the time a person is all smug about something the shit hits the fan.
A buddy just got a DUI back in Milwaukee. No fun is that. Careful. We've been fortunate
and now never ever drive under the influence of anything. Too much at risk.
I'm thinking of future generations. I would think we would want the best for our kids
a chance at less diseases and dependency. Why on Earth would we want more?
I smoke before swimming if I have the plant. it makes zero negative difference in my performance. it makes me swim just as strong if not stronger.
I know a dude who rides a bicycles like 50 miles a day. he smokes a lot of grass as he is riding. he is a triathlon athlete. I know lawyers & businessmen & women who use the plant on a daily basis & run & balance incredible lives & businesses. I know a cop who uses marijuana with his wife at the end of the day as they lay in bed talking & cuddling.
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce