Re: Legalize it!
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw;296070]Just curious Schneed, but are you a bible thumper? No disrespect, but the people that only see the black and white of the marijuana issue are usually very religious or military.[/QUOTE]
I know I'm way late commenting on this one, but I think you are totally wrong here. My senior thesis in college dealt primarily with the racial issues behind anti-drug laws in this country, and I'm a white agnostic.

Historically speaking, it's pretty clear that anti-marijuana laws were racist in nature when they were first created.

[B]**EDIT**[/B] Took Southpaw's comments out of context. My mistake.
However, I still stand by the fact that the laws were originally made for BS reasons that wouldn't float these days. The problem is that weed as been demonized so much that some people can't separate it from other 'drugs.'

Re: Legalize it!
 

Although I've never smoked weed myself, I have been around it on a near constant basis in both my teen and young adult years. I never bothered asking my friends as they lit one up next to me why they smoked. So, I ask now. Why do you smoke weed? What is it about the effects that cause you to want to smoke it?

Re: Legalize it!
 

I don't smoke anymore simply because of the legal problems that it can cause. But, when I did smoke, I did it for the same reasons that I drank to get drunk (as opposed to drinking for just the taste). Basically, I had a better time smoking weed and watching a movie or just hanging out with friends than I did when I was sober. It's dumb, but that's kind of the point.

Re: Legalize it!
 

decriminalized yes, legalized no - they've had nothing but problems in areas like amsterdam where they've legalized it. heroin addicts there are buying legal weed and selling it for more to underaged kids. the same thing would happen here on a much larger scale. i think here in the u.s. if your caught with an ounce or less it should be a fine and thats it.

Re: Legalize it!
 

I want some BBQ without beer or weed. Hurry up and open a joint in NOVA =p

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=Schneed10;296122]Yes it is sending mixed messages, but legalizing marijuana and profiting off of it would reinforce a BAD message.

Just because one bad thing is legal doesn't mean they all should be.

[B] Personally, I don't give a damn what message the government sends to our youth. If they legalize it, don't legalize it, what the hell ever. It's the PARENTS' job to send the ultimate message to our kids.[/B][/quote]

All the sudden you dont give a damn about what the government says, yet earlier you said it is a "parents responsibility to make sure your children ahead to the laws of this land". So you dont give a crap about the law and its messages yet you expect parents to teach it blindly otherwise that is wrong??

That seems to be a huge contradiction in your argument.

Re: Legalize it!
 

I dont want to promote it but in essense alcohol is just as illlegal as pot. Only difference you can buy alcohol. You can not drive with alcohol. You can not walk in public with alcohol. You can not be drunk in public. I have not tried pot myself and dont really want to for the fear I may like it and want to do it again or something. Plus not that I have since I got hired but I could get drug tested and loose my job so it is not worth it. There are just as many potheads as there are drunks.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=Mattyk72;296143]Something tells me you probably don't have much experience with drugs, not that it's a bad thing mind you.

But some of your thoughts here are ridiculous and sound like some sort of anti-drug propaganda. [B]Dealers don't waste drugs on lacing weed[/B]. Weed is so potent nowadays it doesn't need anything added to it. Dealers don't push either, they have plenty of customers and business as it is. Drugs sell themselves.

[B] And on a side note, you probably come in contact on a daily basis with plenty of people you would have no idea smoke weed and are highly functional and successful people.[/B][/quote]
The first statement is true. The majority of the time dealers aren't just gonna waste time and resources to lace weed all the time. It happens rarely though.
Matty's last point is excellent, although I am in the enclosed environment of college, you would be surprised who smokes and who doesn't. If anything the people who drink hardcore are the biggest [B]LOSERS [/B]not the potheads.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[QUOTE=724Skinsfan;296179]Although I've never smoked weed myself, I have been around it on a near constant basis in both my teen and young adult years. I never bothered asking my friends as they lit one up next to me why they smoked. So, I ask now. Why do you smoke weed? What is it about the effects that cause you to want to smoke it?[/QUOTE]

I used to smoke several times a day from the age of 16 to just a few months ago (I'm 25). I guess I did it for social reasons at first, and then after a while I did it just out of habit. I wouldn't say that I've quit smoking, but now I only smoke about once a week at most.

