Legalize Cannabis Ireland

crazy cabbage · 07-11-2012 4:36pm

is this the begining of the end of prohibition.... hopefully.

dttq · 07-11-2012 10:58pm

crazy cabbage wrote: »

is this the begining of the end of prohibition.... hopefully.

Hopefully, it is. And all the talk of the Federal government getting tough and fighting back against states such as Colorado and Washington and it's citizens who smoke weed is rubbish. They can't even enforce their laws and capture cannabis smokers at the moment in most places where it's illegal. In a society such as Colorado were cannabis is now legal and out in the open, it will be 10 times harder to enforce the antiquated and downright ridiculous drug laws that pro-prohibitionist governments the world over seem hell bent on trying to enforce.

OnTheCounter · 08-11-2012 11:37pm

What happens in usa happens in ireland 18 months later.

tis physics yo.

no need for the northside and southside crackers to be popping caps in eachothers asses and in 18 months everything will be copasetic bro.

coppers will go out of business if cafes start selling weed.

the IRA will continue to extort from anyone selling recreational drugs, legal or not.

tayto lover · 09-11-2012 12:34am

Have been reading a bit more on Cannabis and some of the effects on teens is a bit hard to figure. Haven't made my mind up yet -
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_mj1.php

Haelium · 09-11-2012 12:46am

tayto lover wrote: »

Have been reading a bit more on Cannabis and some of the effects on teens is a bit hard to figure. Haven't made my mind up yet -
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_mj1.php

Imagine this: You're in a ball game, playing out in left field. An easy fly ball comes your way, and you're psyched. When that ball lands in your glove your team will win, and you'll be a hero. But, you're a little off. The ball grazes your glove and hits the dirt. So much for your dreams of glory.
Such loss of coordination can be caused by smoking marijuana. And that's just one of its many negative effects. Marijuana affects memory, judgment, and perception. Under the influence of marijuana, you could fail to remember things you just learned, watch your grade point average drop, or crash a car.

Sounds like a thoroughly scientific and impartial source.

Watch out for those weed needles kids. You don't want to overdose.

tayto lover · 09-11-2012 12:51am

Haelium wrote: »

Sounds like a thoroughly scientific and impartial source.

Watch out for those weed needles kids. You don't want to overdose.

Maybe that's why they call it dope.

ScumLord · 09-11-2012 2:18am

tayto lover wrote: »

Have been reading a bit more on Cannabis and some of the effects on teens is a bit hard to figure. Haven't made my mind up yet -
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_mj1.php

The very first paragraph sets the tone for misinformed nonsense.

Marijuana is a mixture of the dried and shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the cannabis sativa plant. The mixture can be green, brown, or gray.

The part of cannabis that gets you high is the flower the rest of it is rubbish that's thrown away (well not in Ireland they leave all that crap on for weight here).

What are the negative effects of cannabis? Not being able to catch a baseball which goes on to ruin your entire life, and having sex which will mean you get HIV.

I don't accept that it hampers your ability to learn either. I've learned how to use some pretty serious programs while stoned because weed gives me focus.

This is another one of these American propaganda messages, there's nothing in that article that's actually all that bad, they have to embellish the story to make it seem bad. The article is so misinformed they don't even cover the real dangers for teens in smoking weed. Probably because they've done so little research, dedicating their time to creative writing instead that they just don't have a clue what they're talking about.

P.O.D · 10-11-2012 1:12pm

What's the best way I can help push legalization in Dublin??

Grayson · 10-11-2012 1:37pm

Haelium wrote: »

Sounds like a thoroughly scientific and impartial source.

Watch out for those weed needles kids. You don't want to overdose.

Personally, I'm worried about people potting up and driving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_2-J9fZlQI

Yamanoto · 10-11-2012 2:01pm

P.O.D wrote: »

What's the best way I can help push legalization in Dublin??

