Medical Marijuana--

[Morrigoon]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

Because enjoying it would be the worst thing that could happen.

I've known too many pot abusers and seen the damage recreational use can cause. Nothing you say to me can undo what I've seen.

But I think the benefits outweigh the risks under certain circumstances.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

I've known too many pot abusers and seen the damage recreational use can cause. Nothing you say to me can undo what I've seen.

Alcohol. Gambling. Video games. Fast food. Sex. Fast driving. Cough syrup. Internet. Porn. Shopping.

And on and on and on. Which of those would you outlaw due to their rather strong potential to lead to life-ruining addiction/abuse?

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Alcohol. Gambling. Video games. Fast food. Sex. Fast driving. Cough syrup. Internet. Porn. Shopping.

Of all those, I'd say cough syrup is the only one that I haven't seen cause severe damage in someone's lives from "recreational" use as well. So, I understand Goonie's concern, but fail to see why these things are different, if they do cause the same kind of damages, if not worse.

What I've personally witnessed or have known someone affected by each one:

• Alcohol - spousal abuse, child neglect, child abuse, early death, welfare
• Gambling - spousal abuse, child neglect, foreclosure, poverty, suicide, avoiding repayment of debts, welfare
• Video games - addiction, spousal neglect, child neglect, medical issues
• Fast food - medical issues, avoiding repayment of debts
• Sex - disease, rape, molestation
• Fast driving - "accidents", one fatal (not the erratic driver, of course)
• Internet - addiction, spousal neglect, child neglect, dishonesty, stalking
• Porn - addiction, sexual abuse
• Shopping - spousal abuse, child neglect, foreclosure, avoiding repayment of debts, poverty, welfare
• Marijuana - addiction, abuse, neglect, avoiding repayment of debts, welfare

Goonie, maybe if you shared with us exactly (don't need to give names/relations) what your negative experiences have been with pot, we might understand you more.

But, even with what I've seen in the list above, I don't think any of those things should be made illegal (well, fast driving already is, and that's only because it has a direct and immediate impact on other lives, so I do support that one).

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Disneyphile

Of all those, I'd say cough syrup is the only one that I haven't seen cause severe damage in someone's lives from "recreational" use as well.

Some cough syrups have elements that are extracted for use in making methamphetamine.

Originally Posted by Disneyphile

What I've personally witnessed or have known someone affected by each one:

I think that was the point of the list. All of those items (with the exception of speeding, but you can do that legally in controlled situations) are legal. And addictive. And can cause harm

Either you are against all items that are addictive and can do harm or you aren't. The point I see is that it is ridiculous for one substance (alcohol is the perfect example) to be legal for recreational use and another (pot) is not. It is a hypocrisy.

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

The point I see is that it is ridiculous for one substance (alcohol is the perfect example) to be legal for recreational use and another (pot) is not. It is a hypocrisy.

Bingo.