The reason I smoke now is to relieve anxiety, or relax. Sometimes I feel like I can't calm down. I have so many things running through my head that it spins. Smoking pot stops that.

Another real benefit of smoking is treating nausea. If I am nauseous, or I don't have an appetite, smoking will fix it every time. Usually when I travel, I lose my appetite, and I can't relax for about a day afterwards. Smoking helps a lot for that.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=hooskins;296197]All the sudden you dont give a damn about what the government says, yet earlier you said it is a "parents responsibility to make sure your children ahead to the laws of this land". So you dont give a crap about the law and its messages yet you expect parents to teach it blindly otherwise that is wrong??

That seems to be a huge contradiction in your argument.[/quote]

Not really, I believe he's saying that the government's message and the parent's message may or may not be the same. Ultimately the parent's are responsible for how a child grows up and how his/her regard for their society's laws are a direct reflection of his parent's guidance. The government can use fear tactics like "this is your brain on drugs" or whatever as their message for not doing drugs because they conclude that drug-use in general is directly related to more criminal behavior. Parent's can try different methods to show their child that putting unknown/unregulated chemicals in their body for the sake of personal/social gratification is typically not a good thing. Teaching your child to use good judgement is the parent's job as well as teaching them to respect society's laws.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=724Skinsfan;296205]Not really, I believe he's saying that the government's message and the parent's message may or may not be the same. Ultimately the parent's are responsible for how a child grows up and how his/her regard for their society's laws are a direct reflection of his parent's guidance. The government can use fear tactics like "this is your brain on drugs" or whatever as their message for not doing drugs because they conclude that drug-use in general is directly related to more criminal behavior. Parent's can try different methods to show their child that putting unknown/unregulated chemicals in their body for the sake of personal/social gratification is typically not a good thing. Teaching your child to use good judgement is the parent's job as well as teaching them to respect society's laws.[/quote]

I am not talking about the governments campain, even Schneed agreed that the government is sending mixed messages to our youth. I am backing up a point made orignally by RobH
[I] Originally Posted by [B]RobH4413[/B] [URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/redskins-warpath-parking-lot/17774-legalize-post296118.html#post296118"][IMG]http://www.thewarpath.net/images/buttons/viewpost.gif[/IMG][/URL][/I]
[I][I]I think society sends an inconsistent message by profiting off of town drunks day in and day out, yet adamantly opposing marijuana legalization
(especially medicinally).

What exactly are we saying to the youth?

"It's wrong to smoke marijuana, even in moderation, but if you want to go down to the bar and have at it... knock yourself out."

That's damn confusing growing up, and probably why many lose faith in a lot of the reasoning the government uses.[/I] [/I]


Scheed agrees with Rob, but he thinks that parents are the final person responsible for teaching kids and the government is sending wrong and mixed signals by saying being drunk is ok. Yet at the same time he earlier said that we have to tell our kids to follow the laws of the land(he said that to TMC I think).

Basically he is acknowledging the government sends mixed messages to kids, and he doesnt give a damn about what they think. Yet he thinks we should affirm these mixed signals and laws of the land because we are obligated as parents.

I think that is a problem in his argument.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=hooskins;296210]I am not talking about the governments campain, even Schneed agreed that the government is sending mixed messages to our youth. I am backing up a point made orignally by RobH
[I]Originally Posted by [B]RobH4413[/B] [URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/redskins-warpath-parking-lot/17774-legalize-post296118.html#post296118"][IMG]http://www.thewarpath.net/images/buttons/viewpost.gif[/IMG][/URL][/I]
[I]
[I]"It's wrong to smoke marijuana, even in moderation, but if you want to go down to the bar and have at it... knock yourself out." [/I][/I][/quote]

I could be wrong but I think you can be arrested by being publicly intoxicated even inside an establishment that serves alcohol. Cops aren't normally going to because on most occasions people don't cause trouble when they're drunk (or stoned for that matter). So if weed is legalized and you can go to a bar and smoke up it will still probably be illegal for you to exhibit behavior that directly shows that you are under the influence of a substance.

