I think that pot needs to be legalized.

I need an option of "heeheehee. pot. What was the question?" Actually, I need the "doesn't matter to me" option.

But pots are already legal!

Okay, seriously. I think I've said this around here before, but legalization and regulation can make it win-win or everyone--marijuana tends to be no more dangerous than alcohol or tobacco, and legalization can standardize the industry, and the government can even collect taxes on it.

I'm with JG on this one. Although as I understand it, because enforcement of drug laws is tied into many international treaties it's a lot harder to change this than it appears on the surface.

:lol:
I remember the Bill Bailey sketch in 'Part Troll' about coherent political debate and cannabis users :lol:

Null vote in absense of a third option already discussed.

1) null votes are not counted

2) without feedback how will he ever improve the crafting of these polls? Human issues are seldom black/white, Yes/No.

I'm unaware of such treaties, nor could I find a reference to any of them in my cursary search online. Care to give us an example? (I'm curious to see how iron clad they are)

hmmm that might take some research

My statement is from my memory of having read old NORMAL articles on the subject.


edit:
While not exactly my point the bottom of these two articles touch on the subject:
http://www.drugpolicy.org/library/analysis_p2.cfm
http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/librar...nas/markets.htm


The middle of this article discusses the issue a little bit:
http://www.drugwar.com/cappatointerview.shtm

I don't have one to hand on the international setup, but I found this piece in the history of the US legislation quite amusing.


A bit of digging came up with the INCB (International Narcotics Control Board), which attempts to enforce 3 UN resolutions - the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

Here's how the Dutch have gotten around the issue (note that it is in fact still illegal in their country):

http://ist-socrates.berkeley.edu/~maccoun/...cience_1997.pdf

Ah.....Amsterdam, the best 4 days I can't remember in my entire life.

So essentially, its an enforcement issue in Holland, not a legalization issue. Very interesting...

If I remember correctly, the issue is decrimialisation vs. legalization. Prostitution has the same status doesn't it?

I'm not sure. I know that in some countries, being a prostitute is not illegal, simply solicitating for the purposes of prostitution in certain areas is illegal. Also, prostitution isn't subject to the same international treaties (I don't think) that would prevent legalization across the board.

I voted yes. I'd never smoke pot myself, but if someone else wants to get high, then let them.

However, I'd make a law that outlaws the consumption of it in a public place, as well as making "public stonedness" (similar to public drunkenness) a crime.

Pot should be legalized and decrimialized. Pot has the same effects as alcohol, minus the addiction, and yet people think alcohol can be regulated. If pot was legalized, they would be reduced crime rates, and that woul save money from the federal budget With the saved money, other sectors would get a boost in money.

This I know, hence why it was chosen ;).
Rather than vote Yes/No in a black and white manner, I decided to render it forfeit in favour of other options not included.

My beliefs exactly.

I also believe prostitution should be legalized and regulated.

Although I would not have reason to participate in either activity