Legal cannabis in the USA

[Emeraldlady]

It’s the time of year that we are getting FB reminders of our trip across the US 2 years ago. Can’t help but be reminded of the stench of cannabis that permeated both DC and Los Angeles though.

The big question is, why do Americans want this stinking rubbish legal in their country?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I agree entirely. It’s just bad news in many ways. My personal experience of this is deeply negative: my son and I were almost T-boned car crashed dead by a stoned driver.

Now, in Denver, they apparently want to legalize psychedelic mushrooms.

 

[TheLittleLady]

This information from Hebrew University shows the scientific benefits of cannabis:

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[heidi_storage]

There are concerns about the huge numbers of people imprisoned on drug offenses–does chucking addicts and low-level dealers (who are probably also addicts) into jail for using a substance that may possibly not be as harmful as alcohol make sense? Also, regulation and taxation of a legal substance are much cheaper than prohibition.

I’m sorry that’s what you remember from your trip to our country. I hope you were able to find some enjoyment as well. We love hosting visitors, and I hope you’ll return some day!

 

[Emeraldlady]

This information from Hebrew University shows the scientific benefits of cannabis:

https://cannabinoids.huji.ac.il/

I’m all for using the plant for it’s medicinal properties but by the regular route of doing so such as has been done with the poppy plant and regulated to prevent abuse.

 

[Emeraldlady]

There are concerns about the huge numbers of people imprisoned on drug offenses–does chucking addicts and low-level dealers (who are probably also addicts) into jail for using a substance that may possibly not be as harmful as alcohol make sense? Also, regulation and taxation of a legal substance are much cheaper than prohibition.

In other countries where it remains illegal, the focus is not on imprisoning addicts and low level dealers. Where I live for eg they are dealt with in specialised drug courts focused on rehabilitation. Making it legal is not the only way to deal with that problem.

And the ‘alcohol is worse’ argument is just a non starter. Cannabis is a psychoactive drug, highly active even in a small dose. THC and its consequent effects can last in the body for up to a month after use. Because the areas of the brain affected are essential to experiencing identity and all the capacities that come with being a social being like conscience and responsibility, long term use even at low levels alters the experience of identity. The possibility of a whole society using cannabis in the way it uses alcohol, is very worrying.

I’m sorry that’s what you remember from your trip to our country. I hope you were able to find some enjoyment as well. We love hosting visitors, and I hope you’ll return some day!

It was a wonderful trip and we do plan to return to see places we missed. I just hate the stench of marijuana and I seemed to smell it everywhere in LA.