Re: Legalize it!
 

Here is the thing guys.weed isnt actually illegal.It is only against the law to posses it without a government tax stamp that ,surprise surprise they dont give out.They did this in the fifties as a way to deter all the mexican immagrents from crossing the border.

I also feel that it is only a matter of time before The government makes the realization that they are spending millions upon millions of taxpayer dollars on trying to get rid of something that people want and will get no matter what.Think about how much money the gov would make if they stopped spending money on pot and started taxing it.

I myself smoke it and have had no negetive effects from it.I also can personally atest for its abilaty to get rid of stomach pains.I have been living with a very painful stomach condition and there is no perscription med that can even come close to the speed and effectivness of pot.

as for the legality of smoking it ,I say let the first person who has never gotten behind the wheel of a car after just two drinks be the first to cast a stone.

Re: Legalize it!
 

That's interesting about the tax stamp. I never knew that. I'm sure the primary reason why marijuana is illegal has nothing to do with the government's assertion that it is harmful but rather more to do with profitting from its sale and use.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[QUOTE=Daseal;296192]I want some BBQ without beer or weed. Hurry up and open a joint in NOVA =p[/QUOTE]

Soon my son....soon.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=724Skinsfan;296221]That's interesting about the tax stamp. I never knew that. I'm sure the primary reason why marijuana is illegal has nothing to do with the government's assertion that it is harmful but rather more to do with profitting from its sale and use.[/quote]
As with most things in this country...

Re: Legalize it!
 

Unfortunately I had to be away from the computer from 5:15 until now, and was disengaged from the conversation, and now there are way too many points to counter. But I'll address a couple:

If you guys want to argue with me on economics, you're probably better off arguing with me on salary cap issues. Yes, weed can be grown in any moderate climate. Yes, it can be grown in a garage. But it can be grown much more cheaply in South America, where there is already infrastructure set up with vast fields used to grow the stuff. Here in the states we would require capital investment to clear fields, irrigate, plant, grow, and harvest. That requires money. We could use fields that we're already using for tobacco or any other crop, but the net effect on our GDP would be zero, as any revenues generated by the weed fields would be offset by the corresponding loss in revenues in tobacco.

The guy using hydrophonic lamps is using electricity to produce the pot, which isn't nearly as cost-effective as letting the sun shine on it. His cost per unit is much higher than South America's. But from an economic standpoint, I'm not interested in talking about the guys who would grow it in their garage, collectively they wouldn't produce enough weed to make a dent in the nation's demand. If weed became legalized, big business would take over and produce it in mass quantities. South America already has fields, equipment, irrigation, and the process set up to grow and produce the stuff at a marginal cost that is much lower than we could here in the US. One big reason: land in the US is much more expensive than in south America. We could generate pot here in the states for sure, but once Phillip Morris realizes that South America has them beat on labor costs (Columbians will work for 25 cents an hour), the cost of land, and the capital investments required, Phillip Morris will quickly decide not to push forward with a major pot-growing initiative. The nation will still end up importing most of it's pot, and as I said before, the trade deficit broadens, and the dollar weakens.

I don't care if you "buy it" or not, that's what would happen. Go find your friendly neighborhood economics professor and ask him. I know we have several guys around here with MBAs besides me, go ahead, do a SWOT analysis on the American pot industry assuming it were legal. There are too many barriers to entry to compete in a global market.

Secondly, Matty, I've seen recent information saying weed is being found with crystal meth scattered throughout. Crystal meth is made so cheaply (like out of Sudafed), dealers don't mind using it to lace. I'll try to find links because I know this statement is worthless without supporting documentation.

