what, if any, drugs should be legalized?

lazarus long · Post by **lazarus long** » 01-21-2011 01:14 AM

simple question that i would really like to hear answered from all of you nice folks, if you would:
what drugs that are currently illegal (or strictly controlled, whichever) would you see legalized, if any?
why or why not?
i would like to hold my opinion for a bit to keep from "tainting" the thread.

megman · Post by **megman** » 01-21-2011 01:19 AM

They should legalize them all. The Darwin Awards are getting a little thin.

lazarus long · Post by **lazarus long** » 01-21-2011 01:22 AM

quick afterthought: if there's something that you think should be made illegal, let's get that out there as well.

SquidInk · Post by **SquidInk** » 01-21-2011 10:14 AM

If it naturally grows out of the earth, it should perfectly 'legal' to possess. Period. These would include (imho) marijuana, datura (jimson), betel nut, tobacco, coca, salvia, etc. We have plenty of additional laws to address a trespass against a neighbor. Those obviously apply when one has misused a plant.

Now, as for the heavily processed drugs - like meth, Xanax, & OxyContin - the production & distribution of those should probably be regulated. Generally speaking, people who mis-represent & distribute poisons in order to persuade ignorant folks into consuming them as a 'cure' for some condition, or as a recreational activity are guilty of many other existing laws. Possession is harmless, and only indicates a potential to commit a crime - like having large, muscular arms.

Additionally, lazarus long, have you ever wondered why an amendment was required to outlaw alcohol, but there was no such requirement for the illegalization of the 'drugs' which are outlawed today?

Raggedyann · Post by **Raggedyann** » 01-21-2011 11:56 AM

I agree with everything Squid said.

Cherry Kelly · Post by **Cherry Kelly** » 01-21-2011 12:07 PM

Squid - those are some good ones.

I would add - cut tobacco taxes, sell and put small taxes on rest.

As for the meth-etc keep them illegal - though the Oxy is prescribed drug and should be kept to such only. (a little better control is needed there)

Post by **Linnea** » 01-21-2011 11:44 PM

Agree with SquidInk. Precisely.

Bobbi Snow · Post by **Bobbi Snow** » 01-22-2011 01:32 AM

I do too, except maybe for xanax. I take it (1/2 mg. every night) to keep my leg cramps and feet cramps from overcoming me and awakening me during the night, when I move. I suppose it could be abused, but, then, what can't?? Even pot can be over-used, which is why I let my prescription expire and don't use it because I no longer need it. But for people who are responsible - people who KNOW that being stoned is just as bad as driving drunk - should have access to it, as long as they're adults. People UNDER 21, or still in school and endeavoring to learn a trade or get a college degree - should NOT use it unless their doctor recommends it for a medical condition.

Common sense... that seems to me to be what so many younger people are lacking, these days.

kbot · Post by **kbot** » 01-22-2011 08:28 PM

I agree with Squid and the rest of you as well. Interestingly, if any of you follow trends in herbal medicien, you may already know this, but in Europe, where herbal medicine has been practiced since time immemorial, the use of herbs has been pretty much standardized, and many uses catalogued by the Germans (mostly). Here in the "Land of the Free", the FDA has been working to make the use of many herbs illegal, due mostly to pressure from the pharmaceutical industry.

I agree that processed drugs must be regulated, but there certainly are many valid uses for what can be found by the side of the road.

Saharaka · Post by **Saharaka** » 01-23-2011 12:44 AM

Squid said it really well and looks like just about everyone agrees!