Lets actually do something to legalize cannabis, or at least talk about doing it...

[HCSmyth]

Moose Eater I was hoping you would say: "I don't dance, sir" like in that Harrison Ford Movie, Clear and Present Danger to my Potomac two step, comment. But any way, how about the idea of focusing on state ballot initiatives that demand the federal government rescheduled cannabis? It should pass in the states that already passed medical marijuana laws, right? And at least bring some light, nationally to the issue.

 

[smokeymacpot]

In the UK cannabis is a class C drug which means its legal to have in your own home...

thats not true. if the police find any in your house they can still arrest you.

they do tolerate smoking at home tho, they said to me dont have it on you or smoke it in public and smoke it at home.

 

[mriko]

Any attempt at legalizing cannabis locally (mean ones own country) will most probably be a failure. This is a global problem, an dit must be addressed globally through UN and other institutions such as non-aligned countries and so on.

Legalization NGOs are failing again and again because they are focusing about stuff like personnal freedom, Health and so on. Things Governments don't give a shit !
Cannabis legalisation must be addressed with today's problems, those which have a global impact, such as terrorism and wild immigration.
Common People are freaked today, they want SECURITY ! They want to be protected against unemployment, terrorism or wild immigrations. THese are issue with which a legalised international cannabis trade can help to deal with.
But certainly, this is a product that in no way should be under WTO rules definitely, otherwise the situation could get worse.
Global trade must be assumed by UN (they have pretention at controlling drug trade around the world, so let's make them to assume their responsibility, fully), so as to insure that the profitfrom cannabis goes to the right places and people.

Say, for one kilo of hash costing currently 50$ in the producing country, UN could buy export quality stuff for say 500$, then sell it back to some consummer country for 2500 $. The same country would sell to the user at a rate of about, say 7000$.

The producing country would get a large benefit from the sale, dispatched at a local, regional and national level, helping for development.
The UN also would get large benefit and be able to fund emergency humanitarian actions (For instance, World Food Program calls for help are most usually ignored by international community, most recent was for Afghanistan, and Malawi aswell last summer if I remember, two cannabis producing countries who could have made benefit from their traditionnal and natural resource and avoid their people to starve...).
And at last the consummer countries can get their share of the cake through taxes which they can use for social, education, health matter.
ANd of course, will create many employment. I am thinking especially about the industrial hemp. For instance, I would totally opposed to industrial production of psychoactive hemp in my country (France). It has nothing traditionnal and would bring lots of security problems. But industrial hemp is a traditionnal culture here, so better to do what we know and how to. Would be the opportunity to truly revive the hemp industry, in many western countries.

And got to for get about words such as marijuana, cannabis, pot and so on. THese are negative worsd in common ignorant people. Better to talk about hemps, the industrial one and the psychoactive one. THey "walk" hand in hand and cannot be pulled apart.

Irie !

 

[Guest]

The one president that was confronted about it's use ,wussed out and denied it altogether. And even after that people would say Clinton man aleast he smoked. I dont know whats worse someone who comes from a line of cia & thier dope dealings or a president that lies and did nothing for the people who backed him the most on the mj issue. Both types in my book wont do the trick.

 

[Pops]

I think that Moose had a good point in one of his earlier posts. The U.S. gov't has had 70 years to spread lies and half-truths. We have not done a good job of putting out the truth.

There are really three issues involving cannabis. There is the medical issue, which is probably the second easiest to defend. There is the issue of industrial hemp, which should be the easiest to defend and promote. The recreational use of cannabis will be the hardest to get through to the public.

I believe what needs to be done is an information spree, where people start letter writing wars to local newspapers and media outlets. These need to be informational, not confrontational.

We need to give the public all medical discoveries relating to cannabis and all information relating to the value of hemp, hemp seed and hemp oil. It will take time to get the public's mindset changed.

There is also an issue of state's rights that has been ignored. The federal Gov't has taken from the states the right to regulate the behavior of it's people and to determine trade/commerce within it's own borders. The most recent SCROTUS decision was purely moral and political, not constitutional. Interstate commerce was not a factor.

HC is correct that we need to get cannabis rescheduled as a schedule 7 substance, like alcohol and nicotine. In that way, states can set their own legislation concerning the substances and their availability. Some states will still probably outlaw it.

This is a war much like the American revolution. We are fighting a government that is unresponsive to the desires of the people, or rather catering to the desires of a few. It will not be a short war and as in all wars, it will be dangereous to those who fight in it.

 

[mriko]

It will take time to get the public's mindset changed.

