Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

Seriously, cigarettes are soooo horrible for you, so why are they legal? On the flip side, weed has some medicinal purposes, and it's all natural, but illegal????????

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

This seems like the proper place for this discussion.

The reasons it was made illegal in the first place really don't seem to make that much sense, especially since alcohol and tobacco products are still legal. One reason for it's being seen as somethinng criminal that I've always found interesting (and I really don't want to start a whole other debate by saying this) is the racial aspect of those who were more likely to use it when it was originally made illegal. This is from the wikipedia entry on marijuna:
[I]Although cannabis has been used for its psychoactive effects since ancient times, it first became well known in the United States during the jazz music scene of the late 1920s and 1930s. Louis Armstrong became a prominent and life-long devotee. It was popular in the blues scene as well, and eventually became a prominent part of 1960s counterculture.[/I]
[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marijuna#Legality]Cannabis (drug) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url]

I really don't think it should be illegal because there really is no proof that it's any worse than other, more legal ways of killing one's brain cells. At the same time, I'm still a bit skeptical on how benifical it can really be because I find it hard to believe that any kind of smoke that goes into the lungs can be very good for you.
Oh, and by the way, I sound like a big pothead or something but that's actually not the case. I was a sociology major in college where I basically focused all my studies on criminology-related topics and my senior thesis dealt with American drug laws and the way they are enforced.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

And by the way; if you want a really good laugh watch the movie "Reefer Madness." If you've never heard of it, it was made in the 1930's (I think) as a way to 'warn' people about the dangers of marijuna. The depications of people smoking up and the way they react to it are classic.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

I think the Govenrment likes to keep good things to themselves. They all smoke it.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

If big business got behind pot like they're behind tobacco they could push it through easily enough.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

Those commercials are the ones that crack me up.

I'll be honest, I enjoyed smoking weed a lot in my younger days, and I have occasionally dabbled in it now in my elder days. I have an MBA in finance and graduated with a 3.5 gpa. I have acheived many things in my life.
Like anything you do, if you do it in excess, it will hurt you. Even eating food will hurt you in excess. Moderation is the key. I personally feel that if more people smoked weed, there would be a lot fewer crimes, and it would help the economy immensely.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;231809]If big business got behind pot like they're behind tobacco they could push it through easily enough.[/QUOTE]

DING DING DING!!! I agree 100%.

But, I really don't think it will ever be made completely legal, per se. If anything, it will become decriminalized like it is in Holland. For instance, I don't ever see a situation where Nate Newton would get off Scott free, but could see people not having to get into high speed chases with the cops because they have a joint in the ashtray.

The other thing besides the major companies getting behind it would be when the government decides to start regulating it and taxing the bejeebus out of it for their own gain. That would be like killing two bird with one stone, because not only would they get $$$ from the taxes but they would also get to save money on court costs and prison sentences for simple offenders.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;231809]If big business got behind pot like they're behind tobacco they could push it through easily enough.[/QUOTE]


Gary Johnson (R- New Mexico, ex-governor) wanted to legalize it, and it seems this trend is becoming somewhat sexy.
So you're right, if big business got behind the idea, then more and more politicians would get on board.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

I agree, moderation. Maybe that's what Corporate America is doing, waiting for the oppurtune time. Who knows, Wal-Mart gets there way with everything, maybe they'll start selling it for cheap,and crak there whip on some poor phillapino farmer to grow it at a faster rate...."WHOOPISH, GROW IT FASTER!!!"

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

if alcohol and cigarettes were introduced today, they'd probably be illegal.

but because they've been around since this countries founding, and because tobacco was our only valueable major export for a long time (WAY back), they're still here. as far as medicinal purposes, that's not nearly enough because it's really not that useful, and it has somewhat serious side effects (memory loss).

studies have shown (i believe from a jamacian work place) that regular smokers that came to work sober showed no loss in productivity. I really haven't bothered to do much research though cause i have no interest in using it and it'll never be legal here anyways.

oh yeah, and that flawed gateway drug thing.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

the government still thinks that reefer leads to heavier drugs. I'm against it( except for medical purposes) because I'm a fresh air kid. always have been, always will

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

What happened to the foorball discussions.
Anyway to let you know that marijuana was made illegal back in the day because it was found to have uses similar to plastic. At that time Dupont had a lot invested in plastic and didn't want marijuana to take their business so they lobbied for it to be illegal. On the harmful side, marijuan has many more side-effects than tobacco, ie one joint has as many cancer causing agents as one pack of regular cigarettes.
Lets get back to football.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

It's all about money. Tobacco is a big cash crop in the South. And the big tobacco companies have way too much clout to ever allow cigaretttes to be made illegal. There's no way that Congress or any President will ever have the guts to do anything about it. In fact, many politicos get big campaign contributions from the tobacco industry. Cynical? Yes. The truth? Also yes.