Quit posting?

shed head · 10-11-2012 2:12pm

i think its a great idea myself, weed tourism is worth hundreds of millions each year, Ireland being Ireland a lot of these folk will go on to explore the rest of our fair land, more revenue in to the economy.
The dutch have this sorted, it does bring its own problems, some idiot tourists taking liberties etc

Many dutch people have never tried cannabis and a lot that do, do not drink, its a lifestyle choice. However, i do believe it takes a good decade for this kind of attitude to take effect because lets face it, we are not the most cultured nation on this earth.
If its done right, carefully planned etc, it would be a great thing and would stop petty drug dealers and anti social behaviour.
They say it opens the flood gates for other hardcore drugs getting into Ireland/Europe, but we are somewhat unique - not landlocked which makes it a lot more difficult to distribute these drugs throughout europe, not impossible though, it is already happening.
The dutch hand down huge sentences for hardcore drugs so the risk is very real for the people who take the chance, we should follow suits!!

Boombastic · 10-11-2012 2:34pm

Uruguay are moving to legalise it too.

amjon. · 10-11-2012 3:53pm

I am against the legislation of cannabis. The rate of mental illness will go through the roof.

dttq · 10-11-2012 4:01pm

amjon. wrote: »

I am against the legislation of cannabis. The rate of mental illness will go through the roof.

It's all been debunked.

amjon. · 10-11-2012 4:09pm

dttq wrote: »

It's all been debunked.

Humor me, show me evidence of said "debunking".

I'm not saying that it's going to be akin to the famous "Reefer madness" video however it is undeniable that if cannabis is legalised it will lead to an increase in mental illness. This will be cathostrophic on an individual level. It smacks of hypocrisy that the left are intent on trying to force through abortion legislation based on 3 or four obscure cases of potential harm while they ignore the human suffering that will invariably be caused by the widespread use of cannabis.

Also, I personally don't particularly care if some moron wants to abuse cannabis and loose his mind. My problem is the strained healthcare resources he is going to draw on.

Finally, the argument that it will result in massive tax revenues is complete nonsense. It's not like people have a couple of thousand sitting in wait for the day they can go out and get baked. People only have a finite amount of disposable income, legalisation will only divert this money from other businesses. The tax revenue will be largely unchanged, if anything it will be reduced as the illicit sources will no doubt undercut the legal sources creating a larger, more resilient black market for the drug than the one that currently exists.

Sacksian · 10-11-2012 4:32pm

amjon. wrote: »

Finally, the argument that it will result in massive tax revenues is complete nonsense. It's not like people have a couple of thousand sitting in wait for the day they can go out and get baked. People only have a finite amount of disposable income, legalisation will only divert this money from other businesses. The tax revenue will be largely unchanged, if anything it will be reduced as the illicit sources will no doubt undercut the legal sources creating a larger, more resilient black market for the drug than the one that currently exists.

People are already getting baked.

Legalisation will mean that you can recoup tax on the money that is being spent buying drugs and the money that is being earned from selling drugs.

Experience elsewhere would suggest that people would prefer to buy from legal, regulated sources and, for the most part, are prepared to pay a premium to do so.

Boombastic · 10-11-2012 4:33pm

amjon. wrote: »

Humor me, show me evidence of said "debunking".

I'm not saying that it's going to be akin to the famous "Reefer madness" video however it is undeniable that if cannabis is legalised it will lead to an increase in mental illness. This will be cathostrophic on an individual level. It smacks of hypocrisy that the left are intent on trying to force through abortion legislation based on 3 or four obscure cases of potential harm while they ignore the human suffering that will invariably be caused by the widespread use of cannabis.

Also, I personally don't particularly care if some moron wants to abuse cannabis and loose his mind. My problem is the strained healthcare resources he is going to draw on.

Finally, the argument that it will result in massive tax revenues is complete nonsense. It's not like people have a couple of thousand sitting in wait for the day they can go out and get baked. People only have a finite amount of disposable income, legalisation will only divert this money from other businesses. The tax revenue will be largely unchanged, if anything it will be reduced as the illicit sources will no doubt undercut the legal sources creating a larger, more resilient black market for the drug than the one that currently exists.

do you think nobody is smoking it at the moment because it's illegal?

P.O.D · 10-11-2012 4:42pm

amjon. wrote: »

Humor me, show me evidence of said "debunking".