Firstly that of the cannabic community and could proove much harder than with that of "ignorant" public. Seems very little people are able to look and think beyond their own borders. That's the point here, everyone thinking for himself (for his own country), thus greatly limitating possibilities. My, this is something that goes far beyond my own right to grow and smoke. You know, people want a big diamond, but they have only a grain of dust to propose in exchange...
Most people are addressing the problem in a local way, but it is far from being a local problem...
Militant cannabis community is totally divided, with each working/thinking on its own country, so prohibitionist reign better and stronger.
The only "unification" one can see is during the yearly Marijuana March. But even this doesn't bring any changes (only conforts the prohibitionnist that cannabis is a dope and must be eradicated).

You guys heard about globalization I suppose, eh ? Everything is going global, transnational, but the cannabis debate remains locked and isolated into each country. So put down you borders ! THINK GALACTIC & ACT GLOBALLY !

Irie !

 

[Pops]

Quite frankly, mriko, if you change the big bully on the block(the U.S.) the rest of the countries should be easier. The U.S. drives drug prohibition throughout the world. Everyone else is smarter than we are, but are afraid of our economic clout.

 

[mriko]

Quite frankly, mriko, if you change the big bully on the block(the U.S.) the rest of the countries should be easier. The U.S. drives drug prohibition throughout the world. Everyone else is smarter than we are, but are afraid of our economic clout.

It depends on how would the US change their mind. Would they advocate for a national change, or a global one. And why as well. The money (profit) side would surely be dominant. Certainly, US would sort out ugly trade agreement in order to protect his 1st cash crop as well. They would make it a WTO product and it will most certainly ruin the international market and many poor peasants lives.

I wouldn't be happy to see a global legalisation started/led by USA, because it would be a corporate minded one.

Irie !

 

[Pops]

If the U.S. legalized marijuana(which doesn't seem likely anywhere is the near future), then many trade agreement would be nullified in terms of some of the drug restrictions. I understand your concern, as corporate powers are frightning.
You would probably see Phillip Morris and other giant tobacco cos. getting into the legalized pot market to make up for flagging sales of tobacco products. Many of them would be buying cheap,lower quality pot from 3rd world countries, but there would also be a growing american commercial market for quality pot.

You would probably have different grades at different prices. It wouldn't affect me, as I still think I can grow better pot that any commercial company and I wouldn't want to pay the enormous taxes that would be placed on it.

 

[HCSmyth]

The way I see it is it is not possible to legalize cannabis overnight for the reason pops gave above among many other reasons like moose gave. I just do not see how any reasonable person could justify cannabis being kept on schedule I. The 8 states or whatever the number that has medical marijuana laws now need to have a new good faith ballot measure that requests to the federal government they reclassify cannabis so they are in compliance with federal laws. This could then lead to most if not all 50 states having the same referendum, which I believe, could put a lot of pressure on politicians on the federal level. This is clear example in my opinion of the federal government trampling on states’ rights thus the states need to do something, anything, to fight back. And not just sit idle on the sidelines.

 

[Guest]

Wasn't that war fought already? States Rights... maybe the south was onto something there. Funny shit I read here.

 

[HCSmyth]

When I made the statement:

This is clear example in my opinion of the federal government trampling on states’ rights thus the states need to do something, anything, to fight back.

Referring to "fight back" I mean do it in the context of following the rule of law to achieve the desired ends and not in a way that would insight violence, death and anarchy. I am frustrated in the inaction of states that have passed medical marijuana laws that are in many ways, meaningless because they are often over-ruled by the federal government. And by saying "do something, anything" I was expressing my frustration that nothing is being done by those states that have passed these medical marijuana laws, to make their laws more relevant. My idea to reschedule is at least doing something to remedy the situation and in doing so it also follows the rule law.

 

[NiteTiger]

Actually, I read an article that stated that Medical Marijuana laws are damaging to the general legalization/decriminalization movement. It made some very good points.

First, it gives the government an out. Instead of a general decrim, they pass med laws. Then, when advocates for general decrim come around, the politicos can point and scream 'We were right! MMJ was just a ploy to legalization', snatching all credibility from the supporters of both MMJ and decrim, painting the supporters with their own brush as 'druggies'. All they want to do is get high!

Then, suddenly, when the politicos say that marijuana legalization is just a ploy for general drug legalization, people will listen. Once you give them the credibility and they link pot to cocaine, game over. People will backlash against pot and med pot so hard we'll end up with broken necks.