As for my problems with the healthcare system, and I have many given that I work for a chain of hospitals and see the whole gory picture, yeah there's something wrong with a family of 6 paying the same insurance premium as a family of 3. There are more people to cover, you should pay more if you're covering more people. Secondly, a non-smoker shouldn't have to pay as much as a smoker. Life insurance costs more if you smoke, why not the same for health insurance? Smokers are a bigger drain on the healthcare system's financial resources, why should I (a non smoker) get the same rates as him, thereby helping to bear the burden that people like him are causing?

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=hooskins;296197]All the sudden you dont give a damn about what the government says, yet earlier you said it is a "parents responsibility to make sure your children ahead to the laws of this land". So you dont give a crap about the law and its messages yet you expect parents to teach it blindly otherwise that is wrong??

That seems to be a huge contradiction in your argument.[/quote]

To clarify, whatever the government's rules are, the parents should uphold them. We can get into the debate of what the rules should be, but once the laws are made, they must be upheld.

In other words, whatever message the government is trying to send through the creation of it's laws, I couldn't care less. I care about what the law is, and making sure my children understand that you have to heed the law, no matter how fervently you disagree with it.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[QUOTE=724Skinsfan;296037]If you legalize it, how do you check an individual to see that they are within the legal limits of consumption? With alcohol, a breathalizer can determine if you're too drunk to drive. Is there any field equipment that is used to determine how high on pot you are? If not, then it shouldn't be legalized. There are enough adults and older teenage kids out there that have no concept of restrained use .[/QUOTE]

One can only fear a world infested with teenagers doing 40 on the highway while paranoid that nearby truckers are plotting something with those CB's.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=724Skinsfan;296205]Not really, I believe he's saying that the government's message and the parent's message may or may not be the same. Ultimately the parent's are responsible for how a child grows up and how his/her regard for their society's laws are a direct reflection of his parent's guidance. The government can use fear tactics like "this is your brain on drugs" or whatever as their message for not doing drugs because they conclude that drug-use in general is directly related to more criminal behavior. Parent's can try different methods to show their child that putting unknown/unregulated chemicals in their body for the sake of personal/social gratification is typically not a good thing. Teaching your child to use good judgement is the parent's job as well as teaching them to respect society's laws.[/quote]

Thank you, I should have read this post before I responded to Hooskins, because this says it better than I could have (thanks for returning the favor).

Arguing against a law that's in place and actually breaking that law are completely different things. When my daughter is older, I welcome her to engage me in a thoughtful debate on what the law [B]should be[/B] on this subject. Then when she leaves the house, I expect her to heed what the law [B]is. [/B]There's a big difference between "should be" and "is".

Yeah, sometimes the government is hypocritical and sends mixed messages. Tobacco is legal, pot isn't. Doesn't make sense. But if you get busted for dealing marijuana, what are you going to do, yell at the judge and tell him he's a hypocrite? That'll surely get you somewhere.

That's ultimately the parent's role. To draw the line between thoughtful discussion and debate based on your moral principles versus taking illegal action based on your moral principles.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=Schneed10;296229]
I don't care if you "buy it" or not, that's what would happen. Go find your friendly neighborhood economics professor and ask him. I know we have several guys around here with MBAs besides me, go ahead, do a SWOT analysis on the American pot industry assuming it were legal. There are too many barriers to entry to compete in a global market.[/quote]

I'll be honest and say that I really don't know nearly enough about the global market, but why isn't tobacco imported if such was the case.

It seems that the same logic should be applied there. Marijuana can grow in North Carolina... where there are plenty of tobacco farms.

Regardless, I really couldn't care whether or not pot was legalized. I just think that it highlights some inconsistencies in our legal system, especially for medical marijuana. My father passed away from brain cancer a number of years ago and suffered incredibly throughout the chemotherapy, with almost crippling nausea.

Marijuana has been known to work wonders for many symptoms of terminally ill patients and offensive to me that something like this cannot be offered medically.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=RobH4413;296227]As with most things in this country...[/quote]

And as it should be.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=RobH4413;296237]I'll be honest and say that I really don't know nearly enough about the global market, but why isn't tobacco imported if such was the case.