So, you and I, through higher insurance premiums, will continue to pay to cover the medical costs that smoking creates.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

By the way.... pot doesn't give you cancer either...

light it uuuuup!

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501729.html]Study Finds No Cancer-Marijuana Connection[/url]

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[quote=gusbus;231828]What happened to the foorball discussions.
Anyway to let you know that marijuana was made illegal back in the day because it was found to have uses similar to plastic. At that time Dupont had a lot invested in plastic and didn't want marijuana to take their business so they lobbied for it to be illegal. On the harmful side, marijuan has many more side-effects than tobacco, ie one joint has as many cancer causing agents as one pack of regular cigarettes.
Lets get back to football.[/quote]

You're wrong... The original reason it was illegal was racism.

Yellow Journalism was used as proof during the senate debates on making it illegal (essentially, a senator called his buddy up to write newspaper articles on how pot made people crazy, and those articles were used as evidence... and the rest is history)....

Tabacco was the white man's drug... refer was the Mexicans drug and back in the day that was a problem.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[QUOTE=gusbus;231828]What happened to the foorball discussions.[/QUOTE]

They still exist over in the football threads...this is to discuss things "off topic", ie: non football / redskins related.

[QUOTE] On the harmful side, marijuan has many more side-effects than tobacco, ie one joint has as many cancer causing agents as one pack of regular cigarettes.[/QUOTE]

Ummm what? Where did you hear that? I have still yet to hear of anyone dieing of cancer caused by marijuana. I'm not saying it's great for you...heck any smoke in the lungs can't be good, but worse than cigarettes?? I need to see proof of that.


originally posted by "That guy". [QUOTE]oh yeah, and that flawed gateway drug thing.[/QUOTE]

Everything is a gateway drug! Asperin, alcohol, cigarettes, cough syrup...it's all a gateway drug. Fact is, if you have an addictive personality then anything would be bad for you. But I know guys that are addicted to pain pills, but nothing else, I know alcoholics, but they won't touch anything else, and i know pot heads that won't even drink. It has to do with your personality whether or not you will become addicted to what a drug does to you.

I used to laugh at all those old commercials like if you smoked weed, then you're a terrorist, or if you smoke weed, you'll run over some little girl. It's crap. The new commercials are better where the one kid says "nothing will happen, but I for one want to live life" implying he'd rather be outside than vegging on the sofa. At least that is realistic.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

i believe cigarettes are much much more likely to cause cancer, so i don't know where you got that info gus.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[quote=jsarno;231844]
Everything is a gateway drug! (etc...)[/quote]


you did see that i said flawed, right?

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[QUOTE=That Guy;231851]you did see that i said flawed, right?[/QUOTE]

Yes, I was agreeing with you...sorry I did not communicate that properly.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[QUOTE=RobH4413;231839]By the way.... pot doesn't give you cancer either...

light it uuuuup!

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501729.html]Study Finds No Cancer-Marijuana Connection[/url][/QUOTE]

Great post rob.

Gus, fear of marijuana is what feeds the notion that it's badfor you. Your parents tell you it's bad, or the government, or whoever, but it's all out of fear. Just like anything, you need to find your own answers, not regurgitate (sp?) what you've "heard".

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[quote=jsarno;231859]Great post rob.

Gus, fear of marijuana is what feeds the notion that it's badfor you. Your parents tell you it's bad, or the government, or whoever, but it's all out of fear. Just like anything, you need to find your own answers, not regurgitate (sp?) what you've "heard".[/quote]


from the article... greatness

"We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between marijuana use and lung cancer, and that the association would be more positive with heavier use," he said. "What we found instead was no association at all, and even a suggestion of some protective effect."

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[quote=jsarno;231859]Great post rob.