I'm not saying that it's going to be akin to the famous "Reefer madness" video however it is undeniable that if cannabis is legalised it will lead to an increase in mental illness. This will be cathostrophic on an individual level. It smacks of hypocrisy that the left are intent on trying to force through abortion legislation based on 3 or four obscure cases of potential harm while they ignore the human suffering that will invariably be caused by the widespread use of cannabis.

Also, I personally don't particularly care if some moron wants to abuse cannabis and loose his mind. My problem is the strained healthcare resources he is going to draw on.

Finally, the argument that it will result in massive tax revenues is complete nonsense. It's not like people have a couple of thousand sitting in wait for the day they can go out and get baked. People only have a finite amount of disposable income, legalisation will only divert this money from other businesses. The tax revenue will be largely unchanged, if anything it will be reduced as the illicit sources will no doubt undercut the legal sources creating a larger, more resilient black market for the drug than the one that currently exists.

Idiot. . .

amjon. wrote: »

Humor me, show me evidence of said "debunking".

I'm not saying that it's going to be akin to the famous "Reefer madness" video however it is undeniable that if cannabis is legalised it will lead to an increase in mental illness. This will be cathostrophic on an individual level. It smacks of hypocrisy that the left are intent on trying to force through abortion legislation based on 3 or four obscure cases of potential harm while they ignore the human suffering that will invariably be caused by the widespread use of cannabis.

Also, I personally don't particularly care if some moron wants to abuse cannabis and loose his mind. My problem is the strained healthcare resources he is going to draw on.

Finally, the argument that it will result in massive tax revenues is complete nonsense. It's not like people have a couple of thousand sitting in wait for the day they can go out and get baked. People only have a finite amount of disposable income, legalisation will only divert this money from other businesses. The tax revenue will be largely unchanged, if anything it will be reduced as the illicit sources will no doubt undercut the legal sources creating a larger, more resilient black market for the drug than the one that currently exists.

Idiot. . .

amjon. wrote: »

Humor me, show me evidence of said "debunking".

I'm not saying that it's going to be akin to the famous "Reefer madness" video however it is undeniable that if cannabis is legalised it will lead to an increase in mental illness. This will be cathostrophic on an individual level. It smacks of hypocrisy that the left are intent on trying to force through abortion legislation based on 3 or four obscure cases of potential harm while they ignore the human suffering that will invariably be caused by the widespread use of cannabis.

Also, I personally don't particularly care if some moron wants to abuse cannabis and loose his mind. My problem is the strained healthcare resources he is going to draw on.

Finally, the argument that it will result in massive tax revenues is complete nonsense. It's not like people have a couple of thousand sitting in wait for the day they can go out and get baked. People only have a finite amount of disposable income, legalisation will only divert this money from other businesses. The tax revenue will be largely unchanged, if anything it will be reduced as the illicit sources will no doubt undercut the legal sources creating a larger, more resilient black market for the drug than the one that currently exists.

Idiot. . .

amjon. wrote: »

Humor me, show me evidence of said "debunking".

I'm not saying that it's going to be akin to the famous "Reefer madness" video however it is undeniable that if cannabis is legalised it will lead to an increase in mental illness. This will be cathostrophic on an individual level. It smacks of hypocrisy that the left are intent on trying to force through abortion legislation based on 3 or four obscure cases of potential harm while they ignore the human suffering that will invariably be caused by the widespread use of cannabis.

Also, I personally don't particularly care if some moron wants to abuse cannabis and loose his mind. My problem is the strained healthcare resources he is going to draw on.

Finally, the argument that it will result in massive tax revenues is complete nonsense. It's not like people have a couple of thousand sitting in wait for the day they can go out and get baked. People only have a finite amount of disposable income, legalisation will only divert this money from other businesses. The tax revenue will be largely unchanged, if anything it will be reduced as the illicit sources will no doubt undercut the legal sources creating a larger, more resilient black market for the drug than the one that currently exists.

Moron. . .

Moron. . .

Mod: and 5 posts become one and banned.

Gbear · 10-11-2012 5:23pm

amjon. wrote: »

Humor me, show me evidence of said "debunking".