Also, pointing to Cali's MMJ system as a model for other states MMJ laws is the absolute wrong path. Many many people believe the Cali system is a failure at its stated purpose. Sure, it delivers patients meds, but look at how many people abuse the system. People in conservative climes do not want that. Sounding the Cali bell in the midwest is more of a death knell than a rallying cry.

I feel the legalization effort would make much more progress by attacking the DEA. Yep, that's right, the DEA directly. They want a drug war, let's give 'em one. Educate people on the rouge nature of the agency. People lap up government corruption, and truly the DEA is as rouge and corrupt as they come. You start pointing out that the DEA flat out lies, violates federal law, and ignores the very nature of democracy, then you'll get Joe Sixpack in Cullman, Alabama getting pissed. Nothing pisses off liberal and conservatives alike than an out of control government agency.

As the core of the attack on the DEA, you use marijuana. Point out how the DEA ignores its own studies, its own judges, and federal law - then show them the studies, rulings, and the laws. You make marijuana users victims of a violent, out-of-control, government agency, instead of rebels.

Also, you make a big enough stink about corruption, and watch the media jump on board. Then, the lack of funds becomes a non-issue. We may not be able to fight the governments money, but CNN, NBC, Fox, CBS, and ABC certainly can.

A nice corollary to this tactic is that it forces the DEA and ONDCP to put out propaganda not to attack marijuana, but to defend themselves.

When the DEA goes on the defensive, you're almost guaranteed they'll begin pointing to crack, meth, and heroin. Then it's common sense to say "Then why aren't you working on that?"

You'll see the DEA back off so fast on MJ that they'll leave tread marks. If they have to choose between a radical backlash on their very existence and agreeing to 're-prioritize' their stance on MJ, guess which direction they're heading.

If we're going to fight a war, then we need to attack our enemies. Our enemies are not the American people, which is who you're attacking when you say 'You're all idiots, here's the truth'. It's the agency that runs rampant over the very foundations of our government and, quite literally, puts guns to the heads of those that disagree.

 

[robobond]

I havent read the whole article but Id like to add my imput here to the debate of cannabis legalization. Obviously the road ahead will be long and hard but I think through enough effort it is not out of reach. The first step is to change public opinion about cannabis. This is actually the hardest step and the most important because even if we get it on the ballot it still has to be voted on and passed. Without out an improved public opinion cannabis will remain illegal. The second step would be to get a decrim and/or medical bill for states that lack them. If enough states become medical states then the DEA's raids just might catch public eye and turn public opinion against the DEA. Next would be a march of say a couple hundred thousand people to protest in Washington. We will need numbers for this one and peace. Any violence, as the 60's showed, results in tragedys when it comes to protests. Also to establish our cause signs and ofcourse massive marijuana smoking will need to take place, but take place in an orderly and peaceful manner. Now say the worst happens and the arrest/ disperse us. The public will see this and it will bring more media attention to the issue which I feel is our next obstacle is getting the issue into the media's attention. After that it will only be a matter of time untill public opinion sways and laws our changed.

 

[HCSmyth]

Actually, I read an article that stated that Medical Marijuana laws are damaging to the general legalization/decriminalization movement. It made some very good points.

First, it gives the government an out. Instead of a general decrim, they pass med laws. Then, when advocates for general decrim come around, the politicos can point and scream 'We were right! MMJ was just a ploy to legalization', snatching all credibility from the supporters of both MMJ and decrim, painting the supporters with their own brush as 'druggies'. All they want to do is get high!

Then, suddenly, when the politicos say that marijuana legalization is just a ploy for general drug legalization, people will listen. Once you give them the credibility and they link pot to cocaine, game over. People will backlash against pot and med pot so hard we'll end up with broken necks.

Also, pointing to Cali's MMJ system as a model for other states MMJ laws is the absolute wrong path. Many many people believe the Cali system is a failure at its stated purpose. Sure, it delivers patients meds, but look at how many people abuse the system. People in conservative climes do not want that. Sounding the Cali bell in the midwest is more of a death knell than a rallying cry.

Thanks for bringing up this concern because it is something we definitely have to deal with. My problem is there are many things I do like about the California medical marijuana laws.

From what I understand if you are a licensed medical marijuana card carrier you get a lot of rights/protections when it comes to dealing with law enforcement. It gives the people that are really sick the option to use medical marijuana, as this is the most important part of the law. But it also gives adults I believe, with mental health issues the ability to get a doctor to help them obtain and use cannabis. Just like if I went to my doctor and complained about say depression in my state, that does not have medical marijuana laws how much do you want to bet he would prescribe paxal or some other drug?

