Medical Marijuana

I had a boss here in Texas who had a prescription for MMJ in California. He'd go out and get some every 6 months or so while visiting friends and family.

He finally failed a surprise drug test at work and moved out to LA from what his facebook page shows.

my work told us there will be no drug testing; just don't get arrested.

Years ago when we were told they were implementing random drug testing, my friend asked if we could choose which drugs we tested instead of it being random.

He did it so dead pan and straight faced. We all just busted out laughing.

The one thing that never seems to be addressed on legalizing marijuana, is whether it will be subject to the anti-smoking laws that exist for tobacco.

Such regulations are in place in Colorado that go beyond tobacco use regulations. It's usage is pretty much regulated to home use. The stuff is sold in bud clusters meant to be smoked in small pipes or cigarette type tubes. It isn't like rolling a joint and lighting up where ever you want to. It really is regulated similar to alcohol. I can buy a 6-pack at a liquor or grocery store, but I can't legally pop the top and drink one of those beers in public. Same thing with MJ.

With the ever increasing "legalization" of marijuana, I wonder what effect this could have upon the thousands of inmates who are in prison for possession.

Hopefully it would result in their release which would save taxpayers even more money.

The biggest opponents of legalizing marijuana are members of the private-incarceration industry that will lose tons of money if all those petty drug users stop getting arrested.

Why look at Colorado - why not Europe where Pot has been legal for much longer?

Effects of Legalized Pot

Marijuana use can lead to dependence and abuse. Marijuana was the second most common illicit drug responsible for drug treatment admissions in 2002-outdistancing crack cocaine, the next most prevalent cause.

Where is alcohol on that list?

Any legalized vice carries with it consequences. The question of making them legal/illegal comes down to weighing the pros and cons in either scenario.

Legalizing gambling and booze also came with negative consequences ... but I think most people like the fact that those things are now regulated by the government instead of Al Capone.

Actually Private Prison Corporations' are number 2. The #1 opponent would be Police Unions. #3 Beer and Alcohol Companies. #4 Pharmaceutical Corporations. #5 Prison Guard Unions.

It's time to end the nanny state. If someone wants to take drugs or drink alcohol, it's none of my business as long as he doesn't drive a car while drunk or high. Substance abuse should be considered a public health issue rather than a criminal one. The war on drugs is an unnecessary massive waste of taxpayer dollars.