If you're too lazy to read the ****ing thread that isn't our problem.

amjon. · 10-11-2012 5:26pm

Gbear wrote: »

If you're too lazy to read the ****ing thread that isn't our problem.

Ah yes, After Hours on Boards.ie: the pinnacle of peer reviewed research.

Hippies! · 10-11-2012 5:26pm

We've enough god damn hippies as it is.

Gbear · 10-11-2012 5:28pm

amjon. wrote: »

Ah yes, After Hours on Boards.ie: the pinnacle of peer reviewed research.

Then why are you bothering posting your totally ignorant point of view in this thread?

dttq · 10-11-2012 5:39pm

Hippies! wrote: »

We've enough god damn hippies as it is.

http://www.socialtechpop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/TROLL-BANK-GR1.jpeg

Hippies! · 10-11-2012 5:51pm

dttq wrote: »

http://www.socialtechpop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/TROLL-BANK-GR1.jpeg

Em, how about no.

Chuck Stone · 10-11-2012 6:03pm

I'll take this one lads.

amjon. wrote: »

it is undeniable that if cannabis is legalised it will lead to an increase in mental illness. This will be cathostrophic on an individual level.

It is entirely deniable.

Source? Credible Journal/Study and peer reviewed would be nice.

charlemont · 10-11-2012 6:09pm

amjon. wrote: »

Humor me, show me evidence of said "debunking".

I'm not saying that it's going to be akin to the famous "Reefer madness" video however it is undeniable that if cannabis is legalised it will lead to an increase in mental illness. This will be cathostrophic on an individual level. It smacks of hypocrisy that the left are intent on trying to force through abortion legislation based on 3 or four obscure cases of potential harm while they ignore the human suffering that will invariably be caused by the widespread use of cannabis.

Also, I personally don't particularly care if some moron wants to abuse cannabis and loose his mind. My problem is the strained healthcare resources he is going to draw on.

Finally, the argument that it will result in massive tax revenues is complete nonsense. It's not like people have a couple of thousand sitting in wait for the day they can go out and get baked. People only have a finite amount of disposable income, legalisation will only divert this money from other businesses. The tax revenue will be largely unchanged, if anything it will be reduced as the illicit sources will no doubt undercut the legal sources creating a larger, more resilient black market for the drug than the one that currently exists.

I take it you have a vested interest in keeping it illegal..

crazy cabbage · 10-11-2012 6:39pm

amjon. wrote: »

Humor me, show me evidence of said "debunking".

I'm not saying that it's going to be akin to the famous "Reefer madness" video however it is undeniable that if cannabis is legalised it will lead to an increase in mental illness. This will be cathostrophic on an individual level. It smacks of hypocrisy that the left are intent on trying to force through abortion legislation based on 3 or four obscure cases of potential harm while they ignore the human suffering that will invariably be caused by the widespread use of cannabis.

Also, I personally don't particularly care if some moron wants to abuse cannabis and loose his mind. My problem is the strained healthcare resources he is going to draw on.

Finally, the argument that it will result in massive tax revenues is complete nonsense. It's not like people have a couple of thousand sitting in wait for the day they can go out and get baked. People only have a finite amount of disposable income, legalisation will only divert this money from other businesses. The tax revenue will be largely unchanged, if anything it will be reduced as the illicit sources will no doubt undercut the legal sources creating a larger, more resilient black market for the drug than the one that currently exists.

If you read the rest of the tread all your other 'points' would be debunked

As for the bit in bold. How much do you think it cost so have a hit of cannabis? I can asure you that it isn't thousands. Being illegal as it is, it much cheaper to stay in and smoke say 10euro worth of cannabis (more than enough to get at least 3 people 'high') than it is to go out on the beer and spend 30+eruo (which results in a much more dangerous type of high and 30euro is fairly conservative)

As you rightly say people only have a 'finite amount of disposable income'. But at the same time that doesn't stop people from going out for a few pints on the weekend and spending 30+ euro every weekend.
I know a few people who do not drink but spend 20 euro on cannabis a month. Divide that by 4 and that gives you 5ish euro on cannabis a week. That is fairly heavy smoking but still much cheaper than going our on the beer.
This is no reason to take up smokin cannabis or anything like that. I am only trying say that this 'thousand sitting in wait for the day they can go out and get baked' statment is totally flawed. (as is the rest of your post)

mikom · 10-11-2012 6:41pm

amjon. wrote: »

Humor me, show me evidence of said "debunking".

it is undeniable that if cannabis is legalised it will lead to an increase in mental illness. This will be cathostrophic on an individual level.