Although I don’t love the idea of having to be licensed to use/ possess marijuana I think of it as a reasonable compromise with the state. Fact is people that are responsible members of society should be able to possess and use cannabis.

Unfortunately, the negative attention whore pundits out there like on say FOX, CNN or MSNBC will flame this issue until it is burnt to a crisp. Now I don’t believe it is just these mass media outlets alone prevent this kind of policy from being common place but there is something about human nature that does as well.

I had fox news on the other day in the background and not realizing it I began to feel rather ill. As soon as I changed the channel to ESPN I felt better. I analyzed the reason for this and discovered it was the fox program that was making me sick. Now I am libertarian with many conservative views and I would say that I watch MSNBC and FOX equally. It does not bother me that most people claim one channel leans left and the other one leans to the right as it is issues that I care about.

What does bother me is when they have people on programs were they simply are sniping back and forth in a bitchy, mean spirited and self righteous way. Now on the FOX program it was some stupid issue that I could careless about like political correctness in the workplace. What bothered me was a notion from both people in the argument that they were deciding what the other person should believe and not allowing themselves to make their own decision in life as an adult. This is unproductive arguing activity is so prevalent in the media from all pundits, today I think this prevents sensible drug policy more then the actual politicians.

I feel the legalization effort would make much more progress by attacking the DEA. Yep, that's right, the DEA directly. They want a drug war, let's give 'em one. Educate people on the rouge nature of the agency. People lap up government corruption, and truly the DEA is as rouge and corrupt as they come. You start pointing out that the DEA flat out lies, violates federal law, and ignores the very nature of democracy, then you'll get Joe Sixpack in Cullman, Alabama getting pissed. Nothing pisses off liberal and conservatives alike than an out of control government agency.

Your other idea about attacking the DEA directly is a really good idea because I believe it is very possible to demonstrate the massive amount of money that is wasted in the drug war. I don't have the time to get into now, but I will give some more thought to this tactic.

 

[NiteTiger]

See, here's my deal about the MMJ effort. Wait, lemme say this right up front - I'm all for the medical use of cannabis. I feel it is a horrible crime that valuable, natural medicine is intentionally kept from sick patients. That being said - If instead of legalizing it for strictly medical use, if it were generally legal, the patients would still have access. Hell, easier and cheaper access even. And we wouldn't be setting roadblocks in the path of general legalization.

Attacking the DEA is easy. Besides the individual acts moose described, I'd rather attack the agency as a whole, instead of giving them an easy out by scapegoating the individuals.

The DEA flat-out lies to the American public, to the point of its ads becoming no more coherent than a three year old wanting candy. Except the three year old doesn't spend FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS a year (double last year's expenditures, BTW) asking for the candy.

They openly flout the federal restrictions on campaigning against legislation, spending millions specifically to fight agendas that disagree with them.

Those who exercise they're right to free speech and criticize the DEA are outright targeted for prosecution, literally putting their detractors at the point of a gun.

They destroy the very basic tenet of the democracy by ignoring the will of the voters. When we as voters choose to enact a law, and a government agency flat-out says "We don't care, we'll do what we want", something is horribly, horribly wrong.

Every scientific report ever compiled states that marijuana is basically harmless. They dismiss every shred of evidence for the sake of their own budget.

Phrase this in a proper way, and you'll have liberal and conservatives alike blockading every DEA office in the country.

Matter of fact, I've got some ideas for some PSA type ads... Maybe I'll put a few together, if you guys wanna see 'em and tear them to shreds

 

[mriko]

I believe that global is simply too big a slice of the pie to take on.

Damn why ? Everything is possible !

The campaigns that have been successful in the U.S. have been regional or local intiatives.

Is that a reason to remain regional/local-only ? nope. Only good one to aim at higher level ! And it's a good proof that a one-nation legalisation is not doable.

Go where you can win.

NO LIMITS !

You would probably see Phillip Morris and other giant tobacco cos. getting into the legalized pot market to make up for flagging sales of tobacco products. Many of them would be buying cheap,lower quality pot from 3rd world countries, but there would also be a growing american commercial market for quality pot.

That's one big danger, just see what has been done of tobacco. Much enough to know that they MUST keep their hands away the plant and put international trade in that of the UN (inspired from that of legal opium).
through espert counselling, 3rld world countries would as well be able to improve their quality (when it's needed) for "international standards".
Let's not forget also that if becoming legal in the US, prices would dramatically drop and cannabis wouldn't be anymore US'first cashcrop. There would be "less" commercial interest into growing cannabis (well, would still remain a nice cash crop anyway).