It seems that the same logic should be applied there. Marijuana can grow in North Carolina... where there are plenty of tobacco farms.[/quote]

That's my whole point. We could grow pot in NC, but companies would have to either:

1) Buy more land for fields, raze them, fertilize them, irrigate them, plant and then harvest. This requires major capital investment (purchase of the land, contracting an agricultural engineering firm to raze, capital equipment to irrigate, engineers to design the irrigation, supplies to fertilize, etc).

2) Stop growing tobacco in existing tobacco fields and start growing weed there instead. This requires little capital investment but cuts into tobacco revenues. There would be a net zero incremental impact to overall revenues from the combined sale of weed & tobacco.

Tobacco isn't imported because we've had the infrastructure in place for tobacco harvesting since the 1800s. We make the stuff very cheaply, and then tax the living shitake mushrooms out of it.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=Schneed10;296239]
2) Stop growing tobacco in existing tobacco fields and start growing weed there instead. This requires little capital investment but cuts into tobacco revenues. There would be a net zero incremental impact to overall revenues from the combined sale of weed & tobacco.[/quote]
Sounds like a fine idea...

Outlaw cigarettes, and legalize cigga-weed!

Also, smoking is on the decline... lots of farms are probably going to free up. There is ALOT of land out there. I'm no expert, and don't claim to be... but I'd be interested in seeking out the economic possibilities out there.

If there aren't any... than there aren't any. It would probably explain why marijuana hasn't been legalized yet.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=RobH4413;296241]Sounds like a fine idea...

Outlaw cigarettes, and legalize cigga-weed!

Also, smoking is on the decline... lots of farms are probably going to free up. There is ALOT of land out there. I'm no expert, and don't claim to be... but I'd be interested in seeking out the economic possibilities out there.

If there aren't any... than there aren't any. [B]It would probably explain why marijuana hasn't been legalized yet.[/B][/quote]

Exactly.

Same reason we're in Iraq and not in Darfur: money.

Re: Legalize it!
 

As with so many things Chris Rock got it right. The reason coke and pot are illegal is cos, "they don't have the good s**t in America."

Re: Legalize it!
 

On a little side note, it's very interesting to see how state laws differ in regard to weed:

[url=http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=4516]State By State Laws - NORML[/url]

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=GhettoDogAllStars;296035]I hear ya. I never leave my house with it.

Also, as long as people are allowed to smoke their cigarettes in public, where I am exposed to it, there is no argument against pot from a public health perspective. EVERY single effing day, I must walk past the assholes smoking their cigarettes in front of the door to my office. I have no choice but to breathe the smoke -- or hold my breath.[/quote]


Why are people who smoke cigs assholes? and whats the difference of second hand bong hit smoke or other wise, seriously? And no, smoking shouldnt be banned in public, outside. But if they ever do, they need to also ban the following: dudes who wear their pants halfway down their ass, and cussing in public in front of little children, and white rapper wannabe thugs(posers) fat ladys wearing spandex, men who want their tongue and or belly button pierced, al sharpton, pantys on hot chicks in short skirts on windy days, sanjia, al gore, rude people in customer service............. i could go on forever, but i think you get the point.

Re: Legalize it!
 

Those of you who use it would have to start paying taxes on it like cigarettes if it were legal. Stop complaining cause right now your getting your tax free fix.

Re: Legalize it!
 

for some reason i thought this tread's title was LEGALIZED IT and i almost bought a gram, but my hopes were shot down......:(

Re: Legalize it!
 

I'll start off by saying I do feel it should be legal. It is a drug and it should be used in moderation but it is no different than alcohol and I definitely don't think that should be illegal.

I do feel the main issue is the difficulty in testing for it, as said. No one should drive impaired and I don't have any sympathy for those that caught doing so. I have plenty of friends that say they drive better when high. I am never going to do that and think they are dumb to say that.