Here is a recent study........ http://www.ukcia.org/research/keele_study/Assessing-the-impact-of-cannabis.pdf

Assessing the impact of cannabis use on trends in diagnosed schizophrenia in the United Kingdom from 1996 to 2005.
Concucted by...
Martin Frisher. Department of Medicines Management, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom.

Ilana Crome. Academic Psychiatry Unit, Keele University Medical School, Harplands Hospital, Hilton Road, Staffordshire, ST6 4TH, United Kingdom

Orsolina Martino. Department of Medicines Management, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom.

Peter Croft. Primary Care Sciences Research Centre, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom

Findings below.........

British investigators at Keele University Medical School compared trends in cannabis use and instances of schizophrenia in the United Kingdom from 1996 to 2005.

The research showed that even as marijuana use soared among the general population, “incidence and prevalence of schizophrenia and psychoses were either stable or declining” during this period.

The authors concluded that an expected rise in diagnoses of schizophrenia and psychoses did not occur over the decade under study. “This study does not therefore support the … link between cannabis use and incidence of psychotic disorders,” the study concludes, adding “This concurs with other reports indicating that increases in population cannabis use have not been followed by increases in psychotic incidence.”

It is only undeniable if you come to the debate with a closed mind.....

amjon. · 10-11-2012 6:50pm

mikom wrote: »

Here is a recent study........ http://www.ukcia.org/research/keele_study/Assessing-the-impact-of-cannabis.pdf

Assessing the impact of cannabis use on trends in diagnosed schizophrenia in the United Kingdom from 1996 to 2005.
Concucted by...
Martin Frisher. Department of Medicines Management, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom.

Ilana Crome. Academic Psychiatry Unit, Keele University Medical School, Harplands Hospital, Hilton Road, Staffordshire, ST6 4TH, United Kingdom

Orsolina Martino. Department of Medicines Management, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom.

Peter Croft. Primary Care Sciences Research Centre, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom

Findings below.........

It is only undeniable if you come to the debate with a closed mind.....

Keelk

Keele University? Ha! Seriously, PFO.

ShooterSF · 10-11-2012 6:52pm

tayto lover wrote: »

Have been reading a bit more on Cannabis and some of the effects on teens is a bit hard to figure. Haven't made my mind up yet -
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_mj1.php

Here's a crazy idea. Maybe don't make it legal to sell it to teens?

amjon. · 10-11-2012 6:54pm

ShooterSF wrote: »

Here's a crazy idea. Maybe don't make it legal to sell it to teens?

Works for beer.

ShooterSF · 10-11-2012 6:56pm

amjon. wrote: »

Works for beer.

Yep. Both are illegal for minors to use and both are used by minors.

mikom · 10-11-2012 7:02pm

amjon. wrote: »

Keelk

Keele University? Ha! Seriously, PFO.

Keelk, yeah.
It's Keele.
Are you choking on your spit there?

So, PFO?
Are you telling me to "Please fuck off"?

You asked for a study.
A study was supplied............ a recent study, in fact......... a study funded by the British Home Office Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs.

Mind closed.

Chuck Stone · 10-11-2012 7:05pm

amjon. wrote: »

Keelk

Keele University? Ha! Seriously, PFO.

Typical closed minded response.

You made a spurious claim for which you had zero evidence and it was debunked by providing evidence from a credible source and all you can say is

'Ha <insert source>. PFO'

Your intellectual rigour is non-existent and you're embarrassing yourself.

If you can't handle the facts then...

genericguy · 10-11-2012 7:20pm

Lads, bad arguments and lack of citations aside, I think the pertinent point really is that anyone who wants to smoke weed in Ireland already does, and can get it very easily. Just because something is suddenly made legal doesnt mean it's going to be mixed in with your kids' sambos by their schools ffs. The only people that will be availing of legal weed will be those people currently availing of illegal weed. The country might as well make a few quid off the stuff rather than me giving my money to my mate deco who doesn't pay tax.

