Headshops; Should they be allowed?

AudreyHepburn

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/ban-headshop-legal-highs-urges-minister-2033100.html

Do you think hould people be allowed to set up Head Shops or should the government make them illegal?

bluto63

Yes

Now the more important question:

Do we need another thread about headshops?

No

smellslikeshoes

This whole anti headshop thing from the government lately just seems like a convenient way to distract the public from goverment failings in other areas to be honest

toiletduck

The only part I agree with is "that nobody under 18 should be permitted into these stores." But then again every head shop I've seen seems to have this policy in place.

But no, I don't need the government telling me what I can and can't do if it doesn't involve anyone else.

mikom

More head, less headshops please.

Yes, adults should be able to decide for themselves if they want to take something.. especially if it's legal.

PauloMN

No thanks.

Glorified drug dealers and scum of the earth. Greedy bastards preying on the weak. I'd be quite happy for the owners of such shops to be shot.

bluto63

PauloMN wrote: »

No thanks.

Glorified drug dealers and scum of the earth. Greedy bastards preying on the weak. I'd be quite happy for the owners of such shops to be shot.

They're hardly glorified. I'd glorify a drug dealer over this guy, at least he sells proper drugs

dblennon

PauloMN wrote: »

No thanks.

Glorified drug dealers and scum of the earth. Greedy bastards preying on the weak. I'd be quite happy for the owners of such shops to be shot.

That dosen't make any sense that logic works for all pubs aswell!!

znv6i3h7kqf9ys

Deleted User wrote: »

Yes, adults should be able to decide for themselves if they want to take something.. especially if it's legal.

+1. Better them going there than street dealers.

Buford T Justice

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055622784

aDeener

dblennon wrote: »

That dosen't make any sense that logic works for all pubs aswell!!

and you could also say that for bookmakers and take aways

AnonoBoy

PauloMN wrote: »

Greedy bastards preying on the weak. I'd be quite happy for the owners of such shops to be shot.

Nice balanced view there. Well done.

The Mad Hatter

bluto63 wrote: »

Yes

"Yes people should be allowed to set up headshops or the government should make them illegal"?

Red_Marauder

Dr Jim McDaid TD on RTE Whineline at the moment providing the show with some rare common sense in opposition of a ban.

Poor old Joe can't get his head around it.

dylano_k

The only thing we're OD'n on here is Hempshop Threads

Lux23

I don't see how it matters. From I have heard people just buy stuff in there when they can't get their hands on the real thing.

bluto63

The Mad Hatter wrote: »

"Yes people should be allowed to set up headshops or the government should make them illegal"?

I was answering the question in the poll and the thread title. Since there was more balance towards that being the question, I'm surprised you really needed to clarify which I was referring to

arybvtcw0eolkf

If I was 16 I'd have voted "yes", but I'm an old fart at 44 now so voted "no".

hooradiation

Evelyn Obnoxious Weekend wrote: »

If I was 16 I'd have voted "yes", but I'm an old fart at 44 now so voted "no".

16 year old you is far more sensible than current you, how odd.

Shulgin

We need shops that sell Cannabis,MDMA , LSD, and other drugs who`s risks are known, and are tightly controlled and licenced, and under no circumstances sell to minors.

Then there would be no need for all the newer drugs with their unknown risks.

Hank_Jones

Just wondering if any of you have actually taken any of the products that head shops sell?

The whole idea of the products is that they mimic other illegal drugs.

I voted no, and for good reason.

genericguy

fcuking hempshop threads.

hundreds of fights every weekend in this country because people drink too many pints. families break up, people commit suicide, people murder other people, husbands batter wives and so on. drinking is legal.

about 30% of the country buys cigarettes on a daily basis. these, when used in accordance with the instructions from the manufacturers, will cause you serious health problems, and will give you cancer. these are legal.

hundreds of people smoke/eat headshop stuff every weekend. people get stomach cramps from laughing too much, eat all the frosties in the house, and fall asleep with one sock still on. This is apparently much more dangerous, and will soon be illegal.

only recorded fatalities from headshop products have involved one guy who drank a skinful of gargle after doing shrooms, which all headshop owners vehemently advise against, and a couple of others who had also taken a cocktail of illegals.

the government doesn't care about your health, they just want you to look somewhere else while they figure out more ways to rape your wallet.

Ri_Nollaig

aDeener wrote: »

and you could also say that for bookmakers and take aways

take aways? well I guess you are weaker when your hungry

Prof.Badass

You can't have a blanket ban on "headshops" or "legal highs". How would you even define them in the law?

It's sad that so many clueless idiots are being given a voice in the mainstream media.

xzanti

Hank_Jones wrote: »

Just wondering if any of you have actually taken any of the products that head shops sell?

The whole idea of the products is that they mimic other illegal drugs.

I voted no, and for good reason.

Care to share?

I have tried the 'blow' stuff at a couple of parties over Christmas, quite enjoyed myself and felt fine the following day. I must add that everybody at the party was taking the stuff in moderation and in a mature manner and no ambulances or priests needed to be called.