I have changed as a person since coming to college. I drank a bit in high school but i stayed away from weed. Now I get piss poor drunk twice a week and smoke occasionally. I do feel it is beneficial to mess around with this stuff in high school because it makes it easier to deal with in college. Now fooling around with it in high school is very dangerous. Ideally it would be nice if people could get somewhat accustomed to it but not addicted. That is obviously an ideal though. I am smoking up on 420 but that is it until next year.

Because of this I feel parents should never encourage the uses of these substances but should be informative. If I were a parent a my kid came home drunk I would think I would set him straight but I wouldn’t scare him enough to not be ready to call me if he is ever in trouble. In high school, I found that those that had understanding parectns were more unlikely to drive drunk or go home with a drunk person just to not get introuble. I don’t think a parents job is to scare their children. Its more for them to be there for them> Alcohol use isn’t that big of a deal in high school. It isn’t even an issue in college. My parents know I drink. My uncles and aunts know I drink. Even my grandmother knows I drink. I’m not going to lie at this point in college and I feel my relationship with them makes it easy for me to tell them. They aren’t happy but they understand I am in college and are more concerned of whether I abuse it or not.

I'll continue with random thoughts... I tried weed three times before I got high. The first few times I just got tired and was confused by the stupid ass people sitting there while i was drunk and excited. When i first got high.... oh baby. I was having the time of my life. I had an idea of what it was like but its true that you have to try it to know. There is no way that it can be explained.

The first high is not the strongest or best, but it is the craziest. Things are just so new that it is enjoyable. For example, I felt as if my hands were dirty after eating some food. They weren’t that dirty but it was the only thing I could think of. Now if I get the same feeling I don’t think much about it when I am high because I know I am just making ti up. The newness of the feeling is the cool thing.

That is why I do feel weed is a gateway drug. Yes, I did start drinking first and it is possible alcohol led me to pot but there is no real reason for that. I will never do anyting more than weed but many chase that new feeling and try different things.

I like the feeling of weed a lot. I keep myself in check because I don’t want it to become a habit After getting high I did it 5 times before the end of the week. I now keep it to once every other week.

I also have to stop because an internship i am looking at this summer does have drug tests and its a family friend that is giving me the job. I swear I will be hung from my balls if I don't get the job because of the not passing a drug test.

Re: Legalize it!
 

I was going to reply again but.......

what's this thread about again?

Gonna eat yer tots?

lol
peace

Re: Legalize it!
 

As far as people saying weed should remain illegal because there isn't a way to test drivers for it, I respond to that by asking: is there a way to test to see if a truck driver is too tired to be driving; is there a way to test to make the Claritin and percocet that an old lady just took impair her driving; how can you test to see if someone got into an accident because they were looking at street signs or something stupid like that?
Personally, I don't think people should drive when they're high but I absolutely do not buy the argument weed should stay illegal because cops can't test drivers for it.

Re: Legalize it!
 

Remember this song and video?
[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=305vRNoofr8]YouTube - Afroman - Because I Got High (Uncensored)[/url]
But Then I Got High by Afroman


lol

Re: Legalize it!
 

[QUOTE=Schneed10;296229]If you guys want to argue with me on economics, you're probably better off arguing with me on salary cap issues. Yes, weed can be grown in any moderate climate. Yes, it can be grown in a garage. But it can be grown much more cheaply in South America, where there is already infrastructure set up with vast fields used to grow the stuff. Here in the states we would require capital investment to clear fields, irrigate, plant, grow, and harvest. That requires money. We could use fields that we're already using for tobacco or any other crop, but the net effect on our GDP would be zero, as any revenues generated by the weed fields would be offset by the corresponding loss in revenues in tobacco.