UCDVet · 10-11-2012 8:11pm

genericguy wrote: »

Lads, bad arguments and lack of citations aside, I think the pertinent point really is that anyone who wants to smoke weed in Ireland already does, and can get it very easily. Just because something is suddenly made legal doesnt mean it's going to be mixed in with your kids' sambos by their schools ffs. The only people that will be availing of legal weed will be those people currently availing of illegal weed. The country might as well make a few quid off the stuff rather than me giving my money to my mate deco who doesn't pay tax.

I think this is probably true for a lot of people.

I'll say that for me *personally* I don't buy/smoke/consume weed in Ireland because it is illegal. If it were legal, I would occasionally.

dttq · 10-11-2012 8:46pm

One thing I think needs to be pointed out in this debate, is that the conservative/ moralist/ joe duffy brigade types are not the chief reason for cannabis been illegal. Tbh I doubt they would have much input into whether or not weed is legal, if the governments of the West wanted to legalise it or not. I belief that the biggest factor against it's legalisation - and always has been, is that of big business from big oil to big pharma and to other industries such as paper production, clothing production industries, all of which have a large influence on government decision making. The problem with weed, is that it's not only an enjoyable recreational past-time, but it's also a source of fuel, source of medicine, source of paper production, cheap source of clothing etc. and the John D. Rockafeller's of this world, with many governments in their back pockets (particularly the likes of the US Republican Party) will do all they can to ensure that governments do not legalise cannabis.

I honestly doubt that it's illegal simply because of people smoking it. On that basis, alcohol would also be illegal. There are a lot of vested interests with a lot to lose were cannabis legalised. Make no doubt about it, the moralist brigade are put an annoying screeching background noise in this debate, and most likely have very little sway over the outcome of the legalisation debate. It's big industry and business, with a lot of influence in the corridors of power in the world's capital cities, which are the biggest obstacle toward it's legalisation. Big oil, big pharma, big clothing or whatever else would have a lot to lose were hemp/ cannabis legal and readily available.

dttq · 10-11-2012 8:47pm

Hippies! wrote: »

Em, how about no.

Em, how about yes.

dttq · 10-11-2012 9:00pm

Excellent article.

http://www.world-mysteries.com/marijuana1.htm

Did you know, it is estimated that hemp has approximately 25,000 uses? From food, paint and fuel to clothing and construction materials, hemp is used.

Every 3.6 seconds someone in the world dies of hunger. Hemp seeds are the most nutritious and economical solution to end world hunger. With an 80 percent concentration of "good fats" our bodies need for good health maintenance and protein with all eight amino acids plus optimum dietary fibre, hemp truly is a "perfect balance" food source.

The first diesel engine was designed to run on vegetable oils, one of which was hemp oil. In the 1930s Henry Ford produced an automobile composed of 70 percent hemp plastic which also ran on hemp based fuel and oil.

In 1916, the U.S. Government predicted that by the 1940s all paper would come from hemp and that no more trees need to be cut down. Government studies report that 1 acre of hemp equals 4.1 acres of trees.

80% of all textiles, fabrics, clothes, linen, drapes, bed sheets, etc. were made from hemp until the 1820s with the introduction of the cotton gin.

Henry Ford's first Model-T was built to run on hemp gasoline and the CAR ITSELF WAS CONTRUCTED FROM HEMP!

Hemp called 'Billion Dollar Crop.' It was the first time a cash crop had a business potential to exceed a billion dollars; Popular Mechanics, Feb., 1938.