That's my experience.

Shulgin

Hank_Jones wrote: »

Just wondering if any of you have actually taken any of the products that head shops sell?

The whole idea of the products is that they mimic other illegal drugs.

Yes.

Mephedrone is a decent cocaine/mdma substitute, but the long term side effects are likely to be dodgy so I wouldn`t try it again.

The smoking/vaping blends are a pretty decent substitute for cannabis. I do like some from time to time. Great for a quet night in with mega munchies. Quite good!

Kratom is pretty much like a weak opiate with very pleasant relaxing effects. Great for a quiet night in. I do like it every now and again. Its 100% natural too.


They are the only things in a headshop that interest me.

Shulgin

vinylmesh wrote: »

You can't have a blanket ban on "headshops" or "legal highs". How would you even define them in the law?

It's sad that so many clueless idiots are being given a voice in the mainstream media.

Id say it`s because the huge amounts of people who like legal and illegal drugs are afraid to voice their opinion in public. Drugs are a huge stigma and you can`t be on the pro side without fear of persecution.

Fair dues to Jim mcDaid for going against the norm, even if he was a little out in his argument.

DazMarz

The government needs a scapegoat to make people remember that they pissed the Celtic Tiger away, that they waste more money than is thought possible and that they are the most useless crowd god/allah/buddha/Richard Dawkins ever shovelled guts into.

They are incredibly efficient at rattling their sabre to acheive their own ends and to make it look as if they are earning their money. The headshops are unfortunately just the perfect target.

AKA pat sheen

Shulgin wrote: »

Drugs are a huge stigma and you can`t be on the pro side without fear of persecution.

Fair dues to Jim mcDaid for going against the norm, even if he was a little out in his argument.

Jim McDaid was clear, and said it repeatedly, he was against headshops and wanted them closed.

Dempsey

Yes, headshops should be allowed for reasons explained already in this thread.

Like with cigarettes & alcohol, people should have a choice.

Shulgin

AKA pat sheen wrote: »

Jim McDaid was clear, and said it repeatedly, he was against headshops and wanted them closed.

BUT, he said if you close them down that the dealers will take over.
A bit of a mixed message don`t you think?

reprazant

AKA pat sheen wrote: »

Jim McDaid was clear, and said it repeatedly, he was against headshops and wanted them closed.

McDaid: Banning headshops 'a huge mistake'

A Fianna Fail TD has said the banning of headshops "is not the way forward".

Deputy Jim McDaid said he believes that the country is "on the verge of making a huge mistake" if such shops are banned.

Mr McDaid, who is also a GP, said: "It isn't the way to tackle drug problems and doing so won't solve anything."

Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/mcdaid-banning-headshops-a-huge-mistake-444849.html#ixzz0ea05lxQU

AKA pat sheen

Dempsey wrote: »

Yes, headshops should be allowed for reasons explained already in this thread.

Like with cigarettes & alcohol, people should have a choice.

Unregulated and outside any normal legal framework by design of the headshop owners?

TPD

PauloMN wrote: »

No thanks.

Glorified drug dealers and scum of the earth. Greedy bastards preying on the weak. I'd be quite happy for the owners of such shops to be shot.

A headshop owner in Derry was shot recently. Lower torso and legs I think, for running a legal business that some people didn't like.

Real drug dealers are not so easy a target for the vigilante types, and they would fight back. IMO the people doing/advocating the shooting of legal business owners because they disagree with them, are the scum of the earth. Cowards who can't or won't fight their battles using logic, against their real enemies.

Linky - http://www.derryjournal.com/politics/Politicians-condemn-Derry-shooting.6024952.jp

strawberryb0y

Well Joe, I have a young son who buys 'drugs' out of these headshops. Now i dont want him buying the drugs, but i couldn't be bothered with the hassle of being a parent so I'd like the government to make it illegal for everyone instead.

AKA pat sheen

Shulgin wrote: »

BUT, he said if you close them down that the dealers will take over.
A bit of a mixed message don`t you think?

Actually to be more accurate he said banning the substances would allow the dealers to take over. The implication was that he favoured educating the customers..so they will think twice about using their products.

Morlar

I voted they should not be alllowed / they should be banned. Far as I am concerned they are preying on the young and weak, they are legitimising recreational drug abuse, they are not capable of regulating themself so shut them down. I don't agree with the headshops point that if they close then drug dealers will take over their trade, and even if it was true just because a public health step poses challenges doesn't mean you should do nothing. I pass by one of these usually twice sometimes 4 times a day and pretty much every single time see groups of 10-15 yr olds hanging around outside.

Dempsey

AKA pat sheen wrote: »

Unregulated and outside any normal legal framework by design of the headshop owners?

Stop using government jargon and explain to me what you are trying to say in proper english :pac:

Are we suppose to have a recommended daily allowance on the side of a packet of mephedrone or their strength in units. They've done all that regulation crap around alcohol and it doesnt make a difference.