The guy using hydrophonic lamps is using electricity to produce the pot, which isn't nearly as cost-effective as letting the sun shine on it. His cost per unit is much higher than South America's. But from an economic standpoint, I'm not interested in talking about the guys who would grow it in their garage, collectively they wouldn't produce enough weed to make a dent in the nation's demand. If weed became legalized, big business would take over and produce it in mass quantities. South America already has fields, equipment, irrigation, and the process set up to grow and produce the stuff at a marginal cost that is much lower than we could here in the US. One big reason: land in the US is much more expensive than in south America. We could generate pot here in the states for sure, but once Phillip Morris realizes that South America has them beat on labor costs (Columbians will work for 25 cents an hour), the cost of land, and the capital investments required, Phillip Morris will quickly decide not to push forward with a major pot-growing initiative. The nation will still end up importing most of it's pot, and as I said before, the trade deficit broadens, and the dollar weakens.

I don't care if you "buy it" or not, that's what would happen. Go find your friendly neighborhood economics professor and ask him. I know we have several guys around here with MBAs besides me, go ahead, do a SWOT analysis on the American pot industry assuming it were legal. There are too many barriers to entry to compete in a global market.[/QUOTE]

You and your economics buddies are a little off. You're forgetting one of the most basic fundamentals of economics -- supply and demand. The cost of marijuana today is reflected in its illegal status. Remove the Black Market implications and the price goes down. I don't need econ professors for that; it's common sense.

And why do you assume people will go out and buy imported marijuana when they can easily grow it on their own? Is it your contention that the sun doesn't shine in the Northern Hemisphere enough to adequately address the demand for the marijuana?

If you're as versed in economics as you say, you of all people should realize that consumers will seek out the least expensive route for the products they want. That's where competition comes in. If Big Business decides to enter into this market, they're going to have to compete with the people who just as easily grow it in their living room. In fact, I would submit that not as many "Big Business" entities would even bother to compete when the cards are stacked against them like that.

Even in your scenario, clearing fields, putting up massive capital amounts to
devote to new products; any weakening of the dollar could be negated once all of the resources relegated to law enforcement, source interdiction operations, court costs, Coast Guard-border enforcement and customs enforcement are removed since it's no longer illegal to consume or possess.

Since you've already admitted to throwing logic and reason out the window with this issue, I suppose it's pointless to argue further. As long as the pharmecutical companies have a stranglehold on the politicians, the GDP and the strength of your dollar will be safe.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=Beemnseven;296299]You and your economics buddies are a little off. You're forgetting one of the most basic fundamentals of economics -- supply and demand. The cost of marijuana today is reflected in its illegal status. Remove the Black Market implications and the price goes down. I don't need econ professors for that; it's common sense.

And why do you assume people will go out and buy imported marijuana when they can easily grow it on their own? Is it your contention that the sun doesn't shine in the Northern Hemisphere enough to adequately address the demand for the marijuana?

If you're as versed in economics as you say, you of all people should realize that consumers will seek out the least expensive route for the products they want. That's where competition comes in. If Big Business decides to enter into this market, they're going to have to compete with the people who just as easily grow it in their living room. In fact, I would submit that not as many "Big Business" entities would even bother to compete when the cards are stacked against them like that.

Even in your scenario, clearing fields, putting up massive capital amounts to
devote to new products; any weakening of the dollar could be negated once all of the resources relegated to law enforcement, source interdiction operations, court costs, Coast Guard-border enforcement and customs enforcement are removed since it's no longer illegal to consume or possess.

Since you've already admitted to throwing logic and reason out the window with this issue, I suppose it's pointless to argue further. As long as the pharmecutical companies have a stranglehold on the politicians, the GDP and the strength of your dollar will be safe.[/quote]

What a dismal understanding of supply and demand you have.

Yes, marijuana is priced the way it is because it's illegal. The fact that it has to be smuggled keeps the supply in check, consequently price stays high. You drop the prohibition, suddenly it will arrive in the states via vast shipments from south America. Likewise, we'd be able to grow our own in mass quantities. The price will come down because the market will be flooded with weed.

The guy growing his own in his garage is no competition for big business. That's like saying Anheuser-Busch and Miller have to compete with guys who brew their own beer at home, it's just asinine.