And plenty more in there. Yeah cannabis was made illegal because of a bunch of counter-cultural hippies having a good time :rolleyes:

ShooterSF · 10-11-2012 9:15pm

dttq wrote: »

One thing I think needs to be pointed out in this debate, is that the conservative/ moralist/ joe duffy brigade types are not the chief reason for cannabis been illegal. Tbh I doubt they would have much input into whether or not weed is legal, if the governments of the West wanted to legalise it or not. I belief that the biggest factor against it's legalisation - and always has been, is that of big business from big oil to big pharma and to other industries such as paper production, clothing production industries, all of which have a large influence on government decision making. The problem with weed, is that it's not only an enjoyable recreational past-time, but it's also a source of fuel, source of medicine, source of paper production, cheap source of clothing etc. and the John D. Rockafeller's of this world, with many governments in their back pockets (particularly the likes of the US Republican Party) will do all they can to ensure that governments do not legalise cannabis.

I honestly doubt that it's illegal simply because of people smoking it. On that basis, alcohol would also be illegal. There are a lot of vested interests with a lot to lose were cannabis legalised. Make no doubt about it, the moralist brigade are put an annoying screeching background noise in this debate, and most likely have very little sway over the outcome of the legalisation debate. It's big industry and business, with a lot of influence in the corridors of power in the world's capital cities, which are the biggest obstacle toward it's legalisation. Big oil, big pharma, big clothing or whatever else would have a lot to lose were hemp/ cannabis legal and readily available.

That's a bit CT for me. Big business can always buy small business and i'd wager if/when it becomes legal in most of the west it will be the same people in the background running the businesses. Just look at the how the west treats tobacco companies and you'll see that the morality mob have huge powers to pressure society. If bis business really had the govt. in it's pockets cigarettes would still be advertised on tv, smoking in public buildings would be fine and happy hours would still be legal.

Chuck Stone · 10-11-2012 9:20pm

ShooterSF wrote: »

That's a bit CT for me. Big business can always buy small business and i'd wager if/when it becomes legal in most of the west it will be the same people in the background running the businesses.

Nope. Weed can be grown in a green house down the back yard by any old person. There'd be no requirement to buy it from a business.

That's perhaps one of the reasons governments (special interests) don't want to legalise it.

Kurtosis · 10-11-2012 9:30pm

mikom wrote: »

Here is a recent study........ http://www.ukcia.org/research/keele_study/Assessing-the-impact-of-cannabis.pdf

Assessing the impact of cannabis use on trends in diagnosed schizophrenia in the United Kingdom from 1996 to 2005.
Concucted by...
Martin Frisher. Department of Medicines Management, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom.

Ilana Crome. Academic Psychiatry Unit, Keele University Medical School, Harplands Hospital, Hilton Road, Staffordshire, ST6 4TH, United Kingdom

Orsolina Martino. Department of Medicines Management, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom.

Peter Croft. Primary Care Sciences Research Centre, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom

Findings below.........

It is only undeniable if you come to the debate with a closed mind.....

Not going to criticise this study on the basis of where it was conducted. I will however question the strength of the study in that it presents cross-sectional data on prevalence and incidence of schizophrenia. Cross-sectional studies are not strong at proving (or disproving) causation, particularly when the exposure/risk factor of interest, cannabis use, isn't quantified and other potential causes of schizophrenia are not accounted for.

Regardless, while this study does not show an increase in schizophrenia in the UK population over a period over which cannabis use reportedly increased, do you consider there is an association between cannabis use and schizophrenia?

Manc-Red · 10-11-2012 9:31pm

Chuck Stone wrote: »

Nope. Weed can be grown in a green house down the back yard by any old person.

Alcohol can too in all fairness.

Noodleworm · 10-11-2012 9:55pm

I know people do this under the guise of helping people with cancer etc etc. But we all know they just want to get stoned without fear of repercussions. I'm fine with people doing it at home and such, quietly. I don't know if legalizing it is all that simple. For example is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery? are we going to have to breathalize for it? are all the kids gonna be allowed at it?

Mainly it just makes people content with being lazy and doing nothing.

Medically it does have some negative effects, for their is a risk of it causing problems if you start regularly smoking before your brains finished developing. And I've heard form many people with mental health problems (depression / anxiety mainly) that it just makes things worse, and gives them paranoia.

and I don't think it quite going to bring the type of tourists Discover Ireland is aiming for.

Manc-Red · 10-11-2012 9:58pm

One thing's for certain, Cannabis is never the ignition like say Alcohol when it comes to people battering each other.

