Cannabis - It must be time for legality.

We need to get as much money out of these dealers hands as possible, we need to examine the policies in Switzerland and Portugal and see what they are doing right, because we've seen multiple murders in the first 3 months of this year already.

jh79 wrote: »

Or you could provide links to the studies they are basing their opinions on.

No. I wont be providing any links to studies. Although many are quoted during the programme, that were not acted upon, even 20 years ago. I am pointing to a program that contains evidence presented by learned people that have done and have been doing research since the 60's, particularly in Israel by Professor Raphael Mechoulam, he was the one that isolated THC and CBD. The program also has first hand testimonials by medical users and professionals.

jh79 wrote: »

Not gonna waste a couple of hours of my life on a movie misrepresenting studies i've all ready read.

Cannabis has been shown to have a minor benefit for 3 or 4 conditions. That's were the science stands at the moment.

Unless this movie has some new research in it , i don't see any point in it.

Are you trying to portray yourself as some authority on this subject ?

Cannabis has NOT "just" shown minor benefits for 3 or 4 medical conditions.

The reason I specifically quoted you was for a reason. Educate yourself and watch the program. Then come back. It may change your attitude and your perceptions.

Cannabis should be legal for a multitude of reasons, it should be regulated for a multitude of reasons too. I have smoked on and off since 15. I don't enjoy alcohol and weed is a great alternative for some people (not all). Like anything, if you over use/abuse it you will have negative effects. I'll list some of my reasons for legalisation, not an exhaustive list by any means:

-taking the criminal aspect out of it will have a few benefits. Reduce trafficking, putting the profits and taxes into the pocket of government allows the coffers to fill and be put to use on the greater good rather than going into making the trafficking more sophisticated and drug dealers richer. Obviously would free up courts/police/prison resources. It stops average Joe like me, who are otherwise law abiding being criminalised by a personal choice which would harm nobody else. I could carry on here but this part would get too long
-people say it's a "gateway" drug. I've never smoked weed and suddenly thought "love a bit of heroin now". The reason it's a gateway drug is because, and this may come as a surprise, if you want weed you have to get it from a drug dealer. Generally these people don't limit themselves to a single product, or they know people who can get harder drugs. Putting it in a regulated shop scenario means that pathway is no longer as easy
-people say legalisation will lead to zombie stoners wandering the earth. This has not become the case in any place where legalisation or decriminalisation as occurred. By that logic we should all be alcoholic no? I have a degree, have travelled a lot, no major debts, long term steady relationship, excellent employment history, no criminal record, would generally consider myself a decent person. I never went to work stoned, just like I never went to work drunk, although I have been in work after heavy nights drinking and probably still legally classed as drunk, which is considered normal or even as a badge of honour by some.
-there are proven medical benefits for some conditions. It doesn't cure cancer contrary to the Facebook doctors however there is strong scientific and anecdotal evidence that it can be a massively helpful treatment or alternative treatment for some medical conditions. This is not made up, as you can see from some first hand experience in this thread.
-psychological problems can be caused by abuse for sure. This is true for many substances widely available today, including a lot of legal prescription/over the counter medicine. Education is key here. Allowing people to indulge in too much of any substance, even caffeine, can cause negative effects. It's down to responsible use at an individual level. People tend to hide the fact they smoke weed outside of a trusted circle and this can lead to a bad set of circumstances for someone with underlying mental health issues.
-drug dealers generally don't know the chemical composition of what they sell. Certain strains of weed have different chemical balances that can effect people in different ways in specific circumstances. Having a lab type setup will allow for a consistent product and people can chose what suits them best. This would significantly help with the mental aspect as people can choose what suits them and be consistent in that choice. Also the practice of adding weight to the product using whatever means possible will disappear, removing a hugely dangerous aspect of weed.

This post is already significantly longer than I wanted it to be, and I could continue for pages more, but I won't. To finish on a personal note, I find being criminalised for a personal choice to be almost a violation of human rights. A slight exaggeration maybe, but the fact that people can drink until they drop, which brings massive social/economic/health problems to this country and because it's the norm people don't bat an eyelid. In fact it's applauded sometimes, people finding it hilarious that someone can't remember the night before is insane in my opinion. Weed has never made me blackout, and is generally something equivalent to a glass of wine in the evening rather than 8 hours of binge drinking hard spirits. Some people, given the opportunity, will abuse whatever substance they can get their hands on regardless of the legality. As I said previously, the key is education, regulation and, importantly, moderation.

El_Bee wrote: »

Princess Consuela Bananahammock wrote: »

Over cannabis selling?

Well the only way to get cannabis is from drug dealers unless I'm mistaken.

I wasn't clear enough: I'm accusing you bull****ting over the claim that people have been murdered over cannabis selling.

jh79 wrote: »

Princess Consuela Bananahammock wrote: »

Confirmation bias? How do you know what it's going to do it you refuse to watch it...?

How is it confirmation bias, assuming the movie is based on the same research already covered by the numerous reviews that all came to the same conclusions why would i watch it?

If it has new research in it just provide a link. I'd get more useful info from the research paper than the movie.

The poster mustn't be too confident that the movie represents the facts if afraid to provide links to clinical trials.

The poster has at least seem the movie.

You are biased in your brief that the pri-cannabis evidence is 'misrepresented' - before you've even seen it!!

jh79 wrote: »

It's already legal for chronic pain through the compassionate access scheme.

And that's a positive step forward definitely. People who gain relief from it should definitely be the priority when it comes to legalisation. However I am also advocating recreational use. Sometimes I just want to smoke a joint and watch a movie or enjoy some music. Low doses of weed have a much better effect than low doses of alcohol for me, and I feel I should be allowed that choice.

What about the view that the kids are lazy enough as it is without throwing this on the heap?

areu4real? wrote: »

What about the view that kids shouldn't be smoking weed?

When I saw kids I mean 16 - 25, which would be a big market for weed.

I'll be heading to a legalised part of the world soon. Don't like the idea of smoking it due to past lung issues. The big question I have is, should I eat the full THC soaked jelly-baby or only half of it (the legs maybe) when starting off?

Rennaws wrote: »

Not currently.

If it was legalized it would be.

I know, the same violent dealers who are gunning each other down and ruling with fear are currently responsible for it's importation and distribution, we need to get that money out of their hands.