Gus, fear of marijuana is what feeds the notion that it's badfor you. Your parents tell you it's bad, or the government, or whoever, but it's all out of fear. Just like anything, you need to find your own answers, not regurgitate (sp?) what you've "heard".[/quote]

it is bad for you. memory loss, wasted time, and overconsumption of doritos.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

give it 10 to 15 years, it'll be legal

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[QUOTE=twinskinsfan;231814]I agree, moderation. Maybe that's what Corporate America is doing, waiting for the oppurtune time. Who knows, Wal-Mart gets there way with everything, maybe they'll start selling it for cheap,and crak there whip on some poor phillapino farmer to grow it at a faster rate...."WHOOPISH, GROW IT FASTER!!!"[/QUOTE]
Corporate America doesn't want moderation - do you really think Big Tobacco wants you to smoke 2 cigarettes a day? Or that Anheiser-Pussy (I hate Budweiser) wants you to drink a couple beers a week? Uh-uh. They want to see you chain-smoking and shotgunning beers 24/7.

Until they can (at least behind closed doors) push for this with marijuana, they won't push to legalize it.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[QUOTE=That Guy;231864]it is bad for you. memory loss, wasted time, and overconsumption of doritos.[/QUOTE]

I'd like to see what kind of proof you have that it is bad for you (not that I believe you are wrong).
Wasted time is a weak argument at best. Stress relief trumps wasted time and memory loss any day of the week.
So what exactly is "wasted time"? Some of the best memories in my life came from when my best friend and I smoked a bowl and played playstation all day, laughing and having a great time.

(don't try that at home kids, I am a trained professional)

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[quote=jsarno;231935]I'd like to see what kind of proof you have that it is bad for you (not that I believe you are wrong).
Wasted time is a weak argument at best. Stress relief trumps wasted time and memory loss any day of the week.
So what exactly is "wasted time"? Some of the best memories in my life came from when my best friend and I smoked a bowl and played playstation all day, laughing and having a great time.

(don't try that at home kids, I am a trained professional)[/quote]
Let's make video-games illegal...

When I was 15, I wasted alot of time, ate alot Dorito's... all due to video-games....

Thus far there hasn't been any conclusive scientific evidence to suggest long-term memory loss and marijuana are associated. But honestly who cares?

I think the debates over... Pot will become legal in the next 5-10 and mabye sooner. It's not something that deserves passionate political debate in the spotlight... lets start talking about crime and poverty before we go all ape-shit over something pretty insignificant.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[QUOTE=RobH4413;231938]Let's make video-games illegal...[/quote]

That's a democrat thing to say. Blame the medium, not the person. hahaha

[quote]When I was 15, I wasted alot of time, ate alot Dorito's... all due to video-games....[/quote]

There have been extensive studies done that prove that video games help to develope hand / eye coordination. FYI

[quote]Thus far there hasn't been any conclusive scientific evidence to suggest long-term memory loss and marijuana are associated. But honestly who cares?[/quote]

Apparently some do, otherwise we wouldn't be in this thread discussing it.

[quote]I think the debates over... Pot will become legal in the next 5-10 and mabye sooner. It's not something that deserves passionate political debate in the spotlight... lets start talking about crime and poverty before we go all ape-shit over something pretty insignificant.[/QUOTE]

Start a thread about crime and poverty and most of us will visit it. However don't pass a thread off as insignificant because you don't like what the discussion is about. Why do people feel the need to "stop" a debate? If you choose not to participate, that's your perogative.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

Make videogames illegal was a sarcastic comment jack-ass....

A democrat thing to say? Get a life.

Grow some balls and use facts to counter someones argument, not random banter that is just useless. Quoting something I say and calling it something a "democrat" would say is just plain ignorant. Fuck that I won't have it.

As far as conclusive study?
[url=http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=672]ASA : Is there reputable research showing long term memory loss due to occasional or even heavy use of marijuana?[/url]

There is not any conclusive evidence as I commented earlier.

And passing this thread off as insignificant is my personal opinion, but it's only because we've already discussed everything to discuss. Why don't we gain some new ground and talk about something that matters for a little while. I'm not trying to be the moral hierarchy of the situation, but just thought some re-directed focus was probably more beneficial to everyone here... especially given the direction this thread was headed.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

No personal offense, I know it probably doesn't seem it... But i'm a bit frustrated... sooo yeah... apologize for the intensity of the argument...

all love...

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

I honestly don't think pot is soo horrible, but america was founded on puritanical values (killing people = okay, nudity = satan), so assuming it'll be legal that soon is probably off target.

It would probably lead to a decrease in crime and massive increase in tax revenue (and ease hospitals and police depts), but humans are more emotional than logical and there's still a strong family values vote out there that'd be against it, citing increased vechile accidents due to pot (which would be true), etc. there's be a decrease in deaths associated with drug trafficking etc though that'd probably be greater though, and economically there's no strong arguement against it except for the lobbying of competing corporations (beer, tobacco, etc).