Hippies! · 10-11-2012 10:01pm

dttq wrote: »

Em, how about yes.

Em, how about no.

ShooterSF · 10-11-2012 10:05pm

Noodleworm wrote: »

I know people do this under the guise of helping people with cancer etc etc. But we all know they just want to get stoned without fear of repercussions. I'm fine with people doing it at home and such, quietly. I don't know if legalizing it is all that simple. For example is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery? are we going to have to breathalize for it? are all the kids gonna be allowed at it?

Treat it the same way we do other legalised drugs.

Mainly it just makes people content with being lazy and doing nothing.

Even if true you have no right to tell people how they should live.

Medically it does have some negative effects, for their is a risk of it causing problems if you start regularly smoking before your brains finished developing. And I've heard form many people with mental health problems (depression / anxiety mainly) that it just makes things worse, and gives them paranoia.

I've read about a slight concern with kids using it but I'd have the same concern with them using any recreational drug.

and I don't think it quite going to bring the type of tourists Discover Ireland is aiming for.

If it brings extra money I doubt they'd mind but who cares. It's about individual freedoms not what can we make out of it.

Chuck Stone · 10-11-2012 10:05pm

Manc-Red wrote: »

Alcohol can too in all fairness.

Yes but it's quite technical. It's less trouble to buy a few cans (be grand).

penguin88 wrote: »

do you consider there is an association between cannabis use and schizophrenia?

Yes and it doesn't matter. We don't ban cycling because people suffer horrific injuries and death in accidents. We try to make it safer. We try to reduce the harm.

Noodleworm wrote: »

For example is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery?

Of course not.

are we going to have to breathalize for it?

Yes.

are all the kids gonna be allowed at it?

No. That's an issue for parents. Indeed, at least if it was legal and a young person was caught smoking it by his parents they wouldn't have to deal with the added stress of worrying about him being automatically deemed a criminal.

Medically it does have some negative effects, for their is a risk of it causing problems if you start regularly smoking before your brains finished developing.

Nobody should be taking any drugs while they are children. Who's advocating that?

And I've heard form many people with mental health problems (depression / anxiety mainly) that it just makes things worse, and gives them paranoia.

Then the idiots should stop smoking it.

scamalert · 10-11-2012 10:42pm

Chuck Stone wrote: »

Then the idiots should stop smoking it.

Maybe idiots should stop moaning about legalizing the drug :pac:
its already used medically and is growing in the heart of London by some pharmacy,and im sure that people with conditions such as cancer and other diseases get the meds with some thc or other ingredients with it.but the majority who moan legalize cannabis are dreaming of getting a chance to grow them full throttle in their gardens and sheds,and then start selling it,and its funny how people compare tobacco or alcohol and the harm it does to cannabis,because alcohol and tobacco is enough to get people in a happy state,and government have all the control over it.
Where if cannabis would be legalized it would require new laws being developed extra millions on doing scans and checks whos growing,who uses it when they use it,how long before person can function normally again and other unnecessary crap.

US is legalizing it now in many states,but if you want to go pissing in a cup before every interview or whenever company decides to do checks,then feel free to vote yes for it.

Chuck Stone · 10-11-2012 11:26pm

scamalert wrote: »

Maybe idiots should stop moaning about legalizing the drug :pac:
its already used medically and is growing in the heart of London by some pharmacy,and im sure that people with conditions such as cancer and other diseases get the meds with some thc or other ingredients with it.but the majority who moan legalize cannabis are dreaming of getting a chance to grow them full throttle in their gardens and sheds,and then start selling it,and its funny how people compare tobacco or alcohol and the harm it does to cannabis,because alcohol and tobacco is enough to get people in a happy state,and government have all the control over it.
Where if cannabis would be legalized it would require new laws being developed extra millions on doing scans and checks whos growing,who uses it when they use it,how long before person can function normally again and other unnecessary crap.

US is legalizing it now in many states,but if you want to go pissing in a cup before every interview or whenever company decides to do checks,then feel free to vote yes for it.

There's so much wrong with this I couldn't be bothered with the time it would take to help you realise it.

Legalize Cannabis Ireland

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