If legalized, it would be American companies like Phillip Morris trying to grow it here in the states competing against Columbian growers who have much lower labor costs, lower costs of land, and require no new capital investment. The high supply of weed in the market, and increased competition between companies like Phillip Morris and overseas growers will push the price WAAAY down. Competition will push the price down so far that South American growers will be able to drop their prices below the point at which Phillip Morris could cover their costs. The South Americans would still turn a profit even on their lower margins, simply because the costs are so much lower. Phillip Morris's margin would be so bad they'd be forced out.

The affect on our currency in the global market would not be anywhere close to being offset by savings on law enforcement and all that crap. The government wouldn't cut back costs on law enforcement, they'd just redirect their attention to other issues. The government doesn't have competition like business does; there's no incentive for them to cut police officers or border control agents.

Where the eff did you go to business school?

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=Beemnseven;296299]If you're as versed in economics as you say, you of all people should realize that consumers will seek out the least expensive route for the products they want. That's where competition comes in. If Big Business decides to enter into this market, they're going to have to compete with the people who just as easily grow it in their living room. In fact, I would submit that not as many "Big Business" entities would even bother to compete when the cards are stacked against them like that.[/quote]

You're right in one sense but you're also forgetting about brand recognition. If Philip Morris starts package and distribute marijuana and spends its resources on advertising then people will generally tend to buy their product over the unknown dude with the cheap packaging and inferior looking product image. You can use tv's, shoes, over-the-conter drugs and just about any other product as an example. In the end Big Business wins out just about everytime. If the little guy is showing impressive sales success with a superior product then Big Business simply "makes him an offer he can't refuse" and buys the product. A good example of that would be Cisco Systems.

Re: Legalize it!
 

[quote=724Skinsfan;296302]You're right in one sense but you're also forgetting about brand recognition. If Philip Morris starts package and distribute marijuana and spends its resources on advertising then people will generally tend to buy their product over the unknown dude with the cheap packaging and inferior looking product image. You can use tv's, shoes, over-the-conter drugs and just about any other product as an example. In the end Big Business wins out just about everytime. If the little guy is showing impressive sales success with a superior product then Big Business simply "makes him an offer he can't refuse" and buys the product. A good example of that would be Cisco Systems.[/quote]

I think you're giving Beem WAAAY too much credit. He's making no sense.

People will seek out the cheapest and easiest route to getting their products. That will be buying a pack of joints over the counter made by Phillip Morris for five bucks a pack. Sure, you could grow your own. You could buy the seeds, shine lights on them, water them when needed, harvest the buds, dry them out, roll them up, and smoke them. Or you can run out to 7-11 and buy a pack for $5.

It's just like brewing beer. You could run out to the store to buy a keg of Miller Lite for $60-70, or you could buy the ingredients for $50, invest in brewing equipment, and put in the two months time it takes to brew up a keg of beer.

There are a few people in this world who brew their own beer because they think it's fun (me included). But I definitely DON'T do it because it's cheaper or easier. When I want a case of beer on the cheap and easy, I head to the effing beer distributer. Their costs of production are much lower than mine, that's why it costs just as much (if not less) and takes way less time to just go out and buy a case of Sam Adams than it does to brew one up. It makes no ****ing sense and I'm actually feeling angry and disappointed in the intelligence level of the person I'm debating with.

Re: Legalize it!
 

I think that the examples you mentioned though require a lot more work than something as natural as marijuana. People don't really have a lot of access to making their own TVs and prescription drugs as much as they do to planting a lot of seeds.

Typically if you're considering the organic quality of pot itself, most people who buy produce, consider the "farmer's market"-type stuff to be superior, so while I think that big companies might compete, they'd also have some competition from home growers as well.

Re: Legalize it!
 

The whole reason people grow weed in their closet, garage, or living room is because it's effing illegal and they can't grow it on a farm or in their back yard. If it becomes legal, it will be readily available just like tobacco. You won't have to put in the effort to grow it, so most wouldn't. Some still will, for fun, but they won't even be a drop in the supply bucket.