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[QUOTE=twinskinsfan;231814]I agree, moderation. Maybe that's what Corporate America is doing, waiting for the oppurtune time. Who knows, Wal-Mart gets there way with everything, maybe they'll start selling it for cheap,and crak there whip on some poor phillapino farmer to grow it at a faster rate...."WHOOPISH, GROW IT FASTER!!!"[/QUOTE]
HAHAHA, that reminded me of Chapelle, "BURN, YOUR FEET!"
P.S. I'm high

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[QUOTE=That Guy;231963] increased vechile accidents due to pot (which would be true)[/QUOTE]
Increased vehicle accidents? The only time I drive safely is when I have drugs in the car. It all goes back to what Matty says...there's no need to fight(Although, I'll always side with Rob) Let every fan enjoy himself. To each his own, I have been high every skins game this season. I remember everything, It's like someone else said(forgot who) moderation is key

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[quote=Meast;231993]Increased vehicle accidents? The only time I drive safely is when I have drugs in the car. It all goes back to what Matty says...there's no need to fight(Although, I'll always side with Rob) Let every fan enjoy himself. To each his own, I have been high every skins game this season. I remember everything, It's like someone else said(forgot who) moderation is key[/quote]

that's great, i have no idea why you think i'm fighting, and i hope you're not serious, or do you think driving drunk is a good idea too? I think you're assuming i've stated a position, instead of just stating facts. alcohol helps cause accidents, pot already helps cause some accidents, and logically, making it legal and plentiful would increase the chances of driving while high. logically the deaths due to drug trafficking would decrease as well. just because you can moderate doesn't mean everyone can, unless you think your personal moderation magically cures all known forms of alcoholism for every alcoholic worldwide ;).

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

With alcohol, they have a test to see how much your blood alcohol level is and in therefore can enforce laws against drinking and driving and drinking on the job. As it is now there is no test that can determine if you are still "under the influence" of weed. They can do feild tests but i believ the closest they can determine is that you smoked it within the last 12 hours. If they can come up witha way to tell if you have smoked within lets say the last 2 hours, then they may make it legal. Until then, it will remain illegal because they wont be able to enforce the laws regarding driving and work place impairment.

IMO weed is alot less harmful than alcohol and even all the perscription drugs that have become so popular. And yes! I do smoke weed and still am able to live a productive lifestyle. I am actively employed for the same company for 5 years. I am also a father of 3 and while I don't want my kids getting high, when they become adults it is their decision. People say weed is a gateway drug but IMO it depends on the individual. I have been a smoker for almost 10 years and never once have I tried anything but marijuana. I know many many people who are the same way. The people who blame marijuana on being the gateway to their addiction for harder drugs are using that as a copout. They are trying to find excuses for their own addictions instead of taking responsiblities for their own choices.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

the gateway thing was the same reason we went to korea and vietnam, to stop the spread of communism, but, as it turns out, we lost and communism has become less prevalent anyways. It's the justification you use when you can't think of anything better to say.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

I'll say this....my marijuana consumption has increased due to the Redskins playing like shit....its the only thing that gets my mind off of it.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;231809]If big business got behind pot like they're behind tobacco they could push it through easily enough.[/QUOTE]

You may be partly correct.

It's been rumored that while the cigarette manufacturers aren't pushing for legalized marijuana, they're prepared for it. there may be names for joints under copyright right now.

I'd say the thing keeping marijuana from becoming legal is a test for immediate intoxication. Any legalization will include a new batch of laws regarding driving, operating machinery, etc. Until a test saying that at the time of the arrest, [I]this[/I] number shows how high you were, those laws would be entiorely subjective, and impossible to prosecute effectively. Since most drug tests can only say if you've used in the past few weeks, that isn't happening.

And for those out there who "drive better when I'm high," sure you do.

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

there is no way it becomes legal. too many old order politicians with their political careers in jeopardy for this to change. besides, drugs are drugs, no matter how you look at it. just say no

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

It is SO funny, and sad at the same time ... we have made a natural plant illegal. Note to the politicians: while you may think you are God, you can't outlaw nature ... HAHAHAHAHAHA! :doh:

Re: Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?
 

[quote=GhettoDogAllStars;232695]It is SO funny, and sad at the same time ... we have made a natural plant illegal. Note to the politicians: while you may think you are God, you can't outlaw nature ... HAHAHAHAHAHA! :doh:[/quote]

i don't really see how it's funny or weird. opium is illegal and natural. uranium is natural, but it's illegal to possess it under most situations, etc...