Judgement Day

strawberryb0y wrote: »

Well Joe, I have a young son who buys 'drugs' out of these headshops. Now i dont want him buying the drugs, but i couldn't be bothered with the hassle of being a parent so I'd like the government to make it illegal for everyone instead.

Are you being serious? I wonder reading through these posts how many of them are from people with young children - or perhaps they live in such a drug induced haze that they can't see the dangers for their children.

McDaid came across like an asshole - as he always does - education and avertising are the answer says the former FF minister who was done for drink driving down the wrong side of the road to Galway. Truly the lunatics have taken over the asylum!

lookinbusy

Yes

AKA pat sheen

Dempsey wrote: »

Stop using government jargon and explain to me what you are trying to say in proper english

Government jargon? wtf?

AnonoBoy

Judgement Day wrote: »

Are you being serious?

I think it's obvious he's not.

Shulgin wrote: »

BUT, he said if you close them down that the dealers will take over.
A bit of a mixed message don`t you think?

I think McDaid wants to educate people about the dangers, formulate legislation and then phase out the headshops so by the time street dealers are the only ones selling the products the majority of people will know of their dangers.

That's his plan anyway.

Doubt it'll work that way in practice.

strawberryb0y

Judgement Day wrote: »

Are you being serious? I wonder reading through these posts how many of them are from people with young children - or perhaps they live in such a drug induced haze that they can't see the dangers for their children.

McDaid came across like an asshole - as he always does - education and avertising are the answer says the former FF minister who was done for drink driving down the wrong side of the road to Galway. Truly the lunatics have taken over the asylum!

Of course I'm not being serious. Just having a go at the attitude of parents on the Joe Duffy show who think that everyone else should do thier parenting for them.

Morlar

Morlar wrote: »

I voted they should not be alllowed / they should be banned. Far as I am concerned they are preying on the young and weak, they are legitimising recreational drug abuse, they are not capable of regulating themself so shut them down. I don't agree with the headshops point that if they close then drug dealers will take over their trade, and even if it was true just because a public health step poses challenges doesn't mean you should do nothing. I pass by one of these usually twice sometimes 4 times a day and pretty much every single time see groups of 10-15 yr olds hanging around outside.

"Recreational" and "Abuse" don't go in the same sentence. Nor would there be a problem with legitamising something recreational? I think the word your looking for is "habitual" and I highly doubt there's many people ruining their lives over anything these headshops sell.

How can you not agree with the point that drug dealers will take over their trade if they're banned.. I know people taking legal stuff because it's easy. If they're ever made illegal, they'll go straight back to their dealers. Society benefits from the headshops taking the money instead of the gangs.

Have you ever taken any drugs or have any experience in anything mentioned in this thread? Or are you just putting in an uneducated opinion based on nothing but your own closed minded thoughts on something you know nothing about?


Edit: Oh yea, I'm not "young and weak".. I'm a 22 year old accountant who doesn't appreciate people like yourself trying to limit what I do in my own time and with my own money.
Why on earth should I not be able to do something because of your opinion on it?
Until even one person dies, headshops should stay open.. They're not harming anyone.

Shulgin

AKA pat sheen wrote: »

Actually to be more accurate he said banning the substances would allow the dealers to take over. The implication was that he favoured educating the customers..so they will think twice about using their products.

Im pretty sure he said all combinations of the above on newstalk and joe duffy. Good attempt at an alternative view but he shot himself in the foot with the BZP argument. He didn`t do his research there.

Judgement Day

strawberryb0y wrote: »

Of course I'm not being serious. Just having a go at the attitude of parents on the Joe Duffy show who think that everyone else should do thier parenting for them.

Fair enough but that's what our overpaid Goverment ministers are paid to do - protect the citizens of the State! Are you advocating some sort of vigilantism on the part of the public instead of ringing Joe Duffy? Incidentally, the other 'full-time' A&E doctor (from Cork) was fully in favour of banning the shops - unlike the part-time doctor, part-time alcoholic, part-time failed politican from Donegal.

Shulgin

Judgement Day wrote: »

Fair enough but that's what our overpaid Goverment ministers are paid to do - protect the citizens of the State!

They are also overpaid to protect our civil liberties.

Dempsey

Judgement Day wrote: »

Fair enough but that's what our overpaid Goverment ministers are paid to do - protect the citizens of the State! Are you advocating some sort of vigilantism on the part of the public instead of ringing Joe Duffy? Incidentally, the other 'full-time' A&E doctor (from Cork) was fully in favour of banning the shops - unlike the part-time doctor, part-time alcoholic, part-time failed politican from Donegal.

Only because he'd have to do some work :pac:

Judgement Day

Incidentally,I hope the 11% of posters who voted who cares feel really proud of themselves. When some drugged up yob breaks into their house some night they can remember how they voted. :mad:

Judgement Day

Shulgin wrote: »

They are also overpaid to protect our civil liberties.

How does letting legalised drug dealers peddle their wares to our children protect our civil liberties?