I used to work in a state prison and I believe there are too many people in prison for personal marijuana use. I went to a debate at one of the local colleges a few years back. It was an organization called NORML (National Organization For Reformation of Marijuana Laws) against a guy that was from NYC who was in charge of a task force of thousands (don't remember how many) that arrested people for drugs. He didn't believe that ANYBODY should be in prison for marijuana use. He didn't think it should be legalized though either.
I actually went to a "Smoke IN" in Washington D.C. when I was 18 years old across the street from the White House. Anybody remember those? Cops were lined up all around the park on horses. Anyway, you were able to smoke marijuana and not get busted. It was run by NORML. I always wondered how this event was possible to run. This was in the late 70's. It was a VERY peaceful and enjoyable event.
Back to the debate. The vice squad guy from NYC said that people that got busted for weed should be in treatment not prison. Our government wastes too much money throwing people in prison, which everyone is aware, doesn't work. It would be so much cheaper sending people to treatment centers than prison. I agree, if the government REALLY cared, thats what they'd do. We have had people die in prison from drug overdoses where I live. Not weed, but all types of drug use is rampant in state prisons. The public would be astonished of how much drug use there is in prison.
If I had to choose, alcohol would be illegal and marijuana legal. This coming from a person that works in the medical field and doesn't smoke weed but drinks. Not that I never tried it. Just not my thing anymore. I know many people in prominent positions that are recreational users. I even know a few that smoke everyday that are responsible people. Many people are in prison for violent crimes committed while drunk. I used to hang around with a couple guys that whenever they got drunk they loved to fight but smoke a little weed and they were pussycats.
Didn't Canada in the recent past legalize small amounts for personal use? What about Amsterdam? How does it affect their society?
There will be people that abuse everything, in ALL occupations. Many people abuse legal prescription drugs. I did a survey in nursing school on whether or not marijuana should be legalized for medicinal purposes and about 75% said yes. I was not surprised that ALL the teachers voted yes. The reason is they are exposed to a lot that most people aren't. I would of loved to of given my parents a joint when they were dying of cancer. Just to see if it would make them want to eat. They wouldn't do it cause the government says it's illegal.
Everyone has a right to their own opinion.
Rick