You would probably have different grades at different prices. It wouldn't affect me, as I still think I can grow better pot that any commercial company and I wouldn't want to pay the enormous taxes that would be placed on it.

Once again, that's why companies must be kept away and the UN to take the lead. SO instead of a bunch of geneticaly poor & most probably chemical-laden irradiated commercial strains, there would have a whole selection from all around the world. A menu filled with names such as India, Lebanon, Colombia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Thailand, Cambodia, Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho, and so on, and so on.

wouldn't be simply about buying buds & hash, but about to buy some culture, to get a whiff of some far away place were the product have gained some history and identity, to get a puff of some unknown sun and earth !

Attacking the DEA is easy.

But what's the point ? they're the arm of ONDCP, they're not those who truly decide. Even if lots of them are arsses I can't blame my country's cops for what they do. THey just apply the law, they don't make the law. Only thing is to make them better informed about how bullshity they are acting.

Irie !

 

[NiteTiger]

But what's the point ? they're the arm of ONDCP, they're not those who truly decide. Even if lots of them are arsses I can't blame my country's cops for what they do. THey just apply the law, they don't make the law. Only thing is to make them better informed about how bullshity they are acting.

Irie !

I'll agree with you on one thing, you can't go after one without going after the other. The ONDCP is the administrative branch, and the DEA is the enforcement branch. However, you can't start a campaign by going after something people don't understand. The ONDCP is largely overlooked by the American public, whereas everyone knows the DEA.

The DEA does indeed make policy. They choose their enforcement priorities, they choose their what their Law Enforcement grant money (The National Sherriffs Orginization recently submitted a plea to the DEA, endorsed by over 400 Sherriffs departments, to make meth the priority over marijuana, so they could use the grant money for targeting and cleaning up meth labs. The DEA refused, stating MJ is the priority) can be used for, and, what scientific research to ignore (The Nixon report, done by the government, found no significant health risks, including addiction, and even some possible benefit, including evidence that MJ stopped tumor growth, and may even reverse it), and hell, with the ONDCP, chooses what Federal laws to obey (the Hatch Act, which prevents federal officials from using their office to influence elections).

They even choose what democracy is legitimate. Apparently, legislation enacted by voters isn't good enough for the DEA, as they continue persecuting marijuana users even in states that, by majority vote, have said 'No, thanks'.

These are not uninformed cops on the street. This is an agency that actively chooses to ignore information and legislation, no matter what the source.

As far as the UN thing, come on. The UN can do nothing to the US. Period. They tried to stop us going to war in Iraq. The US didn't even blink. Also, the US is indeed the driving global force behind marijuana prohibition. If a country that receives foreign aid, or has trade agreements with the US enacts legislation that differs from US Drug control policy, they lose the aid/trade.

Go ask Sudan to give up the $500 million dollars it receives from the US so you can smoke pot. Or ask Egypt to give up its 1.8 billion. See how far you get.

You want a global change in marijuana laws, you start with the US. If you're attacking US Marijuana policy, you start with the DEA and the ONDCP. It's that simple.

Besides, where are you going to get the money to wage this information war? The ONDCP just doubled its budget for advertising to $50 million dollars. How many seeds have to be sold to raise that? And when it goes to $75 mil next year, what then?

You go after the DEA from the rouge agency perspective, and you'll have the media conglomerates doing more to get your message out than you could ever hope to achieve with fund raising.

And calling the DEA uninformed cops is like calling Bush Einstein.

Sorry if I come across confrontational or antagonistic, but I think the ONCP/DEA embodies everything that is wrong in the government today, and tend to get a tad worked up

 

[mriko]

The DEA does indeed make policy. They choose their enforcement priorities, they choose their what their Law Enforcement grant money (The National Sherriffs Orginization recently submitted a plea to the DEA, endorsed by over 400 Sherriffs departments, to make meth the priority over marijuana, so they could use the grant money for targeting and cleaning up meth labs. The DEA refused, stating MJ is the priority) can be used for, and, what scientific research to ignore (The Nixon report, done by the government, found no significant health risks, including addiction, and even some possible benefit, including evidence that MJ stopped tumor growth, and may even reverse it), and hell, with the ONDCP, chooses what Federal laws to obey (the Hatch Act, which prevents federal officials from using their office to influence elections).

