CO and WA legalize recreational use pot

[BK911]

Colorado, Washington first states to legalize recreational pot | Reuters

Still against federal law, so this should get interesting.

Personally I agree with it. No worse than alcohol. Get some additional tax money for the states. Less spending on the war on drugs. Less people in prison for a plant. Sounds like a win - win.

[jhynesrockmtn]

This will be interesting and is a huge social justice issue more than anything else. Look at the history of how marijuana laws have been enforced and gain a better understanding of why there are so many young black men in prison.

Great article here. Many may not like this publication but this writer is good.

It's Not About the Stoners by Dominic Holden - Seattle Features - The Stranger, Seattle's Only Newspaper

[widebody911]

I've never done it myself, but I think it should be de-criminalized.

Unfortunately, the government and law enforcement have gained a lot of power (no-knock warrants, asset forfeiture, lots of cool spoons) and prestige (TV shows) through the War On Drugs™ and are unlikely to relinquish it that easily.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Not something I partake in, but I also can't say that it is any worse than alcohol.

[Dottore]

Outstanding!

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by widebody911

I've never done it myself, but I think it should be de-criminalized.

Unfortunately, the government and law enforcement have gained a lot of power (no-knock warrants, asset forfeiture, lots of cool spoons) and prestige (TV shows) through the War On Drugs™ and are unlikely to relinquish it that easily.

Exactly. Many of our civil rights have been brushed aside in this "war".

Interstingly, the only real opposition to this law here in Washington were various police departments, along with some addiction counseling businesses. Many former law enforcement personel, D.A's, federal prosecutors, elected officials, etc. were all for it. It's as if the ones looking back on their careers may actually have second thoughts about, or even regret, all the time, effort, and money their former agencies have put into this.

It really has been a horrible waste, and has ruined far too many lives. It's time to move on.

[tharbert]

Supreme Court, here it comes! The evils of weed are no worse than booze...and the feds simply aren't going to arrest their way out of the marijuana issue. Voter approval in Colorado and Washington will send a clear signal to D.C. The sky didn't fall when 17 states approved it's medical use and I think they'll find it won't fall in Wa. or Co.

[Jim Bremner]

I'm ok with it. I've never used it. HOWEVER I wouldn't hire a person that had a bad habit of it and if you're on welfare you must take a pee test. if you have $$$ to burn I don't need to feed you.

[Schrup]

Finally, this is only the beginning. Maybe this will prevent a few folks from going to prison needlessly. Lots of ignorance around this subject, especially old people. My MIL still has the reefer madness mentality.

[vash]

rocky mountain high!!

visiting my sister will become more tolerable..hard to have a family fight, when everyone is stoned.

mmmm...cheetos.

[9dreizig]

@ Vash,, nobody ever shot an Elk stoned :-)

[vash]

Originally Posted by 9dreizig

@ Vash,, nobody ever shot an Elk stoned :-)

i know one guy...quite the hunter. he brought the best snacks. i never knew he was puffing away.

hahah..i dont smoke the stuff. my brother being a cop, i swore it off. not buying bullets for the cartels to shoot at him.

[widebody911]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

if you're on welfare you must take a pee test. if you have $$$ to burn I don't need to feed you.

By the same token, I think that people on welfare shouldn't be allowed to smoke; if you need the government to give you cash for food and rent, you shouldn't be buying cigarettes with it. I think that's a topic all unto itself.

[HardDrive]

From a practical perspective, it won't change anything. Law enforcement basically ignores it unless there is a complaint about a grow house or its being sold near a school.

It will certainly be a novelty going into a store and buying it. But thats whats been happening with medical MJ for a few years now. Unlike CA, we did a decent job of regulating where MJ dispensaries could be located, and the dispensaries have kept within the law for the most part. So we already have a working commercial model for retail sales. Until the Feds tip their hat that they are on board, the backend distribution will still be murky.

I can't wait to see the branding. Should be fun.

[BK911]

Originally Posted by widebody911

By the same token, I think that people on welfare shouldn't be allowed to smoke; if you need the government to give you cash for food and rent, you shouldn't be buying cigarettes with it. I think that's a topic all unto itself.

I have seen places that advertise free case of beer with $50 purchase.
Prices are higher for the food, but it doesnt matter if you use food stamps.

Back on topic, many people predict tourism for WA and CO will increase.
Makes it easier to decide where to go for the winter snowboarding trip this year!

[Tishabet]

I am a fan of this decision... Let's send the cops after real criminals.

[Macroni]

This makes sense....

[genrex]

[QUOTE] It will certainly be a novelty going into a store and buying it.

I didn't realize that "legalization of recreational use" might result in ordinary stores selling it, the local grocery store for instance. I figured it would only be available at the medical marijuana outlets. Holy moly, this is going to get interesting!

_

[HardDrive]

Perhaps its time to bring back the name Mile High Stadium in Denver?

[scottmandue]

I support this...

Smoked a lot back in the day... gave it up over ten years ago.

Friends suggest I get a card and start partaking again, I have enough bad habits don't need to be taking on new ones... and at our age we are trying to eat better get more exercise, blah, blah, blah...

Certainly no worse than alcohol (or cigarettes)... IMHO booze is worse but that is another thread.