Well, yes. I admit that for some reason I had the French narcs in mind (see ? even me !) heheh. That's definitely another world for sure and another kind of beast to deal with !

As far as the UN thing, come on. The UN can do nothing to the US. Period. They tried to stop us going to war in Iraq. The US didn't even blink.

Not about doing something to US, but about making UN to change its policies.

Also, the US is indeed the driving global force behind marijuana prohibition. If a country that receives foreign aid, or has trade agreements with the US enacts legislation that differs from US Drug control policy, they lose the aid/trade.

US push for MJ prohibition is only a part of a global US politics and way to do, nothing else. Same stuff as the war on terror and is to be dealt the same way. It's not about the MJ politics that US must be challenged (and will be in some close future I believe), but on their overall ugly, evilish way to conduct their global politics.

Go ask Sudan to give up the $500 million dollars it receives from the US so you can smoke pot. Or ask Egypt to give up its 1.8 billion. See how far you get.

Great ! so the Janjaweed militias will get less funding form Sudan Gov.!
Yeah, US gives a lot, but it gives after pressuring, after imposing. Gives to control, not to help.

Global controled legalisation will make USAid much less needed !

You want a global change in marijuana laws, you start with the US.

You want a global change in marijuana laws, you start with the US. If you're attacking US Marijuana policy, you start with the DEA and the ONDCP. It's that simple.

No, you start with UN. It's a much different problem than with the US. And once it's not about USA MJ politisc, but about USA global politics. but most important to work on is the UN, definitely.

Besides, where are you going to get the money to wage this information war? The ONDCP just doubled its budget for advertising to $50 million dollars. How many seeds have to be sold to raise that? And when it goes to $75 mil next year, what then?

eh ? I'm not launching myself into the task of brainwashing millions of people with bullshity lies ! I have no power to secure, no one to oppress.
why do you want me to get millions of dollars ? what's the point ? (hmmm, maybe I could "disappear" afterwards with all the bucks, so I could buy some land in the Hindu Kush and make my own charas, yum !).

Sorry if I come across confrontational or antagonistic, but I think the ONCP/DEA embodies everything that is wrong in the government today, and tend to get a tad worked up

no problem heheh, all confrontation or antagonism is good for me in that matter. can bring in new ideas, corrections and so on. just go on !

I struggle between the two realities of being an internal optimist, and an external pessimist, mriko.

Well, I don't know which one is internal or external, but definitely me too struggling too !



Yes, all that sounds like a folly, but isn't our today's world a folly ? No, full madness ! How many people 20 years back or so would have thought the world would be come what is it today ? Today's world is extremely unstable, much more than during the Cold War in my opinion, during which the two dominant powres were trying to maintain some kind of balance (well, loads of shit happened too during these times). Now, it's bubbling and boiling somewhat everywhere, and anything from the worst to the best can erupt from that. It's like a huge quantic chauldron hahah ! What it needs is to add seasonnings at the right time...

greedy bureaucrats are a problem, political parties strategies too. But I think that they can be addressed successfully. Cannabis, with its spread fingers eheh, can grab the full array of political opinions. From the more leftist the the most uglyest racist. Not 100% good for everyone definitely, but one good very titillating argument is enough. And it's not so much about yes or no, neither about imposing as well, it's just that there's no other solution.

Of course the US have a special status on the global scene. It's one of the main, if not the main, MJ producers in the world and, although it is not traditionnal overthere, during the last decades there have been a real culture of cannabis which have developped. A very precious one which needs to be protected as that of the Pakistan or Lesotho or any. For sure national trade is at the will of the country there's no question about that. But for any international trade, that must be into someone else's hands, and only UN can do it. Same would apply for countries such as Netherlands or Canada. There are already existing industries (with many legal ramifications) which cannot be supressed.

Fully legalized... hmmm, I think this is a word we should get rid off, simply. It has very bad connotation in people's mind actually. For many Legalization = Drugs, 'caus you rarely hear/read that word in a non-drug context. yeah, for common badly informed people asking for legalization is asking for drugs and this can't work. it's very ugly word for those beejesus you talk about !

Everyday is a new miracle !

Irie !

 

[NiteTiger]

mriko - tell ya what, let's compromise. We'll start off on your global reform with an internal attack on US policies, to emphasize your point



And, let's agree to what a wise man told me today "Y'know, I really don't care. It doesn't really matter to me what US policies are, 'cause I'm still gonna smoke. If it's legal, I'll smoke, if it's illegal to smoke, I'll still smoke."

I thought he made an excellent point, so let's smoke one